Listening Exercises A1 – Jobs

1.

I’m a salesperson. I sell computers. I like my job. It’s really interesting. And I meet lots of interesting people.

2.

Yes, I like it a lot. I like acting in front of lots of people. One day I hope to write a book about my work.

3.

It’s an interesting job, and it’s good for me because I love travel and flying. I visit lots of countries every year. And well—I know it’s silly, but I like my uniform.

4.

It’s a good job for me because I like food and I love cooking. Lots of famous people come to our restaurant, too.

5.

Nursing is a good job for me. I like helping people—you know, sick people.

6.

I like my work because I work outside. It’s hard work, but the pay’s good and it keeps me in shape.

1.

A:        Hi, Ted.

B:        Oh, hi.

A:        Are you still working in the bank?

B:        Yeah.

2.

A:        Where are you working now, Sonia?

B:        I just started as a chef in an Italian restaurant. Come and try my food.

A:        Sounds great—I’d love to!

3.

A:        Are you still at school, Bob?

B:        No, I graduated from college last month.

A:        Congratulations! And what are you doing now?

B:        Nothing much. I’m tired. I’m taking a long vacation.

4.

A:        What do you do, Marie?

B:        Me? I’m a lawyer.

A:        How long have you been doing that?

B:        For about five years. Do you need a good lawyer?

A:        Well, not yet!

5.

A:        Are you a receptionist, Suzanne?

B:        Yes, I am.

A:        Do you like the people you work with?

B:        Well, it’s my first week on the job, so I’m not sure yet.

6.

A:        Are you still a tennis instructor, Martha?

B:        No, I’m not. I didn’t like it.

A:        So what are you doing now?

B:        Well, I’m trying to find a new job.

7.

A:        Do you work in an office, Fred?

B:        Not anymore. Now I’m an English teacher. I just had my first class.

A:        Really? How was it?

B:        It was terrific!

8.

A:        Are you still working at the bookstore, Sue?

B:        Yeah, but I don’t like it. I have to stand all day and I get so tired.

A:        I’m sorry to hear that!

1.

A:        So how do you like your job, Bill?

B:        Well, it was okay at first, but now, after two years, I don’t like it.

A:        Oh, why’s that?

B:        It’s boring. I do the same thing every day. I’m really sick of it.

A:        So why don’t you change jobs?

B:        I’m well-paid. I like the money!

A:        Oh, I see. But you should leave if you’re not happy.

B:        Yeah, maybe I should.

2.

A:        Do you like teaching children, Christine?

B:        Oh, yes! I love working with kids. They’re so much fun.

A:        Well, I guess you have the perfect job!

B:        Yeah, I like it a lot. There’s just one thing I don’t like.

A:        What’s that?

B:        The distance to school. It’s too far away. It takes me an hour to drive there every day.

A:        Wow. That must be awful!

B:        It is, but the schools that are near me are not as good.

3.

A:        How is your new job going, Anna?

B:        Good, thanks. I really like it.

A:        What do you like best about it?

B:        I think it’s the people I work with. They are so nice.

A:        People make all the difference in a job, don’t they?

B:        They sure do. The only trouble is, I have to travel a lot. I’m away from home for about two weeks every month.

A:        Yeah, that can be difficult.

B:        It is. I hope I won’t have to travel so much next year.

4.

A:        Do you enjoy being a salesperson, Nancy?

B:        Yes, I do like it. I get to meet so many people.

A:        Is it hard work?

B:        Yes, it can be. I don’t like the long hours. I’m always really tired when I get home at night.

A:        That’s too bad. Why don’t you quit?

B:        Because I think my boss is great to work for.

5.

A:        How long have you been working in a restaurant, Martin?

B:        For more than five years.

A:        Wow. You must really enjoy it.

B:        Oh no, I don’t enjoy it at all! It’s hard work and pretty tiring, too. I’m on my feet all night.

A:        Oh, I see.

B:        But the tips are great. I really should find a better job soon, though.

1 e   2 c   3 d   4 a   5 b

Transcript

1.

A:   Today we’re talking to people about their jobs. What do you do, Tanya?

B:   I’m a flight attendant. First, after college, I worked as a nurse. But I’ve been a flight attendant for eight years now, and I still love my job.

2.

A:   How about you Paul, what do you do?

B:   People are surprised when I tell them I’m a nurse. They still think all nurses are women. I might go to medical school someday and become a doctor, but for now, I really like being a nurse and helping the patients.

3.

A:   How about you, Elizabeth?

B:   People are surprised about my job, too. But I’ve always loved doing unusual things. I could never be a flight attendant or a nurse. I love to work outdoors and build things, so I became a construction worker. It’s hard work, but I enjoy it.

4.

A:   Teresa, what do you do?

B:   I work in an office. Every day I go to the same little cubicle and answer the phone, type letters, and make copies for my boss. I think I’ll go to college next year and study to become a lawyer.

5.

A:   Zack, what do you do?

B:   I’m a taxi driver in New York City. It’s a hard job and I wouldn’t want to do it forever, but for now it’s great. I hope to become a writer or actor someday, but I’ll have to drive a taxi for a little longer.

1 b   2 a   3 b   4 c   5 b

Transcript

1.   You have to work really long hours when you’re a chef in a busy restaurant. You’re on your feet all the time and it’s really exhausting. But I love cooking great food for people. And I love to eat it, too!

2.   I think education is really important, and I love working with children. I just wish I had a higher salary.

3.   It’s tough being a salesperson. You’re always travelling and you don’t get to relax much. But you can make a lot of money. That’s why I’m still working as a salesperson.

4.   Everyone thinks lawyers are just out to make a lot of money. But I like being a lawyer because I like helping people. I wouldn’t be spending all this time working if I didn’t really love helping people.

5.   I always wanted to work in a bookstore. It’s true that you don’t make much money, and I don’t like my boss much. But the great thing about working here is that you get to meet interesting people, and you always have something to read!