Part 2 – Listening – B1 Preliminary (PET) | Practice, Write & Improve

You will hear two friends talking about a new clothes shop.

M: I see you’ve been to that new clothes store in the shopping centre.
F: Oh, you saw the logo on these bags! Yes, it’s really popular. I got a couple of tops and some trousers.
M: Who did you go with?
F: On my own, but the assistants were nice – telling me whether things suited me or not, and getting me to try different sizes. The coolest most fashionable stuff has already gone, but I was glad I found things I liked that didn’t cost too much. They weren’t expensive compared to some things there.
M: I’d better tell my sister to get down there.

You will hear two friends talking about a pop band’s website.

M: I’ve got tickets for the Blue Angels concert on Saturday. Would you like to go?
F: Yes, great! How did you get them?
M: From their website.
F: I tried to do that once but I had to give up. It wouldn’t let me pay for some reason.
M: Yeah, it’s confusing. I had to phone the help line. They showed me how to do it.
F: They should just make it simpler. Otherwise I’ve no problem with the website. It posts new stories about the band members nearly every day.
M: Yeah, and some of the replies to fans from the two guitar players are really funny.

You will hear a woman telling a friend about an art competition she’s won.

F: You’ll never guess. I’ve won first prize in that art competition I went in for.
M: Wow! Congratulations! What’s the prize?
F: A weekend in New York with free entrance to all the art galleries there.
M: That’s fantastic!
F: I know. But I have to go before the end of the month and I can’t get the time off work.
M: Oh, no!
F: Yes, I can’t believe I have to miss such a great chance.
M: At least you know the judges thought highly of your work.
F: I suppose so, but it wasn’t one of my best pictures.

You will hear two friends talking about the girl’s flatmate.

F: My flat-mate’s driving me crazy!
M: I can’t believe that! She’s so shy.
F: Yes, never says a word – I do all the talking. I’ve got nothing to complain about there!
M: She has her music a bit loud. I can see that’d be annoying when you’re trying to study.
F: Actually, it’s the way she never picks anything up that bothers me. Her stuff is all over the living room and bathroom as well as her bedroom. Her music helps me concentrate, so I don’t mind that.
M: You should speak to her.

You will hear two friends talking about a football match.

M: Not a great day for our team.
F: Well, they didn’t win. But, actually, considering how many guys couldn’t play because of injury, they didn’t do so badly.
M: They played well actually. I heard they’re putting more effort into their training  programme, and we’re beginning to see the benefits of that.
F: That’s right. I think the main trouble they had tonight is that they just don’t believe enough in their own ability.
M: Yeah.

You will hear two friends talking about a tennis match they played.

F: Pity we didn’t win, but we played quite well.
M: You played well – I was rubbish. I need to practise a lot harder.
F: It’s difficult to find a time when we’re both free for more practice.
M: I know. And I must improve my fitness first. You can run all over the court and attack every ball. I’m not a good athlete like you. How do you do it?
F: Well. I go to the gym four times a week.
M: That’s what I need! Can I come with you? I want to be in really good shape for our next competition.