Recording 3.

1. Listen to a radio feature about a property sale on the American West Coast. (If you don’t have the recording, read the tapescript on p.81). Answer the questions below.

1. How does the woman describe the properties that are being sold?

1. Lots of fun and a good way to impress your friends.

2. Perfect as a holiday home.

3. Ultra-modern and beautifully designed.

2. How would you describe the woman’s attitude towards the house that is being sold?

1. It’s hard to say what she really believes.

2. She quite likes the house.

3. She thinks the house is cheap and agly.

3. How would you describe the reporter’s attitude towards the house that is being sold?

1. He changes his mind when he talks to the woman.

2. He is interested but doesn’t approve.

3. He would love to buy one.

2. Tick [] the features which are mentioned in the recording.

1. air conditioning

2. electronic door

3. famous neighbours

4. furnishing ornaments

5. geographical location

6. gold bathroom suite

7. gymnasium

8. helicopter pad

9. outdoor music

10. sauna

11. security guards

12. security system

13. views

3. Listen to the first part of the recording and read the script below. Underline the words that are different and write the correct version above them.

There must be over four hundred people packed into the auction house here in central L.A. where I am now standing. It’s estimated that as many as a hundred more have been following the bidding by phone and on Internet link-ups.

4. Listen to the recording again and complete these extracts from the recording with an expression from the box.

As a matter of fact At the end of the day Basically Likewise

On top of that Then again To tell the truth

1. …………………………….. , it’s believed that as many as four hundred more …

2. …………………………….. , it will water the plants.

3. …………………………….. , it will do all those tiresome little jobs that can make life such a bore.

4. …………………………….. , it’s all rather impersonal, isn’t it?

5. …………………………….. , this is a little out of my league …

6. …………………………….. , I think I might not buy one.

7. …………………………….. , maybe I will.

5. Match the phrases below to the phrases in exercise 4.

1. Actually

2. All things considered

3. Essentially

4. Frankly

5. In the same way

6. On the other hand

7. What’s more

Recording 4.

1. Listen to an interview with Mary-Ann. Answer the questions.

1. Where is Mary-Ann’s home today?

……………………………..…………………………………

2. Where did her family come from originally?

……………………………..…………………………………

3. When did they emigrate?

……………………………..…………………………………

4. Why did they emigrate?

……………………………..…………………………………

2. Listen to the interview again. Look at the sentences below and complete them by writing one or more words in the spaces.

1. …………………..… per cent of the population of Cedar Rapids are of ………………...… origin.

2. Mary-Ann works as manager of ……………………………..… .

3. Her grandparents were attracted to America by ……………………………..… .

4. She brings her children up with ……………………………..…

5. They maintain their traditions by holding ……………………………..… .

3. Is the community discussed in the interview losing its sense or identity or is it managing to retain it?