Listen to the whole podcast
These exercises help you when you listen to the podcast for the first time. To get ready to listen to the podcast on your computer:
- Read through the questions in the exercises in the practice materials below. This will give you an idea of the programme you are going to listen to.
- Read the questions and instructions carefully. Sometimes you must listen for the 'right' answers. But in some of these questions, you must choose the one answer that is not possible, or wrong.
Practice materials
Listen to the whole podcast and try to answer the questions while you listen.
Check your answers when you have finished. How many did you get right? Remember this, because if you listen to the podcast again later (say next month), you can do the exercise again, and see if you have improved!
Section 1 - Conversations in English
“But you really must ...” – Persuading people to do things
Part 1 is based on the Introduction. This section looks at how to persuade people to do things.
Suggestion: One way to use this is to read the transcript, and then do some exercises to help you to learn the common phrases. A good idea is to practise these with a friend who speaks English or is also learning English.
Practice materials: exercises 1 - 4
Match sentences to functions.
Choose the best way to continue the conversation (1)
Choose the best way to continue the conversation (2)
Choose the best way to continue the conversation (3)
Practice materials: further practice
For further practice activities please download and print the support pack (above)
Section 2 - I'd like to talk about
Section 2 is based on someone talking about something that they’re interested in – it could be anything – a hobby, a person, a place, a thing – something that they know a bit about and would like to share. It helps you to practise speaking for a little bit longer – for example, when you're explaining something, or telling people something about yourself.
Suggestion: The best way to practise is with a friend who speaks English or is also learning English. However, if you can't find someone, you can send us a paragraph in English.
You listened to Steve talking about Zaha Hadid and here is some more information about Zaha Hadid
Is there an architect or designer that you really admire? If so, use the information in the support pack (see link above ) to help you make some notes.
Now put your notes together to write a paragraph and add it as a comment at the bottom of this page.
Section 3 - Quiz
Section 3 is based on the Quiz. This helps you to learn the meaning of new words and how to remember them.
Suggestion: You can write your answers in our Support Pack. You might want to use a notebook or part of your folder to make your own word lists and maps.
The quiz in this episode was about comparing things.
Practice materials: Exercise 1
Decide which adjectives are not possible.
Practice materials: Exercise 2
Match adjectives to their opposites.
Practice materials: further practice
For further practice activities please download and print the support pack (above)
Section 4 - Your turn
Section 4 is based on 'Your Turn'. It helps you to listen and understand people giving their opinions.
Suggestion: Download the support pack (below) and look at the phrases that the people use. Sometimes they don't use complete sentences. Write down notes and then say what you think.
In Your Turn you heard 5 people answer this question: ‘Do you complain when you get bad service?’
What about you? Do you complain when you get bad service? Do you agree with what any of the people said in the podcast?
Write down what you think, explain why, and send this as a comment at the bottom of the page.
Section 5 - Carolina
Section 5 follows Carolina – a girl who has come to the United Kingdom (UK) to live, study, and to have fun exploring a different country and culture. Listening to this can help you if you find yourself in a similar situation. You will see that there is often more than one way of saying the same thing in English.
Suggestion: listen to Carolina's conversations with the hairdresser and with Emily and then do exercises 1 and 2.
Practice materials - Exercise 1
Complete the sentences with the correct phrases.
Practice materials - Exercise 2
Choose the phrases that can correctly complete each sentence.
Practice materials - Exercise 3
For further practice activities please download and print the support pack (above)
Section 6 - Joke
Section 6 is a joke. A joke is normally a funny story you hear and tell someone else. But you can also describe funny things that happen to you. The most important thing is to watch your friends to see if they are enjoying the story or not – then you can make it longer or shorter.
Suggestion: We suggest you do this:
- Listen to the joke on your computer/mp3 player.
- Do Exercise 1, in which you put the lines of the joke in order.
- Do Exercise 2, in which you tell the joke.
- Think of a funny story that you know. Write down the most important words in English (use a dictionary?). Then try telling the joke.
Practice materials - Exercise 1
Put the lines of the joke in the correct order.
Practice materials - Exercise 2
Download the support pack (above). Look at the notes and tell the story without looking at the script.
Section 7 - Tom the Teacher
Section 7 is Tom the Teacher. These are more traditional exercises. They look at being accurate in English, and often use the type of exercises you may find in English tests and exams.
Practice materials - Exercise 1
Type in adjectives and comparatives.
Practice materials - Exercise 2
Make true sentences using comparatives.
Practice materials - Exercise 3 & 4
For further practice activities please download and print the support pack (above)
