Practice English Listening A2 Exercises – Listening to people talk about changes

The bookstore is now a hair salon.

Transcripts

MATT:   Well, what about that old bookstore? Do you know if it’s still there?

TANYA:   No, it’s not. Now it’s a hair salon.

MATT:   Really? What about the Thai restaurant next to it? I loved that place.

TANYA:   Oh, that’s still there.

MATT:   Let’s go there this weekend. I’ll drive. I can pick you up.

TANYA:   Great!

A

1 environment   2 transportation   3 families

B

Transcripts

1

MAN:   How long have you been living here?

WOMAN:   Oh, for over 20 years.

MAN:   And have you noticed a lot of changes during that time?

WOMAN:   Oh, yes, quite a few. This is a much nicer place to live now than it used to be. It’s much greener. When I first moved here, there weren’t many trees around. But over the last few years, the city has planted trees everywhere. It’s made such a difference.

2

WOMAN:   How do you like living here?

MAN:   Well, it’s an interesting city. But you really need a car here. You can’t go anywhere without one. There used to be a good bus system, but there isn’t anymore.

WOMAN:   Why is that?

MAN:   Oh, I think they expect everyone to have a car, so they don’t bother to provide decent bus service. It’s getting worse and worse. These days, you have to wait a long time for a bus. And when one finally shows up, it’s usually full!

3

WOMAN 1:   I can’t believe how much this neighborhood has changed!

WOMAN 2:   What do you mean?

WOMAN 1:   Well, when Joe and I first bought this house – that was almost 20 years ago, of course – there were lots of young couples with children living on this street.

WOMAN 2:   I don’t see any kinds out today.

WOMAN 1:   That’s because they’ve all grown up and moved out of their parents’ houses. The only young children we see around here these days are the grandchildren when they come to visit. It’s too bad. I miss the sounds of kids playing. It’s gotten way too quiet around here!