Practice Listening English Exercises for B1 – Hungary

Listening task 1: Information

A Listen. People are talking about Hungary. What are the topics? Circle the correct answers.

1) a. the environment

b. exports

2) a. the capital city

 b. the countryside

3) a. food

 b. music

4) a. education

 b. transportation

Show answers & Audioscripts

1) b   2) a   3) a   4) b

Audioscripts inb below

BListen again. Are the statements true or false? Check (✓) the correct answers.

true

false

1) The land is good for farming.

2) It is famous for its public baths.

3) Paprika is a traditional Hungarian dance.

4) Hungary has five neighboring countries.

Show answers & Audioscripts

1) true   2) true   3) false   4) false

Audioscripts

1)

Woman :   Hungary is a country in eastern Europe. Because Hungary’s landscape is mostly flat and the soil is rich, the land is very good for farming. Hungary experts several agricultural products, such as cereal grains like wheat and barley, and well as vegetables and fruit, particularly grapes. Other Hungarian exports include clothing and automobiles.

2)

Man :   Visitors to Hungary will enjoy spending a few days in Budapest, the capital city. This charming, old European city often has concerts in its public squares, as well as walking musicians who play for the people eating at the outdoor restaurants. Another way to relax in Budapest is to try one of the famous public baths. The hot mineral waters of these spas are said to heal many minor health problems.

3)

Woman :   Of course, if you visit Hungary, you should try Hungarian food. Hungarians love spicy food, and peppers are found in many dishes. Look for dishes seasoned with paprika, a sweet red pepper that is a traditional specialty of Hungary. Main dishes are usually made with meat, and potatoes are a favorite side dish. Save some room for a delicious fruit pie for dessert!

4)

Man :   How can you get to Hungary? Of course, you can fly from almost any European country, and many cities outside of Europe as well. But if you are already traveling in Europe, why not come by train and enjoy watching the countryside go by? You can take the train from any of Hungary’s seven neighboring countries. You can also take a boat ride down the famous Danube River. Tourists can travel by boat from Vienna, Austria, all the way to Budapest on the Danube.

Listening task 2: Souvenirs

A Listen. A woman is talking about handmade goods and souvenirs from Hungary. Number the pictures from 1 to 4. (There is one extra picture.)

img

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(top row) X, 3, 2

(bottom row) 4, 1

Audioscripts inb below

BListen again. Circle the correct answers.

1) Hungarians wear this when they

a. date

b. dance

2) Tourists often buy these to

a. decorate their houses.

b. give as wedding gifts.

3) A traditional Hungarian dish is

a. stuffed pasta.

b. stuffed peppers.

4) The woman learned this from her

a. grandmother.

    b. mother.

Show answers & Audioscripts

1) b   2) a   3) b   4) a

Audioscripts

1)

Interviewer :   Mariann, you’re from Hungary, right?

Mariann :   Yes, that’s right.

Interviewer :   Are you from near the capital, Budapest?

Mariann :   No, actually I’m from the countryside, from a town called Kalocsa. It’s near the Danube River, and it’s famous for traditional, handmade goods.

Interviewer :   Oh really, like what?

Mariann :   They make very beautiful embroidered cloth there – cloth and clothing, with brightly colored patterns, usually flower designs. You can still see people in the countryside wearing the traditional clothing for holidays and special occasions, and when they do traditional Hungarian fold dancing.

Interviewer :   Sounds like a nice place to visit.

Mariann :   Yes, it’s a great place to buy gifts, too.

2)

Interviewer :   What are some other things Hungary is known for?

Mariann :   Oh, there are lots of things. Let’s see. Hungarian handmade pottery is famous and quite beautiful. Traditionally, people bought hand-painted plates and dishes for wedding gifts. The potter who made the dishes would paint the couple’s names on the dishes.

Interviewer :   Can you buy them for other occasions, too?

Mariann :   Oh, of course. There are lots of pottery shops in different regions around Hungary. Tourists often buy plates or dishes to decorate their houses. They look very pretty on a shelf or hanging on the wall.

3)

Interviewer :   What are some other good Hungarian souvenirs?

Mariann :   Well, in terms of food, paprika is a popular souvenir. It’s one of the most common ingredients in Hungarian dishes.

Interviewer :   Paprika. That’s a spice made from red peppers, right?

Mariann :   Yes. The peppers are small, sweet, and bright red. We put paprika into many dishes, for example, our Hungarian stuffed peppers.

Interviewer :   Mmm. I’d like to try that.

4)

Interviewer :   It sounds like tourists can find lots of great souvenirs to bring back from Hungary.

Mariann :   Yes. favorite gifts to give friends are Hungarian hand-painted eggs. grandmother used to paint them when I was a child, and she taught me how to paint them.

Interviewer :   Really? What do the eggs look like?

Mariann :   Well, there are different styles. It depends on the region. Some have traditional folk patterns on them; others use brightly colored paints. The ones from region are usually blue and white. Here, I brought one for you. I painted this last spring.

Interviewer :   Wow! That’s beautiful! Thank you very much.

Mariann :   You’re welcome!

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