Practice Listening English Exercises for A2 – A Modern Myth

1 c   2 e   3 a   4 f   5 d   6 b

Audioscript

      To celebrate twenty years of Star Wars, director George Lucas has finally released the film as he originally intended it to be. He has always said that the trilogy – which includes Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the Jedi – was never as good as he had wanted. After years of watching these films on video, you can experience this thrilling space adventure again in the cinema and with fantastic sound.

      The trilogy is a classic tale of the fight between good and evil. However, instead of happening on earth, the action takes place “… a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.” It involves not only humans but all sorts of frightening, and sometimes amusing, robots and alien creatures. The heroes of the trilogy are Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia, who work together to fight Darth Vader, the evil leader who wants to take over the universe.

      Excellent performances are given by stars Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness and Mark Hamill, but the special effects play a bigger role than any of the actors. There are amazing space battles and gigantic, fighting robots with laser weapons. You’ll certainly enjoy the incredible chases on floating motorbikes. You will also be fascinated by some of the strangest creatures you’ve ever seen in completely convincing alien landscapes.

      George Lucas says: “When I made the original Star Wars, I was very interested in creating a modern myth. Greek mythology, or mythology from any country, often takes place in an unknown area … and the only area we have now which is like that is outer space.” With this fantastic trilogy, Lucas has certainly succeeded in creating a myth that will never be forgotten. Even if you have seen the original films, you should definitely not miss the chance to experience the Star Wars trilogy as Lucas really wanted it to be.

Audioscript

I:   Excuse me madam, I’m doing a survey on television programmes for our local TV channel. Can I ask you a few questions? It won’t take a minute.

Mrs X:   Alright then, as long as you’re quick.

I:   Good. O.K. then, what are your favourite programmes?

Mrs X:   Oohh. I like soap operas, they’re fun. I like finding out about what all the families are doing. They can be very exciting. Oh yes, and I love quiz shows. I love trying to answer the questions before the contestants.

I:   Interesting … So what don’t you enjoy?

Mrs X:   I don’t think much of the news really. It’s so depressing; all blood and killing. And as for those horror films they have on late at night, I find them absolutely disgusting.

I:   What about documentaries?

Mrs X:   I’m not really interested in them. I prefer something that’ll make me laugh.

I:   Aaah, dating shows perhaps?

Mrs X:   Dating shows? Yes they’re great, especially that one on Saturdays. But my husband always wants to watch sports on the other channel. Sports programmes – that’s not my idea of fun.

I:   Thank you very much for your time, madam. You’ve been very helpful.

1 Batman Returns   2 Michael Keaton   3 adventure

4 Tim Burton   5 imaginary city   6 hero fights villains

7 brilliant   8 complicated   9 out of this world

10 not to be missed

Audioscript

Chris:   Mum, can you tape something for me because I’m going out tonight?

Mum:   What is it dear?

Chris:   “Batman Returns”.

Mum:   “Batman Returns”? Isn’t that the film starring Michael Keaton? I heard it’s a very good film.

Chris:   Yes, it is. Listen to what they say about it in the TV guide. “Michael Keaton stars in this adventure film, directed by Tim Burton. The film is set in an imaginary city in American where Batman, the action hero, fights the evil villains Penguin and Cat Woman. The acting is brilliant, especially Michelle Pfeiffer who plays Cat Woman. The plot is a little complicated at times and hard to follow. But the costumes and the special effects are out-of-this-world and very imaginative. This is an excellent film, not to be missed.” Sounds good, doesn’t it? It starts at 9 o’clock.

Mum:   Mmm I think I might watch it myself tonight …