Norah: Hi, Simon! Have you been waiting long?

Simon: Hi Norah, yeah, pretty long but don’t worry. I understand. You live far from here.

Norah: Yeah. It’s you who is lucky. You live close to the centre. Very close to the zoo.

Simon: Yeah, it’s nice here. Very green, a good park and a pond. You shouldn’t complain. You live in a good area too near the central city stadium.

Norah: It doesn’t mean too much for me, you know. I’ve never done any sports. Sport isn’t for me. I’m going to study on the drama faculty.

Simon: Right, but if you want to be an actress, you need to be very fit. It’s not easy to perform on the stage for several hours.

Norah: Yes, you’ve got a point, but still it’s more important to be able to sing and dance.

Simon: And that’s why you don’t worry too much about your science grades?

Norah: Right. Neither maths or physics are my favourites. Anyway, let’s go! You wanted to show me the zoo, didn’t you? Do we need to buy tickets?

Simon: I’ve already bought them.

Norah: Oh, how much do I owe you?

Simon: Nothing. It’s not much: they have the half prize for school students.

Norah: Ok, then I’ll buy us some coke.

Simon: That’s ok. And we can have a lunch right in the zoo itself! There is a nice café in there, called “the goldfish”.

Norah: Good idea.

Simon: They decorate all their dishes with a little goldfish.

Norah: Funny. And do they have any vegetarian dishes? I don’t eat meat.

Simon: Yeah, sure. They’ve got salads and soups and everything. But I’d recommend a pizza. Shall we share one?

Norah: That’s a good idea. I never mind having a pizza. With cheese and mushrooms, Yummy!

Simon: Ok. But it’s time to go. I’m worried if we see all the animals. The zoo is huge. I suggest we start with the dangerous animals: the lions and tigers.

Norah: Oh no, let’s start with the monkeys. They are so funny and cute. I really want to see them.

Simon: Ok, let’s start with the monkeys then. Let me see the map. Where they are? Hmm… Somewhere here. You should go through the main gate, pass the pond and here they are. Just between the birds territory and the pool for the dolphins.

Norah: Excellent.

Simon: Unfortunately the pool is under the reconstruction at the moment, so we’ll not be able to see the marine animals.

Norah: Never mind, let’s go.

Monica: Hi, Tom! Happy birthday!

Tom: Oh, hi Monica, I’m glad you found the time to come.

Monica: It wasn’t easy, really. It’s exam time. And I still have to pass two exams before Christmas.

Tom: You will, don’t worry. There is still two weeks before Christmas.

Monica: It’s not a lot! Anyway, it’s your special day today so this is for you.

Tom: What’s this? It looks like a pack of sweets.

Monica: Just take of the package and you’ll see.

Tom: Oh, ski sunglasses, they are beautiful, Monica. You knew just what to get. I’m going to a skiing holyday and your present is just in time.

Monica: I’m glad to hear it.

Tom: Please, come in. Let me put your capote and gloves in here. You are the first one, actually.

Monica: Oh, who else is coming?

Tom: Some mates from my baseball school team, some class mates and my older sister. You remember that she is a university student, don’t you? She studies in Canada and works there too but she came here especially for my birthday.

Monica: Lucky you.

Tom: Yes, she always is taking care of me. Now it looks funny when I’m taller than her but she still treats me like a child.

Monica: But it feels good to know that someone cares for you. Are you going to that Canadian university too?

Tom: I don’t know yet. I still have 2 more years at school anyway, so I’ll decide later.

Monica: Your point. Oooh. You’ve got some nice pictures on the wall.

Tom: It’s my mum’s.

Monica: Is she an artist? I didn’t know that!

Tom: Kind of. She does it as a hobby. Our family and friends like them.

Monica: She’s definitely has got a talent.

Tom: Yeah, but unfortunately she doesn’t have much time for painting. She is an economist in a large company and it often means working long hours. Sometimes she has to drive to her office even on weekend.

Monica: Yes, I can understand that. Is she going to be at the party?

Tom: Yes, but she is doing it a bit later. She has to get my birthday cake.

Monica: Where from?

Tom: From my grandmother’s. we never buy a birthday cakes in a shop. My granny always make them by herself and they’re delicious. She’s brilliant at it, you’ll see.

Monica: I’m dying to try it. Homemade things are always better. (doorbell) oh, so more guests have arrived.

- Oh, Lisa, I didn’t expect to meet you here. I thought you didn’t like football.

- That’s right. I don’t like it! I’m here because of my brother. He is a goalkeeper for “the Eagles” and it’s going to be his first game.

- I wish him luck. Being a goalkeeper means a great responsibility. Which of them is your brother?

- That one. The dark head one. The referee is talking with him at the moment.

- Oh yes. I see him.

- The irony is that everyone in the family including my little sister is crazy about football and hockey, but I don’t find them at all interesting. And I’m the one who is here.

- What sport do you find interesting then?

- I like gymnastics. But my favorite one is figure skating.

- Do you skate yourself?

- Yes… I can’t say that I’m very good at it, but I’m getting better.

- Do you practice regularly?

- Unfortunately, no. The skating ring is on the opposite side of the city. And it takes me too long to get there. So I don’t go there very often. I don’t go to the swimming pool for the same reason.

- I see.

- But, my brother is very lucky because it takes him like 3 or 4 minutes to get here, to the stadium, so he practices football almost every day. Unfair, isn’t it?

- Yes, a bit. But your brother is slightly older than you isn’t he?

- No, actually it’s me who is the oldest child in the family, but my brother is taller than me already. I think he’s going to be very tall. Like our dad.

- Right. And you look very much like your mother. Are your parents here too?

- Unfortunately neither of them could come to see the game.

- Why not?

- Dad is on the business trip at the moment. He flew to the Germany last week and he is going to be back only at the weekend. They are discussing a project of the huge shopping center there and dad has to present all the figures and the calculations for the construction. I’m looking forward to seeing him as he promised me to bring new mobile phone as a present.

- A good present. And your mom?

- She is at home with a bad cold.

- Yeah. It was a very good idea not to come here if she isn’t well. It’s unusually cold and windy today.

- Right, it’s difficult believe that it’s May. Feels like late autumn.

- Yeah. Fortunately it’s only going to be a few days according to weather forecasters. Soon it will be warm again. But for now. You’d better keep on your coat. We are just risking to join your mother.

- Ok. Ooooh, they are about to start the game! They are going to introduce all the players aren’t they?

- Andrew, what a surprise! What are you doing at the airport?

- Jane? Oh, hi. I’m flying to Greece.

- And I have just returned from Italy. I did an Italian course there and we certainly saw a lot of tourist attractions.

- Lucky you. I don’t think I’ll manage to see any tourist attraction in Athens. Going to my grandmother’s. And you?

- Yeah, she is living in Athens for many years but now it’s going to be difficult for here to live on her own, so she’s moving to London to be closer to the family. I’m going there to help her pack and move house.

- I see. But anyway, the change of surroundings is always nice.

- Right. But I’m may be in risk to be stuck in this airport for hours. The flight is delayed.

- What’s wrong? Problems with the plane?

- No, the plane is all right, it’s just raining hard in Athens and we are waiting the situation to improve. But the forecast it’s not very promising.

- Anyway, it’s better to wait than to take a risk. I’m awfully afraid of flying and go by train whenever possible.

- I think anyone can avoid flying nowadays. And you know, plane is more safe than a coach or a car. The statistic say so.

- Do they?

- Yes. And if I have a choice I always choose plane.

- Really? You often fly to Greece, don’t you?

- Yes. We spent there every summer of the last 7 years. My mother is a teacher and she always has holydays in summer. She, my sister and I go to the Greek coast.

- I do envy you.

- Yes, it’s been really great. We’ve travelled the whole country and we’ve seen all the historical significant places. Mom always insisted we went on guided excursions as the guide can taught you lost of fascinating stories about ancient and modern Greece.

- I bet they can. Have you been to any other countries?

- Yes, but not many: France … and that’s all actually. We are planning to visit Italy next summer.

- Oh, you won’t regret that. It’s a wonderful country. The architecture, the cuisine and the language are all just beautiful.

- I can’t say word on Italian.

- Never mind. Italians are very friendly and communicative. They don’t mind if your expressions will be in body language. What language do you learn at school?

- French. I chose it because it sounds beautiful to me. And probably because my other grandmother is French.

- Oh, ok.

- Next summer I’m going to take a Spanish course in a language school.

- Why Spanish? A Spanish relative too?

- No, it’s spoken in lots of countries, so It would be useful for my future career, I think.

- Hi, Sam! I hope I’m not late.

- Hi, Linda. You’re on time. The play starts in a half an hour and it’s only 5 minutes walk to the place.

- What’s the name of the play by the way?

- Not sure if I can remember it. It’s something of a classic. I believe we’ve got it in our school’s reading list.

- And who is starring in it?

- It’s an actor. A famous one. But I don’t remember his name.

- I see. You are defiantly not a theater lover.

- No. it’s going to be my first time in 5 years. I prefer movies or DVDs.

- Yeah, we used to go to your place to watch some film from your father’s collection! And your mother treated us with her fantastic pancakes. It’s such a pity that your family moved house. Now you live so far from our school. I hope you are not going to change schools.

- No. it takes now much more time to get there but I don’t want to go to another one. I’m used to my classmates. And who would help you with your math works?

- Right, all this science stuff is so boring to me. I enjoy languages.

- It’s the only interest we share, isn’t it? We both like French.

- Yes, but I still hope to get you involved in a more active lifestyle too.

- Do you mean sport? Oh no, I’m hopeless in athletics and I can’t swim and I’m better in relative French verbs.

- Hahaha, you’re funny. And did your dog attach quickly to your new place? My cat feels very restless when we had to leave it in the new place when we go on holyday or something.

- Oh, Buddy is fine, like all Labradors has no problems of getting used to new environment.

- And your parrot?

- It’s the sad story. The parrot flew away the month before we moved house.

- Oh, I’m sorry. I hope someone adopted him and now he has new home as well.

- I hope so too. Why won’t you visit us someday to see a new flat? Say… next Saturday? My mom has this week of so she’ll definitely cook something special for Saturday.

- I’d love to, but I can’t. my aunt and cousins are coming from New York for the weekend.

- I understand. Pity. I mean that you aren’t coming.

- Some other time. I’m dying to try your mother’s pancakes again.

- And it’s not going to happen very soon. Mom is leaving to some science conference in Germany in week. And then she’s reading some biology lectures in the Paris University.

- Wow, I can’t understand how she manages time for everything.

- Hi, Kate.

- Oh, Tim, hi! I didn’t see you. Just reading for my literature exam. How are you doing?

- Fine, thanks. Look, you are coming to Ann’s birthday party this Saturday?

- No, unfortunately I can’t my aunt’s family is coming from France for the weekend so I’ll be with them.

- I see. I just asked because Ann invited me. And I don’t have any idea what kind of present to give her.

- Hmmm.

- Do you think she want to get a computer game?

- I’m not sure.. she loves flowers and sweets as far as I know. And all kinds of closes and accessories.

- Flowers would fade in a few days, sweets will disappear in minutes and I understand nothing about girl’s closes and accessories. I think I’ll give her a computer disc.

- Well… if you want to.

- It’s always a problem for me to share presents. I feel absolutely lost and I don’t know what to choose.

- It’s every boy’s problem. But you are usually better us in sports and outdoor activities like camping.

- As for sports, I’m not really fit, but camping – yes, I love it. I don’t mind cooking when we camp, I can baked potatoes and barbequed meat.

- Can you? Not typical skill for a boy.

- Actually, when I was in scout camp all boys we able to cook simple dishes from very basic ingredients like potatoes, beans, canned meat and certainly fish. We even caught fish ourselves, it’s a basic skill for any scout.

- Wow! You are a scout!

- Yes, and we go camping every summer. I missed last summer season unfortunately.

- Why?

- I broke my leg and spent the whole summer indoors.

- Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Is everything fine with your leg now?

- Yes, absolutely. I’m sorry, Kate. I have to be off. I have to walk a dog. It’s actually my brother’s turn to do it today, but his favorite team is playing and he rushed to the stadium.

- I didn’t know you have a brother.

- Nobody believes that we are brothers. Actually we are twins. We were born in the same day, but we are completely different. We look different and we are different in characters as well.

- Are you?

- Yes, mom says that we are from different planets.

- Hi Jane.

- Oh, hi, Alan! It’s very cold today, isn’t it?

- Yes, Frankie and I wanted to stay at home, but naturally my dog wants his walk every day and in any weather. And where are you head to, on Sunday and so early?

- To the gym. I’ve got my aerobics classes at the weekends.

- I would do it week days.

- I would too, but the gym is packed and the only class they could find for me is at 8 o'clock on Saturdays and at 7.30 on Sundays.

- Oh, is it really so good for your health that you prefer it to an extra hour of sleep?

- It’s not for my health actually. If I miss the class and sleep late I feel sort of depressed and unhappy during the whole day. But an hour of aerobics in the morning makes me feel recharged and full of energy and something in this lines.

- I see. Are there many people in your class?

- 12. They are all nice. But I can’t say I’ve made many friends there.

- It happens.

- They are always talking about how to lose weight and about health diets which I was bored to eat tasteless purge and boiled vegetables.

- It’s because you don’t have any problems with your weight.

- Probably. I never stayed at any diet and I never calculate my calories I adore chocolates and creamy cakes and can never resist them.

- Neither can I.

- The only thing I avoid is fast food like chips and hamburgers. I just don’t like them.

- I see. Unfortunately it’s not easy for me to avoid them. When I work on the computer I usually get very hungry and eat lots of chips and pop corn. And I’m always on my computer as I plan to go to the faculty of information technology.

- I see. I spend a lot of time on my computer too. I'm going to try to get into journalism.

- Really?

- Yeah. I enjoy writing about what’s happening around. The news and reports on events. One of my reports was about my aerobics coach. She is a remarkable woman and wonderful teacher too.

- I never write about anything but I like watching news and documentaries on TV.

- I watch only documentaries. Actually I have no time for melodramas, detectives, endless serials and so on. I sometimes watch animated films with my sister. But it’s only because she likes cartoons very much.

- And have your marks been published anywhere?

- Yes. In a local news paper and I am actually planning to work for them next year.

- Aren’t you going to stay at school for 2 more years to get ready for you’re A level exams.

- I want to understand what real work is and what’s about A levels I’ll prepare for them on my own. I plan to take them in 2 or 3 years anyway. When I decide what university to choose.

- Hi, mom.

- Oh, Thomas! You are early today, are you all right? How are you feeling, darling?

- Don’t worry, I’m fine. We just don't have IT class on Mondays anymore. It moves on Fridays, but I forgot to tell you. And the day was really good.

- I’m glad to hear that. How did you manage with the math’s test?

- I did well, I think. It wasn’t really difficult.

- You must be very hungry, you've left your lunch box on the kitchen table today.

- Oh, yes. I discovered this on the lunch break. It was a great disappointment.

- Did you eat in the canteen?

- No, I didn’t like the food there, you know that.

- And I don’t have anything ready for you at the moment. I’ve just come in. it was a hard day, lots of customers, everyone's looking for Christmas gifts. But if you wait a while, I’ll cook spaghetti.

- Don’t worry, mom. I just get my lunch box. I’ll eat what’s there and we’ll have dinner latter when dad comes home.

- Ok, if that’s what you want. And remind me, what time do you plan to finish work tomorrow?

- The shop closes at 6 p.m., why?

- Your cousin Diana called, she’s arriving tomorrow at 8 p.m. and she asked if you could pick her up from the airport.

- Oh, it’s a 2 hours drive there and the same time back again. But, ok. I'll set off to the airport straight from work.

- And how about buying Christmas gifts? Are we going to put it off?

- Looks like it. But don’t worry, it’s still a week before Christmas. We’ll have time to buy you a snowboard. That's what you are worrying about, isn’t it?

- Yes, actually I worry about arrange with some friends for they could teach me how to ride it. And as an exchange I’ll teach them how to ski.

- I see. You’ll get your present on time, don’t worry. And how the forecast says this winter will be very good for all that kind of fun in the snow. They promise the nicest and the snowiest winter in years.

- Well. I felt so disappointed about the weather last year, remember that?

- Yeah. It was very unreliable. Snow, rain, sled, slush.

- And I practically had no chance to ski.

- Let’s hope you’ll make it this year.

Sandra: Hi, Tom! Are you moving house?

Tom: Hi, Sandra. Yes, we are moving this Saturday.

Sandra: It's a pity you won't be our neighbours any longer. We've got used to you.

Tom: I feel sad about it too. But we often have to move because of my father's job. My mum hates it but nothing can be done — they pay good money and dad doesn't want to change the job.

Sandra: And you'll have to go to a new school again...

Tom: Right. It's not a very pleasant experience, but I'll manage. I mix with people easily.

Sandra: Yes, you do.

Tom: What I really worry about is sports. Here I played for the best baseball team of the city. The team in my new school is much weaker. It's going to be disappointing to play for them.

Sandra: But there are probably other things there that can compensate for it.

Tom: Mum says the school is very good. They use the newest teaching technologies and the students are really bright. Most of them go straight to university after they finish school.

Sandra: That's awesome! You're planning to go to university too, aren't you?

Tom: Well, I'm not sure yet. My parents want me to go. But I feel I'm not ready yet as I simply don't know what I want to become in the future. I'm thinking about getting a job after school, preferably a job with travel opportunities. I want to see the world, gain some life experience and only then decide what I want to become. The university choice will probably become easier too.

Sandra: Right. I see your point. And how about Robby? Moving is stressful for animals. You can leave him with us if you want, at least for a while... You know we have two cats, and my brother has just brought a dozen goldfish. We know how to take care of animals.

Tom: Oh, no! Don't worry about Robby. He'll be ok. He'll suffer more if he's left without his family. And... like most dogs he hates cats...

Sandra: Oh-oh.

Tom: Yes, I'm sorry, Sandra, but I must be off now. I've promised my mum to do some shopping for her.

Sandra: Does she want some souvenirs? Something that would remind you of our town?

Tom: No, she actually wants apples, plums and oranges for the salad. My parents are having guests for dinner tonight.

Sandra: I see. Look, if you need some help with packing your books and school papers...

Tom: Thank you, Sandra, but don't worry. I've packed almost everything already. But it would be great if you joined us for tomorrow's pizza party. My friends and I are going to the new pizzeria. We are celebrating our success in the baseball game. It's the last one for me with this team...

Sandra: But it's not the last game or the last victory in your life.

Cheer up...

Jim: Hi, Nora! You look great!

Nora: Hi, Jim. It's probably because it's my birthday today. I'm turning sixteen.

Jim: Oh, many happy returns! Are you having a party today?

Nora: No. We'll have a party some time later. My exam session started two days ago so I'm very busy now, no time for partying.

Jim: I see. Have you already passed any of your exams?

Nora: Yes. Mathematics. And three more are left. They'll keep me busy till the middle of June.

Jim: Poor you! But Maths is the most difficult one, right?

Nora: Yes. I'm so happy that I passed it and my grade was surprisingly good.

Jim: Congratulations! Are you going to study Maths at university? I mean when you go to university?

Nora: I don't know. I hope not. I want to become a journalist. Journalists don't need Mathematics, do they?

Jim: Well, I think that if you want to work as a journalist, you should be well-educated in all fields. That is, apart from having excellent communication skills.

Nora: Right. Anyway, I still have two more years at school to learn everything I need to before I go to university.

Jim: And how about short-term plans? What are you doing this summer — working, travelling or both?

Nora: I don't know yet. We may go to my grandmother's. She lives in Italy.

Jim: Italy sounds great!

Nora: I love it too! But my mother insists on our going to Paris as she wants me to practice my French. I don't think it's necessary — I have no problem speaking French. I'm actually top of the class in French and Spanish.

Jim: Don't you like Paris?

Nora: I definitely prefer the Italian countryside to the city of Paris.

Jim: I understand. And in Italy you can practice Italian, can't you?

Nora: I don't speak Italian though I go to my grandma almost every summer.

Jim: Why?

Nora: All my friends there learn English and want me to speak English to them, so they can practice.

Jim: Very clever of them!

Mia: Hi, Nick! What are you doing in school on Saturday afternoon? You should be somewhere else, enjoying your weekend.

Nick: Hi, Mia. I wanted to ask you the same question.

Mia: I've got some very important business here. We are arranging a party for the newcomers.

Nick: Newcomers?

Mia: Yes. There are four new students in our class this year. They are ... kind of shy. And we decided to give a special party for them, to make them feel more at home here.

Nick: It's a bit unusual for teenagers to support shy newcomers... But it's really cool! Good luck with that!

Mia: Thanks.

Nick: And what kind of a party do you want it to be? A fancy dress party?

Mia: That's a brilliant idea! We were thinking about an ordinary party with music, chatting, dancing, some pizza and drinks. But your idea is great! When you have a mask on you feel freer and much less shy, don't you?

Nick: Well, yes, I think so. And...?

Mia: When people are wearing masks, they pretend to be strangers, and the new people stop feeling like strangers in this situation. They make friends more easily.

Nick: You're probably right. Good luck with it once again. And...

Mia: Yes?

Nick: You haven't told me anything about your holidays yet. I heard you were abroad.

Mia: Yes, I was. I went to France for a couple of weeks.

Nick: To learn French? To a language school?

Mia: Oh, no. My parents and I went there as tourists. I'd never been to Paris before, though my grandmother comes from France. But we have no relatives left there now.

Nick: Did you stay in a hotel?

Mia: Yes, in the centre of Paris. It was a very convenient location and we managed to see lots of interesting places in the city and around it!

Nick: I see. And the rest of the summer?

Mia: Oh, nothing special, just routine.

Nick: Didn't you go anywhere else apart from France?

Mia: No. The seaside was out as the trip to Paris ate up a considerable part of the family budget. We only went to the country for barbeque parties three or four times, we weren't very lucky with the weather.

Nick: Oh yes, the summer was rainy and really cold. The weather people kept saying that the unusually low temperatures would get higher in a week or so but their promises never came true.

Mia: No, they didn't. Unfortunately. But never mind. That kind of weather gave me a chance to take up a new hobby.

Nick: What is it? Knitting, photography or collecting celebrity posters?

Mia: None of them. You'll never guess. It's baking biscuits and making cakes.

Nick: Oh, it sounds much more original than posters! And much tastier!

- Hi, I'm Kevin. Can I sit here?

-Yeah, sure.

-And what's your name?

-Kate.

-Is it your first visit to Paris?

-Yes. I'm from Canada. And it's my first visit to Europe or anywhere else. I've never been abroad before and everything seems very exciting. And where are you from?

-From Liverpool. My family has lived in that part of England for ages. And we didn't travel anywhere either.

- My parentss are completely diffrent. They travel a lot because of their job, but they never take me with them.

- I see.

- But this time we are travelling all together as a family. Today we ganna have a guide excurtion to the historical part of Paris. Are you here on your own?

- No, this is a school trip. Our whole class is here. And two teachers to superwise us.

- Aaaah, it must be interesting to travel in a large group.

- Yaeh, we were awarded this trip when we won the city competition.

- Was it the sports competition?

- No, it was a competitionfor school rock bands.

- You are a musician?

- Sort of... In our band i play the drums.

- Do you see music as your career? Everyone nowadays wants to be a celebrity or a computer genious.

- Not in my case. Music is just for fun. I'm deepely intrested in physics and biology. I think that absolutely fantastic discoveries are awaiting us on this field. They can completely change our idea of the universe and of ourselves.

- So... you wanna do a scientific reserch?

- Exactly.

- But that means getting a very good education.

- Yes. That is my first year at school and i hope to start my university course this summer. I've got good grades and it makes my plan quite realistic.

- Yes, it looks like a good one. You seemd like you plan your life very well. I can't even make my mind on what souveniers to bye for my friends back home.

- I found a shop with some old photos of the city. I bought several pictures there as gifts for my friends. They are not expensive, and images are lovely.

- Yeah, i think they are better that heavy souvenier shirts with prints. Can you tell me where the shop is?

Frank: Hi, Kate! Look, I'm sorry but I won't be able to come to your party tomorrow.

Kate: Hi, Frank. Why not? You promised! It's not just a party, it's my birthday.

Frank: I know, and I'm sorry. But my grandmother's coming for a short visit. She'll only be staying with us for one day. And then she'll be in hospital for a week as she needs some heart treatment.

Kate: Oh, yes, I understand. I'm sure she'll be fine.

Frank: Yes, she will. And have you got any plans for tonight?

Kate: No, I haven't yet. Any suggestions?

Frank: How about the pizzeria? They've got some new things on the menu and it's the closest place to eat.

Kate: Oh, no. I love pizza, but I've been to the pizzeria four times during this week. If it goes on, I won't be able to wear any of my jeans.

Frank: I don't think you should worry about that as long as you keep doing athletics. Even watching all that running and jumping on TV helps burn extra calories.

Kate: I wish!

Frank: Anyway, walking my dog is another idea for the evening.

Kate: Oh, Frank, you have a dog? I never knew.

Frank: I only got him a week ago. It's a long story I'll tell you some other time.

Kate: And what's your dog like? Something large and powerful like a bulldog?

Frank: No. I've always liked huge, smart dogs; that's true, but mine is nothing like that. It's just a small, silly puppy.

Kate: Oh, I like cute puppies! I want to see him. What time do you usually walk him?

Frank: At seven in the morning and I'm more flexible in the evening. He likes walking in our park.

Kate: In the morning and in the evening? I don't think it's enough. He needs a walk around lunchtime too.

Frank: Yes, but I can't do it more often unfortunately. So, when and where shall we meet? Our usual meeting place at the bus stop is not a very good choice now. There are too many people there and my poor puppy may get frightened.

Kate: I'll be waiting for you both at the park entrance at seven.

Frank: Fine. We'll get some takeaway there.

Max: Good afternoon, Mrs. Davis.

Mrs. Davis: Oh, hi, Max. How was your first day at school?

Max: It was fine, thank you. Everyone is friendly an very helpful. Even the girl at the reception was very patient with me.

Mrs. Davis: Patient?

Max: Yes. I came too early and had to wait for the other students from my class in the reception hall. I asked the reception girl all kinds of questions about the school and she patiently answered them till the time my classmates came.

Mrs. Davis: I see. And how did you like the school?

Max: It's nice. And it's very convenient that the school is in the very centre of the city. The receptionist said that initially they were in a large Victorian-style building near the park. The school occupied the first floor and there was the public library on the ground floor. It was a nice place but too far from the bus stop. So they moved.

Mrs. Davis: Yes, the city centre is much better. It's a bit noisy but convenient. Have you made any friends in your class yet?

Max: No, not yet. But they are nice guys and I think we'll get along well. We are all from different countries. It feels a bit strange...

Mrs. Davis: Why?

Max: We can't speak any other language but English in class.

Mrs. Davis: Which is very good for your language practice. What did you do in class today?

Max: First, our teacher told us about the school and ex-plained what is what. Where the library is and where the copy machine is... and where the Wi-Fi zone is...

Mrs. Davis: Are there any computers in your classroom?

Max: No. Our teacher says we don't need them in class, only for our homework. We are supposed to make reports and write essays during the course and we can use either our own computers or the ones in the computer room. They are free but there are always lots of people there so I prefer to have mine.

Mrs. Davis: And how about meals? Have you been to the school cafeteria?

Max: Yes, we had lunch there. It's ok, I liked the food. After lunch we went to the library and then the teacher showed us the gym.

Mrs. Davis: Are you into sports?

Max: Yes, I play volleyball but, unfortunately, I have to forget about it during the course. The gym is very small and is not equipped for playing the game.

Mrs. Davis: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. And how about the library?

Max: The library's impressive. It's not very large but the choice of books is very good and they are all new.

Mrs. Davis: Right. Any homework due tomorrow?

Max: Fortunately not. We are having a Welcome party tonight.

Mrs. Davis: Oh, it's nice of them to arrange it for the newcomers.

Max: Yeah, I'll just change my clothes and be off. I need to be there in half an hour.

Mrs. Davis: Fine. But, please, Max, don't stay out too late. I know that you are a big boy, but our city is not the best place for late walks.

Max: I won't, I promise.

Doctor: Well..., you're Jennifer Black, aren't you? the sixth form?

Jennifer: Yes, Doctor, it's me.

Doctor: Your teacher said you suddenly fell ill in the PE lesson. What exactly happened?

Jennifer: To tell the truth, I've been feeling unwell all morning. When I tried to get up I felt very weak and stayed in bed for an extra fifteen minutes to cope with the weakness and the pain in my stomach. I was nearly late for the first class because of that.

Doctor: OK, but during the PE class... did you do any tiring exercises? Too much running or any difficult exercises?

Jennifer: No, not really! We did some aerobics and played volleyball. I felt sick during the game and nearly fainted. .

Doctor: OK, let me take your blood pressure. ...Well, it could be higher... You are feeling weak because of a drop in your blood pressure. Don't worry — it can be easily raised with a cup of strong sweet tea. What did you have for breakfast, Jenny?

Jennifer: 'I didn't have any breakfast actually.

Doctor: Was it because you were going to be late for school? Did you skip breakfast as you didn't have time for it?

Jennifer: No, it's not that. I don't normally eat breakfast because I want to lose weight. I want to be slimmer.

Doctor: Yes, I see. Can you describe in detail what you usually eat during the day? How many meals do you have? Lunch? Dinner? Supper?

Jennifer: One. At about 4 o'clock... I don't know what to call it. I have a glass of juice and some salad, and a yogurt. Sometimes I skip the yogurt.

Doctor: Look here, Jenny, can't you understand that you are ruining your body? This

dieting will end up in an eating disorder, which will cause serious stomachaches, which you mentioned you've already been having, heart problems, kidney problems... You may become an easy target for any infection or disease. For now, I strongly recommend the medical examination called endoscopy. You'll swallow a small flexible camera, so we will be able to see your stomach from inside.

Jennifer: No-o-o...

Doctor: We'll have to, unfortunately. I'll call the hospital and make an appointment for you. And I'll let you know about the exact date and time tomorrow, OK?

Jennifer: OK. Will you call me?

Doctor: It would be better if you drop in. I want to check your blood pressure just to be sure. And now we are going to design your new diet. You must follow it.

Sally: Are you OK, Zach? Hey, Zach!

Zach: Oh, it's you, Sally. I was daydreaming.

Sally: You were sleeping, not daydreaming! Did you play computer games all night again?

Zach: Yes, how did you guess?

Sally: That's easy. Your eyes are red, your reactions are slow, and you look sleepy! And your homework isn't done.

Zach: OK, you're right. Just a new game. I couldn't quit before I reached the fifth level. You wouldn't understand as you don't care about computers.

Sally: Why, I do, but I'm not a geek. I have more important things to do than play games for hours.

Zach: Really? And what are you busy with all day long?

Sally: Well, I start with walking my dog. At 8 o'clock sharp I have to be at the picking up point for the school bus. Mum used to drive me to school, but now she's very busy with my little brother, so I have to go by bus.

Zach: I see. Babies are always trouble.

Sally: No, not at all! He's a little darling and I love him! Twice a week, when I don't take my music lessons, I babysit for my mum so that she can read the economic news . She's got a university degree and worked for a financial firm but she had to quit it because of my. brother's poor health. She's planning to go back to her career and has to be well informed about everything.

Zach: Yeah, that's important to stay in the profession. And it's nice of you to help her so much. But how do you manage to do your own lessons then?

Sally: The main thing is not to put off the assignments till the very last moment.

Zach: I always put them off...

Sally: And it's important to start with the most difficult subjects — I always do Maths first. Languages and other humanities are easier so French goes the last.

Zach: I see. I find Maths the most difficult, too. And I'm really impressed with your ability to plan your day and stick to the plan. I never do anything on time... I even had to give up my guitar lessons... Do you play an instrument?

Sally: The drums. Mum wanted me to choose the piano, but I think drums are cooler.

Zach: They certainly are. There're lots of people who play the piano but very few drummers. By the way, my friends are looking for a drummer for their band. Are you interested?

Sally: Well..., yes. What sort of music do they play?

Zach: Pop.

Sally: I see. I prefer pop music too. We learn about other music styles in music classes, like jazz, rock and classical, but you can't dance to them.

Zach: True. l ean introduce you to the guys. You'll really need my recommendation as no girl's ever played with them. It's always been an all-boy pop band.

Sally: It won't be any more.

Zach: We'll see.

Jason: Hi, Liz! How are you doing?

Liz: Oh, Jason! Sorry, I didn't see you.

Jason: Yeah, I noticed that.

Liz: We are going to the seaside tomorrow and I'm kind of overexcited about it. I've never seen the sea before — we used to go to the country every summer. It's certainly nice, but...

Jason: I understand. I worry when we are leaving for holiday too, though we travel quite often. And on the plane I often get panic attacks.

Liz: Are you afraid of flying?

Jason: No, not at all. I feel panicky because I think I've forgotten something — to return an MP3 player to a friend for example. That's funny. Are you flying, by the way, or going by train?

Liz: Flying. It would be cheaper by train or by car but it takes too long and there's not enough room for all of us in the car. You're going with your family, aren't you?

Jason: Yes. Mum and Dad, my sister, Granny... And this creates a problem. What? You don't want to go with your granny?

Liz: No, it's not that! I love travelling with her. Granny tells us lots of amusing stories and she's always so cheerful. My sister and me are very lucky to have such a granny. The problem is my pets. Since everyone's leaving there's no one at home to take care of them. The hotel Dad reserved is not animal-friendly; they don't accept pets.

Jason: I see. I'd like to have a dog or a cat, but doctors say it's not for me. They make me cough and sneeze and may cause some more serious illness. And what pets have you got?

Liz: A goldfish, a parrot and a cat.

Jason: The goldfish is not a problem — you can leave it with me. And the parrot, too. My mums always been against any birds as they are messy and noisy, but I'm sure she won't mind it for a couple of weeks.

Liz: Oh, Jason, it'd be a great help! But what shall I do with my cat? All animal hotels in the city are booked.

Jason: Yeah, it's holiday time. Look, my aunt lives not far from here. She's got two cats and I'm sure she'll agree to take care of your cat, too.

Liz: Do you think she'll manage three cats at once? It's not easy, and my cat is quite a character!

Jason: No one could do it better. She worked as a vet in the national park in Kenya for several years and treated wild tigers and leopards. Your cat, whatever he is, wont be a problem.

Liz: Oh, excellent.

Security: Morning. I'm Thomas Richardson, the sports centre security. The lady at the reception said that your iPod's missing.

Jackie: Yes, that's right.

Security: Can I ask you a few questions?

Jackie: Sure. Go ahead.

Security: Your name is...?

Jackie: Jackie Lee.

Security: OK, Jackie, do you often visit our sports centre?

Jackie: Yes. My parents brought me to the centre three years ago and signed me up for the gym classes. Since then I've been coming here every Tuesday and Thursday and I never miss classes as the coach says that it's very important... not to miss...

Security: Right, but there are no morning gym classes today.

Jackie: Sometimes I come to the swimming pool, too. It doesn't happen very often — only when I have the time. Today is such a day — I have a morning off, so I decided to have a swim.

Security: Is it possible that you've forgotten your iPod somewhere in the centre? In the coffee bar or in the gym?

Jackie: No. I didn't use them today. I came to the centre quite early, bought a ticket to the swimming pool at the reception and went straight to the changing room and then to the pool. I haven't been either to the gym or to the bar. I left my iPod in the locker in the changing room but when I came back, it wasn't there.

Security: I see. Frankly speaking, I can't remember our visitors ever reporting stolen valuables; they often lose things, which are usually found and brought to the reception. However, this incident looks like a crime and we'll have to call the police I'm afraid. Jackie: Looks like that. Security: There's a special safe at the reception by the way. We strongly recommend that our visitors keep valuables and mopey there. The safe is free and available for all our visitors...

Jackie: Yes, I know about the safe, but neither my friends nor I ever use it. Maybe it's a bit careless but we've always left money, watches and phones in the changing rooms — nothing has ever happened.

Security: I'm calling the police.

Jackie: No, wait a moment. I think I can hear my iPod. It sounds like it's in the locker. Oh goodness, it's here in my boot. I put it inside the boot to not forget it.

Security: Fine. I'm glad you've found it.

Jackie: I'm really so sorry for all this trouble. My mum's right — I'm hopelessly absent-minded.

Security: It's OK.

Philip: Hello, Amy! Enjoy your tea!

Amy: Hi, Philip. Leaving so early? It's Sunday today — no classes as far as I know.

Philip: That's right. I want to take advantage of that and explore your town.

Amy: Very sensible of you. It's a nice place.

Philip: You can probably recommend something to me? I haven't been anywhere yet except the library. If you aren't busy now...

Amy: No, not at all. Sit down and help yourself to tea and biscuits. Some milk and cornflakes?

Philip: No, thank you, Amy. I'll just have some tea and a sandwich.

Amy: OK, as you wish. I believe the first thing you should do today is go to the beach.

Philip: The beach?

Amy: Yes. Beaches are not only good in hot weather. Our beach is amazing in this season. Just sit down on the rocks and watch the sea — I promise you'll enjoy it.

Philip: OK, I'll do it.

Amy: Then go to the old chapel in the Sea Park. It's very old and beautiful inside. You can't take photos there but if you see the priest Father Matthew, ask him to show you around the chapel.

Philip: The priest?

Amy: Yes. He's a nice man and believe me, he does it better than professional guides.

Philip: OK, I'll follow your advice. And how can I get to the centre of the town after that?

Amy: The best way to get around the town is by bicycle.

Philip: Is it?

Amy: Yes. There are buses, but the interval between buses is at least thirty minutes... Taxis are not allowed in the historical centre, and they are very expensive.

Philip: But I don't have a bicycle here.

Amy: You don't need to own it. There are lots of points where you can rent one very cheaply. The cycle routes are everywhere — we often go shopping by bicycle.

Philip: Your town authorities seem to care about the environment...

Amy: Yes, they do. The new mayor, who was elected two years ago, has done a lot to improve our life here. Cultural events have become more frequent and our streets and parks are kept nice and clean. People spend more time out-of-doors now.

Philip: That's really good.

Amy: Yes. In the evening we don't watch TV anymore but go to the parks where everyone can find something for themselves — jogging, chess, volleyball — or just walking and talking. Oh, that reminds me. Can you do me a favour, Phil?

Philip: Whatever you want.

Amy: Can you take my mobile to the service centre? It's in the High Street, in the shopping centre.

Philip: Sure. No problem.

Kelly: Hi, Jim! I didn’t see you in the morning class. Did you come late?

Jim: Hi, Kelly. Yes, I was late. Ms. Smith talked to me really seriously about that. I said that the bus had broken down.

Kelly: And she believed that?

Jim: I don’t think so.

Kelly: And the real reason was…?

Jim: The usual. I overslept. I didn’t hear the alarm clock and woke up only when my mum called me from her work.

Kelly: I’m not surprised. Were you watching films yesterday till very late again?

Jim: Yes. I was just going to see what was on but then I lost track of time and watched the film up to the end.

Kelly: I tried to call you yesterday. Just wanted to remind you about the Science project we need to complete together by tomorrow. It’s about how computers influence our life and our communication habits.

Jim: Oh, I’d forgotten about that! How about today, after classes? Let’s go to my place and we’ll complete the project in two or three hours I’m sure.

Kelly: I usually prefer working in the library or in a Wi-Fi café. But you’re right – there’s no time left for it. Do you have good internet access and a printer?

Jim: I certainly do. And I also have a freshly made cake in the fridge.

Kelly: It’s a strong argument. Have you remembered that for the project we have to interview at least three people of different ages about what they do online?

Jim: That’s not a problem. We can ask my mother, my grandmother and my younger brother, who’s seven.

Kelly: Right. Your brother’s answers will be especially interesting. Children spend more time online than anyone else.

Jim: True. He’s there more often than me.

Kelly: And have you got any books or journals at home from which we could get some additional information?

Jim: No. And we don’t need to. We are writing about the Internet – we’ll certainly be able to find everything we need right there – on the Internet.

Kelly: Ok, let’s give it a try. We have no choice anyway.

Jim: And, Kelly, I’d like to ask you a favour…

Kelly: What is it?

Jim: Could you read my French essay before I hand it in? I always make lots of spelling and grammar mistakes in writing.

Kelly: What’s your topic?

Jim: The aim of education in the present day.

Kelly: Ok, give it to me. I’ve only got a few minutes before the bell.

Kevin: Hi! I’m Kevin. Can I sit here?

Kate: Yes, sure.

Kevin: And what’s your name?

Kate: Kate.

Kevin: Is this your first visit to Paris?

Kate: Yes, I’m from Canada and this is my first visit to Europe or anywhere else. I’ve never been abroad before and everything seems very exciting. And where are youfrom?

Kevin: From Liverpool. My family’s lived in that part of England for ages and we seldom travel anywhere either.

Kate: My parents are completely different; they travel a lot because of their job, but they’ve never taken me with them.

Kevin: I see.

Kate: But this time we are travelling all together as a family. Today we are going to have a guided excursion of the historical part of Paris. Are you here on your own?

Kevin: No. It’s a school trip. The whole class are here and two teachers to supervise us.

Kate: Oh, it must be interesting travelling in a large group.

Kevin: Yeah. We were awarded this trip when we won the city competition.

Kate: Was it a sports competition?

Kevin: No, it was a competition for school rock bands.

Kate: You’re a musician?

Kevin: Sort of. In our band I play the drums.

Kate: Do you see music as your career? Everyone nowadays wants to be either a celebrity or a computer genius.

Kevin: Not in my case. Music is just for fun. I’m deeply interested in physics and biology. I think that absolutely fantastic discoveries are awaiting us in these fields. They could completely change our idea of the universe and of ourselves.

Kate: So, you want to do scientific research?

Kevin: Exactly.

Kate: But that means getting a very good education…

Kevin: Yes. This is my last year at school and I hope to start my university course this summer. I’ve got good grades and it makes my plan sound quite realistic.

Kate: Yes, it looks like a good one. You seemto have planned your life very well. I can’t even make up my mind on what souvenirs to buy for my friends back home…

Kevin: I’ve found a shop with some old photos of the city. I bought several pictures there as gifts for my friends. They’re not expensive and the images are lovely.

Kate: Yeah, I think that would be better than heavy souvenir mugs or T-shirts with prints. Could you tell me where the shop is?

James: Hi, Kate!

Kate: James? What are you doing here?

James: I’m here for the same reason as you are I guess - I want to see the football match. My favourite team is playing.

Kate: Oh, yes, ...It just ...sounded silly. I know how keen on football you are. You’ve been playing for our school team since the second grade I guess.

James: Since the fourth. You started swimming then.

Kate: Yes, I remember. At first I joined our athletics club but I didn’t like it and I gave it up. But swimming is great for me.

James: Right. You are lucky we have the swimming pool just in front of our school.

Kate: Yeah, I often go there early in the morning, just before lessons.

James: Where’s your seat by the way?

Kate: Over there, in sector B. It was my friend actually who suggested coming here. She bought the tickets and talked me into it. She said that we’ve never watched football live and that’s not right.

James: Absolutely. You should introduce me to your friend. We seem to have lots in common. Is she from our school?

Kate: No, she’s my neighbour. She lives next door to me. Come on, she must be already there.

James: No-no, I was kidding. I’m here with some friends too. And then, after the match, we are going to the cinema.

Kate: How about the essay due on Monday? Have you already completed it?

James: No. But that’s not a good reason to miss a good film. I love science fiction and my favourite actors are in it. Fancy coming with us?

Kate: No, I don’t want to risk failing the essay. High grades are very important for me now.

James: Because you are going to university?

Kate: Yes. I have already chosen what I want to do. I want to be a teacher of science.

James: I thought you loved poetry and fine arts.

Kate: That’s right but I don’t see design or literature as a career. It’s a hobby, a quality pastime.

James: I see.

Kate: Science is something more serious. And I’m really good with children. I know how to get them interested and involved.

James: You have a younger sister, don’t you?

Kate: A sister and a brother. They are twins and they are only three. Very cute.

James: I bet you have to do babysitting quite often, don’t you?

Kate: Not very often and I enjoy it. Tomorrow is the day when Mum works late, so they are going to be with me.

James: The game is going to start in five minutes. I promised my friends to buy some popcorn before I get to my seat. Do you want some too?

Kate: No, thanks. Neither popcorn nor chips. I like neither of them. I’ve just got a bar of chocolate.

James: Chocolate fits any occasion.

Kate: Do you mean if our team loses, it’ll make it a bit sweeter, and if it wins, the victory will taste even better?

James: Exactly.

Jessica: Hey, Neil, wait up! I've been looking for a chance to talk to you. Any plans for the weekend?

Neil: Hi, Jessica! I don't have any big plans. What's up?

Jessica: Alice is having a birthday party. She would like us to come. She said she had tried calling you, but you hadn’t answered. And I tried calling you several times, too.

Niel : Oh! I've got a new phone number, sorry. And a new cell phone. I don't know where my old phone is. I was shopping the day before yesterday and had a coffee in the shopping centre. It looks as if I left it there. Anyway, I'd love to go. It sounds like fun. When is it?

Jessica: It's this Saturday at 5pm at my house. Alice can’t have it at her place.

Neil: Can’t she? Why not?

Jessica: They’re moving house. They want to live closer to the beach.

Neil: That’s great. Alice is so lucky. I’ve always wanted to live next to the

beach too. I go there every day to windsurf in any weather. If I lived closer to the beach, it would save lots of time...

Jessica: That’s ironical, Alice doesn’t like either windsurfing or beach volleyball. The only sport she does is jogging twice a week. Anyway, getting back to her birthday, we are planning to have all the fun at my place. So … this Saturday, at 5 pm.

Neil: This Saturday…uhm…Listen, Jessica I promised to look after Kate, my younger sister. Mum's away on business and she's coming back this weekend. Dad's meeting her at the airport, so there's nobody to stay at home with Kate in the evening.

Jessica: Well, why don't you bring her along? It would be fun. My grandma would really like that. I'm sure.

Neil: Really? That would be great. Shall I bring anything? I mean food or drinks?

Jessica: No need. I've already planned and ordered everything. We're going to have pizza, salads and cakes and we’re going to play some games. Then we may watch a video and have fireworks in the garden. Oh , and could you bring a few CDs?

Neil: Yes, sure. I’ve got a large collection and I’ll find something everybody likes. Have you bought a present for Alice yet?

Jessica: Not yet, I can’t decide what to get her.

Neil: We need to think about what she might like. If I remember rightly, she likes music and reading. She's also a big football fan.

Jessica: Exactly. I don't think a simple book or a CD will be any good. It's too ordinary and uninteresting. Besides, I'm sure, she's got lots of that kind of stuff. I think we need to be creative and come up with something unusual, something that would be a surprise to Alice.

Neil: You know, maybe we could get her some concert ickets. Do you know her favourite groups?

Jessica: Neil, you're a genius! What an idea! Her favorite band is coming here soon. We'll get Alice tickets to their show, she'll be so happy!

Neil: And some flowers, too! I know Alice loves pink roses. Together with the tickets they’ll make a perfect present, don't you think, Jessica?

Jessica: Absolutely.

James: Hi, Kate! How are you doing?

Kate: Oh, it’s you, James. Everything’s fine, thanks. I’m just looking for my key. It must be here somewhere … in my bag, but I can’t find it…

James: You missed the morning class. Did you feel unwell?

Kate: Oh, no! I just didn’t hear my alarm clock. I went to bed late yesterday — I was busy with an essay on English Literature, and then chatted online with some friends to cheer myself up … And I found it too difficult to wake up on time. Oh dear. Mrs. Jefferson will never forgive me for skipping the test.

James: She won’t get very angry with you. Your grades in Maths are the highest in the class.

Kate: Yeah, I would prefer three Maths tests to one essay …but still… Oh, here’s the key at last. I was afraid I’d lost it somewhere during our PE lesson.

James: You had PE?

Kate: Yes. We did lots of running today — I really hate it.

James: You don’t like any sport, do you?

Kate: No, I don’t hate everything. I don’t mind watching some sports on TV. Something artistic like gymnastics or skating. I even did some skating myself, a couple of years ago.

James: Were you any good?

Kate: No, not really. I gave it up pretty soon after. The skating rink was a bit far from our house. I had no time to go there.

James: I live a long way from the stadium too, but I go there three times a week anyway. My coach has designed a special programme for me and I stick to it. If you like what you do, you can always find an opportunity to do it.

Kate: Hey, James, you sound like my father! He’s a manager in a company, and a very well-organized person. He plans everything! Not only his work but our home life too — when we go on a picnic, when we go to the cinema, when we go out as a family.

James: There’s nothing wrong with that — when you plan, you find time for everything, and for hobbies too.

Kate: I don’t think I have any hobbies. Do you?

James: I don’t know… Sports don’t count as a hobby, do they?

Kate: No, they don’t.

James: Then it’s probably computer games. I don’t play them very often, but sometimes they help me relax. And what’s your hobby?

Kate: My mum has always tried to get me interested in gardening. But it’s her idea of relaxation. Not mine!

James: It can’t be that you don’t enjoy doing anything… Music, may be?

Kate: No, not that. What I really like is reading old historical novels. Or science-fiction books. Not modern authors but the old classical fictions. They are old-fashioned but so beautifully written and relaxing. I even have a little collection of excellent old books at home.

James: Which means you do have a hobby after all! It’s reading and collecting old books.

Kate: Yes, you’re right! Collecting old books sounds glamorous. It’s a nice hobby. The only problem is it’s difficult to find these books in the shops.

James: Yes, you can hardly find them there. But some people have these books at home and would gladly give them to you for free. Me, for example. I think there are some books like that in our attic.

Kate: Are there?

James: I could give a couple of them to you, say, as a birthday present…

Kate: But I can’t wait till then! It’s March, and I was born in August!

James: Never mind. It can be a present for your previous birthday.

Kate: Oh, thanks. That’s so nice of you…

James: My birthday is in December and I’ve always envied people born in summer, like you.

Kate: Why? It’s not as good as it seems. Very few people come to my birthday parties. Lots of friends are on holiday, out of town… (fades away)

Neil: Hi! I often see you here. Why don’t you go home after your lessons?

Alexandra: Oh, I just enjoy doing my homework in the school library. It’s quiet here. And nothing distracts me. And you are Neil, aren’t you? You are my brother’s classmate, right?

Neil: Yes. Max and I are classmates. And we also play for our school football team.

Alexandra: I’m Alexandra.

Neil: I know. I often see you and Max on the school bus together.

Alexandra: Yes, we live far from the school and the bus is the only option.

Neil: You are in Ms. Clark’s class, aren’t you?

Alexandra: Yes. She is our Science teacher.

Neil: You are lucky she is your teacher. She taught us too, and I’m still keen on Science. Though not as much as on Maths.

Alexandra: I love Science, especially the lab experiments. But Maths is too difficult and boring to me. There are too many things you need to remember.

Neil: It requires concentration, that’s true. But what doesn’t? Even in French classes, we need to remember all those endless grammar rules.

Alexandra: Are you going to university after school? Like my brother? He wants to be a surgeon and wants to study medicine.

Neil: I know. Max is very ambitious and I think he’ll be a good doctor, or anything else. He could be a good manager as well. Or a lawyer. I’m not like him. To be frank, I’m crazy about cars and motorcycles.

Alexandra: Are you?

Neil: Yes. And I’m pretty positive about my future job. I’m going to work in my uncle’s car service, as a mechanic. I actually often help them there when I have time.

Alexandra: Oh, Max mentioned you worked miracles with his bicycle. It’s better than a new one now.

Neil: Tonight one of my friends is arranging a pizza-party, in my honour. I fixed his electric bike which had been broken for a year.

Alexandra: Wow! Now I know who to call when anything is wrong with my bike.

Neil: Please do. And, sorry, Alexandra, I must be off right now. I’m almost late for my training.

Alexandra: Are you going to the stadium, with Max?

Neil: Yes. You know that we train every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

And there’s no chance of skipping a day now. Our coach is very strict about everything as we are playing in the semi-final next Sunday.

Alexandra: Good luck then! And tell Max not to be late for dinner. Our grandparents are coming.

Neil: Ok. I’ll remind him.

Nick: Whenever I see you, Jenny, you are always wearing headphones.

Jenny: Oh, sorry, just a moment, Nick… What did you say? I couldn’t hear you.

Nick: You certainly couldn’t. What were you listening to? Music?

Jenny: No, it’s an Italian course.

Nick: Your homework?

Jenny: No, I learn French at school. Italian is just a hobby.

Nick: You are smart. I'm ashamed to say that I can’t speak any foreign language. My mum speaks five, including Portuguese.

Jenny: There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Some people enjoy learning languages, others do not, but they are good at something else.

Nick: Right. Everyone has their own talent but I still cannot discover mine.

Jenny: Don’t be too hard on yourself. You are the best volleyball player I’ve ever seen.

Nick: The best is an exaggeration of course but, that’s right, I love volleyball and I take any opportunity to play it - be it in our sports centre or just on the beach.

Jenny: Oh, beach volleyball! That’s my favourite sport in summer too. But in this weather it’s more natural to talk about skiing.

Nick: Yes, it’s getting really cold. And the wind… My feet are freezing.

Jenny: I’m wearing my warmest boots, but feel very cold too. I hope the bus won’t be late.

Nick: Yes, it’s going to come in four minutes, ...according to the timetable. I hate cold weather. It’s difficult to believe that when I was a child I wanted to be a researcher and dreamt of taking part in expeditions to the North Pole.

Jenny: Right. I’d never believe it…

Nick: And you? I’m sure you’ve always wanted to be an interpreter. That’s why you learn languages.

Jenny: Not at all. I’ve always wanted to be a chef. I love cooking and since I turned four, I’ve always helped my mum in the kitchen.

Nick: A chef?

Jenny: Yes. Because I love experimenting and combining different tastes. I also like creating my own recipes.

Nick: Sounds great. And how about setting up your own restaurant?

Jenny: That would be ideal. But later. First I need to work in different restaurants to understand this business… to learn it from the inside, do you understand?

Nick: Well… yes… Are you saying you aren’t going to continue your education after school?

Jenny: Exactly. I want to work first, to gain some experience, ...and later I’ll decide what courses to take and where.

Nick: Well, I see… As far as I know, all great chefs learn in Paris.

Jenny: Not necessarily. French cuisine is interesting but I know that Russian cuisine is exotic and interesting as well. And I’ve always wanted to learn to cook Asian dishes too. But Asian chefs do not give out their secrets easily.

Nick: You need to go to Beijing then to learn their cooking art...

Jenny: I’m sure I’ll go there this year. I’ve never been to China yet, but it’s on my wish-list.

Nick: On your wish-list?

Jenny: Yes. I believe that if you want something to happen, you need to write down your wish.

Nick: The bus! Let’s get on it and you’ll tell me more about your wish-magic....

Phillip: Hi, Andrea! It’s really nice outdoors. Fancy a walk to the park or somewhere else?

Andrea: Sorry, Phillip, I’ve got some things to do.

Phillip: Which means no, right? Ok, what are you so busy with? Your homework? Andrea: No, it’s not that. I’m busy with some writing.

Phillip: A diary? All the girls in my class are writing diaries now. Funny, they prefer old-fashioned notebooks to normal blogs.

Andrea: It’s because a diary is a private matter and you can’t trust your thoughts to the internet. Anyway, I’m not writing any diary. It’s a story.

Phillip: A story? What’s it about? And why are you writing it?

Andrea: You know, I’ve got an idea to take part in the competition for young writers. It’s called ‘My first book’. The prize is a two-week online writing course, which is delivered by world-famous authors.

Phillip: Sounds impressive. I can’t write but I like reading. Historical novels especially.

Andrea: Me too. It’s my favourite genre. History and literature in one book.

Philip: Really? I thought all girls read only love stories.

Andrea: And I thought all boys watched only action films and detective films.

Phillip: You’ve always been top of the class at Literature. And your school essays have always been the best. But I never knew that you took writing so seriously.

Andrea: I don’t ...but… by the way… we are staging a play at our school theatre. Would you like to come and see the performance?

Phillip: If nothing urgent turns up, yes, I would. Are you playing the part of a beautiful princess there?

Andrea: There won’t be any princesses! No kings, no dragons, pirates or witches. It’s going to be a serious play. And you won’t see me on the stage anyway. I’ll be reading the narration – you will only hear my voice.

Phillip: I’m already intrigued. Did you write the play too?

Andrea: No, it wasn’t me. We took a well-known classical play and changed it. In brief… it’s like...One day all the characters from the 19th century wake up in our world… and their adventures start. One of the characters is a famous scientist, another one is a… No, I won’t say anything else. Otherwise, it won’t be interesting to watch the play.

Phillip: Ok-ok. I’m coming, for sure. You’ll be a famous writer one day.

Andrea: Oh, no! I don’t want to be a professional writer. I want to teach Literature and languages to children. And to adults too.

Phillip: Are you saying you find teaching more exciting than writing?

Andrea: Yeah. Teaching means communication with people. I love it. And writing is only a hobby to me.

Phillip: Right. And I bet you can make a very good language teacher. You speak French and German really well.

Andrea: I don’t speak German, Phillip. I speak French and Spanish. As for German, it’s on my list. I’m going to take a German course this spring.

Phillip: Sorry. You speak so many languages, no wonder I get them confused.

Andrea: Aha.

Phillip: Anyway. I understand you are going to write your story the whole day today. I’m leaving for the park. We are having a skateboard competition and I can’t miss it. And then we are going to the cinema. A new film with Keanu Reeves is on.

Andrea: Wait a minute. What time does the film start?

Phillip: At 7 pm.

Andrea: OK. I think I can join you for the film. I’ll be in the cinema at ten to seven.

Phillip: Right. See you there then...

Now we are ready to start.

Interviewer: Well… First of all, I would like to thank you for your agreement to take part in our survey.

Respondent: Oh, it’s OK. Go ahead, ask your questions. My name is Adam… Adam L-A-M-B-E-R-T.

Interviewer: Nice to meet you, Adam, but I do not need your name for the survey. It’s anonymous. What I need to know is your age. You are sixteen or seventeen, aren’t you?

Respondent: I’m fifteen, in fact. I’m turning sixteen in three weeks.

Interviewer: Which means you are celebrating your birthday at the end of March…, right?

Respondent: Right. On the 30th of March.

Interviewer: You look very fit and even athletic. I bet, you exercise a lot.

Respondent: No, I wouldn’t say so. But I really enjoy team games and I play volleyball for our school team. And since there’s a volleyball pitch near my house, I often play there with my friends. Just for fun.

Interviewer: I see. And what about your school activity? What school subject do you find the most difficult?

Respondent: Chemistry. It’s not that it’s really difficult… but I can’t understand it well enough and my grades are pretty low.

Interviewer: And in what subject have you got the highest grades?

Respondent: Maths. I like it and I even participated in the math contest.

Successfully.

Interviewer: Congratulations. Any idea about your future career? What would you like to be?

Respondent: My grandparents have been asking me this question since I turned four. My answer changed every year of course! At first, I wanted to be a driver, then a pilot...

Interviewer: And now?

Respondent: Now I’m thinking about getting a Diploma as an engineer.

Interviewer: Yeah, engineers are always in demand. It’s very practical.

Respondent: And interesting!

Interviewer: I see. Do you speak any foreign languages?

Respondent: I speak German a bit. But I really want to learn Italian.

Interviewer: Italian? Why?

Respondent: It’s the language lots of inventors and engineers of the past spoke.

Then… I love how it sounds… And, actually, I’ve got some Italian roots.

Interviewer: I see… A few more questions...

Now we are ready to start.

Interviewer: Excuse me, we are doing a survey. It’s a part of our university course and I would like to ask you a few questions if you don’t mind.

Respondent: No, I don’t mind. I used to do that sort of research myself when I was in high school.

Interviewer: You’re saying you are not studying at school any longer?

Respondent: No. I’m nineteen. I’ve already finished school. Now I’m a university student.

Interviewer: OK. You are nineteen. And I can register your occupation as a student, can’t I?

Respondent: Yes, you can. I study full-time and I’m going to be an economist.

Interviewer: My cousin wanted to be an economist too but then changed his mind and became a lawyer. He was not really good at mathematics, actually.

Respondent: Economics is not only about mathematics. To tell the truth, Maths has never been my favourite subject, not even at school.

Interviewer: What was your favourite one then?

Respondent: I’ve always liked Biology, but it has nothing to do with my future job, unfortunately.

Interviewer: Did you study Biology at school?

Respondent: Yes. And we had a wonderful teacher.

Interviewer: Right. OK. And what do you do in your free time?

Respondent: It depends. I like skiing and I go to the swimming pool from time to time, and I play in a band.

Interviewer: Play in a band? Drums or keyboard?

Respondent: No, the guitar. And I perform as a vocalist sometimes. Especially when we play Spanish songs.

Interviewer: Do you know Spanish?

Respondent: Yes. I speak it fluently. I learned it at school and now go on with my studies at university, too.

Interviewer: Would you like to learn any other foreign languages?

Respondent: I’ve been thinking about Chinese. It’s very useful for business in the modern world. Lots of people speak it. But…

Interviewer: It’s too difficult to learn, isn’t it?

Respondent: Yes. I don’t think I’ll manage to combine learning Chinese with my current studies and other commitments. Probably, some other time, in another life.

Interviewer: I do understand you. My days are very busy too and it’s difficult to find any extra time to do things you like. One more question if it’s OK with you...

Respondent: Yeah, no problem.

Now we are ready to start.

Interviewer: Do you mind answering a few questions? It’s for the survey we are

doing.

Respondent: No, problem. Ask your questions.

Interviewer: In fact, one of my questions is about pets, but it looks like there’s no need to ask it. The dog is your pet, isn’t it?

Respondent: Yes. I adopted him when he was a small puppy. Now he’s a big dog. He’s friendly, don’t be afraid of him.

Interviewer: I’m not afraid but still… you know, I’ve never had any pets except for goldfish. Anyway, my next question is whether you’ve already chosen your future career or not.

Respondent: Not yet. In fact, I’ve always wanted to be a pilot. It’s been my dream since childhood.

Interviewer: And?

Respondent: It’s very unlikely that it will ever come true. I’ve got a problem with my eyes. I’m short sighted and a pilot should be in perfect health. Now, my parents want me to be a lawyer but I’m not sure I want to study law.

Interviewer: Oh, yes. I understand.

Respondent: I’ve probably got the health problem because I usually spend too much time on my computer and other gadgets.

Interviewer: How many hours, on average, do you spend online per week?

Respondent: Fifteen. Yes, I think fifteen on average. The doctor says I shouldn’t make it any more.

Interviewer: I see. And do you speak any foreign languages?

Respondent: I speak Russian but not very fluently yet.

Interviewer: Russian? But why? It’s a difficult language. Most people choose Spanish or Italian.

Respondent: Oh, yes, it’s not easy. I chose it because I’m interested in Russian literature and culture.

Interviewer: And Russian food? People say there are some very unusual dishes in Russian cuisine, like pelmeni or something.

Respondent: I’m not an expert in Russian food, but my favourite food is fish. I can even cook fish myself.

Interviewer: Oh, I see. And sports? Do you play any?

Respondent: Of course. I go skateboarding with friends. There are skateboarding facilities in front of our block and we’ve got plenty of opportunity to practise.

My dad promised to teach me windsurfing next summer. But I need to learn to swim first.

Interviewer: Thank you for your time, but I’ve got a few more questions if you don’t mind...

You have 20 seconds to complete the task. (Pause 20 seconds.)

Now you will hear the text again. (Repeat.)

This is the end of the task. You now have 20 seconds to check your answers.

(Pause 20 seconds.)

This is the end of the Listening Test.