Test 10
Speaker 1
We visited Spain in summer. The purpose of the trip was to study the art and
architecture of the region, particularly the mediaeval Moorish influence. And, of course,
to enjoy Spanish cuisine and people. We «travelled without a guide, but well supplied
with guidebooks, that allowed us to take our time and enjoy the country. Organizing all
our own sightseeing and meals gave us considerable flexibility, and not being tied to a
guide and a timetable turned out to be quite a bonus. Finally, we made our way back to
the airport by train and bus. It was a highly successful trip in every way!
Speaker 2
As we departed from Twickenham, having been on the exchange before I thought that
there wouldn't be anything new to me, except the language perhaps. As I found out over
the next week Russia always has new experiences to offer. The Russian host families
were very kind and hospitable while we spent the weekend with our hosts, so we felt as
if we were back at home — well, apart from having to speak Russian, obviously! Our
guides had planned a range of excursions, including cultural, sporting and entertainment
centres of the city.
Speaker 3
Going to London was a fantastic experience as it is truly the most diverse city in the
world. Apart from the usual tourist attractions there are plenty of other areas worth
visiting. Also, I found the English people not to be as serious and reserved as I thought
they would be. They were very friendly and good hosts. I agree that visiting any
European capital is going to give a broad insight into the culture and London is no
exception. It's a shame that in future we won't have an opportunity to go on this
exchange because of some restrictions of our partner school!
Speaker 4
I and other six boys from my group drove up to the Snowdonia National Park during the
half-term break for three days of climbing. On arrival we booked into the Youth Hostel.
Later that day we drove to a shop to buy equipment at discount prices. The next day
after our instructor gave us some instructions we climbed an assortment of routes on
Spotty Rock. We lead some very difficult technical routes over the three days. Overall
the trip was a huge success.
Speaker 5
This year I decided to organize the work experience week in Italy and with a different
company. Indeed, though the week in a foreign country had been a success every time,
the main problem was in the evening as the students were all staying together and,
therefore, speaking English. Trying to make them speak Italian to each other, after
having spent the day at their work placement trying to understand, what was going on,
was a very difficult task. This time I arranged their accommodation in different
families.
Speaker 6
Ten days of camping in Tunis. Just imagine it. On the first day we met our guide. A guy
with dreadlocks. Actually he was a nice chap and very experienced. The days were
filled with travelling. We started the trek, and walked, with small ten minute rests every
hour, if we were lucky, for about seven hours. At nights we slept next to the river which
was really enjoyable. One night, though, we were shocked by the monsoon style rain
and hurricane. We enjoyed the food. After ten days of the expedition we left exhausted
but content.
A1-A7
Shop assistant: Good morning. How can I help you?
Customer: Good morning. I've come to look over your collection of DVD films.
Shop assistant: Oh, right. We've got a rich collection of video: fiction films, science
fiction, detective films, comedies and many others.
Customer: Well, I would like to see what blockbusters you have.
Shop assistant: The section you are interested in is on your right.
Customer: I need to buy two films for my kids. One animated film for my son. 3D
preferably. Something about car racing or something like that. The other one for my
daughter. She'd like a feature film.
Shop assistant: We have something they will definitely enjoy watching. Would you
like a gift set?
Customer: I think I'll take it, yes. I also need a musical for my wife. She loves them,
especially singing to the music. She is a music teacher, you know. .
Shop assistant: Good. We have a few discs like that. "Cats", "My Fair Lady", "The
Phantom of the Opera": Have a look.
Customer: I'll take "My Fair Lady". Thanks!
Shop assistant: Anything else?
Customer: Yes, have you got computer games on sale? I must say I am a computer
addict.
Shop assistant: I recommend you to take this one. It enjoys great popularity among
young people. The game was made after the film.
Customer: Thanks. You've been most helpful.
Shop assistant: My pleasure. And can I ask you what kind of films you like?
Customer: Oh, well, I like thrillers. I've chosen one already. Here it is.
Shop assistant: Good choice!
Customer: Thank you for your help and the information.
Shop assistant: Thank you. Come again. If you are interested in any film which is not
available, our shop can let you know when it comes in, or we can order it for you.
A8-A14
Interviewer: Tell me about your latest album, "At Home with Friends". What was the
recording process like?
Musician: Basically it's an album of cooperation with various friends that I've made
over the years in music from many different genres and I decided to put them all
together into one CD. I have a lot of interesting friends and I decided to put them
together into one album.
Interviewer: Why did you start repairing your house?
Musician: The title of the album is "At Home with Friends". What I like to do in New
York, in my house, is to have house concerts where I invite people over — different
kinds of musicians and various people — and to have casual concerts in the hall, which
is a fun thing to do. And I actually built my house and it took three and a half years to