Practice Listening English Exercises for A2 – Italy

1 Rome   2 Milan   3 Florence   4 Bologna

Audioscripts in B below

1   horror     comedy

2   ear     fashion

3   next to     behind

4   mushrooms     tomatoes

Audioscripts

1

Woman:   The capital of Italy is a very old and very famous city. Did you know that many movies are made in Italy? In fact, over one hundred movies a year are filmed in this old capital. Italian film is most famous for its romances and comedies. This city is a popular city for international films, too. Famous sites, such as the Coliseum and the Trevi Fountain, are favorite movie locations. One of the most popular films was the American hit Roman Holiday, made in nineteen fifty-three.

2

Man:   Every year, people travel to Italy to see the latest in clothing design. Italian designers are known around the world. ln Italy, this city is the best place to see the newest fashion designs. Each year, more and more people visit the city as fashion tourists. Tourists often buy expensive scarves, gloves, or ties for themselves and as gifts.

3

Woman:   If you’re interested in art, Italy is the place to go. Some of the most famous art museums in the world are located in Italy. This city has many museums where you can see famous paintings and sculptures. There are several famous art museums on the north side of the river Arno, and you’ll find the Pitti Palace just across the river. Also, don’t miss the Boboli Gardens, located behind the Pitti Palace.

4

Man:   Another great thing about Italy is, of course, the food. If you’re traveling in Italy, be sure to take a break often and try some of the delicious dishes. This city in particular has good food. It is famous for its pasta and its ice cream. The pasta sauce from this city – made with ground meat and tomatoes – is probably the most famous pasta sauce in the world.

free-time activities, housing, school schedules, a typical school day

Audioscripts in B below

1   Students have three months for summer vacation in the U.S.

2   Students eat lunch in the university cafeteria in both Italy and the U.S.

3   Students meet for coffee in their free time in both Italy and the U.S.

4   Students usually live at home with their parents in Italy.

Audioscripts

1

Interviewer:   You’re from Italy, and you’re here in the U.S. now as an international student at Youngstown State. I’d like to ask you a few questions about the differences between university life in Italy and in the U.S.

Student:   OK, sure.

Interviewer:   All right. First, let me ask about the school schedule in Italy. Is it the same as in the U.S.? I mean, here in the U.S., a school year begins in September and ends in May.

Student:   Well, it’s not quite the same in Italy. Our lessons begin in October and they finish in July.

Interviewer:   I see. How long is the summer vacation, then? Two months?

Student:   Yes, that’s right. We just have a two-month summer vacation in Italy. American students are so lucky, they get three whole months for summer vacation.

2

Interviewer:   OK, next question. What’s a typical school day like in Italy?

Student:   For me, well, I usually get to school around seven-thirty if I have a class at eight. Then, if I have time, I check e-mail or read the newspaper before class. I usually have one or two classes in the morning and one in the afternoon. For lunch, it’s the same as it is here in the U.S. Students usually eat together with their friends in the university cafeteria. That’s where I eat every day when I’m in Italy and when I am in the U.S.

3

Interviewer:   OK. Next, I’d like to ask you about your free time. When you aren’t in class, what do you like to do? What kind of activities do you like?

Student:   Usually I meet with my friends after class, or on weekends. We go to the café, take breaks – coffee breaks. I’m happy my American friends like to meet for coffee, coo. There is a good café very close by, just around the corner from my university – just like in Italy, so I feel at home.

4

Interviewer:   That’s great. OK, finally, l have a question about university housing in Italy. A lot of students in the U.S. live in dorms or apartments and travel home to see their families during vacations. Is this the same in Italy?

Student:   No. In Italy every city has a university, so Italian students don’t have to move far away to attend university. Besides, I think it’s easier to live with my family. You know, I can eat with my family, do my laundry … I don’t know, it’s just easier. I can study better if I live at home.

Interviewer:   OK. That was my last question. I’d love to have a cup of coffee. Can you tell me where that café is?