Track 1: Progress Test Units 1-2, Listening exercise 1

W = Woman

W: What's the most embarrassing experience that ever happened to me? Uhm … well … I can't think of anything I can actually talk about! I mean, they were such awful experiences, I don't even want to think about them. Anyway, other people's stories are much funnier, I always think, don't you?

My brother, for example … he tells fantastic stories. He loves telling stories - especially about himself - but he's very good at it. I remember one story he told me - about an embarrassing experience he had. It made me laugh so much. It was the way he told it, with all the gestures and everything. He doesn't seem to mind people laughing at him. I think he likes making people laugh - maybe that's what it is.

Anyway, this story he told me - it happened quite a few years ago, I think - five or six years at least. He was on holiday somewhere - Spain, was it? No, no, Turkey. Yes, it was definitely Turkey. He was there with his ex-wife. I think it was their last holiday together before they split up. They separated five years ago.

Anyway, to get back to the story, Bob - that's my brother's name, by the way - was walking on the beach alone one afternoon when he saw this man trying to pull a boat out of the water. Apparently, it looked quite heavy. So Bob wanted to help. He's that sort of person - very sociable. He likes talking to people, and doing things for them. So he went up to this man and started using sign language … you know, pointing to himself and to the boat, and miming pulling the boat out of the water. He even said `Me help you, yes?' in very simple, very bad English … like baby talk - honestly! Of course, he thought the man was local, you know, Turkish.

Well - this is the best part - the man looked at him for a moment and said, `Thanks mate, but I can manage.' He was English of course! My brother felt so stupid, you can imagine - making a fool of himself, and talking like Tarzan in the movies. I laughed so much, I couldn't stop. The best thing was that Bob laughed a lot, too. Great story …

Track 2: Progress Test Units 1-2, Pronunciation exercise 1

1

I've met him before somewhere.

I've met him before somewhere.

2

He wasn't at home when I called.

He wasn't at home when I called.

3

They weren't living in the same house at the time.

They weren't living in the same house at the time.

4

When I got there, they'd already left.

When I got there, they'd already left.

5

He's written over twenty best-sellers.

He's written over twenty best-sellers.

6

We weren't having lunch, we were in the garden.

We weren't having lunch, we were in the garden.

7

She'd met him when she was working in France.

She'd met him when she was working in France.

8

Have you told him yet?

Have you told him yet?

9

He realised he hadn't brought his keys.

He realised he hadn't brought his keys.

10

She wasn't speaking to him last week.

She wasn't speaking to him last week.

11

I haven't been there for ages

I haven't been there for ages.

Track 3: Progress Test Units 3-4, Listening exercise 2

1

B = Barbara M = Mike

B: What are you doing tomorrow, Mike?

M: I'm not sure. We might go to the concert in the park in the afternoon.

B: Good idea. I'm thinking of taking the kids there, too - or to the cinema. It depends on the weather. Do you think it's going to rain?

M: Unlikely, I think. They say it's going to be quite a sunny day.

B: Wonderful! So I'll take a picnic then. Why don't you and Susan join us?

M: Sounds great. Thanks, Barbara.

2

M = Mum J = John

M: John, have you finished doing your CV yet?

J: No, mum. There's plenty of time. I don't have to send in the application until Friday.

M: But it's already Wednesday. And what about the covering letter?

J: Don't worry. I'll do it tomorrow.

M: I don't think that's a very good idea. You should start writing it now.

J: I can't mum. I have to go to band practice at Philip's place.

M: Oh, John! You'll never get a job if you leave everything to the last minute.

3

G = Grandmother A = Alice

G: You look beautiful, Alice. Where are you going tonight?

A: A club in town, gran. It's salsa night.

G: Salsa? That sounds fun. You're just like me when I was your age. I used to love dancing.

A: I know, Gran. And you're still great at dancing the rock `n roll! Did you use to dance salsa in the 1960s?

G: No, we didn't unfortunately. But we had all kinds of other weird dances - the twist, the shake, the locomotion. There'd be a new dance craze every week!

A: Fascinating. You'll have to teach me one day!

G: Of course I will!

4

B1 = Businessman 1 B2 = Businessman 2

B1: So, first of all, what are we going to do about Ken?

B2: Well, the problem is that he's not a risk-taker and he's very indecisive.

B1: Yes, I've noticed that. He's very hard-working but he can't think outside the box. We'll have to find somebody else to do the job.

B2: Yes, I agree. We need a manager who's more like Frank - competitive and motivated.

B1: Yes, Frank would be an excellent manager. Why don't we offer him the job?

B2: In other words, we have to fire Ken?

B1: Exactly.

5

M = Maggie D = Dave

M: What's the matter, Dave?

D: The car won't start! I've got a very important meeting with a customer and I'm going to be late. I'll have to call a taxi - it'll cost a fortune!

M: Calm down. I'm not starting work until 10 today so I'll take you to the station. You'll probably get the 8.35 train - and you'll be at the office by 9.15.

D: OK, thanks Maggie. That would be great. But what should we do about the car?

M: I'll call Tim at the garage. I'm sure he'll come and look at it. Leave it with me.

6

A = Amy J = Josh

A: Hi Josh, it's Amy.

J: Oh, hi Amy. How are things?

A: Fine, thanks - but you're in hot water.

J: You've lost me. What have I done now?

A: Kate's not very happy with you. You didn't send her a card - or call her.

J: A card? What for?

A: It's her birthday!

J: Her birthday's not until the 26^th of May.

A: Right - and what day is it today?

J: Um, the 24^th … 25^th ? Let me check on the calendar. Oh no, it's the 26^th. I didn't realise it was today!

A: Right. So what are you going to do?

J: Well, I'll phone her right now. And send her some flowers.

A: I think she'll expect a bit more than that. Go out and buy her a nice present, a handbag or something.

J: OK, OK, I'll buy her a nice present and take it to her house.

A: That's a much better idea. Bye, Josh!

J: Bye.

Track 4: Progress Test Units 3-4, Pronunciation exercise 2

compliment compliment

fascinating fascinating

communicate communicate

competitive competitive

wonderful wonderful

indecisive indecisive

absolutely absolutely

apologise apologise

motivated motivated

impossible impossible

probably probably

Track 5: Progress Test Units 5-6, Listening exercise 3

1

Linda: Which appliance could I live without? Well, actually, that's not so difficult to answer. I've just bought a new flat and it has the most beautiful wooden floors everywhere. There isn't one single piece of carpet to clean! So you see, I don't need a vacuum cleaner any more! Great, isn't it? In fact, I'm trying to get rid of my old one. It's not even that old really. I bought it a year ago and it's only slightly scratched. You don't need one, do you?

2

James: What could I live without? Mmm, most of these appliances are essential really, aren't they? I couldn't possibly live without a fridge or washing machine - they're the most important things. If I have to choose, I suppose I'd say the dishwasher. I do have one actually - but I live alone and eat out a lot, so I hardly ever use it. It's the least important appliance in my house.

3

Katie: I don't think I could live without any of them really. They're all as important as each other. I couldn't possibly live without the fridge, for example. If I didn't have one, life would be unbearable. I eat a lot of organic food and it's more difficult to keep fresh. I also have to do quite a bit of entertaining at home - because of my job - so the fridge is nearly always full. I suppose the least important item would be the iron. Yes, I could live without that. I never iron sheets and towels, or T-shirts - that sort of thing. I take all my other clothes to the dry cleaner's. In fact, I can't remember the last time I used the iron.

4

Charles: Well, I definitely couldn't live without the microwave! I'm the worst cook in the world - absolutely hopeless. I couldn't boil an egg if I tried. I buy pre-packaged food from the supermarket and just pop it into the microwave when I get home. It's the quickest, easiest way of cooking ever invented. So if I have to choose one thing I could live without, it would have to be the oven, wouldn't it?! My flat's got the biggest oven you've ever seen - far bigger than most people would ever need. But I've never used it, not once.

5

Victoria: I've got three young boys under the age of ten, so you can imagine, it's hard to say which appliance is less important than any other. I use the washing machine every day - sometimes twice if the kids have been playing football and they come home covered in mud! When I think about my grandmother - she used to do all her washing by hand in the old days - with four children! It's the worst thing you can ever imagine, isn't it?! But if I had to choose, I suppose it would be the toaster - that I could live without, just about. I've got a good grill in my oven so I could make toast with that.

6

Margaret: Well, I'm a cook - a professional cook. I give classes at home so my oven is my livelihood - the most essential thing in my life. I couldn't possibly live without it, could I? I sometimes have ten people in my kitchen. The classes for single men are by far the most popular. You wouldn't believe how many of them want to learn to cook these days. They've got tired of eating processed food and takeaways. They want healthier food, don't they? So the dishwasher is also a necessity - there's always piles of washing up to do afterwards. But the one thing I can easily live without is a microwave. In fact I don't have one - and wouldn't use it if you gave me one! It encourages people to eat pre-prepared food and makes them lazy, don't you think?

Track 6: Progress Test Units 5-6, Pronunciation exercise 3

1

There isn't one single piece of carpet to clean!

There isn't one single piece of carpet to clean!

2

It's the least important appliance in my house.

It's the least important appliance in my house.

3

I couldn't possibly live without the fridge, for example.

I couldn't possibly live without the fridge, for example.

4

It's the quickest, easiest way of cooking ever invented.

It's the quickest, easiest way of cooking ever invented.

5

It's the worst thing you can ever imagine, isn't it?!

It's the worst thing you can ever imagine, isn't it?!

6

I wouldn't use it if you paid me!

I wouldn't use it if you paid me!

Track 7: Progress Test Units 7-8, Listening exercise 4

1

A: So how are you settling in, Lynne?

B: Fine. It's weird living in a small country village after the bright lights of the city, but everybody's made us feel really welcome.

A: What, they're bringing you home made cakes and inviting you for coffee mornings?

B: Not exactly, thank goodness. I haven't got time for coffee mornings! But the neighbours next door invited us for lunch last Sunday. It was a lovely day so we ate in the garden. It was all very relaxing and informal. They're very nice people.

A: Do you have much in common?

B: Well, they play golf - so Harry was very happy about that!

2

J = Jim B = Bill

J: I need your advice, Bill.

B: OK. How can I help?

J: Well, it's about Jack, really.

B: Jack? How did he get on with his A levels, by the way?

J: Great. He got an A and two Bs.

B: Very good. So he could go to any university he chooses.

J: That's exactly the point. He's not sure he wants to go to university.

B: Oh, why's that?

J: Well, you know he's got a real aptitude for building and mending things - especially engines.

B: Yes, so he should study engineering.

J: I know. But he's not brilliant at maths. He wants to be a car mechanic.

B: In my view, that would be a mistake, Jim. You need qualifications nowadays.

J: But you don't have any qualifications, Bill - and you're a millionaire! But what I wanted to ask you was - could Jack do an apprenticeship in one of your garages?

3

D = Dennis J = Jo

D: Hi Jo, where are you going in such a hurry?

J: Oh, hi Dennis! I need to get to the travel agent's before they close.

D: Going on holiday?

J: Sort of. Yes, my sister's getting married in Sydney in March so we thought we'd combine it with a holiday.

D: Aren't you online at home?

J: Yes, we are. Why?

D: You could book it all online.

J: Oh, no. I like to talk to a real person. There are usually so many options. And we want to stop over somewhere on the way - Hong Kong or Dubai, we're not sure.

D: Yes, I know what you mean. But you'd be surprised how quick and easy it is online, especially if you use one of those travel sites like Expedia or Travelocity. It's worth a try. And you can get very cheap deals.

J: Really? Better than the travel agent's?

D: Usually, yes.

J: OK, I'll have a look tonight. So let's go for a drink now and catch up, shall we?

4

E = Elizabeth J = James

E: Where have you been, James? Haven't seen you for ages.

J: Hi Elizabeth. Yes, I just got back from Cairo. I do quite a lot of business there.

E: Really? Funnily enough, I'm off to Cairo in a couple of weeks to see my daughter, Alex. She's been studying Arabic there.

J: Oh, that sounds interesting.

E: Yes, she's staying with a local family. I'd like to take them a present or something. Any tips?

J: Well, if you're invited to their home for dinner, take some really nice chocolates. Not flowers though - they're only for weddings.

E: Oh, that's useful to know. Anything else?

J: Well, they love it if you have second helpings. But if you've had enough to eat, leave a small bit of food on your plate. Otherwise they'll keep filling it up!

E: Thanks for the warning!

5

T = Tom V = Vicky

T: Have you got Matt's phone number, Vicky?

V: Sorry, Tom - it's on my mobile, but that's at work. I forgot to put it in my bag.

T: But don't you remember the number?

V: No, of course not!

T: But you've been going out with Matt for six months - and calling him several times a day. Surely you know his number by now.

V: Why should I? I always use my mobile. Anyway, I'm hopeless at remembering numbers.

T: Haven't you written it down somewhere?

V: Yes….but I can't remember where. Oh, come on, Tom! You're not much better. You couldn't remember your car number plate last week!

T: That's because it's a new car. You borrowed it - and then forgot where you parked it! Remember?!

6

H = Headmistress J = John B = Barbara

H: Hello, John. Hi, Barbara. Thank you for coming at such short notice. It's just that I wanted to discuss something with you before the parents' meeting next week.

J: Is it about the bullying of students on the social networking sites?

B: Yes, I've heard about that, too. The mother of one of my students asked me what were going to do about it.

H: Exactly, Barbara. We need to discuss our options. What do you think we can do? John?

J: Well, in my view, it's the parents' responsibility to monitor their children's use of these sites.

B: I must say I agree with John. I do think that we should make sure students aren't bullying each other at school, but I don't see how we can control what they do at home - on their computers.

H: Yes, but for me, there is a connection between the two. Let me give you an example …

Track 8: Progress Test Units 7-8, Pronunciation exercise 4

1

My son, who is a journalist, lives in London.

My son, who is a journalist, lives in London.

2

The video clip which you emailed was funny!

The video clip which you emailed was funny!

3

The children, who go to the local school, are singing in a concert.

The children, who go to the local school, are singing in a concert.

4

The hospital where I was born has been closed.

The hospital where I was born has been closed.

5

The website, which is easy to use, has some cheap holidays.

The website, which is easy to use, has some cheap holidays.

6

The laptop that I bought is fantastic!

The laptop that I bought is fantastic!

7

The café where we had lunch is near the shopping mall.

The café where we had lunch is near the shopping mall.

Track 9: Progress Test Units 9-10, Listening exercise 5
W = Will S = Suzi

W: Suzi, you know Oxford well, don't you? I need your help.

S: Really? What is it, Will? Nothing wrong I hope?

W: No, no, of course not. It's just that Ruth's 40^th is coming up soon and I want to take her somewhere really nice for dinner. The trouble is, I don't know where. Can you suggest somewhere nice?

S: Yeah, well there are loads of great places. What sort of food were you thinking - French, Italian?

W: Yes, we like Italian. But somewhere with a nice atmosphere, something a bit different maybe? You know Ruth. She loves to try different kinds of food when she gets the chance.

S: How about Moroccan? Does she like Moroccan food?

W: Yes - yes, she does. We went to Marrakesh for a few days, years ago, and I remember loving the lamb tagines. But I didn't know there was a Moroccan restaurant in Oxford?

S: Oh, yes. The Oasis Café Bar. It's quite well known nowadays - and very popular.

W: Where is it then? I've never seen it.

S: It's in the centre of town, at number 3, South Lane.

W: Three South Lane … Oh yes, I know where you mean. What's it like?

S: Lovely. The décor's really authentic - the walls are decorated with traditional mirrors and lamps, and Moroccan paintings. And in the evening, you eat by candlelight, so the atmosphere's really relaxing, and romantic!

W: Sounds brilliant. It must be expensive though.

S: You'd be surprised. The prices are quite reasonable, considering how delicious the food is.

W: What do you call `reasonable'?!

S: Well, they serve an early dinner from 5 to 7. You get two courses and a glass of house wine for £13.75 - which is amazing value. But it's a bit early - and it's usually crowded with people who are going to the theatre at half past seven.

W: Yes. That's much too early for us. What about later?

S: Well, they do a two course late dinner for £17.95, not including wine. But if you don't want to eat so much, you can choose any dish you want from the menu. The tagines are great for sharing.

W: What kind do they have?

S: Oh, loads! Apart from the classic lamb tagines, they do wonderful fish ones, and a lemon chicken one. And they do vegetable couscous, of course.

W: Mmm, I love couscous.

S: Me, too. They specialise in dishes from Marrakech. Apparently, the recipes they use were handed down from the owner's grandmother - she came from Marrakech.

W: Really? How marvellous!

S: Yes, their speciality dish is something called `bastilla'. It's a sort of pie made with filo pastry, filled with chicken and almonds, and they sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on the top.

W: Right, I already know what I'm going to have! Should I reserve a table?

S: Yes, especially if you're going at the weekend.

W: OK. I'll do it now. Have you got the number?

S: Hang on. It's on my mobile. It's 01865 966437.

W: 01865, um… can you repeat the last bit?

S: Yeah, 966437.

W: 966437. Right, here goes.

Track 10: Progress Test Units 9-10, Pronunciation exercise 5

refuse refuse

creative creative

original original

revolution revolution

agree agree

invention invention

suggested suggested

discovery discovery

charismatic charismatic

explain explain

generation generation

millennium millennium

recycled recycled

organic organic

Track 11: Mid-course Test, Listening exercise

1

J = Jo M = Marta

J: Have you ever had your family tree done, Marta?

M: Yes, I have. And you, Jo?

J: Yes, I've just had it done. Fascinating! I discovered that one of my ancestors had been a minister for King Charles the second in the seventeenth century. Now I'm thinking of having a DNA test.

M: Whatever for?

J: Because it could be very exciting! I know my family originally came from France. But who knows, I might be 50% Native American, or 15% sub-Saharan African!

M: In my opinion, it doesn't really matter, does it? You know your family history and where your ancestors came from. The rest is a waste of money!

2

W = Woman M = Man

W: Did you see the news about the big earthquake?

M: Yes, isn't it awful?

W: It reminds me of when I was in Argentina - when they had that big earthquake in Chile.

M: Really? What happened?

W: Well, I was in a hotel in a small town just over the border from Chile. I woke up in the middle of the night because the bed was moving around.

M: I don't believe it! What did you do?

W: I didn't know what to do. They say you should get under a table or something, and not go outside - but I was so scared, I started putting on my clothes.

M: What happened next?

W: By the time I got dressed, the floor had stopped moving. Then I switched on the TV and saw there'd been a very big earthquake on the other side of the Andes mountains, in Chile.

M: How awful!

W: Yes, I've never been so scared in my life!

3

G = Girl B = Boy

G: I'm definitely going to the Moon.

B: Sorry? Can you say that again?

G: I'm going to the Moon!

B: You've lost me. I don't get what you're saying.

G: It's simple! They're selling flights to the Moon now. I've always wanted to go there.

B: But they cost millions of dollars!

G: I know. But they'll get cheaper in twenty or thirty years' time. I'm going to save all my money and one day, I'll go there.

B: Do you mean to say that you're not going to spend any money for years and years, just to go to the Moon?

G: Yes. It's my dream. And I believe that dreams can come true ...

B: Well, who knows, you might be right …

4

N = Nick J = Jack

N: The way I see things, we should start our own business, Jack. It's the only way to escape the rat race.

J: That's a great idea, Nick. But what kind of business? We need an original idea - one nobody's thought of.

N: Well, I suggest we do something with computers. Everyone has one now, you know.

J: Right. Do you have anything in mind?

N: How about if we have an online translation service?

J: I'm not sure that's a very good idea, Nick.

N: Why not?

J: Because we don't speak any foreign languages.

N: I know that! But you can do anything these days with technology. We'll use online dictionaries!

J: Honestly, Nick, you must be mad! It'll never work.

5

W = Woman S = Sales assistant

W: Excuse me.

S: Yes, madam? How can I help you?

W: Could you tell me which dishwasher is better? This smaller one, or that bigger one?

S: They're both very good, madam. But I think the smaller one is slightly more expensive.

W: Really? The smaller one should be cheaper, shouldn't it?

S: I'm not sure, madam. Would you mind waiting a minute while I go and check?

W: Of course not.

S: I'm sorry to keep you waiting, madam, but our computer's crashed.

W: Do you mean to say you don't have a price list?

S: I'm afraid not, madam. All the prices are on the computer. I'll have to wait until they sort it out. Could you come back in half an hour?

W: I'm afraid I can't. I'm having a big dinner party for 30 people tonight and I need a new dishwasher now!

6

A = Alex G = Gary

A: Would you mind opening this tin of tuna for me, Gary?

G: Sure. Where's the tin opener?

A: In the drawer over there.

G: Are you sure it's in this drawer, Alex? I can't see it.

A: It should be there. I remember using it yesterday to open a tin of tomatoes.

G: Well, I can't find it.

A: Oh no, don't say I threw it away when I was clearing up. What are we going to do? We can't live without a tin opener. It's the most important invention for the kitchen in the last 100 years.

G: You must be joking. What about the cooker, the fridge and ...

A: No, I'm perfectly serious. I love my cooker, and the fridge is a wonderful invention too, but have you ever tried to open a tin without a tin opener? It's absolutely impossible. I couldn't live without it.

Track 12: Mid-course Test, Pronunciation exercise

1

family drama married ambitious

2

inquiry risk science fiction

3

romantic forgot comedy job

4

genetic remember engineering period

5

hear earn leader freeze

6

fun discussion furious wonderful

Track 13: End of Course Test, Listening exercise

T = Teacher

T: Good morning everybody. Before we start the class today, I need to give you some information about our field trip on the 27th of May - next Friday, in fact. As you know, we're spending the day at the amazing Science Museum in London. The coach will pick us up in the school car park. We'll leave at 8 o'clock so plan to be here at least 15 minutes before that - 7.45 at the latest. You'd better set your alarms for 6.30, OK?

Our visit's been confirmed by the museum and I've just received the itinerary and information about the activities they've organised for us. If you've visited the Science Museum before, you'll know that it's enormous and we can't possibly see everything in one day. You may want to take some notes now - though I'll also put the info on the class website later on.

The museum opens from 10a.m. to 6p.m. If all goes well, we hope to arrive by 10.15 latest, when we'll have our first guided tour of the day - there are two, by the way. If you read the newspaper last Sunday, you'll have seen the article about the re-opening of the Welcome Wing last week. It now has three state-of-the-art galleries which deal only with contemporary science. We're going to have a guided tour of one of them - an exhibition called Antenna, which is about how the latest scientific discoveries could change our lives. You'll also have the opportunity to give your opinions about the latest ideas. Remember, the museum has lots of hands-on multimedia stuff so you won't get bored - I'm sure you'll find it fascinating.

Then at 11 o'clock we'll have a coffee break and you'll be free to visit the permanent exhibitions until 12.30. There are twenty galleries with different themes so you'll only have time to see two or three properly. If I were you, I wouldn't miss the one called Making the Modern World - which is marvellous. It shows the development of the modern industrial world in a really entertaining and creative way. Also watch out for The Secret Life of the Home. It's great fun and you'll be amazed by all the gadgets people used to use in the house - and will use in the future!

Then it's lunchtime. We've ordered a picnic from the café, which we'll eat in the `picnic area' on the first floor. We'll all meet up there at 12.30 so don't be late - we have to go to the cinema at 1.15! Yes, but not an ordinary cinema - an IMAX 3D cinema! At quarter past one, we're booked to have a 3D experience called Space Station. You'll blast off into space with astronauts from the USA and Russia, and experience life on the International Space Station, 220 miles above Earth. How does that sound?

Great. OK, then we have our second guided tour at 2.45 - quarter to three - to see one of the special temporary exhibitions called Fast Forward. It's about twenty ways that Formula One technology is being used in our hospitals, homes and work places. For example, the materials and machines they've developed for the Formula One cars are now being used to make racing bikes, and sophisticated machines to monitor hospital patients. The tour should take about an hour - until 3.45. And I'm pleased to tell you that you'll then be free for the rest of the afternoon! You'll be able to go back to any galleries you're particularly interested in, or see something new. We'll leave the Museum at half past five so tell your parents you should be home by about 8p.m.

I think that's all for now. Oh, one last thing, check out the Science Museum website before we go. The more you read about it, the more interesting the visit will be.

Track 14: End of Course Test, Pronunciation exercise

1

We won't go unless you come too.

We won't go unless you come too.

2

They told us they wouldn't be late.

They told us they wouldn't be late.

3

That was the moment when he knew they'd win the match.

That was the moment when he knew they'd win the match.

4

We haven't been told what time it starts yet.

We haven't been told what time it starts yet.

5

If she hadn't driven so carelessly, she wouldn't have had an accident.

If she hadn't driven so carelessly, she wouldn't have had an accident.

6

He promised he'd help me if he could.

He promised he'd help me if he could.

Intermediate Tests Audio Script

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