to

ex
Ke ma
Key to extra material

t
y
ra
Module 1 Speaking
Suggested Answers

te
Vocabulary & Grammar
• To be a good teacher, you need to

r
A.

ial
be enthusiastic about the subject
1. b 2. f 3. h 4. e
being taught and have good
5. g 6. d 7. a 8. c communication skills. Teachers
1. make ends meet definitely need patience to teach
2. win the game students and I think it helps if they changes related to buildings. It
3. set up a business have a good sense of humour. would also be hard for me to be
4. came true Architects need to be creative a live sports reporter, having to
5. apply for a job and talented in design and also think and express myself quickly
have problem-solving skills,
6. gained weight to an audience. As for being a
engineering ability and business
7. got fired rescue team member, probably
sense. They also require good
8. earning a salary the hardest thing is keeping up
communication skills to be able
B. to discuss ideas with their clients. with all the training you need to
1. d 2. a 3. d 4. c To be a sports reporter, you have do while learning about advances
5. d 6. a 7. b 8. b to be confident, enthusiastic and in medicine or equipment. Also,
C. sociable. Reporters need excellent if you want to respond as quickly
1. workforce communication skills and having as possible, you need to know the
a good sense of humour would area you’re working in very well.
2. envy
be an advantage. A member of
3. promotion
a rescue team would need to be
4. rewards Reading
skilled in a variety of fields, such
5. innovation(s) as first aid, survival in the wild 1. c 2. d 3. a 4. c 5. b 6. b
6. sacrifice and using specific equipment.
7. bankrupt
8. benefits
Working well in a team, being
fit and courageous are also Module 2
D. characteristics that are needed.
Vocabulary & Grammar
1. d 2. c 3. b 4. d 5. b • The job that suits my skills and
A.
personality most is that of a
6. a 7. b 8. b 9. c 10. d 1. d 2. c 3. b 4. d 5. a
rescue team member. I love
E. 6. c 7. b 8. d 9. b 10. c
being outdoors and I train every
1. day to keep fit, healthy and B.
1. ’s studying strong. Helping people in need is 1. unappealing
2. wants something that gives me great joy
2. inappropriate
3. ’m not working and satisfaction and I don’t mind
all the hours of constant training 3. incomplete
4. like
5. have that I would have to go through. 4. inexpensive
I wouldn’t have the patience 5. unexpected
2.
to be a teacher and although I
6. ’s moving 6. reaction(s)
have imagination, I don’t have
7. forget 7. holidaymakers
the design talent an architect
8. hope needs to have. I definitely don’t 8. non-stop
9. knows have what it takes to be a sports C.
10. ’s/is doing reporter as I am not confident 1. endurance
11. enjoy about expressing my opinion and
2. non-refundable
12. don’t mind am not that interested in sports
either. 3. settle in
13. looks
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• I would find working with children 4. remarkable

14. needs
difficult because having to try 5. transferred
15. isn’t going
to get the attention of a class 6. calendar
3. full of children and having to
7. beverages
16. think raise my voice would get me
17. design 8. unlike
really stressed. I don’t have the
18. takes engineering ability needed to D.
19. love be an architect and would find it 1. b 2. b 3. d 4. d
20. ’m thinking difficult reading about all the legal 5. c 6. a 7. a 8. c

PIONEER level B1+ 1

 Key to extra material
E.
1. the worst
2. the least
3. more confused
4. better
5. as gifted
6. as enthusiastic
7. the harder
8. the better
9. as lazy
F.
1. educational than I thought it
would be
2. hotter and hotter
3. smartest kid in the class
4. most ridiculous story I have ever
heard
5. had his bike since July
6. been to London four times this
year
7. has Charles been studying
Medicine
8. seen Jessica for a long time
9. many hours / much as I used to
10. faster the roller coaster went, the
dizzier I got
Speaking
Suggested answer
A: What are the options?
B: The first option is to visit a
museum and the second option is
to attend a live sports game.
A: What are the advantages of each
option?
B: The advantages of the first option
are that it can be done in any
weather and it gives foreigners
an idea of the local culture. The
advantages of the second option
are that it’s an entertaining
and lively activity and it’s an
interesting experience if the sport
is unknown to foreigners.
A: What are the disadvantages of
each option?
Copyright © MM Publications
B: The disadvantages of the first
option are that some people find
museums boring and that it does
not give foreigners a taste of the
modern city and way of life. The
disadvantages of the second
option are that it’s difficult to find
a sport that everyone will like and
that bad weather can ruin the
2 – PIONEER level B1+
experience if the sport is played in
an open stadium.
A: OK, I see.
B: So now that you have the
necessary information, which of
the two options do you think we
should choose?
A: Exchange students coming from
another country will be interested
in visiting cultural places and
learning about our local history.
On the other hand, attending
a sports game will probably
appeal to students, especially
if it is a sport that is unique to
our country. Exchange students
would like to experience not just
the culture of a place, but also
the traditions and local pastimes,
such as attending events which
are popular with locals. I think that
arranging for students to attend
a sports game is the best option,
because it will be an exciting
experience which they can share
with the local students and it will
give them great memories for
when they go back home. Also,
it’s something which would be
difficult for exchange students to
attend at another time.
B: What didn’t you like about the
other option?
A: Local students will probably have
visited the museum already and
so it might not be the best option
for a shared experience between
the two groups of students. If
the exchange students do want
to visit the particular museum
during their visit, they can easily
arrange to go on their own, either
as a big group or in small groups,
rather than as an outing with the
local students. Also, the town has
a lot of different museums and
the exchange students might
be interested in different ones.
Therefore, they could split into
groups to visit the ones they are
most interested in.
Listening
1. b 2. a 3. b 4. c 5. b 6. c
Listening transcript
1.
A: What are you up to?
B: I’m in the middle of reading a
fantastic book. I can’t put it down.
A: What is it?
B: It’s a crime novel, Under The
Lighthouse, by Jane Fenningway.
A: I’ve read one of her books, Broken
Fence. It was very gripping. A
little too gripping. I couldn’t sleep
afterwards.
B: Yeah, I had the same problem,
but you must admit, it was very
realistic!
What have they both read?
2.
A: Mum, what are you making? It
smells delicious.
B: Onion bhajis.
A: What are they?
B: They’re like burgers, but made
with onions, lentils and chilli.
A: So, vegetarian burgers then?
B: Sort of, but you don’t eat them
in a bun with ketchup. It’s an
Indian snack. You eat them with a
yoghurt dip. Want to try one?
What accompanies Indian bhajis?
3.
A: Do you want to go skating on
Sunday?
B: Sure! What time were you
thinking?
A: About 2 o’clock?
B: Can we go in the morning?
Graham and Bill are meeting me at
Marley’s for lunch.
A: I have an online lesson at 10:30
a.m. and the rink doesn’t open till
11 on Sundays. How about meeting
at 12?
B: OK!
What time does the rink open on
Sundays?
4.
A: Hey, what time is it? There’s
something on TV I want to watch.
B: It’s five thirty.
A: Oh, I have another twenty
minutes. What are you watching?
Is that Russia?
B: No, it’s Alaska. It’s a documentary
about four teams of people who
have to travel from one place to
another, but they have to survive
in the wild using only what they
can carry. They have to endure
Key to extra material

extreme weather conditions, cross 9. in Speaking

huge rivers and much more. I’m 10. on Suggested answer
hooked. B. 1. Booking a holiday
A: I haven’t seen that one. The one 1. b 2. c 3. d 4. a A: Hi. Have I come to the right place?
I want to watch is about this vet 5. c 6. b 7. a 8. d Is this Global Travels?
that takes care of injured wild
C. B: Yes, it is. How can I help you?
animals. It’s crazy what he’s asked
1. educated A: Well, I would like to challenge
to do. In the last episode, they
2. mistook myself and visit somewhere new.
brought in a lion whose tooth
3. compulsory Perhaps a destination in Europe;
had gone bad. Can you imagine
putting your hand in its mouth? 4. accompany I enjoy visiting big cities in
particular.
What kind of documentary is on TV 5. invaluable
right now? B: Do you have anywhere specific in
6. document
mind?
5. 7. cancel
A: I haven’t thought of any place
A: Did you watch the match 8. tension
in particular. Do you have any
yesterday? Martin Gordon won. 9. puzzled
suggestions?
B: I know, poor Bob Landers didn’t 10. official
have a chance. No one seems able B: We offer a wide range of
D. destinations, all over the world,
to beat Gordon.
1. c 2. a 3. d 4. a catering for every need. Could
A: We’ll see; he’s playing Murray
5. b 6. b 7. c 8. d I interest you in a package tour
Jackson next.
E. where you would have the
B: That will be one to watch. Did you
1. Did you enjoy opportunity to experience three
see Jackson beating Rodney Lake?
2. were thinking major European cities: Berlin,
A: Yes, it was incredible!
3. decided Paris and Rome? Have you visited
B: Why don’t you come over to my any of these cities before?
place tomorrow to watch the match? 4. wanted
A: I haven’t. Now that I think of it,
Which match hasn’t been played 5. didn’t go
it would be a great opportunity
yet? 6. arrived
to see more than one place and
6. 7. realised
go sightseeing in each city. Is
A: You’re covered in mud. Have 8. was missing accommodation included in the
you been helping Peter with his 9. went package?
garden? 10. were waiting B: Of course, and so is your transfer
B: Yes, but I was just carrying some 11. was trying / tried to and from the airport in all three
pots from one place to another. 12. apologised cities. Which dates would suit
Before that I’d been playing 13. offered you?
soccer with Danny and some of
14. received A: I am thinking about going in the
his friends. The game got pretty
15. stayed middle of August since I will have
intense.
16. were working / worked time off work then. Is breakfast
A: I bet! Why don’t you help me wash included in the price too?
the car before you shower since 17. was / were building
18. went B: Breakfast is included in the price
you’re already dirty?
of your stay at all hotels. Also, all
Why is the man covered in mud? F.
rooms have air-conditioning and
1. I was walking to the shop when I
a mini-fridge. Just let me check
bumped into Carrie.
Module 3 2. As we were disembarking, I
availability for the period you are
interested in. Yes, that looks fine.
Vocabulary & Grammar realised that I had left my bags
A: Can you give me a discount if I
behind.
A. make a deposit now?
Copyright © MM Publications

3. I used to think art was boring until

1. in B: We offer a 10% discount if half of
I visited an art gallery with some
2. by the total sum is paid in advance.
friends.
3. tour What do you think? Shall we make
4. When I was young I would spend
4. down the reservation?
my afternoons playing sports.
5. in A: Yes please. Let’s go ahead.
5. I was going to apply for a course
6. foreigners B: Certainly. Can you give me your
in medicine, but I changed my
7. on purpose mind when I learnt how long the full name and a contact number?
8. down course would last. A: Sure. It’s...

PIONEER level B1+ 3

 Key to extra material
2. Complaining to a restaurant
manager about a meal
A: Excuse me, are you the restaurant
manager?
B: I am, sir. Is there some kind of
problem?
A: I’m sorry to have to say this, but
I am not at all happy with the
service or the quality of food in
your restaurant.
B: Keeping our customers happy is
our top priority so I’m very sorry
to hear that. Please tell me what
you were dissatisfied with.
A: First of all, we had to wait for a
very long time before our order
was taken. Then when our food
finally arrived, I realised that there
had been some sort of mistake.
The dishes were totally different to
those we had ordered so they had
to take them back to the kitchen.
B: I do apologise. Our service is
usually excellent.
A: And that’s not all. I don’t like to
complain, but when the food
finally arrived, it was burnt and we
couldn’t eat it.
B: Please accept our apologies. Of
course, you won’t be charged
for the meal this evening. Can
we offer you a free three-course
meal on another evening of your
choice? I promise we will take
special care of you.
A: OK, thank you. We would
appreciate that.
B: Just call to make a reservation
and I promise everything else will
be taken care of.
Reading
1. B 2. A 3. D 4. C
5. B 6. D 7. A
Module 4
Vocabulary & Grammar
A.
Copyright © MM Publications
1. underfed
2. overcharged
3. underpaid
4. overuse
5. overrated
6. underestimated
7. overcooked
8. underachieving
4 – PIONEER level B1+
B. want to learn about wildlife. Going
1. d 2. c 3. a 4. c 5. d on a safari is a great way to study
6. b 7. b 8. b 9. c 10. b wildlife because it’s a first-hand
experience. It involves all your
C.
senses, which makes this experience
1. to
very memorable. There is a sense
2. to
of excitement being so close to the
3. of
animals and you get to see them
4. in in a natural environment. If you
5. in are with a guide, they will be able
6. to to give you interesting facts about
7. on the animals. On the negative side, a
8. on safari can be quite expensive and, if
9. of the guide is not very experienced or
careful, a person might be in danger
D.
from the wild animals.
1. renewable
Documentaries can be an excellent
2. creation
way to learn about wildlife also,
3. purpose
especially if they are well-made.
4. assistance A good presenter will present
5. ordinarily interesting facts in a way that is easy
6. installing to understand. There is no danger
7. contribute and you don’t have to spend a lot of
8. disease(s) money. Modern-day documentaries
are presented in vivid colours and
E.
you can watch them as many times
1. had been walking, saw
as you like to recall information.
2. had ever swum, was
Unfortunately, watching something
3. had been rising, decided
on a screen is not as exciting as
4. reached, had been hiking living the real thing.
5. had called
B: I am interested in learning about
6. had Oliver been working, started wildlife because I believe animals
7. had been warning/had warned, are fascinating and we can learn a
became lot about the environment we live
8. had been studying, got in by studying animals. / I’m not
F. really enthusiastic about learning
1. in spite of the heavy more about wildlife; I prefer
2. despite (his) not having much / documentaries about people and
despite his lack of modern issues.
3. because of the smoke I might learn more facts
about wildlife by watching a
4. since we wanted to cut
documentary but I think going
5. even though she was
on a safari would be a more
6. is due to
7. although it was snowing
memorable experience. Seeing,
hearing and experiencing animals
with my own senses would make
Speaking more of an impression on me
Suggested answer than watching a documentary.
A: The first picture shows people I would be motivated to ask the
on a safari. They’re travelling in guide questions and the first-hand
a jeep with a guide and they are experience would definitely make
able to take pictures of a leopard me want to learn more, at a later
up close. The second picture time, on my own.
shows a family watching a wildlife
documentary on TV. Listening
Both activities have benefits if you 1. c 2. a 3. b 4. b 5. c 6. b
Key to extra material
Listening transcript
1.
A: Did you understand what we have
to do for Mr Stevenson?
B: You mean from the lesson on
alternative energy?
A: Yes, I didn’t catch what he said.
B: We have to do research on the net
and write an essay giving the pros
and cons of a green energy source
of our choice.
A: What are you going to write about?
B: Probably wave power.
A: I think I’ll write about solar energy.
I made notes in class and my
father is installing solar panels on
our roof, so I can ask him.
B: Good idea.
2.
At Juniper College, students have
been working on a project to design
eco-friendly gadgets or systems.
Today is the big day when they
will be showing off their hard work
and bright ideas to classmates,
teachers, parents and also local green
businesses and investors, many of
whom will travel here by bicycle.
Students who have truly come up
with something both innovative and
friendly to the environment have the
chance to receive funding to develop
their work. Exciting? Well, there is
certainly something promising in the
air. Over here we have a light bulb
powered by wind and here, windows
that allow the light to pass through
into a house but not the sun’s heat.
3.
Penguins look like they’re wearing
a tuxedo, with their black backs and
white stomachs, but their appearance
is no coincidence. Their colouring is a
form of camouflage or, in other words,
a way to help them mix in with their
natural environment and stay hidden
from predators. This might seem to
make little sense, as penguins’ black
and white colours stand out against
the land and sky. But it is not on land
that they are in danger, nor in the
sky, for penguins are water birds. The
dark feathers on their backs help to
hide them from predators swimming
above them and their white stomach
feathers hide them from predators
swimming below them.
4. other birds away from the area
A: Did you see the documentary using special cans and balloons.
about poisonous snake
conservation last night?
B: Poisonous snake conservation?!
Module 5
Why on earth would you want to Vocabulary & Grammar
conserve poisonous snakes? A.
A: Well, that’s what I was curious 1. translate
about. 2. comprehend
B: I don’t like snakes, but I suppose 3. appalled
all creatures have a right to life.
4. event
A: Well, it’s not just that. The
5. embarrassed
documentary was explaining
6. individuals
that the poison of these snakes
contains very valuable and unique 7. confusing
substances, like proteins, that are 8. fascinated
used in important medicines, for 9. beard
example for heart disease. 10. alarmed
B: Hmm, I never considered that side B.
to snakes. Still, you wouldn’t catch 1. b 2. c 3. c 4. a
me volunteering. 5. b 6. d 7. c 8. a
A: I don’t know. They’re probably not C.
frightening once you learn how to
1. cooperative
handle them.
2. humorous
5.
3. accessible
Right, on the whole I was happy with
4. disappointment
your essays. You clearly spent time on
5. decorations
them as all the facts were correct and
there were some very interesting ones 6. cancellation
about some local energy projects. I 7. connection
would have liked to see you examine 8. achievement
the difficult issues connected to the 9. healthy
method of energy production you 10. educational
chose more closely. For example, one D.
of you wrote about dams. Well, in order
1. b 2. d 3. d 4. d 5. b
to create dams, a huge area of land
6. b 7. b 8. c 9. a 10. a
has to be flooded, which often means
people lose their homes and farmland E.
and also destruction is caused to 1. needn’t / don’t have to accompany
wildlife and wildlife habitats. So, a more me because I know the way.
general understanding of the issues 2. the project have been / be
surrounding clean energy was missing. finished by next month?
6. 3. might not find a train ticket for
A: Jason, can you tell us what OSRP tomorrow morning.
stands for, what it means? 4. mustn’t / can’t / are not allowed
to smoke in the building.
B: Oil spill response plan.
5. will be arriving / arrives / is
A: And what do you do exactly?
arriving at 6 p.m. tomorrow.
Copyright © MM Publications
B: We try to stop the spread of oil
and then capture and store it until 6. I borrow your jacket for the
it can be disposed of properly. hiking trip?
A: How about the wildlife? 7. ought not to / shouldn’t walk on
B: Well, obviously any wildlife in the his broken leg.
area covered in oil will be affected 8. I get paid, I’ll buy the shoes.
and we have to try and help as 9. going (to go) skiing next week.
best we can, as well as cleaning 10. I really need/have to work
the shoreline. We also try to scare overtime tomorrow?
PIONEER level B1+ 5
 Key to extra material

Speaking be able to do very complicated 7. making

Suggested answers tasks and also communicate with 8. ancestors
1. I think that only a small minority humans at a very advanced level. 9. spouse
will own flying cars by 2040, As well as operating machines, 10. in
as I imagine that they won’t I think they will be able to drive,
11. news
be affordable for a long time cook and even carry out very
12. combination
yet. Also, I think it will require creative projects. I think it might
even be possible for robots to C.
a lot of careful organising for
carry out surgery independently. 1. reliable
a large number of people to
be able to fly in the air without 4. Robots have replaced humans 2. lets
crashing into each other. A strict in factories and I think that 3. sensitive
system of rules would have to many workers will be replaced 4. break
be agreed upon. As well as air in the future. I have also heard 5. arguing
traffic control, there would have that many humans will add 6. ruin
to be a safe system for cars technological or robotic devices
7. judge
taking off and landing. By 2040, to their own bodies so they can
8. go
flying cars might be possible think or work faster. The general
future of robots in relation to the D.
in a few countries, if they are
human population is, I think, very 1. c 2. b 3. c 4. b 5. d
technologically-advanced and
very well-organised. uncertain. Some scientists warn 6. d 7. a 8. d 9. c 10. c
On the other hand, I think that if we create robots that are E.
that many people in industrial more and more intelligent, they 1. whose
countries will own personal will finally take over and try to 2. when/that
robots by 2040 if their cost is control humans. 3. where
low enough. Personal robots are 5. I think that the main challenge 4. who/that
probably the next logical step for flying cars is safety, as at the
5. which/that/ -
after owning smart household moment there is no air control
6. which/that
appliances. system for flying cars so that
they do not crash into each other. 7. which/that
2. Flying cars can benefit society by
Such systems exist today for 8. who
reducing traffic jams on roads,
reducing travelling time and the aeroplanes, but a system that 9. whose
need for aeroplanes. They will would monitor millions of flying 10. which
allow people to travel easily no cars would have to be way more 11. which
matter where they live, without sophisticated. As well as crashes 12. which/that/-
being dependent on land routes. in the air, I think there would be a
13. where
They would, for example, be high risk of accidents when cars
very helpful for people living in move from level to level, taking
off from the ground or touching Speaking
rural areas. Flying cars would be
down to refuel or to park. Suggested answer
very beneficial if they were used
A: Who is the person?
as ambulances as they could
travel quickly to the desired Reading B: My son.
location and also be able to reach 1. d 2. c 3.b 4. c 5. a A: What is the problem?
people trapped in places that are B: He is always on the Internet
otherwise inaccessible. chatting with friends until the
Personal robots can be beneficial Module 6 early hours of the morning. He
as time-saving devices. They can finds it hard to wake up in the
Vocabulary & Grammar
carry out necessary everyday morning and is often late for
A.
tasks, thus freeing people’s time school.
1. b 2. c 3. b 4. b
A: What are the possible solutions?
Copyright © MM Publications

to do more creative, interesting

5. c 6. d 7. b 8. b
things. Likewise, they can be used B: I thought a good idea would be
to do jobs that are dangerous, B. to ask him to limit the time he
such as cleaning on top of 1. bride spends on the computer so that he
cupboards, or jobs that affect 2. extrovert can wake up in the morning. The
someone’s health, such as when 3. gender second solution is to block Internet
you have to constantly bend 4. tend access during the school week.
down to vacuum. 5. down A: What are the advantages of each
3. I think that by 2040 robots will 6. aggressive option?

6 – PIONEER level B1+

Key to extra material
B: Well, if I ask him to limit his
time on the computer, I will be
encouraging him to develop
the ability to control his own
behaviour. He will learn to be
responsible and conscientious,
and he will realise I trust him to
make his own wise decisions. If
I choose the second solution,
I can be sure he will not waste time
on the computer and his spare
time will be more productive.
A: And what are the disadvantages?
B: As far as the first option is
concerned, my son might not
have the ability to control his
addiction. It will also be difficult
for me to be sure he has limited
his Internet use. On the other
hand, if I block Internet use during
the school week, it might make
our relationship more difficult and
it might affect his relationships
with his friends in a negative way.
Also he might need to use the
Internet for homework. So, now
that you know everything, what
do you think I should do?
A: If I were you, I think I’d try talking
to him about limiting the time
he spends using social media
and about trying to be more
responsible. That would actually
strengthen your relationship,
since he would see that you have
his best interests in mind. You can
explain to him that this will help
him get up earlier in the morning
and feel refreshed, which will
boost his performance at school.
From my own experience, I can
tell you that the second option
would most probably get him
angry and that would make him
uncooperative. I hope it works out
for you.
Listening
1. c 2. b 3. d 4. a 5. c
Listening transcript
I would like to welcome you all to
this True Grit seminar. I guess most
of you are wondering what it is
going to be about. Now, some of
you might think of grit as the pieces
of stone you scatter in front of
your house when it’s icy and some Module 7
of you eat grits of a different kind
Vocabulary & Grammar
for breakfast. Yes, a few of you are
nodding your heads and a few are A.
making faces! Don’t worry; we’re 1. d 2. b 3. b 4. c
not going to learn how to cook grits. 5. c 6. a 7. d 8. d
This seminar is about another kind B.
of grit: grit in psychology. 1. season
Grit is the ability to keep going after 2. point
very long-term goals, even when 3. shortened
things get really hard and even 4. plot
when things go totally wrong. Grit 5. original
is the belief that you can achieve 6. bookmark
anything. It’s a belief in yourself, 7. emphasised
a determination to win, a plan for
8. reality
success.
C.
During these weekly two-hour
1. of
sessions, we are going to focus on
2. cutting-edge
the importance of grit and learn how
3. released
to build it. I’m sure a lot of you have
grit and most of you know someone 4. with
in your family or neighbourhood who 5. suspense
has grit spilling out of them. So, for 6. of
the first part of today’s session, I want 7. hilarious
you to discuss this with the person 8. touch
sitting next to you and identify the 9. catch up
characteristics of a gritty person. 10. commercials
First, though, I want to give you an D.
example of a remarkable man, Larry, 1. a 2. c 3. d 4. a 5. c
who was studying at an art school 6. b 7. b 8. d 9. a 10. c
when he had a car accident in which E.
he lost both arms. Many people 1. was made clear to us that we
would have given up their dreams to must all attend the event
be an artist, but Larry taught himself
2. will be provided with boots for the
to paint with his mouth and feet, trip (by the school)
continued his studies and graduated
3. should be taught how to swim
as an honour student. Larry also
from a young age
learnt to drive a specially-adapted
4. is known to be valuable
car and became a successful
5. was being served when I arrived
motivational speaker, inspiring
at the dinner party
people to accomplish anything they
6. weren’t invited to James’
set their minds to.
wedding
So, now that you’ve heard my
7. is thought (by many) to be the
example, I want you to put your
best way to travel to Rome
thinking caps on and talk to each
8. name has been called twice
other. Any questions?
(by the doctor)
1. Which of the following is not a
definition of grit(s)?
Speaking
Copyright © MM Publications
2. What is true about the seminar?
Suggested answer
3. What do the participants need to
Group A: We are in favour of the
do in today’s session?
statement that ‘The
4. What example of a person with
Internet is a great way to
grit does the speaker mention?
make new friends’. We
5. What does the speaker mean
believe that it is easier
when she says, ‘I want you to to find people who share
put your thinking caps on…’ common interests online.
PIONEER level B1+ 7
 Key to extra material
Group B: Excuse me. Could I say
something before you
continue?
Group A: Just one moment, please.
I wanted to add that this
is the case because you
are not limited to finding
friends among the people
that live near you.
Group B: That’s true, but how
can you trust that the
information someone
gives you on the Internet
is true? They may not be
who they say they are.
Group A: May I interrupt for a
second? That’s just as
possible when meeting
someone in real life - their
true personality may be
entirely different to what
they appear to be on the
outside.
Group B: That’s fair enough, but if I
can go back to what I was
saying - on the Internet
it’s much harder to
know who you are really
chatting to. It’s common
for people to use cartoon
photos or the photos of a
celebrity instead of their
own. People can give
misinformation about
their age, their gender,
their profession, whatever
they like. You can’t trust
any of what they say. In
addition to that, I think it’s
much healthier meeting
people in real life. I think
we spend too much time
on the Internet and the
quality of communication
is suffering.
Group A: I am not against face-to-
face contact. What I’m
saying is that the Internet
can be a great starting
Copyright © MM Publications
point to meet someone for
the first time, especially
if someone is shy, and
then they can arrange to
meet in person. Plus, we
live very busy lives and
it’s difficult to arrange
to meet up with people
at a time that will suit
8 – PIONEER level B1+
everyone. So, interacting E.
with people online is 1. to go, go
easier because it can 2. locking up, to check
be done regardless of a 3. to inform
person’s daily routine.
4. to accept
Group B: That’s true. On the other
5. exercising, eating, eat, to lose
hand, being a friend is
6. eating, having
more than having the
7. Swimming, relaxing
same interests or talking
to each other. It includes 8. to say, to do
helping them in practical 9. tidy
ways, such as driving them 10. to answer
somewhere or offering a 11. going, to do
shoulder when they need 12. waiting
to cry. How do you do that F.
with an online friend? 1. blamed me for breaking
2. can’t have been
Reading 3. could have stood
1. d 2. g 3. a 4. b 5. f 6. e 4. shouldn’t have left
5. is worth watching
Module 8 Speaking
Vocabulary & Grammar Suggested answer
A. A: All the suggestions are important
1. ordinary and effective in different ways.
2. find out For example, family could help
a person by encouraging them
3. with
to talk about it every time they
4. incidents
have a bullying incident. Sharing
5. act
a negative experience helps a
6. fine
person minimise the feelings
7. off of anxiety and anger and also
8. against helps them look at the situation
B. logically.
1. a 2. a 3. a 4. a 5. b B: Yes, I agree. Our family
6. b 7. d 8. c 9. c 10. a understands us best and could
C. advise us on how to deal with
bullying, how to convince the
1. theft
bully to stop or how to protect
2. burglary
ourselves. Especially if the bullied
3. vandalism person is a child, the parents can
4. hacker take the initiative to inform the
5. murderer school or deal with the bullies
D. themselves.
1. should have told A: And not only do schools have to
2. can’t have done, have helped cooperate with parents on this,
but they should also take the
3. must have been
initiative. In fact, schools can
4. must be
be very effective since children
5. might have read spend most of their day there and
6. should have told, could have teachers have multiple chances to
helped talk about bullying and suggest
7. could have been ways of fighting against it.
8. can’t be B: Definitely. Schools should make
9. must have left it clear to bullies that they do not
10. can’t have been accept this kind of behaviour. They
Key to extra material
could run bullying prevention
programmes and train their staff on
how to deal with bullying so that
teachers know how to react if they
spot a bully.
A: You’re right. It is the job of the
teachers to create a safe and
supportive environment for
students to learn in, and the
students must feel that the
teachers are there to protect
them. However, I also think that
a hotline for bullied kids would
be helpful. In this way, someone
who has been or is being bullied
can talk to someone that doesn’t
know them, which often makes
them feel less afraid of talking.
B: True. Parents of bullied victims or
parents of bullies could also call
the hotline to seek advice. And it’s
very practical for adults who are
victims of bullying and have no
one to talk to. What do you think
of the media?
A: The media could be a very
effective tool because it
influences almost everyone.
People who are being bullied
can find useful information and
techniques to use. What’s more,
the bullies themselves might
be persuaded to change if they
see all the criticism that this
behaviour receives globally.
B: And I think even very young
children would benefit from
the media. For example, many
children’s programmes have
shown lovable characters who are
victims of bullying. This proves
to children that this can happen
to anyone and it helps them seek
help when they see that their
favourite character has done so.
A: Exactly. As for the last point,
I completely agree. We mustn’t
forget that bullies are the way
they are for a reason. Perhaps
their behaviour is a way for them
to express their emotions about
difficulties they have in their lives.
So, seeking specialist help for
someone who is a bully is a very
effective way of dealing with a
problem at its root.
B: I couldn’t agree more. A person
who is educated and experienced
in dealing with emotional issues
and behavioural problems is the
most suitable to help.
A: So, which two suggestions would
you say are the most effective?
B: In my opinion, the most effective
suggestion in stopping bullying
would be for schools to take
immediate action when they
witness bullying. In this way, they
can prevent it from becoming a
permanent problem both for the
person who is being bullied and
for the bully who will receive help
while they are still young.
A: I agree. Teachers should know
how to handle this kind of
situation carefully and quickly.
I also think that it’s important for
bullies to receive professional
help because you deal with the
issue from its starting point.
B: Very true. So, we’ll choose
education at school and specialist
help for bullies, right?
A: Agreed.
Listening
1. G 2. B 3. C 4. H 5. E
Listening transcript
Speaker 1
Being an undercover agent isn’t
easy. You have to make a group of
criminals believe you are the exact
opposite of what you actually are.
Criminals, by nature, are suspicious
and cautious. To be accepted into
their world is very difficult as you
have to convince them that you are
one of them. It’s also challenging
when you see illegal things
happening. You see different kinds
of crimes being committed but, to
ensure you don’t give away your
true identity, you do next to nothing
to stop them. It is a part of the job a
lot of police officers struggle with,
including myself, and it’s why so few
make good undercover agents.
Speaker 2
When you’re an undercover agent,
being uncovered by criminals isn’t
the only danger you face. You might
be attacked by members of the
criminal group or even other police
officers who don’t know about your
cover. As an undercover agent, you
want to stay put and get results,
even if this means risking your own
safety, but your superiors will take
you off the case if they think you are
in too much danger. This happened
on my last case. A few members of
the criminal group were planning on
attacking me, because they thought
I had gained too much information
about them.
Speaker 3
Maintaining an undercover identity
can be very difficult. Once, I was
pretending to be a wealthy criminal
and I had been given very expensive
clothes and shoes to wear. I made a
foolish purchase, however, buying a
cheap pair of rubber stick-on soles
for my designer shoes. The next day
I met a suspect in an expensive hotel
restaurant, as we had arranged, but
after that he never contacted me
again. Criminals are aware of things
like that, so all agents must be extra
careful.
Speaker 4
The hardest part of the job is the
stress. At any time, a criminal can
discover who you really are. It’s as
simple as a friend seeing you on the
street and saying ‘hi’. At best, that’s
months or years of police work gone
to waste; at worst, people’s lives,
including your own, can be at risk.
The pressure of pretending during
the job isn’t the worst part, though.
When you’re undercover, you get
into a character and it sticks. What
I try to do is not take that character
home. Your family has to deal with
your job too and the way it affects
you.
Copyright © MM Publications
Speaker 5
The case I was involved in lasted for
five long years, but looking back, I
couldn’t be more proud of the work
that got done. I only got to see my
wife and daughters once every
three months, and I had to exercise
immense patience, but it was all
worth it. In the 1990s, I managed
PIONEER level B1+ 9
 Key to extra material

to get accepted by a crime family 12. eat small restaurants in town and then
to such an extent that I was able 13. (will) feel we can walk around to experience
to provide evidence that brought 14. would / will it help the island at night.
the crimes of 200 individuals to 15. went / go A: I agree. I also read that the town
light. That was a rare case and one has a local history museum.
F.
that caused the police and crime Others have said that it’s worth
1. If my father didn’t work until very
families to change their practices. visiting, but I’d prefer spending
late, I’d see him more often.
Crime families now demand even time outdoors.
more from new members to prove I’d see my father more often if he
B: Yes, we can see the museum next
they are who they say they are, and didn’t work until very late.
time we visit. What I would really
undercover police have had to adapt 2. If Andrew hadn’t kicked the ball, like to do, if we’re going to be
in order to be accepted by these he wouldn’t have broken the sporty, is go sailing.
organisations. window. A: But doesn’t that need training?
Andrew wouldn’t have broken the I don’t believe we have enough
window if he hadn’t kicked the time to take a course before we
Module 9 ball. arrive at the island. If you want
3. If Mark had been concentrating, he some adventure, the easiest thing
Vocabulary & Grammar
wouldn’t have crashed into a tree. to do is snorkelling.
A.
Mark wouldn’t have crashed into a B: That’s good enough, I guess. You
1. a 2. a 3. d 4. b 5. c
tree if he had been concentrating. know what? Someone told me
6. b 7. d 8. c 9. d 10. d there’s a beach with caves nearby
4. If you don’t have a nap and rest,
B. you won’t get better. you can swim to. Perhaps we can
1. muscles You won’t get better if you don’t snorkel there.
2. circulation have a nap and rest. A: Excellent idea. We can do that on
3. boosting 5. If I had any spare money this Saturday. And on Sunday, would
4. clearing month, I’d join the gym. you like to watch the kayaking
competition?
5. appreciate I’d join the gym if I had any spare
B: Not really. It’ll be a waste of what
6. vitality money this month.
little time we have because they
7. life-changing 6. If you take this medicine, your
don’t allow spectators to swim
8. hygiene cough will stop.
where the race takes place.
C. Your cough will stop if you take
A: OK. Looks like we’ve worked
1. disrespect this medicine.
everything out. We are definitely
2. misbehaves going to relax on the beach and
3. disapproved Speaking go snorkelling, as well as try the
4. disobey Suggested answer local cuisine.
5. displeased A: I think the one thing we most B: I agree. Then if we have time we
definitely must do is relax on the can also go cycling and swim in
6. misdialled
beach. That’s why we’re planning the caves.
7. misinformed
this whole trip, right? Reading
8. misheard
B: Of course, no doubt about that. 1. a 2. c 3. b 4. b 5. a 6. d
D. Since it’s the first time we’re
1. b 2. b 3. c 4. b visiting, do you think it would be a
5. b 6. d 7. c 8. a good idea to go on a walking tour? Module 10
E. A: I think it’s something we can do Vocabulary & Grammar
1. would/could have picked ourselves, without a guide. It A.
2. had told would be much better to hire a
1. precious
3. had had couple of bikes and tour both the
2. refund
Copyright © MM Publications

town and the island beaches.

4. would/could have called 3. at a loss for
B: You’re right. Perhaps we could
5. stay 4. complimentary
also take a long walk around the
6. will get 5. porter
old town after dinner. Actually,
7. had I know it’s going to be more 6. convenient
8. would go expensive, but I suggest that we 7. regular
9. were don’t eat at the hotel. I think it 8. branch
10. would change would be more interesting to try 9. deposits
11. drink the local cuisine at one of the 10. currency

10 – PIONEER level B1+

Key to extra material
B.
1. b 2. c 3. c 4. b
5. b 6. a 7. c 8. d
C.
1. service
2. central
3. multiple
4. shuttle
5. advantage
6. cashier
7. supervising
8. compromised
D.
1. It was such a delicious cake that
we all had a second piece.
2. You have to work harder in order
to pass all your exams.
3. The painter was very careful so
as not to let any paint drop on the
floor.
4. We called the plumber so that he
could fix the tap.
5. It was so sunny that we spent the
whole day at the park. / It was
very sunny, so we spent the whole
day at the park.
6. We should leave for the airport so
that we don’t miss our flight.
E.
1. have our car fixed
2. has her sister help her
3. get James to pick Dad up
4. got the teachers to clear out
5. have to have wood delivered
Speaking
Suggested answer
A: There are various ways we could
improve customer service. For
example, calling someone by their
first name is a good way to make
customers feel valued, and it
doesn’t cost a thing.
B: I agree, but at what point do
you think it’s acceptable to ask
a customer their name? Some
people might not want to be
so personal. I think it’s a great
idea, depending on how friendly
the customer wants to be. It’s
definitely a good idea for regular
customers.
A: I see your point. The next idea is,
I think, a must. Customers don’t
like to be kept waiting. Especially
for new customers, it makes a bad
impression and they won’t come
back. If it’s a regular customer,
they might feel as if they are being
taken for granted.
B: Yes, keeping customers waiting
is a definite customer loser. How
about freebies? I think they’re a
good idea. Lots of businesses do
that.
A: I like the idea, but only if we figure
out a smart way to do it. We
shouldn’t give freebies away too
often because customers might
end up expecting them more
often than we can give them.
B: Maybe it can be something
spontaneous rather than an
annual customer gift. For example,
I think it’s a nice gesture to offer
customers a free dessert or drink.
A: Annual customer gifts can be nice
too, though. Like a free calendar
or diary.
B: Actually, now that you mention it,
I do appreciate gifts like that when
I’m a customer.
A: Great. OK, the next point. I think
we both make it a point to talk
to customers but perhaps I have
some room for improvement
there. You’re really good at
showing personal interest, even
when we’re really busy, whereas
I get anxious trying to serve
everyone that I forget to exchange
a few words with them.
B: The thing is that, by talking to
them, you also get an idea of
what their preferences are and
that way you can suggest making
something more personalised.
A: Yes, I think that’s appreciated.
Taking time to offer customers
exactly what they are looking for
might mean more effort on our
part, but at the same time I think it
will encourage new customers to
try us out too.
B: Definitely. So, which two choices
do you think are the most
effective?
A: Firstly, I’d say, making sure we
serve our customers as quickly as
possible. We don’t want anxious or
frustrated customers, do we?
B: Certainly not. I agree with your
choice. I also think that offering
personalised products is effective
because you make the customer
feel especially valued, and they
are more likely to recommend the
business to friends.
A: True. These two techniques are
sure to create a stronger bond
with our existing customers and
attract new ones. I’m glad we
agree.
Listening
1. gap year
2. a hotel receptionist
3. twenty-four
4. tuna salad sandwiches
5. six-thirty
6. with the guests
7. (the) manager
8. (unforgettable) eight month
Listening transcript
I was trying to decide whether to
study French literature straight after
school or whether to take a gap year,
when I saw an ad looking for a host
at a mountain resort in France. I had
never been to France and had always
wanted to go climbing in the Alps, so
my mind was made up. The ad said
they were looking for ‘an energetic
people person’ and I figured that was
me. The only thing I had to do was
to convince them I was the one for
the job.
The job application turned out to be
extremely easy. I sent them an email
expressing my interest, and as soon
as they learnt that I had worked two
summers as a hotel receptionist, that
I spoke English, French and Italian
and that I loved cooking, that was
pretty much it. Next, it was just a
case of booking my airline ticket and
deciding what to take with me. I was
going to be a joint host at a resort
which could accommodate up to 24
guests. The other host was a Spanish
Copyright © MM Publications
guy named Enrico, and we would
have the responsibility of taking care
of every imaginable need our guests
had. Enrico had originally been
working at the holiday home with
his brother, but his brother had had
to return home unexpectedly, which
was good news for me.
Enrico had already been there for
PIONEER level B1+ 11
 Key to extra material

three months so he was familiar Module 11 Speaking

with the resort and the job. The Suggested answer
guests adored him because he was Vocabulary & Grammar
A: I would love to see the Pyramids
enthusiastic about everything, from A.
and Egyptian mummies. I’ve
making tuna salad sandwiches for 1. a 2. b 3. d 4. c 5. d watched documentaries about
the guests to take with them when 6. a 7. a 8. d 9. a 10. b Ancient Egypt and since then I’ve
hiking, to making sure everyone’s B. been fascinated by Egyptian life in
rooms and laundry were fresh and the past.
1. numerous
clean.
2. stretches B: The Great Pyramid is one of the
When Enrico first explained exactly Seven Wonders of the Ancient
what the job involved, I thought he 3. quirky
World, so it must be worth visiting.
was describing three or four different 4. addressed Mind you, that would need a lot
job positions. At the hotel where I 5. amused of running around and I could
used to work, most of us had very 6. bathe really do with a relaxing weekend.
specific duties. Here, though, we Sharm el Sheikh sounds amazing;
7. thermal
had to do it all. We had to welcome golden sands, snorkelling, good
guests, settle them in, get up at C.
food. It could be just what I need to
six thirty in the morning to make 1. complexity
recharge my batteries.
breakfast, prepare lunches and three- 2. carelessness
A: I’m not really a beach person and I
course evening meals seven days a 3. innocence think it’s a shame to go to Egypt and
week, as well as clean the bedrooms 4. fatalities not see something unique to Egypt.
and bathrooms and take care of
5. curiosity We can go to a nice beach resort
laundry. Enrico laughed when he saw
6. seriousness anywhere in the world that’s warm.
my expression as he was telling me
7. absence B: That’s true. Well, the desert trip
what I would be doing. I’m not afraid
would definitely be a unique
of hard work but I just wasn’t sure 8. tolerance
experience.
how I would manage everything. 9. significance
Enrico reassured me that we weren’t A: I think I would enjoy that during
10. consciousness another season, but this time of year
on our own. The two of us would take
D. it will probably be much too hot to
turns to be either main chef or main
host and housekeeper of the day, and 1. b 2. d 3. c 4. b enjoy fully. How do you feel about a
then there were other staff there to 5. d 6. b 7. c 8. b weekend in Cairo? We can visit the
help with cooking and cleaning. I got Pyramids in the evening or at night
E.
used to the work after a couple of when it’s cooler and if you feel you
1. Tamara admitted that she had
weeks and, to be honest, enjoyed it. want to recharge your batteries, we
spent the whole day at the beach can take plenty of time out to drink
We would often eat with the guests the previous day. Egyptian tea and wander around
for part of the evening meal or
Tamara admitted spending/ the market. It doesn’t have to be a
socialise with them after the meal.
having spent the whole day at the hectic visit.
That was one of the most enjoyable
beach the previous day. B: It would be pretty amazing to see
times of the day. And, of course, we
had time to go hiking, skiing and rock 2. Frances advised Kelly to take a the Sphinx and all those Egyptian
climbing, led by Pierre, the manager few sweaters with her on the trip mummies. OK, let’s go to Cairo!
of the resort, who seemed to know the following day. Reading
everything there is to know about 3. The gardener explained that cold 1. c 2. b 3. d 4. a
the Alps. He knew about mountain temperatures weren’t/aren’t good
flowers, and which mountain streams
are good for drinking water. He could
for those plants.
4. The guard allowed us to leave our
Module 12
also tell when it was time to head Vocabulary & Grammar
bikes there.
back because the weather was about
5. The suspect denied seeing/ A.
Copyright © MM Publications

to change for the worse, and what to

having seen him before. 1. d 2. a 3. d 4. d
do when someone slipped and got
their foot stuck between rocks. 6. The lifeguard warned us not to 5. a 6. a 7. b 8. b
I enjoyed working at the resort and swim beyond those rocks. B.
quickly felt at home. It will always 7. Jack’s little sister insisted on 1. of, for
be an unforgettable eight-month coming with us/me. 2. on
experience. One of the great things 8. Mandy informed Patty that the 3. from, in
about it was meeting people from all library was/is at the end of the 4. back
around the world. hall. 5. by, in

12 – PIONEER level B1+

Key to extra material

6. on G. Listening transcript
7. up 1. will you A: Good morning! I’m Joe Delaney.
8. to 2. is it Welcome to our programme,
C. 3. do I ‘Penny Wise’, the programme
1. journalist where guests share ideas on how
4. shall we
to cut costs and live frugally. Our
2. librarian 5. haven’t you
special guest here today is Tony
3. Historians 6. can’t you Scott, an engineer, who manages
4. editor 7. will you to save 85% of his salary. Good
5. geologist 8. aren’t I morning, Tony.
6. farmers 9. hasn’t it B: Good morning.
7. governor A: So, what’s your secret?
10. don’t I
8. photographer B: Simple, really. I follow the four
11. aren’t they
D. Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and
12. didn’t he
1. stock Repair.
2. inferior A: How does that work?
Speaking
3. implied B: OK, let’s talk about reducing
Suggested answer
4. billboards things. For instance, the water bill.
A: In the first picture, we can see a I never shower at home. There’s
5. instalments
man looking for clothes to buy, a free gym at work and I take a
6. exchange
probably for himself. Buying shower there. Every time I do that,
7. misleading
clothes can be necessary when I save £1 on water, energy and
8. hammer you need something new or are soap. When it comes to washing-
E. looking for something suitable up, I use as little of my own water
1. It’s time you left; you have a long for a particular occasion, such as as possible by filling plastic bottles
drive ahead of you. work or travelling. Sometimes we of water at the park. Then, when I
2. If only you could stay for the outgrow our clothes and need to finish washing the dishes, I reuse
summer. buy something new, and other the water. See, that’s where the
3. I wish I hadn’t spent my whole pay times we want to feel good by second R comes in. I reuse water
cheque (because now I can’t go on wearing a new outfit. from the washing-up to water my
the trip). In the second picture, we can plants or wash my car. So, all you
4. I would rather Lee didn’t drive us to see friends enjoying a meal listeners, follow my example, and
the airport. together at a restaurant. Eating see for yourselves.
5. Diane and Susan are acting as if out with friends is a good way A: Well, that takes care of the water
they were sisters. to socialise and it also takes bill. How do you cut down on
6. If only I had studied harder for my care of a basic need. It can be a electricity?
exams. valuable experience, as eating B: I have a big house but I live in just
7. I wish I didn’t have to work together often promotes a relaxed one room of that house so that
overtime today. atmosphere which is necessary I don’t have to spend too much
F. for sharing news or talking about money on heating or cleaning the
1. Whose shoes are these? things that worry us. entire house. When I do need to
use electricity, I take advantage of
2. How did you get to the conference B: I prefer to spend money on
the night rate, so I cook, hoover
centre? going out with friends as I find
and use the washing machine
3. When are you leaving Rome? shopping boring, unless, of course,
after midnight when electricity is
4. What did you give your sister (as a I absolutely need to buy new
cheaper. And I’m always looking
gift) for her graduation? clothes for some reason. Although
out for little tricks to help save
5. Who is the man sitting opposite clothes last longer than a meal,
even more energy.
Lucy? the memory of a good experience
Copyright © MM Publications

6. Which documentary is more
interesting?
7. Why did you go by his house?
8. Where do you want to go this
Saturday?
9. Who watched the chat show last
night?
10. What broke down again?
A: Such as?
can stay with you forever. I also
B: Let me think… Ah, did you know
like spending money on books,
that an empty fridge uses more
which I finish very quickly, and
electricity than a full one? When
on travelling abroad when I find a
I found that out, I started filling
good offer.
my fridge with other things,
like clothes. Keeping clothes in
Listening the fridge helps kill a lot of the
1. c 2. b 3. a 4. c 5. a 6. b bacteria, so that cuts down on

PIONEER level B1+ 13

 Key to extra material

washing, and my clothes are age that homemade gifts are more
cool and fresh in the summer. meaningful and that damaged
That means I don’t need air goods could be turned into works
conditioning. of art. I learnt how to make things.
A: Do tricks like that really make a That’s probably why I became an
difference? engineer.
B: Yes, they do. Every little bit A: Do you think you’ll ever change?
you save counts. It all adds up. B: I can’t imagine living any other
That’s why I don’t understand way. Being cheap makes me
how people can throw out tins happy. It’s who I am.
or plastic bottles. They think it’s A: Well, it definitely wouldn’t hurt to
rubbish, but I see it as money lying try living your way for a while, I
around. I get around sixty pounds suppose.
a week just by selling other
people’s stuff. In fact, I haven’t
spent anything on furniture either,
because of recycling. My dining
table is made out of a door I saw
lying around on a street corner.
My coffee table is an antique that
someone threw out because one
of the legs was broken. But it
looks like an expensive piece of
furniture now that I’ve repaired it!
If I were to sell it, I’d make a profit.
All the furniture in my house has
either been thrown out or given to
me for free!
A: Yes, but is this kind of life
comfortable?
B: Of course it is! Living on a
shoestring doesn’t mean living
badly. What isn’t comfortable for
me is taking money out of my
wallet. Every time I pull a pound
out of my wallet, I feel like I’m
dying inside. My goal in life is to
not spend any money at all. Of
course, I’m still spending money
on food even though I grow my
own herbs and use coupons to
buy things as cheaply as possible.
Sometimes, I buy in bulk to save
money.
A: Here’s what I don’t understand.
As an engineer, I imagine you get
a big pay cheque. You earn a lot
of money so it’s not like you can’t
afford to spend money.
Copyright © MM Publications

B: When I was young, my family went

through some hard times. We had
to be frugal to survive. We did
without things and shopped at
the flea market where we learnt
how to spot value-for-money
items that my mother would
redesign and turn into fashion
statements. I learnt from a young

14 – PIONEER level B1+