Technical English Civil Engineering and Construction

Advanced tests Audio script
Recording 1: Achievement test 1, Listening exercise 1
1: How would I describe myself? Mmm, well, I like to think that I’m not
judgmental and that I listen to everyone’s point of view. It’s very hard not
to have preconceived ideas, of course, but I pride myself on my ability to
empathise and understand other people. Obviously there are certain ways
of life that are alien to me but at the end of the day, as long as you’re not
hurting anyone through your behaviour, then who are we to judge?
2: I guess my friends would say that I’m very outgoing and always up for a
party. It’s true that I’d rather hang out with friends than do whatever it is
I’m supposed to be doing. Even as a child I loved going to parties and
meeting people. I’ve never been shy, which is a blessing I suppose. It
must be so hard if you are.
3: If I’m totally honest, I’d have to admit that I like to do things my own
way. Yes, you get the idea … my way is the only way. Even if I knew I’d
made the wrong decision, I wouldn’t back down. I know my wife gets
exasperated and I can see why, but after a lifetime of digging my heels in
I don’t think I’ll be able to change now.
PHOTOCOPIABLE © Pearson Education Limited 2016

4: I’m sure I’ve got worse as I’ve got older but everyone I know says the
same thing. I never used to be quite as bad but now I can’t even leave the
house without checking that I’ve locked the back door at least three times.
And as for the cooker, even if I know I haven’t used it, I’ll have to check
a few times. I’ve even been known to go back home again just to double-
check. I dread to think what I’ll be like in a few years …
5: I’ve always enjoyed watching people. I was the quiet one at school and
while everyone else was messing around, I’d just sit quietly and observe.
I’m fascinated by people, their motivations and the way they behave. You
can tell so much just by reading body language or facial expressions.
That’s probably why I became a counsellor.
6: I’ve never found it easy to make friends. I’m an only child so I’m used to
spending a lot of time on my own. When I was at school I didn’t really
join in with all the games and teams. In fact I hated sport and was always
the last to be chosen. You know how it is at school, if you’re not sporty
you tend to get ignored and now that I’m at university, it’s much the same
really. I keep myself to myself and just do my own thing.

Recording 2: Achievement test 1, Listening exercises 2 and 3
Narrator: Listen to six people talking about the meaning and origin of their
names.
June: I have to say mine is hardly original and I’m disappointed my parents
couldn’t have come up with something a bit better, although I admit I’m
glad I wasn’t born in February! It was one thing to call me after the month
I was born in but I didn’t fare any better with my middle name either! I
have to say I actively hate it! So, there you go, June Brenda –and woe
betide anyone daring enough to call me Bren. I used to have an aunt who
did that when I was young and since then it’s guaranteed to get my
hackles up!
Florence: I suppose I do feel a connection with my first name and what it means, for
a number of reasons. My parents named me Florence because that’s where
they met, in Italy. I do think it suits me down to the ground though in
terms of related characteristics. It actually means ‘prosperous and
flourishing’, which, given my desire to always push myself and develop
as a person, is pretty apt. I’d definitely say that the prosperous part relates
more to knowledge than material wealth, though. I’m not at all
materialistic and am more people-focused, a bit like the famous Florence,
you know, Florence Nightingale.

Baldo: Yes, names are very important but sometimes people from other cultures
misunderstand what they mean. I’ve actually, as an adult, found mine
quite embarrassing. What is it? Oh, Baldo. But the thing is, in Italian this
actually means ‘bold’ or ‘brave’ – you know, it’s a great name – it’s really
powerful! But now I’m getting on in years and am losing my hair a bit,
well, you can imagine that some people in English-speaking countries
think my name’s a nickname for hair loss. I used to feel quite
embarrassed; sometimes even annoyed at that misunderstanding, but now
I don’t really get bothered about it. I guess that also comes with age: a
certain acceptance of things…
Melanie: Have I ever looked into what my name means? Oh, yes! It’s really cool,
actually. Did you know that ‘Melanie’ originates from Greek and means
‘black’? Apparently, she was a brown-haired, Roman saint who donated
all her money to charity way back in the fifth century. A French friend of
mine who loves all things historical tells me that it was a very popular
name in France throughout the Middle Ages, and it’s from there that it
first came into use in England. Then, later on it died out for a while. My
parents themselves said they actually named me after their favourite

character in Gone with the Wind and I have to admit, I still haven’t seen
the film! Maybe it’s time I did!
Alexander: My name? You mean my first one or my last one – or both? Here’s the
thing, I actually have the same first and last name, which can make things
easier, I guess – depending on how you look at it! It certainly caused a lot
of hilarity at school but luckily, I have a different middle name. My full
name? Alexander William Alexander, although most people just call me
Alex. I always thought the name ‘Alexander’ came from Russia or
Greece, somewhere like that, but it seems to have lots of different forms
in various countries when it comes to the first name. I found out the other
day that it’s actually the Latin form of the Greek name Alexandros, which
means ‘to defend or help’. I think that’s kind of weird really, as I actually
work as an advocate for the Crown Prosecution Service!
Junichi: Well, I’m not sure I believe that people’s characters match their name.
Take mine for instance: my first name is Junichi and in Japan that means
‘obedient’, but I readily admit that I’ve got quite a rebellious streak in me
and always find myself pushing against authority. I’ve never followed
tradition either, which is probably why I moved to the U.S. twenty years
ago. So, really, I’m sure my personality doesn’t match my name. Perhaps
it was simply wishful thinking on my parents’ part.

Mark: I really don’t think there’s ever an occasion where it’s ok to use the death
penalty. I mean, look at the states in America where there are hundreds of
people on death row just waiting and waiting. Some of them have been in
prison for years and with that hanging over them. I don’t know if there’s
any connection between the number of criminals doing time for violent
crime and the lax gun laws but certainly it seems from the outside as
though it’s pretty easy to get hold of a firearm. Perhaps if there were
tighter controls, the crime rate would fall.
Sally: I watched a really upsetting documentary on television the other day. It
was about border control and people trying to get into the country
illegally. So many of these immigrants pay vast amounts of money to
gangsters to get them out of their own countries and then they lose
everything. Not only is it incredibly dangerous but there’s no guarantee
that they’ll make it. If they’re caught, they’re treated like animals and
deported. Surely it’s a fundamental right to be able to live safely and with
dignity.

David: Is there any correlation between education and child exploitation? Well, to
my mind, of course there is. Children are denied the chance to go to
school just so that we in the developed countries can have cheap goods.
We’ve all seen pictures of those so-called sweatshops where kids work ten
hours or more a day in appalling conditions, for hardly any money.
Instead of exploiting them, we should be giving them an education so
they can fulfil their potential. Don’t get me started!
Karen: We’re lucky that we can say whatever we want here. When I was younger
I used to go to Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park in the centre of London.
You’d see crazy people there, standing on their soap boxes, talking about
pretty much anything, from war and peace to the monarchy and animal
cruelty. Those speakers who were good would gather huge crowds and it
was always fun to heckle and join in. I couldn’t imagine living in a
country where you have to be careful about what you say.

Anthony: Social unrest is surely caused by poor living conditions. If you grow up in
a family where no-one is actually working and all the adults are on
benefits with little chance of getting a job, there are bound to be
problems. If you feel that you’re not respected, then why would you
respect anyone yourself? If the only way you can get noticed is by being a
nuisance and causing damage, then I guess most people would do that. In
a consumer society, having no money leaves you feeling very angry and
resentful, I’d imagine.
Lola: Despite the feminist movement of the 60s and 70s I’d say that women are
still worse off than men. In recent surveys it was revealed that men still
earn substantially more than women for doing the same job. How can that
be in the twenty-first century? And as for getting older … it’s crazy.
You’re considered over the hill once you’re in your fifties so if you lose
your job at that age, it’s pretty much impossible to get another one,
although of course with all your experience, you’re of far more use than
some fresh graduate.

Narrator: Listen to a couple talking about their recent holiday.
Margaret: So, we’ve just celebrated 30 years of marriage. Hard to believe so much
time has passed in the blink of an eye! Well, anyway, given that the kids
have all grown up and now have their own families, we decided to do
something different this anniversary; go somewhere where money was no
object.
Derek: Margaret suggested we went to the same island in the Maldives where we
spent our honeymoon, didn’t you Margaret?
Margaret: Yes, it was just so amazing when we first went there – the stuff of dreams!
You know – completely unspoilt stretches of white, sandy beaches with
not a soul around – it was virtually uninhabited apart from the people at
the hotel…
Derek: Apparently, it had once been a thriving fishing community but the
fishermen had long since left for other islands with richer pickings, taking
their families with them…
Margaret: Something else I remember is the crystal clear, blue waters that sparkled
in the sunlight. It was idyllic! And the ‘hotel’, as it was called, was in this
picturesque little cove. I remember it basically just being a small
collection of rather beautiful wooden huts which looked like something
we’d built ourselves, what with their plaited palm-leaf roofs – very
romantic, really!

Derek: If only they’d kept it like that! We were expecting a few things to have
changed…
Margaret: It’s inevitable really…
Derek: … but we were pretty shell-shocked to arrive and find that the tranquil
little oasis we remembered had….
Margaret: …become a bustling sprawl of high-rise hotels overshadowing a riot of
sun loungers!
Derek: I really wish we hadn’t gone back…
Margaret: Me too!
Derek: … it wasn’t at all relaxing or peaceful anymore, more like a complete
nightmare – a package holiday for sardines and forget trying to find any
space to lie down and enjoy the beach! There was hardly room to breathe,
let alone relax …
Margaret: We’ll just have to try to put those images out of our head and replace them
with the memories we had from before, won’t we? I’d hate to forget our
first trip there – it was sublime, wasn’t it darling? …

Michael: I can’t say that I feel particularly optimistic when I think about the future
of our planet. There’s so much to be worried about and to be honest, I
think that one of the biggest challenges facing us is overpopulation. While
the birth rate is falling in many countries of the developed world, quite the
converse is true in countries in the developing world. The implications are
obvious but unless governments introduce new policies, I can’t see how
anything will change and the figures certainly point to an explosion in the
not-too-distant future.
Sharon: I agree. It’s hard to have a positive outlook. I’m particularly interested in
animals and animal welfare and the state of endangered animals makes
for very grim reading. Soon animals in the wild will be a thing of the past
if we’re not careful. Already we read of entire species becoming extinct
and you know what that means … when they’re gone, they’re gone and
there’s no going back.

Ray: Actually I feel pretty good about the future. If you go beyond all the
scaremongering hysteria of the media, you’ll find that there are great
strides forward in many areas of research, particularly with regard to
finding alternative forms of energy. It’s clear that oil reserves will run out
at some point, so the race for new fuels is well and truly gathering pace
now. After bio-fuels there will be something else I’m sure, as I don’t think
that they’re sustainable, and especially not if the population continues to
grow at the current rate.
Penny: Well, frankly, I think all these arguments are pretty academic because if
we don’t have access to clean drinking water, then all life will cease
anyway. Can you imagine a time when water will be a thing of the past? I
predict that water will become a more valuable commodity than oil in
years to come … perhaps not in the imminent future but certainly in the
next hundred years. Global warming is heating up the planet. You can see
how strange the weather patterns are now, and I can only think that there
will be more droughts and therefore less water.

Alfie: I think pollution is our biggest challenge. I remember when the city where
I lived had really clean air. Not any more. The signs are that the
deterioration in air quality is speeding up. In the winter, there is often
smog so thick that you can’t see a metre in front of your face. How can
that be good for our long-term health? We need to take action now in my
opinion. It’s not enough just to impose fines for environmental pollution,
it’s a case of re-education, but who’s willing to get into that?
Ellen: All this talk of people, but I think robots and computers are bound to take
over the world at some point in the future, not in my lifetime I don’t
suppose, but who knows? Technology is developing at such a fast pace
that anything is possible. I must say I wouldn’t mind having a robot to do
my housework and washing, but I do think that we are forgetting how to
do even the simplest things for ourselves.

Narrator: Listen to two friends talking about a recent breach of privacy.
A: Have you read that article about how 50,000 patients’ health details were
sold on to private companies?
B: No – but that’s an appalling breach of trust, surely? And it must be illegal
too, no?
A: I’d have thought so but apparently they were sold by the health service
itself as well as other sources, such as online pharmacies – so your guess
is as good as mine!
B: You mean to tell me that those we confide in may then sell our personal
health records? That’s disgraceful!
A: Ah, but it gets worse. The people buying this information have been cold
calling those concerned, trying to sell products relating to their health
conditions or simply trying to con them.
B: You’re joking! That’s deplorable! I really thought they were laws that
protected our information as well as our privacy.
A: Well, supposedly there are, and according to the article, the government
has even updated regulations to further restrict access to data.
B: Then how has this happened?
A: From what I understand, the health service can justify selling personal
details to insurers, for example, if this will have a positive impact on
people’s wellbeing.

B: What rubbish! So, you’re telling me that we are all at risk of having our
personal health history sold on and we can do nothing about it?
A: In a nutshell, yes.

Narrator: Listen to six people talking about their memories.
Matthew: No question at all. The time I jumped out of a plane to do a parachute
jump for charity. When I was asked to do it I leapt at the chance as I’ve
always enjoyed extreme sports and that kind of thing. This was something
else though. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I can’t
really find the words to describe the feeling as I jumped. There I was,
freefalling down to the earth and everything came rushing towards me.
There was a great whoosh and then my parachute opened, and I gently
came down to land.
Lewis: To be honest, if you’re asking about earliest memories, you know your
first day at school kind of thing, nothing at all springs to mind as
something noteworthy. I don’t even remember who took me to the school
gate. I guess it must have been my mother but for all I know it could have
been our neighbours as their son was at the same school. I know it’s
strange, but perhaps it was so traumatic that I’ve just wiped it from my
mind – a bit of a memory lapse if you know what I mean.

Becky: It’d have to be the salty air you get at the sea. When I was about seven the
whole family went to visit cousins in Wales. They had a holiday cottage
on the coast and every day we’d cross the road and be on the beach where
we’d play all day. The weather was fantastic and the air smelled so fresh
and alive somehow. Whenever I’m at the sea nowadays, I only have to
close my eyes and I’m back there.
Diane: I’ve never been one for reminiscing about the past or revisiting old haunts
filled with nostalgic memories, which is why my first holiday in France
without my parents is a bit of a blur. I seem to remember there were four
of us and we took the train and ferry over to Brittany, where we stayed at
a campsite for a week. One thing I do remember though is that the food
was fantastic.
Lily: The moment I heard that I’d passed my driving test was the greatest
moment of my life. The whole experience is etched on my memory so
clearly. I guess because I realised that this was the doorway to
independence. I wouldn’t have to rely on my parents any more, and I
would be free to go wherever I chose.

Justin: Ooh, I knew you were going to ask me that! Why can’t I remember? A bit
of a memory lapse I’m afraid. I can see her so clearly though. Now, come
on, what was her name? I almost had it there! She was small and very
strict and she didn’t let us get away with anything. We used to call her the
dragon, though not to her face of course. Give me a moment and I’m sure
it’ll come to me.

Narrator: Listen to two friends talking about how much freedom they had as
children.
Liz: So, John, do you reckon kids these days have more freedom than we did,
or not?
John: I’m not sure, really. I think it’s hard to say, Liz – especially with
technology opening the world up so much. Having been brought up in the
countryside though, I suppose we did have more physical freedom. I
mean, these days some children don’t even play in the street, but is that
because they’re more interested in playing on their computers or watching
TV, or because parents are worried about their safety?
Liz: Well, I guess there’re a lot more cars on the roads these days, aren’t there?
But I’m not sure that’s the real reason why you see fewer children playing
outside. I’m sure it’s more to do with technology.
John: You could be right there. We didn’t have those of types of distractions and
found our own ways to keep occupied.
Liz: I know what you mean. Where I was brought up, we were lucky and had a
playing field just down the road, so after we did our homework me and
my mates would pile down there to play on the swings until dinner time.
What about you?

John: Mmm… it was a strange mix of freedom and limits, really. Our house
backed onto the playing field for the middle school I went to, and the
entrance to that and the village primary school were literally two houses
away, so I could never skip school! Besides, my mum could always keep
an eye on my from the kitchen when it was break time. Saying that
though, we were allowed to go off on our bikes, and would often spend
hours mucking about in the woods near the village.
Liz: That sounds fun!
John: Oh, it was! We built a tree house and in the summer, if we got peckish,
we’d pick blackberries and apples to munch on. I’m not sure many
children get that kind of freedom these days, do they?
Liz: No, and I’m not sure adults do either! Do you remember when computers
were first developed and people said they’d help us work less?
John: It was going to be a four-day week, wasn’t it?
Liz: Hmm….yeah, that’s right! So much for that – seems like we’re having to
work even more hours than ever before. Oh, I do miss the freedom of
childhood! If only we’d appreciated it more back then.

Megan: To be honest, I don’t often get annoyed by stuff, but one thing that really
drives me crazy is bad service in restaurants. We were on holiday a couple
of weeks ago, and we decided to treat ourselves to a special celebration
meal as it was our anniversary, so we booked a table for two at a swanky
restaurant in town. It’s only just opened and we’d heard quite good things,
but boy were we disappointed. The waiters were so rude and unhelpful,
and the food was ridiculously expensive… all in all it was a total waste of
money.
Tereza: I’ll tell you what drives me up the wall and that’s mobile phone
conversations when you’re trying to read on the train. I have to travel up
to London by train every day and sometimes I just want to scream. Why is
it that people think that their boring conversations are endlessly
interesting to the world at large? If I had my way, I’d ban them in public
places, or at the very least on trains.

Gary: Wow! I’ve just come back from the most amazing tennis match I’ve ever
seen … Djokovic versus Federer in the Wimbledon Final. I couldn’t
believe my luck when my boss told me he’d won a couple of tickets to the
final. He said he couldn’t go and offered them to me, so not only did I not
have to pay for them but they were also in a prime spot. It really was the
best day out.
Barbara: No contest. My dog Jimmy is the best thing ever. I’ve only had him for a
few weeks but already he’s taken over my life. To be honest, there’s
nothing better than getting up early and going for a long walk through the
fields. Jimmy loves to chase rabbits and birds and he just makes me laugh
so much as he’s so silly. I couldn’t imagine being without him now.
Len: Perhaps I’m just old-fashioned but I just don’t understand the public
obsession with celebrity gossip. Who on earth cares who’s marrying
whom or which diet so-and-so is on? Surely we have far more meaningful
things to think about, and if there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s those
magazines with world exclusives and then the stars, in inverted commas,
go on about how they don’t have any privacy.

Tom: There’s nothing better than live music, although I know a loud gig isn’t
everyone’s cup of tea but for me it’s the best thing ever. The last band I
went to see was just absolutely awesome. They played for over two hours
without a break and pretty much everyone in the audience was up and
dancing. It’s so hard to get back to normal life after something like that.

Recording 10: Mid-course test, Listening exercises 1 and 2
Melissa: Peter can be so incredibly frustrating sometimes. Maybe it’s something to
do with his age but he really is very rigid in his thinking and in his
behaviour. He’ll always have his tea at the same time every day and
nothing will get in the way of that. All his friends know, so they wouldn’t
dare call him then.
Chloe: There’s a woman in our street who makes it her business to know
everything that’s going on, so if you want to know anything about anyone,
I’d ask her. Well, actually, you don’t need to ask her, as she’ll tell you
anyway. I’m often tempted to tell her something that’s not true to see how
long it’ll be before it comes back to me. I certainly wouldn’t tell her
anything I didn’t want the world to know.
Adrian: Frankly, you can’t get a word in edgeways with Christine. I’ve never
known anyone talk so much. She barely pauses to draw breath and then
she’s off again. I guess her husband must just turn off because it would
drive you mad otherwise. And it’s not as if she’s saying anything
particularly interesting. You know what I mean … you can’t have a
conversation as such as she tends to make observations about stuff. I
know it’s mean, but when she calls I sometimes don’t answer the phone.

Leah: You know I had no idea that Fred played the piano so well. He’s always
kept it very quiet and I only found out because other friends were talking
about a festival they’d been to, and he was one of the performers. I don’t
know why he’s so secretive about it. I’ll ask him next time I see him, as
I’d love to hear him play.
Matthew: I feel very sorry for Maria. Nothing she does is good enough for her
parents, and then her brother can do no wrong in their eyes. I think it all
started when she kind of disobeyed their wishes and dropped out of
college to go travelling. I’d imagine they’re not used to anyone not doing
as they wish, so since then they’ve been very cool towards her. I hope
they’ll realise how hurtful they’ve been, but at least Maria is happy doing
her own thing.
Jacqui: I always enjoy it when Clare comes to stay as she’s so much fun. It
doesn’t matter how tired she says she is, she’ll always rise to the occasion.
I don’t know where she gets all her energy or her jokes for that matter.
The last time I saw her was at my brother’s wedding and to be honest, she
very nearly upstaged the bride.

Recording 11: Mid-course test, Listening exercise 3
Narrator: Listen to two friends discussing a recent piece of news.
Zak: Hey Liz, did you hear that Damode have been accused of using child
labour to make their products?
Liz: Really, Zak? Well, then again though, are you that surprised? I mean,
come on, how on earth would they manage to keep their prices so
ridiculously low otherwise? I mean, there has to be a catch, doesn’t there,
so it’s hardly an amazing revelation, is it?
Zak: Maybe not to you, but I guess generally speaking, people are pretty
wrapped up in their own bubble and don’t even think about these things.
You know, they have their own problems to dwell on and maybe they just
prefer to accept the cheap prices and never question anything – it’s a lot
easier, isn’t it?
Liz: Well, there is that. I suppose, sad as it is, that some people don’t actually
care about those in worse-off conditions either – especially if they’re in
some far-flung country, halfway around the world. You’ve also got to
consider that the companies that do tend to exploit others are very savvy
when it comes to marketing themselves. They will often balance their
wrongdoings with some fantastic educational project to help kids off the
streets – that kind of thing …

Zak: You could be right about the companies projecting a certain image but I
don’t think that consumers the world over are all so oblivious to what’s
going on. And I’m sure a lot of people do care. It’s human nature.
Liz: I’d like to think so, but I wouldn’t hold my breath! Why do you think
there are so many discount stores opening up?!
Zak: Then again though, turning this issue on its head… if you buy something
that costs a lot it doesn’t automatically mean it’s not been produced in a
sweatshop, does it? It could just be that the company is being greedy, but
because the product is more expensive we assume it’s more ethically
made.
Liz: I see your point. In all honesty, I’d say these days it’s actually really
difficult to know how ethical or otherwise companies are. The thing that
saddens me most is that it doesn’t seem to be a matter of concern to as
many people in our country as I think it should.
Zak: Mmm… I know you mean. But when it all comes down to money, how do
you think things could be improved? If you look at it from a development
angle, any child who is working in these countries is doing it to bring in
much-needed money to their families… and let’s face it, no company is
ever going to admit they use sweatshops, are they?

Recording 12: End of course test, Listening exercises 1 and 2
Judy: My job is very pressurised and I work very long hours. Most of the time
I’m either in meetings or travelling so I don’t get much in the way of
exercise. I always pack a pair of trainers and tracksuit in my case so I can
get out for a while to clear my head. I really need to be able to do that
regularly, otherwise I end up feeling really stressed.
David: I don’t really have time for myself during the week as I have a pretty busy
job and two small children, who want my attention when I get home in
the evening, but Saturdays are mine. I usually meet up with a group of
friends and we have a game of football and then go for a good meal. It’s a
chance for all of us to relax and get rid of the worries of the week.
Alison: To be honest, I’m pretty tired at the moment. I’ve just started a new job so
there’s a lot to take in. I’ve been going in to work early every day to get a
head start and also having to stay late most evenings, but there’s a good
group of people in the office so we tend to go out after work as well. I
don’t think I’ve been to bed earlier than midnight for the last few weeks.
I’m not sure how much longer I can carry on, but hopefully I’ll get an
early night tonight.

Patricia: There’s nothing I enjoy more than reading. It’s the best way to relax and I
absolutely love immersing myself in a good story…the problem is that I
simply don’t have enough time these days. I’m either rushing to work or
running around after the kids. Whenever I go on holiday though, I make
sure I take a good stash of books with me so I can lie by the pool and
chill. I used to be able to find time on Sundays, but these days there
always seems to be something going on and usually someone wanting my
attention.
Doug: I seem to be governed by unrealistic deadlines at the moment. Everyone
wants everything done immediately, and because I’m self-employed, I’m
aware that my position is precarious. There will always be someone
willing to give one hundred and fifty percent. I’ve been staying up until
the small hours but am determined to get a better work life balance.
Moira: Being outdoors is the best antidote to the stresses of the office. In the
summer I can spend all evening pottering. This year I decided to grow
vegetables for the first time and really, there’s nothing more satisfying
than picking your own lettuce and tomatoes for supper. Noticing the daily
changes makes you realise just how amazing nature is.

Recording 13: End of course test, Listening exercise 3
Narrator: Listen to a conversation between two friends who meet at a party.
Melissa: Hi there, Dan. I didn’t know you’d been invited to Carla’s birthday bash.
How cool to see you! You’re looking really well.
Dan: You too, Melissa. So, how are things with you, then? You’re looking
amazing! What have you been up to?
Melissa: Cheers Dan, I reckon it must be those spinning classes I’ve been going to
– they certainly take it out of you!
Dan: Yeah, well swimming is one of the best all-round exercises, isn’t it? I used
to do a lot of it back in the day, though now I tend to prefer cycling.
Melissa: No, not swimming. Spinning!
Dan: Spinning? Isn’t that rather old-fashioned?
Melissa: No, you’re thinking of a different type of spinning, with wool and a
spinning wheel…
Dan: Oh, I know! It’s that one that’s like doing yoga in a sauna?
Melissa: Sorry, wrong again – that’s hot yoga, and it’s not in a sauna. I’m talking
about spinning on bicycles!
Dan: On bicycles! What?
Melissa: Yeah, it’s a type of exercise class they have at the gym and no, before you
ask, we don’t cycle around the room! That’d just be an accident waiting to
happen! Imagine it!

Dan: Right… I’m still none the wiser, I have to say, but more intrigued than
ever!
Melissa: Well, here’s a thought. What are you up to tomorrow?
Dan: Nothing planned but I guess that’s about to change, isn’t it?
Melissa: Tell you what, why don’t you come with me to tomorrow’s class? Just
wear your shorts, a t-shirt and some trainers, oh, and don’t forget a towel
and a big bottle of water – you’re going to need that!
Dan: Why am I beginning to feel like I’m getting roped into something I might
regret? Is there anything else I need to know?
Melissa: No, not really. I think you’re going to love it, actually! And I know from
the way you’ve been dancing to the music tonight that it’s going to be
right up your street. Seriously!
Dan: You’ve lost me! How does dancing to cool music relate to cycling?
Melissa: Ah, well, here’s the thing. We cycle on these stationary bikes but we do it
to fantastic dance tunes…
Dan: Now, that does sound fun. Rather odd, but fun.
Melissa: …and we do it in a darkened room with only disco lights!
Dan: You’re joking!
Melissa: I promise you are so going to love it!
Dan: Mmm…

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Advanced tests Audio script

Recording 1: Achievement test 1, Listening exercise 1

to have preconceived ideas, of course, but I pride myself on my ability to

hurting anyone through your behaviour, then who are we to judge?

I’m supposed to be doing. Even as a child I loved going to parties and

meeting people. I’ve never been shy, which is a blessing I suppose. It

must be so hard if you are.

I don’t think I’ll be able to change now.

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check. I dread to think what I’ll be like in a few years …

can tell so much just by reading body language or facial expressions.

That’s probably why I became a counsellor.

spending a lot of time on my own. When I was at school I didn’t really

really. I keep myself to myself and just do my own thing.

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Recording 2: Achievement test 1, Listening exercises 2 and 3

a number of reasons. My parents named me Florence because that’s where

they met, in Italy. I do think it suits me down to the ground though in

terms of related characteristics. It actually means ‘prosperous and

flourishing’, which, given my desire to always push myself and develop

more to knowledge than material wealth, though. I’m not at all

materialistic and am more people-focused, a bit like the famous Florence,

you know, Florence Nightingale.

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misunderstand what they mean. I’ve actually, as an adult, found mine

well, you can imagine that some people in English-speaking countries

think my name’s a nickname for hair loss. I used to feel quite

embarrassed; sometimes even annoyed at that misunderstanding, but now

certain acceptance of things…

‘black’? Apparently, she was a brown-haired, Roman saint who donated

parents themselves said they actually named me after their favourite

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the film! Maybe it’s time I did!

of hilarity at school but luckily, I have a different middle name. My full

name? Alexander William Alexander, although most people just call me

Alex. I always thought the name ‘Alexander’ came from Russia or

work as an advocate for the Crown Prosecution Service!

it was simply wishful thinking on my parents’ part.

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Recording 3: Achievement test 2, Listening exercises 1 and 2

tighter controls, the crime rate would fall.

Sally: I watched a really upsetting documentary on television the other day. It

illegally. So many of these immigrants pay vast amounts of money to

everything. Not only is it incredibly dangerous but there’s no guarantee

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my mind, of course there is. Children are denied the chance to go to

hours or more a day in appalling conditions, for hardly any money.

Instead of exploiting them, we should be giving them an education so

they can fulfil their potential. Don’t get me started!

I used to go to Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park in the centre of London.

country where you have to be careful about what you say.

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benefits with little chance of getting a job, there are bound to be

resentful, I’d imagine.

be in the twenty-first century? And as for getting older … it’s crazy.

some fresh graduate.

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Recording 4: Achievement test 2, Listening exercise 3

Narrator: Listen to a couple talking about their recent holiday.

something different this anniversary; go somewhere where money was no

spent our honeymoon, didn’t you Margaret?

You know – completely unspoilt stretches of white, sandy beaches with

their families with them…

picturesque little cove. I remember it basically just being a small