Food & Drink – A2 English Listening Exercise

1 (B) A summer salad

• Explanation: The chef clearly says, “Today, we are going to make a very special, healthy summer salad.” Option (C) is a trap; he mentions chicken, but explicitly states, “we are not using any meat.” Option (A) is a plausible TV show food but is never mentioned.

2 (B) Five

• Explanation: The chef tells the audience, “You only need five basic ingredients for this recipe.” Option (A) is a trap; the number two is mentioned (“two large red tomatoes”), but it is the quantity of tomatoes, not the total number of ingredients. Option (C) is not mentioned.

3 (C) Cheese

• Explanation: The chef explains his twist on the recipe by saying, “Instead, we are going to add some cheese.” Option (A) is a trap; tomatoes are mentioned as a basic ingredient earlier, not as the replacement for chicken. Option (B) is a plausible meat substitute, but it is not mentioned in the audio.

Chef Carl: Welcome back to “Cooking with Carl”! Today, we are going to make a very special, healthy summer salad. It is perfectly fresh for a hot day, and it is very easy to make. You only need five basic ingredients for this recipe. First, you need some fresh lettuce and two large red tomatoes. Next, we need some good olive oil and a little salt. Now, usually, I put grilled chicken in this salad. But today, we are not using any meat. Instead, we are going to add some cheese to make it extra delicious. So, grab your bowls, and let’s get started!

1 (A) For one hour

• Explanation: The announcer clearly states, “For the next hour only, all our fresh bread is 50 percent off.” Option (C) is the trap; the number “two” is mentioned later when talking about strawberries, not the time limit. Option (B) is a common supermarket promotion but is not true here.

2 (B) Sweet cakes

• Explanation: The announcer gives a warning: “this discount does not include sweet cakes or cookies.” Option (A) is a trap; fresh bread is the item that is on sale. Option (C) is a plausible food item but is never mentioned in the audio.

3 (B) Buy two boxes, get one free.

• Explanation: At the end of the announcement, the speaker says, “if you buy two boxes of strawberries, you get one box completely free!” Option (A) is a trap; the 50 percent off discount is for the bread, not the strawberries. Option (C) is a trap using the correct numbers but in the wrong order.

Announcer: Attention all shoppers! Welcome to Fresh Market. We have a very special announcement for you today. If you are hungry, please visit our bakery in aisle three. For the next hour only, all our fresh bread is 50 percent off. That’s right, half price! But please listen carefully: this discount does not include sweet cakes or cookies. It is only for the bread. Also, before you leave, don’t forget to stop by the fresh fruit section near the front doors. Today, if you buy two boxes of strawberries, you get one box completely free! Thank you for shopping with us, and have a great day.

1 (A) Small and cozy

• Explanation: The vlogger clearly says, “It’s very small and cozy, with warm lights…” Options (B) and (C) are plausible descriptions for other restaurants, but they are the opposite of what is mentioned in the audio.

2 (B) Beef steak

• Explanation: The vlogger says, “So, I ordered the beef steak instead.” Option (A) is the trap; the vlogger originally wanted the roast chicken, but it was sold out. Option (C) is a plausible food item but is never mentioned.

3 (C) The potatoes are cold.

• Explanation: Near the end, the vlogger says, “The potatoes on the side are a little cold.” Option (A) is a trap; the steak is actually described as “soft and juicy,” which means it is very good, not tough. Option (B) is a common restaurant complaint, but money is not discussed in the review.

Vlogger: Hi everyone, welcome back to my channel! Today, I am eating at a new place called The Rustic Grill. The atmosphere here is amazing. It’s very small and cozy, with warm lights and quiet music. I actually wanted to try their famous roast chicken today, but unfortunately, they were completely sold out. So, I ordered the beef steak instead. And wow, I am so happy I did! The steak is perfectly cooked. It is so soft and juicy, with lots of flavor. The potatoes on the side are a little cold, but the steak is definitely a ten out of ten. You have to try it!

1 (B) You should eat a big breakfast.

• Explanation: The nutritionist clearly says, “You should actually eat a big breakfast.” Option (A) is the trap; she says that many people think they should eat less, but she calls this a “bad idea.” Option (C) is a plausible healthy habit but is never mentioned in the audio.

2 (B) Two liters

• Explanation: The speaker explicitly states, “you must drink at least two liters of water every day.” Options (A) and (C) are plausible amounts of water, but they are not the numbers mentioned by the expert.

3 (A) Eat snacks like cookies

• Explanation: The nutritionist gives direct advice: “You should really stop eating snacks in the evening,” and she mentions cookies and chips as examples. Option (B) is a trap; drinking milk is what you should do if you are hungry at night. Option (C) is a common evening activity but is not mentioned.

Nutritionist: Hello everyone, and welcome back to the ‘Healthy Living’ podcast. Today, let’s talk about your daily habits. Many people think they need to eat less food at breakfast to lose weight. However, that is a very bad idea! You should actually eat a big breakfast. But my best advice today is about water and snacks. First, you must drink at least two liters of water every day to stay healthy. Second, what do you do when you are hungry at night? People usually eat cookies or chips. You should really stop eating snacks in the evening. If you are very hungry before bed, just have a warm glass of milk instead.

1 (A) Chicken with rice or spaghetti with tomato sauce

• Explanation: The flight attendant clearly lists the two choices: “chicken with rice, or spaghetti with tomato sauce.” Option (B) is a trap that uses the words “chicken” and “rice” but in the wrong meals. Option (C) is a plausible airplane meal but is not mentioned.

2 (C) A chocolate cake

• Explanation: The speaker says, “Both meals come with a small chocolate cake for dessert.” Options (A) and (B) are common desserts on airplanes but are never mentioned in the audio.

3 (B) Because the weather is bad.

• Explanation: The flight attendant explains the change in routine by saying, “But today, because the weather is a little bad, we cannot serve any hot drinks right now.” Option (A) is a common airplane rule, but it is not the reason given here. Option (C) is a plausible problem, but it is not mentioned.

Flight Attendant: Ladies and gentlemen, we are now going to begin our lunch service. Today, you have two choices for your main dish: you can choose chicken with rice, or spaghetti with tomato sauce. Both meals come with a small chocolate cake for dessert. Now, we usually serve hot coffee and tea with our meals. But today, because the weather is a little bad, we cannot serve any hot drinks right now. It is not safe. We will only serve cold drinks, like water and apple juice. Please stay in your seat, and we will be with you shortly.