Section 1

You will hear a number of different recordings and we’ll 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 1.

Section 1: you will hear a woman phoning a box office to ask about a festival in the town of Kenton. First, you have some time to look at questions 1 to 5.

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, Kenton festival box office how can I help you?

Oh, good morning; I’m coming to Kenton for a few days holiday next month, and a friend told me there’s a festival; she gave me this number to find out about it.

That’s right, the festival begins on the 16th of May and goes on till the 19th.

Oh, that’s great; I’ll be there from the 15th to the 19th.

The festival starts on the 16th of May; so, 16th 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 5.

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

Oh, good morning; I’m coming to Kenton for a few days holiday next month, and a friend told me there’s a festival; she gave me this number to find out about it.

That’s right, the festival begins on the 16th of May and goes on till the 19th.

Oh, that’s great; I’ll be there from the 15th to the 19th. So, could you tell me the program please?

Well, on the first day there’s the opening ceremony in the town center. People start gathering around 2 o’clock to get a good place to see from; and the events will start at 2:45 and finish about 5:30.

Ok thanks. I’ll make sure I get there early to get a good spot.

The festival will be officially opened by the mayor. He’ll just speak for a few minutes; welcoming everyone to the festival. All the town counselors will be there and of course lots of other people.

Right.

Then there’ll be a performance by a band. Most years we have a children’s choir but this year the local army cadets offered to perform and they’re very good. After that a community group from the town will perform a play they’ve written themselves, just a short one. It’s about Helen Tungates, I don’t know if you’ve heard of her.

I certainly have, she was a scientist years ago.

That’s right, she was born in Kenton exactly 100 years ago; so, we’re celebrating her scent scenery.

I’m a biologist, so I’ve always been interested in her. I didn’t realize she came from Kenton.

Yes! Well, all that will take place in the afternoon and later as the Sun sets there will be a firework display. You should go to the park to watch as you’ll get the best view from there; and the display takes place on the opposite side of the river. It’s always one of the most popular events in the festival.

Sounds great.

Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 6 to 10.

Now listen and answer questions 6 to 10.

And what’s happening on the other days?

There are several events that go on the whole time. For example, the students of the Art College have produced a number of videos, all connected with relationships between children and their grandparents.

Sounds interesting! It makes a change from children and parents doesn’t it?

Exactly, because the art college is in use for classes throughout the festival, the videos are being shown in Handsworth house.

How do you spell the name?

H A N D S W O R T H, Handsworth house. It’s close to the town hall.

Right.

Now let me see what else can I tell you about….

Are there any displays of ballet dancing? I’m particularly interested in that, as I do it as a hobby.

There isn’t any ballet I’m afraid, but there’ll be a demonstration of traditional dances from all around the country.

That’d be nice! Where’s that being held؟ it’s in the markets in the town center. The outdoor one, not the covered market. And it’s on at 2:00 and 5:00 every afternoon of the festival, apart from the first day.

Lovely! I’m interested in all kinds of dancing, so I’m sure I’ll enjoy that.

Hmm I’m sure you will.

And I’d really like to go to some concerts if there are any.

Yes, there are several; three performed by professionals and one by local children.

And where is it being held?

It’s in the library, which is in Park Street on the 18th at 6:30 in the evening.

I presume I’ll need tickets for that.

Yes, you can book online or you can buy them when you arrive in Kenton; either at the festival box office, or from any shops displaying our logo in the windows.

Well, I think that’ll keep me busy for the whole of my stay in Kenton. Thank you so much for all your help.

You’re welcome; I hope you enjoy your stay.

Thank you! Goodbye.

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