Endangered Species – B1 English Listening Exercise
Listening 1
Listen to a conversation between a tourist and a travel agent. Choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why is the travel agency offering a lower ticket price?
(A) Because the tourist is buying multiple tickets at once.
(B) Because the whale-watching period for the year is almost over.
(C) Because the morning departures are usually less popular.
2 What is the tourist’s main concern before paying for the trip?
(A) She wants to ensure the activity does not harm the marine life.
(B) She is worried that the boat will not get close enough to see the whales.
(C) She wants to make sure the boat’s engine is safe and will not break down.
3 How does the company make sure they do not disturb the whales?
(A) They only allow a maximum of 100 people on the boat at a time.
(B) They feed the whales from a distance to keep them calm.
(C) They stop the boat’s motors to keep the environment quiet.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: The agent says the price is $65 instead of $80 “since it’s the end of the season”. Option B paraphrases this as the period being “almost over”.
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a plausible guess because the tourist buys two tickets, but the discount was offered before she stated how many tickets she wanted. Option (C) is a trap; the audio actually says the morning trip is “better”, not less popular.
2 Correct Answer: (A)
- Explanation: The tourist asks if the company follows guidelines to protect the endangered species because she doesn’t want to go on a boat that “stresses the animals out”. Option A perfectly summarizes this concern.
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (B) is the exact opposite of what she says (she doesn’t want a boat that gets “too close”). Option (C) is a trap; the word “engine” is mentioned later by the agent, but the tourist is not worried about it breaking down.
3 Correct Answer: (C)
- Explanation: The agent explains that they “turn off the engines” so the noise doesn’t interfere with the whales. Option C paraphrases this as stopping the “motors” to keep the environment “quiet”.
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. The number “100” is mentioned in the audio, but it refers to the distance (“100 meters”), not the number of people on the boat. Option (B) is plausible but not mentioned at all in the conversation.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Tourist: Hello, I’m interested in booking a whale-watching trip for this Saturday. Can you give me some details about the schedule and the costs?
Agent: Certainly! We have two departures on Saturday: one at 8:00 AM and another at 2:00 PM. The morning trip is usually better for spotting them. The standard ticket is $80, but since it’s the end of the season, we are offering a discounted rate of $65 per person.
Tourist: Oh, $65 sounds great. I’ll take two tickets for the morning session. But, um, before I pay, I have a quick question. I know some marine species in this area are endangered. Does your company follow strict guidelines to protect them? I don’t want to go on a boat that gets too close and stresses the animals out.
Agent: Absolutely. We are fully certified by the local wildlife protection board. Our captains always maintain a minimum distance of 100 meters from the whales, and we turn off the engines when we are observing them so the noise doesn’t interfere with their communication.
Tourist: That’s a huge relief. I’m glad to hear you prioritize their well-being. Here is my credit card.
Listening 2
Listen to a conversation between a street fundraiser and a passerby, and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What does the fundraiser primarily want the passerby to do?
(A) Give her some cash immediately to help the animals.
(B) Agree to make a regular financial contribution.
(C) Join the conservation network as a wildlife volunteer.
2 Why did the man initially think he could not help the charity?
(A) He did not carry any paper money with him.
(B) He was in too much of a hurry to stop and talk.
(C) He did not believe the campaign was legitimate.
3 How will the man’s donation be processed?
(A) He will have to visit his bank to transfer the money.
(B) He will pay using his mobile banking application.
(C) The money will be automatically taken from his card.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: The fundraiser asks the man if he would consider “setting up a small monthly donation.” Option B paraphrases this as a “regular financial contribution.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. The word “cash” is mentioned in the audio, but the fundraiser explicitly says they “don’t accept cash on the street.” Option (C) is plausible, but the fundraiser does not ask him to become a volunteer.
2 Correct Answer: (A)
- Explanation: The man says, “I’d love to help, but unfortunately, I don’t have any cash on me right now.” Option A paraphrases this as not carrying “paper money.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (B) is a trap. The man mentions he is “in a bit of a hurry” at the beginning, but he still stops to listen (“I can spare a minute”). The real reason he thought he couldn’t help was the lack of cash.
3 Correct Answer: (C)
- Explanation: The fundraiser explains that they will set up a “direct deduction from your credit card.” Option C paraphrases this as the money being “automatically taken from his card.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. The man asks if he needs to “go to my local bank,” but the fundraiser immediately rejects this idea by saying “Not at all.” Option (B) is a plausible modern payment method, but it is not mentioned.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Fundraiser: Excuse me, sir! Do you have a quick minute for the African elephants?
Passerby: Um, I’m actually in a bit of a hurry, but I guess I can spare a minute. What’s this about?
Fundraiser: Thank you so much! I work for the Wildlife Conservation Network. We’re currently running a campaign to protect African elephants from illegal poaching. They are constantly hunted for their ivory tusks, and their numbers are dropping fast.
Passerby: That’s terrible. I read something about that recently. I’d love to help, but unfortunately, I don’t have any cash on me right now.
Fundraiser: Oh, that’s completely fine. We actually don’t accept cash on the street for security reasons. We’re looking for long-term supporters. Would you consider setting up a small monthly donation instead?
Passerby: Well, how does that work? Do I need to go to my local bank to arrange it?
Fundraiser: Not at all, it’s very simple. You just fill out this digital form on my tablet with your contact details, and we can set up a direct deduction from your credit card. And don’t worry, you can cancel it anytime.
Passerby: Ah, I see. That sounds very convenient. Let me get my wallet out then.
Listening 3
Listen to a conversation between a park visitor and a ranger. Choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What is the visitor’s main goal at the national park?
(A) To look at a rare species of water birds.
(B) To photograph the birds in the eastern marshes.
(C) To assist the park rangers in protecting the animals.
2 Why is a certain area of the park closed to visitors?
(A) Because the trails are too dangerous to walk on right now.
(B) Because the observation tower is located in that specific area.
(C) Because the birds are currently in their reproductive period.
3 How will the visitor view the wildlife?
(A) By using a special building designed for watching the animals.
(B) By renting a pair of binoculars from the park staff.
(C) By taking a guided boat ride across the west side of the lake.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (A)
- Explanation: The visitor says he wants to “do some bird watching… specifically to see the endangered spoonbills”. Option A paraphrases this as looking at a “rare species of water birds.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (B) is a trap. The “eastern marshes” are mentioned in the audio, but the ranger explicitly states that this area is “closed to the public.” Option (C) is a plausible activity at a park, but it is not mentioned.
2 Correct Answer: (C)
- Explanation: The ranger explains that the area is closed because “It’s their breeding season.” Option C paraphrases this as being in their “reproductive period.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (B) is a trap. The “observation tower” is mentioned in the audio, but it is located on the “west side of the lake,” not in the closed eastern marshes. Option (A) is plausible but not mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: (A)
- Explanation: The ranger directs the visitor to an “observation tower” that is “built specifically for this purpose.” Option A paraphrases this as a “special building designed for watching the animals.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (B) is a trap. The word “binoculars” is mentioned, but the visitor says “I brought my binoculars,” meaning he doesn’t need to rent them from the staff. Option (C) is not mentioned.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Visitor: Excuse me. I’m hoping to do some bird watching today, specifically to see the endangered spoonbills. Do you have a map of the trails?
Park Ranger: Yes, absolutely. Here is a trail guide. However, you need to be careful. The eastern marshes are currently closed to the public. It’s their breeding season, and we must minimize human disturbance.
Visitor: Oh, I completely understand. I definitely don’t want to break any rules or upset the birds. So, um, where is the best place to observe them safely?
Park Ranger: If you follow this blue path on the map, it leads straight to the observation tower on the west side of the lake. It’s built specifically for this purpose. You can get a great view of the water from up there without getting too close to their nesting sites.
Visitor: That sounds perfect. I brought my binoculars, so the distance won’t be a problem at all. Is there a fee to use the tower?
Park Ranger: No, it’s completely free. Just make sure to stay on the marked path on your way there.
Listening 4
Listen to a conversation between a customs officer and a passenger at the airport. Choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why is the customs officer inspecting the passenger’s souvenir?
(A) To confirm it is not produced from forbidden plant species.
(B) To check if it is carved out of a real rhino horn.
(C) To determine its exact price in order to charge an import tax.
2 How does the passenger prove that his item is legal?
(A) He asks the shop owner to speak directly to the officer.
(B) He presents a document he received when purchasing the item.
(C) He points out the official brand name carved on the bottom.
3 According to the officer, what is a major consequence of illegal logging?
(A) It reduces the number of fast-growing trees like the mango tree.
(B) It significantly contributes to the worsening of global climate change.
(C) It ruins the natural environments where wildlife lives.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (A)
- Explanation: The officer needs to “verify what material it is made of” because products from “endangered trees” are “prohibited.” Option A uses synonyms: “forbidden plant species” is a paraphrase for prohibited/endangered trees.
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (B) is a trap. The passenger mentions the statue is “in the shape of a rhino,” but it is a wooden statue, not made of actual animal parts. Option (C) is a plausible customs procedure, but calculating tax is never mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: The officer asks for a “receipt or any certificate of origin,” and the passenger provides it (“this document looks perfectly fine”). Option B paraphrases this as presenting “a document he received when purchasing.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. The passenger mentions that the “shop owner assured me,” but he does not call the owner to speak to the officer. Option (C) is plausible but not mentioned at all.
3 Correct Answer: (C)
- Explanation: The officer states that illegal logging is “destroying habitats for many wild animals.” Option C paraphrases this as “ruins the natural environments where wildlife lives.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. “Mango wood” is mentioned in the audio, but the passenger specifically says it “grows quickly and isn’t protected,” so it is not the victim of illegal logging. Option (B) is a plausible environmental issue, but the officer does not mention climate change.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Customs Officer: Next, please. Could you open your suitcase, sir? I need to inspect this wooden statue you have declared.
Passenger: Oh, sure. It’s a souvenir I bought for my living room. It’s carved in the shape of a rhino.
Customs Officer: It’s a beautiful piece. However, I need to verify what material it is made of. There are strict international laws protecting endangered trees. Products made from rosewood or ebony, for example, are completely prohibited from entering the country.
Passenger: Oh, wow, I had no idea about that. Well, um, the shop owner assured me it was just carved from mango wood. They use it a lot for local crafts because it grows quickly and isn’t protected.
Customs Officer: Do you have the receipt or any certificate of origin from the store?
Passenger: Yes, let me check my wallet. Ah, here it is. It states right here that it’s one hundred percent mango wood.
Customs Officer: Let me take a look. Alright, this document looks perfectly fine. We just have to be extra careful, as illegal logging is destroying habitats for many wild animals. You’re good to go.
Passenger: Thank you. I appreciate you guys being so thorough.
Listening 5
Listen to a telephone conversation between a local resident and an animal rescue operator. Choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What is the main reason the resident is making the phone call?
(A) To ask for directions to the main parking lot.
(B) To report a sea creature caught in fishing equipment.
(C) To complain about the amount of garbage on the beach.
2 What does the resident initially offer to do before the team arrives?
(A) Remove the material that is holding the animal.
(B) Carry the animal back into the ocean safely.
(C) Pour a bucket of water over the animal’s head.
3 What does the operator instruct the resident to do while waiting?
(A) Use a sharp tool to cut the net carefully.
(B) Take photos of the animal to send to the rescue team.
(C) Stay far away so the animal doesn’t get frightened.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: The resident says he found a sea turtle that is “stuck in some old fishing nets.” Option B paraphrases this as a “sea creature caught in fishing equipment.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. The “main parking lot” is mentioned in the audio, but the resident mentions it to describe his location, not to ask for directions. Option (C) is plausible but not mentioned.
2 Correct Answer: (A)
- Explanation: The resident asks, “Should I try to cut the net off myself?” Option A paraphrases this action as “Remove the material that is holding the animal.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (C) is a trap. A “bucket of water” and the animal’s “head” are mentioned by the operator later, but she explicitly tells him not to touch its head. Furthermore, this was the operator’s suggestion, not what the resident initially offered to do. Option (B) is not mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: (C)
- Explanation: The operator tells the resident to “keep your distance to avoid causing it more stress.” Option C uses synonyms: “stay far away” (keep distance) and “frightened” (stressed).
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap (mentioned but rejected). The resident asks if he should cut the net, but the operator strictly says, “No, please don’t attempt to free it.” Option (B) is a plausible action in an emergency, but it is not mentioned in the conversation.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Operator: Marine Animal Rescue Hotline. This is Sarah speaking. How can I help you?
Resident: Hi, Sarah. Um, I’m calling because I’m walking along Crescent Beach right now, and I’ve just found a sea turtle. It looks like it’s stuck in some old fishing nets and can’t get back into the water.
Operator: I see. Thank you for reporting this. Sea turtles are a protected species, so we need to be very careful. Can you tell me exactly where you are on the beach?
Resident: I’m near the lighthouse, just south of the main parking lot. Should I try to cut the net off myself? It seems pretty distressed.
Operator: No, please don’t attempt to free it. You might accidentally injure the poor creature. Our rescue team will be there in about fifteen minutes. For now, just keep your distance to avoid causing it more stress. If you have a bucket, you can pour a little seawater over its shell to keep it moist, but do not touch its head.
Resident: Okay, I understand. I don’t have a bucket, but I’ll stand back and wait for your team.