Space Exploration – B1 English Listening Exercise
Listening 1
Listen to the conversation between the two friends. For each question, choose the best answer (A, B, or C).
1 Why is Ben feeling so frustrated right now?
(A) Because the heavy clouds are completely blocking the night sky.
(B) Because the wind is making it too cold to stay outside.
(C) Because his mobile phone lost its internet connection.
2 What is special about the event they were trying to observe?
(A) It is the brightest star ever discovered in the galaxy.
(B) It only occurs one time in a ten-year period.
(C) It was the very first time they used a professional telescope.
3 What do the two friends finally decide to do?
(A) Wait another twenty minutes for the storm to pass.
(B) Drive to the local astronomy center to watch it.
(C) Go to bed and view the recorded video the next day.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 (A) Because the heavy clouds are completely blocking the night sky.
- Explanation: Ben complains that the sky is “completely overcast” and all he can see is a “thick blanket of dark grey clouds.” This is paraphrased as “heavy clouds are completely blocking the night sky.” Option B is a trap; Lily mentions it’s getting “chilly” (cold), but that is not the main reason Ben is frustrated. Option C is a trap; Ben mentions his phone to look at the radar, but it didn’t lose connection.
2 (B) It only occurs one time in a ten-year period.
- Explanation: Ben states that this specific lunar event “only happens once every decade.” A decade is exactly a “ten-year period.” Option A is not mentioned in the audio (they are looking at the moon, not a star). Option C is plausible for a hobby, but there is no mention of them using a telescope.
3 (C) Go to bed and view the recorded video the next day.
- Explanation: Lily suggests they go inside and “get some shut-eye” (go to bed/sleep), and Ben agrees they can “catch the replay on our laptops when we wake up” (view the recorded video the next day). Option A is the trap; Lily initially suggests waiting twenty minutes, but Ben rejects this idea because the radar shows zero visibility. Option B is a trap; the “astronomy channel” is mentioned, but they are watching it online, not driving to a center.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Ben: I can’t believe this. The sky has been perfectly clear all week, and tonight, of all nights, it has to be completely overcast.
Lily: Tell me about it. We stayed awake until 2:00 AM for absolutely nothing. I’m totally exhausted. I was so excited to see the moon turn red.
Ben: Me too. The news said this specific lunar event only happens once every decade. And now, all I can see is a thick blanket of dark grey clouds. It’s incredibly frustrating.
Lily: Well, um, maybe we should just wait another twenty minutes? The wind might blow them away.
Ben: I highly doubt it. Look at the radar on my phone. The storm is actually moving right toward us. There’s zero chance of visibility.
Lily: Yeah, you’re probably right. It’s getting pretty chilly out here on the balcony anyway. Let’s just head inside and get some shut-eye.
Ben: Agreed. The astronomy channel is recording the whole thing live. We can just catch the replay on our laptops when we wake up.
Lily: Sounds like a solid plan.
Listening 2
Listen to a phone conversation between a customer and a support agent. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What is the main reason the customer is calling?
(A) To complain about a badly damaged glass lens.
(B) To report an incomplete delivery of a new product.
(C) To ask for instructions on how to use the telescope.
2 What exactly is preventing the customer from using the equipment?
(A) An essential metal fastener for the stand is not in the box.
(B) The main viewing tube is too heavy for her to lift alone.
(C) She accidentally dropped and broke a piece during unboxing.
3 How will the customer service agent solve the problem?
(A) By sending a completely new telescope to her house.
(B) By asking the customer to return the heavy box for a refund.
(C) By mailing the required small component immediately.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (B) To report an incomplete delivery of a new product.
- Explanation: The customer says she just “unboxed” the telescope and a “crucial screw is completely missing.” Option (B) uses paraphrasing (“incomplete delivery” = missing a part, “new product” = just unboxed). Option (A) is a trap; the agent asks if the glass lenses are broken, but the customer says they are in “perfect condition.” Option (C) is a plausible reason to call, but it is not her problem.
2 Correct Answer: (A) An essential metal fastener for the stand is not in the box.
- Explanation: The customer states that a “crucial screw is completely missing from the tripod base.” Option (A) perfectly paraphrases this (“essential metal fastener” = crucial screw, “stand” = tripod base, “not in the box” = missing). Option (B) is a trap; the “heavy box” and “main tube” are mentioned, but weight is not the reason she can’t use it. Option (C) is a trap; she didn’t break anything.
3 Correct Answer: (C) By mailing the required small component immediately.
- Explanation: The agent promises to “ship that missing part to you by tomorrow morning.” Option (C) uses synonyms (“mailing” = ship, “required small component” = missing part, “immediately” = by tomorrow morning). Option (A) is a trap; the agent explicitly says they don’t want her to return the whole box (meaning they won’t send a whole new one, just the part). Option (B) is a trap; returning the box is exactly what the agent wants to avoid.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Customer Service: Hello, Stargazer Optics customer support. My name is David. How can I help you today?
Customer: Hi David. I recently ordered the Explorer 500 telescope from your website. I just unboxed it ten minutes ago, but I have a bit of a problem.
Customer Service: Oh, I am sorry to hear that. Were any of the glass lenses broken during shipping?
Customer: No, the lenses are actually in perfect condition. The issue is that I can’t set it up. A crucial screw is completely missing from the tripod base. Without it, I can’t attach the main tube securely.
Customer Service: I apologize for that packaging error. We definitely don’t want you to go through the trouble of returning the whole heavy box. If you give me your order number, I will ship that missing part to you by tomorrow morning.
Customer: Oh, that’s a huge relief! I was really worried I’d have to send it all back. Let me find my order number for you.
Listening 3
Listen to the conversation between a visitor and a museum staff member. For each question, choose the correct answer (A, B, or C).
1 Why is the main spacecraft exhibition currently closed to the public?
(A) They are preparing to move the moon capsule to a new location.
(B) They are fixing a sudden problem with the electrical illumination.
(C) They are cleaning the area after a large school group visited.
2 How does the visitor feel about the situation at first?
(A) Very let down because he traveled a long way specifically to see it.
(B) Extremely angry because he paid a high price for his entrance ticket.
(C) Relieved because his son prefers interactive video games anyway.
3 What does the staff member suggest the visitor do instead?
(A) Wait in the main hall until the emergency maintenance is fully finished.
(B) Come back the following day when the Apollo exhibition finally reopens.
(C) Try the simulated spacewalk experience located on a different floor.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 (B) They are fixing a sudden problem with the electrical illumination.
- Explanation: The staff mentions “emergency maintenance” because they had an “issue with the lighting system.” “Lighting system” is paraphrased as “electrical illumination,” and maintenance means they are “fixing” it. Option A is a trap; the “moon capsule” is mentioned by the visitor, but the museum is not moving it. Option C is a plausible reason for a museum closure, but it is never mentioned in the audio.
2 (A) Very let down because he traveled a long way specifically to see it.
- Explanation: The visitor says “what a shame!” and his son will be “disappointed” (paraphrased as “let down”). He also mentions he “drove two hours today just to see” it (paraphrased as “traveled a long way”). Option B is a trap; the “ticket” is mentioned later, but the staff says the VR is included in the ticket, and the visitor is not angry about money. Option C is a trap; his son will like the VR, but initially, the father is disappointed, not relieved.
3 (C) Try the simulated spacewalk experience located on a different floor.
- Explanation: The staff recommends the “Virtual Reality zone on the second floor,” where you can do a “simulated spacewalk.” The “second floor” is paraphrased as a “different floor.” Option A is a trap; the “main hall” and “maintenance” are mentioned, but she tells him to go to the second floor, not to wait. Option B is a plausible suggestion in real life, but the staff never tells him to come back tomorrow.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Visitor: Excuse me, I just walked over to the main hall, but there’s a huge sign saying the spacecraft exhibition is closed. Is that true?
Staff: Yes, sir. I am so sorry about that. The Apollo exhibition area is currently undergoing some emergency maintenance. We had a minor issue with the lighting system earlier this morning.
Visitor: Oh, what a shame! I specifically drove two hours today just to see the original moon landing capsule. My son is going to be so disappointed.
Staff: I completely understand your frustration. Since that section is shut down, I highly recommend checking out our new Virtual Reality zone on the second floor instead. It’s fully interactive.
Visitor: Virtual reality? What exactly do you do there?
Staff: You put on a headset and get to experience a simulated spacewalk outside the International Space Station. It feels incredibly realistic, and kids absolutely love it. Plus, it is already included in your general admission ticket.
Visitor: Well, um, I suppose that sounds like a decent alternative. We’ll head upstairs and give it a try. Thanks for the tip.
Listening 4
Listen to a phone conversation between a student and his teacher on a school trip. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why did the student get separated from his classmates?
(A) He spent too much time observing a space vehicle display.
(B) He stopped to buy some souvenirs at the museum shop.
(C) He was trying to take a picture of the planetarium ceiling.
2 Where is the student standing right now?
(A) Right next to the large Mars Rover exhibition.
(B) Beside a customer service counter.
(C) Outside the museum’s main exit doors.
3 What instruction does the teacher give the student?
(A) To ask the building staff for directions to the rest of the class.
(B) To return to the area where he first lost the group.
(C) To remain in his current position until help arrives.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (A) He spent too much time observing a space vehicle display.
- Explanation: Leo says he “stopped to look at the life-size model of the Mars Rover” and was “so focused on the machine.” Option (A) perfectly paraphrases this (“space vehicle display” = model of the Mars Rover, “observing” = looking at). Option (B) and Option (C) are plausible things to do on a field trip, but neither is mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: (B) Beside a customer service counter.
- Explanation: Leo states, “Right now, I’m standing next to the main information desk.” Option (B) uses synonyms to express this location (“beside” = next to, “customer service counter” = information desk). Option (A) is a trap; the “Mars Rover” is mentioned, but Leo explicitly says he “walked away” from it. Option (C) is a trap; the “exit” is mentioned, but he is near it inside the building at the desk, not outside the doors.
3 Correct Answer: (C) To remain in his current position until help arrives.
- Explanation: Mr. Davis tells Leo to “Stay exactly where you are” and says “I will walk back… to get you right now.” Option (C) accurately paraphrases this (“remain in his current position” = stay exactly where you are). Option (B) is a trap; he asks if Leo is still at the first area (Mars Rover), but tells him not to wander around anymore. Option (A) is a trap; Leo is at the information desk, but Mr. Davis does not tell him to ask the staff for directions.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Leo: Mr. Davis? It’s Leo. I can’t find the rest of the class anywhere!
Mr. Davis: Leo, calm down. It’s alright. Where are you right now?
Leo: I don’t know. I stopped to look at the life-size model of the Mars Rover, and when I turned around, everyone was just gone. I was so focused on the machine that I didn’t see you leave.
Mr. Davis: It’s okay, don’t panic. Are you still standing near the Mars Rover exhibit?
Leo: No, I walked away trying to find you guys. Right now, I’m standing next to the main information desk near the exit. Should I try to come and find the group?
Mr. Davis: Absolutely not. I don’t want you wandering around the space center alone. Stay exactly where you are. I will walk back to the information desk to get you right now. It will take me about five minutes.
Leo: Okay, I won’t move an inch. Thank you, Mr. Davis.
Listening 5
Listen to the conversation between a family at home. For each question, choose the correct answer (A, B, or C).
1 Why is David suddenly panicking at the beginning of the conversation?
(A) He completely forgot to buy a new telescope for his son.
(B) He realized they are late for a rare astronomical event.
(C) He noticed that a heavy storm is approaching their house.
2 What is the main reason the family missed the best time to watch the moon?
(A) They were occupied with doing some everyday household chores.
(B) They fell deeply asleep while watching the evening news.
(C) They spent far too much time trying to set up the equipment.
3 How does Sarah try to reassure her husband and son?
(A) By promising to watch a live broadcast of it on the internet instead.
(B) By pointing out that the moon will still look incredibly impressive right now.
(C) By suggesting they wait another hour for the thick clouds to disappear.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 (B) He realized they are late for a rare astronomical event.
- Explanation: David panics because it is past 10 PM and they missed the 9:00 PM “Supermoon” (paraphrased as a “rare astronomical event”). Option A is a trap; a telescope is mentioned, but the son (Leo) already has one and set it up himself. Option C is a trap; “cloudy” weather is mentioned at the end, but it is not the reason he initially panicked.
2 (A) They were occupied with doing some everyday household chores.
- Explanation: Sarah explains they lost track of time because they were “washing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen.” This is paraphrased as “occupied with doing some everyday household chores.” Option B is not mentioned in the audio. Option C is a trap; Leo did spend time setting up the equipment in the afternoon, but the parents were late because of cleaning, not the equipment.
3 (B) By pointing out that the moon will still look incredibly impressive right now.
- Explanation: Sarah reassures them by saying the moon will “still appear much larger than usual for the rest of the night.” This is paraphrased as “still look incredibly impressive right now.” Option A is a plausible alternative, but it is never mentioned. Option C is a trap; David mentions going up before it gets too cloudy, they are not waiting for clouds to disappear.
AUDIO SCRIPT
David (Dad): Oh my goodness, look at the time! It’s already past 10 PM!
Sarah (Mom): Why are you shouting, David? What’s wrong?
David: The Supermoon! The astronomy website said it would be at its largest and brightest exactly at 9:00 PM tonight. We are over an hour late. We completely missed the peak!
Leo (Son): What? You promised we would watch it together! I even spent an hour setting up my telescope on the roof this afternoon.
Sarah: I’m so sorry, Leo. Your dad and I were just so busy washing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen after dinner that we totally lost track of time.
David: I feel terrible. I meant to set an alarm.
Sarah: Hey, don’t be so upset, both of you. The moon doesn’t just shrink back to normal immediately. It will still appear much larger than usual for the rest of the night.
David: You’re absolutely right, Sarah. If we hurry, we can still catch a spectacular view before it gets too cloudy.
Leo: Okay, let’s go right now! Grab your jackets, it’s pretty windy up there!