Study Skills – B1 English Listening Exercise
Listening 1
Listen to the podcast host talking about a study method and choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why does the host recommend the Pomodoro Technique?
(A) To help students study continuously for three hours.
(B) To prepare students for their difficult final exams.
(C) To prevent students from feeling mentally exhausted.
2 What should a student do immediately after working for twenty-five minutes?
(A) Have a brief period of relaxation.
(B) Check their mobile phones for messages.
(C) Review everything they have just read.
3 According to the host, why are these short breaks effective?
(A) Because human brains are naturally built for non-stop focus.
(B) They help the mind recover and absorb the material.
(C) They give students enough time to cook a healthy meal.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: The host says the technique is designed to help you study “without burning out,” which means to prevent feeling mentally exhausted. Option A is a trap; the host mentions “three hours” and “studying continuously,” but he says this is a bad habit you should avoid. Option B is plausible (students study for exams), but exams are never mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: The host states that when the alarm rings, “you must take a five-minute break.” Option A paraphrases a five-minute break as a “brief period of relaxation.” Option B is a trap; “phones” are mentioned in the audio, but the host specifically says “No phones” during the study period, and doesn’t tell you to check them on breaks. Option C is a plausible study tip but is not mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: The host explains that breaks “give your mind a chance to rest and process information.” Option B perfectly paraphrases “rest” as “recover” and “process information” as “absorb the material.” Option A is a trap; it uses the exact words “built for non-stop focus,” but the host actually says human brains aren’t built for that. Option C is not mentioned.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Mark: Welcome back to ‘Smart Student Secrets’. I’m your host, Mark. Do you ever sit down to study for three hours, but after the first hour, you can’t remember anything you just read? It happens to all of us. Today, I want to share a simple trick called the Pomodoro Technique. It’s designed to help you maintain maximum concentration without burning out.
Here is how it works. Instead of studying continuously, you break your work into shorter chunks. You set a timer and study with zero distractions for exactly twenty-five minutes. No phones, no social media. Then, when the alarm rings, you must take a five-minute break. You can stand up, stretch, or grab a drink. After four of these cycles, you take a longer rest of twenty to thirty minutes.
Why is this effective? Well, human brains aren’t built for non-stop focus. These short breaks give your mind a chance to rest and process information. By the end of the day, you will feel much less exhausted and actually get more done. Try it tonight and let me know how it goes!
Listening 2
Listen to the student vlogger talking about her morning routine and choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why does the vlogger choose to wake up at 6:00 AM to study?
(A) Because she wants to go outside and watch the sunrise.
(B) Because her brain works more effectively in the early hours.
(C) Because she needs extra time to commute to her university.
2 What does the vlogger do right before she opens her textbooks?
(A) She prepares a written list of her goals for the day.
(B) She goes to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee.
(C) She checks her emails and social media accounts.
3 What is the vlogger’s main advice for her viewers?
(A) To practice writing a biology essay every single morning.
(B) To take frequent short breaks while doing homework.
(C) To complete the most challenging project at the beginning.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Chloe says, “my mind just functions so much better before the sun comes up.” Option B perfectly paraphrases this as her brain working “more effectively in the early hours.” Option A is a trap; she mentions the sun coming up, but she doesn’t wake up to watch it. Option C is plausible for a student but is never mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: Chloe states, “before I even open my textbooks, I always sit down and create a daily plan” and “write out a specific to-do list.” Option A paraphrases this as preparing a “written list of her goals.” Option B is a trap; she drinks coffee, but she does that “first things first,” before making her plan. Option C is not mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: Her huge tip is to “always tackle your most difficult assignment first.” Option C paraphrases this exactly as completing the “most challenging project at the beginning.” Option A is a trap; she mentions a biology essay, but that is just her personal task for today, not her general advice. Option B is a good study tip but is not mentioned in this vlog.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Chloe: Hey guys, welcome back to my channel! Today is another ‘Study with me’ vlog. It’s currently 6:00 AM. I know, it’s super early, but honestly, my mind just functions so much better before the sun comes up. First things first, I absolutely need my morning coffee to wake up properly. Ah, much better.
So, before I even open my textbooks, I always sit down and create a daily plan. I write out a specific to-do list for the day. Um, I find that if I don’t physically write my objectives down on paper, I get easily distracted.
Now, a huge tip I want to share with you all: always tackle your most difficult assignment first. For me today, that’s a massive biology essay. It sounds a bit intimidating, but once you finish the hardest task, the rest of the day feels incredibly easy and stress-free. Alright, enough talking, let’s get to work!
Listening 3
Listen to the presentation by a school psychologist and choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 How do visual learners prefer to take in new information?
(A) By listening to recorded audiobooks and podcasts.
(B) By looking at graphical representations and written notes.
(C) By doing physical activities and moving around the room.
2 What strategy is recommended for individuals who are auditory learners?
(A) Saying their study materials out loud.
(B) Using various colored pens to mark important pages.
(C) Taking frequent breaks in a completely quiet room.
3 What is Dr. Evans’s final advice for the audience?
(A) To stop wasting energy and study only one subject a day.
(B) To ask a teacher to choose a learning style for them.
(C) To test different study techniques to find what suits them best.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Dr. Evans says visual learners “absorb facts best when they are presented in charts, mind maps, or written texts.” Option B perfectly paraphrases this as “graphical representations and written notes.” Option A is a trap; podcasts are mentioned, but they are for auditory learners, not visual learners. Option C is a plausible learning style (kinesthetic), but it is not mentioned in the audio.
2 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: The speaker says auditory learners benefit from “simply speaking your notes out loud.” Option A paraphrases this exactly as “saying their study materials out loud.” Option B is a trap; highlighting with multiple colors is mentioned, but that is a technique for visual learners. Option C is a trap; the audio actually says “studying in complete silence might actually be difficult for you.”
3 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: At the end of the talk, Dr. Evans says, “try experimenting with both approaches this week and see which one feels more natural.” Option C paraphrases this as “test different study techniques to find what suits them best.” Option A is a trap; the phrase “wasting your energy” is mentioned, but she doesn’t tell them to study one subject a day. Option B is not mentioned at all.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Dr. Evans: Good morning, everyone. I’m Dr. Evans, the school psychologist. Today, let’s talk about how we process information differently. Have you ever wondered why some students easily remember a lecture, while others struggle unless they see a diagram? Well, it often comes down to your primary learning style.
Let’s look at visual learners first. If you fall into this category, you, um, you rely on your eyes. You absorb facts best when they are presented in charts, mind maps, or written texts. You probably highlight your books in multiple colors, right?
On the other hand, we have auditory learners. These individuals excel when listening. If you are an auditory learner, studying in complete silence might actually be difficult for you. Instead, you benefit heavily from group discussions, listening to podcasts, or simply speaking your notes out loud.
Understanding your personal style is crucial. If you try to study using a method that doesn’t match your brain’s preference, you’re just wasting your energy. So, try experimenting with both approaches this week and see which one feels more natural to you.
Listening 4
Listen to the radio announcement by a Student Union representative and choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What will students learn to do during the first session of the workshop?
(A) Maintain control of their nerves using breathing methods.
(B) Shake their hands properly before an important interview.
(C) Memorize their study materials faster under pressure.
2 According to the speaker, what is a common mistake that causes students to lose points?
(A) They spend too much time registering at the main office.
(B) They fail to read and understand the task requirements accurately.
(C) They arrive late to the exam hall because of high anxiety.
3 What does the speaker teach students to avoid doing during a test?
(A) Using up all their available time on a single challenging question.
(B) Taking too many breaks to practice their breathing exercises.
(C) Leaving the exam hall before the paper is completely finished.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: The speaker says, “You will learn practical breathing exercises to help you stay cool and focused.” Option A perfectly paraphrases this as maintaining control using breathing methods. Option B is a trap; the speaker asks, “Do your hands shake…?”, but this is a symptom of stress, not a skill they will learn. Option C is plausible for a study workshop, but memorization is not mentioned.
2 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: The speaker states that students lose marks “because they rush and misunderstand the questions.” Option B paraphrases this as failing to read and understand the task requirements accurately. Option A is a trap; the “main office” is where you go to register for the workshop, it is not a reason for losing points. Option C is a plausible guess but is never mentioned in the audio.
3 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: The speaker warns students to ensure they “don’t spend too long on just one difficult essay.” Option A perfectly paraphrases this as using up all time on a single challenging question. Option B is a trap; breathing exercises are taught on the first day, but the speaker never mentions taking too many breaks during the test. Option C is not mentioned at all.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Alex: Hey everyone, this is Alex from the Student Union, bringing you the latest campus news. Are you feeling stressed about the upcoming final exams? Do your hands shake when you walk into the exam hall? If so, we have great news for you.
Starting next Monday, the Student Union is hosting a special three-day workshop series called ‘Conquering Exam Fear’.
On the first day, we’ll focus on relaxation techniques. You will learn practical breathing exercises to help you stay cool and focused under pressure.
Then, on Wednesday, the session is all about strategy. A lot of students lose marks simply because they rush and misunderstand the questions. So, we’ll practice how to analyze instructions carefully. We will also cover how to divide your minutes wisely, ensuring you don’t spend too long on just one difficult essay and run out of time for the rest of the paper.
The workshops are completely free, but seats are limited. So, drop by the main office to register before Friday. Don’t let anxiety ruin your hard work. See you there!
Listening 5
Listen to a student reviewing a book about habits and choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What was Ben’s primary study habit before he read the book?
(A) He spent too much time reading novels instead of studying for tests.
(B) He delayed his work and studied for many hours right before an exam.
(C) He felt confident taking tests after a long night of preparation.
2 How does Ben currently practice his vocabulary?
(A) He looks at his flashcards briefly during his morning meal.
(B) He studies his notes for exactly ten minutes right before going to bed.
(C) He listens to language podcasts while walking to his classes.
3 What is the main benefit Ben has experienced from his new routine?
(A) He no longer needs to review any materials during the actual exam week.
(B) He achieved the highest test score in his entire language class.
(C) He retains information much longer and experiences less pre-test anxiety.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Ben says he was the “king of procrastination” and used to “cram for five straight hours” the night before a test. Option B perfectly paraphrases this as delaying work and studying for many hours right before an exam. Option A is not mentioned. Option C is a trap; the audio mentions a long night before tests, but Ben says he felt “miserable,” not confident.
2 Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: Ben states, “I now spend just ten minutes every morning reviewing my vocabulary flashcards while eating breakfast.” Option A paraphrases “ten minutes” as “briefly” and “eating breakfast” as “morning meal.” Option B is a trap; it mentions “ten minutes,” but places the action right before bed instead of the morning. Option C is plausible for language learning but is never mentioned.
3 Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: Ben explains that the words “stay in my long-term memory” and he doesn’t “feel stressed anymore.” Option C paraphrases this accurately as retaining information longer and experiencing less anxiety. Option A is a trap; he mentions exam week, but never says he stops studying completely during that time. Option B is a trap; he says the results are “amazing,” but he does not claim to have the highest score in the class.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Ben: Hey everyone. Today I want to talk about a book that completely changed how I study. It’s called ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear. Before reading this, I was the king of procrastination. I used to wait until the night before a big test, and then I would try to cram for five straight hours. I felt miserable, and honestly, my grades weren’t even that great.
But this book taught me the power of tiny, daily actions. Instead of doing one massive study session, the author suggests doing a little bit every single day. So, I started applying this to my language classes. I now spend just ten minutes every morning reviewing my vocabulary flashcards while eating breakfast. It doesn’t feel like hard work at all because it’s so short.
However, the results have been amazing. Because I repeat the words daily, they actually stay in my long-term memory. When exam week arrives, I don’t feel stressed anymore. If you struggle with last-minute panic, I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. It really works!