Practice English Listening A2 Exercises – Listening for information about a country

True: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7

Transcripts

GUIDE:   OK, folks. Here we are in the Empire State Building. The history of the Empire State Building is filled with many interesting facts and figures. It was designed by American architect William Lamb to become the tallest building in the world. Construction began in March 1930, and by October of that same year, 88 floors were already finished! In 1931, after 14 months and 25 million dollars, the building’s 102 floors were officially opened by U.S. President Herbert Hoover. In 1964, colored lights were added to the top by the building’s owners. The colors change almost every night. While it’s no longer the world’s tallest building, it is still seen as a symbol of New York City, and people from all over the world visit the building every year. It has even been featured in some of Hollywood’s biggest films, including King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle.

1   The Pyramids were built by the Egyptians. They were built as burial places for kings.

2   Machu Picchu covers about 13 square kilometers (5 square miles). It was discovered in 1911.

3   The Great Wall was built to protect a Chinese kingdom. It is about 3,400 kilometers (2,000 miles) long.

Transcripts

1   The pyramids. Who built them? Why were they built?

MAN:   The Pyramids were built more than 4,000 years ago by the Egyptians. The most famous ones are on the west bank of the river Nile, outside of Cairo. They were built as burial places for the Egyptian kings. After a king’s death, his body was turned into what is called a “mummy.” This preserved it. The king’s mummy was placed inside the pyramid, along with treasures.

2   Machu Picchu. How big is the city? When was it discovered?

WOMAN:   Machu Picchu is an Inca city in Peru. Construction of the city started in 1450. The ruins are about 2,400 meters above sea level. The city covers about 13 square kilometers. For centuries, the city was buried in the jungle and wasn’t discovered again until 1911. Today, Machu Picchu is one of the most famous tourist attractions in all of South America.

3   The Great Wall of China. Why was it built? How long is it?

MAN:   The Great Wall of China is the longest structure ever built. It was built to protect one of the Chinese kingdoms. Much of what exists of the wall today was built during the Ming Dynasty in the late 1400s, although some parts of the wall are much older. The wall is about 11 meters high, and a stone roadway runs along the top of it. The main part of the wall stretches for about 3,400 kilometers.

A

Location: northwestern South America, with coasts on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans

Population: around 45 million

Language: Spanish

Industries: textiles and clothing; mining and oil

Agricultural products: coffee, flowers, sugar, bananas, rice, corn, and cotton

B

beaches (coastlines); snow-capped mountains; hot lowland plains

Transcripts

MAN:   Colombia is located in the northwestern part of South America and is the fourth-largest country in South America. It has coastlines on both the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. It has a population of around 45 million and is a very beautiful country with snowcapped mountains as well as hot lowland plains. The capital city is Bogotá. Spanish is spoken by nearly all Colombians, and it is the country’s official language. Many religions are practiced, but the religion of the majority of the population is Roman Catholic. Some of the most important industries are textiles and clothing. Other industries include mining and oil. Agriculture is the most important section of the economy, and Colombia’s main agricultural products are coffee, flowers, sugar, bananas, rice, corn, and cotton. The coffee that is grown and exported is delicious. In fact, Colombia produces more coffee than any other country except Brazil and Vietnam.

A

1 the euro

2 Portugal

3 Marid

4 bullfighting

5 olives and wheat

6 textiles and automobiles

B

Contestant A: $300

Contestant B: $200

Contestant C: $100

Transcripts

HOST:   Welcome to today’s show! The rules of the game are simple: I will ask a question, and the first contestant to hit the buzzer gets to answer that question. Each correct answer is worth $100. Today’s topic is “Spain.” Are you ready, contestants? The first question, for $100, is: What currency is used in Spain? [buzzer] Contestant A!

WOMAN 1:   The euro.

HOST:   That’s right, contestant A. Spain used to use the peseta, but now they use the euro. And now for the next question: What country borders Spain to the west? [buzzer] Yes, Contestant C!

WOMAN 2:   Um … um … hockey?

HOST:   No, I’m sorry. Anyone else know the answer? [buzzer] Contestant A!

WOMAN 1:   Soccer is very popular in Spain.

HOST:   That’s right. OK. There are only two questions left. Let’s go, players! Next question: Spain is an agricultural country. What are two of the main crops? [buzzer] Contestant C!

WOMAN 2:   Olives and, uh, wheat?

HOST:   Good for you! Olives and wheat are both grown in Spain. We only have one more question left, contestants. And remember, the winner of this round will be back here tomorrow for the championship playoff! And now for our last question: What are two of the main industries in Spain? [buzzer] Contestant B!

MAN:   I think textiles and automobiles are made in Spain.

HOST:   Yes! That’s correct. Spain manufactures both textiles and automobiles. So, contestants, let’s look at your scores. Contestant A, you answered …