Future plans (Be going to) – A2 English Listening Exercise

1 (B) Join an English course

• Explanation: The teacher mentions that Leo planned to take Math classes (The Trap). However, Leo uses “But” to change his plan, stating he decided to join an English course because of the university requirements. Working at a computer shop is not mentioned.

2 (A) To read IT materials

• Explanation: The teacher clearly says, “IT students have to read a lot of materials in English.” Studying abroad (B) and talking to foreign friends (C) are plausible reasons to learn English, but they are never mentioned in the conversation.

3 (B) At a language center

• Explanation: The teacher asks if he will study online at home (The Trap). Leo says he thought about it, but uses “However” to explain he gets lazy at home. His final decision is to go to a “language center in town.” His high school is not mentioned.

Student: Mr. Davis, I really want to study Information Technology at university next year. What should I do to prepare?

Teacher: That’s a great goal, Leo. Well, you need to study hard. I know you planned to take extra Math classes this summer.

Student: Yes, I did. But, um, I looked at the university website. They actually want students with high English scores. So, I decided to join an English course instead.

Teacher: Good choice. IT students have to read a lot of materials in English. Are you going to study online?

Student: I thought about it. However, I usually get lazy at home. I will go to a language center in town.

Teacher: That is an excellent plan!

1 (B) Visit a client

• Explanation: The manager mentions staying at the office (The Trap), and Sarah also says she had planned to do that. However, she uses the word “But” to change her mind: going to meet a client (Mr. Jones).

2 (C) He is busy with a meeting.

• Explanation: The manager explained that the reason for not being able to write the report was “I have a very long meeting all afternoon.” Options A and B were not mentioned as reasons for the manager’s inability to write the report.

3 (C) John

• Explanation: Sarah asks if the Manager will write the report (The Trap). The Manager refuses and uses the word “So” to give the final answer: “I will ask John to write it.” Sarah will give the presentation, not write the report.

Manager: Hi Sarah, let’s plan next week. On Tuesday, are you staying in the office to make phone calls?

Sarah: Well, I planned to do that, but I think I should visit our new client, Mr. Jones, instead. He has some questions.

Manager: Okay, so you’ll visit the client on Tuesday. And what about the sales report on Friday?

Sarah: Will you write it like last week?

Manager: I wanted to, but I have a very long meeting all afternoon. So, I will ask John to write the report this time.

Sarah: Perfect. I’ll just focus on my sales presentation on Friday then.

Manager: Thanks, Sarah.

1 (B) A head chef

• Explanation: David says he wanted to open his own restaurant (The Trap). However, he uses “But” to change his plan because it costs too much money. He uses “So” to state his real plan: “I plan to become a head chef first.” A hotel manager is not mentioned.

2 (B) In his current city

• Explanation: David mentions that he thought about moving to London (The Trap). But he uses the word “However” to explain that his family is here. His final decision is to “stay and work in this city.” A small town is not mentioned.

3 (C) Italian

• Explanation: David says he planned to study business management (The Trap). He changes his mind because he thinks learning a language is more useful. He says, “I am going to study Italian.” French is a language, but it is not mentioned in the audio.

Interviewer: So, David, where do you see yourself in three years?

Candidate: Well, when I finished university, I wanted to open my own restaurant. But I realized it costs too much money right now. So, I plan to become a head chef first.

Interviewer: That’s a great goal. Will you stay in this city to work?

Candidate: Actually, I thought about moving to London. However, my family is here, so I decided to stay and work in this city.

Interviewer: Excellent. And do you plan to take any more classes?

Candidate: Yes. I planned to study business management. But I think learning a new language is more useful for my cooking. So, I am going to study Italian.

1 (B) Spanish

• Explanation: Lisa says she planned to study French first (The Trap). However, because her company is opening an office in Madrid, she uses “So” to state her final decision: “I decided to take Spanish classes instead.” German is not mentioned.

2 (A) For her work

• Explanation: Lisa clearly states in her first sentence, “I want to learn a new language for work,” and she mentions her company opening a new office. Options B (vacation) and C (family) are plausible reasons to learn a language, but they are not mentioned in the audio.

3 (C) In the evening

• Explanation: Mark asks if she will study in the morning (The Trap), and Lisa admits she thought about it. But she uses the word “However” to explain she is too tired then. Her final plan is to “join an evening class.” The afternoon is not mentioned.

Mark: Hey Lisa, do you have any special plans for next month?

Lisa: Yes, Mark. I want to learn a new language for work. I planned to study French. But, our company is opening a new office in Madrid soon. So, I decided to take Spanish classes instead.

Mark: That’s a great idea! Will you study in the morning before work?

Lisa: I thought about morning classes. However, I am always too tired in the morning. So, I am going to join an evening class.

Mark: That makes sense. Good luck with your studies!

1 (B) At an Italian restaurant

• Explanation: Tom says he wanted to book the Star Hotel (The Trap). However, he changes his mind because it is too expensive. Emma then suggests the “Italian restaurant near our office,” and Lisa agrees. The company office is not the location for the party.

2 (A) Only the company employees

• Explanation: Tom suggests inviting the big clients (The Trap). But Emma corrects him by saying the boss wants the party “only for our staff” (staff = employees). Lisa confirms this. The employees’ families are not mentioned.

3 (B) A lucky draw

• Explanation: Lisa asks if they are going to have a singing contest (The Trap). Tom rejects this idea because people are too shy. He uses “instead” to introduce the final decision: “Let’s do a lucky draw.” A dancing game is not mentioned in the audio.

Lisa: Hi guys, let’s plan the company’s year-end party. First, where should we have it?

Tom: Well, I wanted to book the Star Hotel. But, um, it is too expensive this year.

Emma: Yeah, we don’t have enough money. So, let’s just have it at the Italian restaurant near our office. The food is great there.

Lisa: Good idea! Next, who are we going to invite?

Tom: I planned to invite some of our big clients. It’s good for business.

Emma: Actually, the boss said this party is only for our staff. We just need to relax.

Lisa: Right, just employees then. Finally, what about activities? Are we going to have a singing contest?

Tom: No, people are too shy to sing. Let’s do a lucky draw instead. Everyone loves winning prizes.

Emma: Perfect. I will go buy the gifts tomorrow!