Festivals & Events – B1 English Listening Exercise

1 Correct Answer: (B) She is hesitant because she dislikes large gatherings of people.

• Explanation: In the audio, Sarah says, “I’m not really into huge crowds.” Option (B) uses paraphrasing (“dislikes large gatherings of people”). Option (C) is a trap; the price of the tickets is mentioned later by Mark as being “quite reasonable,” which is not her initial worry.

2 Correct Answer: (C) A music group she is passionate about will be performing.

• Explanation: Mark mentions that “The Neon Lights are headlining” and Sarah responds that she has “been dying to see them perform live for years.” Option (C) is a paraphrase of this. Option (B) is a trap; the location is mentioned, but it is actually far away (“way out in the valley”). Option (A) is plausible but not mentioned in the audio.

3 Correct Answer: (B) By driving together in a borrowed vehicle.

• Explanation: Mark says they can “share a ride” and that he can “borrow his SUV” from his brother. Option (B) perfectly paraphrases this. Option (A) is a trap; the train is mentioned, but Sarah says it “doesn’t run that far.” Option (C) is also a trap; they are using an SUV, but it is borrowed from a family member, not rented from a company.

Mark: Hey, Sarah! Have you heard about the Summer Vibe Festival happening next month?

Sarah: Oh, hi Mark. Yeah, I saw a poster for it. But, um, I’m not really into huge crowds, to be honest.

Mark: I know, I know. But wait, get this—The Neon Lights are headlining on Saturday night! I know you absolutely love them.

Sarah: Wait, seriously? They’re playing? I’ve been dying to see them perform live for years!

Mark: Exactly! So, you have to come with me. The tickets are actually quite reasonable if we buy them before Friday.

Sarah: Well, I suppose I could put up with the crowds for one night. But how would we get there? The festival grounds are way out in the valley, and the train doesn’t run that far.

Mark: Don’t worry about that. I was thinking we could share a ride. My brother said I can borrow his SUV for the weekend, so we can just split the gas money.

Sarah: Oh, that sounds perfect! Count me in. Let’s grab those tickets tonight!

1 Correct Answer: (B) It needs to be inexpensive to put together.

• Explanation: In the audio, Tom says he “can’t afford to spend a fortune” (which means he doesn’t have much money to spend). Option (B) is the correct paraphrase. Option (A) is the trap; a superhero (Batman) is mentioned, but Tom brings it up as a negative example of spending too much money in the past. Option (C) is plausible but never mentioned.

2 Correct Answer: (A) He feels the concept lacks originality.

• Explanation: Tom says the vampire idea is “too traditional” and that he wants “something a bit more unique”. Option (A) paraphrases this perfectly. Option (B) is the trap; the audio mentions an accessory (“fake teeth”), but Tom does not complain about their cost, he complains about the idea being boring. Option (C) is a plausible guess but is not mentioned in the dialogue.

3 Correct Answer: (A) He is excited because it makes use of his existing wardrobe.

• Explanation: Tom loves the idea and says, “I already have the clothes.” Option (A) uses synonyms like “existing wardrobe” to express this. Option (B) is the trap; a tropical (“Hawaiian”) shirt is mentioned, but the trap is the word “buy” – Alex notes that Tom already bought it last summer. Option (C) is plausible because makeup is mentioned, but Tom is not worried about it at all.

Alex: Hey, Tom. Are you going to Lisa’s Halloween party on Saturday?

Tom: Yeah, I am, but I’m completely stuck on what to wear. I want to look impressive, but I really can’t afford to spend a fortune on a costume this year. Renting that Batman suit last time left me broke!

Alex: Tell me about it. Well, um, how about going as a vampire? You just need to get some fake teeth and wear a black shirt.

Tom: Ah, I don’t know. It feels a bit too traditional, doesn’t it? Half the guys there will probably be vampires. I want something a bit more unique.

Alex: Hmm. Oh, I’ve got it! Why don’t you go as a “Zombie Tourist”?

Tom: A what?

Alex: A zombie tourist! Just wear that terrible floral Hawaiian shirt you bought last summer, put a camera around your neck, and use some cheap face paint for the zombie look. It’s hilarious and practically free.

Tom: Actually, that’s a brilliant idea! I already have the clothes, so I only need to buy a little makeup. Thanks, Alex!

1 Correct Answer: (C) To remove any misfortune from the previous twelve months.

• Explanation: In the audio, Yuki says that getting rid of the dirt means “sweeping away last year’s bad luck.” Option (C) perfectly paraphrases this idea (“misfortune” = “bad luck”, “previous twelve months” = “last year”). Option (B) is a trap; Liam mentions “spring cleaning,” but this is his family’s habit, not Yuki’s reason. Option (A) is not mentioned.

2 Correct Answer: (A) Her family avoids the crowds and chooses to remain at home.

• Explanation: When Liam asks if she watches the fireworks downtown, Yuki says “not really” and mentions that her family “prefers staying indoors.” Option (A) uses synonyms like “remain at home” to express this. Option (B) is a trap; “downtown” (city center) and “see the displays” are mentioned, but Yuki rejects this idea. Option (C) is also a trap; Liam is the one who mentions “making noise,” not Yuki.

3 Correct Answer: (B) It represents a wish for longevity and physical well-being.

• Explanation: Yuki explains that the long noodles are supposed to bring a “long and healthy life.” Option (B) paraphrases this using advanced vocabulary (“longevity” = “long life”, “physical well-being” = “healthy”). Option (A) is a trap; Liam suggests finding a restaurant later, but it is not the meaning of the meal. Option (C) sounds like a logical guess (plausible) but is never stated in the conversation.

Liam: Hey Yuki, the semester is almost over. Are you heading back to Japan for the New Year?

Yuki: Hi Liam! Actually, no. I’m staying here on campus this year. But, um, I’m definitely going to miss my family’s traditions.

Liam: Oh, really? What do you guys usually do back home?

Yuki: Well, the preparation starts a few days early. We have to make sure the whole house is completely spotless. My parents believe that getting rid of the dirt means sweeping away last year’s bad luck.

Liam: That makes sense! We do a bit of spring cleaning, but not really for New Year’s. What about on the actual night? Do you watch the fireworks downtown?

Yuki: Ah, not really. While a lot of people go out to see the displays, my family prefers staying indoors. We always eat a special kind of noodle soup. The long noodles are supposed to bring us a long and healthy life.

Liam: That sounds wonderful! Much better than just staying up late and making noise like my family does. Maybe we can find a restaurant that serves those noodles here!

1 Correct Answer: (B) Purchasing the sweet treat from a local shop.

• Explanation: Emma says she will “get her favorite chocolate cake” at the “bakery”. Option (B) uses synonyms (“sweet treat” = cake, “local shop” = bakery). Option (A) is a trap; Lucas is the one who ordered the pizzas (the main meal). Option (C) is also a trap; setting up the banners is Lucas’s job.

2 Correct Answer: (C) He is afraid the birthday girl might return before he finishes.

• Explanation: Lucas asks, “what if Mia comes home early while I’m doing it? That would ruin everything!” Option (C) paraphrases this perfectly (“return” = come home, “before he finishes” = while I’m doing it). Option (A) is a trap; he mentions inflating balloons, but time is not his worry. Option (B) is a plausible guess but is never mentioned in the audio.

3 Correct Answer: (B) Having a family member take her out for some entertainment.

• Explanation: Emma suggests calling their “cousin, Sarah” (family member) to take Mia to the “cinema or maybe go shopping” (entertainment). Option (B) is the correct paraphrase. Option (A) is a trap; “morning class” is mentioned, but that is Emma’s schedule, not Mia’s. Option (C) is a trap; “downtown” is mentioned, but they are sending her there to keep her away, not to buy party supplies.

Emma: Lucas, we need to finalize the plan for Mia’s surprise party tomorrow. Have you ordered the food yet?

Lucas: Yeah, the pizzas will arrive at 6 PM. But we still have a ton of things to sort out. Who is picking up the dessert?

Emma: I can handle that. I’ll swing by the bakery after my morning class to get her favorite chocolate cake. Can you take care of the decorations?

Lucas: Sure, I can inflate all the balloons and hang the banners in the living room. But wait… what if Mia comes home early while I’m doing it? That would ruin everything!

Emma: Oh, right. We need a distraction. Why don’t you call our cousin, Sarah? Ask her to take Mia to the cinema or maybe go shopping downtown.

Lucas: Good idea! Sarah loves window shopping. I’ll text her right now and tell her to keep Mia out of the house until at least 5:30.

Emma: Perfect! This is going to be the best birthday she’s ever had.

1 Correct Answer: (A) To ask if she wants to attend a culinary event with some coworkers.

• Explanation: Ben invites her to the “International Food Fair” with people from the “marketing department.” Option (A) uses paraphrasing (“culinary event” = Food Fair; “coworkers” = people from the department). Option (B) is a trap; Ben later guesses she is working on a project, but that’s not his reason for talking to her. Option (C) is a trap; Chloe mentions “Mexican tacos”, but Ben is inviting her to a fair, not a restaurant.

2 Correct Answer: (B) She is traveling to celebrate a relative’s special occasion.

• Explanation: Chloe explains that she is visiting her parents because it’s her “mom’s birthday.” Option (B) perfectly paraphrases this (“relative’s special occasion” = mom’s birthday). Option (A) is a trap; Ben asks if she is working on a “big project,” but she says she “finished my part yesterday.” Option (C) is a trap; she is taking the train, but it is to see her family, not for a “solo vacation.”

3 Correct Answer: (B) Capture some visual memories of the trip and enjoy the meals.

• Explanation: At the end of the conversation, Chloe tells Ben to “eat lots of great food” and “take plenty of pictures.” Option (B) uses synonyms to express the same idea (“capture visual memories” = take pictures). Option (A) is a trap; she wishes she could eat tacos, but she never asks Ben to bring food back for her. Option (C) is plausible for colleagues in marketing, but it is never mentioned in the audio.

Ben: Hey Chloe, do you have any plans for this Saturday? A few of us from the marketing department are heading down to the International Food Fair by the river. We’d love it if you could join us.

Chloe: Oh, hi Ben. That sounds absolutely amazing! I’ve been craving some authentic Mexican tacos lately. But, um, I’m afraid I’ll have to pass this time.

Ben: Really? That’s a shame. Are you catching up on that big project for the boss? I know the deadline is coming up.

Chloe: Actually, no, I finished my part yesterday. I’m actually taking the train up north to see my parents. It’s my mom’s birthday, so the whole family is getting together for a special dinner.

Ben: Oh, I see! Well, family comes first, right? Tell your mom I said happy birthday.

Chloe: I will, thanks! Make sure you guys eat lots of great food for me, and take plenty of pictures! Have a fantastic weekend, Ben!