CELPIP Listening: Follow Conversations Without Losing the Details

From a short exchange to a complete conversation

Parts two and three require sustained attention through a recording before the questions begin. Unlike the three sections described for part one, there are no equivalent breaks within these conversations. The setting may be everyday life or work, and the vocabulary becomes more demanding.

Part two uses one recording of roughly one and a half to two minutes, followed by five questions with about 30 seconds to hear and answer each. Coworkers may discuss a project, teammates may prepare for a game, or a couple may plan a weekend. The speakers know each other; their language can be polite and informal without being deeply personal. Details, feelings and next steps all matter.

Part three organizes a conversation around information. One person knows something that the other wants to learn: a salesperson explains a car, an experienced employee describes a procedure, or a shop worker advises a parent about party decorations. Identify who has the information and who needs it. The longer recording increases the demands on concentration and notes; its tone can range from informal to somewhat formal.

Use context, questions and responses as a connected sequence

The introductory statement supplies the relationship, setting and likely topic. Record that context briefly before listening. During the conversation, identify the main issue: whether someone has a problem, proposes a solution or needs information. Picturing the situation helps maintain attention. An unfamiliar detail should not hold attention so long that the next exchange disappears.

Inference questions often contain probably, likely, imply, suggest or what can we tell. These words ask for a conclusion supported by the situation, rather than a matching word. A long question can be reduced in the notes to a few words such as likely do next. The proposed next action must be mentioned or supported; an option is not justified simply because it sounds helpful.

Keep causes and consequences separate as well. A speaker may describe a factor connected with a difficulty without claiming that it directly causes every related problem. A study someone proposes next is still a future investigation, not a finding already established.

Connectors such as but, however, actually and in fact can change or clarify a point. How about…? may introduce a proposal. The function of a sentence also matters: Why don't you try this? or Why don't you give this a go? offers a suggestion without using the word suggest. A question asking whether something already happens has a different purpose.

Words and voice work together. A positive response such as Oh, that's great can reveal a reaction. Keep track of the questions the speakers ask and the answers they receive, including requests for clarification. This connection is more useful than a collection of unrelated nouns.

Match the strength of an attitude word to the evidence. Being satisfied with an arrangement is not automatically being impressed by it. A positive reaction alone does not justify the strongest positive answer choice.

Build notes around people, needs and replies

A line down the middle gives each speaker a side. Label the roles and keep them consistent. For part one, dividing the page into three sections can also separate the three exchanges, but the layout should help retrieval rather than become an extra task. Point-form notes and arrows are both acceptable; use a system that remains legible to its writer.

In part one, each group of questions concerns its corresponding section of the conversation. Separating the notes can make those details easier to find; earlier notes may still help establish the situation.

Names, job titles, addresses, dates, times, locations and prices are valuable anchors. A short form such as stu for student is sufficient. A place name need not be perfectly spelled if the note still identifies it later. Record important questions and responses, including the follow-up questions asked by someone offering help.

In the first example, Lena and Tom are neighbouring shop owners. Lena's difficulty is the bins blocking the sidewalk; Tom provides the collection-time explanation. Separate the proposed locations and times from the arrangement they agree to try. The same principle applies to an invitation: record the invitation, whether it is accepted, and the reason for a refusal. A cross can stand for a declined invitation without requiring a full sentence.

In information conversations, expressions such as I can make a few suggestions introduce relevant advice. Keep that advice alongside the other person's response. Having already tried an activity differs from having signed up but not yet started. After practice, compare the notes with the conversation to identify missing details. The useful system is the one that records enough while leaving attention available for the next sentence.

The Sidewalk Trash Bin Problem

Read a conversation between two neighbouring shop owners.

Conversation

Woman: Hey Tom, got a second? It's about your trash bins — every morning around seven, they end up right in front of my storefront, blocking half the sidewalk. Customers have had to step into the street to get around them.

Man: Oh, I had no idea it was that bad, Lena. Our truck comes around eight-fifteen, so we roll the bins out early to make sure we don't miss pickup, I guess.

Woman: That explains it. The problem is they're sitting in that narrow stretch between our shops — it's really the only spot wide enough for a stroller or wheelchair.

Man: What if I rolled them out along the side wall instead, near the loading area behind my shop? Actually, the driver might not see them tucked back there — I'd hate for them to get missed and sit out a whole extra week.

Woman: True. What if we just set them out a little later instead, say seven forty-five, so it's only half an hour instead of over an hour?

Man: That seems manageable. I could ask my morning staff to handle it closer to opening instead of right at six-thirty like they've been doing.

Woman: That would help a lot. We could also loop in the property manager, Mr. Findlay, and see if he'd mark off a proper bin storage spot for both of us.

Man: Not a bad idea. I've actually been meaning to talk to him about the shared awning repair anyway, so I could bring both up at once.

Woman: In the meantime, could we just try seven forty-five starting tomorrow and see how it goes for a week or two?

Man: That's fair. I'll let my staff know today, and I'll talk to Findlay this week about both things.

Woman: Glad you're open to it, Tom.

Man: I get it. I'd want to know too, if it were the other way around.

Questions

Read each question and compare all four choices before consulting the worked answers.

1. What is the main issue in this conversation?

• A. Who owns the loading area
• B. Bins blocking the sidewalk each morning
• C. Rescheduling the garbage truck's arrival
• D. Manager failing to repair the awning

2. Why does the man put the bins out early?

• A. His staff arrive early with time
• B. The property manager requires it by lease
• C. The truck comes at 8:15 for pickup
• D. The sidewalk space is free only then

3. What compromise do they agree to try tomorrow?

• A. Moving bins to the loading area
• B. Having the manager assign a spot
• C. Putting bins out around 7:30
• D. Putting bins out around 7:45

4. How does the man react when Lena raises it?

• A. Defensive, insisting there's no problem
• B. Apologetic, but says he can't change the timing
• C. Understanding, admitting he hadn't noticed
• D. Annoyed she took so long to ask

5. What will Tom likely raise with the property manager?

• A. Delay contacting Findlay until next month
• B. Complain about Lena blocking access
• C. Raise the bin spot and awning
• D. Ask him to widen the sidewalk

Worked answers and evidence

1. Answer: B

Evidence:

It's about your trash bins — every morning around seven, they end up right in front of my storefront, blocking half the sidewalk.

• A: Incorrect. Ownership of the loading area isn't in question; it's suggested only as an alternative bin location.
• B: Correct. Lena raises the issue of Tom's trash bins blocking the shared sidewalk in front of her shop each morning.
• C: Incorrect. The truck's eight-fifteen arrival is fixed; what changes is when Tom's bins go out beforehand, not the truck's schedule.
• D: Incorrect. The awning repair is mentioned only as a separate matter Tom plans to raise with the manager.

2. Answer: C

Evidence:

Our truck comes around eight-fifteen, so we roll the bins out early to make sure we don't miss pickup, I guess.

• A: Incorrect. Staff arriving early explains when they act, not why the bins go out early in the first place.
• B: Incorrect. No lease requirement about bin timing is mentioned.
• C: Correct. He explains the truck comes around eight-fifteen, so bins go out early to avoid missing pickup.
• D: Incorrect. The sidewalk's narrowness is Lena's concern about location, not Tom's reason for early timing.

3. Answer: D

Evidence:

What if we just set them out a little later instead, say seven forty-five, so it's only half an hour instead of over an hour?

That seems manageable.

• A: Incorrect. Moving bins to the loading area is discussed but set aside over concern the driver might miss them.
• B: Incorrect. Involving the property manager is a longer-term idea, not the immediate change for tomorrow.
• C: Incorrect. The time they actually agree on is seven forty-five, not seven-thirty.
• D: Correct. They agree to shift the bin timing to around seven forty-five starting the next day, so they block the sidewalk for less time.

4. Answer: C

Evidence:

Oh, I had no idea it was that bad, Lena.

• A: Incorrect. He doesn't deny the problem; he admits he hadn't realized how bad it was.
• B: Incorrect. He doesn't refuse to change anything; once he understands the problem, he actively works out a new time and a longer-term fix with her.
• C: Correct. He says he had no idea it was that bad and helps work out a new collection-time arrangement, showing openness.
• D: Incorrect. There's no indication of annoyance about when she raised it.

5. Answer: C

Evidence:

I've actually been meaning to talk to him about the shared awning repair anyway, so I could bring both up at once.

• A: Incorrect. Tom says he'll talk to Findlay this week, not wait until next month.
• B: Incorrect. There's no complaint made about Lena's business; the issue is one-sided, about Tom's bins.
• C: Correct. Tom says he's been meaning to talk to Findlay about the awning anyway and could bring up the bin storage spot at the same time.
• D: Incorrect. The fix discussed is marking a bin storage spot, not widening the sidewalk itself.

Touring the Gym Memberships

Read a conversation between a prospective member and a gym employee.

Conversation

Woman: Hi, thanks for showing me around. I'm mainly torn on whether basic or premium makes sense — I've been wanting to try kickboxing since my roommate started raving about her class downtown.

Man: Then premium's probably your answer. Basic's thirty-nine a month and covers the floor, cardio, and weights whenever we're open, but classes are extra — twelve bucks a drop-in session on top of the monthly fee. Go more than a couple times a month and that adds up fast compared to premium's flat sixty-four, which includes unlimited classes.

Woman: That makes the decision easier. What about guest passes? My friend Dana keeps saying she'll come work out with me and never does, but I'd like the option.

Man: Basic gets two a year. Premium gets one every month, so twelve total if you use them all.

Woman: Big difference. I also travel a lot for work, sometimes three or four weeks straight — any way to pause my membership while I'm gone?

Man: Both plans let you freeze up to two months a year combined. Premium freezes for free; basic pays ten dollars each time.

Woman: Good to know, I'd use that once or twice a year at least. Is there a sign-up fee?

Man: Normally fifty either way, but we're running a promo this month — it drops to fifteen if you sign up before it ends.

Woman: Between the kickboxing and the guest passes, premium's the clear choice for me. Let's get the paperwork going.

Man: I'll grab the class schedule too, so you can lock in a kickboxing spot before it fills.

Woman: Perfect — I'm really looking forward to getting started.

Man: Welcome aboard.

Questions

Read each question and compare all four choices before consulting the worked answers.

1. Why does the man say premium would likely be a better deal for the woman regarding kickboxing?

• A. Basic members aren't allowed to join
• B. Paying per visit for classes adds up quickly
• C. Drop-in classes cost $20 each
• D. The $50 sign-up fee is waived

2. What is the main purpose of this conversation?

• A. Convincing a member to renew
• B. A member complaining about guest passes
• C. Explaining why a promotion ended
• D. Comparing membership tiers before signing up

3. How many guest passes does a premium member receive per year?

• A. Two per year, same as basic
• B. One pass per year, used anytime
• C. Unlimited guest passes with no yearly cap
• D. Twelve a year, one every month

4. What can be inferred about why the woman is particularly interested in the freeze option?

• A. Plans to cancel within a year
• B. Travels for work for weeks
• C. Unsure whether she'll like the gym
• D. Wants to freeze for six months

5. According to the conversation, what is true about the gym's sign-up fee?

• A. It's normally $50, but discounted to $15 this month
• B. It's always free for premium members
• C. It doubled recently due to high demand
• D. It's $15 for basic and $50 for premium

Worked answers and evidence

1. Answer: B

Evidence:

Basic's thirty-nine a month and covers the floor, cardio, and weights whenever we're open, but classes are extra — twelve bucks a drop-in session on top of the monthly fee.

• A: Incorrect. Basic members can still drop in on classes; they're just charged per session.
• B: Correct. He explains basic members are charged each time they drop into a class, and going more than a couple times a month makes premium the cheaper overall option.
• C: Incorrect. The drop-in fee mentioned is twelve dollars per class, not twenty.
• D: Incorrect. The sign-up fee is only discounted to fifteen dollars this month, not waived, and it isn't about kickboxing pricing.

2. Answer: D

Evidence:

I'm mainly torn on whether basic or premium makes sense — I've been wanting to try kickboxing since my roommate started raving about her class downtown.

• A: Incorrect. The woman is a prospective member touring the gym, not an existing member renewing.
• B: Incorrect. Guest passes are discussed as a feature comparison, not as a complaint.
• C: Incorrect. The promotion is active, not ended — it's described as currently running this month.
• D: Correct. The woman asks about the differences between basic and premium to decide which membership to choose.

3. Answer: D

Evidence:

Premium gets one every month, so twelve total if you use them all.

• A: Incorrect. Two per year is the figure for basic membership, not premium.
• B: Incorrect. This understates it; premium gets one per month, not just one for the whole year.
• C: Incorrect. Guest passes are capped at one per month for premium, not unlimited.
• D: Correct. The man explains premium members get one guest pass every month, totalling twelve a year.

4. Answer: B

Evidence:

I also travel a lot for work, sometimes three or four weeks straight — any way to pause my membership while I'm gone?

• A: Incorrect. A freeze is a temporary pause, not a cancellation, and she shows no intent to cancel.
• B: Correct. She mentions travelling for work three or four weeks at a stretch, which is why she asks about pausing her membership.
• C: Incorrect. There's no indication of uncertainty about liking the gym; her question is tied specifically to her travel schedule.
• D: Incorrect. The freeze option allows up to two months a year, not six, and her interest is tied to her travel schedule.

5. Answer: A

Evidence:

Normally fifty either way, but we're running a promo this month — it drops to fifteen if you sign up before it ends.

• A: Correct. The man says the sign-up fee is normally fifty dollars but drops to fifteen during this month's promotion.
• B: Incorrect. The fee applies to both tiers; it isn't waived specifically for premium.
• C: Incorrect. The fee decreased for the promotion; it did not double.
• D: Incorrect. The fee is the same for either tier (fifty, or fifteen during the promo), not split by tier.

Starting a Carpool to Work

Read a conversation between two coworkers.

Conversation

Man: Hey Nadia, since we both live out in Brookfield and drive in separately, what do you think about carpooling to work together?

Woman: I've actually been thinking about that too, especially with gas so expensive and parking downtown at fourteen dollars a day. Splitting that would save us both a good chunk every month. So whose car should we use? I've got the SUV, but your car gets better mileage.

Man: Mine's more fuel-efficient on the highway, but your SUV might be better once winter hits, with the all-wheel drive.

Woman: I hadn't thought about winter yet. What if we just alternate, my car one week, yours the next, and pool the gas money instead of each covering our own week?

Man: That's cleaner, less chance of awkwardness over money down the road. How much should we each put in?

Woman: Maybe forty dollars each into a shared account at the start of every month. What about days you have a late client call?

Man: Whoever's stuck late can just take the bus home, and we carpool again the next morning. I don't want you waiting around in the lot for me on those days.

Woman: Same here — if I have an early meeting, I won't expect you to rearrange your whole morning either. So, starting Monday, your car for week one?

Man: Sounds fine to me. I'll shoot you a message Sunday night to confirm everything and figure out exactly where to meet.

Woman: I'll set up the shared account this weekend so it's ready to go.

Man: This should save us both money, and it'll be nice having company on the drive too.

Woman: For sure — I probably should've suggested this myself months ago.

Questions

Read each question and compare all four choices before consulting the worked answers.

1. Why might the SUV be more useful on some days?

• A. Costs less to fill up weekly
• B. More fuel-efficient on the highway
• C. Better on winter roads with all-wheel drive
• D. Avoids the $14 downtown parking fee

2. What is the main purpose of this conversation?

• A. Arranging a carpool to save money
• B. Arguing about who pays for parking
• C. Deciding to buy a car together
• D. Switching to taking the bus permanently

3. How do they decide to split costs?

• A. Splitting every gas receipt in half
• B. Whoever drives that week pays alone
• C. Paying for parking and gas separately
• D. Putting $40 each into a shared account

4. Why do they agree on a backup plan?

• A. Neither wants the other left waiting
• B. Worried about extra bus costs
• C. They don't trust each other's punctuality
• D. Unsure exactly where to meet

5. What does the woman agree to do before carpooling starts?

• A. Set up the shared account this weekend
• B. Text to confirm the meeting spot
• C. Drive her SUV for week one
• D. Confirm the parking rate once more

Worked answers and evidence

1. Answer: C

Evidence:

Mine's more fuel-efficient on the highway, but your SUV might be better once winter hits, with the all-wheel drive.

• A: Incorrect. The SUV actually has worse mileage than the man's car; it helps in winter, not at the gas pump.
• B: Incorrect. It is the man's car that is described as more fuel-efficient, not the SUV.
• C: Correct. The man suggests the SUV may be better suited to winter roads because of its all-wheel drive.
• D: Incorrect. That parking fee applies no matter which car they take; it has nothing to do with the SUV.

2. Answer: A

Evidence:

Hey Nadia, since we both live out in Brookfield and drive in separately, what do you think about carpooling to work together?

Splitting that would save us both a good chunk every month.

• A: Correct. The man and woman work out whose car to use, how to split costs, and a backup plan to start carpooling.
• B: Incorrect. Parking cost comes up, but only as part of the larger plan to share carpool expenses, not an argument.
• C: Incorrect. There is no talk of buying a car; they plan to alternate their existing cars each week.
• D: Incorrect. The bus is only mentioned as a backup for days one of them works late or leaves early.

3. Answer: D

Evidence:

Maybe forty dollars each into a shared account at the start of every month.

• A: Incorrect. They agree to contribute forty dollars each to a shared account; splitting every receipt is not the arrangement described.
• B: Incorrect. This idea is raised but not the one they settle on; they prefer a shared fund instead.
• C: Incorrect. This describes paying separately, an idea they move away from toward pooling costs together.
• D: Correct. The woman suggests, and the man agrees, that each puts forty dollars into a shared account monthly.

4. Answer: A

Evidence:

I don't want you waiting around in the lot for me on those days.

Same here — if I have an early meeting, I won't expect you to rearrange your whole morning either.

• A: Correct. Both separately say they don't want the other stuck waiting around because of a late call or early meeting.
• B: Incorrect. Bus fare isn't raised as a cost concern; the backup plan is about not leaving someone waiting, not about money.
• C: Incorrect. There is no indication of distrust; the plan is framed around consideration for each other's time.
• D: Incorrect. Confirming the meeting spot is a separate detail for Monday; it isn't why they set up the late/early backup plan.

5. Answer: A

Evidence:

I'll set up the shared account this weekend so it's ready to go.

• A: Correct. She says she will set up the shared account this weekend so it's ready to go.
• B: Incorrect. It's the man who says he'll text Sunday night to confirm where to meet, not the woman.
• C: Incorrect. They agree the man's car goes first for week one; the SUV takes over the following week.
• D: Incorrect. The fourteen-dollar parking rate is already known; no further check is planned.

Learn a word as a sound, a spelling and a meaning

Vowel work helps distinguish words that look similar and connects new vocabulary with recognizable pronunciation. The vowel letters are A, E, I, O and U. Vowels can form syllables and combine with consonants in them. A final e is often silent: since does not acquire an extra spoken syllable at the end.

Stress is part of the word. Modify has stress on the first syllable; moving it can make the word harder to recognize. Divide an unfamiliar longer word into manageable parts, then reassemble it with the correct stress. In again, alike, diamond, family, beautiful, second, oppose, collaborate, toilet, hello, offering, divine, credibility, cactus, genius and stadium, the syllables do not carry equal weight. Compare the stressed syllable with the weaker syllables in each complete word.

Useful contrasts include ape/apple, Chinese/egg, like/igloo, hope/orange and tube/ugly. Compare the vowel and mouth position rather than relying only on letters. Similar spelling does not guarantee a shared sound: far, art, star, article, water, all, always, do, to, some, none, love, put, Luke, nude, Jude and illusion show why patterns need checking. Pronunciation can also vary between accents. The b in debt is silent.

The contrast rip, ripe, rap, rape illustrates how a changed vowel produces a different word. Keep the ending controlled instead of adding an extra heavy sound. For longer vocabulary such as psychology, practise the parts and the complete word. Sound and meaning should be learned together.

Vowel practice

For v, bring the upper teeth lightly against the lower lip and let the voice vibrate. Keep that contact when practising a word such as Vic rather than replacing the sound with w.

Compare the vowels in each group. Words in the same row can have different vowel sounds; check uncertain pronunciations and stress in a dictionary with audio.

Auditioning for the Spring Play

Read a conversation between a man and a woman.

Conversation

Man: Excuse me, are you the person in charge of the spring play? The fellow at the front desk sent me back here.

Woman: That's me! Sorry about the paint... we're short of hands, so I'm doing the sets this year too. What can I do for you?

Man: I saw your poster about auditions. I've never acted in my life... well, unless you count a school play back in grade four. I was a tree.

Woman: (laughs) Everyone starts somewhere! What made you want to try it now?

Man: Our youngest moved out in September, and the house is awfully quiet. My wife joined a choir that practises Tuesday and Thursday nights, so I'm at home with the TV on, all evening, by myself.

Woman: Well, we're a friendly bunch, and somebody always brings snacks to rehearsal.

Man: That's a good start! So how do auditions work? Do I need to memorize a speech?

Woman: Not at all. They're this Saturday, from 10:00 to 2:00, and you just drop in. We hand you a page or two from the script, and you read it with one of us a couple of times. I might ask you to try it a different way, angrier or slower or more nervous. It's really not a test. I mostly want to see how you take direction and whether your voice carries in the hall. The whole thing takes about ten minutes.

Man: Ten minutes? Okay, that's not too scary, but I don't want to ruin the show with zero experience.

Woman: You won't ruin anything! Actually, there's a part I think would suit you, the hotel manager, who's only in two scenes with maybe a dozen lines.

Man: A dozen lines? I was thinking more along the lines of moving furniture backstage.

Woman: We need that too. But read for the manager first. Our last newcomer was terrified at his audition, and by opening night he was asking me for more lines.

Man: Really? Well... okay, I'll give it a try, I guess. So when are rehearsals?

Woman: Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 7:00 to 9:00.

Man: Well, I'm certainly free those nights.

Woman: Wonderful! Just put your name on the sign-up sheet by the door on your way out.

Man: Thanks! Me, reading for a part in a real play . . . my kids are never going to believe this!

Questions

Read each question and compare all four choices before consulting the worked answers.

1. What can we tell about the woman?

• A. She works at the front desk.
• B. She has known the man for years.
• C. She is doing more than directing.
• D. She is new to the theatre group.

2. What has led the man to try acting?

• A. advice from his doctor
• B. a good memory from school
• C. a change at home
• D. a request from his wife

3. What happens at an audition?

• A. You read a short scene with someone.
• B. You sing a short piece for the director.
• C. You perform a speech you memorized.
• D. You watch a rehearsal and then try.

4. Why does the woman mention the last newcomer?

• A. to explain why roles go to beginners
• B. to show his nerves may pass
• C. to admit newcomers often want too much
• D. to persuade him to start backstage

5. What will the man probably do on Saturday?

• A. help move furniture backstage
• B. go to his wife's choir practice
• C. audition for a small part
• D. perform a speech he has memorized

6. Why do the rehearsal times suit the man?

• A. He has no work on those evenings.
• B. They are on weekend mornings.
• C. His wife can come and watch.
• D. His wife will be at choir then.

Worked answers and evidence

1. Answer: C

Evidence:

Excuse me, are you the person in charge of the spring play?

Sorry about the paint... we're short of hands, so I'm doing the sets this year too.

• A: A man at the front desk sent him back to her; she is someone else.
• B: He asks who is in charge; nothing indicates that they have known each other for years.
• C: Correct — she is "the person in charge of the spring play", and because they are short of hands she says "I'm doing the sets this year too."
• D: Her account of a previous newcomer supports experience with the group; the conversation does not present her as new.

2. Answer: C

Evidence:

Our youngest moved out in September, and the house is awfully quiet.

• A: He never mentions a doctor.
• B: He mentions the school play only to show how little experience he has.
• C: Correct — "Our youngest moved out in September", the house is quiet, and his wife is now out at choir, so he spends his evenings alone.
• D: His wife joined a choir, but he never says she asked him to act.

3. Answer: A

Evidence:

We hand you a page or two from the script, and you read it with one of us a couple of times.

• A: Correct — they hand you "a page or two from the script", and you read it with one of them.
• B: Singing is his wife's activity, at choir; it is not part of the audition.
• C: He asks whether he needs to memorize a speech, and she says "Not at all."
• D: Rehearsals come later, on weekday evenings; the audition is just a reading.

4. Answer: B

Evidence:

Our last newcomer was terrified at his audition, and by opening night he was asking me for more lines.

• A: She does not say that parts are given to beginners on purpose.
• B: Correct — that newcomer "was terrified at his audition" but wanted more lines by opening night, which suggests the man's worries may go away too.
• C: She tells the story warmly; asking for more lines is shown as a good sign, not a problem.
• D: Moving furniture backstage was the man's idea; she wants him to "read for the manager first."

5. Answer: C

Evidence:

They're this Saturday, from 10:00 to 2:00, and you just drop in.

Well... okay, I'll give it a try, I guess.

• A: Moving furniture was his own idea, but she asks him to read for the manager first.
• B: The choir practises on weeknights, not on Saturday.
• C: Correct — he says "I'll give it a try" after she asks him to read for the manager, and the auditions are "this Saturday."
• D: He asks whether he needs to memorize a speech, and she says "Not at all."

6. Answer: D

Evidence:

My wife joined a choir that practises Tuesday and Thursday nights, so I'm at home with the TV on, all evening, by myself.

Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 7:00 to 9:00.

• A: He never talks about his work schedule; he says only that he is free those nights.
• B: Weekend mornings are for the auditions; rehearsals are in the evening.
• C: Her choir schedule explains his free evenings; he does not say she will attend rehearsals.
• D: Correct — rehearsals are "Tuesday and Thursday evenings", the same nights his wife's choir practises, when he would otherwise be at home by himself.

A Bookshelf with Missing Parts

Read a conversation between a man and a woman.

Conversation

Man: Good afternoon, Maple Lane Furniture, customer care. Hassan speaking. How can I help?

Woman: Hi, Hassan, I really hope you can, because I'm sitting on my living room floor surrounded by pieces of a bookshelf, and I'm about ready to give up.

Man: Oh no! That doesn't sound like a fun afternoon. What's going on?

Woman: I ordered the Kestrel bookshelf from your website, the tall one. Everything was going fine until step twelve, when I realized there are only three shelves in the box. The instructions show five.

Man: I'm sorry about that. Could the other two be taped inside one of the side panels? That happens sometimes with that model.

Woman: I've checked everything, twice.

Man: Okay, well, with the Kestrel we actually can't ship single pieces. What we'll do instead is send you a complete new bookshelf, at no charge.

Woman: A whole new one? Wow! But do I have to send back the half-built one? Because I'm not taking it apart again.

Man: No, you can keep it all. It sounds strange, I know. But the parts come from the factory sealed in one box, so to send you two shelves, someone in the warehouse would have to open a new box, pull them out, repack them . . . and then they'd be stuck with a box that's missing pieces. It takes so much staff time that it ends up costing more than shipping the whole thing. A lot of customers donate the extra parts or use them for little projects.

Woman: Huh, well, I'm certainly not going to complain! How long will it take?

Man: Five to seven business days.

Woman: Ugh! My mother's coming on Saturday, and my books have been stacked in the hallway for two months. She's going to have something to say about that.

Man: Why not put up the three shelves you have for now? At least the books would be off the floor.

Woman: Hmm, you know, that's not a bad idea.

Man: Great, I'll email you a confirmation number for the replacement in the next few minutes. Is this still the right address, on Alder Crescent?

Woman: That's the one. Okay, I'll watch for the email, then. Thanks for your help, Hassan.

Questions

Read each question and compare all four choices before consulting the worked answers.

1. Why is the woman calling?

• A. She received the wrong model.
• B. She can't follow the instructions.
• C. Her order is incomplete.
• D. She was charged twice.

2. Why does the man ask about the side panels?

• A. to see if she missed something
• B. to check for damage in shipping
• C. to explain a recent design change
• D. to confirm which model she bought

3. What does the man explain to the woman?

• A. a change in price
• B. the cause of a delay
• C. a flaw in the design
• D. the reason for a policy

4. When will the new bookshelf probably arrive?

• A. in a week or so
• B. within the next few minutes
• C. before Saturday
• D. in about two months

5. What does the woman imply about her mother?

• A. She is staying for two months.
• B. She will criticize the mess.
• C. She gave the woman the books.
• D. She will help build the bookshelf.

6. What will the woman probably do next?

• A. take apart what she has built
• B. return the bookshelf to the store
• C. ask her mother to come later
• D. set up a partial bookshelf

Worked answers and evidence

1. Answer: C

Evidence:

Everything was going fine until step twelve, when I realized there are only three shelves in the box.

The instructions show five.

• A: She has the Kestrel she ordered.
• B: She was following the instructions fine until she ran out of shelves.
• C: Correct — "there are only three shelves in the box", but the instructions show five.
• D: She checked the box twice; nothing is said about being charged twice.

2. Answer: A

Evidence:

Could the other two be taped inside one of the side panels?

That happens sometimes with that model.

• A: Correct — after she says two shelves are missing, he suggests they could be taped inside a panel, which "happens sometimes with that model."
• B: He is asking where the shelves are, not whether anything broke.
• C: He mentions no change to the design.
• D: She has already named the model.

3. Answer: D

Evidence:

Okay, well, with the Kestrel we actually can't ship single pieces.

It takes so much staff time that it ends up costing more than shipping the whole thing.

• A: The price is never discussed.
• B: He gives the delivery time, but he does not explain any delay.
• C: Shelves taped inside panels is a packing habit, not a design flaw, and it is not what he explains at length.
• D: Correct — the company "can't ship single pieces", and he explains why: repacking parts "ends up costing more than shipping the whole thing."

4. Answer: A

Evidence:

Five to seven business days.

• A: Correct — delivery takes "Five to seven business days."
• B: Only the confirmation email comes "in the next few minutes."
• C: Her mother arrives on Saturday, and the five-to-seven-business-day estimate concerns her. No delivery before Saturday is promised.
• D: Two months is how long her books have been in the hallway.

5. Answer: B

Evidence:

My mother's coming on Saturday, and my books have been stacked in the hallway for two months.

She's going to have something to say about that.

• A: The books have been in the hallway for two months; nothing is said about the length of the visit.
• B: Correct — about the books stacked in the hallway, "She's going to have something to say about that."
• C: Where the books came from is never mentioned.
• D: Nothing suggests her mother will help.

6. Answer: D

Evidence:

Why not put up the three shelves you have for now?

Hmm, you know, that's not a bad idea.

• A: She says she is "not taking it apart again."
• B: She can keep everything, so nothing is returned.
• C: She never considers changing her mother's visit.
• D: Correct — the man suggests she "put up the three shelves you have for now", and she agrees it is "not a bad idea."

An Early Refill Before a Trip

Read a conversation between a man and a woman.

Conversation

Man: Hi, are you the pharmacist today?

Woman: That's me, I'm Erin. What can I do for you?

Man: I'm Glen. I get my blood pressure pills here every three months, and I'm hoping to pick up the next lot a bit early this time.

Woman: Let me pull up your file, Glen. You were in three weeks ago, so you're not due again until early August. What's the occasion?

Man: We're going to New Zealand! My daughter lives in Auckland, and she just had a baby girl. We fly out the first week of June, and we won't be home until the end of October.

Woman: Oh, congratulations! That's wonderful news!

Man: Thanks! My wife's been knitting baby clothes since January.

Woman: (laughs) Well, your prescription still has refills on it, so that part's fine. The tricky part is your insurance. Most plans only pay for three months of medication at a time, but a lot of them allow one vacation supply a year for people who are leaving the country. I'll phone them this afternoon and ask. Some want a signed form with your travel dates, and a few even ask for a copy of the plane ticket.

Man: My plane ticket? Do they really think somebody would make up a trip to the other side of the world just to get extra pills? Well, it's on my phone anyway. What happens if they say no?

Woman: Then you'd pay for this one fill yourself. For your pills that's around $40.

Man: Oh, is that all? I was expecting it to cost a fortune.

Woman: One more thing, though. When you fly, keep the pills in our labelled bottles, not in one of those weekly pill boxes, and I'll print you a list of everything you take. That way the customs officers can see exactly what you're carrying.

Man: Good thing you told me! I just bought a huge pill box for the trip.

Woman: Okay. I'll call you as soon as I hear back.

Man: Great. Oh, before I go—my wife asked me to pick up a couple of those soft neck pillows for the plane. Do you carry them?

Woman: We do. Aisle six, right beside the sunscreen.

Man: Perfect. Thanks so much for all your help, Erin!

Questions

Read each question and compare all four choices before consulting the worked answers.

1. What does the man want from the pharmacist?

• A. a printed list of his medications
• B. a new prescription for his pills
• C. advice about travel insurance
• D. his usual pills ahead of time

2. How long will the man be away?

• A. about five months
• B. about three months
• C. about three weeks
• D. until early August

3. What is true about the man's current supply of pills?

• A. It will run out during his trip.
• B. It will last until he gets home.
• C. It was filled three months ago.
• D. It is not covered by his insurance.

4. How does the man feel about the request for his ticket?

• A. grateful
• B. skeptical
• C. nervous
• D. embarrassed

5. What does the conversation suggest about the man?

• A. He meant to pack his pills differently.
• B. He has visited his daughter there before.
• C. He already knew the rules at customs.
• D. He would rather pay for the pills himself.

6. What will the man probably do next?

• A. buy a weekly pill box
• B. call his insurance company
• C. send the pharmacist his ticket
• D. look for something his wife wanted

Worked answers and evidence

1. Answer: D

Evidence:

I get my blood pressure pills here every three months, and I'm hoping to pick up the next lot a bit early this time.

• A: The pharmacist offers to print a list; he did not come in to ask for one.
• B: His prescription "still has refills on it," so he does not need a new one.
• C: Insurance comes up only as the way his pills are paid for; he never asks about travel insurance.
• D: Correct — He hopes "to pick up the next lot a bit early this time" because of his trip.

2. Answer: A

Evidence:

We fly out the first week of June, and we won't be home until the end of October.

• A: Correct — He leaves "the first week of June" and won't be home "until the end of October", which is about five months.
• B: He gets his pills every three months; his trip is longer than that.
• C: Three weeks is how long ago he last picked up his pills.
• D: Early August is when his next refill is due, not when he comes home.

3. Answer: A

Evidence:

You were in three weeks ago, so you're not due again until early August.

We fly out the first week of June, and we won't be home until the end of October.

• A: Correct — He won't be home "until the end of October", but he is "not due again until early August", so his pills will run out while he is away.
• B: He is due for more in early August, about three months before he returns.
• C: He was in "three weeks ago"; three months is how long each supply lasts.
• D: Nothing suggests his regular pills are not covered; the question is only about getting more early.

4. Answer: B

Evidence:

Do they really think somebody would make up a trip to the other side of the world just to get extra pills?

• A: He questions the request; he does not thank anyone for it.
• B: Correct — He asks whether they "really think somebody would make up a trip to the other side of the world just to get extra pills," so he doubts the request is needed.
• C: He is not worried about it, since "it's on my phone anyway".
• D: Nothing suggests he feels awkward about showing his ticket.

5. Answer: A

Evidence:

When you fly, keep the pills in our labelled bottles, not in one of those weekly pill boxes, and I'll print you a list of everything you take.

I just bought a huge pill box for the trip.

• A: Correct — She tells him to use the labelled bottles, and he says "I just bought a huge pill box for the trip."
• B: Nothing is said about any earlier trip to New Zealand.
• C: He says "Good thing you told me!" so the advice is new to him.
• D: Paying himself is only what happens if the insurance company says no.

6. Answer: D

Evidence:

Oh, before I go—my wife asked me to pick up a couple of those soft neck pillows for the plane.

Aisle six, right beside the sunscreen.

• A: He has already bought a pill box.
• B: The pharmacist is the one who will phone the insurance company.
• C: He may need to show his ticket later, but only if the insurance company asks for it.
• D: Correct — His wife asked him for neck pillows, and the pharmacist tells him they are in "Aisle six".

Gerunds and infinitives: the pattern changes the message

An -ing form can represent an activity in a noun-like role. In Jogging is a hobby of mine, it is the subject. In Daniel quit smoking a year ago, it follows quit. It also appears after a preposition: I look forward to helping you paint the house. The complete expression look forward to matters; not every written to introduces a base-form verb.

Spelling needs attention. Many verbs simply take -ing. A final silent e is often dropped. For -ie, change the ending to y: die → dying; tie → tying. A stressed consonant-vowel-consonant ending may require doubling: beg → begging; begin → beginning. Compare entering, where the final syllable does not have the same stress pattern.

Verb patterns must be learned with the verb: Paul avoids using chemicals on the vegetables he grows. Some examples allow either form without changing their message: Some people prefer getting up early in the morning and Some people prefer to get up early in the morning. That flexibility cannot be assumed for every verb.

An infinitive uses to + base form: Jim always forgets to eat. It can be the subject in To travel around the world requires a lot of time and money. Other patterns include You promised to buy me a diamond ring; Cara has the ability to succeed; Do you want to call your family now? Sometimes a person stands between the main verb and the infinitive: I convinced Catherine to become vegetarian and He advised me to sell all my shares of stock. Identify who receives the advice and who performs the action.

Two contrasts make the meaning especially clear. He remembers sending the fax recalls the act; He remembered to send the fax means he remembered the task and performed it. He stopped drinking coffee ends the coffee-drinking activity; He stopped to drink coffee interrupts something else so that he can have coffee. By contrast, Will you continue working after you give birth? and Will you continue to work after you give birth? preserve the same meaning in these examples.

These forms create variety in speaking and writing, including when they appear at the beginning of a sentence. Accuracy comes from matching the expression and intended meaning, not from choosing the longer-looking form.

Worked gerund and infinitive examples

Check the expression before the blank and the intended meaning. Duration alone does not determine whether an -ing form or an infinitive fits.