Practice PET (B1) Listening Test 31 with Answers and Audioscripts

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

Audioscripts

1   What is the weather like in Sydney?

F:   As we move across the map of the world, we can see that in most of Australia the sun hasn’t come out yet, as cloudy weather covers most of the area. There is a very strong possibility of heavy rain in Melbourne and Sydney, or even snow storms in Canberra. Central Australia will remain warm with clear skies and no sign of rain for at least a week. That’s it for now but join us after the lunchtime news for a national update.

2   How did the woman learn about the accident?

M:   Mum, do you mind if I turn on the TV? I would like to watch the afternoon film which is about to start in five minutes.

F:   Actually, Greg, I was just listening to a radio report about the accident on the bridge yesterday. As soon as the news finishes, I will turn it off so you can watch TV. Did you hear about it?

M:   Yes, I did. Our teacher told us it was front-page news in all the newspapers today and I was late to school because of it. I think three people were taken to hospital.

3   What will they eat at the restaurant?

F:   This menu is very big; there’s so much to choose from. They have three pages of just pizzas.

M:   Why don’t we start with some fresh tomato soup with fresh bread and butter?

F:   Dad, I think we don’t need to have a first course. How about we go straight to the main course? We can have either chicken or a meat pie.

M:   I don’t mind, I’ll have whatever you’re having but I would also like to have some chips and vegetables.

F:   Okay, the chicken it is then. Can you call the waiter over now?

4   What did the man buy from the supermarket?

M:   Jane? I’m back! Where are you?

F:   I’m in the kitchen making a cup of tea. You took your time, right? You met a friend on the way back, I suppose?

M:   Not at all. The supermarket was full of people doing their weekly shopping. It was crazy!

F:   Well, you got the bread, the cheese, the fruit… Where’s the milk? I need some milk for the kids!

M:   Oh dear, I forgot! I knew I had forgotten something. I’ll go quickly to the local shop and get a bottle.

5   How are tourists advised to travel?

F:   We now have the latest news for everyone planning to travel from the start of the summer holiday. The latest weather report has warned that storms will continue to cause problems along the coastal areas, as they are in danger of flooding. These floods are likely to block many roads including some motorways. All holidaymakers are advised to use the express train, and avoid ferries and roads for the next few days. Some airports have also closed due to high winds. Airlines are advising customers to call before going to the airport. We’ll be back with more updates.

6   On what date is the birthday party?

F:   Don’t forget it’s Jane’s birthday next week. I think she is going to be sixteen years old.

M:   Yes, it’s on the 15th of March. I thought she was going to be seventeen but I might be wrong.

F:   Dad, we are the same age, how could she? Anyway, I think the invitation I received is for the following day.

M:   Really? Well that’s good. I’m glad the party’s at the weekend. I hate it when your friends throw parties on a school night. You always go to bed late and you can never get up on time the next day.

7   Which instrument can Ben play?

Ben:   Hi, Adam. How are you getting on with the new drum-kit your parents got you for your birthday?

Adam:   It’s great Ben, I have set it up in the garage and I’m making a lot of noise. Our neighbours aren’t complaining yet. Are you still practising with your guitar?

Ben:   Yes, I am, but my sister complains. She can’t practise on her saxophone while I’m playing the guitar. She says she can’t concentrate when I’m playing different music.

Adam:   With all of us playing a musical instrument, maybe we should form a band!

8 B   9 A   10 C   11 A   12 B   13 B

Audioscripts

8   You will hear two friends talking about a new sports centre.

M:   So, how’s that new sports centre? Did you go yesterday morning?

F:   Yeah, I did. It was pretty good. It has loads of great equipment and lots of facilities. It also has an incredible pool; it’s really big and it’s so cheap! I think that’s what surprised me most! It all looks so expensive!

M:   Really? That’s great. We need something we can afford. Not like the other place in town which costs a fortune and doesn’t even have great facilities!

F:   Yeah, you’re right there!

9   You will hear two friends talking about a test.

M:   How about studying for the test next week together? Maybe at the weekend?

F:   I guess we could. But don’t you think it will stop us from concentrating? I know it’s less boring but I’m not sure we wouldn’t just end up telling jokes and having fun.

M:   Actually I think it would help me pay more attention because when I’m alone I just play on my phone or keep going to the fridge. I think I feel hungry all the time, even though I’m not!

F:   Well, I guess we could try!

10   You hear friends talking about a school theatre group.

M:   Did you enjoy the school theatre group yesterday?

F:   It was harder than I had expected. It’s one thing watching actors performing, but quite another doing it yourself! Once you are out on the stage during the performance you feel like everybody is watching only you. I don’t think I’m born to be an actress and the teacher was too busy to give me more support.

M:   I felt the same really.

F:   But this doesn’t mean that I’ll give up. I’m looking forward to getting better with time. But next time I want more direction.

11   You hear two friends talking about rubbish at school.

F:   Do you know how many people I saw drop their rubbish at school today? I ended up picking it up!

M:   I know. I see it the whole time. They wouldn’t do it in their homes, would they? We should start a movement for a clean school. We could put up notices about throwing rubbish into bins.

F:   That wouldn’t work. Unfortunately, we need more bins. There aren’t nearly enough. But I think you should talk it over with your teacher first. He might have some ideas and maybe then we could set up a recycling bin centre too.

M:   Yeah. Good idea!

12   You hear two friends talking about an article they read.

M:   I’ve just finished that article that you sent me, about social media. It’s worrying.

F:   Yes, I think so too. Just think how much time we all spend messaging and posting pictures of ourselves on the Internet. We waste so much time just chatting and liking posts.

M:   It really depends how long you spend on it. I think what made me think seriously was what it said about all the people we talk to that we have never even met. It’s actually not that safe to give details and post pictures to strangers.

F:   Yes, that’s something most of us don’t realise.

13   You hear two friends talking about the weekend.

M:   I’m so glad it’s Friday! How about going to see that new movie tomorrow?

F:   I’d prefer to go to see a concert. My favourite group is playing and I don’t want to miss the chance to see them. They’re playing in the outdoor stadium on Saturday!

M:   The forecast is rain for tomorrow so I don’t think it’s going to happen. You’ll be so disappointed if you buy tickets and then it’s cancelled. I think you should postpone seeing them until the next time they come here.

F:   I’ll risk it! They may be wrong!

14 cash   15 street   16 Saturday, Sunday

17 public holidays   18 (full) medical   19 booked

Audioscripts

F:   Travelling by taxi or private hire is one of the most flexible ways to travel around London. Services operate across the capital, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year subject to local availability. (14) All taxis and private hire operators take cash, and some accept credit and debit cards.

Historically, taxis have been referred to as ‘black cabs’ even though many are not black. (15) These are the only vehicles that should be stopped on the street or picked up at cab ranks, although taxis can also be booked in advance through a telephone service.

Taxis fares have been simplified. Fares depend on three things: the time of day, the distance travelled and time taken. There are three different tariffs for the time of day. One mile would cost you about 4 pounds on tariff 1, 4 pounds sixty pence on tariff 2, and about 5 pounds twenty pence on tariff 3. The first applies from Monday to Friday, from 6am to 8pm. (16) The second tariff is from Monday to Friday between 8pm and 10pm, as well as Saturday and Sunday 6am to 10pm. (17) The third comes into effect every night between 10pm and 6am, and on public holidays. In London there are over 24,000 licensed taxi drivers, all of whom have to pass certain tests. (18) Complete background criminal record checks are carried out, as well as a full medical examination, and an exam-style test of their knowledge of London’s streets. They must know all of London’s major roads, and the quickest ways to certain destinations. (19) Private hire vehicles include both limousines and chauffer services, or, minicabs, as they are often called, and have to be booked in advance, either by visiting a licensed operator’s office, or by telephone.

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

Audioscripts

Int:   Adam, you have been a personal assistant to the manager of a large company for several years, haven’t you?

Adam:   Yes, that’s right. (20) I’ve been Sally Jones’ personal assistant for nearly ten years now and I still love the fact that when I get to work in the morning, I never quite know what is going to happen. Obviously Sally is very rich and she travels a lot and I basically organise everything for her.

Int:   I imagine you work long hours then and have a lot of late nights.

Adam:   Yes, but luckily I’m a bit of a night owl and never go to bed before midnight. (21) My time is quite flexible which means that generally I don’t have to be in at a particular time unless there is a meeting first thing in the morning. I’m not at all good at those but I’ll happily miss lunch or work till ten at night if I need to.

Int:   So tell us, how did you get such an amazing job? Was it something you always planned to do?

Adam:   (22) Actually, I met Sally at a wedding that I had helped to organise for my old boss. We got chatting and she asked for my phone number. About three weeks later she got in touch and asked me if I’d like to work for her as her personal assistant. The rest, as they say, is history. We’ve just moved into a new office actually, which is wonderful. I’ve got my own space now but I miss the chatter from the other people in the office. (23) I can see the whole city from my window, though, which is amazing. At least I still manage to have a chat with the others when I go to make a cup of coffee in the staff kitchen.

Int:   Tell us honestly. What is Sally Jones like to work for?

Adam:   Obviously, I have to work hard but I like that. But she’s not all work and no play and we have a laugh sometimes. (24) She’s very good at making people feel relaxed while at the same time getting the best from them in the workplace.

Int:   Finally, Adam, what are your hopes for the future?

Adam:   You know what, I’ve just been given a new company car and a pay rise and I’m doing a job that I love. (25) So, to be honest, I just hope that I’m lucky enough to keep doing what I’m doing. I couldn’t ask for anything better than that.

Int:   Adam, it’s been a pleasure talking to you.

Adam:   Thank you for having me.