B1 Listening Test | English Listening Test

Summary

This English listening test for B1 learners features a journalist interviewing Sandra Smith about her life in a renovated cottage, her vegetable and apple juice business, and the challenges of rural living. The test includes conversations about inheritance, volunteering, and personal experiences in cities like Stockholm and Prague. It also highlights opinions from residents about their towns, a vacation story from Lana detailing relationship struggles in Kenya, and Kaylee's travel photos. Overall, the content is designed to enhance listening comprehension while exploring various themes related to lifestyle, travel, and personal growth.

Takeaways

• 🏡 Sandra Smith transformed a small, dark cottage into a beautiful home over ten years, highlighting her dedication and hard work.
• 💼 Sandra and her husband left secure city jobs to pursue a rural lifestyle, indicating a significant life change motivated by passion.
• 🍏 They started a successful apple juice business after growing vegetables, showcasing the importance of adapting to new environments.
• 💰 Despite financial challenges, Sandra values the happy childhood her children are experiencing in the countryside.
• 🏙️ Conversations reveal personal stories about inheritance, volunteer work, and the impact of public speaking on personal growth.
• 🌍 Comparisons between Stockholm and Prague emphasize the unique architectural beauty and nightlife of each city, with Stockholm being favored for its romantic atmosphere.
• 🛡️ Residents express mixed feelings about their towns, with concerns over safety and boredom, reflecting diverse community sentiments.
• 📸 Kaylee's vacation photos highlight her travels and emotional experiences from various ages, capturing memorable moments and personal growth.
• ✈️ The narrative of a vacation in Kenya turns sour due to relationship issues, illustrating the complexities of personal experiences while traveling.
• 📝 The listening test format encourages active participation and note-taking, designed to enhance English language comprehension for B1 learners.

Q & A

What was the condition of Sandra's cottage when she first moved in?

The cottage was very small and dark when Sandra first moved in.

How long has Sandra lived in her cottage?

Sandra has lived in her cottage for 10 years.

What types of businesses did Sandra and her husband start after moving to the countryside?

They initially grew vegetables and sold them to friends and neighbors, then started a small business making apple juice.

How did Sandra's parents support her business?

Sandra's parents invested some of their savings into the business.

What challenges does Sandra mention regarding their income?

Sandra mentions that they do not earn very much, still owe the bank a lot of money, and have not made a great profit yet.

What experience did Sarah have with public speaking in her volunteer role?

Sarah was terrified of speaking in public at first but found it to be a fantastic experience.

Which city does the speaker consider more romantic: Stockholm or Prague?

The speaker considers Stockholm to be more romantic than Prague.

What are some reasons why the speaker prefers Prague's nightlife?

The speaker finds the nightlife in Prague to be better because of the fantastic music and late-night bar hours.

What was the initial problem Lana faced upon arriving at her vacation in Kenya?

Lana's boyfriend started flirting with another girl at a party on their first night, leading to tension between them.

What emotional experience does Kaylee describe related to her brother?

Kaylee felt sad and cried when her brother was leaving to work abroad, while he was happy about the opportunity.