Endangered Species – B1 English Listening Exercise
Listening 1
Listen to a conversation between a zoo visitor and a manager. Choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why is the visitor speaking to the zoo manager?
(A) To suggest buying a new type of endangered monkey.
(B) To express dissatisfaction with how a rare animal is being kept.
(C) To ask for directions to the new open-air animal habitat.
2 What specific details does the visitor notice about the orangutans?
(A) They appear very tired and lack natural things to climb on.
(B) They are actively playing together on the concrete floor.
(C) They are fighting with each other because the space is small.
3 What is the manager’s explanation for the current situation?
(A) The zoo does not have enough money to buy large trees right now.
(B) The orangutans are sick and need to stay in a special medical room.
(C) The animals are being kept in a short-term cage while a new one is built.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: The visitor states that she is “concerned” because the living area is “cramped.” Option B paraphrases this as expressing “dissatisfaction with how a rare animal is being kept.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (C) is a trap. The “open-air habitat” is mentioned later by the manager as a future plan, but the visitor is not asking for directions to it. Option (A) is not mentioned.
2 Correct Answer: (A)
- Explanation: The visitor points out that there are “hardly any trees or plants for them to climb” and they look “exhausted.” Option A uses synonyms: “tired” (exhausted) and “lack natural things” (hardly any trees).
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (B) is a trap. The “concrete floor” is mentioned, but the visitor explicitly says they were “not doing anything at all,” so they are not “actively playing.” Option (C) is a plausible guess for animals in small spaces, but it is not mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: (C)
- Explanation: The manager explains that they are “in the middle of a major renovation” and the animals are in a “temporary holding area.” Option C paraphrases this as a “short-term cage while a new one is built.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. The manager mentions the word “funding” (money), but says they “recently received funding” to build a better place, meaning they do have money now. Option (B) is not mentioned.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Visitor: Excuse me, are you the duty manager? Do you have a moment? I’d like to talk about the orangutans.
Manager: Yes, I am. How can I help you?
Visitor: Well, I was just observing them, and to be honest, I’m quite concerned. As an endangered species, they need proper care. But their living area seems incredibly cramped. There are hardly any trees or plants for them to climb.
Manager: I completely understand your concern. We know the current space is less than ideal.
Visitor: Also, they just look so exhausted and stressed. They were simply sitting on the concrete floor, not doing anything at all. It was quite sad to watch.
Manager: I appreciate your feedback. Actually, we are in the middle of a major renovation. We recently received funding to build a brand-new, open-air habitat with plenty of natural vegetation. Because of the construction, the orangutans are currently staying in a temporary holding area. They will move to their new home by next spring.
Visitor: Oh, I see. That explains it. I’m really glad to hear they will have a better environment soon. Thank you for explaining.
Listening 2
Listen to a conversation between two hikers and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 How did the hikers end up in the restricted zone?
(A) They intentionally ignored the warning sign to see the animals.
(B) The person responsible for the map made a navigation mistake.
(C) The wooden sign near the stream had fallen onto the ground.
2 Why is this specific area closed to the public?
(A) It is a designated safe space for a rare animal species to reproduce.
(B) Park rangers are currently treating sick animals in the bushes.
(C) It is extremely dangerous for humans to walk off the main trail.
3 What do the hikers agree to do next?
(A) Quickly run back to the oak tree before a ranger sees them.
(B) Look at the map to find a faster shortcut to the stream.
(C) Quietly retrace their steps using the marks they left on the ground.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: Alex says, “you were the one reading the map!” and Sam admits, “I guess I took a wrong turn.” Option B paraphrases this as the person responsible for the map making a “navigation mistake.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (C) is a trap. The sign was “hidden behind the bushes,” not fallen on the ground. Option (A) is also a trap; they didn’t do it intentionally, Sam just “missed” the sign.
2 Correct Answer: (A)
- Explanation: Alex explains the area is a “protected breeding ground for the silver-spotted deer” which are “highly endangered.” Option A uses synonyms: “safe space” (protected), “rare animal” (endangered deer), and “reproduce” (breeding).
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (B) is a trap. “Park rangers” and “bushes” are mentioned in the audio, but the rangers are not treating sick animals; Alex just mentions them because there is a “fine” if a ranger catches them. Option (C) is a plausible guess for a forest, but it is not the reason mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: (C)
- Explanation: Sam suggests they “follow our own footprints back,” and Alex adds, “Let’s keep our voices down.” Option C paraphrases this as “Quietly retrace their steps using the marks they left on the ground.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. They want to avoid the “ranger” and they mention the “oak tree,” but they decide to turn around “slowly,” not run quickly. Option (B) is a trap; the “map” and “stream” are mentioned, but they are not looking for a shortcut.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Alex: Wait, Sam, stop for a second. Look at that wooden sign hidden behind the bushes over there.
Sam: Oh, um… “Restricted Area. Do Not Enter.” Wow, I completely missed that when we walked past the stream.
Alex: Well, you were the one reading the map! It says here this whole section is closed off because it’s a protected breeding ground for the silver-spotted deer. They are highly endangered.
Sam: I know, I know. It’s my fault. I guess I took a wrong turn right after we passed that large oak tree. But there’s no need to panic. We haven’t gone too far off the main trail.
Alex: I’m not panicking, I just really don’t want to disturb the animals, especially when they have young fawns. Plus, there is a massive fine if a park ranger catches us wandering around in here.
Sam: Fair enough. Let’s not risk it. We should just turn around slowly and follow our own footprints back to the stream. We can easily get back on the correct path from there.
Alex: Good idea. Let’s keep our voices down while we walk.
Listening 3
Listen to a telephone conversation between a student and a program coordinator. Choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why is Emma calling the coordinator?
(A) To ask if he can recommend a doctor for her severe flu.
(B) To inform him that she must miss the activity because she is unwell.
(C) To donate money to the organization that protects endangered monkeys.
2 What is the main purpose of the weekend project?
(A) To provide medical treatment for sick monkeys in the forest.
(B) To rescue wild monkeys that have been illegally sold as pets.
(C) To grow trees in order to rebuild the living area of a rare species.
3 What do the two speakers agree to do at the end of the phone call?
(A) Mark will spend the weekend finding another volunteer to replace Emma.
(B) Emma will be registered for the next environmental trip in November.
(C) Mark will send Emma some photos of the newly planted trees.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: Emma says she “won’t be able to make it” because she has a “terrible fever” and the “flu”. Option B paraphrases this as having to “miss the activity because she is unwell.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. The words “doctor” and “flu” are mentioned in the audio, but Emma does not ask Mark to recommend a doctor; she has already seen her own doctor. Option (C) is a plausible action for a charity, but it is never mentioned.
2 Correct Answer: (C)
- Explanation: Emma describes the project as “planting native trees to restore the habitat for the endangered golden monkeys.” Option C uses synonyms: “grow trees” (planting trees), “rebuild the living area” (restore habitat), and “rare species” (endangered monkeys).
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. The audio mentions the word “sick” (Emma’s flu) and “monkeys”, but the project is about planting trees, not giving medical treatment to the animals. Option (B) is not mentioned in the conversation.
3 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: Emma asks if there is a trip “next month,” and Mark says he can “put your name down” for the planting phase in “late November.” Option B paraphrases this perfectly as being “registered for the next environmental trip in November.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. Mark mentions that they have “plenty of extra hands for this weekend,” which means they already have enough people; he does not need to spend the weekend finding a replacement. Option (C) is a nice thought but is never mentioned.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Coordinator: Hello, Wildlife Action Network, this is Mark speaking.
Emma: Hi Mark, it’s Emma. I’m on the volunteer list for this weekend’s reforestation project… you know, the one planting native trees to restore the habitat for the endangered golden monkeys.
Coordinator: Oh, hi Emma. Yes, we’re really looking forward to it. Is everything alright?
Emma: Well, unfortunately, I’m calling to apologize. I won’t be able to make it. I woke up this morning with a terrible fever and a sore throat. My doctor said it’s a severe flu and told me to just stay in bed.
Coordinator: Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that. Don’t worry about the trip at all; your health comes first. We have plenty of extra hands for this weekend.
Emma: That’s a relief. I was really sad to miss it. Um, do you happen to know if there’s another trip scheduled for next month? I’d love to help out once I’m fully recovered.
Coordinator: Actually, yes. We’re organizing a second phase of the planting in late November. I can put your name down for that one if you’d like.
Emma: That would be fantastic. Thank you so much, Mark.
Listening 4
Listen to a conversation between two friends discussing a viral video and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why is Mark upset about the video he watched?
(A) He is mad because the diver was acting aggressively towards the shark.
(B) He thinks the person was swimming too close to a highly dangerous predator.
(C) He is angry because a tourist made physical contact with a rare sea creature.
2 What is Chloe’s initial opinion of the scuba diver’s actions?
(A) She believes the person was just exploring and didn’t mean any harm.
(B) She assumes the diver was trying to save the animal from a fishing net.
(C) She thinks he wanted to remove dangerous bacteria from the shark.
3 According to Mark, how can touching a whale shark physically harm it?
(A) It can cause them to swim away and get lost in the ocean.
(B) It can destroy the natural defense system on the animal’s body.
(C) It can make them behave strangely, like domestic pets.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (C)
- Explanation: Mark is angry because the diver “strokes its back” and mentions that whale sharks are “an endangered species.” Option C paraphrases this as making “physical contact with a rare sea creature.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. Chloe explicitly states that the diver “didn’t seem aggressive at all,” and Mark agrees (“Even if he wasn’t being aggressive…”). Option (B) is a plausible guess for a shark video, but whale sharks are not described as dangerous predators in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: (A)
- Explanation: At the beginning, Chloe defends the diver by saying he “was probably just curious” and it “looked pretty harmless.” Option A paraphrases this as “exploring and didn’t mean any harm.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (C) is a trap. Mark mentions “bacteria,” but he says human hands have bacteria that hurt the shark, not that the diver was trying to remove bacteria. Option (B) is a plausible ocean rescue scenario but is never mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: Mark explains that oils and bacteria from human hands can “damage the protective layer on their skin.” Option B paraphrases this as destroying the “natural defense system on the animal’s body.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (C) is a trap. Mark says we should not “treat them like domestic pets,” but this is a criticism of human behavior, not a physical harm caused to the shark. Option (A) is a plausible stress reaction, but it is not mentioned in the audio.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Mark: Hey, did you see that viral video of the scuba diver and the whale shark? It’s making me so angry!
Chloe: Oh, the one where the guy reaches out and strokes its back? Yeah, I saw it. But, well, why are you so mad? He was probably just curious. It looked pretty harmless to me.
Mark: Harmless? Chloe, whale sharks are an endangered species. Touching them is actually illegal in many places. Plus, um, human hands have oils and bacteria that can severely damage the protective layer on their skin.
Chloe: Really? I didn’t know that. I just thought because they are so massive, a little touch wouldn’t hurt. The diver didn’t seem aggressive at all.
Mark: Even if he wasn’t being aggressive, it still causes the animal a lot of unnecessary stress. We are supposed to observe marine wildlife from a safe distance, not treat them like domestic pets for views online.
Chloe: Ah, I see your point now. I guess people just want a cool video for social media without thinking about the negative consequences.
Listening 5
Listen to a conversation between two neighbors and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What kind of animal did Susan find in her yard?
(A) A young crocodile that escaped from a local zoo.
(B) A rare type of lizard that is at risk of extinction.
(C) A domestic pet snake with unusual blue markings.
2 How does Susan explain the animal’s sudden appearance in their neighborhood?
(A) She believes someone unlawfully imported it to keep in their home.
(B) She thinks it traveled all the way from the Caribbean by itself.
(C) She suspects a documentary filmmaker lost it during a recent video shoot.
3 What do the neighbors decide to do to resolve the situation?
(A) Attempt to capture the animal safely using an empty box.
(B) Get in touch with professionals who are trained to handle animals.
(C) Provide some warm food because the creature is freezing outside.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: Susan identifies the animal as an “exotic iguana” (a type of lizard) and says they are a “critically threatened species”. Option B paraphrases this as a “rare type of lizard that is at risk of extinction”.
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. Mark asks, “Is that a crocodile?” but Susan immediately rejects this idea, saying, “No, it’s way too small for that.” Option (C) is a plausible guess for a backyard animal, but a snake is never mentioned.
2 Correct Answer: (A)
- Explanation: Susan mentions the “illegal wildlife trade” and says people “secretly bring them into the country to sell as rare pets.” Option A uses synonyms: “unlawfully imported” (secretly bring/illegal trade) and “keep in their home” (pets).
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (C) is a trap. The word “documentary” is mentioned in the audio, but Susan says she saw a documentary about them, not that a filmmaker lost the animal. Option (B) is not mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: (B)
- Explanation: Susan says, “We need to contact the local animal welfare officers right now,” and Mark agrees to call their emergency number. Option B paraphrases this as getting in touch with “professionals who are trained to handle animals.”
- Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. Mark suggests they “try to catch it and put it in a cardboard box,” but Susan explicitly rejects this (“I really don’t think that’s a good idea”). Option (C) is a trap; Mark mentions it is “freezing out here,” but feeding the animal is never suggested.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Susan: Mark, come over to the fence, quickly! Look at what is sitting on my patio chair.
Mark: What is it? Oh my goodness! Is that a crocodile?
Susan: No, it’s way too small for that. I think it’s some kind of exotic iguana. But look at its blue scales. I’m pretty sure I saw a documentary about those… they are a critically threatened species from the Caribbean.
Mark: How on earth did it end up in a suburban backyard in London?
Susan: Well, I read an article last week. It said that the illegal wildlife trade is a massive problem. People secretly bring them into the country to sell as rare pets. It must have escaped from someone’s house nearby.
Mark: That’s terrible. And dangerous for the animal, too. It’s freezing out here. Um, should we try to catch it and put it in a cardboard box?
Susan: Ah, I really don’t think that’s a good idea. We don’t know if it’s aggressive. Plus, we might accidentally hurt it. We need to contact the local animal welfare officers right now.
Mark: You’re absolutely right. I’ll get my phone and dial their emergency number. Keep an eye on it!