Online Shopping – B1 English Listening Exercise

1 Correct Answer: (B)

• Explanation: The host mentions that fake reviews “sound like a professional advertisement.” Option B paraphrases this as a “prepared marketing message.”
• Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. The host says real customers use “casual language,” but doesn’t say fake ones use “technical words.” Option (C) is not mentioned.

2 Correct Answer: (B)

• Explanation: The host states it’s a “red flag” if reviews appear all at once because the company might have “hired people to write them.” Option B uses synonyms: “paid individuals” instead of “hired people.”
• Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a plausible real-world situation but is not mentioned as a reason for suspicion in the audio. Option (C) is also not mentioned.

3 Correct Answer: (B)

• Explanation: The host says genuine feedback “usually mentions both pros and cons.” Option B paraphrases this as “both the good and the bad points.”
• Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap (describes a fake review). The host warns against reviews that say a product is “absolutely perfect.” Option (C) is a common feature on shopping sites but is not discussed in this podcast.

Host: Welcome to Smart Shopper, the podcast that helps you navigate the digital marketplace. Today, we’re talking about something we’ve all experienced: looking at a product online and seeing hundreds of five-star reviews. But how do you know if they are real? Here are three tips to spot “fake reviews.”

First, look at the language. If multiple reviews use the exact same phrases or sound like a professional advertisement, they are probably paid for. Real customers usually talk about their personal experience and might use more casual language.

Second, check the timing. If a product suddenly receives fifty glowing reviews in just one or two days after having none for months, that’s a huge red flag. It’s very likely that the company hired people to write them all at once to boost their rating.

Finally, pay attention to the “one-sided” comments. Genuine feedback usually mentions both pros and cons. If a review says the product is “absolutely perfect” and “has no flaws at all,” be careful. Nothing is ever 100% perfect for everyone.

By keeping these signs in mind, you can protect your wallet and avoid poor-quality items. Thanks for listening, and stay savvy!

1 Correct Answer: (B)

• Explanation: The voiceover says the sale starts “this Friday at midnight.” In English, “Friday at midnight” refers to the very beginning of the day. Option B paraphrases this accurately.
• Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a plausible time for a store to open but is not mentioned. Option (C) is a trap; the sale ends on Sunday before midnight, it doesn’t start then.

2 Correct Answer: (B)

• Explanation: The ad states the code is for “any order over one hundred dollars.” Option B paraphrases “over one hundred dollars” as “at least one hundred dollars.”
• Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. The number “3” is mentioned (SAVE30), but it refers to the dollars off, not the number of items. Option (C) is a common promotion but is not mentioned in this specific ad.

3 Correct Answer: (A)

• Explanation: The voiceover explains that Lightning Deals are “happening every three hours.” Option A reflects this timing.
• Why the trap is wrong: Option (B) is not mentioned. Option (C) is a trap; the ad encourages users to “Download the FlashBuy app,” implying mobile use is preferred, not that deals are restricted to computers.

Voiceover: Are you ready for the biggest shopping event of the year? FlashBuy’s Black Friday Sale is finally here! Starting this Friday at midnight, we are slashing prices across our entire online store.

Get up to 70% off on the latest smartphones, home appliances, and trendy winter fashion. But wait, there’s more! Use the promo code “SAVE30” at checkout to get an extra thirty dollars off any order over one hundred dollars.

Do you love a good bargain? Then don’t miss our “Lightning Deals” happening every three hours. These are limited-time offers with the deepest discounts, but you have to be fast because they sell out in minutes!

Download the FlashBuy app now and turn on your notifications so you never miss a deal. Remember, the sale ends this Sunday at 11:59 PM. Shop smart, shop fast, only at FlashBuy!

1 Correct Answer: (B)

• Explanation: The Vlogger says, “I finally clicked ‘order’ on a high-end model last Tuesday.” Option B directly matches this information.
• Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a trap. Three days is the time it took for the shipping, not when he ordered it. Option (C) is a trap; he says he’s been looking for “weeks,” not a month.

2 Correct Answer: (A)

• Explanation: The Vlogger mentions the shipping was “impressively fast” taking only “three days… even though I just chose the standard delivery option.” Option A paraphrases “standard delivery” as “regular service.”
• Why the trap is wrong: Option (B) and (C) are common online shopping experiences but are never mentioned in the audio.

3 Correct Answer: (C)

• Explanation: He describes the box as being in “perfect condition” with “no dents or scratches,” showing it was handled “with care.” Option C uses synonyms: “undamaged” (perfect condition) and “handled gently” (with care).
• Why the trap is wrong: Option (B) is a trap. He mentions the phrase “been through a war” to describe other bad experiences he has had, but says “not this time!” Option (A) is the opposite of what he said.

Vlogger: What’s up, everyone! Welcome back to the channel. Today, I’m super excited because this long-awaited package finally arrived. As you know, I’ve been looking for a new mechanical keyboard for my office setup for weeks, and I finally clicked “order” on a high-end model last Tuesday.

To be honest, the shipping was impressively fast. It only took three days to get from the warehouse to my front door, even though I just chose the standard delivery option.

Now, looking at the exterior, the cardboard box is in perfect condition. There are no dents or scratches on the corners, which is a great sign. It shows that the courier handled the parcel with care. Sometimes when you buy expensive tech online, the packaging arrives looking like it’s been through a war, but not this time!

Alright, enough talking. Let’s cut the tape, get this beautiful keyboard out of the box, and plug it into my PC to see if those RGB lights actually work as advertised. Let’s dive in!

1 Correct Answer: (B)

• Explanation: The anchor mentions “thieves who steal delivery boxes right from your front door” and says thefts have “nearly doubled.” Option B paraphrases “thieves” as “criminals” and “front door” as “doorsteps.”
• Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) and (C) are common shopping issues but are not the focus of this security warning.

2 Correct Answer: (B)

• Explanation: The report states lockers are “secure boxes” where you “collect your items using a private code.” Option B uses synonyms: “locked location” and “special password.”
• Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is a different safety tip (neighbor watch) not mentioned here. Option (C) is a trap; the lockers are at “supermarkets or gas stations,” not inside the house.

3 Correct Answer: (C)

• Explanation: The anchor says a camera “provides clear evidence for the authorities if a crime occurs.” Option C paraphrases “evidence” as “proof” and “authorities” as “police.”
• Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is an exaggeration; cameras record but usually don’t call the police automatically. Option (B) is not a security function mentioned in the text.

News Anchor: Good evening. As we enter the busiest shopping season of the year, local police are issuing a fresh warning about “porch pirates.” These are thieves who steal delivery boxes right from your front door before you even get home from work.

In the last two weeks, reported thefts in our neighborhood have nearly doubled. To protect your hard-earned purchases, experts suggest a few simple steps. First, if you aren’t going to be home, consider using smart lockers located at nearby supermarkets or gas stations. These secure boxes ensure that only you can collect your items using a private code.

Another effective method is installing a security camera or a video doorbell. Not only does this discourage criminals, but it also provides clear evidence for the authorities if a crime occurs. Finally, you can request a “signature required” delivery so the driver never leaves a high-value package unattended.

Stay alert and keep your holiday gifts safe. Back to you in the studio.

1 Correct Answer: (B)

• Explanation: The system says, “To track… the estimated delivery date, please press 1.” Option B paraphrases “press 1” as “press the first button.”
• Why the trap is wrong: Option (C) is a trap. You need an “order number,” not a “phone number.” Option (A) is for “all other inquiries,” not specific tracking.

2 Correct Answer: (B)

• Explanation: The system says to press 2 if you “wish to send a product back for a full refund.” Option B directly matches this.
• Why the trap is wrong: Option (A) is for tracking. Option (C) is for technical issues or direct support.

3 Correct Answer: (C)

• Explanation: Pressing 3 is to “speak directly with one of our customer support representatives.” Option C paraphrases this as “have a conversation with a real person.”
• Why the trap is wrong: Option (B) is a trap; to hear the options again, you must press the “star key,” not 3. Option (A) is not explicitly mentioned but would likely fall under Option 1 or 2 depending on the stage of the order.

Automated Voice: Thank you for calling the ShopCentral Customer Service line. We are here to help you with all your online shopping needs. Please listen carefully to the following options as our menu has recently changed.

• To track the real-time location of your current package and see the estimated delivery date, please press 1. You will need your ten-digit order number ready.
• If you have received an item that is damaged, or if you simply wish to send a product back for a full refund, please press 2 to speak with our returns and exchanges department.
• For all other inquiries, including technical issues with our website or to speak directly with one of our customer support representatives, please press 3.

To hear these options again, please press the star key. Otherwise, please stay on the line and an agent will be with you shortly.