Listening Exercises B1 – Part-Time Jobs

1.

A:   Have you ever worked in a department store before?

B:   No, I haven’t, but it’s something I’d really like to try.

2.

A:   Is this the first time you’ve applied for a job as a waitress?

B:   Well, not exactly – I worked behind the counter in the school cafeteria this year. I know it’s not really the same, but it is similar.

3.

A:   Do you have any experience with office work?

B:   No, but I’m sure it’s something I could learn quickly.

4.

A:   Have you ever modeled designer clothing before?

B:   Yes, I did some modeling last summer, and I was even in a few fashion shows.

5.

A:   It’s a pretty easy job. You just take people’s dogs out for a walk twice a day.

B:   Well, I’ve never done it before, but it does sound pretty easy.

6.

A:   We’re looking for someone to work at the hotel reception desk.

B:   Well, I had a similar job in another hotel last summer and I really enjoyed it.

1.

A:   How’s your part-time job going, Ted?

B:   It’s great. I love it.

A:   What exactly do you do there?

B:   Well, I have to cut up fruit and make cakes and things. I’m learning a lot about how desserts are made. I’m also getting really good at doing dishes.

A:   I’m sure!

B:   And I also get to try everything we make.

A:   Oh, that’s great.

B:   Yeah. The only problem is the heat. It gets really hot because of the ovens.

2.

A:   So, do you have a part-time job, Roxanne?

B:   Yeah. I’m a camp counselor.

A:   Oh really? What do you do there?

B:   I’m the sports instructor. I teach basketball and soccer, and I get to carry a big whistle. It’s fun! The kids have a lot of energy, and they’re really funny.

A:   I bet.

B:   The bad part is the money. The job doesn’t pay very much at all.

3.

A:   Did you manage to get a part-time job, Maria?

B:   Yeah, finally. I’m working down at the Plaza Cinema.

A:   Oh, selling soda and popcorn?

B:   No, I’m in the ticket booth.

A:   So, do you get to see all the latest movies for free?

B:   That’s right.

A:   Wow, that’s a great deal.

B:   I know. The only problem is the hours. The last show is at midnight, so I get home really late – about 1:30 in the morning.

4.

A:   Did you find a part-time job?

B:   Yes. It took me a while though. I looked for jobs in restaurants, but couldn’t find one. I finally managed to get a job in a factory.

A:   Oh, that sounds terrible.

B:   Actually, it’s not bad, and the money’s good. It’s a clothing factory. They make shirts there, and I put the shirts into boxes.

A:   Sounds easy.

B:   Yes, it’s very easy work. The problem is, it’s also really boring work.

5.

A:   How’s your part-time job going?

B:   It’s going pretty well. I’m working for one of my professors. I’m helping her out with this big research project she’s doing. I’m entering her data into the computer.

A:   That sounds like interesting work.

B:   It’s not bad. And I can work at home, so that’s nice, too. My only complaint is with the money. She doesn’t really pay me enough.

A:   That’s too bad.

6.

A:   Did you get a new part-time job, Cindy?

B:   Yeah, I’m working in a store. It’s fun.

A:   What kind of store?

B:   It’s a department store. I’m working in the sporting goods section. The people I work with are really friendly and helpful. And I’m learning a lot about sports equipment, too.

A:   How are the hours?

B:   That’s the only thing I don’t like. I have to work every weekend.

1.

I’m working as a tour guide here in Chicago. It’s kind of fun. I take people around the city and show them all the places of interest in town – you know, the tall buildings, the lake, the art museum, places like that. The best part is meeting interesting people from all over the world. Most of the people on the tours are from Central and South America, so I get to practice my Spanish. For a tour guide, it’s really important to know a second language.

2.

I’m working with a marketing company. We do market research for new products. I interview people on the phone and ask them questions about their spending habits, what they do in their free time, things they own or plan to buy, and so on. The salary is pretty bad, but it’s a good job for me. The best part is that I have flexible hours. That means I choose when I want to work, so I can sleep late whenever I want to. The most important thing is to have a friendly voice. If you don’t sound friendly on the phone, people won’t want to talk to you.

3.

I’m working for a private school. We run after-school classes for kids, mainly for math and English. I’m teaching a math class. It’s tiring, but I enjoy working with children. That’s the best part. These kids are really smart, so I have to work hard to keep them interested. It’s important to know what you’re teaching. Luckily, I’ve taken a lot of math classes, so I feel prepared.

4.

I’m working for an advertising agency a few days a week. I’m just an intern, so I don’t get paid. The best thing is the people I work with. My co-workers are terrific. I work in the library. They have all sorts of information there in a big computer database. People are always asking me to find information for them very quickly, so it’s important to have experience with computers.

5.

I managed to get a job at a hotel. I’m working at the front desk. The hotel is usually pretty busy, so sometimes it’s really stressful. I don’t like that. The best part is that a lot of celebrities stay at our hotel. I’ve met some very famous people! To do this job well, it’s important to have good listening skills. I have to find out exactly what each person wants, and then give it to them right away.

6.

I’m working as a sales clerk in a department store. I work in the home furnishings department. We sell furniture and carpets, mainly. It’s hard work, but I like it. The best part is, I get a commission on everything I sell, so I’m very well paid. The most important thing is to know what you sell. Customers expect it.

1 c   2 d   3 a   4 b   5 e

Transcript

1.

A:   So, Sam, do you have any experience with fast food cooking?

B:   No, but I’ve made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before.

A:   What about hamburgers? Have you ever made hamburgers? Or French fries? Or milk shakes?

B:   Uh … No, not really.

A:   Okay. We’ll call you if we need you.

2.

A:  Is this the first time you’ve applied for a job as a lifeguard, Sally?

B:   Actually, I’ve been a lifeguard every summer for the last 10 years.

A:   Really! And just how old are you?

B:   Eighteen. I started by baby-sitting my little brother in our backyard pool!

3.

A:   Peter, have you ever been a clerk before?

B:   Yes, I worked one summer at a convenience store in my neighborhood. People came to buy a snack or a soda, or to read a magazine, and I helped them find what they wanted.

4.

A:   So, Max, I see you’re studying math in college.

B:   Yes, that’s right. And I also worked in a computer store, so I could probably teach computer skills.

A:   That’s great.

5.

A:   We’re looking for someone who can set and clear the tables, make good coffee and tea, and take orders from customers. Do you think you could do that, Emily?

B:   Well, I think I could do it if you show me how.

A:  Okay, we’ll give you a try. Come at 6 a.m. tomorrow.

Dislikes: 1, 5

Likes: 2, 3, 4

Transcript

This summer I’m working as a lifeguard at a swimming pool. The worst thing I have to do is clean the pool every morning. There’s always a lot of garbage and leaves in it. It’s pretty disgusting! After I clean the pool, I let the swimmers in. I love watching the kids play. Some of them are really funny! Another good thing is that I get to listen to the radio while I work. I like to listen to jazz in the mornings and rock and roll in the afternoons. And I love working outside in the summer. I’m getting a great suntan! I just wish the money was better. They don’t pay me enough.