Ecotourism – B1 English Listening Exercise
Listening 1
Listen to a conversation between two tourists near a river. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What did the woman leave behind near the rocks?
(A) Her photographic equipment.
(B) A plastic container for drinking.
(C) A bag containing her personal items.
2 Why does the man insist that she should pick it up?
(A) Because the park workers are currently on strike.
(B) Because it could cause damage to the area’s wildlife.
(C) Because the river water is used for the city’s drinking supply.
3 How does the woman react at the end of the conversation?
(A) She admits her mistake and agrees to take the item with her.
(B) She gets angry at the man for telling her what to do.
(C) She is confused about where to find the nearest recycling bin.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B (A plastic container for drinking)
- Explanation: Mark points out that it was her “empty water bottle” that fell into the stream. “Water bottle” is paraphrased as “a plastic container for drinking.”
- Why traps are wrong: Options A and C are Traps. Sophie mentions her “camera” (photographic equipment) and “backpack” (bag), but she says she still has them, she didn’t leave them behind.
2 Correct Answer: B (Because it could cause damage to the area’s wildlife)
- Explanation: Mark explains that the plastic can “seriously harm the local fish and birds.” “Harm the local fish and birds” is paraphrased as “cause damage to the area’s wildlife.”
- Why traps are wrong: Option A is a Trap. Sophie mentions the “park staff,” but the man doesn’t say they are on strike; he just says she shouldn’t count on them to clean it up. Option C is plausible for a river, but it is not mentioned in the audio.
3 Correct Answer: A (She admits her mistake and agrees to take the item with her)
- Explanation: Sophie says, “You’re absolutely right. I’m sorry for being careless,” and promises to “grab it right now and put it in my bag.” This shows she admits her mistake and takes it with her.
- Why traps are wrong: Option B is the opposite of the truth; she is very polite and apologetic at the end. Option C is a Trap. She mentions she will hold it “until I find a proper recycling bin,” but she is not confused or asking for directions to one.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Mark: Excuse me, miss? I think you dropped something back there.
Sophie: Oh? I don’t think so. I have my camera and my backpack right here.
Mark: Actually, it was your empty water bottle. It rolled off the rocks and fell straight into the stream.
Sophie: Oh, that. Well, it slipped out of my hand. I’m sure the park staff will clean it up later.
Mark: Um, I wouldn’t count on that. This is a protected eco-zone, not a city park. If that plastic flows down the river, it can break into smaller pieces and seriously harm the local fish and birds.
Sophie: I… I didn’t really think about it that way. I just figured one bottle wouldn’t make a huge difference.
Mark: Every piece matters if we want to keep this landscape beautiful for everyone. Would you mind picking it up? It’s still close to the edge.
Sophie: You’re absolutely right. I’m sorry for being careless. I’ll go grab it right now and put it in my bag until I find a proper recycling bin.
Listening 2
Listen to a conversation between a tour guide and a tourist. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why is the afternoon ocean trip cancelled?
(A) Because of dangerous weather conditions.
(B) Because the animals require a silent environment.
(C) Because the boat needs to be repaired.
2 What are the whales currently doing in the bay?
(A) They are hunting for small fish.
(B) They are hiding from dangerous predators.
(C) They are producing new offspring.
3 What does the tourist decide to do at the end?
(A) He chooses to get his payment returned.
(B) He agrees to go on a walk in the woods tomorrow.
(C) He decides to stay in the area for one more night.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B (Because the animals require a silent environment)
- Explanation: Emma explains that the whales need “completely peaceful surroundings” because the boat’s noise would cause them stress. “Peaceful surroundings” and no noise are paraphrased as a “silent environment.”
- Why traps are wrong: Options A and C are Traps. Leo guesses there might be a “bad storm” (weather) or a “problem with the boat,” but Emma explicitly says the weather is perfect and the engine is fine.
2 Correct Answer: C (They are producing new offspring)
- Explanation: Emma confirms that the whales are “having babies right now” (breeding period). “Having babies” is paraphrased as “producing new offspring.”
- Why traps are wrong: Option A is a Trap. Emma mentions that they usually come here to “look for food” (hunt for fish), but clarifies that today they are having babies. Option B is plausible for wild animals, but predators are never mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: A (He chooses to get his payment returned)
- Explanation: Leo says, “I’ll just take the money back, please.” “Take the money back” is paraphrased as “get his payment returned.”
- Why traps are wrong: Option B is a Trap. Emma offers the “forest trekking tour tomorrow” (walk in the woods), but Leo rejects it. Option C is a Trap because Leo says he is “leaving town tonight,” which means he will not stay for another night.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Emma: Good morning, Leo. I’m really sorry to tell you this, but we have to call off our ocean trip this afternoon.
Leo: What? Oh no… is there a problem with the boat? Or is a bad storm coming? The sky looks pretty clear to me.
Emma: The weather is perfect, and the engine is completely fine. But, um, we just received an urgent message from the marine researchers. It turns out that a large group of whales has entered the bay. Usually, they come here just to look for food, but researchers confirmed they are actually having babies right now.
Leo: Oh, I see. They are in their breeding period?
Emma: Exactly. During this sensitive time, the mothers and their calves need completely peaceful surroundings. The loud noise from our boat’s engine would cause them terrible stress.
Leo: I completely understand. It’s a bit disappointing because I really wanted to take photos, but the animals’ safety is definitely more important.
Emma: Thank you so much for understanding. We can either refund your ticket completely, or you can join our forest trekking tour tomorrow instead.
Leo: I’ll just take the money back, please. I’m actually leaving town tonight.
Listening 3
Listen to a conversation between a hotel guest and a manager. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why is the guest talking to the manager at the beginning?
(A) He wants a refund for the premium price he paid.
(B) He cannot find the equipment to cool his room.
(C) He does not know how to turn on the ceiling fan.
2 What is the main reason the lodge does not use air conditioners?
(A) To eliminate harmful emissions and protect nature.
(B) Because installing them would cost the lodge too much money.
(C) Because the mountain weather is always naturally freezing.
3 How does the manager suggest the guest cool his room?
(A) By closing all the windows to keep the hot air outside.
(B) By requesting a portable cooling device from the reception.
(C) By using the outside wind and the fan above his bed.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B (He cannot find the equipment to cool his room)
- Explanation: Mr. Thomas complains that he has been “looking everywhere for the air conditioner remote” because it is “getting quite warm”. “Air conditioner remote” is paraphrased as “equipment to cool his room”.
- Why traps are wrong: Option A is a Trap. He mentions he paid a “premium price,” but he doesn’t ask for a refund; he just expects basic comforts. Option C is a Trap. He didn’t even notice the ceiling fan until the end, so he wasn’t asking how to use it.
2 Correct Answer: A (To eliminate harmful emissions and protect nature)
- Explanation: Ms. Green explains the lodge is committed to “achieving a zero carbon footprint” and that AC units “harm the environment”. This is paraphrased as “eliminate harmful emissions and protect nature”.
- Why traps are wrong: Option B is a plausible reason for a business, but the manager only mentions environmental reasons, not money. Option C is a Trap. She mentions the “mountain breeze,” but she does not say the weather is “always freezing” (in fact, the guest feels hot).
3 Correct Answer: C (By using the outside wind and the fan above his bed)
- Explanation: The manager advises him to open the windows for the “mountain breeze” and use the “large ceiling fan right above the bed.” “Mountain breeze” is paraphrased as “outside wind”.
- Why traps are wrong: Option A is the Trap. It is the exact opposite of what she says; she tells him to open the windows, not close them. Option B is plausible in a standard hotel, but the manager does not offer any portable cooling devices.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Mr. Thomas: Excuse me, are you the manager? I need some help with my room. I’ve been looking everywhere for the air conditioner remote, but I can’t find it. It’s getting quite warm in there.
Ms. Green: Hello, sir. Yes, I am the manager. Well, um, I apologize for the confusion, but our cabins actually do not have air conditioning units installed.
Mr. Thomas: What? No air conditioning? But I paid a premium price for this eco-lodge. I expected basic comforts!
Ms. Green: I completely understand your frustration, sir. However, our lodge is fully committed to achieving a zero carbon footprint. Traditional AC units consume a massive amount of electricity, which harms the environment.
Mr. Thomas: I suppose that makes sense for an eco-friendly place. But how am I supposed to sleep if it’s too hot?
Ms. Green: We designed the rooms to cool down naturally. If you open the front and back windows, the mountain breeze creates a lovely airflow. You also have a large ceiling fan right above the bed.
Mr. Thomas: Oh, I didn’t even notice the fan. Alright, I’ll try opening the windows tonight. Thank you for explaining the policy.
Listening 4
Listen to a conversation between two people on a trekking trip. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What caused Alice to injure herself?
(A) She stepped on a sharp piece of wood.
(B) She lost her balance on a slippery stone.
(C) She ran too fast to catch up with the group.
2 What does Ben use to clean the wound before covering it?
(A) A special liquid that stops the bleeding instantly.
(B) Some clean drinking water from his bottle.
(C) A small piece of material that prevents germs.
3 What will they do with the used cleaning material?
(A) Carry it away with them to protect the environment.
(B) Bury it deep in the dirt next to the walking trail.
(C) Give it to the group leader to throw away later.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B (She lost her balance on a slippery stone)
- Explanation: Alice says she “slipped on that wet rock.” “Slipped” is paraphrased as “lost her balance,” and “wet rock” is paraphrased as “slippery stone.”
- Why traps are wrong: Option C is a Trap. She mentions catching up with the “rest of the group” at the very end of the conversation, but this is what she plans to do after the first aid, not the reason she fell. Option A is plausible in a forest but is never mentioned.
2 Correct Answer: C (A small piece of material that prevents germs)
- Explanation: Ben says he will clean it with an “antiseptic wipe so it doesn’t get infected.” An “antiseptic wipe” is paraphrased as “a small piece of material that prevents germs.”
- Why traps are wrong: Option A is a Trap. Ben notices her knee is “bleeding a little,” but he does not use a liquid to stop it instantly; he uses a wipe. Option B is plausible for first aid but is not mentioned in the audio.
3 Correct Answer: A (Carry it away with them to protect the environment)
- Explanation: Ben says he has a bag for trash and they must “take all our rubbish out of the forest with us.” This is paraphrased as “carry it away with them to protect the environment.”
- Why traps are wrong: Option B is a Trap. It might sound like a natural thing to do in the forest, but burying trash goes against the “leave no trace” rule they are following. Option C is a Trap because the “group” is mentioned, but Ben is holding the trash bag himself, not giving it to a leader.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Alice: Ouch! Ow…
Ben: Hey, Alice! Are you okay? Did you fall?
Alice: Yeah, I’m fine. I just slipped on that wet rock back there. Um, it looks like I scraped my knee pretty badly.
Ben: Let me see. Oh, that’s just a surface scratch, but it is bleeding a little. Don’t worry, I always carry a personal medical pack in my backpack for emergencies like this.
Alice: Oh, thank goodness. I completely forgot to bring mine.
Ben: No problem. First, let’s clean it with this antiseptic wipe so it doesn’t get infected. Hold still… There. Now, I’ll put a waterproof bandage over it.
Alice: Thanks, Ben. It stings a bit, but it’s already feeling much better. What should we do with the dirty wipe?
Ben: I’ve got a small plastic bag right here for our trash. We definitely need to take all our rubbish out of the forest with us.
Alice: Right, leave no trace. Well, I think I can still walk perfectly fine. Let’s catch up with the rest of the group!
Listening 5
Listen to a conversation between a passenger and an airport worker at the Lost and Found desk. Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What is the passenger’s current problem?
(A) His bag was stolen by another traveler on the plane.
(B) His luggage did not appear on the carousel after his flight.
(C) His backpack was badly damaged by the airport staff.
2 What materials were used to make the missing bag?
(A) Ordinary black nylon and strong metal.
(B) Traditional leather and organic cotton.
(C) Natural plant threads and repurposed plastic.
3 Why is the backpack so important to the man?
(A) Because it holds special memories from a past vacation.
(B) Because he purchased it for a very expensive price.
(C) Because it is a limited edition item from a famous brand.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B (His luggage did not appear on the carousel after his flight)
- Explanation: Leo states that he “can’t find my backpack at the baggage claim” after waiting for over an hour. “Baggage claim” and not finding it is paraphrased as “luggage did not appear on the carousel.”
- Why traps are wrong: Option A is a Trap. He cannot find it, but he never claims someone stole it. Option C is a Trap. Damage is a common luggage issue, but it is not mentioned in this conversation.
2 Correct Answer: C (Natural plant threads and repurposed plastic)
- Explanation: Leo describes the bag as being made of “hemp… a natural plant fiber” and “recycled ocean plastic.” “Natural plant fiber” is paraphrased as “natural plant threads,” and “recycled” is paraphrased as “repurposed.”
- Why traps are wrong: Option A is the Trap. The airport worker (Sarah) asks if it is a “standard black nylon bag,” but Leo explicitly says “No.” Option B is plausible for an eco-friendly bag, but leather and cotton are never mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: A (Because it holds special memories from a past vacation)
- Explanation: Leo explains that the bag has “a lot of sentimental value” because he bought it during an “eco-tour three years ago.” This is paraphrased as “holds special memories from a past vacation.”
- Why traps are wrong: Option B is a Trap. He mentions the word “value,” but it is “sentimental value” (giá trị tinh thần), not financial value (tiền bạc). Option C is the Trap. Leo clearly states “There’s no logo,” so it is not from a famous brand.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Sarah: Good afternoon. Lost and Found desk. How can I help you today?
Leo: Hi, yes. I just arrived on flight 402 from Costa Rica, and, um, I can’t find my backpack at the baggage claim. I’ve been waiting for over an hour.
Sarah: I’m sorry to hear that, sir. Let’s fill out a report. Can you describe the item for me? Is it a standard black nylon bag?
Leo: No, actually, it’s quite unique. It’s an eco-friendly backpack. The main material is woven hemp—you know, a natural plant fiber. And the straps are made from recycled ocean plastic. It’s mostly light green.
Sarah: Okay, green plant fiber with recycled plastic straps. Are there any brand names or special marks on it?
Leo: There’s no logo. But it has a lot of sentimental value. I bought it directly from a local community project during my eco-tour three years ago. It means a lot to me.
Sarah: I understand completely. Let me enter this description into our tracking system. We will contact you as soon as our team locates it.