Study Skills – B1 English Listening Exercise
Listening 1
Listen to the conversation between a student and a bookstore clerk, then choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why does Emma want to buy a new set of highlighters?
(A) She lost the markers she bought at the beginning of the semester.
(B) Her current ones damage the other side of the textbook pages.
(C) She prefers using bright, neon colors for her study notes.
2 Where can Emma find the sticky notes?
(A) Beside the markers in the third aisle.
(B) Near the new shipment of books at the front desk.
(C) On the bottom shelf below the daily calendars.
3 What specific feature is Emma looking for in a planner?
(A) It must contain a broad monthly overview calendar.
(B) It has to be very inexpensive and lightweight to carry.
(C) It needs to have a tough, protective outside material.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Emma says her current highlighters “bleed through the pages.” Option B perfectly paraphrases this as “damage the other side of the textbook pages.” Option A is not mentioned. Option C is a trap; the clerk mentions the new markers are “pastel colors,” not neon, and color is not the primary reason she is replacing her old ones.
2 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: The clerk says the sticky notes are “right next to the highlighters,” and earlier mentioned the highlighters are in “aisle three.” Option A accurately combines this information. Option B is a trap; the “new shipment” refers to the planners, not the sticky notes. Option C is a plausible guess but is never mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: Emma states her planner “needs to have a really durable cover.” Option C paraphrases “durable cover” as “tough, protective outside material.” Option A is a trap; the clerk asks if she wants a monthly format, but she specifically says she prefers a “weekly layout.” Option B is a trap; the clerk mentions the hardback organizers are “a bit more expensive,” so she is not looking for the cheapest option.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Clerk: Welcome to Campus Books. Are you looking for anything specific today?
Emma: Yes, please. Midterms are coming up, and I really need to organize my study materials. First, do you have those packs of highlighters with different colors? The ones I have always bleed through the pages.
Clerk: Oh, I know what you mean. You should try the ‘Eco-Line’ markers over in aisle three. They come in pastel colors, so they are gentle on your eyes, and the ink won’t ruin the back of your paper.
Emma: Perfect, I’ll grab a pack of those. I also need some sticky notes and a reliable planner.
Clerk: We have standard yellow sticky notes right next to the highlighters. As for planners, what kind are you looking for? A daily or a monthly format?
Emma: Actually, I prefer a weekly layout. It helps me see all my upcoming deadlines at a glance. But it needs to have a really durable cover because I carry it in my backpack everywhere.
Clerk: We just got a new shipment of hardback weekly organizers. They’re a bit more expensive, but they are tough and will last all year. Let me show you.
Listening 2
Listen to the conversation between a student and a librarian, and choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What is Alex’s main reason for visiting the library today?
(A) He needs to borrow an academic psychology textbook for a class.
(B) He wants to find practical advice on how to improve his memory.
(C) He is looking for a quiet space to study for his upcoming exams.
2 Why does Alex decide NOT to look in the Psychology section?
(A) He thinks the books there are too theoretical and difficult.
(B) He has already read all the materials available in that area.
(C) He cannot access it because it is closed for renovation.
3 Where can Alex find the specific books that the librarian recommends?
(A) On the top shelf of aisle number four.
(B) Next to the main staircase on the ground floor.
(C) In the self-improvement area on the upper level.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Alex says he wants “books on memory techniques” because he has a “hard time remembering facts.” He also later specifies he wants something “practical.” Option B perfectly paraphrases this. Option A is a trap; the librarian mentions psychology textbooks, but Alex is not looking for them for a class, and he rejects them. Option C is plausible for a library visit but is not mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: When the librarian suggests the Psychology section, Alex responds, “I think I prefer something more practical, rather than heavy academic theories.” Option A paraphrases “heavy academic theories” as “too theoretical and difficult.” Options B and C are not mentioned in the audio at all.
3 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: The librarian tells Alex to go to the “Self-Help section on the second floor.” Option C paraphrases “Self-Help” as “self-improvement” and “second floor” as “upper level.” Option A is a trap; the librarian says the books are on the “bottom shelf,” not the top shelf. Option B is a trap; she mentions taking the stairs, but the books are not on the ground floor.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Alex: Excuse me, are you available to help me find some materials?
Mrs. Smith: Yes, of course. What exactly are you looking for?
Alex: Well, um, I’ve been having a really hard time remembering facts for my exams. I study for hours, but my mind just goes blank. So, I was wondering if the library has any books on memory techniques?
Mrs. Smith: Ah, I see. That’s a very common issue among students. We definitely have resources that can help. You’ll want to check two main areas. First, the Psychology section has academic textbooks explaining how the human brain processes information.
Alex: I think I prefer something more practical, rather than heavy academic theories.
Mrs. Smith: In that case, you should head over to the Self-Help section on the second floor. There are plenty of practical guides there written by memory champions and study experts.
Alex: That sounds perfect. Um, where exactly on the second floor is it?
Mrs. Smith: Just take the stairs, turn left, and look for aisle number four. The study skills books are going to be on the bottom shelf.
Alex: Aisle four, bottom shelf. Got it. Thank you so much!
Listening 3
Listen to the conversation between a student and a receptionist, then choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why does Ryan choose the Thursday session?
(A) He is busy with other academic commitments earlier in the day.
(B) It is the only workshop that still has available seats right now.
(C) He strongly prefers studying at night rather than waking up early.
2 What specific problem is Ryan currently struggling with?
(A) He spends too much time chatting with friends at the campus library.
(B) He frequently loses his focus due to his electronic devices.
(C) He cannot find a quiet physical environment to take his online classes.
3 What will the workshop teach participants during the second week?
(A) How to utilize new social media platforms for academic research.
(B) Techniques to create a personalized weekly schedule and planner.
(C) Methods to control screen usage and stay concentrated.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: Ryan says he needs the late class (Thursday evening) because he has “lab classes every morning.” Option A perfectly paraphrases having classes as “academic commitments.” Option B is a trap; the receptionist checks for available seats for Thursday, but she never says Wednesday is completely full. Option C is a plausible reason, but it is not mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Ryan admits he struggles with “digital interruptions” because he constantly checks his phone or opens new tabs. Option B paraphrases this as losing focus due to “electronic devices.” Option A is a trap; socializing is a form of distraction, but the library and friends are not mentioned. Option C is not mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: Ms. Kelly states the second week focuses on “maintaining concentration” and strategies to “manage your screen time effectively.” Option C perfectly paraphrases this. Option A is a trap; the course teaches you how to “block out” social media, not how to utilize it for studying. Option B is a trap; creating a schedule is a general time management skill, but it is not what is taught during the second week about digital environments.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Ryan: Hi there. I’m hoping to get some information about the Time Management workshop? I desperately need to organize my schedule better.
Ms. Kelly: Hello! Absolutely. We offer that workshop twice a week this semester. We have a session on Wednesday mornings, and another one on Thursday evenings. Which one works better for you?
Ryan: Well, I have lab classes every morning, so I definitely need the late class. Does the Thursday session still have open seats?
Ms. Kelly: Let me check the system… Yes, there are a few spots left for Thursday.
Ryan: Great. Before I sign up, can you tell me if the course covers dealing with digital interruptions? Like, I constantly check my phone or open new tabs when I’m trying to study online. It’s ruining my focus.
Ms. Kelly: Oh, definitely. The second week of the syllabus focuses entirely on maintaining concentration in a digital environment. The instructor will teach you practical strategies to block out social media and manage your screen time effectively.
Ryan: That sounds exactly like what I need. Please sign me up for Thursdays!
Listening 4
Listen to the conversation between a student and a library manager, and choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why does Leo need to book a private room?
(A) To rehearse a group speech for a class.
(B) To study quietly for an upcoming business exam.
(C) To watch an educational movie with his friends.
2 What specific equipment does Leo request for the room?
(A) A digital projector and a microphone.
(B) A smart TV and a library laptop.
(C) A display monitor and a surface for writing.
3 Why does the librarian give Leo Room 5A instead of Room 4B?
(A) Because Room 4B is currently closed for repairs.
(B) Because Room 4B is partially booked during his requested time.
(C) Because Room 5A has better equipment for business students.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: Leo states, “We are practicing a major presentation.” Option A paraphrases this perfectly as “rehearse a group speech.” Option B is a trap; he mentions a “business class,” but they are preparing a presentation, not studying for an exam. Option C is plausible for using a TV, but it is not mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: Leo specifically asks for “a whiteboard” and “a TV screen.” Option C perfectly paraphrases this as a “surface for writing” and a “display monitor.” Option A is not mentioned. Option B is a trap; a smart TV is mentioned, but Leo says they will plug their own laptops in, so he is not requesting a library laptop.
3 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Leo wants the room from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (two hours), but the librarian says Room 4B is “taken at 3:00 PM.” Option B paraphrases this as being “partially booked during his requested time.” Option A is not mentioned. Option C is a trap; the librarian says Room 5A has the “exact same equipment,” not better equipment.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Leo: Hi, excuse me. I’d like to book a space for my study group this weekend.
Ms. Parker: Hello there. We have several open tables on the second floor, or do you need a private room?
Leo: A private room, please. We are practicing a major presentation for our business class, so we really need a whiteboard to write down our ideas, and… um… a TV screen to plug our laptops into.
Ms. Parker: I see. Room 4B has a smart TV and a large dry-erase board. How long will you need it?
Leo: Let me think… we have a lot of slides to go through. Can we reserve it for two hours on Saturday afternoon? Say, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM?
Ms. Parker: Let me check the system schedule. Ah, unfortunately, Room 4B is taken at 3:00 PM. But Room 5A has the exact same equipment and is completely free all afternoon.
Leo: That works perfectly. We’ll take Room 5A then.
Ms. Parker: Great. I just need to scan your library card to finalize the reservation.
Listening 5
Listen to the conversation between a student and an IT technician, then choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why does Sam approach the IT technician today?
(A) To get help removing a dangerous virus from his system.
(B) To find a way to prevent himself from visiting distracting websites.
(C) To ask for instructions on how to fix his broken laptop screen.
2 According to the technician, how does the site blocker tool function?
(A) It completely deletes social media platforms from the computer.
(B) It turns off the laptop’s Wi-Fi connection after two hours.
(C) It temporarily stops the user from opening selected web pages.
3 What is Sam still able to do while the blocking tool is active?
(A) Look for academic information online to complete his assignments.
(B) Watch educational videos on YouTube for his classes.
(C) Message his classmates using an offline communication app.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Sam says he has a “focus issue” and wants a tool to physically stop him from watching YouTube and checking social media. Option B perfectly paraphrases this as preventing himself from visiting distracting websites. Option A is a trap; the IT technician asks if it is a virus, but Sam immediately says, “Oh, no, thankfully not.” Option C is plausible for an IT visit, but it is never mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: Chris explains that the extension will “lock those pages so you can’t access them” during a “specific time period.” Option C paraphrases this accurately. Option A is a trap; Sam asks if the tool will “delete the websites,” but Chris clearly says, “Not at all.” Option B is not mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: Sam asks, “So I can still use the internet to research for my essays?” and Chris confirms (“Exactly”). Option A paraphrases researching for essays as looking for “academic information online.” Option B is a trap; YouTube is specifically mentioned as one of the distracting sites Sam wants to block, so he won’t be watching videos on it. Option C is not mentioned.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Sam: Hi, excuse me. Are you the IT technician? I was wondering if I could get some help with my laptop.
Chris: Yes, I am. What seems to be the problem? Do you think you have a computer virus?
Sam: Oh, no, thankfully not. It’s actually a focus issue. Um, whenever I sit down to study, I always end up watching YouTube videos or scrolling through my social media feeds. I heard there are tools that can physically stop me from doing that.
Chris: Ah, I understand. You’re talking about site blockers. They are very useful browser extensions. I can easily show you how to install one.
Sam: That would be amazing. How do they work exactly? Do they delete the websites from my computer?
Chris: Not at all. You just type in the web addresses you want to avoid, and then you set a timer. Let’s say you want to study for two hours. During that specific time period, the extension will lock those pages so you can’t access them.
Sam: Perfect. So I can still use the internet to research for my essays?
Chris: Exactly. It only restricts the specific sites you put on your blacklist. Let’s open your web browser and I’ll walk you through the setup right now.