ROADMAP™ B2 Tests Audioscript

Achievement Test 1, Recording 1, going on, and the old man appeared with a smile.
Listening exercise 1 He said:
In today’s podcast I want to talk about a story that ‘My whole life I’ve had things, but I have never
my grandmother used to tell me when I was found happiness. Now I am old and have nothing
growing up. I’ve often remembered this story at and therefore nothing makes me worried. I am no
times in my life when I’ve been feeling down or longer searching for happiness, but happiness has
frustrated with something. My grandmother grew up found me.’
in a small village in the south of China, but came to So, that’s the story my grandmother told me. What
Canada not long after she got married. She used to do you think? Is there a good lesson for life in it?
tell me lots of stories as a child that sounded fun Send me your comments …
back then, but I realise now were really bits of
advice about how to get through life’s difficulties. Achievement test 1, Recording 2,
Anyway, this story is about a man that lived in my Listening exercises 2 and 3
grandmother’s village in China – although I’ve never Stefan: I remember going hiking in India, not so
been sure whether the story is actually true or much for the hiking and amazing views, but for the
whether this man really existed. I guess, it doesn’t help of a stranger. Nag Tibba is quite small
really matter. compared with some of the huge mountains in the
So, there was this man and he was quite wealthy, area where I was, so although I wasn’t very
but he was miserable. He didn’t have any children experienced I was confident that I’d be OK on my
and although he spent many years searching for own. That turned out not to be a good idea. The
someone to marry, even travelling to other villages, short version of the story is that there was a sudden
he never found anyone. Or, to be exact, he never snowstorm, I couldn’t see well and I fell and broke
found anyone that he thought was good enough to my leg. Luckily, this local villager, Pem, found me
become his wife. This depressed him, but as he got and managed to get help. He probably saved my
older and more miserable, fewer people wanted to life. After I got out of hospital, I went to find Pem
meet him and his chances of getting married grew and thank him, and I had tea with his family. That
less and less. was over two years ago, but we’ve kept in contact.
Instead, he focused his attention on his land and Carolina: The most interesting stranger I’ve met
crops. But he didn’t find growing the traditional was probably this older lady on the number 24 bus
crops of the area satisfying enough. He thought he in the city centre! It wasn’t that busy, so I managed
could make more money by growing vegetables to get a seat, which was next to her. She smiled at
that were new to the region, so at great cost he me and I thought, that’s a good way to start the day,
imported plants and seeds, but these new plants so I smiled back. Then we started chatting and she
were not suitable for the land or the dry climate and told me she used to be a train driver – apparently
failed. At further cost he built a system to water the not the first, but the second-ever female train driver
plants. But the crops failed again the following year. in the country! She was glad she wasn’t the first
He became more and more frustrated and one, she said, because all the media interest would
complained all the time. The other villagers found have got on her nerves.
him irritating to be with and started to avoid him Michael: So I was in a café the other day and it
completely. In the end, he got on their nerves so was quite crowded, and I had to share a table with
much that no one spoke to him. this couple. I got the feeling they were happy to
Whatever he tried, his crops kept failing, until finally, chat, so we did. They asked me if I was from the
one year he ran out of money and needed to borrow area and did I know where there was a good bike
some to get through the winter. But he couldn’t ask repair shop. I’m quite a keen cyclist, so I was able
the villagers for help and had to borrow money from to recommend one to them. They were from a small
a dishonest money lender. This money lender town in Germany and were taking a month off to
tricked the man and he ended up losing his land. He travel around the south of Wales on these electric
was now old, poor and suspicious of everyone. He skateboards. I thought that was pretty adventurous.
lived on his own and the older he got the more They wanted to go to the bike shop to get
insulted he felt by the world. He made the other something repaired on their boards.
villagers unhappy just to be near him. His house Petra: I’ve been thinking about this guy I saw in
started to fall down, as he didn’t have the money to the park one lunchtime, feeding the ducks, a while
repair it, so he moved into a small hut where he ago. I noticed him because he was dressed in a
used to keep his tools. smart suit, so he looked a bit odd at the edge of the
Then one day, something strange happened. The lake. Anyway, my two kids were quite young then
villagers heard singing coming from the old man’s and they wanted to feed the ducks, too, but I didn’t
hut. They quickly gathered round to find out what have anything with me. This guy heard them
was happening. They called out to ask what was complaining, turned round and gave them the rest
of the bread he had. Well, I was a bit cautious, but

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the kids were happy and I asked him if he came and seek’ game for a while and I was hiding on the top
fed the ducks often. He said he came just once a level of a two-level bunk bed.
year, on the third of July, his wedding anniversary. Quite soon, my younger brother found me and I
His wife died some years before, but feeding the tried to escape by jumping off the bed. As I started
ducks used to be her favourite thing to do at the to jump, my brother grabbed my ankles and I fell
weekend. So, it was his way of remembering her. down onto the floor and landed on my arm. Ouch! It
Anna: Actually, we met a nice stranger on our was incredibly painful, but I was stubborn and
last holiday. We were walking around the narrow determined not to tell Mum what had happened. I
streets of this small town in the east of Spain and spent the rest of the day hoping my arm would feel
got totally lost. A man was painting the walls of his better, but the longer it went on the more painful it
house and we asked him for directions back to the became. Eventually, at dinner time, Mum noticed
town square where our car was and well, to get that I was only using one hand to eat and the story
straight to the point, he didn’t just tell us the way, came out. She got me to the hospital as fast as she
but put down his paintbrush and took us there. could and I came home with a big white plaster
While we were going back, he told us lots of around my arm, trying not to look too proud.
interesting things about the town and the area.
Achievement test 2, Recording 2,
Achievement test 2, Recording 1, Listening exercises 2 and 3
Listening exercise 1 P = Presenter
So I guess my very earliest childhood memory was P: Welcome to 20-second Talk In, the
from when I was about two and I got stung by a programme where you, our listeners, get to talk
bee. I’d been crawling around on the grass we had about a topic for twenty seconds. Today’s topic?
in the back garden and I must have put my hand on Possessions. Do you have a particular possession
the bee, because the next thing I knew I was in a lot that is special to you, or which has a story? If so,
of pain and my mum was picking me up. I don’t give us a call. And here’s our first caller, Tomas.
know what she did, though. I don’t think we went to Hello!
the hospital or anything like that. In fact, I’m not Tomas: Hi. So, I want to talk about a cheap,
really sure if I remember this story or if I’ve just leather wallet I have. It's lucky, because I’ve lost it
imagined it after my mum told me about it! Your several times, but it keeps coming back to me.
memories are a bit unpredictable, I think. Once I left it on a train in another country, but a very
One memorable event was my first day at school. I honest person found it and sent it to me by post.
really hadn’t wanted to go, but Mum dropped me off Luckily, there had been something inside with my
at the school gates and in I went. When the bell home address on it. Another time, it fell out of my
sounded for lunchtime, I walked out the school pocket when I was cycling to work. I didn’t even
gates and the two kilometres down the road back realise I’d lost it until I was going home and saw it in
home. I opened the door and said ‘Hi Mum. I’ve the street! It was also stolen once – the thief took
been to school!’ feeling happy to have got through the money, but left everything else and threw the
the first day. Of course my mum looked at me in wallet in a field. Later, someone walking their dog
shock. Then she put me in the car and took me saw it and managed to contact me via the library –
back for the afternoon classes! my library card was in there. So, …
Another childhood event I recall is breaking my arm. P: Thanks, Tomas! Sorry to cut you off, but
Me and my two brothers were very competitive and you’ve only got 20 seconds, remember! Next up is
always chasing each other around the house. The Bella. Go ahead, Bella.
things we got up to were so dangerous it’s Bella: Well, my favourite possession is a little
remarkable one of us didn’t get seriously injured. I’ll different, as it’s living. It’s a rose plant which has
never forget one time when my older brother ran been in my family for a really long time. Each
through a glass door – he didn’t realise it had been generation cuts off one of the young branches and
closed – but then picked himself up from the pile of grows it in a pot to pass on to the next generation. It
broken glass without a scratch. I really don’t know doesn’t have a great smell, but it’s a beautiful
how our mother was able to cope with us when we orange colour. I really love it. I’ve just given a new
were young. plant to my son and daughter-in-law so they can
Anyway, when the weather was good enough – and grow the rose, too.
maybe sometimes when it wasn’t – Mum used to P: Thank you, Bella. Fascinating. Now, our
send us outside, either to the garden or into the next caller is Tanya.
street, so that we could run around and use up Tanya: Hi, yes. I want to tell you about
some energy. But on this particular day, the something very special to me. It’s a necklace with a
weather must have been very bad, because we long silver chain and a piece of glass shaped like a
were inside. We had been playing our ‘hide and sheep. My sister bought it for me because I love
sheep. When I go walking in the countryside I

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spend hours just watching them. I find them very Amanda: I’m sure you’ll be fine. It’s clear you know
peaceful. Anyway, I don’t wear the necklace, but it what you’re doing and everyone really likes you. It
hangs in my kitchen window so that when the sun always takes time to get used to new systems.
shines the glass makes nice colours on the wall. When I first started, Mr Johnson said that I should
P: Very nice, Tanya. Thanks. Who’s next? have been picking things up quicker than I was and
David? blamed me for a few problems in the office.
David: Yes, it is. Well, I’m going to be short and Harry: But he’s fine with you now. How did
sweet. My favourite thing is an old patterned, red things change?
shirt. It’s got holes in it and my wife wants me to Amanda: Well, I went to Mr Johnson and told him
throw it away. But I’ve had it for years and I can’t that I react better to praise than criticism.
get rid of it – it’s a part of me! Harry: What did he do?
P: OK, short and sweet indeed, David. Amanda: Well, Mr Johnson told me that he didn’t
Hello, Rachel? realise he had upset me. He admitted that he had
Rachel: Yes, hi. Well, ever since I was a child I’ve been quite stressed and apologised for being rude.
always wanted to visit Japan. I think it was an old He also said he would try to be more understanding
Japanese film that first got my attention. Finally, last in future.
year, I went there for two weeks and I really had a Harry: Wow!
wonderful time. I bought a lot of souvenirs, but the Amanda: Well, it’s only worked with me, to be
thing which I love most – which really is my honest. There is still a bit of tension
favourite possession now – is this elegant, between him and some other members of staff.
rectangular box. It’s shiny black with a simple, Harry: Maybe I should talk to him, like you did.
decorative pattern. It wasn’t very expensive, but it’s Amanda: I don’t think you should worry too much
priceless to me. yet. Everyone makes mistakes when they start a
P: Thanks for sharing that story, Rachel. new job. If you keep selling as many investments as
And finally to Simon. Hi? you’ve done this week, he’ll be over the moon. With
Simon: Well, this possession I don’t have the recession, he’s been quite worried that the
anymore, but it’s something that I’ll never forget. It business isn’t making enough profit.
is – or was, I suppose – a large, designer watch. I Harry: Really?
never took it off, so forgot to remove it when I went Amanda: Yes, he’s already cut back on things like
swimming in the sea and it slipped off my wrist. I tea and coffee for the office, just to make small
spent hours looking for it, but … Well, I guess I’ll savings.
have to save up and buy another one. Harry: OK. I won’t talk to him yet, then. I’ll just
P: Ah, sorry to hear that. Thanks, Simon, do my best to sell as much as I can! In my last job, I
and to all our callers … had the highest sales figures of anyone on the
team, so hopefully that success will continue here.
Achievement test 3, Recording 1, Amanda: I don’t see why not. My advice is to
Listening exercise 1 concentrate on the job and not worry too much
Amanda: So, Harry. How’s your first week in the about Mr Johnson. He might be a little scary, but he
office been? I hope you’re enjoying it. really does care about what’s good for his
Harry: I am, thanks. I think I’m going to love employees.
working here.
Amanda: Yes, it’s a nice place to work, and the Achievement test 3, Recording 2,
pay is good, too! That helps. Listening exercises 2 and 3
Harry: Yes! I’ve got plenty to live on. I think I'll Fatima: I suppose shopping for me is a kind of a
probably splash out on a new suit when I get my hobby. I consider myself someone who’s quite
first pay cheque. stylish and I try to keep up to date with fashion, so I
Amanda: That sounds like a good idea! probably go to the shops at least twice a week. I
Harry: There is one thing I wanted to ask about, don’t always buy things, but I do often splash out
though. It’s our boss, Mr Johnson. and go a bit over my budget! Although I do make an
Amanda: Oh, yes? What about him? effort to buy things in the sales, usually the clothes I
Harry: Well, he told me that I was filling in some like are still full price. And if I love it, well, I’ve got to
of the investment forms incorrectly, but I couldn't have it. I’ve always been that way. Sometimes my
see what I was doing wrong. husband and I fall out over what I’ve bought, but I'm
Amanda: Don’t worry, Mr Johnson often criticises not going to change!
staff members. I’ll look at your forms tomorrow and Katie: Shopping for me isn’t really fun, although
check they're OK. I often find myself in the shops, just picking up food
Harry: Are you sure? Thank you! I want him to or maybe getting some new sports equipment. I
feel he’s hired the right person for the job, so I don’t don’t enjoy spending time looking around, though –
want to make any more mistakes. I’d rather just plan what I need to buy, find out what

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shop it’s in, then get it and get out. I'm not is that a lot of people are intolerant, and there’s less
interested in wasting my time shopping around for sense of community.
the cheapest bargains. And I tend to stock up on Anna: And what do you think can be done
food, too. I only go to the supermarket once a about that?
month! John: Hmm … I’m not sure. I mean, parents
Paulo: With two young children, I seem to be should be good role models and teach their children
always at the shops! I’m either picking them up about tolerance and inequality, but not everyone is
something to eat or buying them clothes for school. good at this. Perhaps kids should be taught about
That kind of shopping’s not much fun. I’d much that kind of thing at school. It would probably be a
rather browse a bookshop. That’s the kind of thing I better way to ensure children think about these
really enjoy, but I don’t get much time to do it these issues. I mean, the media doesn’t help at all; it
days. And the children drive me up the wall when I usually blames social problems on certain groups in
am looking for something for myself. They just can’t society. Someone needs to show that these are
stay still! complex problems and that just blaming people is
Sang Jun: I often go to shopping centres with my not very useful.
friends. It’s quite a social thing – we usually spend Anna: Although social issues are very
the day there and have lunch. Although I do enjoy important, I do think we should also focus on what's
shopping, I rarely buy anything because I don’t happening with the planet and start doing
have much money. I’m a student, so most of my something to improve that situation.
money goes on just paying the rent! I love to see John: Well, yes, but what can we do about it?
what’s in the shops though, and I do like looking That’s not a problem for people like us to deal with.
good. I usually try to copy what’s in fashion with my Politicians and big businesses need to work
existing clothes … I think that’s the best thing to do together to solve that crisis.
if you can’t afford new things. I often take something Anna: I don’t really agree. We’re all responsible
I don’t wear anymore and update it. It’s much better for our environment and blaming governments just
than throwing things away. I think I’ve got quite a makes people feel like they don’t need to do
talent for it! anything. I don’t think that attitude will solve the
Nikita: I buy quite a lot of things, mainly issue.
computer games or clothes, but I try and avoid our John: That’s your opinion, but I don’t agree with
local high street. It’s always full of people and I can’t you. We should be more focused on our social
bear that. I tend to do all my shopping online now issues. After all, what’s more important? Solving
and that works out perfectly. I even get food from problems that affect us every day, or saving the
the supermarket delivered to my house. I’m also planet?
saving for a deposit on a house, so I make sure I Anna: They’re equally important, of course!
give myself a monthly budget to spend and I don’t John: But there’s not enough time to support
go over it. every issue. You have to pick the ones that matter
to you, personally.
Anna: I don’t know. I think everyone has the
Achievement test 4, Recording 1, time and ability to care about all kinds of issues. It’s
Listening exercise 1 about making small changes to your life and
Anna: Have you seen the news, John? learning to be more active. It takes seconds to fill in
Apparently, unemployment is the lowest it’s ever an online petition, for example, and minutes to
been. email your MP about an issue you feel strongly
John: Well, the news might report that, but I about. Changing your habits to help others and the
don’t really believe it. I know plenty of people who world around you is possible. Or at least we need to
don’t have jobs at the moment. try!
Anna: Do you mean you think things have John: I suppose it is important to try as much
actually got worse recently? as possible. I suppose you’re right, small changes
John: Well, I’ve lived in this city all my life and can be made quite easily.
there have always been problems. They’re just
different now to what they used to be.
Anna: What do you mean?
Achievement test 4, Recording 2,
John: Well, in the past we had a real problem Listening exercise 2 and 3
with homelessness, for example, but the local I = Interviewer
government has done a lot to sort that out. I Today I’m here in the studio with possibly
Anna: A lot of people are still very poor, though. the most well-known actress in the world, Angela
John: Yes, there’s a lot of inequality, but that Maupin! Angela, welcome.
has always been true. No, the real issue these days Angela: Thank you for having me!

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I: So, you’ve just released Summer Days, Angela: Well, that’s what acting is all about!
and I’ve seen it. It’s fantastic! Did you enjoy the I: Absolutely! Thank you very much for
experience of making it? speaking to us today, Angela. Summer Days is in
Angela: Absolutely. Christian Bennett, my co-star, cinemas next week …
was delightful to work with, and also we spent some
time in amazing locations round the world. I’m really
pleased with the final film!
Achievement test 5, Recording 1,
I: It’s your first action film. How did you feel
Listening exercise 1
about doing those dangerous scenes? Nadia: Hi Ali, how’s it going?
Angela: Well to be honest, it was quite scary. It Ali: Hi Nadia. I’m fine, thanks. I’ve been
was my first time jumping out of a plane! We filmed really busy at work this week so I’m looking forward
a car chase, too. I knew I was perfectly safe, but it to having a rest this weekend. I’m not going to go
didn’t feel like it! shopping or anything. I’m just going to watch TV!
I: It’s very different from the films you Nadia: That sounds great.
normally make. Why did you decide to go down the Ali: How are things with you?
action route? Nadia: I’m feeling a bit down, actually.
Angela: Well, I’ve always been known for my Ali: Oh really? What’s happened?
drama roles, but I wanted to try something new. I Nadia: Well, do you remember that last week I
remember making my first film, The Rise of went shopping for a new mobile phone?
Darkness … it must be 12 years ago now … and Ali: Yes, you found a great one in the sale,
everyone else had been acting for years and was from that new phone shop next to the department
so experienced. I felt like I didn’t fit in at all, but I store. It was even cheaper than some of the deals
learnt so much from my co-stars and I loved that on the internet, wasn’t it? Let me guess … has it
style of film. So for more than a decade my focus broken already?
had been drama, but I felt it was time for a change. Nadia: No, it hasn’t! In fact, I was really happy
I: It was the film Puppy that really made with it. It worked very well and was much better
you a star, wasn’t it? than my previous phone. That was, until I lost it a
Angela: Yes, that film was so successful. We had few days ago.
no idea it would be such a hit, especially as it was Ali: Oh, no! How did you manage to lose it?
made with so little money. Nadia: Well, first of all, I thought that I might
I: Was it your favourite film to make? have left it at work because I’ve done that before. I
Angela: No, I would have to say that was The called my manager as she was working late and
Silent Project. It was my third film, but I think it was asked her to look on my desk and on the floor. I
my favourite performance and role. I really identified was hoping she’d come across it, but she didn’t. So,
with the character and the story. It was an I think I must have left it on the bus on my way
emotional experience to make that film. We were all home from work.
so inspired. I think it was because it was a true story Ali: How annoying. Did you call the bus
and we really felt like we had to represent the company?
characters accurately. Nadia: Yes, my flatmate advised me to call
I: If you could have your career all over them, which I did the next morning.
again, would you change anything? Ali: And what did they say?
Angela: Good question. There is one film, Murphy Nadia: The woman I spoke to at the bus
and me, I would perhaps do differently if I had the company said there was a mobile phone in the lost
chance. I don’t feel that it was my best property, but when she described it to me, I realised
performance. I had just had my first child and I that it wasn’t mine. Mine had a bright yellow cover,
really wasn’t concentrating on the role enough. I still so it stood out.
love the film, but I think I could have played my part Ali: That’s such a shame. It was a high-tech
better. model, wasn’t it?
I: And what about Higher? It was reported Nadia: Yes, it was. The last few days have been
that you and your co-star, Pierce Mulligan, didn’t get quite difficult without it! I don’t think I realised how
on … much I rely on my phone. I use it a lot to check work
Angela: Well, let’s just say we’re not in touch emails, as well as social things, like calling friends
anymore. But the film … Well, I am proud of it, and I and family and doing online shopping.
won the Oscar for best actress for my role, so how Ali: And what about your photos? Have you
could I regret it? lost them all?
I: It is a fantastic performance. Sometimes Nadia: No, they’re all backed up on my laptop,
people say that tension between co-stars results in so that’s a relief! I lost some photos a few years
chemistry on screen, and you two certainly made ago, so now I always remember to back everything
everyone believe that you were in love! up. I’ve even printed out some of my favourites.

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Ali: Great. Jack: In that case, maybe society should think
Nadia: Now I just have to wait for the company more about how to prepare people for becoming
to send me a new phone. I thought it would take a famous. I mean, it’s not like there’s a training course
few weeks, but now I’ve ordered a replacement and for it! I wonder if society would view fame differently
I’ll have received it by the beginning of next week. if we understood it more deeply.
Ali: That’s great. I’m glad I’ll be able to Tanvi: I agree with you, Jack. It’s important to
contact you again soon! educate young people about the positive and
negative sides of fame, so that they can think about
whether a lifestyle in the public eye would suit them
Achievement test 5, Recording 2, or not. Even if people have unique talents and
Listening exercises 2 and 3 abilities, there are fantastic paths you can take in
P = Presenter life which don’t involve becoming famous. For
P: Welcome to the show, everyone. Today, example, athletic people often choose to become
we’re in the studio with three behavioural experts, teachers or coaches instead of trying to become
discussing fame and the effects that it has on famous sports stars. We should educate young
society. Let’s start with you, Lina. What are your people about this when they’re at school – other life
thoughts on this topic? skills are taught at schools and universities.
Lina: Well, in my view, we’re all too focused on P: Well, that is an interesting idea. Now, I’d
celebrities and fame these days. The internet, like to move the discussion on to a slightly different
magazines and newspapers are full of gossip and topic …
stories about famous people, but why do we care so
much about them? I think the media should be
Mid-course test, Recording 1, Listening
reporting on more important things that are
happening in the world.
exercise 1
P: Interesting point. Thank you for that. Will: Hi Jenna, how was your day?
Jack, do you agree? Jenna: Not great. We had to work late as there
Jack: Well, not really. It’s natural for people to are three people off sick, and I’m exhausted.
be interested in the lives of the rich and famous. Will: I’m not surprised! Anyway, don’t worry,
Celebrities work a lot to get where they are, so I’ve made dinner and I haven’t left a mess in the
they’re good examples of hard work and dedication kitchen, so you don’t have to do anything.
to the rest of us. This is especially true for Jenna: Eh? What’s the matter – are you feeling
teenagers, who often admire famous actors and unwell, too?
sportspeople. I don’t think this will ever change. Will: No, no I’m fine. Nothing’s the matter …
Lina: But it’s important to ask what it is that but …
attracts us to the lives of these people, and why. Jenna: But what? Ah. Now I’ve got it. The rent’s
Famous people need to be aware of their influence due on Friday. Is that what you have an issue with?
and behave well, you know, set a good example for Don’t you have your share of the rent?
others. They must understand what they do has an Will: Well, I’ve been trying to talk to you about
impact on how other people behave. it, but I haven’t had a chance to discuss the
P: What do you think about this point, situation with you. You’re always so busy.
Tanvi? Jenna: Yep. I’m busy working hard to get money
Tanvi: Mmm. In my view, this isn’t always easy. and pay my share of the rent!
When people become famous, their lives change Will: I’m sorry. Please don’t pick a fight with
enormously. A lot of people work hard to become me. I realise I’ve been a total fool.
recognised for their music or sporting talents and Jenna: Will, what’s happened? We talked about
then suddenly become famous, almost overnight. this last month when you got paid. You need to set
Some seem to manage this well, whereas others aside enough money to pay the bills before
don’t at all. I think being famous is easier for people splashing out on other things.
who naturally have more calm and serious Will: I know, I know, you’re absolutely right, I
personalities. was supposed to leave the money in the bank, but
P: Do you agree, Lina? it’s just that I had to get this new laptop …
Lina: I’m not sure. We need to think about how Jenna: ‘Had to get …’?
much of a role the media plays in the lives of Will: Well, it’s for work really. It’s a lot faster
famous people. With the stories that are constantly than my old one …
in the news, I don’t think we can expect celebrities Jenna: … which actually isn’t very old. In fact,
to find fame easy, whatever their personalities are you only bought it six months ago.
like. I mean, they just don’t have the same lifestyles Will: Er … yes.
as the rest of us. Jenna: And the last time this happened you had
to buy a new phone. And I seem to recall there was

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one time when you had to go on a seven-day luxury P: Yes, undoubtedly. But aren’t these teams
holiday to Italy … rivals because they’re neighbours?
Will: You’ll never forget that, I guess. It was Lynda: Well, that’s often true, but not always.
Spain, actually … Australia and England are about as far apart
Jenna: OK, Will. What do you want, exactly? geographically as you can get, but they are intense
Will: Well, the thing is Jenna … rivals in cricket.
Jenna: Just get straight to the point. P: Point taken. But rivalry doesn’t only
Will: OK, Could you pay half of my share of happen in sport, does it?
rent for me this month and then I’ll pay you back in Lynda: Oh no. It’s in all parts of our lives. Many
two weeks’ time? people will know of – and perhaps have
Jenna: Alright, Will. But this is the last time, OK? experienced – sibling rivalry, when brothers and
Will: Thank you. sisters are particularly competitive – often over a
Jenna: There’s one condition, though. parent’s attention. At school too, there’s often rivalry
Will: OK … between students. And, in fact, this is something
Jenna: You’ve got to promise me that you’re that is encouraged in education, as a way to keep
going to cut back on spending on things that you children focused on getting good exam results.
don’t really need. At least until after you’ve paid P: But can’t this have a negative impact,
your share of the rent and bills. Do you understand? too?
Will: I will. I promise. I get it. Lynda: Yes, absolutely. Students that don’t
Jenna: After we’ve got all the monthly bills paid, I ‘beat’ their rivals, who don’t get good grades,
don’t care how you spend the rest of your money. sometimes just give up instead of working harder.
However, I would advise trying to live on a budget So it can have the opposite effect to what teachers
and keep saving a little every month, so that when want.
you really want or need something, you have the P: I see …
money. Lynda: In fact, rivalry in education goes beyond
Will: I’ll definitely bear that in mind. It’s a great the classroom. It can be between schools. For
idea … but difficult to do in reality. example, my own secondary school was, what I
Jenna: Well, it’s not easy, but once you get into guess you might say, of average academic ability.
the habit … OK, so that’s agreed. Just don’t break Most students didn’t go to university, but were
your promise! So, what’s for dinner? encouraged to become carpenters, plumbers,
Will: Actually, it’s your favourite, roast chicken hairdressers, etc. Which are very important roles in
and onions, with a tomato and olive salad … our society.
P: Yes, of course.
Lynda: So, that was my school, but just up the
Mid-course test, Recording 2, Listening
road was another secondary school which had a
exercises 2 and 3 much better academic reputation. Their students
P = Presenter were expected to go to university. They weren’t
P: On The World About this afternoon, we necessarily cleverer – even if they thought they
welcome Professor Lynda Chandle, who’s going to were …
discuss with us today’s topic: rivalry. Welcome, P: Ah … I sense some rivalry from you
Professor Chandle. there!
Lynda: Hello, and please call me Lynda. After Lynda: Ha! Yes, maybe you’re right … even after
all, there’s no rivalry between us! all these years.
P: That’s true, at least I hope that’s the P: So, briefly, can you tell us about some
case! Er … Lynda. So, anyway, rivalry. What is it, other types of rivalry?
exactly? Lynda: Well, another common one is between
Lynda: Well to put it simply, rivalry is when a colleagues at work. In some ways it’s similar to
person or a group of people try to be better than sibling rivalry, but instead of trying to get a parent’s
another person or group of people. Usually this attention, the rivals are trying to get the boss’
feeling is very strong. So, perhaps the most obvious attention, maybe hoping for a pay rise or promotion.
examples of rivalry are in sport. P: Are you listening, bosses?
P: Lots of rivals there … Lynda: I must stress, though, not everyone
Lynda: Yes. For example, at the moment there’s behaves like this. Far from it. Not everyone is a rival
a lot of intense rivalry in tennis, between individual in every, or perhaps any, area of their life.
players. But rivalry can also be extremely strong P: I see …
between teams, particularly international teams. So, Lynda: I’ve mentioned workplace rivalry. I should
in ice hockey the biggest rivals are Russia and also mention the strong rivalry between companies.
Canada, in judo it’s South Korea and Japan, and in P: Yes, we’ve seen this in technology
football there’s … well, because it is such an companies recently.
international sport, between many teams.

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Lynda: Good example. Sometimes the rivalry is P: And what are people’s general opinions
so strong between companies that they even turn to of these different cultural activities?
crime. Daniel: We learnt that the cost of an activity
P: Really? didn’t have much of an impact on opinions of it.
Lynda: Absolutely. Of course, companies often People were happy to pay up to fifty pounds a ticket
try to find out what their rivals are planning to do for sporting events and live entertainment, such as
next, but sometimes they take this a step too far a concert or comedy show. Interestingly, there was
and try to get information illegally. a belief that the cost of theatre tickets was too high
P: Fascinating! Well, I wish we could … although it is actually cheaper by far than most
discuss this further, but I’m afraid we’ll have to sporting events! Attending a premier league football
leave it there … game can cost twice as much as a theatre ticket.
P: Were there any particularly negative
views on cultural activities?
End of-course-test, Recording 1, Daniel: Yes. Although we know that people visit
Listening exercise 1 galleries less, they still think they have cultural
P = Presenter value. However, many people don’t view the cinema
P: Welcome to the next programme in our very positively. Although plenty of people still watch
series on national opinions. This week, our survey films, most saw it as a waste of money and found it
researched public views on different cultural more comfortable to watch films at home.
activities and Daniel, our series reporter, is here to P: I’ve got to say, I feel the same way about
tell us about the results. First, Daniel, tell us a bit the cinema. I think the last time I went was in 2004!
about how this research was done … Daniel: And most people felt discouraged from
Daniel: Well, to find out people’s thoughts on going to the theatre, thinking it was an activity for
cultural activities we asked them questions on our only wealthier people, which probably explains why
Twitter and Facebook sites. We also used people believe it is expensive …
government statistics to collect information about P: And finally, what can you tell us about
popular cultural activities. any overall cultural trends from the past few
P: So, let’s talk about what you found out. decades?
Anything interesting? Are we a nation of culture Daniel: Well, most people tend to take part in a
lovers? cultural activity about three times a month, which is
Daniel: Mmm. I’m not sure that’s what I would a slight rise from 20 years ago, when it was twice a
say. Personally, the results shocked me … month. Relatively, people spend more money on
P: Really? How? cultural activities than before, too. However, this
Daniel: It seems our opinions and habits related could be because they're choosing more expensive
to cultural activities have changed greatly over the activities over other cheaper, or free, ones.
last two decades. We are still as involved as ever in P: Very interesting. Thanks for the insights,
cultural pursuits, but the types of activities that we Daniel.
enjoy have changed a lot.
P: OK. Let’s talk about people’s general
End-of-course test, Recording 2,
cultural habits first …
Listening exercises 2 and 3
Daniel: Well, we grouped cultural activities into
the categories of museums, art galleries, the Rachel: Dave, I’ve got something to tell you. It’s
theatre, cinema, live entertainment, like music or been on my mind all week because I thought you
comedy, and watching sports. We found that visits would be furious, but I’ve been worrying about it
to art galleries have dropped significantly over the and I’ve got to own up …
past twenty years. Now, most people who visit art Dave: What have you done, Rachel? You’re
galleries are from overseas, not local residents. starting to worry me.
However, there has been a huge rise in people who Rachel: Well, you know your favourite pair of
watch sports events, like football matches or cricket jeans …
matches. Dave: Yeah?
P: And what about the popularity of Rachel: Umm, well, I threw them away.
museums? Dave: What? Why?
Daniel: Some things never change, and this is Rachel: I didn’t mean to. I thought they were your
true of museum visitor numbers. The number of old ones, and I put them in the clothes recycling bin.
people who go to museums rises a lot over the When I realised, it was too late.
school holidays, especially families. This has Dave: Oh no! You know those jeans were
always been the case, so most museums get more special to me. I travelled around the world with
staff during this period to cope with the extra them. They had lots of memories for me …
visitors. Rachel: I’m so sorry. I feel terrible about it. I didn’t
know how to tell you.

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Dave: Well, I suppose it was an accident, so it’s
not really your fault. Don’t worry. How about you
buy me a new pair?
Rachel: Of course. I’m so glad you’ve taken it so
well.
Dave: Well, thank you for telling me. Also … I
have to own up to something, too. I haven’t
managed to buy you a birthday present for
tomorrow. I just couldn’t find anything right for you.
Rachel: Oh, don’t worry about that! Work has
been so busy that I haven’t really been thinking
about my birthday at all.
Dave: Well, I don’t feel so bad, now I’ve found
out about my jeans! Maybe we should just go out
and celebrate it, instead.
Rachel: That’s a fantastic idea! There’s a new
Thai restaurant which has just opened near the
harbour. We could go there.
Dave: I don’t know. Tom told me the food was
amazing, but the service wasn’t great. He had to
wait over an hour for his main course. How about
we go to that American steakhouse by the shopping
centre? They’ve got an all-you-can-eat deal for
fifteen pounds. It’s a real bargain! We could go for a
walk by the river on the way, too.
Rachel: I’m trying not to eat red meat at the
moment.
Dave: I think they do other things, too, like
salads and fish.
Rachel: Why don’t we just go to the Italian at the
end of the road? We always love it there. Although
it’s Friday night, so we probably should have
booked … it’ll be difficult to get a table now.
Dave: I tell you what, I’ll cook your favourite
meal – vegetable curry – and you can pick up my
new jeans on your way home!
Rachel: I like that idea. I’ll see if I can get the
afternoon off so we can spend a bit of time together
first. I’ve done so much overtime recently that my
boss will probably agree.
Dave: That sounds perfect. But just one
thing …
Rachel: Yeah?
Dave: The next time you decide to tidy the
house, could you please check before you throw
any of my old clothes away?
Rachel: Haha! I promise I will. I don’t think I could
live with the guilt … or the cost of having to replace
anything else!

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