Listening Paper: Part 1

Tapescript

1. Basically, I was looking for somewhere to get away from it all and relax, because the last few months have been so hectic at work, but I didn’t want to feel cut off, because it’s nice to meet people on holiday too. The complex sounded exactly what I was looking for – there were ten villas with a shared swimming pool and a restaurant, but each one had its own private sitting-out area. What I wasn’t prepared for, however, was the fact that the place was popular with young families. So it was very noisy during the day, and extremely dull in the evening.
2. Man: How did you get on at the dentist’s?
   I’m afraid it’s a bit of a long story. I got held up on the motorway, so I was 15 minutes late for the appointment. Anyway, the next patient had gone in, so I’d missed it, which is fair enough, but then the receptionist said I’d have to pay anyway.  I’m afraid after rushing like mad trying to get there on time, I was a bit stressed out and I just lost my temper. I feel awful about it now because I really shouted at her in front of the waiting room full of people. It made me feel better at the time, though.
3. W: I feel sorry for Mandy really, I mean she spent hours preparing that report and no one thought to tell her that the policy had changed.
   M: Well, you know, she’s invited to all the meetings …
   W: Come on, if we went to all the meetings we’re invited to, none of us would ever get anything finished.
   M: Well, even if you’re not there, the minutes are circulated by email, you know, so I don’t believe that she wasn’t told. Either she wasn’t listening, or she hadn’t checked her inbox.
   W: I guess so, but I still feel sorry for her.
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5. Presenter:  A listener, Mary, writes from Oxford to ask: what’s the best age to introduce a child to computers? Well, Mary, recent research suggests that this can be a positive move for kids as young as three. It can enhance language and creative skills and give them a headstart in understanding technology. But that doesn’t mean sticking the child in front of a screen and leaving them to it. Get a chair that’s the right height, and keep each session to half an hour or less – more than enough time in one position for growing bones and a vulnerable spine. And sit with them, then you can answer any questions they might have.
6. There can’t be many people around who haven’t read at least one book by David Granham. His blend of subtle characterisation and superb plot lines makes his thrillers almost universally popular. But if you haven’t sampled one yet, his latest offering The Colne Verdict is not the place to start. Although fans will find all the usual ingredients in place, and the writing is up to his usual standard, my impression is that the formula is beginning to wear a little thin, as if perhaps he’s getting a little bored with it himself, and needs to try something a little different.
7. Presenter: And next we have a call from Sally, who works in a bank. Go ahead, Sally.
   S: Hello, yes… I work in a big office and my department has hired and lost eight secretarial staff in as many months. I wouldn’t say our salary structure was poor, and the hours and conditions are fairly standard, so what is driving new recruits away? As a section leader, I’m involved in recruitment discussions but I am at a loss…
   PR: Right well, let’s ask our expert, Tom Willis what he …
8. M: I made a reservation for this evening. The names’ Walters.
   W: Mmm… Ah, yes here we are. The front row of the stalls and I think you’ve also booked dinner in the restaurant upstairs before the performance.
   M: That’s right — a table for two. What time is dinner served?
   W: From six-thirty onwards, but we recommend that you take your seats in the auditorium by about seven twenty-five, because the curtain goes up at seven-thirty, so it’s best not to leave it too late.
   M: Oh, right. My wife’s just gone to freshen up in our hotel room. It’s only across the street, but I hope she’s not long.