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Listening 1 Listening 2
Interviewer Welcome back everyone, and joining us now for 1 Erm, my favourite colour? I haven’t really thought about it,
our weekly Business Corner is Marian Williamson. but blue’s not bad I suppose. I’ve got lots of clothes in that
Marian’s going to talk to us about the importance of colour, like jeans and T-shirts, and I look good in it too. But
choosing the right colour for a business. Marian, red’s even better, because that’s the colour of my team! Guess
welcome, and thanks for coming into the studio. which one I’m talking about!
Marian Hello, it’s nice to be here. 2 I’m not really into dark colours – there’s something a bit
Interviewer Now, this is a very interesting topic. I’m sure heavy and negative about them. In fact, I prefer the complete
many people don’t realize how much thought has opposite, you know, colours like yellows and oranges. They’re
gone into choosing the colour of products, marketing nice and cheerful and I think they really improve your mood.
materials like catalogues and brochures, and even 3 Well, when you look at what I’m wearing you probably think
business cards, or what a business is actually trying to I’m going to say black or grey, don’t you? And I do like these
say through their colour choice. So, what should colours a lot, but neither is my favourite. That’s green,
business owners think about? because it makes me think of the natural world and all the
Marian Well, the first thing to understand is that colours are beauty that’s outside all around us.
very powerful – scientists have shown time and time 4 I usually choose darker colours, so I don’t have much in
again that they can cause changes in our bodies and orange or shades like that. Black works best for me, because
minds. Obviously this is important for a business it’s not difficult to match with lots of other colours. Yeah,
because they need to know which colour will that’s definitely the one I prefer. And I quite like grey too.
encourage people to buy their products. 5 I like most colours actually. Yellow makes me think of the sun,
Interviewer Right, tell us a bit more about that, Marian. and spring, and makes me feel good. And blue reminds me of
Marian OK, but before I go on to give you some examples of being near the sea and long summer holidays, and I love that!
colours that work in certain businesses, I should just The only colour I’m not too keen on is brown – it’s just not a
say that the meaning of colours varies depending on a very exciting colour!
person’s culture, race, sex, and age. So, it isn’t just
about the selection of colours in general, but also
about which ones to use to target your customers.
People need to be educated about that. A good
example is the colour white – in Western cultures it
means purity and innocence, but in Eastern cultures
it symbolizes death.
Interviewer Very interesting. So, which colours are important
for business?
Marian That depends on whether you want the customer to
feel energized, or you want to impress them with
your style, or you want them to know you’re reliable.
Take blue, for example. It symbolizes loyalty and
peace. You can trust it. That’s why companies like the
computer giant IBM use it. It makes the buyer feel
safe.
Interviewer I see. What other message might a business want
to send out to buyers?
Marian Well, think of the colours used in traffic lights. Red
means danger or stop. And green means go.
Companies use this colour to suggest growth, to
show that they’re doing well. It suggests that
something is healthy and there’s plenty of it.
Interviewer What about black? Is it used much?
Marian Yes, it is actually. Black suggests power and style, so
it’s used by businesses that want to communicate to
the buyer that they can offer them luxury and quality.
It’s partly about the price, but more about the image.
Interviewer Well, that’s amazing. Who would have thought
that colour was so important in business? Well, we’ll
have to end it there, Marian. Thanks for joining us.
Marian Thank you. It was a pleasure.

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FILE 2 FILE 2
Listening 1 Listening 2
Interviewer Now then, with the summer holidays fast 1 The worst thing I ever bought was a car – my first car, in
approaching, I’m sure lots of parents out there are fact, when I was a university student. It was a problem from
thinking about sending their kids off to summer camp day one. It was just too old I suppose and it let me down nine
for a few weeks. But with so many to choose from and times out of ten. I spent far too much money trying to fix it
such a huge range in prices too, how do you choose? and in the end I just got rid of it and used the bus!
Well, with me now I have Holly Barker who’s going to 2 Last year I spent a fortune on a designer watch. I really loved
tell us about ClubCamp, which is down on the south the watch so I didn’t mind how expensive it was. But then
coast. Welcome to the programme, Holly. the strap broke after about a week and the glass fell out not
Holly Thanks. long after that. The shop sorted everything out, but I was so
Interviewer So Holly, you must be an expert on ClubCamp by fed-up by then that I asked for my money back. It just wasn’t
now. You’ve been there several times, haven’t you? worth it!
Holly Yeah, I first went when I was 15 and I really loved it. My 3 When I moved into my new flat I bought myself a
older brother was there too that summer. Then I went microwave. I thought it would save me lots of time, you
back last year, but alone that time. And I’m just about know, for heating up soup and things like that. Anyway, one
to head off there again. evening I was making dinner and I smelled smoke, and I
Interviewer What makes ClubCamp so special in your realized it was actually on fire. I could have had more than a
opinion? burned dinner that evening!
Holly I think it’s because there’s just so much to do there. I’ve 4 I bought some perfume recently on an internet shopping
heard a lot about other camps and loads of my mates site. It was advertised at a great price so I decided to get two
have been to different ones too, but none of them have bottles! Anyway, when it arrived I was really disappointed.
so many different activities. Also, it’s in a nice place. It was nothing like the original stuff and the bottles were
The only thing is, the weather isn’t always great. cheap and unattractive. I just threw it in the bin. I’m still
Interviewer Well, you can’t have everything I suppose! What’s trying to get a refund!
been your favourite activity so far? 5 In the winter sales, I bought a leather jacket. I thought it’d be
Holly Hmm, that’s hard to say. I really enjoyed learning to really practical for winter weather. But it was a complete
surf. That was a new experience for me and it was a bit nightmare. Let’s just say it doesn’t go very well with rain!
difficult at the beginning. But then again, some of the After only a few weeks it looked like I’d had it for years. I had
arts and crafts workshops were great too. I made some to spend ages cleaning it to try and get it back to how it was
cool jewellery! But I’d have to say that the evening supposed to look. I won’t be wearing it next year!
activities, you know, the barbecues around the camp
fire and so on, come out on top. They’re a lot of fun!
Interviewer Sounds like it. So, who goes to ClubCamp? Is it
only for British students?
Holly Actually, that’s another thing that makes ClubCamp
different from the other summer camps. Students
come from all over the world and you can make friends
from some really interesting places. Many of the
instructors are from the sister organizations – other
branches of ClubCamp around the world – and I think
this works really well. You know, it gives everyone a bit
of a cultural experience without going anywhere.
Interviewer What about the food at the camp? Would you
recommend it?
Holly Definitely! All the vegetables are grown there and they
get most of the meat from a farm just up the road from
the camp. The chefs bake their own bread every
morning too. Sometimes there’s pizza or burgers and
everyone loves that! And there’s also a special menu for
people who don’t eat meat or some other foods. Put it
this way, nobody’s ever complained!
Interviewer Well Holly, I’m afraid we’re out of time, so we’ll
have to leave it there. ClubCamp certainly sounds like
a great place to spend a few weeks and thanks so much
for coming in to tell us all about it.
Holly You’re welcome.

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FILE 3 FILE 3
Listening 1 Listening 2
Olivia Hey, Grandpa. We have to do some research for a history 1 I’ve got lots of great photos, but probably the one that’s
project at school. Could you help me out if you have time? most important to me is the one of my grandma. She
Grandpa Sure Olivia, what do you need to know? got married when she was very young, and in this photo
Olivia Um, OK, tell me about your social life when you were a of her on her wedding day, she’s only about 18 years
teenager. What kind of things did you get up to in the old. My grandpa died last year, so she lives with us now.
holidays? 2 I’ve got the cutest little kitten. She’s only a few months
Grandpa Well, let me think … there were no such things as youth old and she loves to sleep in strange places. Once I
clubs or holiday clubs back then, so we had to find our own found her in the vegetable basket on top of the potatoes
fun. I remember in summer I would leave home in the and carrots – I had to get a photo of that! The one I love
morning, and then my friends and I used to go off on our most is of her curled up on a towel in the bathroom
bikes and stay out until evening. We’d ride through the beside the heater. She looks so comfortable.
woods or stay down by the river, those sorts of places. 3 We’ve got so many photos of the children that it’s really
Olivia Mum never lets me do that! impossible to pick a favourite. But as a hobby, I’m quite
Grandpa Things are different nowadays – we had our bikes, but we into landscape photography and I got some pretty
didn’t have any other toys or games. And do you know impressive shots recently. There’s one in a forest in
what? We were happy just as we were. We invented our own New England in autumn – the shades of red and yellow
games – we just used whatever we found outside, like bits of are amazing as you can imagine. Probably that’s the
wood, for example. If you ask me, kids nowadays have too best one.
many expensive toys and spend far too long in front of the 4 I work as a food photographer, so I spend my life taking
TV! photos of all sorts of yummy-looking food – you know,
Olivia Hmm, so what about school? Did you work hard? cakes, chocolate desserts, and so on. I’ve got an
Grandpa Yes, I did – I had to. We had no choice! My teachers were amazing one of a strawberry cake. But because it’s all
great and I liked … well, about 50% of my lessons anyway. work those pictures don’t mean so much to me. One
We had quite a bit of homework to do and funnily enough, I photo I do love, though, is a black and white one of my
usually enjoyed doing that. For some projects, I used to sit nephew that my sister gave me. It was taken when he
for hours reading the encyclopaedias we had at home. They was about a half a day old and he looks so sweet.
were big books with information about everything under 5 It was taken ages ago in our final year at university, on
the sun – we had no internet then, you see. the day of our last exam actually. We all got dressed up
Olivia Cool! I’d like to see those books some time if you still have and went out to celebrate afterwards, and it was a
them. fantastic evening. Now, years later, even though we’re
Grandpa I’ve got them all. Now then, what else do you need to know? all married and have our own families, we still talk
Olivia Er … did you like music when you were younger, Grandpa? about it.
Grandpa Oh yes, I loved it! I had a little radio in my room and I used
to get new batteries for it every week. It was like another
best friend to me. Back then, I had a few records too. I
showed them to you once. Do you remember? And when I
was about 19 years old, I saw my first band – The Bruce
Brothers – in the local community hall. I went there with
your Great Uncle Jack. I remember it well.
Olivia Wow! Were they good?
Grandpa The best. They were my favourite band.
Olivia What about food, Grandpa? What did you eat when you
were younger?
Grandpa Well, I was very lucky because my mother, your
great-grandmother, was a wonderful cook. We had our
own eggs from the chickens she kept and obviously we had
their meat sometimes as well. And there was every kind of
vegetable you could think of growing in the back garden.
She baked bread every day, too. In fact, she didn’t need to
go to the shops for much at all, just things like fish, for
example. Ah, she was so good in the kitchen, Olivia.
Olivia Grandpa, I have to stop now because I must finish my
homework. But it was really good to hear all about the old
days. Will you tell me more some other time?
Grandpa Of course I will, any time.
Olivia Cool! See you later then.

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FILE 4 FILE 4
Listening 1 Listening 2
Interviewer I’m delighted to welcome Tom Matthews to the 1 I’m not really sure yet what I want to do in the future. But I do
studio today. Tom is going to tell us about the know what I don’t want to do, and that’s be indoors all day,
recycling services in the city of Bristol. Tom, thanks like in an office. That would be so boring. I like being with
for joining us. people, so I’d prefer an outdoor job that doesn’t mean
Tom It’s a pleasure. working on my own.
Interviewer Now, as far as I understand, Bristol has just been 2 I’m quite into animals, so perhaps a job working with them.
chosen as the European Green Capital. Is that right, I’ll see. But thinking about it again actually, helping to make
Tom? people’s lives better is something I want to do. Both of my
Tom Yes, that’s right. We’re really delighted with the parents are doctors, so I could do the same as them. In fact,
prize, which recognizes all the hard work the city that’s probably what I’ll do in the end – if I get good enough
council, local businesses, and the people of Bristol grades, of course!
have done to make our beautiful city more 3 I have no idea yet what job I’d like to do. I get bored easily and
environmentally friendly. And the timing of the I can’t imagine being in a job where I’d just do the same thing
announcement was perfect because Bristol’s Festival every day. That’d be a complete nightmare! So whatever I do
of Nature starts this weekend. in the end, it’ll have to involve doing different things.
Interviewer Great! Now, tell me a little about the recycling 4 Well, I think working in a team with lots of other people is
services you’ve got in Bristol. good – I do enjoy that when we work together on projects and
Tom Well, you can recycle all the usual things. We use a stuff. But in the future, in my job, I’d prefer to work on my
box system, where people put different things that own and just get on with doing things my way. I’d like to be in
they want to recycle in special boxes, and these boxes charge instead of being told what to do!
are in different colours. The black box is for anything 5 I don’t mind working in an office, actually – being indoors
made of paper, for example. Glass bottles and jars warm and dry sounds quite good to me! I’m quite good at
also go in this one, as do old clothes. Pillows or thinking of new and different ways of doing things and I enjoy
curtains don’t go in this box, though. writing, so I’d like a job where I got the chance to try out my
Interviewer Right, and the other boxes? own ideas, and use my imagination a bit.
Tom We’ve got a green box as well. That’s for all your
bottles from the bathroom and kitchen, and food and
drink cartons, for example. The important thing with
this box is that it’s not for metal of any kind. You
know, no soup tins, batteries, electrical items, and so
on.
Interviewer And how often are the boxes emptied?
Tom This service started out on a fortnightly basis, but as
we found that people had more and more stuff to
recycle, we changed to a weekly service. And we’ve
been doing this for several months now. Basically,
people just have to leave their boxes out by 7 a.m. and
we collect them.
Interviewer Very good …
Tom Could I just add something here?
Interviewer Sure, go ahead.
Tom Well, from early next year people will have more
opportunity to come to the recycling centre as we’re
going be staying open for longer. Now the centre
opens at 9.00 and closes at 4.30 from Monday to
Friday. From January, it will open an hour earlier and
close half an hour later.
Interviewer That’s good to know. Tom, unfortunately we’ll
have to end it here because we have to go to the local
news now. It’s been great talking to you. Thank you.
Tom Thanks.

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FILE 5 FILE 5
Listening 1 Listening 2
Interviewer With the cost of living in our cities increasing every year, 1 Unfortunately I don’t have much time to watch TV,
not to mention all the other problems that cities have but one programme I never miss is Coronation
nowadays, many people are choosing to move away. Victoria Street. It’s a British soap opera and because my
Shaw is one person who did just that, and she’s here with me mum’s really into it, I grew up with it! In fact, I can
now in the studio to tell us all about her move. Welcome to The say I grew up with several of the characters in the
Afternoon Show, Victoria. show.
Victoria Thanks, James. It’s lovely to be here. 2 I love a programme called The Sky at Night. It’s all
Interviewer Now, you used to live in Manchester with your husband and about the planets. I read a lot about them and I’ve
three children. Right? got a telescope to study the stars, but it’s great to
Victoria Yes, that’s correct. Both my husband and myself were born and watch the scientists explaining things. The only
brought up in Manchester, so city life was all we knew really. thing is that the programme is only on occasionally,
Interviewer What was the main reason you wanted to get out of the city, which is a real shame.
then? 3 My all-time favourite programme is Friends. It
Victoria Well, one thing was that my husband and I never seemed to ended several years ago, but you can still see old
have time for anything anymore. We didn’t go out together episodes very often on digital channels. It’s
much, say, to have a meal. We were always busy and in a hurry. American, and it’s all about five very good friends
But more importantly, we really wanted to have more time with and their lives. It had some very famous actors and
the children, you know, to play games, do sports, read to them, actresses in it – actually they probably became
and so on. And we have that now. famous because of this programme.
Interviewer So what kind of things did you find strange during your 4 I like competitive reality TV, you know,
first few weeks in the countryside? programmes that have ordinary people in them and
Victoria Several things actually. All that fresh air for a start! We weren’t they can win something. Probably my favourite is
used to that in the centre of Manchester. There’s so much The Voice. Some of the winners on it have gone on to
pollution in cities, you know. Your hair and clothes get dirty so become well-known all over the world because
quickly. And the peace – it’s lovely and quiet all the time … well, they’re such great singers. I could easily watch it
most of the time, because we live near a farm. And of course every week, but it’s only on for a few months.
the people. Don’t get me wrong, the people in Manchester are 5 I’m a nurse and I often work at night, so I miss my
great, but in the countryside, people have more time for you. TV favourite programme. It’s a period drama called
Interviewer Have any of you taken up any new hobbies since you left Downton Abbey. It’s not a problem though because
Manchester? I can watch it on the internet whenever I want. It’s
Victoria Oh, lots of things. The children are really into growing nice to get into bed with a hot drink and know that
vegetables these days. They became interested in this at school it’s there and ready to watch. It’s really convenient.
and then at home they announced that they wanted to do it for
the family. They’re out there all the time checking what’s
happening with the carrots and potatoes! We all enjoy cooking
together in the evenings – it’s quite relaxing.
Interviewer Have you made new friends since you moved to the new
place?
Victoria Yes, I have actually! First I thought about joining some clubs as
a way of meeting people but I’ve been quite busy with other
things. I work part-time in the local school, so actually I know
all the teachers and lots of the parents too. I’ve got some lovely
friends now.
Interviewer So, it wasn’t hard then.
Victoria No, not at all!
Interviewer Well, I have to ask you, do you miss anything at all about
your old life?
Victoria Er, not much, no. Perhaps a day out at a city museum or gallery,
something like that. But we’re all very happy with our new lives
and would never go back to city living. Friends come and visit
often because we have plenty of space in our new house and I
can do all kinds of shopping online, so that’s no problem.
Interviewer Well, it’s been very interesting talking to you Victoria, and
thanks for sharing your story.
Victoria Thank you!

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FILE 6 FILE 6
Listening 1 Listening 2
Interviewer … and welcome back everyone. Joining us now in 1 Instead of buying special cloths for doing the windows and
the studio is Paul Fields, who just won the Postman of mirrors at home, I use old newspapers. I never throw ours
the Year award. Paul, thanks for coming in today. away – we just keep a pile in the garage. It really works and the
Paul Hi Anna, no problem. glass ends up very shiny!
Interviewer Now, I don’t know much about the Postman of the 2 This is something my grandfather taught me. When you’ve
Year competition. How long has it been around for? eaten a banana, don’t throw the skin away immediately. Use
Paul A long time actually. I’d say at least twenty years. the inside of the skin to clean leather shoes. Try it – you’ll be
Let’s see, well, I’ve been a postman for 22 years now surprised! The great thing is that the leather looks smart for
and it was taking place when I started out. I think it ages afterwards.
had started a couple of years before that, so probably 3 My top tip is for doing the laundry. Add some lemon juice to
about 24 years or more. your whites to make them extra white. You know how
Interviewer Right, so a pretty long time then. So, what do sometimes things can start to look old and grey after they’ve
people need to do to choose their winner? had several washes? Well, if you do this, they won’t look their
Paul Every year the local papers have an article about the age!
competition, telling people what qualities they should 4 If you’ve got a mirror that’s been damaged in some way, say
recognize in their postman, what they need to do to like a scratch, or something, make sure the glass is clean first,
vote and so on. And nowadays that’s done online. We then use a cloth to rub toothpaste all over it and wipe it off. It
drop off some leaflets in postboxes too, and there are should end up looking like the day you bought it!
usually posters on the wall in post offices showing 5 When I buy fresh flowers, I add two spoons of vinegar and
past winners. one spoon of sugar to the water in the vase. And the result is
Interviewer How do you feel about winning this award, Paul? that the blooms last a lot longer. Flowers aren’t cheap, so you
Paul Well, a bit odd, actually. It’s a lovely thing to win, it want to make sure you get value for money!
really is. But it’s hard to talk about – it’s a bit
uncomfortable sitting here saying, ‘Oh, I won a prize
because I’m so great!’ You know what I mean? To be
honest, I think my wife and children are the ones who
are really pleased!
Interviewer Why do you think you received so many votes,
Paul? I read that you got six times as many votes as the
other postmen in your area. That’s impressive!
Paul Er, thanks. Well, I can only tell you what people said
in the comments they wrote. It seems as if people
enjoy having a chat when I drop their mail off, no
matter how early or late that is. And actually, I love
chatting – I just can’t help myself! But more
importantly than that, lots of people mentioned the
fact that I always have a smile on my face. That’s what
did it apparently!
Interviewer Good for you! Now, what qualities do you think a
good postman needs to have?
Paul There are lots of things actually. You have to like
working with people for a start and you have to be
able to do early mornings – very early. The main
thing, though, is that you love the job. If you don’t,
people will know. They’re not easily fooled!
Interviewer That makes sense. Paul, I’d love to be able to talk
to you some more, but unfortunately we’re out of
time so we’ll have to leave it there. It’s been lovely
having you here.
Paul Thanks very much for having me.

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Listening 1 Listening 2
Interviewer If you weren’t able to get to the Glastonbury Music 1 I enjoy dance shows. I’ve been to quite a few now and
Festival this year, you’re in luck, as the Cornbury Music seen some top professional dancers. I love watching
Festival’s coming up very soon. And joining me now to tell us dance programmes on TV too, but it was when I
a bit more about it is Lucy Hanworth. Lucy’s what we call a started doing some classes at a club in town that I
seasoned festival goer – she goes to several festivals every really got into the whole thing. I do that every week
year! Welcome Lucy and thanks for stopping by today. now.
Lucy Hi! 2 I used to love going to the cinema. We’d go every
Interviewer Now, tell us, how long does the Cornbury Festival last week, actually. But it’s become really expensive,
for? especially when you buy drinks and popcorn as well.
Lucy Well, it takes place every year in July, and mostly, but not So, we’ve joined this great film club and they deliver
always, on the first weekend of the month. It’s spread over DVDs every week. We get recent films, we can watch
three days. Tickets sell out really quickly, but cancelled tickets them whenever we want, and it doesn’t cost
are available about four days before the festival starts. anywhere near as much.
Interviewer And where is it held? 3 A few years ago I went to a comedy club for the first
Lucy Well, it all happens in a huge field not too far from the towns time. I’d seen some of the well-known comedians on
of Charlbury and Banbury. There’s been talk of moving it to a TV – most of them have their own show, you know.
new location, like a park or something, but I hope that doesn’t Anyway, seeing comedy in person is far better than
happen. There are other festivals in city parks. This one really from your sofa. It’s great sitting in the audience with
has the feel of a village fair because there’s so much going on other people laughing around you.
– it’s not just music. You can buy things like jam, for example, 4 Well, music’s my thing. I’m really into it. I listen to it
and there’s stuff for the whole family to do as well. all day long at home and when I’m out and about. I’ve
Interviewer You mentioned that there’s something for everyone at the got loads of music on my phone. I suppose I listen to it
festival. Like what, for instance? far too much really, but I just couldn’t do without it
Lucy Well, for kids, for example, there are loads of workshops because it cheers me up when I’m having a hard time
where they can learn something new. Last year, I remember with something.
they had an Indian dance thing run by a local teacher where 5 I’m in a band. I play lead guitar and we’re in the
kids could learn Bollywood dancing, just like in the films! It middle of making our second album. But when I’m
was brilliant! And there was a song-writing workshop where not working on that, I try to stay away from the music
kids worked with some professional musicians. And they’re scene really. I go to the theatre as often as I can. It’s
planning to have something brand new soon – an not too expensive, but for me it’d be worth it no
international instrument workshop where kids’ll be able to matter how much it cost.
have a go at playing an instrument from another country.
Interviewer That all sounds great! So, what about the camping
facilities?
Lucy They’re pretty good; there’s a big choice actually. You’ve got
things like podpads …
Interviewer … podpads? What exactly are they?
Lucy They’re basically like a little wooden hut with a door that you
can lock, so all your stuff’ll be safe. The beds are raised off the
ground, so even if it rains you’ll be nice and dry, which is the
best thing about them as far as I’m concerned. They’re
soundproof too, so you won’t get woken up by the music. Oh,
and they’ve got lights and sockets for you to charge your
mobile and so on. They’re good if you want some private
time.
Interviewer They sound like just the thing for a festival in this country!
What about the music? What’s on offer at Cornbury?
Lucy There’s a really good range and that’s because it’s a festival
for all ages. Usually, there are lots of pop artists and some
really famous names. There’s plenty of rock too and a few
years ago, they introduced some jazz artists. They were a hit
with the crowd, so I think that’s going to continue.
Interviewer Well Lucy, it’s been really interesting to learn all about the
Cornbury Festival. Thanks very much for coming into the
studio today. And enjoy your next festival!
Lucy Thanks, I will!

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Listening 1 Listening 2
Good afternoon everyone, and welcome to today’s short talk in 1 Well, even though I’m pretty busy with work and life in
our series ‘Important Historical Figures’. Today I’m going to talk general, I try and make sure I get at least half an hour’s
about Winston Churchill – one of the most important figures in exercise every day. It doesn’t mean I go to the gym all the time,
British history in the last century. far from it – I just do simple things like not taking the elevator
Now, Winston Churchill had many roles in life. You probably at work, or going out for a short walk around the block after
know him as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during lunch every day.
World War II. And at various times in his life he was also an 2 I only go to the gym once a week. I know I should really be
author, a soldier, and a journalist. What many people don’t going at least three times, but I’ve got a lot on with my studies.
know, however, is that he was also a talented painter. So, to make up for it, I cycle into university most days and I try
Churchill was born on 30 November 1874, near Woodstock not to use the bus – only when there’s heavy rain. And I think
in Oxfordshire. In keeping with the tradition at that time, he it’s working because I feel really fit these days.
spent much of his childhood at boarding school. He was rarely 3 I’m not the world’s biggest fan of gyms – they’re not exactly
visited there by his mother, despite his weekly letters home exciting! I don’t think I’m in great shape at the moment, but
begging her to either come, or let his father allow him to go I’m working on it. For me, exercise has to be fun, so I joined
home. He had a close relationship with his mother, but a distant this really cool dance class called ‘zumba’. It’s a mixture of
one with his father, who was a politician, even though Winston dance and exercise in one and we have a real laugh. I’ve made
followed his career closely. When he finished school, he enrolled loads of new friends too.
in the Royal Military College in Sandhurst, and graduated two 4 I go to the gym a couple of mornings before work, and then
years later. I’ll go for a run or a cycle some evenings after work. For me
As the son of a prominent politician, it’s perhaps it’s all about mixing it up a bit. I’d be so bored just repeating
unsurprising that Churchill soon became involved in politics the same old thing all the time. That’s where people go wrong
himself. He started speaking with several friends at a number of I think. And then they just give up!
political meetings in the 1890s, and it was noticeable in the first 5 I hate gyms. I mean, why would anyone want to spend hours
years of his career that he frequently used terms that his father under the same roof as lots of other hot, sweaty people,
had used. It seemed as if he was determined to continue his especially when you could be out in the park or going for a
father’s political battles from 15 years earlier. run along the river or somewhere like that? That’s what I do
Over the next 30 years, Churchill held several different and I wouldn’t exercise any other way!
positions before becoming Prime Minister of the UK in 1940.
The country was less than a year into World War II at that time.
He made several speeches during the war period which are
remembered to this day for the inspiration they gave to the
people of this nation during a very difficult time. He also
maintained very good relations with the American President,
Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Churchill married Clementine Hozier in 1908. They went on
to have five children: Diana, Randolph, Sarah, Marigold, and
Mary, who has written a book on her parents. Churchill’s son,
Randolph, and grandson, Winston both followed him into
politics. Churchill himself retired from politics in 1964. In early
1965, he became seriously ill and passed away on 24 January, 70
years to the day of his father’s death. He is buried, at his request,
near Woodstock – the place where he was born.

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Listening Scripts Intermediate Plus

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Listening 1 Listening 2
Interviewer Now we all know that weddings take a lot of 1 In India, on the actual day of the wedding, usually in the
organizing and this is where a wedding planner can be late evening, the bride and bridegroom and friends and
useful. Melanie Bright, who writes for a bridal magazine, relatives come singing and dancing to the wedding site in
joins me now in the studio to tell us all about the work of a procession called baraat, and then the ceremony takes
wedding planners. Welcome, Melanie. place. In Hindu weddings, the bride always wears red,
Melanie Thanks. because white is considered unlucky in our culture. It’s
Interviewer Now tell us first of all what exactly a wedding planner the colour worn after a death has taken place. I’m not sure
does? I’m sure lots of our listeners aren’t clear about that. if the shoes have to be red too, though.
Melanie Well, it sounds like a simple question, but in fact what a 2 In my country, Poland, when the couple walk out of the
wedding planner does changes with each and every church after the ceremony, they’re showered with rice for
client. It really depends on individual wants and needs. good luck. Guests also drop coins at their feet for them to
And it’s that variety that makes it such an attractive job to pick up and that’s to ensure that the newly-married
many people. You never know what’s going to happen! couple will have a good future free of money worries.
Interviewer I see. But there must be some standard things that all 3 There are lots of wedding customs in the Philippines.
wedding planners do, surely? Some people say that it’s unlucky if the wedding rings fall
Melanie Of course. It all starts with that initial meeting between on the floor before the bride and groom have put them on
the client, or clients, and the planner. That’s the most each other’s fingers. And it’s also supposed to be unlucky
important, because the planner can find out then exactly to have two weddings from the same house in one year,
who the client is – who’s paying them. In most cases it’s say, if two sisters got married, for example.
the bride. The planner can also explain the levels of 4 In Turkey, the bridesmaids write their names on the
service available: the full package, which covers just bottom of the bride’s shoe. And at the end of the day, after
about everything, or the basic planning package. There’s all the dancing, they check to see how many names are
quite a big difference in price, so that needs to be made left. The first name to get rubbed off the shoe is the next
clear. girl to get married. Nobody really believes this though!
Interviewer Right. So, what happens after the initial meeting 5 The traditional Irish bride wears a ring called a Claddagh
then? ring, which is a heart that is held by two hands and topped
Melanie One of the first things to be discussed is the venue by a crown. The heart symbolizes love, the hands
– where you want to hold the wedding party. There’s lots friendship, and the crown honour. If a woman wears the
to think about here. For example, there’s the kind of food ring on her right hand, with the heart facing outward, it
and drink they offer, the size of the venue, how easy it is means she is single and available. Facing inward means
to reach, and so on. And, of course, is it free on the date she’s engaged, and she moves it to the left hand when she
the couple are getting married. That’s pretty essential, gets married.
because without that there’ll be no party!
Interviewer Absolutely! What about wedding photography? Do
planners take care of that too?
Melanie Yes, they do. Photographers can get booked up a year or
more in advance, so any good wedding planner will
always check with the photographer a few months before
the wedding, just to make sure that everything’s going
according to plan. Nobody wants the couple’s big day to
be ruined.
Interviewer When that’s been sorted out, is it all fairly simple to
organize?
Melanie Er, that depends. You’d think that once everything’s been
discussed and all the lists made and so on, that would be
that. But you often find that things change after a few
months. And that’s usually because the bride has seen
something else she prefers. Money sometimes comes
into it, but generally people want the best for their
wedding day. And of course, you often find that things
are out of stock, which can cause a whole lot of other
problems!
Interviewer It sounds like hard work if that happens!
Melanie It can be, but overall, being a wedding planner’s a great
job.

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Listening Scripts Intermediate Plus

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Listening 1 Listening 2
Interviewer Now, exam season starts next month and secondary-school 1 There are loads of differences, actually. And the
students all over the country will be taking exams that could one I like best is the schedule! Me and my friends
change their lives forever. We’ve invited into the studio used to hate the 8 a.m. start at school every day –
education specialist Mark Nicholson, to talk about how I’m not exactly a morning person! So the great
students can best prepare for this month-long period. Welcome thing now is that three days a week my classes don’t
to the programme, Mark. start until nearly lunchtime.
Mark Thanks. 2 Our lecturers treat us as grown-ups, not children.
Interviewer Mark, I’m sure you’ve got lots of top tips to share with all our And that’s really nice, especially after the school
students out there. What kind of things do you recommend? that I went to. There, the teachers were always on at
Mark Well, one of the most overlooked things is time planning. Many us about something. But here, the lecturers just let
students don’t realize just how long it takes to revise all the us get on with things, without asking questions
material they need to before the exam. It’s best to make a every five minutes.
week-by-week plan to make sure you have time to go over 3 I love the small study groups we have now. They’re
everything, and allow extra time for topics you have a problem just four or five people. We never had that at
with. school. You can have some great discussions about
Interviewer That makes sense. Now in terms of time, how long should things, really go into detail, and you can get to
students study for? And what about breaks? know your lecturers much better too.
Mark That varies from person to person, actually. It’s not realistic to 4 Apart from all the obvious things – later classes,
think that you can sit down and study for three or four hours at a smaller classes, etc. – I just love the freedom! I can
time. Try to do at least two hours a day though, and have a short come and go as I please. I don’t have to be back by
break, say, every 60–90 minutes or so. Everyone needs regular 11 p.m. anymore like I did at home. So obviously
breaks. I’m making the most of college night life with my
Interviewer That’s right. And I imagine lots of students end up staying friends!
up late the night before an exam, doing last minute preparation. 5 At school, I had to study a whole lot of stuff that I
Mark Big mistake! The brain needs sleep to be able to function well wasn’t really into and that used to annoy me. Now
the next day. Students can also help themselves by eating the I’m doing what I want, studying something I’m
right foods. interested in, I mean! And that’s Economics. No
Interviewer Oh really? What should they eat? more French verbs or boring History for me!
Mark On the day of the exam itself, it’s important to have a decent
breakfast. And by that I mean eating protein. When you have
protein, the body breaks it down and the brain then uses a
chemical which helps to increase your response time. Basically,
you’ll be more awake, if that makes sense! So, that’s why eggs,
which are full of protein, are so popular for breakfast. Cheese is
good too. Stay away from too much bread though – that has the
opposite effect!
Interviewer Very interesting. Any other tips, Mark?
Mark Well, if you can, do a practice test. You should know how long
the exam’s going to last, and by doing a version of the real thing,
you’ll get to know what kind of questions may be included in the
exam and which parts you need more time for. The whole thing
will then be less stressful on the day. Remember that when
you’ve answered the questions, you also need to allow some
time for checking your answers too.
Interviewer Good advice there …
Mark And finally, I’d just like to say that students shouldn’t forget to
check details like the place or the date of the exam. I heard a sad
story last year about a guy who missed his A-level maths exam
because he was a day late! He turned up at the correct exam hall,
for 9.30 sharp, but the students there were all about to sit their
A-level geography paper.
Interviewer Unbelievable really! It just shows you what can happen. Well
Mark, I’m afraid we’ll have to end it there. Thanks so much for
passing on these top exam tips. And good luck to all our
students out there!

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