• Author / Uploaded
• Child Precious

Citation preview

Audioscript for Cambridge English Empower B1 Competency Test Listening Mid-Course Cambridge English Empower B1 Listening Mid-Course Test. Part 1 You will hear five short conversations. For each question, choose the correct picture. You will hear each conversation twice. 1. What did John take with him on holiday? F: M: F: M: F:

Hi John – did you have a good holiday? Yeah Maria, it was great and it was good not to take so much stuff. I always have so much with me; I’d like to go on holiday with just a guide book. Oh I only had to take a few things so a backpack was enough. I couldn’t manage with that – I need a big suitcase to carry everything.

(Repeat) 2. Which accessories were most popular last week? F:

It’s Monday and week two of our absolutely magnificent accessories sale. This week’s offer promises to be the best yet. All ladies’ necklaces are half price until Sunday. If you came in last week, you know how good our offers can be. Did you get yourself something new in our half price jewellery offers? There were no bracelets left by the end of the first day. Everybody loved them. You can’t believe your ears, can you? Or should I say, earrings? I know that’s what I went home with.

(Repeat) 3. What job does John hope to do when he finishes studying? F: M: F: M: F M: F:

Well that was a really interesting talk on jobs, don’t you think, John? Yeah, though some jobs sounded a lot harder than others. I know what you mean. I’d hate to work in a hospital all day. Really? I thought that sounded quite cool, you know, helping people and everything. Really? I’ve always imagined you in a more creative job, like an architect or something. No, I can’t draw, but I would like to write. I’ve already got an interview with a newspaper once our course ends. That’s amazing! Well done you!

(Repeat)

© 2017 Cambridge English Language Assessment

4. What travel problem particularly annoyed the film director? M:

When we were making the movie we had to travel a lot. It was such a large country that we were always flying, travelling from one airport to another. Queuing at check in wasn’t so bad, even though it always took a long time with all of our camera equipment. What I really disliked was when we spent hours just sitting in traffic. At least if there was a problem with the plane, there was somewhere to get something to eat. Even nice people get angry when they’re hungry.

(Repeat) 5. What does Ellie decide to do? M: F: M: F: M:

Hi Ellie would you like to come and do some sightseeing with me? It’s such lovely weather and the holiday will be over soon. Sorry not today Sam, I’ve just exchanged some more money and now I’ve got to go to the town centre. Why’s that? Well, I thought I’d get some souvenirs for my family and I saw just the right place. Ok, shall I meet you later? We could visit some places then?

(Repeat)

© 2017 Cambridge English Language Assessment

Part 2 You will hear a man on the radio talking about his amazing daily journey to work. For each question, write the correct answer in the gap. You will hear the talk twice. F:

If you think your journeys to work are too long and cost a lot, you may change your mind when you hear what Peter has to tell us about his journey every day.

Peter: Hi, I'm Peter and I've been told I have one of the longest journeys to work – from York to London and back every day. We moved to York when my wife got the job of her dreams, but I wanted to stay doing the job I enjoy. I work as a designer and my wife is a lawyer. There just aren't the same job opportunities for me in York as there are in London. The 650 kilometre trip every day means I have to set my alarm for 3.30 am every morning before setting off on the first part of the six hour journey. There are of course some disadvantages. After I've paid the monthly petrol bill of around £900, and other driving costs, travelling to work costs an amazing £15,000 a year. Travelling for hours a day just to get to and from work does mean I get very tired. So I often stop to get a coffee. Sometimes there are traffic problems too caused by things like traffic jams and crashes. But there are advantages. My job can be quite stressful so I use the journey home to sort my day out in my head and to make a plan for the following day. I also use the time to make important calls – hands free, of course. Our relaxing life at home keeps me doing it. (Repeat)

© 2017 Cambridge English Language Assessment

Part 3 You will hear a radio interview with Fiona Baker, an author. For each question, choose the correct answer. You will hear the interview twice. M: F: M: F:

M: F:

M: F:

M: F: M: F:

M: F:

In the studio today we have Fiona Baker, an author who's had great success. Some of her books have even been made into films. Fiona, welcome. Thank you. Why did you become an author? It's not easy to explain. It was all I wanted to do when I was growing up. But I lived in a small town where people never thought about writing as a career. Also my mum was a teacher and she thought I'd copy her. I did for some time but wanting to write never left me. Your parents are Russian. How important was that to you when growing up? I remember speaking Russian with my parents and when we went to stay with my uncle in the summer, but it was what we ate that made me feel most different. My mother used cooking as a link with home. And she had a story for every recipe she used. That helped us understand a lot about her family even though we were far away. Did you go to Russia often as a child? Nearly every summer. I remember it being perfect. I went fishing and sailing and walked in the forest. I wore no shoes, spoke no English and was free to do what I liked. But the memory of Russia is not real; it is only a small part of Russia seen through the eyes of a child on holiday. And nowadays, where do you like to do your writing? I have a room in the garden that I use to write. Having my own space is especially important to me because I don't like people coming and annoying me. It's my space. But are there times when you find writing easier? Well, it really depends on the time of year. I'm affected by the light and in winter I find it difficult to produce much because the days are shorter. I worried about this when I was younger, but I accept it now. I know that when spring arrives, I find it easier to be creative again. And if someone asked you for advice about how to write a novel? I'd say don't think about writing a novel. Think of writing a single sentence, then writing the next one, that way you end up with a book. If you start off trying to write a novel, it just seems impossible – you'd never do it.

(Repeat)

© 2017 Cambridge English Language Assessment

Part 4 You will hear a conversation between Jane and Phil discussing a project they’re doing on whether teens should work part-time as well as study. Decide if each sentence is correct or incorrect. You will hear the conversation twice. Phil: Jane: Phil: Jane: Phil: Jane: Phil: Jane: Phil: Jane: Phil: Jane: Phil: Jane: Phil: Jane: Phil:

Jane: Phil: Jane: Phil: Jane: Phil: Jane: Phil: Jane:

Hi Jane, Hey Phil. Have you finished the project on teenagers working? Almost. Me too. So what do you think? Should they be working and studying at the same time? It depends. Some parents might not be able to afford everything they need. True. But probably some teenagers simply want to buy things like designer labels. Exactly. Even a car, why can’t they take public transport? Hang on. That’s one thing I think they really do need, because I live outside the city. Really? Taking the bus never did me any harm. Anyway, even if they’re working for good reasons, it’ll be hard to study at the same time. Hmmm. And it’s bad for their schoolwork. But there are some who can do both and still do very well. Maybe, but there are not many of them. Well, what I do know is that teens often give up their free-time activities once they find a part-time job. That’s sad, but you can understand why. Being responsible enough to have a part-time job looks good to future employers. I still think, though, that it makes a difference if they’ve learned to relax as well as work. Well you say that, but what we’re talking about really is how quickly teens are growing up? Yes, I suppose we are. And it’s not a good idea in my opinion. Well I’d say that growing up quickly is one of the main advantages of teens working part-time. I see what you mean. I hadn’t thought about it like that before. So if they avoid getting a job… …they can become lazy. Umm I suppose that isn’t a good thing. Exactly. So I’d say to any teen I know to think about the advantages and disadvantages before making any decisions, with their parents, of course. I don’t know. Maybe the best thing would be to find a job in the school holidays instead. Maybe you’re right but I still think… [fade]

(Repeat)

© 2017 Cambridge English Language Assessment