Exercise 1
Listen to the story of Mark and Allie. Mark the sentences T (true) or F (false).
1 Why did she choose Beirut?
2 Why did she want to take a year off?
3 Who is Omayma?
4 Why does Karen say Arabic is a difficult language?
5 How long has Karen been teaching belly dancing?
6 How do her students feel about an English woman teaching them belly dancing?
7 What does she like most about living in Lebanon?
Answers
1 Because she and her husband (Mike) have always loved Arab culture and language.
2 She wanted a break from teaching / a change and she wanted to learn to draw (properly).
3 A fantastic art teacher, who speaks English.
4 Because of the pronunciation. / It takes a long time to learn to read and write.
5 For about six years.
6 They are happy that she loves Arabic music and understands something about their culture.
7 The people – the hospitality is amazing.
Audioscripts
I = Interviewer, K = Karen
I So, how long have you been living here?
K For about six months now.
I Why did you choose Beirut?
K Because, Mike – my husband – and I have always loved Arab culture and the language. Mike’s an English teacher and he got a job here in a language school.
I Why did you want to take a year off?
K Basically I wanted a break from teaching. I love teaching children but I needed a change. Also I’ve been drawing and painting since I was little but I’ve never really had the change to study drawing. So this seemed like the perfect opportunity to have a change and learn to draw properly.
I What have you been doing here since you arrived?
K Well, I found a fantastic art teacher, called Omayma and I’ve been having classes with her since October. She’s great and she speaks English, which is lucky because I don’t know much Arabic yet. But I am learning the language as quickly as I can.
I Is Arabic a difficult language to learn?
K Incredibly difficult! Especially the pronunciation. You have to learn to make a lot of new sounds. Also it takes a long time to learn to read and write in Arabic.
I You also teach belly dancing here?
K That’s right.
I How did that happen?
K Well, I’ve been teaching belly dancing for about six years, and I love it so I wanted to continue doing it here. A lot of Lebanese women don’t know how to belly dance and they want to learn. I give classes here in my living room. We have a lot of fun!
I Are your students surprised that an English person is teaching them belly dancing?
K Yes, very, but they’re also really happy to find that a foreigner loves Arabic music and understands something from their culture.
I What’s the best thing about living in Lebanon so far?
K The people! The hospitality of the people here is absolutely amazing.
Exercise 2
Listen. What have they been doing? Complete the sentences.
1 Sharon and Kenny _______________.
2 The man _______________.
3 The man and woman _______________ and _______________.
Answers
1 Sharon and Kenny have been arguing.
2 The man has been reading by the pool (without any suncream on).
3 The man and woman have been sightseeing and walking all afternoon.
Audioscripts
1
A Hello?
B Hi Sharon. It’s me… Kylie.
A Oh. Hi Kylie.
B Hey, you sound awful – what’s been happening?
A Oh, nothing. Well, OK… Kenny and I have been arguing.
B What about? What’s he been doing this time?
A He’s been sending text messages to his ex-girlfriend again.
B No!
A I knew this holiday was a mistake. I shouldn’t have come.
2
A You are so red! How long have you been sunbathing? All morning?
B I haven’t been sunbathing. I’ve been reading.
A Yes, but in the sun! Didn’t you put any suncream on?
B No.
A You’d better go and put some after suncream on now. You’re going to feel terrible tonight…
3
A You two look exhausted. What have you been doing?
B We’ve been sightseeing in the town. We’ve been walking all afternoon.
C Yes, my feet are killing me.
A Well, come and sit down in the bar and have a nice cup of tea.