Section 1

Test 1.

You will hear a number of different recordings and you will have to answer questions on what you hear. There will be time for you to read the instructions and questions and you will have a chance to check your work. All the recordings will be played once only. The test is in four sections. At the end of the test you will be given 10 minutes to transfer your answers to an answer sheet. Now turn to section one.

Section 1: You will hear a telephone conversation between an official at a village hall and a woman who wants to hire a public room. First, you have some time to look at questions 1 to 6:

Now we shall begin. You should answer the questions as you listen, because you will not hear the recording a second time. Listen carefully and answer questions 1 to 6.

Hello.

Oh hello, I wanted to inquire about hiring a room in the village hall for the evening of September the first.

Let me just see, hmm… yes, we have both rooms available that evening. There’s our main hall that’s got seating for 200 people, or there’s the Charlton room, the Charlton room C H A R L T O N. That’s got seating for up to 100.

Well, we’re organizing a dinner to raise money for a charity and we’re hoping for at least 150 people so, I think we’ll go for the main hall. How much would that cost?

Let’s see hmm… You wanted it for the evening of September the 1st?

Yes, that’s a Saturday.

So, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight that’d be a 150 pounds. That’s the weekend price. It’s 75 pounds on weekdays.

That’s all right.

And I have to tell you there’s also a deposit of 250 pounds which is returnable of course as long as there’s no damage; But we do insist that this is paid in cash; We don’t take cards for that. You can pay the actual rent of the room however you like though a cash, credit card, cheque…

Oh well, I suppose that’s okay. So, does the charge include use of tables and chairs and so on?

Oh yes.

And what about parking?

Yeah that’s all included; The only thing that isn’t included is you said you were organizing a dinner.

Yeah.

Well, you’ll have to pay extra for the kitchen if you want to use that. It’s 25 pounds, it’s got very good facilities good quality cookers and fridges and so on.

Okay I suppose that’s alright. We can cover the cost in our entry charges.

Right, so I’ll make a note of that.

Now, there are just one or two things you need to think about before the event. For example, you’ll have to see about getting a license if you’re planning to have any music during the meal.

Oh, really?

It’s quite straightforward. I’ll give you the details later on. And about a week or ten days before your events, you’ll need to contact the caretaker that’s Mr. Evans, to make the arrangements for entry. He’ll sort that out with you.

And do I give him the payment as well?

No, you do that directly with me.

Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 7 to 10.

Now listen and answer questions 7 to 10.

Right, now is there anything I need to know about what happens during the event?

Well, as you’ll be aware of course the building is no smoking throughout.

Of course.

Now, are you having a band?

Yes!

Well, they’ll have a lot of equipment, so rather than using the front door, they should park their van round the back and use the stage door there. You can open that from inside but don’t forget to lock it at the end.

Okay.

And talking of bands, I’m sure I don’t need to tell you this but you must make sure that no one fiddles about with the black box by the fire door. That’s a system that cuts in when the volume reaches a certain level; It’s a legal requirement.

Sure, anyway we want people to be able to talk to one another. Say we don’t want anything too loud. Oh, that reminds me we’ll be having speeches; Are there any microphones available?

Yeah, just let the caretaker know he’ll get those for you. Right, now when the event is over, we do ask that the premises are left in good condition. So, there’s a locked cupboard and you’ll be informed of the code you need to open that. It’s got all the cleaning equipment, brushes and detergent and so on.

Right, so what do we need to do after everyone’s gone? Sweep the floors I suppose?

Well, actually they have to be washed not just swept. Then you’ll be provided with black plastic bags so all the rubbish must be collected up and left outside the door.

Of course, we’ll make sure everything’s left tidy. Oh, and I forgot to ask, I presume we can have decorations in the room?

Yes, but you must take them down afterwards.

Sure.

And the chairs and tables should be stacked up neatly at the back of the room.

I’ll make sure I’ve got a few people to help me.

That is the end of section 1. You now have half a minute to check your answers.