Exam Preparation: Listening Practice Scripts

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01 Listening Practice 1, Solo Dining, page 90

Speaker 1
I remember a time, only a few years ago, when I found the idea of eating out alone quite depressing. I would see solo diners and think,
they must be sad and lonely, eating by themselves like that. Now that I travel more, I eat out by myself quite often, and I must say
sometimes I prefer it to the company of others, especially new people Ive just met from the offices Im visiting. One thing more than any
other has changed my point of view the smartphone. Youre alone, but youre not really alone any more.

Speaker 2
Im often away from home during the holidays, and so I eat out by myself, but it doesnt bother me at all. I love to try all sorts of local
restaurants, especially places with innovative menus. When I dine solo, theres no one that I have to make conversation with and no one
whose opinions I have to listen to. You can enjoy the taste of the food and the wine, and thats all. I can eat in peace, I dont get
criticised if I have dessert, and sometimes I just stare out of the window I enjoy people watching.

Speaker 3
I worked in Tokyo two years ago, and while I was there I found that dining solo was considered absolutely normal. After work, lots of
people eat noodles or rice alone at restaurants near the train station. In my travels Ive also been to restaurants all over the world where
you dont even need to speak to a waitress you can order food on a digital menu. You just touch what you want and your order goes
straight to the kitchen. Very convenient, but to me, thats a bit too much if Im dining solo, Id like at least a little bit of human contact.

Speaker 4
I do enjoy dining alone, but I wouldnt want to eat solo every time I go out! One advantage is I can think my own thoughts and not have
to worry about seeming rude or paying attention to someone else. I can take my time ordering without feeling other people are getting
impatient waiting for me to decide what I want and not understanding why its taking me so long. And I can eat as slowly as I like
without feeling pressure because other people are finished and want to leave. Of course, there are plenty of advantages to going out
with friends as well.

Speaker 5
I honestly wouldnt mind the occasional solo meal the idea doesnt bother me at all. When you do it, though, the people at the next
table sometimes look at you as if they feel sorry for you, like you must be terribly lonely if youre eating alone. I find it very embarrassing.
Once the waitress kept asking me if I was OK by myself and if someone was coming, although Id asked for a table for one and told her I
wasnt expecting anyone. Its that sort of reaction that can prevent me from enjoying a meal alone and so I try to avoid dining solo.

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02 Listening Practice 2, Streak Running, page 91

Im feeling quite ill today in fact, Ive got a fever, but as you can see, Im out here running anyway. Why am I doing it? Because Im a
streak runner. A streak runner is someone who runs every day. You never miss a day, no matter what, even if youre ill. If I didnt run
today, it would end my running streak thats the number of days Ive run without missing a day and I would have to start again from
the beginning. That would be very upsetting after Ive run for 400 consecutive days! This is the best Ive ever done Ive tried a few
times before, but I always stopped after a week or two.
But what Ive done is nothing compared to people have been streaking for years and years. I can keep track of everybody who does it
through our organisation, the US Running Streak Association. They keep a list on their website of all the runners in the United States,
and theyve got a Facebook page where we all tell our running stories.
Anyone can become a member of the Association by paying $20, but you cant be on the list until youve run every day for at least a
year. You can run outside, or inside on a treadmill, and as slow or fast as you like but it doesnt count as a streak unless its at least a
mile a day. For each person, the list shows the date they started running and the length of their streak in days since they began. And
also where they live and their occupation. Its quite a long list, which is really amazing all these people that run in the heat, in the cold,
in blizzards or when theyre ill.
Some people say that streak running isnt healthy, and the association posts a warning to new runners. They advise you never to try a
running streak until youve been running regularly for at least six months. But streaking isnt dangerous unless you over-train. Its actually
better to under-train for a while you may not accomplish as much, but at least you wont be injured.
And of course, even experienced athletes need to rest on some days. The way streak runners rest is, on one or two days a week we just
take a shorter run or run a little more slowly.
One of the people I admire most is Jon Sutherland he holds the streak record on our list. He started as an 18-year-old student back in
1969, and hasnt stopped for over 45 years. Hes a music lover, but he prefers quiet when he runs. Thats so weird I cant run without
my music!
A lot of people are surprised to learn that through the years, Jon has run with ten broken bones and also after having knee surgery.
It may sound unusual, but streak runners do things like that all the time. Every athlete deals with pain you learn to live with it and
keep going.
Streak running gives me a purpose. I know exactly where Im going when I get up every morning. No matter where Im travelling and
what pressures Ive got at work or at home Im going out to run. You might say its an addiction, but I think its fine as long as it
doesnt take over your life. Actually, after you run, you feel youve taken some time to do something for yourself, so after that, its easier
to focus on your family and the other people in your life.

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03 Listening Practice 3, A Modern-day Amelia Earhart, page 92

Jack: Hi Tracy! Where are you going?

Tracy: My dad told me to meet him here at the bus stop. Hes driving me to my flying lesson, and I hope we wont be late I dont
think the flying instructor will like that!
Jack: Flying lesson? I didnt know you wanted to learn to fly a plane.
Tracy: I didnt, but then I got really inspired reading about Amelia Earhart on the web.
Jack: You mean that famous pilot who lived back in the 1930s? Wasnt she the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic?
Tracy: No, no, Im not talking about that Amelia Earhart! Im talking about Amelia Rose Earhart. Shes a famous pilot as well, but
shes alive and shes young.
Jack: Now Im totally confused. How did two women pilots get the same name?
Tracy: Well, the modern Amelias parents wanted to give her a special name that nobody would forget. They werent expecting her
to actually become a pilot, but they wanted her to be strong and independent, like the first Amelia Earhart. Amelia Rose had
no ambitions to actually fly, but as soon as people heard her name, they would ask her if she was a pilot. She always had to
say no, of course.
Jack: So how did she eventually become a pilot?
Tracy: In 2004, when she was about 21, she decided that since everybody was asking her if she was going to be a pilot, she would
give flying lessons a chance. As soon as she took off for the first time, she knew that this was what she wanted to do. She
worked really hard to pay for her training and finally got her pilots licence in 2010.
Jack: And where are you getting the money for flying lessons?
Tracy: Thats just it! From Amelia Rose Earhart!
Jack: Are you kidding? Shes paying for your flying lessons?
Tracy: Not her personally. She runs an organisation called the Fly with Amelia Foundation. They get donations and the moneys used
to pay for people to learn to fly.
Jack: Fantastic! Ive always wanted to learn to fly!
Tracy: Sorry, Jack. Its specifically for girls between the ages of 16 and 18. Amelia thinks that learning to pilot a plane is a good way
for girls to get confidence in themselves, and some of them may even start careers in flight or engineering. She worked at
three jobs to pay for her lessons theyre terribly expensive so she wants to help other girls have it easier.
Jack: Thats great. Hey, whatever happened to the first Amelia Earhart? Didnt she disappear or something?
Tracy: The first Amelia Earharts dream was to fly all the way around the world. She set out with her navigator Frederick Noonan in
1937 and made it almost all the way, but then their plane vanished without a trace in the Pacific Ocean. What happened to
her is a total mystery.
Jack: How sad.
Tracy: But listen to this Amelia Rose recreated that flight around the world in 2014. She planned her route to follow the original
Amelias as closely as possible, including the airports they stopped at. She flew over 14 countries, nearly 28,000 miles in all,
and became the youngest woman to fly around the world in a single-engine plane.
Jack: And she came back safely, I assume?
Tracy: Of course! She had a modern, state-of-the-art plane and satellite navigation. The first Amelia had to rely on paper maps and
reading the stars!
Jack: Thats a big difference. Anyway, youre lucky to be taking flying lessons!
Tracy: I know! And I dont think itll end with just being a pilot Id like to study aerospace engineering at university. Then I can
design planes and maybe even spaceships.
Jack: Im impressed. I wish I knew what I wanted!
Tracy: Youll figure it out one of these days.

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04 Listening Practice 4, A Variety of Conversations, page 93

1 Man: Wheres the sunscreen?

Woman: Ill get it. Its in the bathroom cabinet.
Man: Never mind, Ill get it. Oh, and Ill cut up some peaches and apples to bring along.
Woman: All right, but its so much easier just to buy something there at the kiosk. And we really have to hurry.
Man: I know, but I dont like the junk food there. Thisll only take me a minute. Have you filled the water bottles?
Woman: We can fill them at the pool. I hope you dont mind drinking their water!
Man: Very funny!
Woman: Did you pack any towels?
Man: Yes, one for each of us.
2 Teenage Sometimes there are hard questions in exams that I dont know how to answer right away, and that can put me in a panic.
boy: 
But I take a deep breath, and then I do the easier parts first. That way, I know Ive answered at least some of the questions.
If I have time when Im finished, I go back and check what Ive done. A lot of people complain that they dont like doing that
I dont either, but a lot of times I find mistakes that could cost me a few points. So its worth it.
3 Man: Did you like that programme on Siberia last night?
Woman: Well, I dont know much about that part of the world, so I was expecting to learn quite a bit about Siberia. I must say the
land looks beautiful.
Man: Yes, isnt it? Brilliant how they photographed the wolves.
Woman: Yes, and you could almost feel the cold. I dont think Id be very happy living in such a freezing place. But I was disappointed
that the programme didnt really give enough facts about Siberia.
Man: Thats true, but I dont think that was the purpose. I suppose they just wanted to show how beautiful the place is.
Woman: I suppose so.
4 Woman: 
You wouldnt believe it As I was leaving the office today, there was a huge demonstration going on outside. There must
have been a few hundred people there at least.
Man: What was it about?
Woman: Something about the environment, Im not sure exactly.
Man: Why didnt you find out? I thought you were really interested in environmental issues.
Woman: 
I am. I think its really important, but the demonstrators were blocking the street and I had to get home. I was in a terrible
hurry my cable TV wasnt working and the technician was coming.
5 Man: People often ask me how much money I make. I think its rude to ask, but I can honestly say that I dont even remember
how much my last painting sold for. But the people that are really annoying are the ones who think that all I do is fly from
exhibition opening to exhibition opening, wearing stylish suits and meeting all those rich people who come to galleries to
buy my paintings. They dont have any idea that I spend most of my time covered in paint, working from morning till night.
They dont understand all the hard work it takes to be a successful artist.
6 Woman: Hi Suzy. I got your text message about getting together great idea! The problem with Wednesday is that Ive made an
appointment for a haircut right after work, so it would have to be a bit later in the evening ...
Oh, thats right. Going late might not be good for Janis because she gets up so early during the week. How about Thursday
then?
No good for you? And Im going away for the weekend, so we cant make it Friday. Well, I could try to change my
appointment. Ill give them a call and see when they can take me next.
7 Woman: Im quite amazed at myself really. The last time I organised one of these parties was back in high school, but I havent
forgotten how! Shes going to be so surprised I just know it especially when her mother and sister walk in. I dont think
theyve ever visited her at work before. Good thing I asked everyone to bring something I couldnt have made it all myself.
The question is what to do if she comes into my office and sees all this food! I hope we can keep her out.
8 Man: I like the way they look, but theyre a bit small.
Woman: OK, Ill get you a larger pair Here you are, weve got your size in brown. Try them on and see if they fit.
Man: Aah, thats better. Theyre quite comfortable how much are they?
Woman: Ninety euros.
Man: Oh, thats so expensive. I hadnt expected that price.
Woman: But theyre excellent quality. You wont be sorry.
Man: I do like them a lot, but I actually prefer them in black. When will you be getting them in my size?
Woman: The best thing to do is see if another shop in the chain has got a pair and have them delivered here, but thatll take a few
days. Would you like me to check?

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Listening Practice 5, Say No to Dolphin Shows, page 94

Rodney: H ello, and welcome to Animal Kingdom. Im Rodney Williams, and today our guest is animal rights activist Bianca Rivers.
Its a great day for anyone who believes in animal rights, isnt it, Bianca?
Bianca: Yes, it is, Rodney. Weve just been told that India has banned the use of dolphins and whales in public entertainment. That
means therell be no aquarium shows!
Rodney: Thats wonderful. So Bianca, are they going to set all their dolphins free once they close the aquariums?
Bianca: Actually, the aquariums were only just being planned in a few different places in India, including Delhi and Mumbai. There
were such massive animal rights demonstrations that theyve taken away the licences and they wont be built.
Rodney: Is India the first country to ban dolphin shows?
Bianca: No, its only the latest. In the past ten years, theyve been banned in several countries like Bolivia, Chile, Croatia and Greece.
And then theres Hungary they were way ahead of everyone else they started their ban in 1992.
Rodney: What about the UK?
Bianca: They havent banned them, but they have standards that make it financially impossible to keep dolphins for example, you
have to have enormous pools. Other countries that do this are Norway and Brazil. On the opposite side, there are countries
with huge numbers of dolphin shows the biggest are Japan, China, the United States, Russia and Mexico.
Rodney: Its hard to believe that there are still so many dolphin shows.
Bianca: Yes, it is. The aquariums claim that theyre educational and that theyre helping endangered animals, but in reality theyre
mainly a good way to make money. And people think that dolphins and whales are cute and clever because they do such
amazing tricks. They dont realise how much these animals suffer in captivity.
Rodney: Why are the aquariums so bad for them?
Bianca:  These animals swim hundreds of miles every day, Rodney something they cant do in a pool, no matter how big. They use
sonar signals to communicate and in a pool, these just echo off the walls, and its torture for them. And worst of all, when
theyre captured, theyre taken away from their family and social group.
Rodney: Fortunately, more and more people ARE aware of this. And one group thats helping is the Nonhuman Rights Project, or the
NRP. Id like to ask Peter Hill, whos involved in the project, to join us. Peter?
Peter: Hi, Rodney.
Rodney: Peter, weve all heard of human rights. But what are non-human rights? Isnt that the same as animal rights?
Peter: Not exactly. We want non-humans to be legally considered persons. And were starting with some of the most intelligent
animals on Earth, like chimpanzees, elephants and dolphins.
Rodney: So a person doesnt have to be a human being?
Peter: Not necessarily. These non-humans are persons because they have emotions. Theyre aware of themselves. They have
relationships with other animals. They use sophisticated communication and can solve difficult problems. So we say that
they have the same rights as a person to life and to freedom.
Rodney: Which means that no one should own them?
Peter: Correct. None of these animals should ever be held in captivity.
Rodney: So Peter, what action is the NRP taking?
Peter: One example is a chimpanzee in the United States named Tommy. His owners keep him in a cage in a dark underground
room. Were going to help Tommy take his owners to court, and our lawyers are going to represent him. Hes our first client.
Rodney: Bianca, have you got anything to say?
Bianca:  Well, I think its an interesting idea, but it will just make things more complicated. Where do you draw the line between
someone whos a person and someone who isnt? And what about less intelligent animals? In my opinion, we should
concentrate on getting laws passed for animal rights for all animals.
Rodney: Thanks very much to both of you.

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06 Listening Practice 6, The South-North Water Transfer Project, page 95

Good morning, students. As you well know, China has become one of the most powerful countries in the world, but unfortunately, it
hasnt got enough water for the entire country. Think of it this way: China has about the same land area as the United States, but four
times its population one billion 350 million people. That means its home to 20% of the worlds people but its only got 7% of the
worlds water! To make things worse, southern China has got 80% of the countrys water, while the north is very, very dry. Thats not
good, because northern China is the centre of industry and agriculture.
Its quite obvious that this is a major problem, but the Chinese have come up with a solution. Theyre going to move water from the
south to the dry North. Theyre calling it the South-North Water Transfer Project. Waters been transferred in lots of places, but nothing
this big has ever been tried before anywhere in the world. Its just incredible. No one has ever attempted to move this much water or to
move water such a long distance.
Let me explain. The south of China has got a huge river, called the Yangtze. It runs across the country, from west to east. What the
Chinese are doing is, theyre building three more-or-less parallel routes, and each route will take water from the Yangtze to the north.
Theyre called the Eastern Route, the Central Route and the Western Route.
Its hard to believe, but these routes are going to carry almost 12 trillion gallons a year! And the total length of all three routes put
together is close to 3,000 kilometres theyre 1,152, 1,264 and 447 kilometres long respectively its sort of like moving water all the
way from London to Istanbul! Its very impressive, but as you might expect with a project this massive, there are a lot of environmental
issues that are coming up.
To begin with, the Chinese first started planning this project 50 years ago, and thats when they worked out how much water to divert
from the Yangtze. But things have changed since then unfortunately, while the south used to have lots of rain, its recently been having
droughts. So the Yangtze now has less water but they havent changed the amount they want to take from it. Why is this bad for the
Yangtze River? Because when the amount of water in a river goes down, it cant clean itself of pollutants, so the quality of the water is
reduced as well. This can have a devastating effect on everything living in and near it fish, birds and plants, and of course on the 430
million people who depend on it. And whats really tragic is that in order to construct the Central Route, almost 350,000 people have
been forced to move because it goes right through their farms, towns and villages.
You might ask, will this project, even though it isnt perfect, at least solve the water problem in the north? Actually, by the time its
finished in about 2050, the population will have grown so much that it will help, but it wont be enough. And because of industries near
the routes, the water may be too polluted to use anyway once it reaches the north! In my opinion, China has to do a lot more about
water recycling and conservation and concentrate less on grandiose projects. But despite all these issues, it doesnt look like Chinas
going to give up on its South-North Water Transfer Project.

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