Audioscript for Cambridge English Empower B2 Unit Progress Test 8.

Cambridge English Empower B2 Unit Progress Test 8.

Now look at the instructions for part 1.

You will hear eight short recordings. For each one choose the best answer.

You will hear each recording twice.

1 You hear a man talking to a woman.

What is the woman doing?

M: I know you think Anna and I don’t have much in common, but I really like her. I’m
thinking of asking her if she’d like to come with me on Saturday to the Billy Murphy
concert.
F: Have you got tickets? I thought they were really hard to get.
M: There weren’t any available online but after you told me about that ticket agency in
the city centre I went there and managed to get two. I’m not sure Anna’ll like the
music though.
F: Well, if you’ve got tickets for it, I guess it’s worth asking her. You never know. She
might want to, even if you’ve got completely different taste in music most of the time.

Pause 05”

Repeat

Pause 05”

2 You hear two people talking about saving money.

What do they have in common?

M: I wish I could afford a new car, but I haven't got enough money! After paying the
bills, I never have much left by the end of the month - how about you?
F: Well I do have a little left every month, especially now I've paid off my student loan.
M: Lucky you! I haven't. I really try to save what I can, so I can buy the car I want
eventually.
F: I know the feeling. I'm hoping to buy my own flat one day. Luckily, I don't spend
much, so it isn't too hard for me to put a bit of money aside every month.
M: I find that so difficult!

Pause 05”

Repeat

1
Pause 05”

3 You hear a woman talking to a man about finding a flat to rent.

What does the woman encourage the man to do?

F: Have you found a flat to rent yet?

M: No, it's really hard.
F: I'm sorry to hear that. What's the problem?
M: Well the rents are really high where I'd like to live.
F: Well don't give up hope, there's sure to be something out there for you. Have you
tried a number of different estate agents? Some are really good, you know.
M: I've been to a few, but I still haven't seen anything that I like and can afford.
F: I know the feeling.
M: I'm thinking of putting up a notice at work, but I don't think anyone will read it.
F: I'm sure they will.
M: Well it might be worth a try then ...

Pause 05”

Repeat

Pause 05”

4 You hear a man talking to a woman about her lost purse.

What does the man think might happen?

F: Oh no! I've lost my purse - I was sure it was in my bag...

M: Don't you think you should call the police?
F: Oh I don't know. I mean, if it was actually stolen, they'll never catch the thief, will
they?
M: You're probably right.
F: And if I dropped it and someone picks it up, they'll keep it, won't they?
M: I'm not so sure about that...
F: You mean they'll take it to the police if they find it?
M: You never know.
F: Well I'm not so sure about that.
M: Anyway, if you need some money, I can lend you some.
F: Thanks, that's really nice of you!
M: It's no trouble at all.

Pause 05”

Repeat

Pause 05”

5 You hear a woman talking to a friend.

What is she doing?

2
F: It’s fantastic news that you’ve been offered an interview. Loads of people applied,
didn’t they? It’s a really top job.
M: Yeah. I couldn’t believe it when I heard they’d chosen me for an interview. They
called me the day after I'd applied.
F: You must be so pleased.
M: I am. But quite nervous as well.
F: I wouldn’t worry – I’m sure it’ll be fine. Just make sure you prepare well, and I’d be
very happy to help if there’s anything I can do.
M: Thanks. That’s good to know.

Pause 05”

Repeat

Pause 05”

6 You hear two friends talking about travel.

What experience have they both had while travelling?

F: I love travelling. Don’t you?

M: Well, usually – I was really sad leaving Italy. I wouldn’t have minded if I’d missed my
plane home.
F: Why was that?
M: I met a girl while I was there, and it got quite serious. I asked her to marry me, but
she said ‘no’. It broke my heart… I would have left my job here in England for her
you know.
F: I've just had a similar experience doing a part-time job in Australia. Well, almost.. I
had to come back to England to finish university. I almost wanted to miss my plane
too. We’re still in touch, and you never know. I might go back.

Pause 05”

Repeat

Pause 05”

7 You hear two people talking about getting a pay rise.

What was the woman’s experience?

M: I've just been given a pay rise. Well, I say 'given' - I actually had to persuade my
boss that I deserve a higher salary.
F: Did you? I didn't have to ask - I got an email last week saying my salary had gone
up.
M: Great! Your boss sounds more generous than mine. I got far less than I wanted!
F: It was the same with me. And I thought my colleagues had got more than I had. But
they hadn't, as I realised when I talked to them.
M: Oh well... If I could find another job, I'd take it - there just isn't much choice these
days ...

Pause 05”

3
Repeat

Pause 05”

8 You hear a woman talking to her student son about getting a summer job.

What does the woman think her son will probably be able to do?

F: So have you found a job yet?

M: There aren't any part-time jobs around here, Mum.
F: You never know. And you need to do something this summer. If you had any
savings, you could go away with your friends. Won't you get bored at home?
M: You know I'm working for that animal charity...
F: Just one day a week.
M: Yeah, but it's better than nothing... I don't think I'll ever pay off my student loan
anyway...
F: Never give up hope - it might work out fine, you know.
M: It's alright for you, you have a proper job. Nobody wants to employ a student just for
a few weeks.
F: I'm not sure about that ...

Pause 05”

Repeat

Pause 05”

That is the end of the Listening part.

Now look at Part 2.

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