B1 English Listening Skills — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a phone call with your energy supplier, you hear: 'Your current tariff ends on the 15th of next month. If you don't switch, you'll be moved to our standard variable rate, which is currently 28p per kWh.' What will happen if you take no action?
- Your energy supply will be cut off
- You will automatically get a cheaper deal
- You will be placed on a more expensive standard rate (Correct answer)
- Your tariff will continue at the same price
Correct answer: You will be placed on a more expensive standard rate
Standard variable rates are typically more expensive than fixed tariffs. The supplier is warning that without action, you'll move to this higher rate automatically.
Question 2: You hear an announcement at a train station: 'The 14:32 service to Edinburgh Waverley is delayed by approximately 25 minutes. This is due to a points failure at York. We apologise for the inconvenience.' When should you now expect the train?
- At 14:32 as originally scheduled
- At approximately 14:57 (Correct answer)
- The train has been cancelled
- At 15:32
Correct answer: At approximately 14:57
The original departure time of 14:32 plus a 25-minute delay gives an expected time of approximately 14:57.
Question 3: A recorded message at your dentist says: 'If you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment, please give at least 24 hours' notice. A charge of £25 may apply for missed appointments or late cancellations.' What could happen if you don't attend without calling?
- Nothing, dental appointments are always free
- You might be charged £25 for missing the appointment (Correct answer)
- You will be permanently removed from the dental register
- Your next appointment will be free as compensation
Correct answer: You might be charged £25 for missing the appointment
The message clearly states a £25 charge may apply for missed appointments or late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice).
Question 4: During a work meeting, your manager says: 'Going forward, all overtime must be pre-approved by your line manager. Any overtime worked without prior authorisation will not be paid.' What is the new policy?
- Overtime is no longer available to any staff
- You can work overtime and claim payment afterwards
- You must get permission before working any overtime hours (Correct answer)
- Overtime pay rates have been increased
Correct answer: You must get permission before working any overtime hours
'Pre-approved' and 'prior authorisation' both mean you need permission before the overtime happens. Without it, you won't be paid for extra hours.
Question 5: You hear on a radio traffic report: 'There are long delays on the M25 clockwise between junctions 8 and 10 due to a multi-vehicle collision. Drivers are advised to use alternative routes. Current delay is approximately 90 minutes.' How long is the delay?
- 30 minutes
- 60 minutes
- 90 minutes (Correct answer)
- The road is completely closed
Correct answer: 90 minutes
The traffic report specifically states the current delay is approximately 90 minutes (one and a half hours).
Question 6: A voicemail from your child's nursery says: 'We're calling to let you know that there have been two confirmed cases of chickenpox in your child's room. Please look out for symptoms including a rash, fever, and tiredness. Keep your child at home if they develop any spots until all blisters have crusted over.' When can your child return if they catch chickenpox?
- Immediately after taking medicine
- After 24 hours with no fever
- Once all the blisters have crusted over (Correct answer)
- After a doctor provides a return-to-nursery letter
Correct answer: Once all the blisters have crusted over
The voicemail specifically states to keep your child at home 'until all blisters have crusted over,' which is the standard NHS guidance for chickenpox.
B1 English Listening Skills
During a phone call with your energy supplier, you hear: 'Your current tariff ends on the 15th of next month.
If you don't switch, you'll be moved to our standard variable rate, which is currently 28p per kWh.' What will happen if you take no action?