3. Small talk

Conversation Workbook, level B1, lesson 3. Small talk.

Exercise 3. Listen to the conversation. Two old friends at a bus stop.

Hi, Lucy! I haven't seen you for ages. What have you been up to?

Hi, Tom! I've been really busy. I started a part-time job at the new café on Main Street.

Oh, the one next to the library? I've been meaning to try it. Is it any good?

The coffee's great, but the hours are long. I work every Saturday from seven till three.

That must be tiring, especially with school.

It is, but I'm saving up for a trip to Canada next summer.

Canada? Wow. Have you ever been there before?

No, never. My aunt lives in Vancouver, so I'm going to stay with her for three weeks.

That sounds amazing. By the way, did you hear that Mr. Novak is leaving?

Our chemistry teacher? No, I had no idea! Why?

Apparently, he's moving to Ostrava. His wife got a job there.

That's a shame. He's the only teacher who makes chemistry fun.

I know what you mean. Oh, here's my bus. Say hi to your aunt!

Exercise 4. Your turn. Listen, stop the recording and answer. Then listen to a possible answer.

A.

What have you been up to lately?

I've been pretty busy with school, but I've also started going to the gym. What about you?

B.

I spent last weekend at a music festival.

That must have been amazing! Who did you see?

C.

Have you ever tried snowboarding?

Yes, I tried it once in Austria, but I kept falling over. Have you?

D.

I'm really stressed about the exams.

I know what you mean. Which one are you most worried about?

E.

It's been raining all week, hasn't it?

Yes, it's been awful. By the way, did you hear about the school trip to London?

F.

My brother has just got a job in Germany.

Really? That's great news. What's he going to do there?

This is the end of the recording.