Open Mind

Intermediate

Workbook audioscript

01
Unit 1, page 6, Vocabulary, Exercise B
1 Kitesurfing is a really difficult extreme sport to learn, but its
definitely worth it. Its a lot of fun, although it can also be very
dangerous. I was awful when I began but now Im getting much
better. I like to try out new things all the time, and the most
dangerous sports are always the most fun!
2 Weve been dance partners for about two years, but its not
going so well. We entered competitions to compare our
dancing with other couples, but they were a lot better than us.
Were never going to stop dancing, though, because were
not quitters.
3 I like to run the New York Marathon every year. I work hard and
train all year long so that I can get in it, and each year
I try to improve my time from the previous year. Its a way of
challenging myself to do better.

02
Unit 1, page 7, Speaking, Exercise C
A: Hi Nick. I havent seen you for ages!
B: Yeah, I know. Its been at least ten years.
A: Has it?
B: Yes. Time flies. Hows it going?
A: Not too bad. Ive been working as an architect for five years.
B: Have you? Sounds good! Im living in Sheffield now.
A: Oh, are you? What do you do there?
B: I work for a computer company.
A: Do you? Is it fun?
B: Its OK. Listen, Im late for a meeting. It was really nice
seeing you.
A: Nice seeing you, too. Bye.

03
Unit 1, page 8, Listen and write, Exercise A
James: Hi, Becky, whats that?
Becky: Oh, thats my application for the marathon. Ive filled it in
but I havent had time to post it yet.
James: A marathon? Wow. I didnt know you were interested
in running!
Becky: Oh, Ive wanted to run a marathon for I forget years
and years. Since I was at secondary school, at least.
But I havent run one before. This will be my first.
James: Thats really great. Have you been training hard?
Becky: Oh, yes, and in so many ways. Theres so much to do!
James: Like what?
Becky: Well, just learning about technique, for one thing. Ive been
watching lots of training videos. Ive watched more than
twenty already!
James: Interesting.
Becky: And food! Ive been changing my diet. Ive been eating
less fat and more protein. Ive stopped drinking soft drinks.
I only drink water now.
James: Sounds great.
Becky: Yes, its very important to drink a lot of water. Marathons
are really long, you know!
James: Whats next?
Becky: Next? Well, I havent bought any special clothes yet.

Macmillan Publishers Limited 2014

James: Clothes?
Becky: Yeah, like well, like long-sleeved shirts that can protect

James:
Becky:
James:
Becky:
James:

Becky:

you from the sun. And special socks. Maybe a hat. I havent
decided yet.
Trainers
Oh, right! Trainers! I havent bought any trainers yet.
I should do that today.
How much running have you done?
Running?
Yeah how many miles have you run? Or how many
hours have you run? I dont know how you count
these things.
Oh, I havent done any running yet. Ive been too busy!

04
Unit 2, page 11, Listening, Exercise B
1a This is the house I used to live in when I was a child.
Look at it now its in a terrible state!
1b This is the house I used to live in when I was a child.
Look at it now its in a terrible state!
2a Oh, look at this film I saw this one twenty years ago
when it first came out.
2b Oh, look at this film I saw this one twenty years ago
when it first came out.
3a A: Do you ever go back to your old school?

B: Well, it brings back a lot of memories, you know.
No, I dont really want to go back there now.
3b A: Do you ever go back to your old school?

B: Well, it brings back a lot of memories, you know.
No, I dont really want to go back there now.

05
Unit 3, page 18, Grammar, Exercise B
A: Excuse me. Can you tell me if you have this book?
B: One minute, Ill just check Yes, we have one copy.
A: Could you tell me where I can find it?
B: Its in the literature section, over there.
A: Great! Do you know if you have any other books by this writer?
B: Just a minute, Ill check that No, Im sorry, we dont.
A: Do you have any idea where I can buy her other books?
B: I suggest that you look her up on our website. You can order
them there.

06
Unit 3, page 18, Vocabulary, Exercise B
1 A: Hows your new washing machine? Are you happy with it?

B: Not really. It just wouldnt start. We tried everything, but it
just didnt work. We had to take it back to the shop.
2 A: Those shoes look nice on you!

B: 
Oh, thanks. Theyre a bit small though. I think I should get
the next size up.
3 A: Did you go shopping last weekend? What did you buy?

B: We bought a new TV, but when they delivered it, we found
that it was broken. Were still waiting for a replacement.

Open Mind

Intermediate

07
Unit 3, page 19, Vocabulary, Exercise B
A: Good morning, sir. Can I help you?
B: Yes, Id like to return this camera. I bought it here last week,
on 23rd April.
A: I see. Whats the problem with it?
B: The zoom doesnt work, and the battery is missing.
A: I see. Do you have the receipt?
B: Yes, here it is.
A: OK, well, we can repair the zoom and order the missing part.
Or we can offer you a replacement camera or exchange it
for a different model.
B: I think Id like a replacement.
A: OK, so we just need your name and address.
B: My names P Johnson, and my address is 34 Green Street.
A: OK. Thats fine. I wont be a minute.

08
Unit 3, page 19, Speaking, Exercise B
A: Id like to return this item. Could you give me a refund?
B: Do you have a receipt?
A: No, I dont, but I definitely bought it here.
B: Im sorry, we dont give refunds without a receipt. We can give
you a credit note.
A: Im sorry to insist but I would definitely prefer to have a refund.
B: Im afraid thats out of the question.
A: In that case, Im going to have to insist on seeing the manager.

3
Woman 1:
Man 1:
Woman 1:
Man 1:

Woman 1:
Man 1:
Man 2 announcer:

Man 1:
Woman 2:
Man 2 announcer:

4
Woman 3 announcer: Do you need a break from cooking at home

but are tired of the high prices of restaurants?

Well, come on down to Snack Shack. We have
simple home cooking at prices you can afford.
And its convenient! With twenty-three Snack
Shacks in town, theres sure to be one near you.
And bring the kids! Were family friendly. And if
youre ever not happy with your meal, well give
you a full refund no questions asked!

09
Unit 3, page 20, Listen and write, Exercise A
1
Man 1:
Woman:
Man 1:
Woman:

You look tired, Jean.

Oh, I am! Work, kids, the house Im exhausted.
Thats too bad.
But Mark, you always have so much energy.
Can you tell me what your secret is?
Man 1:
Oh, its no secret, Jean! Its because I wake up with
Power Boost.
Woman:
Power Boost? The new energy drink in a can from
Drinko? Does it really work?
Man 1:
Yes! One glass of Power Boost in the morning
keeps me going all day long! Its the best energy
drink available.
Man announcer: Try Power Boost today! Youll see why top athletes
like Stan The Man Manson, the champion
weightlifter, drink Power Boost, too!
2
Oh, no! Not again! It doesnt fit!
Woman:
Man announcer: Setting up a home network for your computers?

Are you tired of cords and cables that dont fit?

Have you ever taken your products home and
realised that something was missing or broken?
Well, you never have to go through that again.
Our amazing new home network service will come
to your house and get you online the same day!
Thats right these young men and women are all
computer science graduates who can make things
work. You wont have to do a thing! Just sit back,
relax and in no time, youll be surfing the internet.
Well do all the work for you. Safe, fast, reliable
and ten per cent cheaper than our competitors!
Call Home Network Services today.

Macmillan Publishers Limited 2014

Yeah? What do you want?

Um I dont have my bank account number
can you tell me what it is?
Give me your driving licence. OK. Here you go.
OK, thanks. Id like to deposit this cheque
could you tell me when the moneys going to
be available?
Do I look like a psychic? A week, ten days,
who knows?
Oh, well, OK
Does your bank give you the service you
deserve? No? Well, try the friendly folks at
Companion Bank.
Um I dont have my bank account number
can you tell me what it is?
Of course, sir! Ill look that up for you right now.
And here, have a cup of coffee!
Companion Bank. Were like family family that
helps you with your money! Come and see us
today. Youll be glad you did.

10
Unit 4, page 24, Vocabulary, Exercise B
1 A: Did you get a new table for your kitchen?

B: Yes, I did, but one of the legs came off as I was trying
to put it together.

A: So its broken now?

B: Uh-huh.
2 A: Im telling you, I was in the clothes shop and I asked the
shop assistant to help me find something, and she said she
was too busy!

B: No! Did she say that? Thats terrible!
3 A: Have you had this vacuum cleaner for a long time?

B: Yes, weve had it for about fifteen years.

A: Really? That long?

B: Yes, and it hasnt broken down once!

11
Unit 4, page 25, Listening, Exercises A and B
1 A: This phone is broken. Should I get it repaired, or just
buy a new one?

B: Oh, I dont know. Its up to you.
2 A: I bought this CD player here last week but Im not
happy with it.

B: Im sorry to hear that.
3 A: Ive had my car fixed.

B: Perfect! We can drive to the beach.
4 A: That sales assistant wasnt very helpful.

B: Really? What happened?
5 A: The service at this garage was excellent. Im going to leave
a big tip.

B: Thank you. Thats very nice of you.

Open Mind

Intermediate

12

15

Unit 5, page 30, Speaking, Exercise C

A: Hey Naomi, have you heard about Sophie?
B: No, whats happened?
A: Shes moving to Manchester. She told me she found a
new job there.
B: Wow, thats great news, but Ill be sad shes so far away.
A: Oh, and guess what? Steve told me he wanted to move there
with her, but she said no.
B: I dont believe it! Im amazed. I thought they would be
a couple forever.
A: Yeah. Me too.
B: Anyway, I have to go now. See you later.
A: OK. And, by the way, dont forget to call, OK?

Unit 6, page 34, Vocabulary, Exercise B

1 A: Can I have a word with you?

B: Yes, what is it?

A: Id like to speak to you about your attitude. I dont
think youve been very helpful recently.
2 A: You havent been doing too well this term.

B: I know. What can I do?

A: You need to spend more time on your homework
and not miss so many classes.
3 A: What are you working on?

B: I cant tell you. Its a secret.

A: I wont tell anyone.
4 A: Ask next time you want to borrow my laptop.

B: OK, I promise I wont use it again without asking.
5 A: Youre my best friend, right?

B: Of course. Whats the problem?

A: Well, I need to tell you something really important

13
Unit 5, page 31, Grammar, Exercise C
A: Excuse me. Do you have time to answer a few questions?
B: Yes, all right, what about?
A: Were doing some research about gossip.
B: Gossip?
A: Yes, thats right. OK. First, do you like to gossip?
B: Not really well, a little I suppose.
A: Do you like to gossip on the phone, by email or by text?
B: Well, mostly by email, really. I send emails to my friends, you know.
A: Who do you gossip about? Friends, celebrities ?
B: Oh, its mostly about friends, people we know I dont gossip
about celebrities.
A: And what is your opinion about gossip?
B: Well, I think its just fun, really.

14
Unit 5, page 32, Listen and write, Exercise A
Cara: Whats that youre drinking? Just water?
Peter: Well, its water but its not just water.
Cara: What do you mean?
Peter: Its Water Plus.
Cara: Um water plus what?
Peter: No, thats its name Water Plus. Its a vitamin drink.
Cara: Oh, I heard about that on the news! The report said that
its really bad for you!
Peter: What? No! Its water, with added vitamins. Someone on my
football team told me about it. He said it replaces all the
vitamins you lose when you sweat. You know, like when youre
playing sports. He said my game would improve if I started
drinking it. Who knows? He might be right. Also, its really
cheap. Much less expensive than juice and just as delicious.
Cara: Delicious? Ah, OK, but do you want to know what I heard
on the news report? The report said it had a lot of added
sugar. Does it taste sweet?
Peter: No. I mean, not too sweet. It tastes good.
Cara: Does it taste like water?
Peter: It tastes like strawberries.
Cara: Water isnt supposed to taste like strawberries! See,
they added something to it. Im sure thats not healthy.
Peter: Do you know that for a fact?
Cara: Well, the reporter mentioned that it might cause problems
with your teeth. From the sugar, I think.
Peter: Did they show any people with tooth problems?
Cara: No, it was a short report. They didnt interview anyone.
Peter: See? They dont know. Theyre just trying to scare people.
All I know is, my friend said he didnt get tired so quickly
playing sports if he drank Water Plus.
Cara: And have you noticed the same thing?
Peter: I dont know. This is the first time Ive tried it. Ask me after
football. Which starts soon, so I should be going.
Cara: OK. Have a good game! I hope you come back with all
your teeth
Macmillan Publishers Limited 2014

16
Unit 6, page 35, Listening, Exercise C
A: Tim, Ive been thinking about changing my job. Ive had
a really good offer.
B: Oh, yeah, moving to another company, you mean?
A: No, Im staying with this company, but theyve offered me
a more senior position in another city.
B: I say go for it! What are you waiting for?
A: I know its a great opportunity, but Ill miss all my family
and friends here. Im worried that I wont be able to make any
friends over there.
B: Oh, yes, you will.
A: And Ill have to leave this town. I was born here and grew up
here and all my friends are here.
B: Yes, but if you take the job, youll get a better salary.
A: Thats true, but Ill have more responsibility and Id have to
travel more, so I wouldnt have much time with my family.
And I think the job would be more stressful.
B: Thats a tough decision.
A: Yeah, whats your advice?

17
Unit 7, page 42, Grammar, Exercise C
1 A: Computers are complicated, arent they?

B: Mm, not really, not once you get used to them.
2 A: Maths isnt difficult, is it?

B: Yes, it is. I have to do lots of homework.
3 A: Children are very creative, arent they?

B: Yes, they certainly are.
4 A: Exams arent very useful, are they?

B: 
Oh, I think they are. You need them when you
apply to university.
5 A: Playing chess will help improve your memory, wont it?

B: Yes, I think so. It will help you to solve problems.
6 A: Video games dont help you learn anything, do they?

B: I think they do. You learn all kinds of skills.

18
Unit 7, page 42, Speaking, Exercise A
My younger brother is 18, and hes a student. Our personalities are
quite different hes studying computer science at college because
hes really good at maths, and Im studying English literature
because I love reading. I would say Im more creative than him,
but hes definitely more sporty. In general we get on quite well
though. We have some things in common, for example, we both
love listening to music but we dont always like the same kind of
music. I like indie music, but he prefers listening to pop music. We
both like swimming and playing tennis. He usually wins at tennis,
but Im a faster swimmer. We dont look alike at all. We both wear
glasses, but hes got really dark hair, and Im blonde. People often
dont believe were related.

Open Mind

Intermediate

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22

Unit 7, page 44, Listen and write, Exercise A

Man:
Hmm, look at this. Schools want more money to create
special classes for gifted children.
Woman: Well, thats a good idea, isnt it?
Man:
I think special classes should be for children who are
having problems, not for successful children.
Woman: Well, gifted children can have problems in class, too
Man:
Any child can have problems at school. That doesnt mean
you should make thirty different classes, does it? And think
of all the good reasons to keep them in the same class!
Woman: Such as?
Man:
For one thing, they could help to support other pupils who
are struggling. That way they would also get to develop
new skills like how to teach.
Woman: Hmm. Maybe, but
Man:
Also, its important to have children with different abilities
in one class. You know, this child is good at maths, that
ones good at art, this one leads discussions well, that one
is a great actress
Woman: Thats a good point. I agree its good to have right-brained
and left-brained students together in the same class. But
dont you think
Man:
And finally, it would cost more money to create new
classes. Youd need larger school buildings, new teachers,
new textbooks I dont think thats the most important
thing to spend money on these days.
Woman: OK, I understand your points. But there are also some
important reasons to consider special classes for geniuses
and prodigies.
Man:
Like what, for example?
Woman: Well,

Unit 8, page 49, Listening, Exercise C

Where are you off to with that heavy thing? asked the
grasshopper. Without stopping, the ant replied, To our ant hill.
This is the third piece of corn Ive delivered today. Why not come
and sing with me, said the grasshopper, instead of working so
hard? I am helping to store food for the winter, said the ant, and
think you should do the same. Why worry about winter? said the
grasshopper. We have plenty of food right now. The ant didnt
pay attention to the grasshopper, and continued to collect food
and bring it home.

20
Unit 8, page 47, Vocabulary, Exercise A
1 Oh, I didnt like it. I mean, its really a childrens story and
its much too simple for adults.
2 This film was so scary! I had to put my hands over my eyes
for most of it!
3 The story was really romantic. It was about two robots who fall
in love. It was very sweet, and we were all crying at the end.
4 There werent any real characters in the film. There was no one
you could identify with, and you just didnt care what happened
to them, and there was no story. What was it about really?
5 Its incredible how they come up with all these new ways of
using special effects and animation. The film was full of exciting
and original ideas.
6 I think most people would enjoy this musical. It has great
music, beautiful costumes, wonderful dancing and singing,
and the story is suitable for all ages. You wont feel bored
for one minute.

21
Unit 8, page 49, Listening, Exercise B
It was a beautiful hot summers day. In a corn field, a grasshopper
was having a good time hopping about and singing. He was very
happy. Then an ant walked by. The ant was walking very slowly
because she had found a big piece of corn and was carrying it
back to her home.

Macmillan Publishers Limited 2014

23
Unit 8, page 49, Listening, Exercise D
The weather soon turned cold. All the fields were covered with
thick snow. Even the grasshopper could not dig through the
snow. Soon the grasshopper started to get really hungry. He went
to the ants and saw them eating the corn they had collected in
the summer. Please can you give me some food? asked the
grasshopper. No, we dont have enough for you, said the ants.

24
Unit 9, page 53, Speaking, Exercise B
Conversation 1
A: Youll need to have an X-ray done at the hospital.
B: Sorry, what was that?
A: I said, you need an X-ray at the hospital.
Conversation 2
A: You have a condition known as sleep apnoea.
B: Can you explain what you mean?
A: Of course. Its a condition where you stop breathing just
for a few moments while youre asleep.
Conversation 3
A: You need to give up all dairy products.
B: Sorry, Im not sure I follow you.
A: You have to stop eating cheese and milk.
Conversation 4
A: Its better to rest and you should also take some
anti-inflammatory tablets.
B: I didnt understand the last part.
A: You should take some medication to reduce the fever.

25
Unit 9, page 54, Vocabulary, Exercise B
Conversation 1
A: Hi Tom. How are you feeling?
B: Not too good. I have a really bad headache.
A: Do you feel dizzy?
B: Yes, I do.
A: Hmm, sounds like it might be a migraine. Why dont you
lie down for a while?
Conversation 2
A: Hello Winnie. How are you?
B: I feel terrible. My eyes are so itchy!
A: Have you been sneezing a lot?
B: Yes do you think its hay fever?
A: Yes. I think you should get some medicine from the chemist.
Conversation 3
A: Hi Renata. Are you OK?
B: No, I feel really sick.
A: Do you feel hot and cold?
B: No, but I think Im going to vomit.
A: You might have food poisoning. Lets call the doctor.

Open Mind

Intermediate

26
Unit 9, page 56, Listen and write, Exercise A
1
Man 1:

 elcome to Home Remedies, the quiz show where

W
our contestants have to match the conditions to the
everyday cures listed on the board here. Our contestants
today are Wendy and Matt.
Woman 1: Hi!
Man 2:
Hi!
Man 1:
OK, our first question is what is a good remedy for
a sore throat?
Man 2:
My mother used to give us hot tea for a sore throat.
Im going to say hot tea.
Man 1:
And Wendy?
Woman 1: Oh well, can I say hot tea, too?
Man 1:
No, sorry, you need to have a different answer.
Woman 1: Oh. I wish I had gone first, then. OK, I guess could it
be lemon and honey?
Man 1:
Lemon and honey is correct! Well done, Wendy, and
one point for you.
2
Man 1:

 K, our second question is whats a good home remedy

O
for a cold?
Woman 1: Well, Im going to say hot tea for this.
Man 1:
Matt, what do you say?
Man 2:
I think its ginger. Ginger has a lot of healing properties.
Its good for all kinds of things.
Man 1:
And our answer is water! A cup of hot water.
Woman 1: A cup of hot water? But thats the same as tea!
Man 2:
Maybe the way you make tea
Man 1:
Contestants! Please! Lets move on to the next question.
3
How would you treat an ear infection?
Man 1:
Man 2:
Ginger. Ginger can fight infections, so
Woman 1: If you have an ear infection, its necessary to go to

the doctor.
Man 1:
Remember, these are all home remedies
Woman 1: Yes, but its essential to get proper medical care for some

things. You cant fight an infection by sticking nuts in

your ear.
Man 1:
So Wendy, is that your answer? Nuts?
Woman 1: NO! Um Maybe Chinese herbs.
Man 1:
And lets check the answer I think this is going to
surprise a lot of people olive oil! Thats right, a
few drops of olive oil in each ear can clear up some
infections. Isnt that surprising, folks?
4
Man 1:

 nd Number 4 Whats good for a migraine?

A
A migraine headache, folks.
Man 2:
Im sticking with ginger.
Woman 1: Well, I get migraine headaches, so I know this one.
Protein. If you eat enough protein, you wont get
migraines. So its nuts.
Man 1:
And lets check the answers Chocolate!
Woman 1: Thats crazy! Chocolate gives me migraines.
Man 2:
This quiz is giving me a migraine. I wish I hadnt agreed
to do this.
Man 1:
Well, according to our information, chocolate contains
magnesium, and thats essential for curing migraines.

Macmillan Publishers Limited 2014

5
Man 1:

 nd for our final question if youre vomiting,

A
what should you take? For vomiting.
Woman 1: Well if youre vomiting you shouldnt take anything.
Man 2:
Yeah, Wendys right. Nothing.
Man 1:
Well, nothing is not one of our answer choices.
Woman 1: But hmm. Well, every answer so far has been crazy.
So Im going to say chewing gum. Because thats the
craziest thing up there.
Man 1:
Matt?
Man 2:
Well, I choose Chinese herbs.
Man 1:
Im sorry our answer is ginger!
Man 2:
Ginger! I knew it! Oh, if only Id said that!
Man 1:
Our final score shows Wendy as your winner!
Congratulations, Wendy! Be sure to join us next week
for another episode of Home Remedies!

27
Unit 10, page 60, Listening, Exercise A
A: Can you tell us about some of the trends in home
entertainment at the moment? Are people watching TV
as much as they used to or is it changing?

28
Unit 10, page 60, Listening, Exercise B
B: People are watching TV shows, but whereas before they had
to watch them via cable or satellite at times decided by the
TV companys schedule, now theyre watching them on the
internet. That means they can watch their favourite shows
whenever they want to.
A: Sounds good, but they still have adverts, dont they?
B: Yes, usually they do, but theyre often just at the beginning of
the show, so its not too bad.
A: And what about films?
B: Well, the same thing is happening with films. Until recently,
we had a situation where people could only rent films either
from a DVD shop (which involves actually going to the shop
to pick up and return the DVD, plus the choice is fairly limited),
or you could rent them online and get them delivered by post.
But now there are programs you can download onto your
computer that will let you watch films on demand, and you just
pay a monthly fee that is usually less than paying for cable.
The important thing is that viewers have a greater choice of
what TV shows or films they want to watch and they can
choose when to watch them.
A: And you get to choose the films?
B: Thats right. Theres a choice of thousands of films.
A: Sounds amazing.

29
Unit 11, page 65, Grammar, Exercise C
1 A: 
I was in a hurry, so I just parked my car in the first empty
spot I saw. I didnt think to read the street signs or look at
the building I parked near. The worst thing was I got
a parking ticket and I only left my car for fifteen minutes.

B: 
Its not a good idea to park illegally in front of a
police station!
2 A: 
I was late for work and I drove through a red light.
The police officer asked me if I was speeding, and I said
no. But they had me on camera, so I had to pay a fine.

B: 
You should always tell the truth to a police officer!

Open Mind

Intermediate

30
Unit 11, page 67, Speaking, Exercise B
Aminah: Hi Maria. You look worried. Whats going on?
Maria: Oh, hi Aminah. Nothing really, well, actually Im a bit
annoyed because my friend Susan asked me to do her
a favour and help her with her homework assignment,
but I refused because I think thats cheating. Were
supposed to do the assignment on our own.
Aminah: And?
Maria: Well, now shes really upset and wont talk to me!
Aminah: Oh, dear! Im not sure that was the best way to handle it.
Maria: What else could I have done?
Aminah: Maybe you should have found a way to give her advice
without telling her the answers.
Maria: Hmm, maybe, but thats almost the same, isnt it?
Aminah: Did you think about directing her to one or two websites
that would encourage her to work on her own?
Maria: Well, I hadnt thought of that
Aminah: Isnt it possible that taking a more cooperative approach
may have helped?
Maria: Yes, I see what you mean.

31
Unit 11, page 68, Listen and write, Exercise A
1
Thanks for giving me a lift, Kelly.
Man:
Woman: Oh, no problem, Josh. Uh-oh, Josh, you should have put

on your seat belt before we started.

Oh, yes, youre right! Sorry, I just forgot. Wearing a seat
belt is really important. I was going to put it on and then,
I suppose I just forgot. There!
Woman: Yeah, its important. And its the law! I once got a ticket for
not wearing a seat belt.
Man:
Oh, wow, really?
Man:

2
Have you ever got any other tickets?
Man:
Woman: Well yeah, I got a speeding ticket once. I felt really bad

about it. I shouldnt have been speeding but I was late,

you know?
Man:
Well, in my opinion, a lot of the speed limits are
too low. Like here they shouldnt have made this a
30-mile-an-hour limit.
Woman: Oh, Im not against speed limits. We need them for safety.
Man:
Yeah, if theyre reasonable. But if theyre too low and there
arent any other cars around, then whats the problem with
going a little faster? Everybody does it.
3
Man:
Woman:
Man:
Woman:
Man:

Hey, watch it! Didnt you see that stop sign?

Yeah, I saw it.
But you didnt stop!
But there werent any cars coming. And I slowed down.
I know, but didnt you see that pedestrian? I thought
you were going to hit him!
Woman: I wasnt going to hit him! And he shouldnt have been
crossing there.
Man:
I know, but you should have come to a complete stop
at the stop sign.
Woman: Well, I dont think you need to if theres no one else around.

Macmillan Publishers Limited 2014

4
Woman:
Man:
Woman:
Man:

Oh, thats my phone! Can you hand that to me?

Uh no
Its right there, in my bag. On the top.
I know, but youre not allowed to use your mobile phone
while driving.
Woman: Oh, come on. That is such a stupid law.
Man:
Its still the law. And the fines for breaking it are really high.
Whoever called will leave a message.
5
Man:
Woman:
Man:
Woman:

How come youre slowing down?

Its a twenty-mile-an-hour zone.
But its ten oclock at night. Theres no one around.
I know, but its a new speed limit for the city centre.
At any time of day or night, you have to slow down to
twenty miles an hour.
Man:
What? Twenty? Even if there arent any pedestrians or
other cars around?
Woman: Yes. They introduced the new lower speed limit just a few
months ago. Im surprised you havent heard about it.
Man:
Oh, thats just ridiculous. I can understand why you should
slow down when there are pedestrians, cyclists and other
traffic around but when the roads are empty, well, thats
just stupid.
Woman: It doesnt bother me. It helps make slowing down in the
city centre a habit.

32
Unit 12, page 71, Listening, Exercise B
Good afternoon! The title of my lecture is: How to reduce
employee job stress.
Job stress is one of the major reasons given by employees for
illness and absence from work. This in turn causes huge company
losses. The United Nations International Labour Organization
indicates that more than seventy-five per cent of American
workers consider their jobs stressful. Other reports indicate that
approximately thirteen million days were lost to illness caused
by stress in the UK last year. Stress at work is the main cause of
employee absence, which in turn causes the company to lose
money. It is therefore in the companys interest to attempt to
reduce the stress of its employees. In this talk, I am going to
outline some ways in which the manager can help to reduce stress
for the companys employees.
Making sure the employees are doing the jobs they are best
at and happiest in is the first thing a manager should do. For
example, dealing with customers on the phone is a job that
will suit an outgoing and talkative person. If the job suits your
personality, it will be less stressful. Before you allocate tasks to
your employees, make sure they feel happy and confident about
doing those tasks.
The second factor is training. Researchers claim that stress and
anxiety occur most often when workers try to complete tasks for
which they have insufficient training. They lack confidence and
are anxious that they might be doing the wrong thing. Providing
regular training for all employees and encouraging them to share
work tips and experience will help you to prevent problems before
they occur.
Third, it is the job of the manager to notice problems as soon as
they come up. This means listening to employees and making sure
they know you will listen to their problems. Of course, listening to
problems is not the same as solving the problems. They also need to
see that you are willing to take action, too!
To summarise, in this talk I have outlined why stress is an important
reason for reduced productivity and I have suggested three easy ways
for every manager to deal with the problem of employee stress.