Listening Model 13

Audio script

Part 1:

Number 1:

A: the sauce is very creamy, which is nice but I asked for no tomatoes.

B: I’m sorry about that. I’ll change it for you right.

Number 2:

A: You were supposed to buy a packet of screws.

B: Yeah I got those, but I bought these spanners, too.

Number 3:

A: How much did you pay for them?

B: Um, I can’t remember but they were cheap … really cheap.

A: You know, it’s important to buy good quality.

Number 4:

A: :It clips on to the side of the table?

B: Yeah.

A:Well, why wouldn’t I just put my cup on the table?

Number 5:

A: Who left the front door open this morning?

B: I have to own up. It was me! Sorry!

Number 6:

A: I’m really sorry.

B: All right. It was cold last night anyway so it’s no big deal.

Part 2:

Conversation 1:

Robin: Hey Lily, have you ever thought about the potential consequences of humanity’s increasing reliance on technology?

Lily: Yeah, it’s kind of scary when you think about it. With the rise of automation and AI, many people are worried about losing their jobs.

Robin: Exactly, and there are other concerns too. For example, the overuse of technology can lead to social isolation and addiction.

Lily: That’s true. And there are also ethical concerns with the development and use of technology. For instance, should we allow companies to collect and use our personal data without our consent?

Robin: That’s a good point. I think it’s important that we ensure technology is used ethically and responsibly. We need to set standards and regulations to protect people’s rights and privacy.

Lily: Agreed. We should also educate people about the potential risks and benefits of technology, so they can make informed decisions. It’s important to recognize that technology can be a powerful tool for improving our lives, but we need to use it responsibly.

Robin: Absolutely. Another concern is the potential for bias in technology. For example, if algorithms are designed with inherent biases, they can perpetuate discrimination and inequality.

Lily: Yes, that’s a big issue. We need to make sure that technology is designed and tested to ensure that it’s fair and doesn’t discriminate against certain groups of people.

Robin: I also think it’s important to consider the environmental impact of technology. As more and more devices are manufactured and used, we need to be mindful of the resources we’re using and the waste we’re producing.

Lily: Definitely. It’s important to promote sustainability and encourage companies to develop technology that’s environmentally friendly.

Conversation 2:

Adam: Hey Ted, if you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

Ted: That’s a great question, Adam. I’ve always been fascinated by the intricacies of the human mind, so I think I would want to be a neuroscientist.

Adam: Wow, that’s really cool. What specifically about neuroscience interests you?

Ted: Well, there’s still so much we don’t know about how the brain works, and I find it fascinating to try to unravel the mysteries of consciousness, memory, and perception. Plus, I think it’s a field that has a lot of potential to make a real impact on people’s lives.

Adam: That’s really interesting. What do you think would be the most challenging part of being a neuroscientist?

Ted: I think one of the biggest challenges is that the brain is so complex and there are still so many unanswered questions. It can be frustrating at times to feel like you’re not making progress or that your experiments aren’t working out. But I think the rewards of making a discovery or uncovering something new would make it all worth it.

Adam: Definitely. For me, I think I would want to be a musician. I love playing guitar and writing songs, so being able to do that as a career would be a dream come true.

Ted: That’s awesome, man. What kind of music do you play?

Adam: Mostly rock and blues, but I also like to experiment with different styles and incorporate different influences into my music.

Ted: That’s really cool. What do you think would be the biggest challenge of being a musician?

Adam: I think the biggest challenge would be trying to stand out in a crowded industry. There are so many talented musicians out there, so it can be tough to get noticed and make a name for yourself. But I think if you’re passionate about your music and you keep working hard, you can make it happen.

Ted: Yeah, I definitely agree with that. And the feeling of playing a great show or connecting with fans through your music must be amazing.

Adam: Oh, it definitely is. There’s nothing quite like it.

Conversation 3:

Ellie: Hey, do you remember when we used to be scouts together back in the day? Those were the good old times!

Amy: Yeah, I sure do! I remember the countless camping trips we went on, the hikes we took, and all the fun we had. It feels like it was just yesterday.

Ellie: Speaking of camping trips, do you remember the time we got caught in a storm and had to pitch our tents in the pouring rain?

Amy: Oh, man! That was a wild experience. We were soaked to the bone and our hands were freezing, but we managed to make it work. I remember feeling so proud of myself for being able to set up my tent in those conditions.

Ellie: And do you remember that time we went on a hike and stumbled upon that hidden waterfall?

Amy: Oh yeah! That was such a breathtaking sight. I remember feeling a sense of awe and wonder as we stood there taking it all in. It’s moments like those that make me appreciate nature so much more.

Ellie: You know, being a scout taught us a lot of important skills that we still use to this day.

Amy: Absolutely! We learned how to work as a team, how to problem solve, and how to be self-sufficient. Those skills have definitely helped us in our adult lives.

Ellie: And let’s not forget about all the memories and friendships we made along the way.

Amy: For sure! I still keep in touch with some of the friends I made during my time as a scout. It’s amazing how those shared experiences bring people together.

Part 3:

The recent emergence of remote work has disrupted the traditional work model to a significant degree. With technological advancements and the growth of the digital economy, many companies have embraced this new trend to increase efficiency, cut costs, and enhance the balance between work and personal life.

Firms that have embraced remote work with success have demonstrated that it leads to greater productivity, better employee engagement, and reduced employee turnover. They have harnessed technology to foster a collaborative work environment and connect with employees, facilitating work from any location across the globe.

The United States, Canada, and many European countries have been more receptive to remote work, with a growing number of companies adopting this model. However, certain countries like Japan and South Korea have been slower to adopt it, due to cultural differences and a preference for in-person interactions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for remote work, forcing companies worldwide to adopt this new model to safeguard the health and safety of their employees. Remote work has now become the standard, and many companies have realized that it has improved productivity and employee satisfaction.

The advantages of remote work go beyond the current crisis, with many employers now considering it essential to attract and retain talent. Remote work provides greater flexibility to employees, allowing them to manage their work and personal lives better and thereby enhancing their work-life equilibrium and reducing their stress levels.

However, remote work can also present challenges for employees, including social isolation, communication and collaboration difficulties, and a lack of structure and boundaries between work and personal life. Companies must address these challenges to ensure that remote work remains feasible and effective in the long run.

In conclusion, the emergence of remote work is transforming the way we think about productivity and work-life balance. Successful companies have demonstrated that remote work leads to increased productivity, better employee engagement, and reduced employee turnover. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend, with remote work becoming the norm for many companies worldwide. Remote work offers many benefits, including greater flexibility and reduced stress levels, but also poses challenges that employers must address to ensure its sustainability in the long term.

Part 4:

Marshall: Hey, have you ever pondered over the ramifications of a society where everyone’s thoughts are completely transparent?

Lily: That’s an intriguing, yet unsettling concept. I wouldn’t feel comfortable if people knew every thought that crosses my mind.

Robin: Indeed, Lily, but imagine the potential benefits that could arise. We could avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, as there would be no need to decode what someone meant.

Marshall: Yes, Robin, it would revolutionize the way we communicate with each other. We would have access to unfiltered thoughts, ideas and emotions, without any inhibition.

Lily: However, I’m not entirely convinced that it would be a positive development. It would undoubtedly violate our privacy rights, and our thoughts should remain ours to control.

Robin: But, Lily, it could also lead to a more transparent and empathetic society, where people better understand each other’s perspectives and experiences.

Marshall: Although, we must also consider the ethical implications of such a world. It’s imperative to ask whether it’s morally acceptable to read someone’s mind without their consent.

Lily: Absolutely, Marshall. We must be cautious not to overstep our boundaries and infringe on others’ personal space.

Robin: Also, how would this impact the way we form and maintain relationships? Would we still be able to trust each other if we knew every intimate detail about each other?

Marshall: You raise an important point, Robin. It could potentially lead to a complete breakdown of trust and loyalty between people.

Lily: Moreover, our thoughts are not always a genuine reflection of who we are. Sometimes we have intrusive, impulsive or even negative thoughts that we don’t truly believe.

Robin: That’s an excellent observation, Lily. It’s crucial to understand that our thoughts do not always represent our core beliefs or values.

Marshall: Ultimately, while this concept is fascinating to ponder over, I don’t think it’s something I would want to experience personally. I believe that having some privacy is essential for our mental and emotional well-being.

Lily: I agree, Marshall. Our thoughts should be ours to control and share only when we choose to do so.

Robin: Nevertheless, it’s an intriguing concept to consider, and we must be mindful of the potential ethical, social and psychological implications of such a world.