Celebrities – B1 English Listening Exercise
Listening 1
Listen to a manager making an announcement to a crowd of fans. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What is the main purpose of the manager’s announcement?
(A) To introduce the singer to the stage for the first performance.
(B) To inform the audience that the scheduled event will not take place.
(C) To ask the fans to wait patiently for another hour.
2 What exactly is wrong with the singer?
(A) He lost his voice after performing too much earlier this week.
(B) He was injured in a minor traffic accident on his way to the venue.
(C) He suddenly became very sick with a bad temperature.
3 How will the fans get their money back?
(A) They will be sent an electronic message with the payment information.
(B) They must visit the main ticket office outside the building immediately.
(C) They will automatically receive a replacement ticket for a future date.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: The manager says, “We have to cancel tonight’s fan meeting,” which means the scheduled event will not take place.
- Why the traps are wrong: (A) is a trap. It is a common reason to go on stage, but the manager has “disappointing news”. (C) is a trap. The manager mentions “about an hour ago”, but does not ask them to wait an hour.
2 Correct Answer: (C)
- Explanation: The manager explains that Leo developed a “severe cold and a high fever” (which paraphrases to becoming very sick with a bad temperature).
- Why the traps are wrong: (A) and (B) are both traps. They are very common reasons for celebrities to cancel events, but neither losing his voice nor a car accident is mentioned in the audio.
3 Correct Answer: (A)
- Explanation: The manager states that they will process a full refund and fans will “receive an email with the details” (which paraphrases to being sent an electronic message with the payment information).
- Why the traps are wrong: (B) is a trap. The manager explicitly tells the fans, “you don’t need to do anything right now,” so they don’t need to go to the ticket office. (C) is a trap. They are getting a “full refund,” not a replacement ticket for a future date.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Manager: “Hello everyone. Please, could I have your attention? I know you are all incredibly excited to see Leo tonight. Unfortunately, I have some very disappointing news to share with you all.”
Manager: “About an hour ago, Leo suddenly developed a severe cold and a high fever. We had a doctor look at him, and he has been advised to rest immediately. He physically cannot perform or meet anyone this evening. We have to cancel tonight’s fan meeting.”
Manager: “I know how frustrating this is, especially for those of you who traveled a long way. Leo is absolutely heartbroken that he can’t be here with you. Regarding your tickets, you don’t need to do anything right now. We will process a full refund for everyone, and you will receive an email with the details within the next forty-eight hours. We sincerely apologize for this last-minute cancellation and thank you for your understanding.”
Listening 2
Listen to a conversation between a celebrity and her bodyguard. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why is Mia panicking in the car?
(A) Because her driver caused a serious traffic accident.
(B) Because she lost her expensive sunglasses at the restaurant.
(C) Because photographers are surrounding the vehicle and making bright lights.
2 What does Marcus tell Mia to do?
(A) To smile and wave at the reporters standing outside.
(B) To move her body lower to avoid being seen by the media.
(C) To use her mobile phone to call the police immediately.
3 How do they plan to escape the situation?
(A) By driving backward into a small side street.
(B) By waiting for the police to arrest the photographers.
(C) By getting out of the car and running toward the highway.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (C)
- Explanation: Mia says “they are completely blocking the road,” “hitting the windows,” and she can’t see because of “the camera flashes.” This matches the description of photographers making bright lights around the car.
- Why the traps are wrong: (A) is a trap. The road is blocked, but there is no mention of a traffic accident. (B) is a trap. The “restaurant” is mentioned as the place they were followed from, but she didn’t lose anything there.
2 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: Marcus instructs Mia to “slide down in your seat and keep your head low” (which paraphrases to moving her body lower to avoid being seen).
- Why the traps are wrong: (A) is a trap. Marcus explicitly tells her, “Don’t look directly at the cameras,” which is the opposite of smiling and waving. (C) is a trap. Marcus mentions that “the police are already on their way,” but he does not tell Mia to call them herself.
3 Correct Answer: (A)
- Explanation: Marcus tells the driver to put the car “in reverse” and “back up slowly into that narrow alley” (which paraphrases to driving backward into a small side street).
- Why the traps are wrong: (B) is a trap. Mia asks if they are going to “sit here and wait,” and Marcus says “No.” The police are coming to “clear the street,” not necessarily to arrest anyone. (C) is a trap. They are taking the “highway” to escape, but they are staying inside the car, not running.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Mia: Oh my god, Marcus! Where did they all come from? They are completely blocking the road!
Marcus: Stay calm, Mia. They probably followed us from the restaurant. Just take a deep breath.
Mia: But they are hitting the windows! I can’t even see outside because of all the camera flashes. I’m really getting scared.
Marcus: Don’t worry, the glass is locked and completely secure. However, I need you to slide down in your seat and keep your head low. Don’t look directly at the cameras.
Mia: Okay, okay. Are we just going to sit here and wait?
Marcus: No, we need to move. Hey, John, put the car in reverse. There is a small gap behind us.
Mia: Are you sure we can get out safely?
Marcus: Yes, the police are already on their way to clear the street. John, back up slowly into that narrow alley on the left. We’ll take the highway instead. You’re perfectly safe, Mia. Just keep your head down.
Listening 3
Listen to a conversation between a singer and his PR manager. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What is the false rumor about Leo?
(A) He gave a terrible performance at a recent awards show.
(B) He had a serious conflict with another musician.
(C) He is planning to leave his current public relations agency.
2 Why does Sarah advise against holding a press conference?
(A) She believes it would draw unnecessary attention to the rumor.
(B) She thinks it would cost the management team too much money.
(C) She knows that Julian refuses to speak directly to the media.
3 What do they finally decide to do to solve the problem?
(A) They will completely ignore the news until people forget it.
(B) They will immediately release a new song with Julian.
(C) Leo will share a brief, friendly message on the internet.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: Leo says people are claiming he “had a huge argument with Julian” (which paraphrases to having a serious conflict with another musician).
- Why the traps are wrong: (A) is a trap. The “awards show” is mentioned as the location of the fake argument, not where he gave a bad performance. (C) is a plausible celebrity issue, but it is never mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: (A)
- Explanation: Sarah says a press conference is a bad idea because “It will just make the story bigger than it is” (which means it would draw unnecessary attention to the rumor).
- Why the traps are wrong: (B) is a trap. Cost or money is never mentioned as a reason to avoid the press conference. (C) is a trap. Julian’s willingness to speak to the media is not discussed.
3 Correct Answer: (C)
- Explanation: Sarah suggests he “post a quick update on your social media” and Leo agrees to write a “short, positive post” (which paraphrases to sharing a brief, friendly message on the internet).
- Why the traps are wrong: (A) is a trap. Leo asks if they should “just ignore it”, but Sarah explicitly says “No, we can’t ignore it completely.” (B) is a trap. Sarah mentions they are “planning to collaborate soon”, but they are not releasing a song immediately to solve the problem; the solution is the social media post.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Leo: Sarah, did you see that ridiculous article online? People are saying I had a huge argument with Julian at the awards show!
Sarah: Yes, I saw it this morning. It’s just fake news, Leo. Don’t let it stress you out too much.
Leo: But it’s damaging my reputation! Fans actually believe we are enemies now. Shouldn’t we organize a press conference to deny it?
Sarah: I think a press conference is a bad idea. It will just make the story bigger than it is. We should keep it simple.
Leo: So, what do you suggest? Just ignore it?
Sarah: No, we can’t ignore it completely. Why don’t you just post a quick update on your social media? You can say you and Julian are great friends and are actually planning to collaborate soon.
Leo: That makes sense. A short, positive post will clear things up without causing more drama. I’ll write a draft right now.
Listening 4
Listen to a conversation between two friends at an airport. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why are the friends panicking at the beginning of the conversation?
(A) Because they lost their expensive VIP concert tickets.
(B) Because their plane will depart much later than planned.
(C) Because they arrived at the wrong boarding gate.
2 What are they most worried about missing?
(A) The first part of the musician’s live performance.
(B) The chance to meet Leo Vance at the VIP entrance.
(C) Their non-refundable hotel reservation in Los Angeles.
3 What is Sam’s immediate plan to solve the problem?
(A) To immediately rent a vehicle and drive to the city.
(B) To ask for a full refund for their delayed plane tickets.
(C) To speak with the airport staff about finding an earlier flight.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: Jess sees that their flight is “delayed by three hours,” which means their plane will depart much later than planned.
- Why the traps are wrong: (A) is a trap. Jess mentions “VIP tickets”, but she says they spent months saving for them, not that they lost them. (C) is a plausible airport issue, but it is not mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: (A)
- Explanation: Sam says, “we’ll completely miss Leo Vance’s opening act” and Jess adds, “We absolutely cannot miss the beginning of the show” (which paraphrases to the first part of the musician’s live performance).
- Why the traps are wrong: (B) is a trap. “VIP tickets” and “stadium gates” are mentioned, but they do not talk about meeting the singer in person. (C) is a plausible travel worry, but a hotel reservation is never discussed.
3 Correct Answer: (C)
- Explanation: Sam says they need to go to the “customer service desk” to “ask if there’s an alternative flight leaving sooner” (which means speaking with the airport staff about finding an earlier flight).
- Why the traps are wrong: (A) is a trap. Sam mentions they “might have to rent a car and drive,” but he clearly states this is a backup plan if the flights are fully booked (“If that happens… let’s just talk to the airline staff first”). (B) is a logical thing to do at an airport, but Sam never mentions asking for a refund.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Jess: Sam, look up at the departure board! Flight 402 to Los Angeles is delayed by three hours!
Sam: You’re kidding! Three hours? The stadium gates open at 6 PM. If we wait that long, we’ll completely miss Leo Vance’s opening act!
Jess: I know, I’m panicking right now. We spent months saving up for these VIP tickets. We absolutely cannot miss the beginning of the show.
Sam: Okay, let’s not freak out just yet. Grab your bags. We need to go straight to the customer service desk.
Jess: What are we going to tell them? They can’t magically make the plane fly faster.
Sam: We’ll ask if there’s an alternative flight leaving sooner. Maybe another airline has seats available.
Jess: Good idea. But what if all the other flights are fully booked? It’s a busy holiday weekend.
Sam: If that happens, we might have to rent a car and drive. It’s only a four-hour trip. But let’s just talk to the airline staff first and see our options. Come on!
Listening 5
Listen to a conversation between a fan and a security guard. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why is the fan not allowed to enter the stadium?
(A) Because she brought a printed paper instead of a digital ticket.
(B) Because the ticket she is holding is not genuine.
(C) Because she arrived too late for the band’s performance.
2 How did the fan get the ticket?
(A) She purchased it directly from the band’s official website.
(B) She received it from a friend who was unable to attend.
(C) She paid a stranger she met on the internet for it.
3 What does the security guard suggest the fan do next?
(A) Purchase a replacement pass at the stadium entrance.
(B) Contact the authorities to report the crime.
(C) Send a complaint email to the ticket company.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: The guard says the barcode is “invalid”, the paper is thin, and she has been “scammed” with “fake passes” (which paraphrases to the ticket is not genuine).
- Why the traps are wrong: (A) is a trap. A “printout” is mentioned, but having a printed ticket is not the problem; the problem is that it is fake. (C) is a plausible reason for being denied entry, but her arrival time is never discussed.
2 Correct Answer: (C)
- Explanation: The fan says she “found a guy on social media” and “transferred the money to him” (which means she paid a stranger she met on the internet).
- Why the traps are wrong: (A) is a trap. The “official website” is mentioned, but the fan explicitly says it was “totally sold out,” so she couldn’t buy it there. (B) is a trap. The stranger on the internet said he couldn’t attend, but he was not her friend, and he sold it to her, he didn’t give it as a gift.
3 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: The guard tells her to “go to the local police station and file a report” (which paraphrases to contacting the authorities to report the crime).
- Why the traps are wrong: (A) is a trap. The fan asks if she can buy a new ticket from him, but the guard says “We don’t sell tickets at the gate.” (C) is a plausible action, but an email is only mentioned as the way the scammer sent the fake ticket.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Security Guard: I’m sorry, miss, but the scanner says this barcode is invalid. I can’t let you inside the stadium.
Fan: Wait, what? There must be a mistake! I bought this ticket to see The Starlights just yesterday. Are you sure the machine is working?
Security Guard: The machine is fine, miss. Look, the paper is slightly thinner than our official tickets. Where exactly did you purchase this?
Fan: Well, the official website was totally sold out. So, I found a guy on social media who said he couldn’t attend the concert anymore. I transferred the money to him, and he emailed me this printout.
Security Guard: Ah, I see. Unfortunately, it looks like you’ve been scammed. People often sell fake passes online when a big celebrity comes to town.
Fan: Oh no… I spent half my monthly salary on this! What should I do now? Can I buy a new one from you?
Security Guard: We don’t sell tickets at the gate, I’m afraid. Your best option right now is to go to the local police station and file a report against the seller.