Listening Part 1

Questions 1-7

For each question, choose the correct answer.

1   Which activity wasn’t available?

2   How does the man travel if there’s a problem?

3   What is the building going to be used for?

4   Which membership allows a person to attend a presentation?

5   When does the woman want to book a library computer?

6   What is the man doing on Saturday?

7   Which item of food has the man’s mother tried before?

Answer & Audioscript

1 B   2 C   3 C   4 B   5 C   6 A   7 A

Audioscripts

1   Which activity wasn’t available?

Woman:   Hiya … just back from the business trip … I didn’t get to see the museum as there wasn’t much time. The hotel where I was staying was OK. It had a really nice restaurant with a good selection of food. There was something to suit everyone’s tastes. I was hoping to use the gym over the weekend but it wasn’t open, so I spent time at the swimming pool, which was better than nothing.

Now listen again.

2   How does the man travel if there’s a problem?

Woman:   Could you tell me how you travel to work and why you travel that way?

Man:   I usually get the train. I enjoy driving but I only use the car at weekends when it’s quieter and more relaxing to drive. I can work on the train, read reports, that kind of thing.

Woman:   And do you ever use the bus service?

Man:   If the trains are delayed and I’m worried about getting into work on time, then sometimes, yes.

Now listen again.

3   What is the building going to be used for?

Woman:   So that’s the end of my report on this building’s fascinating history. If you get the chance to see it, I’m sure you’ll agree it looks wonderful now the repair work has been completed. And it’s great to know the community will benefit. There was talk about it being used as flats or even a library, but we hear it’s going to be used as a local art gallery. I think the council have done a very good job bringing this building back to life.

Now listen again.

4   Which membership allows a person to attend a presentation?

Man:   Hello, I’m interested in taking out membership of your book club. Can you explain how it works?

Woman:   OK, well there are three options. You can become a member for three months, six months or one year and each month you’ll receive a book in the post. If you sign up for six months we will give you free entrance to listen to an author talk. Sign up for 12 months and you’ll be able to join other members online to ask the author questions.

Now listen again.

5   When does the woman want to book a library computer?

Woman:   Hi, I’m just calling about booking the use of a computer. I was planning on coming in on Monday, but I understand there aren’t any PCs available that day. I was wondering whether Wednesday was possible. I’ve been coming in on a Tuesday to work over the past few weeks and there hasn’t been a problem getting one then, but I’m busy on that day this week. If you could call me back before you close on Monday, I’d be grateful.

Now listen again.

6   What is the man doing on Saturday?

Woman:   Hi Mark. Have you got anything planned for Saturday?

Man:   Yes, I think so.

Woman:   What are you doing?

Man:   Well, it’s Sally’s party soon and I need to buy her a present. I was going to do that, but Jim called earlier and wants to go for a coffee. I was thinking of asking him to meet on Sunday instead but a friend’s coming over with her elderly mother then, so I’ll be seeing Jim as we planned and get the present later in the week.

Now listen again.

7   Which item of food has the man’s mother tried before?

Man:   I’m not sure what to take back for mum from our holiday.

Woman:   What does she like?

Man:   I could get her a packet of those biscuits I bought for her last year. She liked them.

Woman:   What about some of that cheese we saw in the shop?

Man:   She’d love that, but I’m not sure it would stay fresh. No, on second thoughts I think I’ll get her some chocolate.

Now listen again.

Listening Part 2

Questions 8-13

For each question, choose the correct answer.

8   You will hear two friends talking about a trip to the theatre.

        What does the woman say about it?

        A   The theatre offers cheaper entry to some students.

        B   It’s not always necessary to show student ID.

        C   She is a part-time student.

9   You will hear two friends talking about the man’s job.

        The man

        A   is looking for work as an accountant.

        B   is prepared to earn less money.

        C   knows what qualifications he needs.

10   You will hear a husband and wife talking about breakfast.

        What does the wife say?

        A   There isn’t any cereal left.

        B   They need to buy bread.

        C   She would like to have the same drink as usual.

11   You will hear two friends talking about buying a bed.

        The woman thinks the ones online

        A   are better quality.

        B   might be cheaper.

        C   cost less in the furniture store.

12   You will hear two friends talking about going for a walk.

        What do they both agree about?

        A   The need to take an umbrella.

        B   The walk will be a healthy thing to do.

        C   They need to check the weather forecast.

13   You will hear two friends talking about a passport photograph.

        What does the man say?

        A   The shop assistants are really helpful.

        B   The post office is open in the evening.

        C   The nearest machine doesn’t work.

Answer & Audioscript

8 A   9 B   10 A   11 B   12 B   13 C

Audioscripts

8   You will hear two friends talking about a trip to the theatre.

Man:   So, are you ready for the theatre this evening? I can’t wait.

Woman:   Yes, I’m really excited too. It’s been a while since I went to the theatre. Don’t forget your student ID, will you? They always ask to see it before they give you the student discount.

Man:   OK. I’ll remind the others in case they forget. I’ll text them in a minute.

Woman:   And it’s only offered to full-time students, remember. Some of our friends are only part time.

Man:   OK, it’s only Tahira who is full time so I’ll let her know.

Now listen again.

9   You will hear two friends talking about the man’s job.

Man:   I’m going to that employment event in town tomorrow.

Woman:   Really? Are you looking for a new job? I always thought you enjoyed it where you work.

Man:   Well, I’m thinking of having a change of career. I’ve been working as an accountant for years now and I feel like doing something different. I’ve got a few friends who are teachers and they think I’d enjoy doing something like that. It would mean a lower salary but that’s OK. So, I’m just going to find out about the qualifications I need.

Now listen again.

10   You will hear a husband and wife talking about breakfast.

Man:   OK, my turn to make breakfast, I think. What would you like?

Woman:   I’d love a bowl of cereal, but the last time I looked in the cupboard we’d run out. Did you get any when you went shopping?

Man:   No, I forgot to put that on the list. Sorry. How about some ham and cheese?

Woman:   Yes, that would be nice. We could use some of that nice bread you bought. And can I have coffee for a change instead of tea?

Man:   OK. Oh, I’m feeling quite hungry now!

Now listen again.

11   You will hear two friends talking about buying a bed.

Man:   I need to get a new bed for my flat. Is there anywhere you can recommend?

Woman:   The furniture store in town has some and they’re good quality.

Man:   Really? I might go there later. I was thinking of looking online but it’s difficult to tell how comfortable they’d be if you can’t try them out first.

Woman:   Well, you might find a bargain that way. You could try one out in the shop and then order the same one online if you find one that costs less than the shop.

Man:   Good idea. I might do that.

Now listen again.

12   You will hear two friends talking about going for a walk.

Woman:   I feel like getting outside in the country today and having a fast walk. Do you fancy joining me?

Man:   I’m not sure. We might need to take our umbrellas. The weather forecast says there’s going to be heavy rain.

Woman:   I know I’ve just checked. But it’s not expected until later this afternoon so I’ll just take my jacket. Anyway, a bit of rain won’t hurt you. And the fresh air will be good for us.

Man:   Yes, I suppose so. And I’ve got nothing to do today so let’s go now, shall we?

Now listen again.

13   You will hear two friends talking about a passport photograph.

Woman:   I need to get a new passport before we go on holiday. Where can I get my photograph taken?

Man:   There’s a machine in the pharmacy round the corner but I think it’s out of order. I saw someone asking one of the shop assistants for help last week.

Woman:   That’s a pity. I might have to go into town.

Man:   There are a lot of places in town. I know you can get it done in the post office. That one probably works OK, and if you want one that’s open in the evening you could try the machine at the train station.

Now listen again.

Listening Part 3

Questions 14-19

For each question, write the correct answer in the gap. Write one or two words or a number or a date or a time.

You will hear a man called Russell talking about a new club in the community centre.

The Speakers’ Club

For business presentations to colleagues or to get ready for an (14) ……………….. Workshop leaders have a background in business or (15) ……………….. Sessions start at (16) ……………….. Members are invited to try one of our (17) ……………….. once a year. The first meeting is (18) ……………….. but remember to reserve a place. Membership costs (19) ……………….. per year or payment can be made each month.

Answer & Audioscript

14 interview   15 entertainment

16 7.00/7pm/7 o’clock   17 speech competitions

18 free   19 £170

Audioscripts

Russell:   And finally, news of an interesting club that started recently and meets here every week. The Speakers· Club is aimed at anyone who needs to develop their public speaking skills. Perhaps you have to give talks to colleagues at work or need to practise a presentation you have prepared for a job interview.

The Speakers· Club offers a weekly meeting in the main hall, where members can learn from each other as well as through talks given by highly experienced speakers from the world of business or entertainment. We look at everything from body language and eye contact to storytelling and delivery.

A typical session starts at 7.00 with tea, coffee and biscuits before we listen to the speaker and start looking at a particular topic. Members are then given the chance to change a presentation they’ve prepared before the session so that it includes the ideas presented by the speaker. We also invite you to enter one of our speech competitions each year.

We understand that clubs like ours might not suit everyone and we like to give you the chance to see for yourself how we operate before you join. So, we invite anyone to attend their first session for free. However, in order for us to manage the numbers of people attending, please make sure you reserve a place first or you may not be able to attend.

If you do decide to join us, annual membership is £170 per year. Arrangements can be made to pay the membership fee once a month. Membership allows you to attend all sessions during the year and gives you access to private areas of the website and the chance to take part in our social events.

Now listen again.

Listening Part 4

Questions 20-25

For each question, choose the correct answer.

You will hear an interview with a student called Emily, who walks people’s dogs.

20   What does Emily say about walking dogs?

        A   It’s a good business idea.

        B   It pays for some of her living expenses.

        C   It helps people get out of their house.

21   Emily says her first customer

        A   was her neighbour.

        B   was in hospital at the time.

        C   made her accept some money.

22   What does Emily say about becoming a dog walker?

        A   She enjoyed what she was doing.

        B   She had trouble arranging the walks around her studies.

        C   She spoke to people in the local shops.

23   Emily explains that

        A   she didn’t get any work straightaway.

        B   she went to a customer’s house.

        C   she met her first customer at the weekend.

24   Emily says that her customers

        A   are very busy.

        B   expect her to help them whenever they need it.

        C   have well-behaved dogs.

25   What does Emily say about payment?

        A   She charges people per hour.

        B   She discusses it with the customer.

        C   She charges what her friends recommended.

Answer & Audioscript

20 B   21 C   22 A   23 A   24 C   25 B

Audioscripts

Interviewer:   Hi everyone. Today on Student Radio I’m talking to someone who has solved her financial problems at university by starting her own business. Isn’t that right, Emily?

Emily:   Well, I’m not sure I’d call it a business actually, but it has certainly helped me to buy a few books and a meal or takeaway once a week while I’m studying at university. I offer to walk people’s dogs, people who either can’t leave their homes easily or are out at work during the day.

Interviewer:   What gave you the idea?

Emily:   I was talking to my neighbour one day and she told me about a friend of hers who had just come out of hospital and wasn’t able to take her dog out for its daily walk. I thought it would be a kind thing to do to offer to help. I didn’t even think about charging her, but she insisted on giving me a few pounds.

Interviewer:   So how did this develop into you becoming a dog walker?

Emily:   After I’d done it for a few weeks I realised what a pleasant way it was to earn a little money. But most importantly I thought I’d be able to fit it in around my studies at university. So, I decided to put an advert in a few of the local shops to see if there was any interest.

Interviewer:   And was it successful?

Emily:   It took a while before I heard from anyone new but then one day I got a phone call from an old lady asking to meet me. I offered to go to her home but she suggested meeting in the local park so she could see how I was with her dog. We got on really well and the woman booked me to take the dog out every weekend.

Interviewer:   And have you taken on any more customers?

Emily:   That was about six months ago and now I walk three more dogs. I was expecting to hear from people who had a busy work life and needed help, but all my customers are older people. And their dogs have been trained well and are a pleasure to walk.

Interviewer:   What a brilliant idea. And for anyone listening, do you have a set fee?

Emily:   At first, I thought about having an hourly fee and that’s what my friends recommended. But I enjoy what I’m doing and I know that there are some customers, especially older people, who might not be able to afford to pay much. So, we just agree an amount when we first meet.

Now listen again.

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