Advanced Plus Achievement test 3 audio script

Achievement test 3. Listening exercise 1

Recording 5

1
F: So, how’s the exercise regime getting on?

M: Not as good as I’d hoped. I’m on a fairly affordable option,

and have no complaints with the staff – they’re really
supportive. Up to this point I’ve not really used the machines,
but they seem decent enough. It’s just that so much emphasis
is on high-intensity workouts – you know, 30 minute full-on
sessions at lunchtime. I’m not sure if that’s for me. The
science seems sound enough, but it’s all a bit surface. I get the
feeling people are going to show what they do, rather than get
fit.

F: You could just be getting old, Pete, but I hear what you’re
saying. I was having a go at Anna last week for dropping out
of the spinning class we were in, but after I gave it a bit more
thought, I kind of came round to her view. I’m beginning to
see how absurd the whole thing is – throwing away a small
fortune on monthly subscriptions to sit on a bike in a cramped
overheated room while some guy shouts at you. It might
trigger weight loss, although there are no quick fixes on that
front, and it isn’t doing much for stress. Anyway, Simon, my
colleague at work who runs, reckons trail running is one of the

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 Advanced Plus Achievement test 3 audio script

best ways to enhance physical stamina. I recommend looking

at that kind of thing.

2
M: When I’m thinking about it now, it seems such a simple
decision. I was always cautiously optimistic that it would
work out, despite the obvious issues with language, not to
mention the costs. Getting somewhere near the university that
was halfway decent was a trial, but you know that’s just part
and parcel of urban life. All in all I still reckon it’s been
worthwhile. I’d recommend considering it yourself.

F: Well, I’m really glad you feel that way. I can see that there are
a whole host of benefits to being there. Sounds like the course
is working out, and the neighbourhood is pretty happening.
Don’t you feel quite alone and a bit out of place though? I’m
not suggesting that you can’t cope or anything, but it’s not like
there’s really a support network there if things don’t go to
plan.

3
F: I know that in fashion mags a lot of column inches go on
writing about young people, predominantly young women,
who are trying to be thinner because fashion dictates that, but
there are a whole raft of concerns associated with the industry.
You’ve got a high-profile business model which routinely
exploits long-suffering workers, and rarely pays a fair price

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 Advanced Plus Achievement test 3 audio script

for raw materials. It’s customary for journalists to choose

stories which readily resonate with the public, but focussing
on body image alone is deceptive. I wonder if it’s so
commonplace because mainstream media relies heavily upon
fashion advertising revenues?

M: Well, there may be a point to that. Much as I disagree with the

assertion that the press are going out of their way to bury
those kind of stories, I’d say that there is a certain amount of
cynicism when it comes to discussing body image. On the one
hand the press get to condone what is undoubtedly a harmful
aspect of fashion, on the other it gives them the opportunity to
show photos of gaunt models. It’s all part and parcel of the
kind of shock value that shifts newspapers, you know, so they
get the clicks. It tends to distort things, as there is rarely a
focus on those fashion houses that ostensibly look after the
models.

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