R1 Part B

Now listen to a conversation between Lisa and her friend, Amy, about
the History of Lawns talk. Complete the sentences in Part B. Write one
or two words only in each gap. You will hear the conversation twice.
V1 *Hey, Lisa! Did you just come out from the auditorium? Did you listen to that
talk just now?
V2 Yes, I did. Pretty interesting talk, don’t you think? I’ve never thought a simple
topic such as lawns has a long history.
V1 I thought so too! I mean, who would’ve had the idea that lawns are a
trademark of nobility? To me, lawns are just a piece of grassy land in front of
your house to make it look nice.
V2 Exactly! But come to think of it, it does somehow show someone’s social
status and economic wealth. The speaker was right about how lawns could be
luxurious, especially if you live in an urban area. Owning a house with a
private, nicely kept green areas in your front yard…well, that’s fancy!
Especially when everyone else could only afford to rent a small flat.
V1 Couldn’t agree more. Though I do think lawns in the modern time are actually
just a matter of preference, unlike back then when it symbolises power,
position and prestige. I mean, personally, I wouldn’t want to own a house with
a lawn. I would rather have a balcony with some potted, easy to maintain
plants. That saves me a lot of time and money!
V2 Well, I suppose you’re right. Maintaining a proper lawn does cost quite an
amount of money with the sprinkler system, fertilisers, mowing and everything
in between. And it is also time-consuming too. But it would be lovely to see
some greenery right at my doorstep.
V1 Oh you don’t have to have the same idea as I do, Lisa. You can definitely
have your dream house with a huge, nice lawn. I’d be delighted to spend an
afternoon, sipping a cup of tea while enjoying the pretty scenery you have in
your front yard!
V2 Aw, that’s a sweet thought! Although I think I would have to put that idea aside
for now. Maybe I will have my dream lawn when I retire and live somewhere
outside of the city. Practically, I don’t have that much money to own a house,
what more with a lawn!
V1 You definitely will! For now, let’s just go for a more economical option like
putting some potted, easy to care indoor plants in our house, or maybe we
can go for an alternative like the speaker suggested? A Japanese Rock
Garden doesn’t sound too bad!**
Pause 00’25”
R1 Now you will hear the conversation again.
Repeat from * to **
8 (b) Now listen to a conversation between Lisa and her friend, Amy, about
the History of Lawns talk. Complete the sentences in part (b). Write one or
two words only in each gap. You will hear the conversation twice.

Owning a Lawn

Amy thinks that the main idea of having a lawn is to make a house appear
……………

In Amy’s personal opinion, lawns today more of a …………… rather than a

social status symbol like how it was in the history.

Amy chooses to have a balcony with some potted plants instead, as they
do not cost her too much …………… and they are cheaper too.

Lisa dreams to have a house in the countryside with a huge, nice lawn
when she ……………

Amy suggests that they should consider a more …………… alternative to a

lawn like a Japanese Rock Garden suggested by the speaker.
Answers:
1. nice
2. preference
3. time
4. retires
5. economical