B2 Listening Test - Part 5 | English Listening Test

Summary

This English listening test, designed for B2 learners, features four parts focusing on different listening skills. Part 1 shares shocking personal experiences, including camping encounters, robberies, and car accidents. Part 2 features an interview with Scarlet, a multicultural Princeton student, discussing her family background and aspirations. Part 3 presents casual conversations covering topics like difficult courses, weather complaints, relationship anecdotes, and career dissatisfaction. Part 4 highlights employees discussing work-related topics such as salary, job satisfaction, vacation time, and job security. The test assesses comprehension and listening skills in various contexts, offering a well-rounded challenge for learners.

Takeaways

• 😀 The listening test is designed for B2 learners and consists of 20 questions across four parts.
• 😀 Part 1 features people sharing personal stories about shocking or unexpected experiences, which can involve nature, accidents, or crime.
• 😀 In Part 2, Scarlet, a university student from a multicultural family, talks about her background, studies, and the influence of her heritage.
• 😀 Scarlet's father is Brazilian and her mother is Spanish, but she identifies as American and is proud of her diverse background.
• 😀 Scarlet explains that her family influenced her language studies at Princeton University, where she is studying modern languages (Spanish and French).
• 😀 Part 3 presents five conversations on various topics, including challenging professors, hot weather, relationships, career dissatisfaction, and family news.
• 😀 The conversations cover different aspects of student life, work, personal relationships, and family events, showing the variety of everyday topics.
• 😀 Part 4 features employees discussing job-related issues like salary, work-life balance, vacation time, commute, and job security.
• 😀 David mentions how his views on salary have changed after realizing that interesting jobs may not pay enough for a living wage.
• 😀 Vanessa prefers maintaining a work-life balance rather than working long hours for recognition or promotion.
• 😀 Job security is a concern for many employees, as evidenced by Adam, who stays alert for possible layoffs due to company restructuring.

Q & A

What was the source of the loud growling noise the camper heard outside their tent?

The camper initially feared it was a wild animal, but later found out it was just a raccoon digging through garbage cans.

What shocking experience did the second speaker have while traveling abroad?

The second speaker was robbed at gunpoint by two men on a motorcycle who demanded their wallet and phone.

What experience made the third speaker realize the power of nature?

The third speaker witnessed a lightning strike that hit a tree near their house, which was a deafening and surreal experience.

How did the fourth speaker feel after regaining control of their car during a heavy rainstorm?

The fourth speaker felt terrified but was grateful to be alive after managing to regain control of the car during the storm.

What shocking news did the fifth speaker receive from the hospital?

The fifth speaker received a call informing them that their best friend had been in a serious accident and was in critical condition.

What unique aspect of Scarlet's background did the interviewer highlight?

Scarlet comes from a multicultural family with roots in Brazil, Spain, and the United States.

What did Scarlet say about her nationality?

Scarlet has an American passport, but her father is Brazilian and her mother is Spanish.

What was Scarlet's experience growing up in the United States with her multicultural parents?

Scarlet didn't notice any national differences until secondary school, when classmates asked her to choose which country to support in a Brazil vs. Spain soccer match.

What is Scarlet studying at Princeton University?

Scarlet is studying modern languages, specifically Spanish and French, and is in her last year at Princeton.

What does Scarlet plan to do after graduating from university?

Scarlet hopes to find a job that offers opportunities to travel but ultimately wants to settle down in the United States.

What has David changed his opinion about in relation to choosing a job?

David initially thought that salary was unimportant, but now he believes it's essential, as many interesting jobs don't pay enough to live on.

How does Vanessa feel about working long hours?

Vanessa prefers to maintain a work-life balance and isn't convinced that working extra hours will help her get ahead in her company.

What issue does James face with his vacation time?

James finds it frustrating that he has less vacation time at his current job and often has to book vacations last minute, which can prevent him from traveling as much as he'd like.

How does Laura feel about her long commute?

Laura finds her 2-hour commute stressful, but she enjoys working from home two days a week to save time and fuel.

What is Adam’s view on job security?

Adam is concerned about job security, as there have been restructurings at his company, and he constantly keeps an eye out for other opportunities.