Practice English Listening Tests for B1 – Listening Test 30

8 C   9 A   10 A   11 C   12 B   13 C

Audioscripts

8   You will hear two friends talking in a shoe shop.

Boy:   These trainers are my size, but they only have them in green. That wouldn’t be my first choice of colour, but I’ll try them on and see how they feel – that’s the most important thing. My old ones were a bit tight. I only chose them because they were half-price in a sale.

Girl:   Those look good on you – the colour’s really stylish.

Boy:   Yes, but everyone at school’s wearing black ones these days. Anyway, these are made from a new kind of material and feel really light – much nicer than my old ones. They’re great – I hope I’ve got enough money.

9   You will hear two friends talking about a sailing course they went on.

Boy:   I really enjoyed the sailing course we did last week.

Girl:   So did I. The instructors were good, especially the one on the last day. He explained things so clearly. It was incredible that we got to take part in a race at the end of the course. It was a shame not to win, but as we’d only just started sailing, I suppose it was only to be expected. The others had more experience in boats than us. We’ve still got a lot to learn, and you can’t expect to be an expert after just one week.

Boy:   True.

10   You will hear two friends talking about a new computer game.

Boy:   Have you heard about that new computer game Space Giants?

Girl:   Yeah, I read about it in one of those gaming magazines Gameworld.

Boy:   Yes, I heard there were articles about it in all the games magazines. My best mate’s just got the game and I’m going round to hers to try it. It’s supposed to be brilliant.

Girl:   Everyone’s talking about it on the internet too. I prefer to see if it’s popular with people I know though – that gives me a clearer idea of whether it’ll be any good.

Boy:   I’m the same. You can’t always believe magazine reviews or comments on websites.

11   You will hear a boy telling his friend about a football match.

Boy:   Have you heard? They’ve postponed today’s under-16s championship match.

Girl:   Oh no! What’s happened?

Boy:   The organisers had a look at the football field they were supposed to play on and said it’s just too soft because of all the rain recently.

Girl:   Oh dear. And I heard that some players had been sick too, which could affect how well they’ll play. So what’s going to happen now then?

Boy:   The organisers are going to try and find another place for Friday, but it probably won’t be anywhere around here.

Girl:   I’m sure they’ll find somewhere suitable. I hope it stays dry for it.

Boy:   I think the forecast said storms for Friday. Too bad … I hope we can still get to go though!

12   You will hear two friends talking about a new podcast.

Boy:   Have you listened to that new podcast that’s by teenagers, for teenagers?

Girl:   Yes. A couple of times.

Boy:   It’s great having people our own age presenting the whole thing, rather than older people like on most podcasts.

Girl:   And they don’t always try to make everything sound positive. They tell the truth, which makes a nice change!

Boy:   That’s what makes it different, I guess. I like it even if it isn’t always about subjects I’m into – you know clothes, technology, music and stuff. It deals with more serious topics.

Girl:   Mm. I’d like more of a mix of subjects. I like fashion mainly.

13   You will hear two friends talking about their holidays.

Girl:   So how were your holidays? Where did you go?

Boy:   Up north. We flew there and went walking in the mountains. There wasn’t much to do apart from walking.

Girl:   Really? I prefer the seaside anyway.

Boy:   I like to be active, and there’s loads more to do at the beach.

Girl:   I’m more into just lying in the sun doing nothing. So, how was your journey to the mountains? You went by plane, right?

Boy:   Yeah. The flight was delayed. I think for some journeys trains are just so fast.

Girl:   I still prefer flying, even though it’s more of an adventure going by train.

20 B   21 C   22 A   23 B   24 A   25 B

Audioscripts

Woman:   I’m talking to Noah Kelly, who is a big fan of horse riding. Noah, why did you start horse riding?

Boy:   Well, as a small child I never had much interest in horses though I wasn’t scared of them. I didn’t do anything sporty really. My older sister started horse-riding lessons, and was always out riding. I used to see the look on her face when she came home – really cheerful – so that’s why I decided to try it.

Woman:   And I understand the horse-riding club you go to is a little unusual.

Boy:   That’s right. When you think of horse riding, you always think of the countryside. Well, this place is in the middle of the city. I love it. I’d spend every hour of the day and night there if I could! And the people that go riding there are just as cool as people anywhere.

Woman:   Tell us about your riding teacher.

Boy:   Well, what I like is that she makes sure we understand everything that riding involves – I mean, like looking after the horses, as well as riding them. She shows us it’s not all about fun – although we all have fun together too! And we’re not allowed to always ride the same horse. She knows them well – how every individual horse will behave – and she wants us to learn that they’re all different.

Woman:   How have you benefitted from horse riding?

Boy:   It’s changed me. I was always pretty fit because I liked walking. But being with horses so much has made me calmer – more willing to wait for things. Mum says she hoped I might become a bit more organised. That hasn’t happened yet!

Woman:   Do you take part in horse-riding competitions?

Boy:   Yeah, this year was my first time. I thought they were just for people who own their horses, but you can borrow or even hire one easily enough. I went with a group of friends from the club. That was the best part. There was so much to do though – both before, and while we were there. I was exhausted afterwards.

Woman:   Will you carry on riding when you’re older?

Boy:   Mm. I watch the little kids having their lessons at the club, and I wonder about teaching, but I’m not sure it’s for me. What really attracts me is the idea of training horses. You know, the ones they use for races. I know I’d like a job that involves horses, rather than just riding as a hobby.

Woman:   Thank you, Noah