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Module Self-Assessment 2

Tapescript for Exercise 8 (p. 67)

Interviewer: Welcome to today’s programme. Today, we have as our guest Mr Dan Singer, who began the ‘Act Now’ group. Hello Dan. You have often been called an ‘eco-warrior’. What do you think of that?

Guest: Well I don’t mind being called an eco-warrior, but some people might think that the warrior bit means being aggressive or even violent, and I’m not at all like that at all. Nor is any member of the ‘Act Now’ group.

Interviewer: Some people think that the time you ripped up pavements was quite aggressive, though. What was that all about?

Guest: What we did was, dig up a street and plant flowers there. We did it to prove a point – that we’re not going to put up with living in a concrete jungle with no trees or flowers. Humans are only part of the greater system of things. It’s about time people stopped being selfish and realised that it’s not just about now, I mean, the present. It’s also about the future. What will our children have left to enjoy if we take away nature’s beauty?

Interviewer: So, the term ‘eco-warrior’ comes from these views and actions.

Guest: I suppose people give it different meanings, but from my point of view, you can call me an ‘eco-warrior’ if it means someone who loves and respects nature and the environment. The ‘warrior’ bit is about fighting to protect it.

Interviewer: One of your main concerns is obviously the environment, but what exactly does ‘Act Now” do?

Guest: OK. Let’s take it from the start. We want to balance the relationship between people and their natural environment. At ‘Act Now” we believe in working together as a community. We provide people with information and try to educate them about environmental issues like endangered species and the use of toxic fertilizers and pesticides. As our name suggests, we then show people that they can join us and act now to prevent the destruction of our planet.

Interviewer: So, how do you protect the environment? I mean, what are some of your projects?

Guest: We organise protests against whatever we consider to be harmful to the environment. For example, Newton Council has decided to begin work on a new highway in the area. So, we’re making protest signs and we’re holding a march outside the Town Hall tomorrow.

Interviewer: Do you have much public support during your protests?

Guest: Oh yes. We make brochures and flyers that we give out, and we find that most people are curious and friendly. Many also attend the protests.

Interviewer: Yes, last week I watched you being interviewed on the news, when you were protesting against killing animals for their fur.

Guest: That was a very successful event. In fact, we even got support from the mayor as well as a famous rock group and a film star! We have also given clothing designers and manufacturers information on fur substitutes.

Interviewer: So it’s not all about marches and demonstrations. It sounds like you do quite a bit of research too.

Guest: Indeed we do. Through the Internet, books, that sort of thing.

Interviewer: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today Dan, and good luck with ‘Act Now’.

Guest: Thank you.

UNIT 5

Tapescript for Exercise 10b (p. 73)

AOh no! I’ve got a letter from the company I applied for a job with. It says they’ve found someone else! Oh, what a shame! I was sure I’d get that job!

BWait a minute. I don’t understand this. The manual says put plug A in socket B, but I can’t find a socket B. It doesn’t make any sense.

CAh! I could really get used to this! There’s nothing like lying by the pool on a sunny day with a waiter bringing you cool refreshing drinks! This is the life!

Tapescript for Exercise 31 (p. 78)

Speaker 1

I used to be the most stressed man on earth. I was working for a large company in the city and I used to spend up to twelve hours a day in my office, struggling with mountains of paperwork. I got up at six every morning and didn’t usually get home until late in the evening. My family never saw me. I never had time to meet up with my friends. It was no kind of life, really. Then one day, I suddenly realised that I was letting life pass me by. I decided that there are more important things in this world than a fat pay packet. That was it. I gave up my job and found work in a much smaller firm, where there was much less pressure. I took quite a big drop in salary, but it was worth it. Having a well-paid job is not the only measure of success, is it? I believe that if you are happy with your life, then you are truly successful.

Speaker 2

When you become a parent, you have all kinds of plans. Everybody does. We all think we will be the best parent ever; that we will be there for our children as they grow up and that we will give them all the attention they need. In reality, though, it is not as simple as that. Most of us have to work, so we are away from our homes for most of the day. When I

had my eldest daughter, I knew that my life would have to change if I was going to be the parent I wanted to be. I gave up my job with a large fashion company and began to work from home, designing and making clothes. It meant that I could still work, and I also had the opportunity to be at home with my children. I think we’re all much happier as a result.

Speaker 3

Life in the city was so hectic that I was always stressed out. It took me over an hour to get to work on the train and the bus, and by the time I got to the office I felt worn out. Then there were all the traffic fumes and the noise. It really wasn’t very healthy. Then last year, I went to visit some friends who live in a tiny village, miles away from anywhere. Their lifestyle was so much more relaxed and peaceful that I decided there and then to move out to the country. Now I live in a little cottage, surrounded by fields and trees. I work from home, so there are no more tiring journeys on public transport and I am a far more positive person.

Speaker 4

My view is that, if you really want to improve your life, you should try to improve the lives of others. I started doing charity work about five years ago and, since then, I have raised thousands of pounds and made life better for hundreds of people around the world. It is a truly wonderful feeling to know that you are using your life, your time and your energy for those in need. It also makes you realise how lucky you are to have a roof over your head, food and clean water to drink. There are so many people in the world who are less fortunate than I am, so I think it is only right to try and give something back.

Tapescript for Exercise 33 (p. 78)

1 A: How are you feeling?

B:Oh, not too bad. A little bit shaken.

A:I’m not surprised! It must have been terrifying.

B:Well, yes. My whole life flashed before me. I’ve never been so scared in all my life as when I saw that bicycle

in front of me.

A:Well, you’d better get used to being scared.

B:What do you mean?

A:You’ve still got to tell Mum what you did to her car, remember!

2A: Are you alright?

B:No. I feel awful. It must have been the seafood. I don’t think it was 100% fresh.

A:Well, I had the prawns and lots of them, and I’m OK. Are you sure youãre not allergic?

B:No way. I’m sure you just have a stronger stomach than me. Oh, my stomach! That’s it! I’m never eating at that seafood restaurant again.

3A: Hi! I’m back!

B:Oh, it’s so early. I don’t know how you can do that every morning.

A:Well, it’s a great start to the day. I feel fighting fit and ready to face anything!

B:Good. You can get the kids ready for school, then.

A:No problem. You know, you’d have much more energy if you took regular exercise. I dare you to join me tomorrow. A good run will really set you up for the day.

B:Hmm…we’ll see.

4A: Well, it looks as though someone has been overdoing it.

B:Oh dear. Is it bad news?

A:Not really. Just a pulled muscle. Have you been doing any strenuous exercise?

B:Well, I do quite a bit of weightlifting.

A:Ah, well. There’s your answer. I would try to ease up a bit if I were you.

5A: Ow! Be careful! That’s my bad hand!

B:What do you mean, your bad hand? What’s wrong

with it?

A:I’ve got a blister on it and it really hurts. Look.

B:Ooh, that is nasty. How did you do that?

A:I caught it on the oven door when I was making dinner.

B:Well, that was silly. Why didn’t you use the oven gloves?

Tapescript for Exercise 35a & b (p. 78)

A:Do sit down. Now, what seems to be the trouble?

B:Well, I’m just feeling very stressed. It’s becoming a bit of a problem really.

A:How do you mean?

B:Well, it’s affecting my whole life, and I don’t seem to have

a social life anymore. I just worry all the time and I can’t seem to relax.

A:I see. What do you think is causing this stress?

B:Well, I suppose it’s my job, mainly. I’ve had to do a lot of overtime recently. My boss keeps giving me impossible deadlines to meet and I’m scared that he’ll give me the sack if I don’t get everything done on time.

A:Hmm. That’s not good. Have you considered changing your job?

B:Oh, yes! I think about it all the time! The trouble is, there’s

just nothing available right now, and I really do need the job.

A:Well, in that case, perhaps you should talk to your boss and ask to cut down on the hours you work.

B:Oh, I don’t think he would like that at all. Isn’t there anything else you can suggest?

A:Well. If you really want to beat stress, the best thing you can do is make more time for yourself. You need to make

sure you use that time to do something just for you, to help you relax, and put your problems aside.

B: I see. Well, it’s true I don’t have much free time at the moment. When I’m not at work I have to take care of my two children.

A:Why don’t you consider child minding or day care for your children. That might be the answer to your problem.

B:I suppose I could do something like that. But the thing is, I really need a cure now. Aren’t there any pills you can

give me?

A:Of course, there are pills to help people deal with stress, but taking medicine is not the best solution. My advice to you would be to try to take things easier for a while. Cut down on the overtime, put your children in day care. Oh, and try to find time to relax.

B:I’ll try that and see how I go. Well, thank you for your

advice.

A: No problem. I hope things start to get easier for you.

UNIT 6

Tapescript for Exercise 12a (p. 87)

A:Can I help you, sir?

B:Yes. I’d like to report a missing bag. I’m sure it’s been stolen. I turned my back on it just for a moment to buy some magazines for the flight... and it was gone.

A:I see, sir. First, I’ll need your name and address so we can contact you if it’s found.

B:Yes, of course. It’s Henry Benson, and my address is 13 Court Road, Muchly.

A:Right, sir. Can you describe the bag for me?

B:Well, it’s a blue trolley bag with a retractable handle. About medium sized.

A:And when and where did you lose it?

B:It was just minutes ago, at the magazine stand in the departure lounge.

A:And the contents of the bag? Can you remember what was inside?

B:Well, let me think. Mostly clothes for the trip, but... yes, there’s a brown leather wallet with some credit cards and some extra ID in case my passport got lost.

A:... leather wallet, credit cards, ID. Anything else? Money, travellers cheques, camera or other luxury items?

B:Oh yes. An old black instamatic, you know, one of those

easy to use things. But I wouldn’t say it was valuable.

A:OK.

B:And a pocket calculator. White, with a digital display window and grey push buttons. I find it comes in useful when I travel abroad, to work out how much I’m spending and if I’m getting a fair rate when I change money. Well ...

that’s about it, I think. Except, of course for the clothes. There’s a rather expensive new suit that I... [fade]

Tapescript for Exercise 31 (p. 92)

Martha: Sorry I’m late. There was a problem with one of the computers at work and I had to stay and sort it out.

Sally: Oh, don’t talk to me about computers, Martha. Those machines are more trouble than they’re worth!

Bob: What makes you say that, Sally?

Sally: Well, we’ve just got a new computer at the doctor’s surgery where I work. It’s supposed to make my job as a receptionist much easier, because all the patient’s files will be stored on computer and I won’t have to deal with piles of paper anymore.

Bob: So, what’s the problem?

Sally: Well, guess who has to type in all the information. Me, of course. I’ve been working late every night for a week trying to get through it all.

Martha: Yes, but when you’re done everything will be organised and you’ll be able to find everything very easily. Sally: Hmm. I suppose you’re right.

Martha: It’s like our computers in the office. I mean, they do go wrong every now and then, and I suppose we do spend a lot of time fixing problems, but most of the time they make life a lot easier. On top of that we don’t have to have so many filing cabinets taking up all the space because all our files are on disc.

Bob: Exactly. I admit, when I first got the computer I use at the garage, it did take me a long time to learn how to use it properly, but now I don’t have half the trouble I used to have with jobs like doing my accounts, or billing customers. And I get everything done so much faster. I think they’re wonderful machines, really. Working with cars, as I do, you see just how useful they can be.

Martha: What do you mean?

Bob: Well, they have computers in cars these days, don’t they? It means that people can use them while they are driving to keep up with all the travel news or to find maps of whatever area they want.

Sally: Really? I didn’t know that. Computers are everywhere, aren’t they? Perhaps I shouldn’t get angry with my kids for spending so much time in Internet cafés.

Martha: Oh, no. They should use computers as much as possible. They will need their computer skills if they want to get jobs when they leave school.

Sally: I know that. I just wish they would spend more time reading and less time surfing the net. They need reading skills, too. Anyway, they have computer lessons at school, so they are learning all the useful stuff there.

Bob: I’m afraid I’ll have to disagree with you there, Sally. Most schools don’t have enough computers for all the kids to get enough practice. Things are getting better, but I think that the more practice children can get in their free time, the better. If they aren’t familiar with computers, they won’t have a future. It’s as simple as that.

Martha: Bob’s right. Using computers may not be very good for their eyesight, but it is good for their marks!

Sally: Oh well. Perhaps I should get a computer at home and get connected to the Internet, then!

Bob: Definitely you won’t regret it and you can check they’re not shopping online with your credit cards!

Sally: Oh, don’t! I won’t sleep tonight now you’ve said that! All: Hahaha!

Tapescript for Exercise 33 (p. 92)

A:With me in the studio this afternoon is Police Inspector Neal Mitchell, who will be telling us about certain things we can do to protect our homes while we are away on holiday, or just out for the evening. Inspector Mitchell, thank you for joining us.

B:Oh, you can call me Neal. I‘m not on duty at the moment!

A:Haha. Alright, Neal. So, what is the main thing we should remember when we leave our homes for any period of time?

B:Well, the first thing I‘d like to suggest is fairly obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to do it. You

should always make sure that your doors and windows are locked securely when you are getting ready to go out. An open window is an invitation to a burglar.

A:Of course.

B:You should also check that all valuables are locked up safely. If you have valuable jewellery, for example, it is a good idea to invest in a safe. Burglars will help themselves to anything they can get their hands on, so never leave

anything precious just lying around.

A:That’s good advice, Neal. A lot of people think that their belongings are safe just because their doors are locked, but it doesn’t hurt to be extra careful, does it?

B:It certainly doesn’t. Another good idea is to leave a light on in the house when you go out for the evening, but it’s important to remember that burglars are not stupid. I know a lot of people who leave their hall light on, but how many people do you know who spend the evening sitting in the hall?

A:Not many!

B:Exactly! Leave a light on where you would normally be, let’s say, in the living room, or in the bedroom. That way it looks as though you are actually in the house. As an extra safety measure, you could leave the radio on, or the television, so that there is some noise to scare off the burglars. Don’t leave it on too loud, though, or your

neighbours won’t be too happy - especially if you are late home!

A:Good point!

B:Now, obviously, the best thing you can do to prevent your house from being burgled is to install a burglar alarm.

These are fairly expensive, but they are by far the best way to secure your home. It’s best to do this through a reputable security firm in your area.

A:Right. And then of course you need to remember to set it every time you leave the house!

B:Haha! Yes. Another thing you can do, which I strongly recommend, is to let your neighbours know when you are going to be away and ask them to keep an eye on your

house. You can offer to do the same for them, too.

A:Like a neighbourhood watch scheme, you mean?

B:Exactly. Neighbourhood watch schemes are extremely

successful in preventing crime. It’s important that we all work together for the good of the community.

A:Yes. Now, Neal, it’s not only burglars who put our homes at risk while we are away, is it?

B:No, you’re absolutely right. We also have to protect our homes from fire. Now, I know this is really the fire department’s job, but I would like to advise all your listeners to fit a smoke alarm in their homes. These are

essential gadgets and have saved thousands of homes from fire damage.

A:Neal, I’m afraid we’re running out of time, but I’d like to thank you very much for joining us today. If you need any more information about protecting your home, ... [fade]

Tapescript for Exercise 35 (p. 92)

Speaker 1

I’ve never really enjoyed passive forms of entertainment. I find that the best way to unwind at the end of a long day is to do something active. The minute I get home from work, I put on my trainers and go for a run in the park. It really gets rid of all the tension that builds up in me through the day. I go to the gym four times a week, too. My friends don’t understand why I don’t just lounge in front of the TV like they do, but the truth is that I just don’t feel relaxed when I’m sitting around doing nothing.

Speaker 2

This machine has got to be the best thing I’ve ever bought. It was expensive, of course, but it was worth every penny. Now I spend almost all my free time watching films. I had a video before, of course, but this is the next step up and much better. The quality is fantastic, for a start, and you also get interviews with the actors, and information about the making of the film, which you never get on videos. The digital quality is just so much better than videos, and of course the discs don’t take up nearly as much room. My favourite way to relax in the evenings these days is to curl up on the sofa with the remote in my hand.

Speaker 3

I was never a big fan of modern technology until I bought my computer and got online. Now I spend most of my evenings checking out different websites - just surfing, you know. There’s so much information out there - it’s amazing. I’ve learnt so many new things and I’ve even made some new friends in the chatrooms I’ve visited. Some people say that it’s an antisocial way of passing the time, but I don’t agree. My social life has improved, actually. I’ve found lots of brilliant sites and I’ve learnt all sorts of things that I never knew before.

Speaker 4

It might seem a bit old-fashioned in this world of computers and high-tech gadgets, but I have to say that I prefer to make my own entertainment. My family agree with me. We hardly ever watch television and we don’t even own a computer. In the evenings, when the kids have finished their homework and we’ve all had dinner, we usually get together and play something fun. I think it’s better for the kids. They can practise their spelling with Scrabble, and they learn all kinds of useful facts when we play Trivial Pursuit. It’s a great way to improve your general knowledge. It’s relaxing, but it exercises our brains at the same time.

Speaker 5

My mum bought me this for my birthday and now I hardly ever put it down. I think it’s much better than a computer because you can take it everywhere with you. I’ve got loads of games for it, and I swop them with my friends at school, so I get to play lots of different things and I never get bored. I find it very relaxing. I just sit and play with it in my room after school and at the weekends. I’m always trying to beat my last score for each game and to get a higher score than all of my friends.

Tapescript for Exercise 39 (p. 93)

Student A

Int: (indistinct, because of background noise throughout - eg phone/voices outside/etc) What changes do you think we’ll see in computers of the future?

A: I’m sorry – I didn’t catch what you said.

Int: I wondered in what way you expect computers of the future to be different.

A: Oh, I really haven’t got a clue, I’m afraid. They’ll be faster, probably, and much smaller ... other than that, I can’t say. Int: Do you use the Internet much?

A: Yes, quite a lot.

Int: So would you say it’s very important in your life?

A: It’s not – oh, what’s the word? – it’s not essential. Is that right? In other words, I think it’s useful, but I can live without it.

Int: Do you use it for recreation more than information? A: I’m afraid I’m not sure what you mean.

Int: Sorry – what I was trying to say was, (fade) do you use it for ...

Student B

Int: (indistinct, because of background noise throughout - eg phone/voices outside/etc) What changes do you think we’ll see in computers of the future?

B: What?

Int: I wondered in what way you expect computers of the future to be different.

B: (pause) I don’t know. (pause) Faster, maybe ... much smaller

...

Tapescripts

Int: Do you use the Internet much? B: Yes, quite a lot.

Int: So would you say it’s very important in your life?

B: (pause) It’s ... er ... er ... (pause) I think it’s useful, but I can live without it.

Int: Do you use it for recreation more than information?

B: (long pause) What?

Int: Sorry – what I was trying to say was, (fade) do you use it for ...

Tapescript for Exercise 52 (p. 97)

Jill: Hi, Frank. Frank: Oh hi, Jill.

Jill: How are you? Are the kids OK?

Frank: Yes, we’re fine. The kids are really excited at the moment.

Jill: Oh why’s that?

Frank: Their school has just bought a lot of new computers for the kids to use in their lessons.

Jill: That’s a great idea. It’s so useful for the kids to be learning computer skills. They’ll really need them when they start looking for a job.

Frank: That’s true. They love using computers as well. The teachers can use films, cartoons and sound effects to teach things.

Jill: It sounds more like a game than a lesson. It must be more interesting than those boring old classes we used to sit through.

Frank: I wonder where the school found the money, though. It must have cost a fortune for all those computers, not to mention the new software as well.

Jill: And they’ll need to hire some technical support staff. You know how often things can go wrong.

Frank: It’s strange, I heard that the school was going to hire a new Music teacher or Art teacher last year but they decided they couldn’t afford it.

Jill: It would be a shame if the more creative subjects get ignored because of this new technology.

Frank: I suppose they think the kids can be creative with the computer. Artists in the future will be using special effects and computer graphics instead of paint and canvasses... but I think you’re right – they need to find a balance ...

Module Self-Assessment 3

Tapescript for Exercise 6 (p. 99)

1 Man: I don’t think we’ll have to wait very long today. I’ve never seen the acupuncturist’s waiting room so empty. Woman: Oh, I don’t mind waiting. I’ve never tried this therapy before, and I can’t imagine what it feels like. Man: (laugh) Don’t worry. Mr Lim is very experienced and besides, acupuncture really works. The needles are very fine so you hardly feel them.

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