Accidents & Emergencies – A2 English Listening Exercise

1 (B) A car accident

• Explanation: This is “The Twist”. The announcer says they first got a report about a “broken-down bus” (Option A – Trap), but then clarifies: “However, it is actually a serious accident. Three cars crashed…” Option (C) is a plausible reason for a traffic jam but is not mentioned.

2 (B) Three

• Explanation: The announcer explicitly states, “Three cars crashed into each other”. Option (C) is a trap because the number “five” is mentioned later in the audio (“Highway 5 exit”), which can confuse students who only listen for numbers. Option (A) is not mentioned.

3 (C) Use a different road to travel.

• Explanation: The announcer says, “please do not take the River Bridge today. You should use the Highway 5 exit instead.” This means they must use a different road. Option (A) is a trap; traffic is moving slowly, but drivers are instructed not to take the bridge. Option (B) is a trap because the police are “already there,” so drivers don’t need to wait for them.

Radio Announcer: Good morning, listeners! This is your 8 AM traffic report. If you are driving to work right now, please listen carefully. There is a big problem on the River Bridge. At first, we got a report about a broken-down bus blocking the road. However, it is actually a serious accident. Three cars crashed into each other just ten minutes ago! Because of this, the traffic is moving very slowly. The police are already there, but you cannot use the bridge right now. So, please do not take the River Bridge today. You should use the Highway 5 exit instead. Drive safely, everyone, and we will update you soon.

1 (B) Tonight

• Explanation: This is “The Twist”. The anchor says the storm will arrive “tonight, not tomorrow morning” (Option C – Trap). Option (A) is a trap because this morning was “very sunny”.

2 (B) Strong winds

• Explanation: The anchor explicitly states, “There won’t be a lot of rain (Option A – Trap), but the winds will be extremely strong. These winds can easily break windows and knock down big trees.” Option (C) is not mentioned.

3 (A) Stay inside their houses

• Explanation: The anchor says, “the police are asking everyone to stay inside their homes this evening.” Option (B) is a trap because the anchor specifically warns, “Please do not drive your cars”. Option (C) is what people did this morning, not what they should do now.

News Anchor: Good evening, local residents. Please listen to this urgent weather update. This morning was very sunny, so many people went to the beach. However, the weather is changing quickly. A huge storm is coming to our city, and it will arrive tonight, not tomorrow morning. There won’t be a lot of rain, but the winds will be extremely strong. These winds can easily break windows and knock down big trees. Because of this danger, the police are asking everyone to stay inside their homes this evening. Please do not drive your cars or walk on the streets until the storm passes. Stay safe, and we will update you at 10 PM.

1 (B) It is very windy.

• Explanation: The captain clearly describes the bad weather: “…and the wind is getting strong.”
• Trap: Options A and C are distractors. They are weather conditions, but they are not mentioned in the announcement.

2 (B) Go back to their seats.

• Explanation: The captain gives a direct instruction: “…please return to your seat immediately and fasten your seatbelt.”
• Trap: Option A is a trap. The bathroom is mentioned, but passengers who are using the bathroom must leave it and go back to their seats. Option C is not mentioned.

3 (C) After the storm.

• Explanation: The captain says: “So, we will bring your food after we pass the storm.”
• Trap (The Twist): Option A (Right now) is a strong trap. The captain says they planned to serve dinner right now, but they can’t because the flight attendants have to sit down safely.

Captain: Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Please listen carefully. We are flying into some very bad weather, and the wind is getting strong. The seatbelt sign is now on. If you are walking in the aisle or using the bathroom, please return to your seat immediately and fasten your seatbelt. I know many of you are hungry, and we planned to serve dinner right now. But actually, for your safety, the flight attendants must also sit down. So, we will bring your food after we pass the storm. Thank you.

1 (B) It hit a big rock.

• Explanation: Alex states the real reason: “…actually, I hit a big rock on the road and my car broke down.”
• Trap (The Twist): Option A (It had a flat tire) is the trap. Alex says he thought he had a flat tire at first, but that was wrong. Option C is a common accident but is not mentioned.

2 (A) He is completely fine.

• Explanation: Alex reassures his boss: “Don’t worry, I am completely fine.”
• Trap: Options B and C are distractors. Bosses usually worry if their employee is hurt, but Alex confirms he is okay.

3 (B) One hour late

• Explanation: Alex confirms his final delay time: “So, I will be one hour late today.”
• Trap (The Twist): Option A (30 minutes late) is the trap. Alex thought he would only be 30 minutes late, but the mechanic said it would take longer.

Alex: Hi Mr. Davis. This is Alex. I am calling to tell you I will be late for work today. I had a small accident on my way to the office. At first, I thought I had a flat tire. But actually, I hit a big rock on the road and my car broke down. Don’t worry, I am completely fine. I am waiting for the mechanic right now. I thought I would only be thirty minutes late, but he said it will take longer. So, I will be one hour late today. I am so sorry. I will see you at 10 AM.

1 (B) Turn on a fan

• Explanation: The podcaster gives a strong warning: “Many people want to turn on a fan to clear the air. Don’t do that! It can cause a fire.”
• Trap (The Twist): Option A and C are distractors. They are things you should do, not things you should never do.

2 (A) Open the windows.

• Explanation: The podcaster tells you the correct first action: “Instead, your first step is to open all the doors and windows.”
• Trap: Option B is a trap because you shouldn’t call for help immediately (you must run outside first). Option C is a distractor because the audio says “do not touch any light switches,” it doesn’t say to turn them off (which can also cause a spark).

3 (C) Outside in the street

• Explanation: The podcaster explains when it is safe to call: “When you are safe in the street, then you can call the emergency number.”
• Trap (The Twist): Option A (In the kitchen) is the trap. You might want to find your phone and call inside the house, but the podcaster explicitly says, “Don’t call from inside the house.”

Podcaster: Welcome to ‘Survival Tips’! Today, let’s talk about what to do if you smell gas in your kitchen. First, do not touch any light switches. Many people want to turn on a fan to clear the air. Don’t do that! It can cause a fire. Instead, your first step is to open all the doors and windows. After that, you might want to find your phone to call for help. But wait! Don’t call from inside the house. You must run outside first. When you are safe in the street, then you can call the emergency number.