LISTENING PREPARE 7 UNIT 4

1. I go running everyday, in the late afternoon usually. It’s great after a hard day in college, with
all the concentration and mental activity. I mean, sure, it keeps me fit – I’ve always been pretty
sporty anyway, but the best thing is that however I feel at the beginning of the run, I’m always
totally calm at the end of it. Ready to jump in the shower, change into my jeans, and have a nice
chilled time at home, or maybe go out with friends. There’s nothing like it!

2. I’ve never really been into sports or hobbies of any kind, to be honest. When I’m stressed out
about something, I like to talk it out with a friend. Yeah, I’m a talker, people say I should get a
career in radio or something, but I’m not sure about that. I’m a believer in the power of
conservation. Not only do you feel better when you talk something through, but you can get a lot
out of just listening to people. It’s surprising how few people really listen, when other people can
be such a great source of wisdom and knowledge. That’s what I really love about it.

3. I joined the local rock choir last year during my exams because I felt I needed to so something
to help me stop thinking about them. And it worked. It was the best decision I ever made. We’re
all amateurs - I don’t think we’ll ever be able to change money for out performences- but there’s
great sense of being part of a team. And you do really build a strong bond of relationship with
your fellow singers. When you’re singing you’re really ‘in the moment’, but it’s the opportunity
to be with such lovely people that really makes it speacial for me.

4. The gym is where I go when I’m stressed out, which is nearly every day, I must admit! I’ve
always been into fitness- been a gym member since I was thirteen, and I know everyone there. If
a new member comes along, I’m always the one to show them around the equipment. I do a bit
of private training on the side, too, which is a useful source of income. In face, I couldn’t do
without it now so that’s really why I spend so much time there. Besides, it’s quite satisfying to
see people improving their fitness week by week.

5. Learning to play piano was my dad’s idea. I’d been under a lot of pressure ad I needed
something to take my mind off things. It turns out studying a musical instrument is something
you can get completely absorbed in, so it did the job in thar respect! I love it. It’d be great to
make a living out of it, but that’s a long way off. In the meantime, there’s nothing like the feeling
you get when you work your way successfully through a difficult piece without making any
mistakes. That’s what keeps me going.