[0:00]Directions: For each question in this part, you will hear four statements about a picture in your test book. When you hear the statements, you must select the one statement that best describes what you see in the picture. Then find the number of the question on your answer sheet and mark your answer. The statements will not be printed in your test book and will be spoken only one time. A. A family is having a picnic in a park. B. People are conducting a meeting in an office. C. A lone jogger is running on a track. D. Cars are stuck in a traffic jam.
[0:39]A. Chefs are preparing meals in a kitchen. B. Students are taking an exam in a classroom. C. A gardener is planting flowers. D. A dog is sleeping on a sofa. book. A. A guy is flying a kite in an open field. B. A woman is typing on a computer in an office. C. A man is painting a fence outside. D. People are dancing at a concert.
[1:09]A. Passengers are boarding a plane. B. A teacher is giving a lecture in a classroom. C. People are riding a bus. D. A chef is cooking in a kitchen.
[1:22]A. People are shopping in a crowded market. B. Children are playing soccer in a field. C. Young woman walking a dog. D. Cars are parked in a parking lot.
[1:35]A. A group of tourists is taking photos. B. Two mechanics repairing a car. C. A farmer is harvesting crops in a field. D. A fisherman is fishing by a lake. Directions: You will hear a question or statement and three responses spoken in English. They will not be printed in your test book and will be spoken only one time. Select the best response to the question or statement and mark the letter A, B, or C on your answer sheet. Now, let us begin with question number 7. Could you tell me when the next meeting is scheduled? A. It was scheduled last week. B. It's scheduled for next Tuesday. C. I don't have a schedule. Do we have enough copies of the report for everyone? A. Yes, everyone has read it. B. No, it's confidential. C. Yes, I made extra copies. Why is the office so quiet today? A. Because it's a public holiday. B. They are quiet people. C. I'm not sure how to be quiet.
[2:53]When are you planning to take your vacation? A. I went last month. B. I'm thinking of going in December. C. My plan is very flexible. Would you like your coffee black or with milk? A. Yes, I'll take a black coffee, please. B. It's on the top shelf. C. I don't know how to make coffee.
[3:20]How long can I borrow this book? A. It's a new release, very popular. B. You can have it for two weeks. C. Books are on the second floor.
[3:33]How do I access the company's online portal? A. You need a username and password. B. I can't access it either. C. The internet is down today. Can I go to your office tomorrow? A. No, the office is closed tomorrow. B. Yes, she confirmed her visit. C. I will visit the office tomorrow.
[4:01]Is this the right platform for the train to Berlin? A. The train arrives in 5 minutes. B. Yes, you're in the right place. C. You need a ticket to enter. Did the manager approve the budget? A. The budget is too high. B. He's still reviewing it. C. Yes, it was approved this morning. Why hasn't the shipment arrived yet? A. It's been delayed due to bad weather. B. Shipments always arrive on time. C. I'm not in charge of shipments. Could you recommend a vegetarian dish? A. The chef is vegetarian. B. We're closed on Sundays. C. The mushroom risotto is a favorite among our guests.
[4:59]Can we expect a bonus this year? A. Bonuses were cancelled. B. I'm not sure about this year. C. Yes, it was announced yesterday.
[5:14]Where should we have lunch today? A. We already had lunch. B. How about the new Italian place? C. Lunch is not important.
[5:28]What's the best way to get to the museum from here? A. It's open until 6:00 p.m. B. Take the number 5 bus and get off at the third stop. C. The museum has a great cafe.
[5:44]What's the return policy on these electronics? A. They're non-refundable. B. You can return them within 30 days with a receipt. C. Electronics are on sale today.
[6:00]Can I pay with a credit card? A. Yes, we accept all major credit cards. B. I have cash here. C. I don't know, I'm not the cashier. Is there a cafeteria on campus? A. Yes, it's in the student center. B. Cafeterias are closed on weekends. C. I usually bring my lunch. Are pets allowed in the park? A. Yes, as long as they're on a leash. B. I love dogs. C. There are dogs around the park. How much is the admission fee for adults? A. It's $10 per person. B. Admission is free for kids. C. Did you check the prices? You should publish your book. The story is really good. A. No, I didn't. B. I will next month. C. I have a publisher.
[7:05]Can I get the final output on Monday? A. Let's discuss the output. B. I forgot you mentioned them yesterday. C. It's done. I can give it now.
[7:46]Where's the nearest restaurant here? A. It is cozy and quiet. B. The building next door. C. You can have this bread. Part 3: Directions: You will hear some conversations between two or more people. You will be asked to answer three questions about what the speakers say in each conversation. Select the best response to each question and mark the letter (A), (B), (C), or (D) on your answer sheet. The conversations will not be printed in your test book and will be spoken only one time. Hey Alex, have you been to the new Italian restaurant that opened up last week? Not yet. Is it any good? Absolutely. The pasta is delicious, and they have this tiramisu that's to die for. You should definitely give it a try. I'm sold. I'll make a reservation for this weekend. Great choice. You won't regret it. Oh, and make sure to try their garlic bread too. It's like a slice of heaven. Sounds like I'll be rolling out of there. But hey, it's worth it for good food. Totally worth it. Plus, they have this cozy ambiance that just adds to the whole experience. It's perfect for a relaxed evening out. That's exactly what I need after this crazy week at work. A chill evening with good food and good company.
[9:30]Jake, thanks for all your help with the company event. It turned out to be a big hit. They loved the decorations. Your idea of incorporating the company colors was genius. No problem, Sarah. It was a team effort. I'm just glad everyone had a good time, and those team building games were a hit too. Absolutely. It created a lively atmosphere. By the way, did you catch the reactions when the CEO announced the surprise bonuses? Priceless. I've never seen so many smiles in one room. Great call on keeping that under wraps until the event. Thanks. It was hard to keep it a secret, but it added that extra element of surprise.
[10:40]All right team, let's plan our company retreat. Ideas? How about a beach getaway? Relaxing team building activities and some brainstorming sessions. Sounds good, but what about those who aren't into beaches? Maybe a mountain resort, hiking, bonfires, and workshops. Great idea. We can offer options for everyone. How about team building activities like escape rooms or outdoor challenges? Absolutely. We'll mix in some fun and games. And let's not forget downtime for people to recharge. Agreed. Let's finalize the dates and locations, then we can work on the itinerary. I'll send out a survey to gauge everyone's preferences. Perfect. Let's make this retreat memorable and beneficial for everyone.
[11:49]Hi there. I've been working on some design concepts for your coffee shop. I have three options for you to consider. Sounds great. What are they? First, a cozy rustic theme with wooden accents and warm colors, giving a homely feel. Second, a modern industrial look with exposed brick walls and metal fixtures. Very trendy. And lastly, a minimalist design with clean lines and neutral tones for a sleek, contemporary vibe. Hmm, they all sound interesting. Can you show me some visuals? Of course, I'll email them to you right away. Perfect. I'll take a look and let you know which one I prefer. Thanks for your work. My pleasure. Let me know if you have any questions or need adjustments.
[13:06]Good morning. How can I assist you today? Hi there. I'm calling because I noticed a transaction on my credit card statement that I didn't make. I'm sorry to hear that. Let's get this sorted out. Could you please provide me with your card number and the details of the transaction? Sure, my card number is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. The transaction was for $250 at a clothing store, but I haven't been there. Okay, thank you for the information. We'll investigate this for you. Have you shared your card details with anyone recently? No, I haven't. I've been careful with my card. All right. We'll freeze your card for now to prevent further unauthorized transactions. I'll also initiate a dispute for this transaction. You should see the amount credited back to your account within a few days. Thank you so much for your help. You're welcome. If you have any further concerns, feel free to reach out.
[14:32]Hi there. I have a wedding to attend next weekend, and I really want to do something special with my hair. Do you have any ideas? Of course. What kind of hairstyle are you thinking about? Something elegant and timeless or maybe more modern and chic? Thank you. I was thinking of something elegant, maybe with some soft curls or waves. I want to look polished, but not too overdone. That sounds lovely. How about we go for a classic half-up, half-down style with loose curls. It's elegant and timeless, but still has a touch of modernity. That sounds perfect. Would it be possible to add some subtle braids or twists for a bit of extra flare? Absolutely. We can incorporate some delicate braids or twists into the style to give it that extra special touch. It'll add some texture and interest without overwhelming the look.
[15:52]Hi, this is Sarah. I have a reservation for 7:00 tonight, but I'm afraid I can't make it on time. I'm stuck on the freeway right now and might be late for about 20 minutes or so. All right, I've noted that down. Your table will still be reserved for you. Can I have your last name please? It's Smith. Perfect, Miss Sarah Smith. We'll make sure your table is ready when you get here. Is there anything else I can assist you with? Could you please let the kitchen know? I don't want to inconvenience anyone. Of course, we'll adjust the timing for your order. Would you like us to hold off on starting your meal until you arrive, and would you like us to prepare any drinks or appetizers for you while you're on your way? Yes, that would be great. Thank you.
[17:05]Hi there. Sorry to bother you. I'm looking for an address, but I think I might be at the wrong place. Do you know where 55 Maple Avenue is? Maple Avenue? That's two blocks over and you're on Elm Street. Let me give you directions. Thanks, I appreciate it. You want to go back the way you came, take a left at the end of the street, then go straight until you hit Maple Avenue. It's the third house on the right. Okay, got it. Left at the end of this street, then straight until I reach Maple Avenue. Thanks a lot. No problem, happy to help. Good luck with the delivery. Thanks, have a great day.
[18:07]So, where shall we go for lunch today? I've been thinking about exploring some new options, like maybe that new Mexican place on Maple Street that everyone's been raving about lately. I heard they have amazing tacos and a great atmosphere. But then again, Mexican might be a bit heavy for me today. Mexican sounds good, but I'm not feeling tacos today. What about that Italian place by the park? Oh yeah, I love their pasta, but their portions are too small for me. Hmm, good point. What about sushi? There's a decent sushi place just a couple of blocks away. We could indulge in some fresh sashimi, savory rolls, and perhaps even try some of their specialty dishes. The ambiance there is quite relaxing too. Perfect for a casual yet delightful meal. Plus, if you're feeling adventurous, we could explore some new flavors or stick to the classics. It's a great option if you're up for it. Sushi sounds like a winner. I could go for some fresh sashimi. Sushi does sound nice.
[19:33]Hey, do you know Jason from the marketing department? Jason? Yeah, I know him. What's going on? I was just curious about his background. You know, like his experience and how he ended up in marketing? Ah, gotcha. Well, Jason's journey is quite fascinating. After graduating from college, he delved into the world of sales. Yet, as time went on, he discovered an innate talent for deciphering consumer behavior and spotting market trends, prompting a shift in his career trajectory. Oh really? That's fascinating. So he made the switch from sales to marketing? Exactly. He went back to school to get his MBA with a focus on marketing, and he's been climbing the ranks ever since. He's got a real passion for it. Wow, that's impressive. It sounds like he's really dedicated to his career.
[20:52]Excuse me, could you please help me? I'm looking for the shoe section to find some shoes for attending a wedding. Of course, I'd be delighted to assist you. You'll want to head to the shoe section, which is conveniently located just past the dresses section. Great, thank you. Could you give me a little more direction? Absolutely. From where we are now, turn to your left and continue straight ahead. Pass through the dresses section. Once you're past the dresses, you'll find yourself right in the shoe section, filled with all kinds of styles and colors to choose from. That sounds easy enough. Thank you for the directions. You're welcome.
[21:59]Hi, can you tell me today's movie schedule? Sure, we have Spider-Man No Way Home at 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. The Batman at 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m., and The Matrix Resurrections at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Thanks. What are the matinee prices? Matinee prices are $9 for adults and $6 for children and seniors for shows before 5:00 p.m. Got it. I'll take a ticket for Spider-Man No Way Home at 1:00 p.m. Sure, enjoy the show.
[23:18]Hey Mark, guess what? I finally got us tickets to the 90s music festival. It's from April 20th to the 22nd, so we've got a whole weekend of nostalgia ahead. DJ Samantha is headlining, can you believe it? She's going to be amazing. No way, that's fantastic. Her mixes are always killer. I can't wait to dance to some 90s tunes. By the way, what's the deal with the tickets? I got us one-day passes, so we can choose which day works best for us. It's going to be epic. We can go directly to the venue after work. Nice. We should probably go on the 22nd then, so we can make the most of the weekend. Agreed. Plus, it'll be a great way to wrap up the festival.
[24:31]Part 4: Directions: You will hear some talks given by a single speaker. You will be asked to answer three questions about what the speaker says in each talk. Select the best response to each question and mark the letter (A), (B), (C), or (D) on your answer sheet. The talks will not be printed in your test book and will be spoken only one time. In a seismic shift in work culture, a growing number of commuters are embracing remote work as a long-term solution to balance work and life demands. According to recent surveys, over 60% of professionals worldwide now prefer remote work options at least part-time, citing benefits such as increased flexibility, reduced commuting stress, and improved work-life balance. Employers are also recognizing the advantages of remote work, with many reporting higher employee satisfaction, productivity, and cost savings on office space. This trend is reshaping urban landscapes, with some cities experiencing reduced traffic congestion and a decrease in pollution levels during peak commuting hours. As remote work becomes increasingly normalized, experts predict a transformation in how we approach work, with a hybrid model blending office and remote work likely to become the new norm in the post-pandemic era. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving trend.
[26:24]Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining today's workshop on team building. Our goal here is to explore and implement strategies that will strengthen our team, enhance collaboration, and foster a culture of mutual respect and understanding. In the next few hours, we are going to embark on a journey together, a journey towards building a stronger, more cohesive team. Let's start by acknowledging a fundamental truth. A team is not just a group of people working together. It's a complex system of relationships, ideas and dynamics. The strength of a team lies not just in the skills and talents of its individual members, but in how those members interact, communicate and support one another. To build a strong team, we need to focus on three key areas: communication, trust, and shared goals.
[27:44]We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our community garden, set to open this spring. This green space is dedicated to fostering connections between nature and our community members. Our garden will offer plots for individuals and families to grow their own vegetables, herbs, and flowers, promoting sustainability and healthy living. In addition to gardening spaces, the area will feature benches, a playground for children, and a pavilion for community events and workshops on gardening and environmental education. We invite everyone to join us at the opening ceremony on April 15th, where we will share more about the garden's features, volunteer opportunities, and how you can secure a plot. This initiative is more than just about gardening, it's about growing together as a community. Let's plant the seeds for a greener future together.
[29:11]Good morning, Mr. Johnson. This is Sarah from the front desk. I'm pleased to inform you that we've approved the changes you requested for your check out day. You're now scheduled to check out on Friday instead of Thursday. Your room has been reserved for the extra night, so there's no need to worry about packing up early. You can stop by the front desk anytime today to settle the payment for the additional day. If there's anything else we can assist you with or if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to let us know. We want to ensure that your stay is as enjoyable as possible. Thank you for choosing Sunny View Hotel, and we look forward to continuing to serve you. Have a wonderful day.
[30:20]Hi Erica, this is Anna. We're going out of town and need someone to watch our house and dog. Would you be available? Our dog Max is friendly and needs to be fed twice a day and walked in the morning and evening. House duties include watering plants, bringing in mail and taking out the trash. We have a security system, and you're welcome to use the Wi-Fi and kitchen. Can you manage? Let me know and I can provide more details. You can reach me at 000123456. Thanks.
[31:25]Hello, everyone. I'm excited to announce the launch of our new product line. Firstly, we've introduced a range of eco-friendly household cleaning products made from natural ingredients. Secondly, our new smartphone app allows customers to track their orders in real time and provides exclusive discounts. Thirdly, to celebrate the launch, we're offering a limited time promotion with a buy one get one free offer on selected items. Lastly, we will be hosting product demonstrations at our stores next weekend, where customers can try out the products and learn more about their benefits.
[32:30]Good afternoon, passengers. I'd like to inform you about some changes to our public transportation services. Firstly, starting next month, there will be a new bus route connecting downtown to the suburbs, running every 15 minutes during peak hours. Secondly, we're introducing a mobile app for purchasing tickets and checking schedules, making it more convenient for commuters. Thirdly, due to construction, there will be temporary closures on certain subway lines. So please plan your journey accordingly. Lastly, we're extending the operating hours of our customer service center to assist with any inquiries.
[33:37]Hello, team. Let's discuss the benefits available to all employees. Firstly, we offer a comprehensive health insurance plan covering medical, dental, and vision expenses. Secondly, employees are eligible for a 401K retirement savings plan with a company match. Thirdly, we provide paid vacation and sick leave. Fourthly, we have a flexible work schedule allowing employees to balance work and personal commitments. Lastly, we offer professional development opportunities such as tuition reimbursement and internal training programs.
[34:44]College expenses can be overwhelming, but understanding them is key. Housing, whether on or off campus, transportation and food are often the biggest expense. Utilities are significant too. Textbooks, supplies, and personal items like toiletries and clothing are necessary expenses. Healthcare expenses, including insurance and co-pays, shouldn't be overlooked. To manage these costs effectively, create a budget, track spending, and look for discounts. Plan ahead for major expenses like textbooks, seek financial aid and scholarships to ease the burden. With careful planning and budgeting, you can navigate college expenses while enjoying your experience.
[35:55]Are you ready to elevate your baking skills and indulge in the delightful world of pastry? Look no further than our pastry perfection classes, where you'll embark on a journey of culinary mastery. Whether you're a beginner looking to hone your skills, or a seasoned baker seeking to expand your repertoire, our classes cater to all levels of expertise. With hands-on experience and personalized instruction, you'll gain the confidence to recreate these delectable treats in your own kitchen, turning every baking endeavor into a sweet success. You can visit our website, Epibakery.com, for our upcoming class schedules. Reserve your spot in our pastry perfection classes today and take your baking skills to new heights.
