CEPT Practice B2 Level Short listening about how a woman keeps fit

 

You hear a woman talking about how she keeps fit.

Why did she decide to take up line dancing?

A She thought the pace would suit her.

B She had heard about it on television.

C She wanted to try exercising to music.

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AUDIOSCRIPT

I exercise in the form of dance. At one time, I did aerobics because exercise is more interesting with music, but I've since moved on to line dancing. It's less energetic, but I go three times a week. I run my own business, work hard, and it's just a way to cut off rather than watch television. It's also a challenge keeping up with the new steps. I think young people sometimes take exercise too far, get over-concerned with how they look, when they'll never be able to keep it up at that sort of pace. Whereas line dancing struck me as something I could sustain as part of my normal life.

The correct answer is letter A.

CEPT Practice B2 Level Short listening about a new book

 You hear a woman talking about a new book.

What does she particularly like about the book?

A It is educational.

B It is well organised.

C It is enjoyable.

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Audioscript

It's a factual book, a chronicle of the twentieth century and it's wonderful. I mean it's terribly bitty and it's not going to give you a lot of information nor be good for school work. That's what's really nice about it. Here is a reference book which it is fun to dip in and out of. It's hardly going to help anyone write an essay and it avoids being geared to any school syllabus, unlike so much of what is published today. But for anyone who likes little details, you know, you can look up your date of birth, for example, and see what else happened then, it's a very good book.

The correct answer is Letter C.

CEPT Practice B1 Level Extended Listening about an interview with a champion gymnast

 

You will hear an interview with a champion gymnast called Maria Anderson. For each question, choose the correct answer A, B or C.

1 Maria decided to take up gymnastics

A at a gymnastics competition.

B in a sports lesson at the school.

C when she read a book about a gymnast.

2 When did Maria realise she could be champion gymnast?

A when she won some local competitions

B as soon as she started to practice gymnastics

C when a well-known coach offered to teach her

3 Why does Maria think success has not changed her?

A She believes she's a sensible person.

B Her parents help her live a normal life.

C People tell her she's the same as before.

4 What does Maria say about school?

A She feels too tired to study.

B She has little time with school friends.

C She is allowed to miss some lessons.

5 What does Maria do in her free time?

A make videos

B go to concerts

C watch cartoon films

6 What is Maria's favourite thing in her room at home?

A a poster of a band with a singer

B a glass case with her cups and prizes

C a picture of herself with another gymnast

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Audioscript

Man: I'm talking to Maria Anderson, a 16-year old champion gymnast. Maria, have you always dreamed of being a gymnast?

Maria: I got interested when I was eight. I loved running, and jumping, and my teacher said I'd be good at sports. I read a book about a gymnast who took part in the Olympics and her life seemed very hard. Then I went to watch a gymnastics event with my Dad and saw gymnasts In action and I thought, 'I'd like to do that'. 

Man: Did you realise immediately you'd be a champion?

Maria: I tried too hard in the beginning - I'm very competitive - and was in a hurry to learn the moves. I made so many mistakes, I nearly gave up. Even when I won prizes at events in my town I didn't think I'd ever be really good. But a famous coach saw me doing floor exercise and said he'd give me lessons, and then I knew I could get to the top.

Man: You've done amazingly well since then. Has success changed you?

Maria: I hope not. I'm growing up, getting experience, but basically I think I'm the same. My coacl'l says the best athletes are sensible, they don't let success make a difference to them as people, and I think that's true of me. It's just my mum and dad worry about me and wish I could lead a more normal life.

Man: What about school? Can you keep up with the other children?

Maria: I go to the sports centre at 5.30 every morning to practise, so I've been working for three hours before I even get to school. It was hard at first, I felt really tired. But I'm used to it now. I rest during the lunch break, instead of being with my friends. Lessons are all right, but I can't stay up late or go to parties.

Man: Do you have time for hobbies?

Maria: Well, I travel a lot to events in other countries and I listen to music on the plane. I hope I get a chance to go to a concert some day and I like movies, but not cartoons. My dad films me when I'm performing in a competition, and I put together videos for my website, which is fun.

Man: What does your room at home took like?

Maria: I've got posters covering every wall, mostly of singers and bands. The best thing is a photograph of me shaking hands with my hero, a fantastic Russian gymnast I met last year. Oh, and I've got all my cups and prizes in a glass case - a bit embarrassing.

1 A 

2 C

3 A 

4 B 

5 A 

6 C