Practice Listening English Exercises for B2 – What do you say first?

1) Rei, Rei

2) jazz, favorite

3) class, professor

4) where, from, do, baseball fan

Audioscripts

1) Use people’s names.

Woman :   I think it’s important to remember people’s names. One way that helps me remember the names of people I meet is to use the names. When I meet someone new, I try to say the person’s name often during the conversation. For example, to remember Rei’s name, I might say, “Nice to meet you, Rei.” or “So, Rei, where do you work?” I try to remember people’s names by using them.

2) Add extra information

Man :   It’s really difficult to have a conversation with someone who only answers “yes” and “no” or who gives very short answers to questions. When I’m having a conversation, I always try to add extra information. For example, at a party, if someone asks me if I like the music, I don’t just say, “Yes.” Instead, I say, “Yes, I do. I like this music, but I really like jazz, too. That’s favorite.” I think extra information makes the conversation more interesting.

3) Find something in common.

Man :   When I meet someone for the first time, I like to try to find something we have in common – something that’s the same about me and the other person. Maybe we like the same food, or we go to the same school. For example, when I meet another university student, I might ask, “Have you ever taken a class with this professor before?” If we find something in common, we have lots to talk about, and the conversation continues.

4) Ask about the other person.

Woman :   Some people only talk about themselves, and they don’t ask questions about the other person. But I think it’s important to ask about the other person, too. When I meet someone new, I usually try to ask the other person questions and make small talk to get to know them. Small talk means just talking about everyday topics. For example, I say, “So, where are you from?” or “What do you do?” or “Are you a baseball fan?” – nothing too serious or too personal. I think asking about other people shows them you’re interested in meeting them.

1) Find something in common.

2) Use people’s names.

3) Ask about the other person.

4) Add extra information.

Audioscripts

1)

Man :   Hey, I’m from Canada, too! I’m from Toronto. How about you?

Woman :   Me, too!

Man :   Really? I went to North Toronto High School.

Woman :   Hey, so did I!

Man :   No way! That’s amazing.

2)

a :   Hi. I’m A Rogers. You’re new here, aren’t you?

Kate :   Hi, A. Yes, I just started this week. I’m Kate Mills.

a :   It’s nice to meet you, Kate.

Kate :   Nice to meet you, too, A.

a :   So, Kate, how ___ ?

3)

Man :   So, what do you do?

Woman :   I’m an English teacher.

Man :   Oh, really? Do you teach at the university here?

Woman :   Yes, I do.

Man :   Great. So, how long have you been teaching?

4)

Man :   Did you say you’re a student?

Woman :   Yes, I am. I go to the University of Queensland, in Australia. I love it. It’s a pretty big school, so there are lots of interesting courses and fun things going on around campus. Let’s see. What else can I tell you?

1) 2 say their names

1 comment about the place

3 talk about something they have in common

2) 2 say their names

1 comment about the weather

3 ask a question

3) 3 add extra information

2 ask a question

1 say their names

4) 2 comment about the place

    1 say their names

    3 talk about something they have in common

Audioscripts inb below

1) yes   2) no   3) no   4) yes

Audioscripts

1)

Maria :   This is a really nice campus. I love this school, don’t you?

Tom :   Yeah, I like it, too. name’s Tom, by the way.

Maria :   I’m Maria. Nice to meet you, Tom. You know, I think I’ve seen you in some of classes. Are you an English major?

Tom :   Yeah, I am. You, too?

Maria :   Yes. I’m a senior this year. I’ll be graduating in May.

Tom :   Really? Me, too. So, what are you planning to do when you graduate?

2)

Terry :   Sure is hot out today, huh?

Elena :   Mmm.

Terry :   Uh, I’ve seen you around the office, but I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Terry – Terry Moss. I work on the third floor.

Elena :   Hi, Terry.

Terry :   And your name is?

Elena :   Elena.

Terry :   Um, uh, so, Elena, how do you like working here?

Elena :   It’s OK.

3)

Alex :   Hi. I’m Alex.

Tina :   Oh, hi. I’m Tina.

Alex :   So, have you lived here long?

Tina :   No, actually, I ___

Alex :   Have you heard of the Strangers? That’s band. I’m a musician. I play guitar, keyboard, and drums.

Tina :   Oh! That’s ___

Alex :   I can play five different instruments. I sing, too. I write own songs. In fact, I’ve already recorded two CDs with the band, and we’re working on our third.

Tina :   Oh.

4)

Jim :   Hello, Chris. I’m glad you could come.

Chris :   Well, thanks for inviting me.

Jim :   Chris, I’d like you to meet wife.

Chris :   Oh, hi. Nice to meet you.

Emma :   Nice to meet you, too, Chris. I’m Emma.

Chris :   What a beautiful home you have.

Emma :   Oh, thank you.

Chris :   So, Emma, Jim tells me you’re from Seattle. I’m from Seattle, too.

Emma :   You’re kidding! What part are you from?

Audioscripts

Man :   Hi. You must be the new person.

Woman :   Yeah, that’s right. I just started on Monday.

Man :   So, how do you like it here?

Woman :   It’s great, so far. Everybody’s been so nice to me. I’m really enjoying the work. It’s a nice change from last job.

Man :   Oh? Where did you work before?

Woman :   I worked at Delta Communications, in marketing.

Man :   Delta. Where’re they located?

Woman :   Close to Chicago – just outside the city, in a smaller town.

Man :   Are you from Chicago originally?

Woman :   Yes, I am. family still lives there. Have you ever been to Chicago?

Man :   No, I haven’t. But I’ve heard it’s very nice, and I’ve heard there are some great museums there, too.

Woman :   Yes, there are. The art museums are wonderful. I used to go all the time.

Man :   Well, there are some great art galleries here, in the downtown area. You should visit them when you have a chance.

Woman :   Great! I definitely will. Are you interested in art, too?

Man :   Yes, I like going to museums. But I’m even more interested in music, especially jazz. I love going to concerts.

Woman :   Really? So do I! I love classical music, too. How about you? Do you like classical music?

1) 1, X, 3, 2

2) 2, X, 1, 3

3) 2, 3, 1, X

4) 3, 2, 1, X

5) X, 2, 1, 3

Audioscripts inb below

1) yes   2) yes   3) no   4) no   5) yes

Audioscripts

1)

Jason :   Hi. I’m Jason.

Diana :   I’m Diana.

Jason :   Nice to meet you. Is this your first class with Dr. Walker?

Diana :   Yes. I’ve heard he’s great. I’ve wanted to take this course for a long time. I’m so excited to learn more about art history.

Jason :   Oh, you’re going to love it. Dr. Walker ___

2)

Jenny :   Great day, huh? It finally stopped raining.

Alex :   Yeah, it’s beautiful. This is first time here. I really like it. There’s so much to see and do.

Jenny :   Yeah, it’s a great town. By the way, name’s Jenny.

Alex :   I’m Alex. It’s great to meet you.

3)

David :   What a beautiful theater!

Samantha :   Yeah, it’s nice.

David :   Have you been here before?

Samantha :   Mm-hmm.

David :   Oh, I’m David Tannen.

Samantha :   Samantha Lavalle.

David :   It’s nice to meet you.

Samantha :   Uh-huh.

4)

Olivia :   Hi. I’m Olivia.

Steve :   Hi, Olivia. I’m Steve.

Olivia :   So, Steve, have you worked here long?

Steve :   No, I started last__

Olivia :   This is first day. I used to work at Moe’s – you know, the big department store__

Steve :   Oh, I know someone__

Olivia :   But I think I’m going to live working here better. I really enjoy this type of work, and the people here are so nice.

Steve :   Yeah.

5)

Mike :   This is a great school.

Tara :   Yeah, I like it, too. I used to go to Smithgrove University, but I transferred here in the fall.

Mike :   Really? I used to go to Smithgrove, too. I’m a chemistry major, how about you?

Tara :   Me, too!

Mike :   No kidding! Which professors did you have there?

Tara :   Well, let’s see, I had__