Practice English Listening B2 Exercises – Values

1 True   2 False   3 Doesn’t say   4 False

Transcripts

1   Aaron

I was with my son at the supermarket – he was about eight years old at the time – and he found a wallet on the floor. Inside it was a hundred-dollar bill! A hundred dollars! He picked it up and got all excited. In fact, neither of us could really believe it. He started talking about all the things he would buy. Right away, I told him that we couldn’t keep it. He seemed disappointed at first. We started asking people if they had lost anything. After asking around for a while, we hadn’t found anyone, and I was beginning to think we’d asked everyone.

But then, as we were walking to the front of the store, I noticed a man – actually, my son noticed him – pacing back and forth, shaking his head, and muttering something. I thought it was probably his wallet, so we asked him, and it was. My son felt better when he saw how relieved the man was about getting his money back. That was our good deed for the day, and the man gave my son 10 dollars as a reward for returning the wallet

2   Leanne

I was on a train from Washington, D.C., to New York last month when I found a book lying under my seat. It was just a little book, not an expensive one. It was probably only worth a few dollars. Well, I really wanted to read it. It was pretty interesting, and by the end of the trip, I was still reading it, so I decided to keep it. I took it home and finished it.

Now, every time I see it on my bookshelf, I wonder if I should have taken it or not. I mean, do you think I should have given it to the train conductor? Who knows? Like I said, it wasn’t a very expensive book, so I didn’t really feel guilty about taking it.

honesty: 2    privacy: 3    respect: 1

Transcripts

Andy:   We’re back on the street for the “Ask the People” portion of our show. Today our question is: “What values do you think are the most important, and why?” Now, I just have to find some people who are willing to talk to me. . . . Excuse me, sir?

Man:   Yes?

Andy:   My name is Andy Simmons. I’m a reporter for WQZ, and we’re on the air. Do you have a moment to talk with us?

Man:   Well, uh, I’m on my way to work.

Andy:   This should just take a moment.

Man:   Well, OK. But make it fast.

Andy:   OK. We’re asking people what they think are the most important values in today’s society and why.

Man:   Hmm . . . that’s a tough one. I guess I think it’s important to listen to your parents. Kids these days . . . my kids never listen to anything I say.

Andy:   Ah-ha. So you think it’s important to respect your parents.

Man:   That’s right. Sorry, I’ve got to go. Bye.

Andy:   Good-bye. Boy, was he in a hurry! Miss. Excuse me, miss? Hello?

Woman 1:   Hmm? Yes?

Andy:   Do you have a second? I’m Andy Simmons from WQZ. I’m doing a radio show . . .

Woman 1:   Uh-huh?

Andy:   Well, um, . . . we’re asking people on the street what values they think are important and why.

Woman 1:   I’m sorry, I don’t really have much time . . .

Andy:   It’ll just take a second.

Woman 1:   OK, then. I don’t know. I guess that honesty is important. You know what they say: Honesty is the best policy.

Andy:   OK. That’s interesting.

Woman 1:   Well, I mean, you’re just going to get in trouble if you’re not honest. At least that’s been my experience.

Andy:   I see.

Woman 1:   Listen. I have to go.

Andy:   Thanks. Let’s see if I can find one more person . . . Oops!

Woman 2:   Ouch!

Andy:   I’m sorry. I didn’t see you standing there behind me. Are you OK?

Woman 2:   No! You stepped on my toes! What are you doing standing here, anyway?

Andy:   Well, actually, I’m interviewing people. I’m Andy Simmons from WQZ.

Woman 2:   What’s that?

Andy:   I’m Andy Simmons. From the radio station WQZ. I’m doing on-the-street interviews.

Woman 2:   Oh. OK.

Andy:   We’re asking people about values. What values do you think are most important in today’s society?

Woman 2:   Privacy. I’d have to say privacy. I think people need to respect each other’s privacy. Like right now. You really need to leave me alone. Ha!

Andy:   Uh, . . . oh, . . . well, . . . um, sorry. Uh, folks, that’s all the time we have today for our show. Today’s question was: “What values do you think are important in today’s society, and why?” After this experience, I’d have to say one thing we all need to work on is being kinder. Especially to news reporters. This sure is a tough job. This is Andy Simmons of WQZ radio signing off until next time.