2. 1. RELAX!
• Don’t let other unnecessary thoughts block
your mind
• Keep your mind clear and focus 100% on what
you are hearing
3. 2. Don't Try to Translate
• Don’t worry about words you don’t understand.
• Don’t worry about things you didn’t hear.
•
4. 3. Use Context to Help You Understand
• Use phrases.
• Parts of a question (if any).
• Other words in a sentence to help you
determine what is being said.
5. 4. Practise with Different Situations and Voices
• Listen to a variety of speaking styles and
accents.
• Listen to songs/watch movies (listen for
various speaking styles).
6. 5. Make a Study Plan
• Do something everyday.
• Listen to different sources
(e.g. podcasts/ songs/
short audiobooks).
• Spend at least 15-20 minutes
a day to practice.
7. Listening Activity 1 – Student Loans
1. The man has to drop out of school because he ______.
A. plans to travel abroad
B. doesn't have money
C. is getting married
2. His father gave him money for tuition, books, and _________.
A. living expenses
B. health insurance
C. a car
3. He bought a new motorcycle because ______.
A. he crashed his old one last week
B. it doesn't cost a lot of gas to ride
C. his girlfriend doesn't like the color of the old one
4. He also purchase a phone, some clothing, and a ________.
A. dog
B. TV
C. computer
5. The woman suggests he get a loan from _______.
A. school
B. his father
C. the bank
8. Answers Listening Activity 1 – Student Loans
https://www.esl-lab.com/intermediate/student-loans/
1. B
2. A
3. C
4. A
5. B
9. Listening Activity 2 – Detective Agency
1. What is the name of the detective agency?
A. Jordon Detective Agency
B. Jones Detective Agency
C. Johnson Detective Agency
2. The man is having a problem with his ____.
A. roommate
B. girlfriend
C. boss
3. The man is complaining about missing ____.
A. clothing
B. money
C. food
4. This problem is happening at the man's ____.
A. office
B. home
C. school
5. What suggestion does the receptionist give the man regarding his problem?
A. He should seek out some counseling for advice.
B. He could move to a new place.
C. He ought to contact the police to discuss the issues.
10. Answers Listening Activity 2 – Detective Agency
https://www.esl-lab.com/intermediate/detective-agency/
1. B
2. A
3. C
4. B
5. A
11. Listening Activity 3 – Alien Encounters
1. Where was the man coming from when he first saw the UFO?
A. He just got off work when he saw the UFO.
B. He was driving home from a restaurant.
C. He was returning home from a party.
2. What time did the man report the incident to the police?
A. about 5:00 a.m.
B. about 12:00 AM
C. about 3:00 a.m.
3. What jumped out in front of the man's car?
A. a hairy alien
B. a strange man
C. a giant deer
4. What happened next to the man?
A. He was carried to a spaceship.
B. He followed the animal to a plane.
C. He walked to a flying saucer.
5. What does the police officer suggest at the end of the story?
A. The man should seek counseling.
B. They should call the fire department.
C. The man should contact the newspaper.
12. Answers Listening Activity 3 – Alien Encounters
1. C
2. A
3. A
4. A
5. A
https://www.esl-lab.com/intermediate/alien-encounters/
13. Listening Activity 4 – Hair Loss Problem
1. The man is probably talking with his ______.
A. a family member
B. a work colleague
C. a close friend
2. The man is looking for medical information _____.
A. in a magazine
B. online
C. in the newspaper
3. He doesn't want to wear a hair piece (toupee) because _____.
A. it makes his skin itch
B. it won't look natural
C. it will fall off
4. The man is worried about medical treatment because _____.
A. it is still unproven for his condition
B. of the possible side effects
C. it's somewhat expensive
5. Because of his hair loss, he feels that _____.
A. he'll always get a sunburn
B. women won't pay attention to him
C. he won't be able to get a good job
14. Answers Listening Activity 4 – Hair Loss Problem
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. A
5. B
https://www.esl-lab.com/difficult/hair-loss/
15. Listening Activity 5 – Assisted Living
1. What did Randall's parents do in Honduras years ago?
A. They worked with the government to help the poor.
B. They helped construct a home for children.
C. They taught English in local public schools.
2. For Randall, one of the most difficult aspects of his mom's Alzheimer's disease?
A. He can't have conversations with his mom.
B. His mother falls a lot and often gets hurt.
C. He isn't able to care for her at home.
3. _____ usually helps his mom with her meals.
A. The nurse
B. His father
C. Other family
4. Randall's mother likes to __________ at the care center.
A. watch TV shows
B. talk with other residents
C. play simple games
5. In such difficult circumstances, Randall suggests ____.
A. reading more to understand others
B. giving money to help the needy
C. showing kindness in word and deed
16. Answers Listening Activity 5 – Assisted Living
1. B
2. A
3. B
4. A
5. C
https://www.esl-lab.com/difficult/assisted-living/
17. 1. Daniel has been depressed for ____
months.
A. six
B. four
C. five
5. Another sign that Daniel is suicidal is that
he ____.
A. wrote some disturbing messages on
Facebook
B. is giving away all his things to his friends
C. started drinking alcohol and taking drugs
2. One of the signs of Daniel's depression
is that he ____.
A. plays video games by himself
B. spends a lot of time on Facebook
C. doesn't get out of bed
6. The man and woman noticed ______ on
Daniel's arms.
A. scary words
B. tattoos
C. cuts
3. What problem happened at school?
A. He lost his backpack with all his books.
B. Daniel failed several of his classes.
C. Other kids bullied and picked on him.
7. The woman suggests ______ to help
Daniel.
A. trying to talk and listen to his feelings
B. reading books on suicide prevention
C. taking Daniel to the emergency room
4. Daniel's girlfriend ____.
A. was very sick in the hospital
B. moved away to a new city
C. broke up with him for some reason
Listening Activity 6 – Suicide Prevention
18. Answers Listening Activity 6 – Suicide Prevention
https://www.esl-lab.com/difficult/suicide-prevention/
1. A
2. C
3. C
4. C
5. A
6. C
7. C
