Language Skill Training Course Materials

LISTENING
Part 1: 10 questions/statements (10 Appropriate/
OVERVIEW Inappropriate responses)
OF THE Part 2: 05 Short Conversations (10 multiple choice
questions)
LISTENING
Part 3: 03 Short Talks (9 multiple choice questions)
TEST
Part 4: A long talk or lecture (11 gap filling questions)
Total: 40 Questions

PART 1 QUESTIONS & RESPONSES

In this part of the test, you will listen to a question or statement and one answer. Decide whether
the response is Appropriate or Inappropriate. You will listen twice.
In the dialogue, there may be several expressions of the spoken text so that the situations in the
test closely resemble real-life situations (e.g. "going to" is replaced by "gonna," different
expressions. shortcut like “Yes, in a minute; Down the hall; Could you?”
E.g. You will hear: What are you doing? You will read: I am doing fine.
This response is Inappropriate. It is better for the question “How are you doing?”
COMMON QUESTION TYPES
 Yes/No questions: When answering, you must choose a sentence with Yes or No or a
sentence with similar meaning.
 Negative questions: For example: Don't you...? or Isn't she…?
 Choice Question: A question that requires you to choose one of the two options listed.
 Question tag: A question with a positive or negative declarative sentence and ends with
a tag like “don't you? or is she?”
 Declarative Sentences: With this type of sentence, you must choose an appropriate
response such as giving advice or making a comment.

Think carefully about what the question is asking about. Some of the answers may be very close
to the subject of the question but are not direct answers.
Tip 1: Focus on keywords and avoid confusing words.
- Same word - Different meaning, unrelated
Q: Has the sale improved profits? A: Yes, it is for sale.
- Related Topics – Not Answers
Q: Where can I buy a cheap air conditioner? A: I agree that it is very cheap.

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- Words with the same pronunciation – Different spellings

Q: Have you met the new staff? A: No, it's not the same stuff.
Tip 2: Focus on keywords in questions
- Wh-questions: keywords are who, what, why, when, where, how, which and main verbs.
- Y/N questions: keywords are main verbs
- Choice questions (Would you like A or B?): keywords are the “A or B” parts
- Negative questions: keywords are verbs (treat negative questions in English as
affirmative, if you agree, use Yes, if not, use No)
- Indirect questions (Do you know + question word + subject + verb ...?): keywords are
question word in the middle and verb
- Affirmative sentences have the function of asking: You + verb ...? / I wonder if/question
word + subject + verb: keywords are verb or question word
Tip 3: Get familiar with words for place/time
- Be familiar with the prepositions and other words commonly found in the answers
- The question “where” can sometimes have a location-only answer
- Learn to distinguish "when" questions in How long…?, or when…., what time….?
Tip 4: Get used to saying offers, requests, and opinions
- Try to recognize the language commonly used in social interactions like suggestions,
requests, opinions

EXERCISE 1: Listen and complete each sentence with NO MORE THAN TWO
words.
1.………………..did the flight from Hong Kong arrive so late?
A ……………….., it’s a direct flight.
B. Probably ………………..the weather.
C. I’ve been there ………………...
2.……………….. did you leave the blue folder?
A. She leaves at ………………..
B. On your ………………...
C. I folded the ………………...
3. ……………….. in charge of scheduling employee’s work shifts?
A. From ……………….. to five
B. Several ………………..
C. The ………………..
4.……………….. these paint colors would best in the hallway?
A. My ……………….. is the yellow.
B. ……………….., it’s just down the hall.
C. I didn’t ……………….. what she looked like.
5.……………….. can we meet the project deadline?
A. We’ll have to work ………………...
B. Can you ……………….. the projector?
C. The………………..went too long.

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6.……………….. was the culture gallery added to the Iversen Museum?

A. A substantial amount of ………………...
B. Four or five ………………...
C. A local ………………...

EXERCISE 2: Listen and complete each sentence with NO MORE THAN TWO words.
1. Could you help me ______ my sunglasses?
A. Where did you ______ them last?
B. A few more ______.
C. The ______ begins next month.
2. Do you need help getting that box ______ from the top shelf?
A. I’ll just use a ______.
B. The ______ was free.
C. His office is ______.
3. Are there any ______ on your company’s design team?
A. The new design is very ______.
B. We’re ______ until seven o’clock.
C. You’re ______ to fill out an application.
4. Have you ________ the new manager?
A. Yes, she seems very ________.
B. Yes, I agree.
C. It’s completely full.
5. How much are the repairs going to ______ us?
A. A week at least
B. A lot ________ than they said at first.
C. I hope so.

EXERCISE 3: Listen to complete the exchanges with ONE word in each gap.
1. ________ did the last train get in?
A. Platform ________.
B. It’s getting ________.
C. Around ________.
2. What are you doing for your ________?
A. We’re ________ it with us.
B. I’ll probably go to ________ again.
C. No. I don’t think I’ll do it.
3. Are you ________ tomorrow?
A. No, on the bus
B. Yes, but not ________ 10:30.
C. I saw that, too.
6. ________ does Irving look so tired?
A. No, I wasn’t there.
B. Yes, I have been really tired
C. He’s been working ________.
7. Are there any ________ for me?
A. Yes, just ________.
B. I’d like one, too
C. It was very relaxing.
8. ________ did you leave your job?
A. Yes, he works hard
B. I ________ more responsibility.
C. At the end of April.

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4. ________ did you do on your exam? 9. Do you know ________ the meeting will be?
A. I don’t think so A. Yes, it’s in Jane’s ________.
B. Everyone did. B. I know him quite well
C. Very ________, thanks. C. No, this afternoon.
5. ________ are you going for lunch? 10. What kind of ________ do they serve?
A. With Sally. A. I prefer lunch.
B. I haven’t ________ yet. B. I heard all about it.
C. In about an hour. C. Very good ________ food.

EXERCISE 4: Match each question on the left (1-3) with the two best response on
the right (a-f). The first one is done for you. The words commonly used in each category
are in bold.
Offers:
1. Would you like some help with a. Actually, it’s already done
those? b. No, I’ve already eaten
2. Do you need (any) help with c. Yeah, could you take this box?
setting up the room? d. A cup of tea would be lovely.
3. Can/May I get you anything? e. No, that’s alright. They aren’t as heavy as they look.
f. That would be great. Let’s start with the tables.
Requests:
1. Could/can you tell me how to use this a. Actually, I’m a bit cold
machine? b. I’m afraid it’s not mine.
2. Would you mind if I opened the window? c. Certainly, it’s pretty easy
3. May/Can/Could I borrow your pen for a d. Sure, give it back after class
moment? e. I’m sorry, I haven’t been trained on it yet
f. No, go ahead.
Opinions:
a. I don’t think we’ll find a lower one.
1. How was Mr. Smith’s presentation? b. Frankly, our sales staff isn’t motivated.
2. What’s your opinion of their price c. To tell the truth, it seemed a bit long.
quote? d. I’d say we need to lower our prices.
3. What would you say is our greatest e. Good. He really is an amusing speaker.
weakness? f. It seems a bit high to me.

EXERCISE 5 - MINI TEST

PART 1
Directions: In this part, you will hear 10 questions and statements in work environment.
You will hear each conversation TWICE. For each question/statement, you can read its
answer or response. In boxes 1-10 on the answer sheet, write
A (Appropriate) if the answer/response is logical and suitable to the question/ statement
you hear.

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I (Inappropriate) if the answer/response is NOT logical or suitable to the question/

statement you hear.

Q. A/I Q. A/I

1 6

2 7

3 8

4 9

5 10

PART 2 SHORT CONVERSATIONS

In this part of the test, test takers will listen to four short dialogues between a man and a woman,
followed by three questions for each dialogue. The questions are mainly about the purpose, the
time, the location and the details of the conversations.
TYPES OF QUESTIONS
Overview questions
 What are the speakers discussing?
 What are the speakers talking about?
 What is the conversation about?
 What is the purpose of the phone call?
Location questions and occupation questions
 Who most likely is the man/woman?
 Who is the woman calling?
 Who is the man speaking with?
 Who are the speakers?
 Where does the conversation probably take place?
 Where most likely are the speakers?
Detail questions: What, why, how, when
 What is the woman’s problem?
 What is the concerned about?
 What does the man say about Mary?
 What does the woman suggest?
 What does the man recommend?
 What will the speakers do next?
 What will the woman probably do next?
 What is scheduled to take place next week?
 What was the man not able to do?
 Why was the meeting canceled?
 Why did he delay the meeting?

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 How with the man go to the convention?

 How will the woman contact the manager?
 How often is the meeting held?
 When is the new deadline?
 When does the train leave?
Conversational Situations
 Office and corporate property: procedures, board meeting, presentations, letters,
telephone, office equipment, furniture construction, specification, buying and renting
 Human resources: job advertisements, job application, salaries, conferences,
professional development
 General business, finance, and corporate development, contracts, negotiations,
marketing, warranties, business planning, conferences, banking, investments, research,
product development
 Everyday situations, traffic, shopping, housing
 Public facilities: restaurants, hospitals, post offices, libraries, banks, parking lots
 Travel and free time
 Airplanes, taxis, bus, car rentals
 Activities in free time: music, theatre, exhibition, museum

Tip 1: Recognize similar words that cause confusion

- Be careful with words that resemble answer choices in a conversation
Tip 2: Use vocabulary to guess the meaning
- Quickly list words for places, actions and professions
- Recognize signs of inference
- Listen to the information that follows the linking word: but, however, actually, in fact,
as a matter of fact, in that case, so, then, well, etc. or some adverb.
- Listen to digits, amounts, ratios, days of the week, etc.
- Understand general expressions instead of specific expressions. (E.g. the information we
hear is rose, but the answer might be flower)
Tip 3: Hear who said what
- Keyword used by speakers may not be specified in the question.
- Understand the first part of the conversation.
Tip 4: Read the questions for the best preparation
- Get familiar with the vocabulary of negation and denial - polite ways of saying no
- Prepare to listen to the speaker's idea when giving the dialogue.
- Understand the meaning or intention of the speaker based on the content of the dialogue
(questions with words such as imply, infer, likely, probably).

EXERCISE 6
1. What did the man order?
A. A coffee maker B. A copy machine
C. A voice recorder D. A fax machine

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2. When did the man make the order?

A. April 11 B. April 21st
C. August 11 D. August 21st
3. Why is the man at the building?
A. To drop off a parcel. B. to sign a contract
C. To attend a conference D. To have a job interview
4. What does the woman ask the man to do?
A. Show his ID B. Tell his name
C. Get out of the car D. Sign the visitor’s book
5. Why is the man calling the woman?
A. To reserve airline ticket B. To reverse a hotel room
C. To rearrange an appointment D. To arrange a business meeting
6. When will the man see the doctor?
A. 10 a.m. tomorrow B. 2 p.m. Tuesday
C. 11 a.m. Thursday D. 3 p.m. Friday

EXERCISE 7
1. What does the man want the woman to do? 3. What does the woman want?
A. Visit some customers A. To share a ride
B. Send some packages B. To go shopping
C. Attend a meeting C. To borrow Eric’s car
D. Give him some names D. To look at new cars
2. What does the woman request? 4. What will the man do?
A. A list of addresses A. Visit the woman’s company
B. The time of a delivery B. Show the woman to the bus stop
C. The location of a meeting C. Repair the woman’s car
D. A map of the city D. Drive the woman to the central office
5. What does the man suggest the woman 7. What is the problem with the man’ s
should do? watch?
A. Visit the theater A. It needs a new battery
B. Move her vehicle B. The glass is broken
C. Lock her car C. It does not keep time correctly
D. Enter the building D. It is expensive to repair
6. Why was the sign not visible? 8. When will the watch finally be
A. It was around a corner ready?
B. It had fallen over A. On Monday
C. It was hidden by a tree B. On Tuesday
D. It was behind a van C. On Wednesday
D. On Thursday

EXERCISE 8
1. Where do the speakers most likely work?
A. At an advertising firm
B. At a bank
C. At a law office
D. At a travel agency
2. What does the woman mean when she
says, “I really can’t say”?
3. What type of event are the speakers
discussing?
A. A theater performance
B. A museum exhibit opening
C. A photography workshop
D. A live music concert

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A. She is not allowed to repeat certain
information.
B. She cannot make a commitment yet.
C. She should leave for an appointment.
D. She has to correct some errors in a report.
5. What problem does the company have?
A. Customer reviews have been negative.
B. Product sales have gone down.
C. Some deliveries have been lost.
D. Office space is limited.
6. What does the woman suggest?
A. Hiring new employees
B. Offering product discounts
C. Purchasing updated equipment
D. Starting an online advertising campaign
9. What are the speakers discussing?
A. A branch of the company
B. A medical exam
C. Some tax documents
D. A new address
4. What does the woman suggest the man do?
A. Leave work early
B. Call a coworker
C Pay with a credit card
D. Rent some equipment
7. Where most likely does the woman work?
A. At a utility company
B. At a moving company
C. At an employment firm
D. At a real estate agency
8. What information does the woman
request?
A. The timing of a visit
B. The name of a supervisor
C. The amount of a bill
D. The measurements of a room
10. Why is the woman leaving her office?
A. She has to meet her account
B. She has to go to a hospital
C. She has a meeting on Parker street
D. She needs to buy a fax machine

EXERCISE 9
1. Why did the serviceman not come in the morning?
A. He was busy with another call B. He was too ill to come to work
C. He was held up by an emergency D. He was delayed by a server problem
2. When is the replacement technician supposed to leave?
A. 8:00 a.m. B. 9:30 a.m.
C. 10:00 a.m. D. 12:00 p.m.
3. What does the woman ask the man to do?
A. Write a proposal B. Call a client
C. Organize the meeting D. Make a presentation
4. What is the purpose of the meeting?
A. To resolve a technician issue B. To discuss the latest financial report
C. To solve a problem with management D. To talk about a possible deal
5. How long is the Design Expo this year?
A. Two days B. Three days
C. Four days D. Five days
6. What does the woman suggest the man do?
A. Request more time off work B. Set up a display at the expo
C. Not attend the expo this year D. Ask a friend to go along with him
7. Why does the woman want to speak with Tracy?
A. To apply for a job B. To ask for a discount
C. To request her phone number D. To suggest hiring more workers
8. What does the woman say she will do next?
A. Send an email B. Check the budget
C. Make a phone call D. Do some extra work
9. What does the man want to know?
A. Whether he will be transferred B. How Ms. Cole got a new desk

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C. What happened to Ms. Cole D. When the boss will leave for San Francisco
10. Where is Ms. Cole now?
A. In San Francisco B. At a going-away party
C. In another department D. In the manager’s office

EXERCISE 10
1. Why is the woman calling?
A. To discuss recent bad weather B. To discuss a shipment
C. To discuss container ships D. To discuss stock supplies
2. How long were the ships held up at the airport?
A. 7 days B. 10 days
C. 25 days D. 30 days
3. What is being discussed?
A. A logistic strategy B. A design submission
C. A meeting agenda D. A merger proposal
4. What is causing the delay?
A. The high number of proposals B. Detailed planning
C. The renovation work D. The winter holidays.
5. What are the speakers mainly discussing?
A. New products B. Delivery problems
C. Marketing strategies D. Business finance
6. What will the woman probably do next?
A. Contact some companies B. Send an estimate
C. Talk to a department manager D. Review the sales figures
7. Where most likely does the woman suggest going?
A. To a park B. To a coffee shop
C. To a restaurant D. To a sandwich
8. What does the man say about the Blue Moon?
A. It is too far from the office B. It does not deliver
C. It is too expensive D. It is too crowded
9. What does the woman want to do?
A. Buy a blouse B. Pay for a shirt
C. Exchange a skirt D. Try on a suit
10. What color does the woman want?
A. Black B. white
C. Red D. Gray

EXERCISE 11 - MINI TEST

PART 2
Directions: In this part, you will hear 5 short conversations. You will hear each conversation
TWICE. There are two questions for each conversation. For each question, write down the
correct answer A, B, C or D in the space corresponding to the number of the question on the
answer sheet.
1. Why does the woman call the post office?
A. To ask the cost of mailing a package B. To request a customs form
C. To inquire about business hours D. To find out where it is located
2. What does the man say about international packages?
A. They cost more to send B. They take longer to deliver
C. They require a customs form D. They are sent every Saturday
3. Where are the speakers probably working?

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A. At an accounting office B. At a university

C. At a publishing company D. At a job placement agency
4. How many interns will the speakers have this year?
A. two B. three C. five D. seven
5. Who most likely is the man?
A. A fashion designer B. A cashier
C. A salesperson D. An operator
6. What will the woman probably do next?
A. Exchange a purchase B. Look at other items
C. Call back later D. Look for a smaller size
7. What are the speakers discussing?
A. A play B. A circus performance
C. A music concert D. A new movie
8. How will the woman most likely get to Sydney?
A. By car B. By train C. By plane D. By bus
9. How many days will the man stay in Paris?
A. two B. four C. five D. six
10. Who is the man travelling with?
A. his wife B. a coworker C. his friend D. a client

PART 3 SHORT TALKS

In this part, test takers will listen to three short talks followed by three questions for each one.
The topics of talks are mostly announcements, advertisements, telephone recordings, guided
tours, broadcasts, lectures or instructions. Test takers will listen and answer 9 questions related
to the purpose, the audience, the location and other detail questions.
TYPES OF QUESTIONS
Overview questions:
Ask about the main idea of purpose of the talk, about the speakers, the audience or
the location where the talk is given.
Typical questions about the purpose of the talk
 What is being announced?
 What is the speaker discussing?
 What is this report about?
 What is being advertised?
 What is the purpose of this announcement?
 What is the purpose of the talk?
Typical questions about the speakers and the audience
 Who most likely is the speaker?
 Who is speaking?
 Who is addressing the audience?
 Who is the speaker most likely talking to?
 Who is this advertisement for?
 Who is intended audience for these instructions?
Typical questions about the location
 Where is this announcement being made?
 Where does the announcement take place?
 Where are the people?

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 Where is the talk taking place?

Detail questions
Detail questions ask about specific pieces of information in a talk. These questions use
question words such as what, where, when, how, which, who.
Typical detail questions
 What will the audience probably do next?
 What does the speakers suggest the listeners to do?
 Why is the speaker calling?
 Why is the speaker apologizing?
 Who made a phone call?
 Who approves products for shipping?
 How can the listeners get more information?
 How often is the report broadcast?
 When does the library close?
 When will the conference be held?
 Which job position needs to be filled?
Types of Talks
Announcements
 Announcements given in offices
 Announcements made of airplanes or in airports
 Announcements given in stores, at sporting events, and in other situations
Speeches and talks
 Speeches or talks at social events
 Speeches or talks given at business meetings
Guided tours
 Talks at public buildings
 Others: on a picnic/bus/sightseeing tour
Advertisements
 Advertisements for products / services
Broadcasts
 Broadcasts for traffic situations
 Weather / ordinary forecasts
Reports
 Business /news reports
 Public service bulletins
Introductions
 Introductions to staff members / others
Telephone messages
 Recorded messages by callers / telephone owners
 Recorded messages from public services
Introduction and lectures
 Instructions on work procedures / use of some public facilities
 Specialists’ talks or lectures

 Skim to guess the context before listening

 Get familiar with “what” questions
 Familiarize yourself with rewritten sentences with “how” and “why” questions.

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 Recognize confusingly similar words.

 Get familiar with how to rewrite sentences. Recognize questions with numbers and
quantities
 Use language cues to recognize reasons and purposes.

EXERCISE 12
1. Where would you hear this type of announcement?
A. At a sports center B. At stadium
C. At a hospital D. At a museum
2. What will happen on October 15
A. The swimming pool will reopen B. The fitness room will be closed
C. The timetable will be revised D. The new website will go online
3. What can the listeners find on the website?
A. The location B. The club fees
C. A timetable D A discount coupon
4. Where does the speaker most likely work?
A. at the telephone company B. At a travel agency
C. At a computer manufacturer D. At a hospital
5. When will the offer end?
A. November 24th B. November 21st
C. December 21 st D. December 24th
6. How much do customers pay each month?
A. 20 dollars B. 21 dollars
C. 24 dollars D. 26 dollars

EXERCISE 13

1. How long is the tour?

A. 15 minutes B. An hour
C. two hours D. A day
2. What does the man say about the village?
A. It is quite small B. It was restored by the government
C. It is one hundred years old. D. It has many gates.
3. According to the talk, what is available in the gift shop?
A. Local artwork B. Traditional souvenirs
C. Pamphlets around the village D. Books about the area?
4. Where has the work not been completed?
A. In the lobby B. In the lounge
C. In the reception area D. In the break room
5. When must employees put away their possessions?
A. On Monday B. On Tuesday
C. On Wednesday D. On Thursday
6. What are the listeners asked to do?
A. Clear out lockers B. Wear their uniforms
C. Empty their closets D. Take a break
7. Why is Springfield Road Closed?
A. There was a car accident B. Street repairs are in progress
C. There was a power failure D. The water line is damaged.
8. According to the report, what will happen tomorrow?

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A. A bridge will be closed B. A road will reopen

C. A traffic report will be broadcast D. Repairs will begin
9. When will the next report occur?
A. In 20 minutes B. In 28 minutes
C. At 2 o’clock D. Tomorrow morning

EXERCISE 14
1. Why is the audience gathered?
A. To exhibit designs for a building
C. To celebrate the opening of a hall
2. What has Mr. Collin done?
A. Designed a building
C. Donated land
3. What will probably happen next?
A. A closing ceremony
C. A welcome dinner
4. What is the main purpose of this talk?
A. To introduce a speaker
C. To arrange a seminar
5. Who is Dr Alana Miles?
A. A publisher
C. A university professor
6. What did Dr. Miles do five years ago?
A. She studied public relations
C. She promoted a university
7. Where is the speaker?
A. At a sports event
C. At a sales meeting
8. What is the speaker talking about?
A. An employee picnic
C. A successful marketing campaign
9. Who is Julie Kavner?
A. An event planner
C. A new chef
B. To raise money for a project
D. To ask for additional donations
B. Given money to the project
D. Offered to perform
B. A musical performance
D. A city meeting
B. To inform listeners of a new company
D. To promote a university
B. An entertainer
D. A medical doctor
B. She arranged a seminar
D. She had a book published
B. At a restaurant
D. At a park
B. A special meal
D. A sales presentation
B. A successful manager
D. A salesperson

EXERCISE 15
1. What does the advertised business sell?
A. Plants trees B. Clothes
C. Coffee D. Sporting goods
2. When will the lessons begin?
A. This Monday B. Next week
C. At the end of this month D. At the beginning of next month
3. What is located across from the advertised business?
A. A café B. A shoe store
C. A golf course D. A school
4. What is advertisement for?
A. A new restaurant B. A lunch menu
C. A beverage D. A health club
5. What is convenient about the product?

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A. It is easy to carry. B. It can be delivered.

C. It can be heated in an oven. D. It is smaller than a salad.
6. What does the advertisement say is special about the product?
A. Its old tradition B. Its nutritional value
C. Its low cost D. Its availability
7. What is being advertised?
A. An art exhibition B. A sports event
C. A radio show D. A theatre
8. Who is Julia Sugarbaker?
A. A radio host B. A web designer
C. A restaurant manager D. An event planner
9. How can listeners learn about program topics?
A. By making a phone call B. By sending an email
C. By visiting the website D. By listening to later announcement

EXERCISE 16
1. What will the temperature be tonight?
A. Below 0 degree B. About 17 degrees
C. Between 0-and 10-degrees D. Over 20 degrees
2. What will the weather be like on the weekend?
A. Sunny B. Rainy
C. Cold D. Overcast
3. What will listeners hear next?
A. A review of the top news stories B. The long-term weather forecast
C. A commercial break D. Current sports news
4. What is causing the problem?
A. Hot weather conditions B. Watering lawns
C. A decrease in temperature D. Local farmers
5. What does the speaker suggest?
A. Voting in a local election B. Limiting water usage
C. Planting a garden D. Making reservations
6. When are temperatures expected to rise?
A. On Monday B. On Friday
C. On Saturday D. On Sunday
7. What is the subject of today’s program?
A. A new film B. The movie industry
C. Local elections D. Popular directors
8. What will happen after the interview?
A. A new announcer will be introduced
B. Election results will be announced
C. Listeners will call the radio station with questions
D. The host will introduce a guest host
9. Who will be the host for tomorrow’s program?
A. Stephanie Spielburg B. An independent film director
C. The speaker’s co-host D. A relative of the regular host

EXERCISE 17
1. What is the report about?
A. The company’s financial condition B. The shutdown of a factory

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C. The introduction of a new car model D. The state of the local economy
2. How many jobs will be lost?
A. 250 B. 350
C. 450 D. 550
3. What will the company be offering?
A. Job training B. Job transfers
C. Financial compensation D. Overseas work
4. What is the report about?
A. A financial crisis B. A traffic delay
C. A subway line opening D. A local suburb
5. When did the project begin?
A. A year ago B. 2 years ago
C. 4 years ago D. 5 years ago
6. What delayed the project?
A. A protest by local residents B. A malfunction with machinery
C. A shortage of travelers D. A lack of money
7. What is the report about?
A. A newly elected governor B. A new ferry service
C. A plan to build a bridge D. A traffic problem
8. How frequently does the Channel Link run?
A. Every 15 minutes B. Every 20 minutes
C. Every 30 minutes D. Every hour
9. What did the city say about the Channel Link?
A. It will make commuting by car less attractive
B. It will require extra funds to operate
C. It will require the construction of a bridge
D. It will save money for the city

EXERCISE 18 - MINI TEST

PART 3
Directions: In this part, you will hear some short talks given by a single speaker. You will be
asked to answer three questions about what each speaker says in each short talk. Select the
best response to each question and write your answer A, B, C or D on your answer sheet. The
talks will be spoken TWICE and will not be printed in your test book.
1. What is the purpose of the talk?
A. To announce the decision to move B. To advertise a new product
C. To describe the new offices D. To explain the reason for closure
2. What does the speaker say about the building on Maple Street
A. The rent is not high B. Utilities are included
C. It is only one story D. It is newly constructed
3. What does the speaker plan to do on Friday?
A. Show photographs of the location B. Sign a rental agreement
C. Make a conference room D. Enlarge the break room
4. Who most likely is the speaker?
A. An airport employee B. A flight attendant
C. An airport pilot D. A member of a cleaning crew
5. What is the problem?

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A. Flights have been delayed B. The runways are covered in snow

C. There is a rainstorm D. The domestic terminal is closed
6. When is the problem expected to be solved?
A. In the morning B. 8 p.m. C. 8.p.m. D. 10 p.m.
7. According to the report, what caused traffic delays in the morning?
A. A bridge construction B. Poor weather conditions
C. A highway closure D. A traffic accident
8. What advice does the speaker give?
A. use the ferry B. Go over the bridge
C. Take a different route D. Drive slowly
9. According to the speaker, what will happen this weekend?
A. The construction will begin on a bridge B. The roads will be cleared
C. The highway will be closed D. The weather will be cold

PART 4 A LONG TALK OR LECTURE

Part 4 covers questions 30-40. In this part, you hear a monologue on an academic subject. You
only hear the recording twice.
The task type is Form/Note/Table/Flow-chart/Summary completion. These tasks may require
you to listen for specific information, for main ideas or sometimes for detail. You then need to
put the information into gaps in one of these kinds of text.
TEST TIPS
 Read the questions carefully. Use them to predict content and vocabulary, and to try to
work out what kind of listening skill you need to use.
 Make sure you keep to the word limit stated in the instructions. These may vary from
task to task.
 Contracted words are not tested. Hyphenated words count as one word.
 Listen out for signal words - these will help you see where you are and what is coming.
 Make sure your answer fits grammatically and that your spelling is correct.
 Don’t complete the answer from your knowledge of the world. Listen for what the text
says - it may be something different.
 There are two kinds of summary tasks - sometimes you need to complete the task with
the correct words from the recording. Other times you need to select the right word from
a list you are given. Make sure you read the instructions carefully so that you do the right
thing.
TEST-TAKING STEPS
 Read the title & skim the note to get a general understanding of the topic.
 Highlight the word limit for the gaps.
 Predict what might be in each gap (noun/verb/adject/number/date….)
PREPARATION TIPS

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 There are several Internet sites which list terms related to academic themes like the
Internet. Some of them are a bit technical but not all. Go to them to check that you know
all the words.
 Find notices, leaflets, etc., related to the topic you are practicing such as use of the
Internet in you college/place of study/work. Find the words related to the Internet that
they contain.
 Read magazines on the topic you are studying, for example the Internet. They needn’t be
too technical.
 Put all new words you find into your vocabulary record.
 Go through your vocabulary record and mark the main stress on each word. If you’re not
sure, check it in a dictionary. Say the words out loud to yourself or a friend, or record
yourself saying them.
 This site www.ted.com/talks contains lots of talks on all kinds of subjects. Listen in to
some that interest you. Identify the main ideas the speaker is talking about.

Tip 1: Follow signpost words

Good public speakers and lecturers indicate the stages of their talk through the use of signpost
words. These words direct our listening: they warn us that more information is coming and
suggest what kind of information this may be. Being able to identify and follow the signpost
words will help you make sense of what you hear and help you answer the question.
Tip 2: Follow a talk
You should listen out for signpost words to follow the stages in the talk and take note of stress
and intonation used to highlight important information.
The speaker may introduce the topic at the start of the talk. Whenever you listen to a talk or
lecture, you should draw on your own knowledge of the topic to help you make sense of what
you hear.

EXERCISE 19: Read the unfinished statement below and the three possible ways
of completing the idea. What does the word although signal?

Although a great deal has been achieved in the area of cancer research, …

A. there is still a lot we do not understand about cancer.

B. we need to get our governments to allocate more funding.
C. continued research is still essential.

EXERCISE 20: Now read the unfinished statements in the speech balloons 1 and
2 below and the three possible endings for each. Say which of the endings (A-C) to 1 and 2
are correct and then say why the other two are not possible.

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A. people can walk to work instead of driving,

1. Car manufacturers today are working on
ways to reduce our dependency on oil. For
instance …
to save fuel.
B. some new cars run on a combination of
petrol and electric power.
C. there has been no real economic incentive
until recently.

A. full of Portuguese and Arabic words.

2. Not only is Swahili spoken by the people B. quite difficult to learn.
of East Africa, it is also … C. used as a language of trade in many African
countries.

EXERCISE 21: Look at the list of “directions” in Box A and then match them to
the signpost words in Box B and Box C.
A Directions
1. Signalling a contrast or opposite
2. Introducing an example
3. Giving a reason (cause and effect)
4. Providing extra information
5. Setting out the stages of a talk/ signalling a sequence
6. Signalling an explanation or result
B. Signpost words within a sentence C. Signpost words which link two sentences
although / even though / despite / even if On the one hand … but on the other hand,
also / so / but / while / because / unlike In addition / For instance /Consequently
/ First of all / Lastly / Then / However
whereas / as well as / like / such as For example / By contrast / In other words

EXERCISE 22: Complete the following sentences with signpost words.

So, welcome to your introductory geography lecture. We'll begin with some basics. (1)
____________, what do we learn by studying geography?
But we learn far more than that, (2) ____________ studying geography also informs us about the
different kinds of relationships.
Okay. We like to think of geography as having two main branches. There's the study of the nature
of our planet - its physical features, what it actually looks like – and (3) ____________ there's the
study of the ways.
But there are more specific study areas to consider (4) ____________.
We have economic geography – in which we examine all kinds of resources and their use -
agriculture, (5) ____________ ____________.
(6) ____________ comes historical geography – the understanding of how people and their
environments and the ways they interact have changed over a period of time.
And (7) ____________, we have cartography.
(8) ____________, to summarise before we continue, we now have our key answer ...
How do we do this? There are several means. We might, (9) ____________ ____________, conduct a
census - count a population in a given area perhaps.
(10) ____________ we've gathered our information, we must analyse it!

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This kind of information helps us to predict and resolve problems that could affect the world we
live in. (11) ____________ we don't keep all this information confidential.
We then need to publish our findings so that other people can access it and be informed by it.
And one way in which this information can be published is in the form of maps. You'll all have
used one at some stage of your life already. (12) ____________ ____________ the benefits of maps from
a geographer's perspective.
Maps can be folded and put in a pocket and can provide a great store of reference when they're
collected into an atlas. They can depict the physical features of the entire planet if necessary,
(13) ____________, just a small part of it in much greater detail. But there is a drawback. You can't
exactly replicate something that is three-dimensional, (14) ____________ our planet, on a flat piece
of paper.

EXERCISE 23: Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each
answer.
Studying geography helps us to understand:
• the effects of different processes on the 1…………………….. of the Earth
• the dynamic between 2………………………….. and population
Two main branches of study:
• physical features
• human lifestyles and their 3……………………….
Specific study areas: biophysical, topographic, political, social, economic,
historical and 4……………………… geography, and also cartography
Key point: geography helps us to understand our surroundings and the
associated 5………………………..
What do geographers do?
• find data - e.g. conduct censuses, collect information in the form of
6 …………………………. using computer and satellite technology
 analyse data - identify 7………………………………, e.g. cause and effect
 publish findings in form of:
a) maps
- easy to carry
- can show physical features of large and small areas
- BUT a two-dimensional map will always have some 8 ........................
b) aerial photos
- can show vegetation problems, 9 . .......................... density, ocean floor etc.
c) Landsat pictures sent to receiving stations
- used for monitoring 10 ........................ - conditions etc.

EXERCISE 24: As we can see from the talk above, sometimes signpost words can
be a phrase or a sentence. Listen and complete the talk below with signpost phrases.
In public discussion of business, we take certain values for granted. (1) ______________________ four
of them: collaboration, hard work, creativity and excellence. Most people would say they're all
'good things'. I'm going to suggest that's an over-simple view.
(2) ___________________________ they're theoretical concepts, removed from the reality of day-to-day
business.
Business loaders generally try to do the right thing. (3) __________________ the right thing backfires.
... The values can easily get in the way of what's actually intended.

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OK. (4) ____________________________ I'm going to discuss is collaboration. Er, (5) _______________ you
an example.
This was intended to encourage teamwork. (6) __________________ a job best done by one person.
My point is that the task wasn't really suited to teamworking, (7) __________________
Teamwork can also lead to inconsistency - a common cause of poor sales. (8) ____________________a
smartphone that a certain company launched, one director wanted to target the business
market, and another demanded it was aimed at consumers.
(9) ____________________. It's easy to mock people who say they work hard: after all, a hamster
running around in a wheel is working hard – and getting nowhere.
(10) ________________ creativity. This often works well – creating an attention-grabbing TV
commercial, for example, might lead to increased sales.
(11) ________________, excellence. We all know companies that claim they 'strive for excellence',
but it takes a long time to achieve excellence.

EXERCISE 25: Complete the notes below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS
Four business values
Many business values can result in 1 ...............................
Senior managers need to understand and deal with the potential
2............................ - that may result.
Collaboration
During a training course, the speaker was in a team that had to build a
3…………………………. .
Other teams experienced 4………………………… from trying to collaborate.
The speaker's team won because they reduced collaboration
Sales of a 5 …………………………….. were poor because of collaboration.
Industriousness
Hard work may be a bad use of various company 6 …………………………… .
The word "lazy' in this context refers to people who avoid doing tasks that
are 7………………………… .
Creativity
An advertising campaign for a 8………………………… was memorable but failed to
boost sales.
Creativity should be used as a response to a particular 9 ………………………… .
Excellence
According to one study, on average, pioneers had a 10………………………… that
was far higher than that of followers.
Companies that always aim at excellence may miss opportunities.

EXERCISE 26: Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each
answer.
Conflict at work
Conflict mostly consists of behaviour in the general category of 1 ……………………….
Often a result of people wanting to prove their 2……………………….
Also caused by differences in 3……………………… - between people
4 ‘………………………..’ conflicts: people more concerned about own team than about
company
Conflict-related stress can cause 5 …………………………… that may last for months
Chief Executives (CEOS)

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Many have both 6 ………………………….. and anxiety

May not like to have their decisions questioned
There may be conflict between people who have different 7…………………………..
Other managers
A structure that is more 8……………………….. may create a feeling of uncertainty about who
staff should report to.
Minimising conflict
Bosses need to try hard to gain 9 ………………………..
Someone from outside the company may be given the role of 10………………... in order to
resolve conflicts.

EXERCISE 27: Listen again and complete the transcript of the talk above with
NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
Over the years, attitudes towards workers have changed considerably. After all, there was a
time when workers had no rights at all and laboured in appalling conditions. Conditions have
improved a lot, but conflict in the workplace is still common. And human resources managers
nowadays need to be able to deal with it when necessary.
What is conflict in the workplace? Definitions vary, but I'm taking it to refer to a whole range
of behaviours that the victim finds unacceptable, from minor, harmless arguments to – at the
opposite extreme - (1)__________________. Much of this is covered by the term bullying, by which
I mean one or more people behaving abusively or aggressively against another who is in a
weaker position. Although all behaviour like this is a form of conflict, not all conflict can be
described in these terms.
As with all human behaviour, there are numerous reasons for it. But often it's caused by
someone who feels the need to show their (2) __________________ over someone else, in order to
feel that they aren't at the lowest level in a hierarchy or a group of people.
In some cases one person simply dislikes the other, on the basis that the (3)______________ of one
is in some way incompatible with that of the other person. A general habit of optimism in one
person could make them intolerant of a colleague who's constantly pessimistic – not that that
justifies treating them badly, of course.
Some conflicts arise when people are more interested in promoting themselves and their team
than in the company as a whole. These conflicts are called (4) “_______________” and could come
about, for example, when a sales team believe they are the only people in the business who do
any useful work, and look down on behind-the-scenes administrators.
Conflict obviously affects the individuals concerned – the situation is likely to be very (5)
_________________ for victims, resulting in their absence from work, possibly for months. For the
company, if no effort is made to deal with conflict, it can spiral out of control, and even lead to
the breakdown of the business.
Some interesting work with chief executives – CEOS – has uncovered some of the reasons why
they may treat colleagues badly. Many CEOS combine two opposing characteristics: (6)
___________________ - that is, the belief that they're capable of great achievements - with a high
level of anxiety, a fear of missing targets, whether set by themselves or by the directors of the
company. This combination can make them respond badly to anyone who questions their
decisions.
In a high pressure work environment, such characteristics become problematic. And it's
particularly difficult to tackle the situation where colleagues, managers and board members
are all trying to achieve their own (7) __________________. When they can't agree on strategic
issues and on where they see the business going, there are real problems.

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For managers at lower levels within the organisation, it might seem that an autocratic form of
management – where the chief executive gives orders and everyone else has to obey - would
see more conflict than others. Interestingly, though, a company with a more (8)
____________________ business model, can suffer more, when uncertainty about who to report to
leads to conflicting demands.
Now I'll say a little about dealing with the type of conflict that has harmful effects. Of course,
the ideal is to prevent it arising in the first place. A good manager, at any level will make efforts
to earn the (9) __________________ of the people they work with, particularly those who report to
them. That will involve politeness in all communications and treating them as equals who
happen to have a different role within the organisation.
Sometimes, of course, conflict does occur, and can get out of hand. In such cases the human
resources department often gets involved. However, if one of the parties in a conflict sees
human resources as simply a mouthpiece for the chief executive, then an (10)
_____________________ might be able to help. By talking to both sides and trying to find the truth of
what's been happening, they can build a clear picture of the situation, and give feedback that
both sides will accept, precisely because they're independent.

EXERCISE 28 - MINI TEST

PART 4
Directions: In this part, you will hear a long talk or a lecture and complete the notes below.
Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer. The recording will be played TWICE.

THE SPIRIT BEAR

General facts
 It is a white bear belonging to the black bear family.
 Its colour comes from an uncommon 31 ……………………………. .
 Local people believe that it has unusual 32 …………………………… .
 They protect the bear from 33 ……………………….. .
Habitat
 The bear's relationship with the forest is complex.
 Tree roots stop 34……………………………… along salmon streams.
 The bears' feeding habits provide nutrients for forest 5 ………………….. .
 It is currently found on a small number of 35 ………………………….…. .
Threats
 Habitat is being lost due to deforestation and construction of
36…………………………… by logging companies.
 Unrestricted 37……………………………. is affecting the salmon supply.
 The bears' existence is also threatened by their low rate of 38 …………………………. .
Going forward
 Interested parties are working together.
 Logging companies must improve their 39 …………………………….of logging.
Maintenance and 40……………………………of the spirit bears' territory is needed.

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