Music – A2 English Listening Exercise

1 (B) Rainy.

• Explanation: The DJ says, “It is a rainy Tuesday morning out there…” Option (A) is a trap because the name of the song he will play later is “Sunshine,” which might confuse students who just catch keywords. Option (C) is a weather condition but is not mentioned.

2 (C) Classic rock.

• Explanation: The DJ states his normal habit clearly: “We usually start the hour with some classic rock…” Option (A) is the A2 Twist/Trap; pop music is what he is playing today, but the question asks what he usually plays. Option (B) is an unmentioned distractor.

3 (A) The Blue Birds.

• Explanation: The DJ introduces the song by saying: “It’s called ‘Sunshine’ by the band The Blue Birds.” Option (B) is a trap because “Sunshine” is the title of the song, not the name of the band. Option (C) is a trap because Alex is the name of the DJ.

DJ: Good morning, city listeners! You are listening to FM 99.5 with your host, Alex. It is a rainy Tuesday morning out there, but don’t worry, I have some great music to wake you up! We usually start the hour with some classic rock, but today is special. I am going to play the number one pop song of the week for you right now. It’s called “Sunshine” by the band The Blue Birds. So, turn up the volume, drink your coffee, and enjoy!

1 (A) In ten minutes.

• Explanation: The announcer says clearly: “The show will start in exactly ten minutes.” Option (B) is a distractor with an unmentioned time. Option (C) is a trap because the announcer tells them to buy drinks “now”, but the show itself does not start immediately.

2 (B) Return to their seats.

• Explanation: The announcer instructs the crowd to “go back to your seats as soon as possible.” (“Return” is a simple A2 paraphrase for “go back”). Option (A) is a trap; they are told to buy food, but they don’t need to go outside the stadium to do it. Option (C) is what people usually do at a rock concert, but it is not what they are instructed to do right now.

3 (C) People can take pictures but without the flash.

• Explanation: This is the main A2 rule trap. The announcer says, “…you can take pictures with your phones. However, please do not use your flash…” Option (A) is incorrect because taking pictures is allowed. Option (B) is also a trap because the announcer explicitly says, “…and do not record any videos during the performance.”

Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the City Stadium for tonight’s rock concert! The band is very excited to perform for you. The show will start in exactly ten minutes. So, please buy your food and drinks now, and go back to your seats as soon as possible. Also, we have a very important rule for tonight. We know you want to remember this special evening, so you can take pictures with your phones. However, please do not use your flash, and do not record any videos during the performance. It distracts the singers. Thank you for listening, and enjoy the show!

1 (A) A school talent show.

• Explanation: The speaker clearly says, “The Student Council is organizing a School Talent Show…” Option (C) is a trap because music and singing are mentioned, but it is a talent show, not a club. Option (B) is a plausible school event but is never mentioned.

2 (B) Next Tuesday.

• Explanation: The student announces the new plan: “The auditions will be next Tuesday in the main hall instead.” Option (A) is the A2 Twist/Trap; Friday was the old plan, but it changed because there were too many people. Option (C) is a trap because “next month” is when the actual show happens, not the auditions.

3 (C) By writing their name on a piece of paper.

• Explanation: At the end, the student says, “…please write your name on the paper on my desk…” Options (A) and (B) are logical ways to sign up for school activities in real life, but they are not mentioned in the audio.

Student: Hi everyone! Listen up, please. The Student Council is organizing a School Talent Show next month. We need students who can sing, dance, or play a musical instrument. I know I told you the auditions were this Friday in the music room. But, we have too many people! So, we changed the plan. The auditions will be next Tuesday in the main hall instead. You don’t need to prepare a long performance. Just two minutes is enough. If you want to sign up, please write your name on the paper on my desk before you go home today. Thanks!

1 (B) Warm water.

• Explanation: The teacher clearly says, “…warm water is much better for your throat.” Option (A) is the A2 Twist/Trap because he mentions that “many people like to drink cold water”, but he advises against it. Option (C) is a plausible drink but is never mentioned in the audio.

2 (A) You should not sing loudly there.

• Explanation: The main tip is “do not shout or yell.” He explains that singing very loudly at a concert “can really hurt your voice.” Option (B) is a trap; he doesn’t tell you to stop going to concerts, just not to yell when you are there. Option (C) is exactly what he tells you NOT to do.

3 (C) For 15 minutes.

• Explanation: The teacher says, “Just 15 minutes a day is perfect.” Option (A) is the A2 Trap because he uses the word “hours” in a negative sentence (“You don’t need to practice for hours”). Option (B) is an unmentioned distractor.

Podcaster: Welcome back to my music podcast! Today, I want to share three simple tips to keep your singing voice healthy. First, you need to drink a lot of water. Many people like to drink cold water, but actually, warm water is much better for your throat. Second, do not shout or yell. When you are at a loud concert, you might want to sing very loudly with the band, but that can really hurt your voice. Finally, you should practice every day. You don’t need to practice for hours. Just 15 minutes a day is perfect. Try these tips and see the difference!

1 (B) There were too many people.

• Explanation: The vlogger says, “…there were thousands of people there. It took me an hour just to get inside.” Option (A) and (C) are plausible problems at a concert, but they are never mentioned in the audio.

2 (A) She thought it would ruin the night, but she still had a great time.

• Explanation: This is the A2 Twist. She says the music was very loud and her ears are ringing, and states: “Because of all that, I thought I would hate the experience. But honestly, it was the best night ever!” Option (B) is incorrect because she didn’t like the noise at first. Option (C) is a trap because she mentions her ears ringing, but she didn’t leave early.

3 (B) He sounded just like his recorded music.

• Explanation: The vlogger clearly praises the singer: “The lead singer sounded exactly like his CDs.” Option (A) is the opposite of what she said (“He sang all my favorite songs perfectly”). Option (C) is a distractor as no other singers were mentioned.

Vlogger: Hey guys! Welcome back to my channel. Last night, I finally went to the Star Boys concert. I was so excited! But wow, there were thousands of people there. It took me an hour just to get inside the stadium. And the music was so loud my ears are still ringing today. Because of all that, I thought I would hate the experience. But honestly, it was the best night ever! The lead singer sounded exactly like his CDs. He sang all my favorite songs perfectly. I had so much fun dancing with my friends. I am definitely going to their next concert! Thanks for watching, and see you next week!