Listening Exercises B2 – Problems at work

Conversation 1

The customer hasn’t received a book the ordered.

The assistant promises to process the order and send the book.

The customer is not satisfied because the book hasn’t been sent yet and the assistant can’t guarantee when it will be sent.

Conversation 2

The problem is the wrong printer cartridges were delivered.

The assistant promises to post the correct cartridges by special delivery, and gives the customer a £30 credit.

The customer seems very satisfied.

a   the delay

b   very busy recently

c   I’ll check

d   immediately

e   the mix-up

f   computer problems

g   a moment

h   right away

Transcript

Conversation 1

A:     Hello, Life and Times Book Club. Angela speaking. How may I help you?

B:     Hello, yes. I still haven’t received the book I ordered two weeks ago, I’m afraid.

A:     Oh dear. I’m very sorry for the delay.

B:     The thing is, I need it urgently.

A:     I’m afraid we’ve been very busy recently and …

B:     Can you tell me when will I get it?

A:     Please give me a moment and I’ll check … What’s your order number?

B:     It’s, er … GHY723.

A:     Right. You ordered Stress Management … £14.99.

B:     That’s right.

A:     I can see what’s happened. We received your order on the … 23rd, but it hasn’t been processed yet. I’ll get onto it immediately.

B:     You mean you haven’t sent it yet?

A:     No. Like I say, the order hasn’t been processed.

B:     But you will send it today, won’t you?

A:     I can’t guarantee it. It’s already after three, you see.

B:     Is that the best you can do?

A:     I’m afraid so. Is there anything else?

B:     No, that’s all. Thank you.

A:     Bye.

Conversation 2:    

A:     Hello. Home and Office Supplies. Can I help you?

B:     Yes, it’s Thomson Electronics here. We have an account with you.

A:     Oh yes. How can I help?

B:     We’ve just had some printer cartridges delivered but they’re the wrong ones. They don’t fit.

A:     Oh dear. I do apologize for the mix-up.

B:     I don’t know how you could’ve got it wrong. We order from you all the time.

A:     I know, but unfortunately we’ve been having computer problems.

B:     Well, how can we sort this out?

A:     Could you bear with me a moment, please? … Ah yes, I have the order here. You want 25 HP356 printer cartridges. Is that correct?

B:     Yes, that’s right. But you’ve sent us 25 HP56 cartridges instead.

A:     I see. I’ll sort it out right away and we’ll post the order special delivery.

B:     Thanks.

A:     I’ll put a £30 credit on your account to make up for the inconvenience, as well. Is that all right?

B:     Oh, that’s very nice. Thanks.

A:     Not at all. It was our mistake. Can I help you with anything else?

B:     No thanks. That’s it. Bye.

A:     Goodbye.

a 4   b 2   c 5   d 6   e 3

a   on the blink

b   keeps crashing

c   print anything

d   go through

e   doesn’t work

f   record anything

Transcript

1   This camera won’t record anything. I can’t understand it.

2   This computer keeps crashing. It’s really annoying.

3   The projector doesn’t work. I turn it on and nothing happens.

4   It’s really hot in here. I think the air-conditioning’s on the blink again.

5   This printer won’t print anything.

6   I can’t get this fax to go through. It won’t send it.

1 c   2 a   3 f   4 b   5 e   6 d

Transcript

1   You’ve checked there’s some paper in it, haven’t you?

2   Yeah. It’s probably the thermostat again. I’ll call Maintenance.

3   The battery might be low I suppose. I’ll get you another one.

4   Why don’t you ask David? He’s good with computers.

5   The bulb might have gone. Do you want me to call the technician?

6   it might be worth checking the number. Are you sure it’s right?

a   The problem is that the photocopier won’t work.

b   They open the copier and look inside.

c   Some paper was stuck inside.

Transcript

Martin:     Pilar. There’s something wrong with this photocopier. I keep pressing the button but it won’t do anything.

Pilar:     Oh dear. Do you want me to give you a hand, Martin?

Martin:     Thanks. Have you any idea what this symbol means? The one flashing here.

Pilar:     Maybe it means there is some paper stuck inside. It might be worth opening it and having a look.

Martin:     How do I do that?

Pilar:     You could try pulling that lever there. That’s the one.

Martin:     Oh yes. You’re right. There is some paper stuck in here. Thanks a lot. I think that’s sorted it now