Airports & Stations – A2 English Listening Exercise
Listening 1
Listen to the conversation between a company employee and a client at the airport, then choose the correct answer (A, B, or C).
1 How did Mr. Smith know Alex was waiting for him?
(A) He recognized Alex’s face.
(B) He saw his name on a sign.
(C) He received a text message.
2 What happened to the company car?
(A) It was too crowded.
(B) It went to the wrong airport.
(C) It broke down.
3 How will they leave the airport?
(A) By taxi.
(B) By train.
(C) By company car.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Answer: (B) He saw his name on a sign.
- Explanation: Mr. Smith says, “I saw my name on your sign.” Option (A) is not mentioned. Option (C) is a trap because a text message is mentioned later in the conversation, but it was from the driver to Alex, not to Mr. Smith.
2 Answer: (C) It broke down.
- Explanation: Alex explains that “The car broke down on the way here.” Option (A) is a trap because the word “crowded” is used to describe the train, not the car. Option (B) is not mentioned.
3 Answer: (A) By taxi.
- Explanation: This question uses “The Twist” technique. The “company car” (Option C – Trap) was the original plan but it broke down. Mr. Smith then suggested the “train” (Option B – Trap), but Alex rejected it. Finally, Alex says, “Let’s just get a taxi,” and Mr. Smith agrees.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Alex: Excuse me, are you Mr. Smith from Global Tech?
Mr. Smith: Yes, I am. And you must be from the local office. I saw my name on your sign.
Alex: That’s right. Welcome! I’m Alex. How was your flight?
Mr. Smith: It was quite long, but I slept a little.
Alex: Great. Let me take your suitcase. I planned to have our company car pick us up. But… actually, the driver just texted me. The car broke down on the way here.
Mr. Smith: Oh dear. Should we take the train then?
Alex: No, the train is too crowded right now. Let’s just get a taxi. It’s right outside and much faster.
Mr. Smith: Sounds good. Let’s go.
Listening 2
Listen to the conversation between a security officer and a passenger at the airport. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C).
1 What does the passenger take off?
(A) His jacket.
(B) His shoes.
(C) His hat.
2 What electronic device does the passenger have with him?
(A) A tablet.
(B) A smartphone.
(C) A laptop.
3 Where must the passenger put his laptop?
(A) In a separate tray.
(B) In his backpack.
(C) On top of his sweater.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Answer: (B) His shoes.
- Explanation: The officer tells him to put “shoes and your jacket” in the tray. However, the passenger says, “I don’t have a jacket today” (Option A is The Trap). Therefore, he only takes off his shoes. Option (C) is not mentioned.
2 Answer: (C) A laptop.
- Explanation: The officer asks about a tablet (Option A – The Trap), but the passenger says, “I left my tablet at home, but I do have a laptop.” Option (B) is a common item but is never mentioned in the audio.
3 Answer: (A) In a separate tray.
- Explanation: The officer clearly instructs, “Take the laptop out of your backpack and put it in a separate tray.” Option (B) is The Trap because the laptop was originally inside the backpack, but he has to take it out.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Security Officer: Next, please! Step right up to the line. Please put your bags on the belt.
Passenger: Okay. Do I need to take off my shoes?
Security Officer: Yes. Your shoes and your jacket must go in the tray.
Passenger: Oh, I don’t have a jacket today. I am just wearing this sweater.
Security Officer: That’s fine, you can keep the sweater on. Now, do you have a tablet in your bag?
Passenger: I left my tablet at home, but I do have a laptop for my business trip. Should I take it out?
Security Officer: Yes, please. Take the laptop out of your backpack and put it in a separate tray.
Passenger: No problem. Here you go.
Listening 3
Listen to the conversation between an immigration officer and a passenger. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C).
1 What is the purpose of the passenger’s visit NOW?
(A) To attend a business meeting.
(B) To have a vacation.
(C) To study at a university.
2 How long will the passenger stay?
(A) Six days.
(B) Ten days.
(C) Two weeks.
3 Where is the passenger going to sleep during the trip?
(A) At his friends’ house.
(B) At the airport.
(C) At the City Hotel.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Answer: (B) To have a vacation.
- Explanation: The passenger says he planned to come for a “business meeting” (Option A – The Trap), but it was canceled. He uses the word “So” to give his final decision: “I am just here for a vacation.” Option (C) is a common reason to travel but is not mentioned in the audio.
2 Answer: (A) Six days.
- Explanation: This is a classic “Twist”. The passenger says, “I wanted to stay for ten days” (Option B – The Trap), but he has to go back to work early. His final answer is “I am only staying for six days.” Option (C) is never mentioned.
3 Answer: (C) At the City Hotel.
- Explanation: The passenger clearly states, “I booked a room at the City Hotel.” Option (A) is The Trap because he mentioned visiting friends earlier, but he specifically says, “I am not staying at my friends’ house.” Option (B) is not mentioned.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Officer: Good morning. Passport, please.
Passenger: Morning. Um… here you go.
Officer: Thank you. What is the purpose of your visit? Are you here for business or a vacation?
Passenger: Well, I planned to come here for a business meeting. But unfortunately, the meeting was canceled. So, I am just here for a vacation to visit some friends.
Officer: I see. And how long will you stay in the country?
Passenger: I wanted to stay for ten days, but my boss needs me back at the office early. So, I am only staying for six days.
Officer: Okay. And where are you staying?
Passenger: I am not staying at my friends’ house. I booked a room at the City Hotel.
Officer: Everything looks fine. Welcome, and enjoy your stay.
Listening 4
Listen to a phone conversation between an employee and her manager. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C).
1 Where is Maria right now?
(A) In a taxi.
(B) At the train station.
(C) At the branch office.
2 How is Maria going to the branch office?
(A) By taxi.
(B) By bus.
(C) By subway.
3 How long will it take Maria to arrive at the office?
(A) 15 minutes.
(B) 30 minutes.
(C) 45 minutes.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Answer: (B) At the train station.
- Explanation: Maria clearly says, “I arrived at the central train station safely.” Option (A) is the trap because David asks if she is in a taxi, but she is not. Option (C) is her destination, but she is not there yet.
2 Answer: (B) By bus.
- Explanation: This uses “The Twist”. Maria says, “I wanted to take a taxi” (Option A – The Trap), but the line was too long. Her final decision is, “I am waiting for the bus instead.” Option (C) is a common form of transport but is never mentioned in the audio.
3 Answer: (B) 30 minutes.
- Explanation: Maria states that the bus is slower, so she will be there “in 30 minutes.” Option (A) is the trap because 15 minutes is the time it takes if she uses a taxi. Option (C) is not mentioned.
AUDIO SCRIPT
David: Hello, David speaking.
Maria: Hi David, it’s Maria. I’m calling to tell you that I arrived at the central train station safely.
David: That’s great news, Maria. The ride to our branch office usually takes 15 minutes. Are you in a taxi right now?
Maria: Well, um, I wanted to take a taxi, but the line outside the station is too long. So, I am waiting for the bus instead.
David: Oh, okay. So, how long will it take you to get here?
Maria: The bus is a bit slower, so I think I will be there in 30 minutes.
David: Perfect. I will see you soon!
Listening 5
Listen to the conversation between a manager and his assistant. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C).
1 When will Mr. Davis leave for London?
(A) Monday morning.
(B) Tuesday morning.
(C) Wednesday morning.
2 Why did Mr. Davis change his travel day?
(A) Because his meeting was moved.
(B) Because he was sick.
(C) Because the train was full.
3 What kind of ticket will Emma buy?
(A) A one-way ticket.
(B) Two one-way tickets.
(C) A return ticket.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Answer: (B) Tuesday morning.
- Explanation: This uses “The Twist”. Mr. Davis says, “I planned to go on Monday” (Option A – The Trap), but things changed. His final decision is, “I need to leave on Tuesday morning instead.” Option (C) is never mentioned.
2 Answer: (A) Because his meeting was moved.
- Explanation: Mr. Davis explains the reason for the change clearly: “but my meeting was moved.” Options (B) and (C) are plausible reasons for changing a train ticket, but they are not mentioned in the audio.
3 Answer: (C) A return ticket.
- Explanation: Emma asks if she should buy a “one-way ticket” (Option A – The Trap). Mr. Davis rejects this and says, “Please get a return ticket.” Option (B) is not mentioned.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Mr. Davis: Emma, I need to go to London next week for a business trip. Can you book a train ticket for me?
Emma: Of course, Mr. Davis. Do you want to leave on Monday morning?
Mr. Davis: Well, I planned to go on Monday, but my meeting was moved. So, I need to leave on Tuesday morning instead.
Emma: Okay, Tuesday morning. Should I buy a one-way ticket?
Mr. Davis: No, I am coming back the same day. Please get a return ticket.
Emma: Got it. I will book a return ticket for Tuesday morning right now.