Section 1

Test 4: 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 4 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 1.

Section 1: you will hear a woman telephoning for information about a festival. First you have some time to look at questions 1 to 7.

You will see that there is an example that has been done for you. On this occasion only, the conversation relating to this will be played first.

Good morning, Stratton festival box office how can I help you?

Oh hello; my family and I are on holiday in the area, and we’ve seen some posters about the festival this week. Could you tell me about some of the events please?

Of course.

First of all, are there still tickets available for the jazz band on Saturday?

There are, but only 15 pounds. The 12-pound seats have all been sold.

The man says that tickets are available for 15 pounds, so 15 has been written in the space. 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 7.

Good morning, Stratton festival box office how can I help you?

Oh hello; my family and I are on holiday in the area, and we’ve seen some posters about the festival this week. Could you tell me about some of the events please?

Of course.

First of all, are there still tickets available for the jazz band on Saturday?

There are, but only 15 pounds. The 12-pound seats have all been sold.

Okay; and the venue is the school, isn’t it?

Yes, that’s right. The secondary school. Make sure you don’t go to the primary school by mistake; and there’s an additional performer who isn’t mentioned on the posters; Carolyn hart is going to play with the band.

Oh, I think I’ve heard her on the radio. Doesn’t she play the oboe or flutes or something?

Yes, the flute. She usually plays with symphony orchestras. And apparently this is her first time with a jazz band.

Well I’d certainly like to hear her. Then the next thing I want to ask about is the duck races; I saw a poster beside a river, what are they exactly?

Well you buy a yellow plastic duck or as many as you like, they’re a pound each. And you write your name on each one, there’ll be several races depending on the number of ducks taking part, and John Stevens a champion swimmer who lives locally, is going to start the races. All the ducks will be launched into the river at the back of the cinema; then they’ll float along the river for 500 meters, as far as the railway bridge.

And are there any prizes?

Yes, the first duck in each race to arrive at the finishing line wins its owner free tickets for the concert on the last night of the festival.

You said you can buy a duck; I’m sure my children will both want one.

They’re on sale at a stall in the market; you can’t miss it. It’s got an enormous sign showing a couple of ducks.

Okay; I’ll go there this afternoon. I remember walking past there yesterday. Now, could you tell me something about the flower show please?

Well, admission is free and the show is being held in Bythwaite hall sorry how’d you spell that b y t h w a I t e, Bythwaite.

Is it easy to find? I’m not very familiar with the town yet.

Oh, you won’t have any problem. It’s right in the center of Stratton. It’s the only old building in the town, so it’s easy to recognize.

I know it. I presume it’s open, all day.

Yes, but if you’d like to see the prizes being awarded for the best flowers, you’ll need to be there at five o’clock. The prizes are being given by a famous actor Kevin Shapless. He lives nearby and gets involved in a lot of community events.

Gosh I’ve seen him on tv. I’ll definitely go to the prize giving!

Right.

Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 8 to 10.

Now listen and answer questions 8 to 10.

I’ve seen a list of plays that are being performed this week, and I’d like to know which is suitable for my children, and which ones my husband and I might go to?

How old are your children?

Five and seven. What about the mystery of Muldoon?

That’s aimed at five to ten-year olds.

So, if I take my children, I can expect them to enjoy it more than I do.

I think so; if you’d like something for yourself and your husband and leave your children with a babysitter, you might like to see fire and flood. It’s about events that really happened in Stratton 200 years ago. And children might find it rather frightening.

Oh, thanks for the warning. And finally, what about silly sailor?

That’s a comedy; and it’s for young and old. In fact, it won an award in the Stratton drama festival a couple of months ago.

Okay; well goodbye and thanks for all the information. I’m looking forward to the festival.

Goodbye!

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