Gateway plus 4 Audioscript
Track 01
Speaker 1
When I was at school, I never thought I could go to university. I certainly wasn’t the best student. I was
the student who always handed in assignments late and failed all the class tests. I much preferred playing on
my computer to doing my homework. But in my last year I started to concentrate more and I got good grades
in my final exams. So, here I am at uni. I think it was a shock to my parents too. They thought my career was
going to be working in a supermarket!
Speaker 2
In my school the teachers expected most of us to go to university, but I wasn’t really sure that it was the right
thing for me. Some of my friends decided not to apply for uni because they were tired of studying. They’ve
got jobs now. But my parents wanted me to go because they think it’s the best way to get a good job. I’m not
sure if I agree with them. One of my friends has got a very good job and she didn’t go to uni. Anyway, they
persuaded me to try university. It’s always possible to leave if I don’t think it’s the right thing to do. But so
far I think it’s brilliant and I’m having the time of my life!
Speaker 3
My dream has always been to be a teacher. I know it sounds strange! Most children think teaching is
the worst possible profession. But not me. Well, I’ve known that the only way for me to become a teacher is
to go to university. Luckily, I’ve never had problems with my grades and assignments and things, so I passed
all my exams first time – no resits. My English teacher wanted me to apply for Cambridge University
because he thinks it’s the best. But I get homesick and I didn’t want to leave my family. So, I decided to go
to a local university. Now I’m here, I’m loving it – the work, the people. It’s worth all the hard work.
Speaker 4
My mum and dad never went to university and they’ve always hoped that I would go. But they haven’t
pushed me and I know they’d be OK if I decided I wanted to work in a shop. They want me to be happy. But
I’d like to get a good job and I know that I need to study hard to do that. The course I wanted to study was at
Bristol University, which is a long way from my home. That means it’s really expensive for me and my
family, so I took out a student loan. It’s a lot of money, but I only have to pay back the money when I’m in
a good job. I miss my family a lot, but I’m enjoying university life.
Speaker 5
I didn’t really think much about a career when I was younger and I certainly never planned to go to uni.
I imagined that I would probably leave school as soon as I could and start work. It was when my cousin went
to uni that I started to think it might be good for me too. I admire my cousin a lot and since he’s been at
university he’s told me a lot of stories about his life there. He’s doing very well with his studies and I hope
I can be as good as he is.
Track 02
Speaker 1
What can I say? I’m enormously relieved nothing serious happened but it was a near miss. Thank God there
were people who helped me get out immediately. I don’t want to think what might have happened. I mean
the equipment we work with has needed replacing for a long, long time so it was an accident waiting to
happen. We all got really frightened because my colleagues realised it could easily have happened to them.
At least, the management have to solve this problem now and they surely cannot ignore the situation any
more. I hope at least that some of the older machines will be replaced with newer models soon.
Speaker 2
There are some rumours, yes, we’ve all heard them. That horrible word: ‘redundancies’. Everyone’s really
scared, especially with the present economic situation when companies aren’t willing to invest in new jobs.
Of course, it won’t affect the management as much as us regular workers. I’ve never been out of work
myself, but I’ve met some people who experienced unemployment for longer than half a year and they say it
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can be really depressing. At some point you begin to lose all hope of ever getting a job again so you stop
trying and it becomes a vicious circle. I hope it won’t happen to me. But nothing’s been said officially.
Speaker 3
I really don’t mind it every now and then. Staying longer at work doesn’t bother me very much but I suppose
it’s because I don’t have a family yet. Most of my colleagues who have families hate it while for me it’s
a good chance to boost my income. Trouble is, it’s been happening a bit too often lately. I realise we’re
understaffed and the work needs to be done no matter what, but shouldn’t they employ someone full-time
rather than push us to do so much overtime? After all, everyone needs some life outside of work, don’t they?
To do hobbies and meet friends. I think that's what we need.
Speaker 4
At the beginning it was unbelievably hard. I couldn’t adjust for a good few months to all the different times
I would start and finish work. My body seemed to be completely disorientated. Then, I slowly started to
adjust and I tolerate it now, I suppose, though shift work isn’t really my cup of tea. If only I had a choice, I’d
definitely go for a nine to five job. I know the gaps in my qualifications are the reason why I can’t get
a decent job and perhaps I’m going to finally do something about that. My whole family is encouraging me
to take up a course of some sort. The problem is, with the current job I’m not able to find the time to study
anything.
Speaker 5
It’s a bit ironic I think. Everyone complains about work when they have it but I’m in a position to say that
such people should be more thankful. They’ve got something that organises their life, gives them a purpose
and the possibility to socialise. I miss all of that, I really do. I thought retirement would be great as I’d have
plenty of time to enjoy my hobbies. Don’t get me wrong, it is good but I do miss a challenge, problem-solving
and sharing successful moments with colleagues. I’ve been thinking of getting some sort of part-time job just
to keep me a little bit busier. I’m not sure if it's really going to work out but it won’t hurt to try.
Track 03
1.1
I can’t say I’ve got any good memories about my first job. It was in 2005 and I’d just graduated from
secondary school. With an almost three-month holiday ahead of me, I knew I had to do something – sitting at
home, doing nothing is definitely not for me. So I took a job as a receptionist at a local hostel. It was
a nightmare! Not only did I earn so little that I could barely cover my everyday expenses, but also the boss
wouldn’t give me any time off. So after two months I handed in my resignation. It was one of those
experiences you want to forget as soon as possible.
1.2
I decided to get a job for the first time when I was 15. Unlike some of my friends who took jobs to avoid
boredom, I wanted to have some pocket money for myself – so I could go to the cinema, take my girlfriend
out have a pizza and so on. So I looked through hundreds of advertisements and sent tens of applications, but
there was only one place which wanted to take me on. It was a DVD rental shop which was looking for
a part-time shop assistant for the evenings and weekends. It was perfect – I didn’t have much to do, I earned
just enough to enjoy myself and I could take films home for free.
1.3
I got my first job by chance. A friend of mine was doing some voluntary work in the local community centre.
She would help with the organisation of social events for pensioners. One day she called me to ask if
I wanted to help with one such event. I did and I ended up staying for the next three months. When I took
the job I knew I wouldn’t get any money for it. What I didn’t know was that it would get me a place in
the company of my dreams three years later. It turned out that my future employer valued helping other
people so much that he decided to take me on after he read in my CV that I’d been a volunteer.
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1.4
It was the summer of 2004 and I applied for a job as a catering assistant at a big music festival. The reason
I looked for the job in the first place was not really to earn money, although I didn’t want to work for free.
All I wanted to do was have fun. Seven days of concerts, cultural events, celebrities and the minimum
amount of work sounded ideal! I loved it! OK, maybe my first work experience didn’t really help me in my
career, but I met lots of interesting people, some of whom I’m still in contact with. And that’s priceless.
Track 04
1 Speaker A: Hi. I hear you went to the new science exhibition at the museum at the weekend. What was it
like? I’m thinking of going with Freddy on Monday afternoon.
Speaker B: Well, actually we were going to go on Saturday but we were a bit late and there wouldn’t
have been much time before they closed. So, we went for a walk by the river instead.
Speaker A: You can come with us if you like.
Speaker B: Thanks, but I’m afraid I’m playing tennis at the club then. But you have a good time and tell
me all about it.
2 Speaker A: There’s a good review on the new Journey to Jupiter film in the paper today.
Speaker B: Really? It’s supposed to be pretty scary, isn’t it?
Speaker A: Well, according to the review it has got a lot of frightening moments but it’s OK for over
tens. They also praise the cast and they think several actors are going to be nominated for top
awards this year. Pete Monks will probably win best actor.
Speaker B: He got it two years ago for another science fiction film, didn’t he?
Speaker A: I think it was a vampire film, actually. But he is good. I think he’s got a great sense of
humour.
Speaker B: I can’t imagine there are many funny moments in this film though!
3 This is an announcement for everyone waiting for the delayed 4:15 flight to Ottawa. Unfortunately, there
will be a further delay of one hour due to problems with refuelling. All those passengers who have been
waiting for this flight for over an hour are entitled to a free meal, so please come to the information desk
to claim your voucher. We apologise for the lack of seating in the lounge for waiting passengers, but this
is because of delays on several flights to Canada. Increasingly bad weather means that planes flying out
of Canada are having to take longer to cross the Atlantic, so passengers on these flights can expect at least
a 45 minute delay. We assure all passengers that we are doing everything that we can to get you to your
destinations as soon as possible. In the meantime, further information can be found on ...
4 Speaker A: Hi, Jane. I imagine your daughter is at university now, isn’t she? What did she finally decide
to study?
Speaker B: If you remember, she’s always been good at science subjects, so her teacher was encouraging
her to do biology at university.
Speaker A: It’s a hard subject. But then, your Jenny is a hard worker.
Speaker B: That’s true. As it is, she changed her mind at the last moment and went for chemistry instead.
I think that’s even harder.
Speaker A: Good for her! I always thought that she’d do something with her music. She’s such a good
pianist.
Speaker B: Well, she keeps that up. She’s in the university orchestra. Penny, you really must come along
with us sometime and go to a concert.
Speaker A: I’d love that, thanks.
5 People in the small town of Grantford are clearing up this morning after a strange incident during
the night. Local shopkeeper, Tom Harris told Your News today that he’d heard a sound in the night, rather
like a bomb going off and nurse Jackie Parks thought there had been a terrible car crash right outside her
door. Several residents of Pages Lane reported damage to their roofs. Investigators have since found
evidence that show that the damage was caused by small objects, probably parts of a small meteorite that
exploded before hitting the earth. Reports that the objects came from an old satellite that had broken up in
the atmosphere have been denied by experts. Most of the damage is minor, but three houses have been
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evacuated because of the danger of falling walls and a fire that broke out because of a broken gas pipe.
The number of buildings that were affected could have been higher, but Pages Lane is quite an isolated
area and most of the objects hit open ground, making quite big holes in the gardens. As Tom Harris said
‘It looks like a lot of tiny spacecrafts have landed and then taken off again!’
Track 05
Speaker 1
I had to think for a while when I was first asked the question, but now the answer is quite obvious. One of
the most extraordinary people I’ve heard of is a friend of a friend of mine, Steve Jussup. He was involved in
a car crash three years ago, which wasn’t his fault by the way, and when he woke up in hospital he was
paralysed from the neck down. Now, Steve had apparently been a really active and sporty person before
the accident, so the injury must have been nearly impossible to accept. Anyway, Steve is a real fighter and
doesn’t let anything get him down, so he refused to believe that he would remain paralysed forever.
He worked and worked at his exercises and never gave up hope. The result is that now he has recovered use
of his arms and some feeling has returned to his legs. He knows he will walk again. What an amazing man!
Speaker 2
Extraordinary means different things to different people, doesn’t it? I immediately think of a person I read
about last year who had become a self-made millionaire by the time she was 16. Her story was really
inspirational. She came from a very poor family and rarely attended school because she had to do jobs for
her mom, who was a single mother. But she discovered that she had a gift for persuading people to buy
things. She started with selling flowers that grew around her home and then began to design party invitations,
which she sold at the local shop. From there she progressed to learning how to use an old laptop she was
given and started buying and selling online. Now she’s a millionaire! She’s a real example of what we can do
if we really try.
Speaker 3
For me, one of the most extraordinary people I’ve heard of has to be the writer, Agatha Christie. She wrote
so many amazing books that have entertained people all over the world for more than 50 years.
The mysteries that she wrote were very clever and she paved the way for a long line of writers who
developed the detective story in many ways. And also, from what I can remember, she was quite a mystery
woman herself. There was a period when she completely disappeared and nobody really knows what she did
in that time. I can definitely recommend reading her life story. She was the most extraordinary person.
Speaker 4
There are a lot of extraordinary people in the world: people who do great things for others or just show a lot
of courage and bravery in difficult situations. My choice is a person who isn’t really like that. She is
extraordinary for different reasons. I suppose I’ve chosen her because she is simply so different to anyone
else I’ve heard of. Her name is Sister Wendy and people have only really heard of her because of her few
appearances on television. Sister Wendy is a nun and she has devoted all her life to prayer. She lives alone in
a caravan and spends all her time praying but she also has a special gift. She is a talented art historian. From
time to time she comes out of her solitude in the caravan to do a TV series or an interview. Her knowledge
and ability to talk about art is quite unbelievable. Then she goes back to her caravan for another six months.
An incredible woman: devoted, gentle, knowledgeable and kind.
Track 06
Presenter: We are always hearing about different schemes to make us rich. I must admit, the ones I’ve tried
haven’t been successful. And these days, putting your money into a savings account isn’t going
to make you much money either because the interest is so low. However, one person managed
to make a small fortune in just one year with an initial investment of one red paperclip! With us
this morning we have reporter Giles Davies to tell us what the young Canadian did. So, Giles.
One paperclip. That’s worth practically nothing, isn’t it?
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Giles:
Presenter:
Giles:
Presenter:
Giles:
Presenter:
Giles:
Presenter:
Giles:
Presenter:
Giles:
Presenter:
Quite right. But what Kyle MacDonald did with that paperclip was quite amazing. He wanted to
be able to buy a house and he decided to see if he could trade things for a year and end up with
a house. And he did! He set up his own website about his project and started to try to find
someone who would exchange his red paperclip for something else. Two women from
Vancouver agreed to swap the paperclip for a pen shaped like a fish that they had found on
holiday. He then traded the fish pen for a hand-made doorknob. He carried on trading for a year
and by the following July he had a house!
So, how many trades did it take him to reach his house?
In all there were 14 trades, and everything was done on the Internet.
And were there any really interesting trades along the way?
Oh yes. At one point he was given an afternoon with the singer Alice Cooper and he traded this
for a snow globe. You know, those little glass balls that you turn upside down to make it snow
inside?
That doesn’t sound like a good trade, really.
Well, no. And a lot of his website fans thought this was crazy, but Kyle then traded this globe to
someone who collected these globes. The guy was a film director, and in return he got a small
part in the director’s next film! He traded that film part for the house.
So, do you think any of us can do something like this?
In my opinion, it’s all a question of publicity. If you can get people’s attention online and hold
their interest, then you’re going to be able to find good things to trade. Kyle’s website became
very popular, and lots of people were following his progress and talking about it. That’s why he
succeeded. It’s not as easy as it seems.
It certainly shows the power of the Internet, doesn’t it?
Absolutely. He couldn’t have done it without the online population.
It’s a good story and it’s got me thinking. I’ve got an old pen here. It’s silver and it still works.
What would you swap me for that?
Track 07
1 Speaker A: Hi. You’re looking a bit fed up. I hope you haven’t picked up that flu bug that’s been going
round school.
Speaker B: No. I’ve just had the results of our term tests in science and, although I passed biology, I did
quite badly in physics and chemistry.
Speaker A: That’s odd. I did the opposite. I think I’m going to have to resit biology. How about you?
Speaker B: I’m not sure that I’ll have to. My marks weren’t too far down. The teacher says that she’ll
look at my course work, and that’s been pretty good, so I may be OK.
Speaker A: Lucky you!
2 In preparation for your tutorials next week, I’d like everyone to look back at your marks in all your
subjects this year and decide what you think you need most help with. Remember that, similar to last
year, we shall be running after-school classes to give more practice for some of your exam subjects, and
these are a great opportunity to catch up with topics you’ve missed or fallen behind with. We shall also be
discussing possible future careers in your tutorials, so before then make sure you go along to the careers
office and pick up one or two leaflets on jobs that interest you. It might be a good idea to do some
research of your own online, and then we can discuss what you’ve discovered in the tutorials. If you
cannot attend your tutorial, you must let the administrator’s office know as soon as possible, so that
an alternative date can be arranged.
3 On Wednesday evening, there will be a chance to see again the interesting documentary about
a millionaire who went on one of the first space trips for tourists. He explains what the experience was
like and whether it was worth the large amount of money you have to pay for such a trip.
The documentary also follows the progress of two other space tourists, who are preparing to go into space
very shortly. We see what preparations they have to make and hear about their worries and excitement.
The space tourism project is becoming very popular, but unless you’re a millionaire, you won’t be able to
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take advantage of it for a while yet. They predict that prices will eventually come down, but you’ll need
a crystal ball to tell you when. So, if you really want that trip of a lifetime, you’d better start saving now.
4 Speaker A: Have you decided what we’re going to ask the work experience student to do next week?
Only unfortunately, I won’t be able to give her any work myself, as I’d promised, because
I’m going to be away that week.
Speaker B: I’ve got a feeling that she’s expecting to follow one of us for a few days when we visit
clients, so that she can see how we deal with people’s problems. Katy has said that she’ll be
around to give her some paperwork to do too.
Speaker A: Remember that we have to keep anything confidential away from her. The student last year
saw a lot of files that she shouldn’t have seen.
Speaker B: Don’t worry. I’ll be careful. And when you’re back from holiday, she can spend a few days
with you, if that’s OK?
Speaker A: It’s a business trip, not a holiday! But that will be no problem. You never know, some of
these students could well be future employees. And that’s good for business.
5 Speaker A: Hi. Did you have a good weekend in London?
Speaker B: Actually, we didn’t go to London. The car had a problem, so Dad took us to the science
exhibition in Manchester instead. It was awesome.
Speaker A: I’ve been wanting to see that for ages. How much longer is it on for? I heard that it’s going
to close at the end of the month before moving on to Cardiff. Is that true?
Speaker B: No, it’s going to be on for at least another three weeks because it’s been so popular.
The space simulator is fantastic! You go in this room and you travel, although not really
‘travel’, through space and you see all the stars and planets through the windows passing by.
Speaker A: Yeah, my cousin told me about it. She said she actually felt a bit space sick!
Track 08
1 Speaker A: Hi there. I looked for you earlier in physics class but I didn’t see you.
Speaker B: Yeah, I missed maths as well. I had to go to the hospital for a blood test. It was interesting.
I had the test done in the new part of the hospital.
Speaker A: What’s it like? Is it really ultra-modern?
Speaker B: Yeah, it’s up-to-date but not that different from the old one. Obviously, it’s bigger, and
they’ve got more nurses and more equipment, but it’s got the same old posters on the walls.
It didn’t seem as crowded as it used to be, and I was in and out much more quickly.
Speaker A: Well, that’s the important thing. Let’s hurry up or we’ll be late for art.
2 Speaker A:
Speaker B:
Speaker A:
Speaker B:
Are you going to come to London with Anne and me on Tuesday?
I’d love to but I’ve got to go in to hospital for a small operation on Tuesday.
Really? Is it serious?
No, I don’t think so. It’s a day thing. I don’t even have to stay in overnight. You know that
brown mark I’ve had on my back since I was little?
Speaker A: Yeah. You always used to get embarrassed about it when we went swimming.
Speaker B: I know. It doesn’t bother me these days, but the doctor says I should get it removed, so that’s
what’s happening on Tuesday. Nothing remarkable.
Speaker A: That’s good. We’ll go up to London again next month, so you must come along then.
3 Speaker A:
Speaker B:
Speaker A:
Speaker B:
How’s your new dog?
Oh, she’s fantastic! I’m so glad we got her.
She’s from a rescue centre, isn’t she?
Yeah. Her previous owners moved abroad and left her behind. I think they must be crazy,
because she’s such a lovely, friendly dog.
Speaker A: Who takes her for walks then, you?
Speaker B: Well, Dad doesn’t have much time, but my brother Pete and I share the walks. I usually take
her before school, and Pete takes her after. Mum’s got a bit of a problem though. She’s just
discovered she’s allergic to dog hair. She’s been sneezing all the time.
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Speaker A: Oh dear. That can be a real problem.
Speaker B: The doctor says she’ll probably get used to it and he’s given her some medicine. I just have
to keep her out of Mum’s way. That means she sleeps in my room.
Speaker A: You’re lucky you’re not allergic too.
4 Thank you for inviting me to this careers day, and I’m delighted to be able to talk to you about the life of
a doctor in the twenty-first century. Most people say that becoming a doctor is a calling, a vocation, that
is something that you feel you were born to do. You know, like teaching. And I’m sure that in many cases
it’s the truth. In my profession I see a lot of dedicated men and women who have known that they wanted
to be a doctor since they were very young. For me, it was rather different. My father and mother were
doctors, and for quite a long time I was determined not to follow in their footsteps. I thought I was going
to write books. However, I realised late in secondary school that medicine was the right choice of
profession for me. I loved biology and other science subjects and so I studied medicine at university and
I’ve been a doctor for ten years. I won’t say that I’ve loved every minute of it because that’s not true.
There have been days, sometimes weeks, when I’ve questioned that decision, but generally speaking it’s
a good life. Becoming a doctor involves a lot of studying. It’s not easy but in my opinion it’s worth it.
Now if we look at the sort of qualities you need to become a doctor, I think ...
5 Speaker A:
Speaker B:
Speaker A:
Speaker B:
You look a bit under the weather. What’s up?
I’m not sure. I’ve got a terrible headache and I feel a bit dizzy. I think I might have got flu.
Really? How did you get that? Was it from Mike? He’s been ill all week.
I don’t think so. I haven’t seen Mike much recently. It’s more likely to have been my cousin
Jack. He was very ill with flu a couple of weeks ago.
Speaker A: And you could have picked it up when you visited Jim in hospital at the weekend.
Speaker B: Oh, I was really careful to use that special hand wash they have there, so I’m pretty sure it
wasn’t from there. Whatever, I think I’m going to bed.
Speaker A: Yeah, and don’t breathe too close to me. I don’t want to catch it too!
Track 09
1.1
As much as I like my job, the money I get for doing it is ridiculous! It’s barely enough to pay my bills and at
the end of the month I have only a few pennies left. There is no way I can save anything, let alone travel to
other countries. Most of my friends can afford to but I have to stay at home. Anyway, the job is only to give
me some experience and I hope I’ll soon change it for something better-paid. For the time being, however,
I have to forget about any kind of entertainment – unless my boyfriend asks me out to dinner or to
the cinema, I don’t go anywhere. Pathetic, right?
1.2
My spending habits leave a lot to be desired of. My job may not be the best-paid in the world, but I must
admit the money I earn is quite decent. Maybe I can’t afford an expensive sports car or a house with a pool,
but the salary is really OK. The problem is, I can’t manage it properly and I usually spend more than I earn
so just before pay day I’m always in the red. Actually, I’m thinking of either going on a course to teach me
useful techniques to control my spending or consulting a professional. That should be fun!
1.3
I can’t really say I earn a fortune. I’m a social worker, you know, and the public sector doesn’t pay that well.
But I can’t complain. I go on holiday abroad once a year, I drive a decent car and I’ve got enough for
weekend entertainment. The most important thing for me, however, is that I put aside a small fraction of my
income. Thanks to that I never have any difficulties with any unexpected expenses. I guess my parents taught
to be sensible with money so that’s what I am. I would never want a situation where I had an overdraft on my
account.
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1.4
One thing I’ve learnt is that money doesn’t buy you happiness. Neither does your saving account. So my rule
of thumb is – work to live, don’t live to work. That’s not exactly what my parents taught me and they would
probably be happier to see me put money aside regularly, but that’s just not me! I need a job to pay for my
everyday treats, entertain myself and feel free. Therefore, I don’t need to have a big income or a job that
makes me feel exhausted. I’m happy with what I do, even if I’m not rich.
Track 10
I guess I’ve always wanted to be an actor. As far back as I can remember, I was always dressing up and
pretending to be someone else! And when my friends came round, I used to organise them, and we’d put on
little plays for our parents. I always made up the stories and, of course, I always had the main role. Gosh,
I must have been a bossy little girl. I don’t think I’d like to meet me as a child today! But my friends
obviously liked being told what to do by me, and some of them actually went into drama too when they left
college. Two are TV actors, and one is in theatre administration. I suppose I did my first proper acting when
I was at primary school and I got chosen to be in end-of-term productions. I just loved being on the stage and
prancing around in silly costumes. I think I was chosen so often because I had a very loud voice, and people
at the back of the hall could hear me easily. Also I could copy accents quite well, which everyone thought
was hilarious. Then, at secondary school, it all got a bit more serious. You had to audition for parts, and there
were a lot more people the teachers could choose from. Then there were all the words you had to learn and
get right on the night. Performing became that bit scarier too. I think it’s natural when you’re older. You get
much more self conscious. It’s all part of that teenage thing about worrying about your appearance and what
people are thinking about you. But for me, it was still the most exciting thing to do at school, so I joined
the drama club and spent all my free time rehearsing for shows. I think it was at the end of a performance of
The Crucible, an amazing play by Arthur Miller, when I heard the audience applauding, that I knew that
I wanted to spend my life on the stage. Today I still get nervous before a show, but that produces a better
performance, I think. I’ve never regretted becoming a professional actor in spite of the hard work and
the times when I’m out of a job. I’m really lucky to be doing a job that I love and to have fulfilled my
childhood ambition. Not many people can say that, can they?
Track 11
Interviewer:
Martin:
Interviewer:
Martin:
Interviewer:
Martin:
Interviewer:
We were all appalled at the panic and confusion caused by the volcanic eruption last year in
Iceland and remember the scenes at airports all over this and other European countries when
planes were grounded for days and weeks because of the danger of flying in the ash-filled
skies. Today on the programme we are talking to people who suffered in different ways at
that difficult time. First on the phone we have Martin, from Kent. Hello Martin.
Hi.
So, can you tell us what happened?
Yeah. It was last March, and we’d been looking forward to our holiday in Spain for months.
I had a lot of really important exams at school, so the holiday was sort of like ... a prize for
finishing them, you know? Anyway, we’d heard nothing about the ash cloud, no one had
listened to the news that morning, I think it must have been the first day, and when we got to
the airport, everything was chaotic. The place was packed, and there were angry people
everywhere. We found out pretty quickly that our flight was cancelled and we had to go
home again.
That must have been disappointing. So, did you go back the next day?
Yeah. Dad phoned the airline the next morning. It took him ages to get through, and
the website had crashed, so that was no good, and they said to come on in because our flight
would be leaving at midday.
I’m guessing it didn’t?
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Martin:
Interviewer:
Martin:
Interviewer:
Martin:
Interviewer:
Martin:
Interviewer:
Martin:
No way! We got there to check in, but it was obvious that nothing was taking off. But they
said we should stay because the situation could change any minute. So we stayed and stayed.
We stayed that night. We slept on the floor on our coats because all the seats were full. There
were so many people there, just waiting and waiting.
Why didn’t you go home?
Because they said we needed to be there in case the flight left and that they wouldn’t be able
to wait for people to come from their homes. That was rubbish. I don’t think they knew what
they were talking about. We ended up spending two nights at the airport. It was an absolute
nightmare. I saw later on TV that some airports in France and Germany had the same
problem, but they provided camp beds for the people who were waiting. We had the hard
floor. And to top it all, they turned off the heating after midnight, and everyone froze.
We were really fed up, but there were a lot of families and couples who were worse off than
us. I felt so sorry for the families with small kids and also, there were lots of elderly people
there too. It can’t have been easy for them.
So, what do you think about the way the airline dealt with the problem?
They didn’t. They didn’t deal with the problem, I mean. We got no information at all. Not
knowing anything was the worst part. No one could tell us what was happening or what was
going to happen.
I imagine the airlines couldn’t make any decisions because planes weren’t allowed to fly.
They couldn’t do anything about it, could they?
True, but there was no communication at all. The staff knew less than we did. They should
have sent everyone home, I think.
And what about your holiday?
We never got there. When we got to the third day, Dad cancelled the whole thing because it
wasn’t worth going all that way for two or three days, and he had to get back to work
the following Monday. We got compensation from the airline, so maybe later in the year
we’ll try again. As long as there isn’t another eruption, which is actually on the cards, isn’t it?
Track 12
Interviewer:
Adam:
Interviewer:
Adam:
Interviewer:
Adam:
Interviewer:
Adam:
Interviewer:
Welcome back! As I promised you just before the break the cherry on the pie of today’s
Travellers’ Weekly is a very special guest, who is not only hardened by their experiences,
but is also a person with a big heart. Adam, could you explain to the listeners what you
actually do?
Sure. I work for The International Rescue Committee – an non-profit organisation providing
help in areas affected by catastrophes, such as military conflicts or natural disasters. Our
mission is to provide emergency relief, post-conflict development and resettlement services.
Which means that you travel quite a lot, doesn’t it?
Unfortunately, yes. Don’t get me wrong, travelling is my big passion, but whenever I start
packing my bag it means something terrible has just happened in some part of the world.
And recent years have been rife with natural disasters.
So what’s it like to have a job like yours?
Well, not everybody could do it. It takes a great deal of mental strength and cold-bloodedness.
When a natural disaster or an outbreak of war or violence turns thousands of lives upside
down in an instant, killing or driving millions of people from their homes, seeing all this
drama unfold can be really upsetting. But to do your job properly you need to stay calm, but
at the same time you need to be sympathetic and compassionate so that the victims realise
you are there to help.
What exactly do you do when you arrive in such an afflicted area?
I’m in a medical support team, so I care for survivors. We do our best to alleviate their pain,
we treat their injuries or even conduct simple surgical procedures if necessary. Other teams
help recover casualties from under debris, organise shelters for the survivors as well as doing
many other things.
Were any of the rescue operations you took part in particularly memorable?
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Gateway plus 4 Audioscript
Adam:
Interviewer:
I’ll never forget landing in Haiti after the earthquake in 2012. What we saw there on the spot
made us speechless. I didn’t go there as a novice, it was my sixth emergency response relief
operation, but there was such widespread destruction I just couldn’t believe my eyes. If you
remember, the magnitude-7 tremor killed thousands of people and left more than 2 million
others homeless. We were fighting for the life of every single survivor for the next few
weeks. People were rescued from the rubble up to nine days after the earthquake occurred!
The official death toll was more than 100,000. Can you imagine so many lives being taken in
an instant? I must say it was an experience from which I took months to recover …
Hm, it sounds incredibly sad … I find it difficult to imagine the scale of suffering you
witnessed there. It’s time for a break now, but we will continue talking to Adam Scott
immediately after the break. Don’t go away.
Track 13
Presenter:
Barney:
Presenter:
Barney:
Presenter:
Barney:
Presenter:
Barney:
Presenter:
Barney:
Presenter:
Barney:
Presenter:
Barney:
A special welcome to today’s guest, Barney Markham, who is an expert on addictions. Now,
Barney, people out there are going to be thinking that addictions refer to things like smoking,
alcohol or drugs, things that are very dangerous for us and can ruin our health. Are they
right?
Well, of course they’re right, but addictions also cover things that most people refer to as
a bad habit. You know, like needing a cup of coffee every morning or an inability to stop
eating chocolate bars, which isn’t actually that much of a problem.
Well, I must admit that I’m guilty of the latter.
You wouldn’t be normal if you didn’t have some bad habits like that. And I think
the majority of the population would admit to having a minor addiction or two. However,
addictions come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes an addiction can be really serious, or
potentially really serious, and we don’t realise that it’s happening. And that’s what I’m here
to talk about today. I want to address a problem that is not yet commonly recognised as
an addiction. It’s connected to technology.
Can I guess? It’s to do with gaming, isn’t it?
You’re right. Gaming is big business these days, and the technology used is becoming very
advanced. But people are getting addicted to playing these games, and that’s a problem.
But surely that’s not a serious problem, is it? We’ve always liked games, and computer
games are a great way to relax, enjoy yourself and compete with others.
Of course, within certain limits, gaming is fine. But then, that’s true of all addictions. It’s
when it reaches a point, and many people all over the world are reaching that point, that there
are consequences to that addiction. It’s when the need to play the game controls you and not
the other way round.
So, what happens?
Well, a gaming addict will spend as much time as possible on the computer. Sometimes it’s
driven by the need to constantly beat his or others’ scores again and again and sometimes it’s
when a gamer gets involved with virtual worlds that exist in real time all over the world.
That’s when you have an avatar and create another life, isn’t it?
Yes. And sometimes gamers get so immersed in that other world that it becomes more
important than the real one.
Isn’t that a bit far-fetched?
Not at all. There have been reports of people who literally starve themselves because they
are on their computers for days on end, without food or sleep. Some countries actually run
rehabilitation centres for people who suffer in this way. As I say, addiction of this type can
have severe consequences. A mild addiction can mean that the person loses friends, has
a bad relationship with his or her family, fails at school or loses a job. A severe form can
actually lead to serious health problems. So, the important thing is to watch out for your
friends and family. If you suspect they have a problem, talk to someone about it.
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Track 14
Speaker 1
Obviously, it’s important to keep up-to-date with what’s going on in the world, and, in spite of having a busy
lifestyle, I try to catch the main items on the news before I set off for work in the morning. Sometimes
I switch on the TV and watch the breakfast news programme but more often than not I spend time over
breakfast looking at the newspaper. It gets delivered every morning quite early, so I read the headlines over
breakfast and then look at the different sections at lunchtime. It’s good to discuss interesting items with
friends at work during the day.
Speaker 2
In my opinion, a lot of the news reports on TV are pretty boring, particularly on the 24-hour TV channels.
It’s mainly repetition, which is OK I suppose for those people who miss the main headlines. But there’s also
a lot of detail and experts’ opinions on different things. I can’t usually be bothered to sit through full reports.
So, if I’m in a rush, which I usually am, I try to catch up with the main items online, and that’s what’s
important really, not all the details. I can access that through my laptop or iPhone. Then at the weekends,
when I’ve got more time, I like a good read of the Sunday papers. Usually in bed over breakfast.
Speaker 3
I like to be informed but I don’t systematically watch the TV or read a paper, unless there’s something really
important happening, like with the Japanese earthquake and tsunami or the floods in Australia. So, usually
I just pick up bits and pieces of news from my friends at work. They’re far more up-to-date than I am. My
parents are pretty traditional and couldn’t do without their daily paper, but I only look at the papers when
there’s a good fashion or sports section. I think a lot of people in my age group do the same thing.
Speaker 4
I don’t like to admit it but I can’t stand reading papers. They’re way too big and fiddly. They’re not designed
in a user-friendly way at all, and quite honestly I don’t think they’ll be around too long. You can get all
the news you need online these days. I have to say I don’t follow the news much online or anywhere else for
that matter. It’s just that most of the news you hear is bad, and sometimes I think we’re better off not
knowing what’s going on. It just puts you in a bad mood for the rest of the day, and there’s nothing you can
do about it anyway. Now, if we had ‘good’ news reports, that would be a different matter!
Track 15
1.1
People believe that although the future cannot be predicted, it can definitely be shaped. The participants of
this year’s edition of the Science Festival will have a chance to ascertain whether each of us has the power to
create the future. Between 5th and 8th of August we will focus on the ingeniousness of the human mind,
which – together with new technologies – may help to change the world. New methods of production, such
as 3D print, are no longer reserved for specialists. We can print anything: from shoes to space stations on
Mars. The sky, and our imaginations, are the only limits. During our event you will be able to meet
outstanding personalities, whose projects are both a manifestation of passion and a willingness to change
the existing reality. Thanks to readily available technology, their knowledge and sensibility, they will help
solve specific social problems, influencing the shape of science, art or medicine. Sounds like science fiction?
Just come and see!
1.2
Speaker A:
Speaker B:
Speaker A:
Speaker B:
Speaker A:
Did you see the news yesterday?
No, why?
They gave some survey results on the predicted turnout for the elections next week.
Let me guess! 60% is not going …
Worse than that! They audited a sample of several thousand citizens and the results revealed
that only one third stated that they would be taking part in the elections!
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Speaker B: That’s outrageous! I can never understand how people can be so indifferent to what’s going on
in this country. Did they give any reasons for not wanting to go?
Speaker A: Not really. But I guess the typical response would be, ‘I don’t trust politicians,’ or ‘my vote
won’t change anything,’ and so on.
Speaker B: I’ll never understand it. I think people aren’t grateful for the right to vote and they take it for
granted. Trust me, if they were prevented from going to the polls, they would immediately
appreciate what they have now.
1.3
Anna:
Mark:
Anna:
Mark:
Anna:
Mark:
Anna:
Look at this, Mark. Do you think I should apply?
What is it?
It’s a job advertisement. They’re looking for news editors for CBN. I’ve read the requirements
and the job description and I think I’d be really suitable for the position. I’ve worked for a TV
station for three years now, I’ve assisted the producer in so many areas that I really feel I could
manage.
Are you sure your experience is enough? Editing might turn out to be a completely different
kettle of fish? Well, look here for example. What do you know about soundtracks or making
clips from single shots?
Don’t forget that this is my major! I’ve already learned to do most of those things.
OK. And what about your ambition to become … what was it? An anchorwoman?
Well, I need to start with something! As long as it doesn’t interfere with my classes, I’d love to
try it. I think I’m going to apply …
Track 16
Speaker 1
I really don’t know what to say. All my gadgets are important to me, or I wouldn’t have them, would I?
I’m so used to having them around that I can’t imagine getting on with life without them. But I suppose if
I really have to choose just one, then I have to admit it would be my mobile phone. I bet everyone says that,
don’t they? It’s just that it’s precious, and I, well, totally depend on it. We’re, like, inseparable. A bit like
best friends in a way. So, yeah, that’s the one I’d go completely nuts without. I can’t think what I’d do with
my hands if I didn’t have a phone in them all the time!
Speaker 2
OK, well, I guess it’s my phone. I’ve got an iPhone, so it’s a bit more than just used for chatting and texting.
It’s a lifeline to me really, because I spend a lot of time online and I just adore all the apps. I lost it once.
I’ve got no idea where, but I didn’t waste time looking, I went straight out and bought a new one, no expense
spared. It’s that important to me.
Speaker 3
Youngsters today are glued to their phones, aren’t they? But I can take it or leave it, really. I only use mine in
emergencies. I prefer talking to people face-to-face than on the phone. As for texting, my fingers aren’t that
quick, I’m afraid! For me, it’s my laptop that’s top of my gadget list. It is indispensable. I take it with me
everywhere because of my job and I use it wherever I am: on the train, in the park, in a café. I back stuff up
all the time, so losing it wouldn’t be the end of the world, but I’d have to get another one straight away.
Speaker 4
I’m a real music freak and I hate silence, so my MP3 player is my best friend. My headphones are in nearly
permanently. Friends say I ought to have an operation and get them attached to my ears! I know some people
say that they’re bad for your health because they can cause deafness later on in life, but as long as
the volume’s not too high, I think I’ll be OK. Mind you, I do turn it up sometimes. But the great thing,
though, is that you’re not bothering anyone else. I’m sure not everyone shares my taste in music. A life
without my MP3 player? It wouldn’t be worth living!
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Speaker 5
Microwave! Definitely microwave! I’m a student and I share a flat with a couple of other students, and we
never, but never cook! Way too much trouble, and we have better things to do with our time, like having fun.
So the microwave is a treasure: ready meals, two minutes, dinner, magic! It went wrong last month, and we
nearly starved to death. We ate cereal and sandwiches for two weeks. No, best invention ever. Can’t imagine
life without it!
Track 17
Presenter: I’d like to welcome someone onto the programme today who is definitely not a stranger to you,
having given us his opinions on everything related to the food world for many months. Mark
Pearson, hello again!
Mark:
Hi! As you know, this is the spot where I talk about new and amazing restaurants that I’ve
recently been to. And the one I’m talking about today is a bit different.
Presenter: In what way different?
Mark:
Well, normally, I talk about the food and the chefs, oh, and, of course, the decor ...
Presenter: … and price!
Mark:
That, as well. However, today I’d like to mention a new restaurant in Bradberne High Street
which is making the headlines for something else. It’s using advanced technology to attract its
customers.
Presenter: You mean with its advertising?
Mark:
No, people are coming to the restaurant because of the technology it’s using, and I don’t mean
in the kitchen. This restaurant, called The Red Imp has implemented a novel way of ordering.
You know we usually sit down and look at a menu and spend a while working out what all
the words mean, because they’re in a foreign language or because the meals are described in
such flowery language that we can’t decide whether it’s a chicken or a fish dish.
Presenter: I know the feeling well!
Mark:
Well, here at The Red Imp you sit down and the menu is projected onto the table in front of you
from a device above your head. It shows a picture of each dish on the menu as it will appear on
your plate. Magic! So then you know what you’re choosing, and to order – get this – you don’t
call a waiter, you click on the picture, and it’s all automatic!
Presenter: That’s incredible. But I imagine the food actually gets delivered by real people?
Mark:
Oh, yes. That would be rather difficult to do automatically, I would think. But the waiters are
definitely in the background. They’re there if you need them, but they don’t keep coming to
the table to check if you’re OK. It’s really nice not to be interrupted all the time.
Presenter: That sounds good.
Mark:
And that’s not all. You can change a tablecloth by clicking on the menu screen again, so you
can choose to have a white background, or a street in Paris, or whatever you like. Then when
you leave, just click again and the bill appears. You enter your card details and you can leave!
Brilliant for people who are in a hurry.
Presenter: And the quality of the food?
Mark:
Absolutely first class! The chefs are extremely good and have trained at top restaurants across
the world. And it doesn’t cost a fortune, either. The whole evening with wine and desserts,
again ordered from the projected menu, was most reasonable.
Presenter: So, does this mean the end of the normal type of restaurant we’re used to?
Mark:
I doubt it. But I think it’s the way forward, although the traditional restaurant will always be
around for those customers who enjoy being waited on. I think it’s cool!
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