CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

Audioscripts
Key F: Hi, Linda. It’s me. Listen, M: I could’ve bought a jumper
I think we’d better meet at online, Mum.
N: Narrator the airport tomorrow rather
F: Female F: They have more choice here,
than at the station. I know
M: Male like this one. Look, it’s nice
you thought we should take
and plain.
the train together to the
Track 1 airport, but getting to the M: But it’s got buttons, Mum!
N: Test 1, Exercise 1 station would take me ages. Nobody wears stuff like
You will hear eight short So just go ahead without that these days.
audio recordings. For each me, I’ll have to go for the
F: OK, let’s go for stripes then.
question, choose the correct coach and hope the traffic
answer, A, B, C or D, and put isn’t too bad. John offered to M: They’re giving me a
a tick in the appropriate box. take me in his car, but he’s headache! But I suppose I
got a meeting. I would take a can get used to that. But, if
You will hear each audio
taxi if it wasn’t for the price. I have to, I’d rather not have
recording twice.
Anyway, see you tomorrow. one that covers my neck.
Question 1. What is the
boy going to have for N: Question 3. Where does the F: Fine – let’s get this V-neck.
lunch today? girl’s family live now? Now go and try it on.
F: How were your morning M: How’s your new house? N: Question 5. What subject
lessons? does the girl enjoy most at
F: Great! You’ve got to come
her new school?
M: Alright, but I’m starving and visit. If you bring your
now. Yesterday I had bike, we can go cycling in M: So, how’s your new school?
some roast chicken with the forest. F: Great! I don’t know what
vegetables and potatoes
M: Is it next to your house? I was so worried about.
in the school canteen – it
The teachers are awesome
was amazing. And if they F: A bit further than that. We
and I can’t wait to have
have pizzas today, I’d had a couple of big trees
my geography lessons each
recommend trying some, outside the house, but my
time, even more than my
especially the ones with dad chopped them down.
usual favourite, music.
mushrooms and peppers.
M: Are there many houses
Plus some side salad. M: Now – there’s a surprise.
around?
I thought you hated it.
F: Hmm, today I fancy
F: You can’t see any except
something lighter, like a F: Well, my new teacher
our neighbour’s house on
cheese and vegetable salad makes the subject really
the right.
with a bit of baguette. interesting. And I’m
M: How will you get to school? even starting to have
M: Good idea, but I’ll swap the
more fun with maths,
salad for some mushroom F: I just have to cross the road
believe it or not.
soup and then a tomato and to get the bus.
olive pizza, for a change. M: Wow – next time you’ll
M: Wow – my bus stop is a ten-
be telling me you’re
F: Wow, you really are hungry! minute walk away.
into science.
N: Question 2. How will the N: Question 4. Which jumper
F: You never know!
woman get to the airport? does the boy agree to buy?

Cambridge IGCSE™ English as a Second Language Exam Preparation and Practice – Carter & Carter
1 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

N: Question 6. Why was the was so busy it took me hate that. The basketball
boy absent from school ages to find my way out. got moved into the sports
yesterday? hall – which was a shame.
N: Question 8. What was the
I would’ve loved to play it
F: We missed you at school weather like at the start of
outdoors.
yesterday. Did you have the trip?
problems with your back F1: Did you do the running
F: Hi Philip, I’m back from
again? competition in the end?
my coach trip. I was a bit
M: That’s cleared up now worried in the morning F2: Yeah, but I didn’t have as
and so has the headache – when I left the house, I much fun – it was straight
actually. I must’ve eaten couldn’t see much because after the football match so I
something bad though – I of the fog and the coach was absolutely exhausted.
had an upset stomach. driver had to drive very
N: Question 2. What did the
But you don’t look very slowly. But, luckily, that
boy have to do yesterday?
well today. cleared up. Anyway, thanks
for your waterproof jacket M: Sorry I couldn’t make it to
F: I can’t swallow properly.
– in the end, the rain stayed the cinema yesterday. Was
M: Do you know what works away. At one point, when the film any good?
for me when I’ve got a we were outside the castle, F: It was. But what happened?
sore throat? it got very windy though, so I thought you only had to
F: Don’t tell me – it’s one of I was glad I had it. Apart look after your little sister
your herbal teas again, from that, we had sun the at the weekend.
isn’t it? whole afternoon.
M: Actually, Mum asked me
M: Almost – it’s ginger tea! N: That is the end of to help with the washing-
Exercise 1. up and it took longer than
F: Alright, I’ll give it a go.
I thought. So I asked Dad
N: Question 7. Where will Track 2 if he could give me a lift,
the taxi driver take the N: Test 2, Exercise 1 but the car was broken – it
woman to? You will hear eight short hasn’t been fixed yet.
M: Where to, Madam? audio recordings. For each F: Well, what about tomorrow?
question, choose the correct
F: I’m going to the Clarington answer, A, B, C or D, and M: Sorry, I’ll be helping
Hotel in the city centre. Do put a tick in the appropriate my parents plant some
you know it? box. vegetables in the garden.
M: I do, yes. But, at this time You will hear each audio F: Seriously?
of day, it’ll take us over an recording twice. N: Question 3. What time does
hour and a half to get there.
Question 1. Which activity the woman want to meet?
F: Really? did the girl enjoy least at the F: Hi Annabel, it’s Kasia.
M: You’d be better off taking school sports day? It’s about our meeting
the train. We can be at F1: How was the sports day, tomorrow afternoon. I
the station in just twenty Becky? You had good know we arranged to meet
minutes. weather for it. at half four. Well, the thing
is, I have to wait for a parcel
F: Oh, good. Thanks. I’m F2: Good job it didn’t rain – delivery, which I’m expecting
meeting someone at they would’ve cancelled the around four. But, just in case
the City Museum this long jump otherwise – the it’s late, would you mind
afternoon and I’m already sand always gets puddles if we make it quarter to
running late. The airport in it after the rain and I five instead? I’m hoping to

2
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

leave the house by quarter by the way, is much better And we just couldn’t resist
past four. I think we can than in my last job. having a picnic, which wasn’t
still catch the quarter past our plan to start with.
F: Awesome!
five film we wanted to see.
M: Sounds great.
Anyway, ring me back. Bye. N: Question 6. What voluntary
work do the friends decide N: Question 8. Which school
N: Question 4. Which animal
to do? competition has the girl
do most students want
decided to enter this year?
to research for their M: How do you feel about
presentation? planting trees for our M: So which competition is it
voluntary work experience? for you this year, Martha?
M: Listen everyone! I now have
the results from our survey F: Didn’t we do it last year? F: If it was up to me, I’d go for
about what endangered The teacher suggested video gaming. Mum always
animal you’d like to do picking litter. complains about me playing
your presentation on next games all the time. She
M: Hmm, maybe we should do
week. I can tell you that suggested I should compete
something that would help
it was very tight at the in something similar,
somebody we know.
top. It was between tigers though, like drawing
and elephants, with the F: You mean like a relative? cartoons, that sort of thing.
latter coming first, closely My granddad needs his
M: And will you?
followed by polar bears. garden bench painted.
Only a minority of you said F: I’m pretty good at drawing,
M: Something similar, yes.
they’d like to research the but I feel more confident
What I had in mind was
life of penguins. So now with my photography skills.
someone like an elderly
that we know your favourite neighbour. M: Good choice! There’s
animal, you can start also a public speaking
putting together all the facts F: Oh, and we could do their
competition.
for your presentations. Any shopping, couldn’t we?
questions? F: You mean I should enter it
M: Now you’re talking.
‘cos I talk too much?
N: Question 5. What does the F: Told you I was full of
man like most about his N: That is the end of
good ideas!
new job? Exercise 1.
N: Question 7. What activity
F: How are you getting on in was the girl unable to do
your new job? Track 3
during the family trip?
N: Test 1, Exercise 2
M: Great! Thanks for asking. M: You went on a day trip with You will hear five short
I thought the journey was your parents at the weekend, audio recordings. For each
going to be a real pain and, didn’t you? What did you do question, choose the correct
actually, I never expected it exactly? answer, A, B or C, and put a
would turn out to be the best
F: We never go shopping at tick in the appropriate box.
thing about it. And my office
is really light and modern. the market. This time we You will hear each audio
made an exception and it recording twice.
F: And your colleagues? was so much fun. Next time
we’re planning to do some You will hear a woman
M: I’m sure the staff are
sightseeing – there was no leaving a telephone message
wonderful, but I haven’t had
time left for it this time for a friend about birthday
much time to get to know
because we spent most of the party preparations.
them yet. I only talk to
them briefly during breaks, afternoon in the local park Now look at Questions 9
in the break room, which, watching street performers. and 10.

3
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

F: Hi, it’s Kate. I’m calling M: No, you didn’t and I’m orders are not as difficult
about Helena’s birthday not sure if we needed to as finding staff that are
party. First the cake – well, know all the facts about his suitable for this kind of job.
you’re such a good baker background, either. To be honest, I thought I’d
that me making it makes no struggle more coping with
F: I know what you mean.
sense. Being in charge of complaints about the dishes
He just ran out of time
emailing the invites is more or slow service.
and didn’t even give us the
a safe choice for me. Oh,
opportunity to ask questions. F: So, what’s next for you?
and don’t worry about the
music. Peter will bring his N: You will hear a man telling M: We’ve just had some
CDs so we can decide what his friend about the town feedback from customers
music to play on the day. centre. about our dishes, so I’ll be
Now look at Questions 13 looking into that to make
As for the venue, I think
and 14. sure we only offer the
we should go for the
best. I’ve also considered
community hall – there’s F: I saw you in town with your
expanding, but I don’t want
a train station nearby for bike today. Do you still
to rush these things. At
those who won’t be driving cycle to lose weight?
the moment, we’re doing
here. I know you’re worried
M: Yeah, I used to – I do online very well. And we’ve just
about the cost and if we can
workouts for that now, so I introduced a new service
fit everybody in. Well, I’ll see
don’t do much cycling, but delivering people’s orders
if I can get us a special deal
the traffic was so bad this straight to their homes.
and I’m sure there’s enough
morning and I didn’t fancy
space. Anyway, call me. N: You will hear a boy telling
getting stuck in a traffic
his friend about his decision
N: You will hear two students jam. The weather wasn’t as
to study abroad.
discussing a talk that they sunny as I’d hoped, though.
have been to. Now look at Questions 17
F: And have you been to the
Now look at Questions 11 and 18.
new shopping centre?
and 12.
F: I can’t believe you’ll be
M: My wife went shopping
M: What did you think of off to another country
there last week. When she
the talk about wildlife next month. How did your
told me how much she had
photography the other day? parents take it? Were they
to pay I thought she was
worried?
F: I was really looking forward joking. I don’t know what
to it, but I arrived late to think of the architecture M: Well, if they were, they
because I couldn’t find – it’s very unusual. But I didn’t show it. I tell you
the room, so I missed the haven’t been inside yet – I’m what, though – I couldn’t
beginning. They only let planning to go soon to see have done it without them.
me in after the first break. if the cafés are any good. All the things that had to be
I thought more students arranged beforehand – we’d
N: You will hear a man talking
would’ve signed up, though. never expected it’d take such
about being a restaurant
a long time to get it all sorted.
M: Well, at least you didn’t owner.
struggle to find somewhere F: You must be really excited
Now look at Questions 15
to sit. Plus, at the start now! All those places you’ll
and 16.
nobody could hear a thing be able to visit, and imagine
because the microphone F: So, what are the challenges speaking in a different
wasn’t working. of owning a restaurant? language all the time!
F: Sounds like I didn’t miss M: Well, I’m quite organised, M: I know – I can’t wait to do
much. so jobs like filling out food all of those things. Although

4
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

nothing will beat making F: I know – I just couldn’t fridges have become bigger,
new friends! Did you know get enough of them. so has the need to buy
the other students come And, luckily, the weather food to fill them with. And
from all over the world? wasn’t bad. But, anyway, the this is a huge part of the
hotel always had something problem. Some people don’t
F: It all sounds great!
on to keep us entertained in even store food properly,
N: That is the end of case of bad weather. which makes it go off more
Exercise 2. quickly. Restaurants also
N: You will hear a girl talking
have to take some of the
to a friend about her new
Track 4 blame for often serving us
hobby.
more than we can eat.
N: Test 2, Exercise 2 Now look at Questions 11
You will hear five short Something needs to change!
and 12.
audio recordings. For each People frequently tell me
question, choose the correct M: I didn’t know you were into how they’ve started buying
answer, A, B or C, and put a baking? imperfect sized vegetables,
tick in the appropriate box. F: Well, my grandfather owned or how they smell milk
a bakery. Not that it had that’s past its sell-by date
You will hear each audio
anything to do with me first before they decide
recording twice.
taking up baking. I just whether to throw it away.
You will hear a woman couldn’t find the bread I But it should all start with
telling a friend about her liked in shops, so I made my us thinking about what we
holidays. own. Now I have new online want to cook each day more
friends who also bake. carefully.
Now look at Questions 9
and 10. M: And I’ve heard you also N: You will hear two friends
make and sell birthday talking about their school.
M: So, how was your holiday?
cakes. How do you choose Now look at Questions 15
F: Great! But it didn’t start and 16.
from all the recipes?
that way.
F: When I’m making a cake M: How’s it going?
M: What happened?
for someone else, I follow F: I’m so tired – the morning
F: Well, I almost missed my an easy recipe. I ask my journey to school takes ages
plane because I didn’t hear customers to buy some because of the traffic. And
the announcement that things, like nuts or chocolate. we’ve just had a PE lesson
they’d changed the gate. They always say they didn’t so I’m even more exhausted
Then, when we landed expect them to cost so much. now. Did you know they’re
and I was going through This doesn’t come as a going to extend the old
passport control, I couldn’t surprise to me anymore, but sports hall?
find my passport, but I what does is how much time
M: No, I didn’t think it
just forgot where I’d put it. is needed to put the finishing
was that small. I wish
And, on the first night at touches on the cakes.
they’d spend the money
the hotel, I couldn’t sleep
N: You will hear part of a on building a music hall
because the people next
presentation about the issue instead.
door were arguing about
of food waste.
something. But, after that, F: Exactly! Anyway, have you
it was all lovely. Now look at Questions 13 started the project about
and 14. James Littlewood yet, the
M: The photos of the
M: Nowadays, the issue of food famous poet from our area?
mountains you posted
were amazing. waste is even more urgent M: I’m almost finished and
than ever before. As our I’ve learnt so much I didn’t

5
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

know before. But the islands on Lake Titicaca in replacing old layers of reed
best part will be reading South America. For each with new ones to stop the
out his poems in Friday’s question, choose the correct surface looking like a piece
poetry contest. answer, A, B or C, and put a of cheese full of holes. But
tick in the appropriate box. even then you have to be
F: Really? For me, it’ll be
careful because the ground
visiting his birthplace with You will hear the talk twice.
isn’t steady. Many describe
the class next week.
Now look at questions the feeling like walking
M: Actually – I can’t wait to do 19–26. on a waterbed. Visitors
that too. sometimes worry the
M: Before talking about the
islands might sink like a
N: You will hear a man talking floating islands and their
ship. Well, they won’t, as
about taking photographs. inhabitants, let me first give
wooden sticks and ropes
Now look at Questions 17 you some facts about Lake
are used to fix them to the
and 18. Titicaca. It’s located between
bottom of the lake.
Bolivia and Peru and is
F: I love your camera! Is it
the largest lake in South These days, lots of tourists
new?
America. If you’re looking visit the area and buy things
M: I’ve had it for a while. to go sailing, globally, there off the Uros, mainly the
In fact, compared to my is no lake located at a higher crafts they produce. This
smartphone, it’s larger, position than Titicaca to do provides a small source
which was quite unusual at that. At its deepest point, it of income in addition to
first. And it’s a bit heavier measures over 280 metres. the more traditional ways
too, which doesn’t bother of getting the things they
If you visit Lake Titicaca,
me as much as getting used need, like making their
you must see the floating
to all the functions. But, own clothes or exchanging
islands. They’re made from
if I want the photos to freshly caught fish for
long thin grass called reed,
come out clear even when other food.
by the Uros – people who’ve
I photograph something
been living in the area for The Uros are friendly
relatively far away, that’s
hundreds of years. It comes people and welcome
necessary, isn’t it?
as no surprise that the reed visitors to their homes – as
I like nothing more than is used to build their homes. I discovered, when I visited
just sitting in our local park And not only that, but also an island called Taquile.
and watching what’s going the furniture inside them I was shown traditional
on around me, whether it’s and the boats they use. Its dances and listened to Uros
a misty morning or a sunny use for the former was quite songs, which don’t seem
afternoon. And when I see unexpected for me. to vary from one island
something interesting, like a to another, unlike the
The reed is an excellent
beetle running along a path, costumes the villagers wear.
building material and
or a flower after the rain, I
protects the Uros from I also shared a meal with
just capture the moment.
extreme weather conditions, one Uros family. They have
N: That is the end of like the burning sun. It’s a healthy diet consisting
Exercise 2. also waterproof, which is mainly of quinoa – a
useful when it starts raining. type of grain grown in
Track 5 Unfortunately, it has very South America, and they
little impact on how humid sometimes keep water birds
N: Test 1, Exercise 3
the air gets. – not for their meat, but for
You will hear a tour guide
their eggs. Potatoes are also
called Javier Rodriguez giving The floating islands have to
on the menu. They can be
a talk about the floating be maintained regularly by
grown when the water level

6
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

drops and reveals the soil back to the old civilisations soldiers drank it following
underneath, which limits of Central America, a battle.
how many they grow, or eat. especially two cultures called
In the 16th century, Spanish
the Olmecs and the Mayans,
The Uros aren’t really against explorers brought chocolate
who mainly inhabited the
modern advances from the to Europe – initially,
area that became known as
outside world. Visitors can’t keeping it secret. They
Mexico in modern times.
believe when they hear music set up the first chocolate
However, Honduras is
being broadcast from the factory in 1780. Once
another country where
radio station on the main the secret was out, other
the Mayans lived, as is
island, or being picked up European countries got
Guatemala.
by a motor boat. For me, hold of cocoa and started
spotting a solar panel on one According to one legend, coming up with new types
of the huts was something the Olmecs only realised of chocolate. The Swiss
I couldn’t have predicted. I cocoa beans were edible gave us the first milk
realise times are changing after seeing rats feeding chocolate, while the English
but hope these floating on them. It wouldn’t be produced the first chocolate
islands can retain their the first time people learnt in the shape of a bar, both
unique beauty. from observing animals, like in 1830.
predicting earthquakes from
N: Now you will hear the talk Nowadays, cocoa is mainly
the odd behaviour of toads
again. grown in countries with
or changes in seasons based
warm tropical climates.
That is the end of on birds’ migration.
The factors affecting how
Exercise 3.
People first consumed well cocoa trees grow are
chocolate as a drink. To high temperatures and, to
Track 6 make this, they crushed ensure the right level of
N: Test 2, Exercise 3 cocoa beans and mixed humidity, regular rainfall.
You will hear a teacher them with water. And, like Another factor that can’t
called Djamila Karim us, they enjoyed adding be overlooked is shade,
giving a talk about the flavours, like various spices. especially in the early stages
history and production Another flavouring, which of cocoa tree development.
of chocolate. For each some may find hard to
To make land for large cocoa
question choose the correct get used to, was chillies.
farms, many wildlife habitats
answer, A, B or C, and put a The one I wouldn’t have
of already threatened
tick in the appropriate box. connected with chocolate
species, like chimpanzees,
was herbs. I might try
You will hear the talk twice. were lost. Fortunately, times
that myself.
are changing and many
Now look at questions 19–26.
There’s very little surviving farms have been adopting
F: Today’s talk is about written evidence from a new, environmentally
one food that is known Mayan times. But we know friendly, way of growing
around the world and I’m that chocolate drinks were cocoa underneath taller
sure you’ve all tasted it – enjoyed by the rich, after native trees. We’ve seen
chocolate. It’s made from dinner, for example. And African elephants positively
cocoa beans, which grow not only by them – the affected by this change.
inside cocoa pods on trees museum I went to had vases Hopefully, other species,
in tropical rainforests. with pictures of ordinary such as bats, will soon start
people drinking chocolate to recover too.
What you may not realise,
at what seemed like a
though, is that chocolate Finally, I’d like to mention
wedding. And, apparently,
goes back a long time, right the health benefits of

7
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

chocolate – only dark shopping, just like her. most decisive person, so
chocolate, though, because But it achieved the exact when I buy things online, I
it contains less sugar. I opposite – a feeling that tend to check other people’s
still remember my mum stayed with me until my reviews before buying. And
giving me some when I adulthood and now I in shops I ask a mate for
had stomach upsets, or to only buy things when I a second opinion. That’s
improve my memory before absolutely have to. why I don’t buy stuff on
my exams. I’m not sure my own. Plus, it’s more fun
N: Speaker 2
how effective this was, but this way.
some recent studies show M: I love getting presents for
N: Speaker 5
that eating dark chocolate family and friends. Not that
may lower your blood long ago, I’d need to take a F: I’m in my final year at
pressure, which would couple of days, going from university. I spend lots of
be excellent. one shop to another, to find time revising for my final
the perfect birthday present. exams so there’s very little
N: Now you will hear the talk
Thanks to the internet, I time for anything else apart
again.
only need a couple of hours from my weekend job. I
That is the end of nowadays. Everything is earn decent money, but I
Exercise 3. just a click away – so easy. don’t want to waste it all
So much so, that I always on a shopping spree like
Track 7 need to remember my some friends do. Instead, I
budget. There are still some search different websites, for
N: Test 1, Exercise 4 things I’d never order from example for books, until I
You will hear six people a website though, like food find a bargain. I’ve become
talking about shopping. For or clothes. a sort of money adviser
questions 27–32, choose to friends who’re trying to
from the list (A–H) which N: Speaker 3
make their cash last longer.
idea each speaker expresses. F: I’m often away on business
Write the correct letter N: Speaker 6
trips. When I’m abroad, I
(A–H) on the answer line. sometimes go to shops just M: I’ve grown up with the
Use each letter only once. to have a look. I find it quite internet, so using it for
There are two extra letters relaxing after a long day. shopping couldn’t be more
that you do not need to use. But I rarely buy anything straightforward for me.
You will hear the audio because I don’t really know And convenient! I can get
recording twice. if it’s more expensive than anything I need. Unlike
the same thing back home. me, my grandfather refuses
Now read statements Unfortunately, when I’m to buy things this way.
A–H. back home my shopping Anyway, I’ve just managed
N: Speaker 1 trips don’t stop at browsing to persuade him to at least
and I just end up paying a try browsing the net to
F: My mum has an unusual
fortune. I should plan what see what’s available. But
job – she advises people
to buy more carefully. when he finds something
what to wear and where
he fancies, he still insists
to buy reasonably priced N: Speaker 4
on driving to the shop to
fashionable clothes. She M: I don’t shop very often, not buy it.
spends ages browsing in because I find it dull, but I
malls looking for new N: Now you will hear the six
just need very little. When I
ideas. When I was little, she speakers again.
do shop, I like to buy stuff
insisted that I accompanied on the internet as much as That is the end of
her to all the shops, hoping in the shops. I’m not the Exercise 4.
I’d become interested in

8
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

Track 8 just around the corner from My punishment was not

my parents. I also like my being allowed to attend
N: Test 2, Exercise 4
daughter to be able to see family get-togethers. My
You will hear six people
her grandparents every day. parents never shouted at
talking about their families.
me, they just made me think
For questions 27–32, choose N: Speaker 3
about my mistakes and
from the list (A–H) which
M: I work in international learn from them. It’s only
idea each speaker expresses.
business and often fly now, as a parent, that I can
Write the correct letter
abroad. This means being fully appreciate what good
(A–H) on the answer line.
away from home a lot. I’m parenting I had. I really
Use each letter only once.
so busy, though, that I should go and visit them
There are two extra letters
hardly ever get homesick. I more often.
that you do not need to use.
just make sure I don’t forget
N: Speaker 6
You will hear the audio to ring Mum and Dad
recording twice. every evening to let them F: As a kid, I would spend
know I’m OK. Sometimes hours looking through
Now read statements
I get a bit annoyed when travel magazines, dreaming
A–H.
Mum phones to check if of moving to faraway
N: Speaker 1 I’ve packed my passport, or places. Mum worried about
M: I come from an extended enough warm clothes, just me and kept telling me
family with five brothers like she used to before we to spend more time with
and sisters. Some people went on holiday when I was my friends. And while my
might say I was lucky to a kid. parents have never stopped
always have somebody to being the most important
N: Speaker 4
play with as a child – even people in my life, back
F: I remember I really loved then it was also the world
when going on holiday.
playing outside with my explorers from my posters.
Sadly, I didn’t see it that
younger sister as a kid. Mum and Dad would do
way – I couldn’t stand
We lived in a little village, anything for me and often
sharing my toys and I’d
so my childhood seemed took me on exciting trips
become very angry if
like one big adventure. But – and it’s these moments I
they tried to touch them.
then we moved away and treasure so much.
These days we all laugh
things changed. We still
about it when we meet up N: Now you will hear the six
went on summer holidays
to celebrate somebody’s speakers again.
together, but as I got to
birthday. I’m glad my own
know more kids from the That is the end of
kids are better behaved.
neighbourhood, my parents Exercise 4.
N: Speaker 2 hardly ever saw me at home.
F: When I talk to my friends, I It’s not that we argued or Track 9
don’t understand how some anything – they just didn’t
seem to understand my N: Test 1, Exercise 5
of them haven’t spoken You will hear an interview
to their family for months problems anymore.
with Jessica Smith, who
just because of some N: Speaker 5 has just crossed the Pacific
arguments. I’m very close Ocean in a rowing boat
M: I’m an only child, so I never
to my parents – we’re like with three other women.
experienced fights with a
best friends. When I started For each question, choose
younger brother or sister.
uni, I lived on my own, for the correct answer, A, B
This doesn’t mean, however,
the first time ever. I can’t or C, and put a tick in the
I never got into trouble at
say I enjoyed it. So, after appropriate box.
school, quite the opposite.
graduation, I found a flat

9
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

You will hear the interview life-long friendships. In our M: Were there any challenges
twice. case, the goal was also to after you set off ?
promote our chosen charity
Now look at questions F: Well, we had days with
and its causes.
33–40. boiling hot sun followed by
M: Can you tell us something violent storms. These can
M: Today, I’m talking to Jessica
about the boat you rowed in? really catch you by surprise
Smith. Jessica, you and
if you’re not prepared,
your three friends have just F: It’s common for boats to
which we were, of course,
rowed across the Pacific have a name that means
with sunblock cream and
Ocean, from San Francisco, something to the crew – for
protective clothing. The
in the USA, to Australia. example, someone dear to
never-ending ocean may
What would you say was you, like Doris, in our case.
seem romantic at first, but,
the most remarkable Our boat was 8.8 metres
after a while, you wish there
achievement for the four long and 2.1 metres wide,
was something else to see.
of you? which is relatively close to a
Finding ways to beat this
standard-sized rowing boat.
F: Well, we weren’t the first feeling didn’t come easy
Being painted pink, though,
to make this journey. But to us. And then there was
was a bit out of the ordinary.
there’ve only been a few the constant rowing, which
successfully completed M: You must have learnt a lot gave us aches and blisters.
attempts to cross the Pacific during the training – was it Not that we noticed after
so far, either solo or as challenging? a while.
a pair. The first attempt,
F: Definitely! It’s vital to M: You arrived in Australia a
dating back to 1971, was
know that you can rely on few days behind schedule.
made by John Fairfax and
the other crew members in What happened?
Sylvia Cook. We were
times of need when you feel
the first all-female crew F: Towards the end of our
down or when your body
to complete the journey journey, we tried to save
feels totally exhausted. For
in only three stages. our energy just in case
this reason, we underwent
Previously, most people something went wrong, like
very tough training. Apart
had divided their crossing one of us feeling unwell.
from gym sessions, we were
into multiple stages and The experts warned us to
also taught how to observe
completed the journey over expect strong winds causing
changes in our behaviour,
several years. The record huge waves off the coast
and to know when people
of an amazing 209 days of of the northern region of
are in a mood and want to
non-stop solo rowing was Australia, which could
be left alone.
set just a few weeks before hold us back, and they
us by John Beeden. M: Was there anything that were right.
your training didn’t prepare
M: But what made you choose M: And what did you miss
you for?
this challenge? while you were out at sea?
F: The preparations were
F: I think most people take F: Oh, many things. We often
very thorough, and we all
up these challenges to talked about the first meal
struggled with different
see whether they’ve got we’d have or how wonderful
things. Being a mum, I was
the physical and mental it’ll be to have a good
used to broken sleep, and
strength necessary for their night’s sleep in our own
small spaces didn’t bother
chosen challenge and for bed. But not before washing
me, compared to the others.
me it was no different. all that salt off. Personally,
But no one had warned me
Obviously, the added benefit I really couldn’t wait to
how hard being cut off from
is that you meet fantastic do that.
friends and family can be.
people on the way and form

10
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

M: Thanks, Jessica. actually realised I was different brands in his posts.

being serious. I guess they I thought it would be a
N: Now you will hear the
might’ve had a few sleepless good idea to teach English
interview again.
nights, but they never or house-sit for people,
That is the end of
mentioned anything. But both of which required
Exercise 5.
they knew there was very more time than I could
little point in trying to talk offer. In the end, I was
Track 10 me out of it. lucky enough to land a deal
N: Test 2, Exercise 5 with a publisher, who was
F: Was it hard getting ready to
You will hear an interview interested in the pictures I
leave the USA?
with a blogger called take on my travels.
Darren Biggs, who travels M: Everybody always thinks
F: Two years ago, you went
around the world. For each that moving away from
back home and stayed there
question, choose the correct the people you know is
for almost a year. What
answer, A, B or C, and put a the hardest thing. I’m not
made you do that?
tick in the appropriate box. saying it was easy, but times
have changed and keeping M: I broke my leg in the Andes
You will hear the interview in touch is so much more and it was taking quite
twice. straightforward nowadays. some time to heal. The local
Now look at questions Getting a new passport was doctors took nothing but
33–40. a real nuisance, but not as excellent care of me. But,
much as getting rid of all still, at times like these,
F: My next guest is Darren
my stuff to make a bit of virtual hugs from your
Biggs, a blogger from the
profit. closest just won’t do, you
USA who’s been travelling
need the real thing. My
around the world. So, what F: So, how did you pick where
friends back home often
made you decide to do this, to go first?
asked me if my return
Darren? M: To be honest, the idea just meant I had any doubts.
M: Well, I had this dream came to me while I was Well, I can assure you – that
of a perfect career and browsing online – unlike my wasn’t the case.
a comfortable life and I holiday destinations, which
F: What’s your highlight from
suppose I’d achieved that. I’d always gone to because
all the amazing things
But, somehow, something someone had told me how
you’ve done?
was still missing. After some amazing the place was. My
years, it seemed as if nothing first destination, which was M: I’ve met some amazing
would ever change. I wanted Vietnam, by the way, really people. Once I travelled
to do a job that would excited me – I’d never even through a remote area and
give me something to look considered going to that ran out of food. I came
forward to every day. Plus, part of the world before. across some locals who
I was spending less and less invited me to their home
F: And how do you support
time doing things I enjoyed, and shared their dinner with
yourself ?
like writing and travelling. me. Another great moment
So, becoming a blogger and M: Only very few people was a trek through a
writing about my travels make reasonable money tropical jungle. Nothing will
made complete sense. from blogging. One of my beat my first dive near coral
fellow bloggers focuses reefs, though – it’s a whole
F: And how did your family on trekking in various new world down there.
feel about all this? countries, which requires
F: Last question – what have
M: It did take them some time proper clothing and he gets
you learnt about yourself
to get used to it, once they paid for recommending
as a person?

11
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

M: Well, I’ve seen so many M: But remember last time? M: This one will last another
different people trying hard She wasn’t that thrilled with year and then I’ll get a new
to make a living in really the chocolates you got her. one. I mustn’t forget to get
harsh conditions – and yet Go for a book instead. a map, though.
they never complain, which
F: Now, why didn’t I think of F: Can’t you use your
showed me the importance
that? Sorted then. smartphone instead?
of never giving up. Plus, I
hope, through my blogs, M: I could, but I prefer the
I’ve managed to open many Track 12 old-fashioned way.
people’s eyes to the amazing N: Question 2. What were most F: Alright. Just remember to
world we live in and how students unhappy about? take your new glasses then,
important it is to protect it.
F: Thank you everybody for so that you can read it!
F: Thanks, Darren. taking part in our survey M: If I forget those, I can
N: Now you will hear the about how happy you are always buy a new pair on
interview again. with the classrooms and the way.
other school facilities. I
That is the end of can tell you that most of
Exercise 5. you really appreciated Track 14
having lessons in the new N: Question 4. Where do the
Track 11 classrooms, but the same friends agree to meet?
N: Test 3, Exercise 1 can’t be said about the
M: So where do you wanna
You will hear six short science lab. Hardly anybody
meet?
audio recordings. For each thought the equipment
question, choose the was modern enough, so F: Mum and I are going
correct answer, A, B, C or we’ll be looking into that shopping for a new dress
D, and put a tick in the very soon. Some of you first thing in the morning,
appropriate box. also felt disappointed that so shall we meet outside the
the canteen didn’t offer new clothes shop?
You will hear each audio
recording twice. a wider range of dishes. M: But if we’re going for a jog
The opening hours for the in the park, it’d make more
Question 1. What birthday library seem to suit almost sense to meet closer to the
presents does the woman everybody, so no complaints park.
decide to buy for her there.
mother? F: You’re right. How about the
bus stop next to the park?
M: Have you bought anything Track 13
for your mum’s birthday yet? N: Question 3. What does the M: I’ll be taking the train,
man still need to buy before though. I was thinking
F: No. I was going to get her a
his trekking trip? more like the café outside
plain cardigan – you know
the station?
what she thinks of stripes or F: Are you ready for the trip
any pattern. tomorrow? F: That makes sense. See you
tomorrow then.
M: Are you sure? Why not go M: Yes, I just need to check
for some sunglasses – for everything’s in my
when she goes on holiday backpack. Track 15
next month? N: Question 5. Which
F: You mean this one? Don’t photograph did the couple
F: Hmmm, I might do that, you think it’s time you
and I’ll add a box of both like best at the
bought a new backpack? exhibition?
chocolates.

12
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

F: What a fantastic exhibition! Track 17 charity event, we’re hoping

I loved all the photographs, to collect enough for swings
N: Question 7. Which course is
especially the one where the for our youngest residents
the woman planning to do
mum was actually taking a to enjoy.
first at the local college?
photo of her baby.
N: That is the end of Exercise 1.
M: What are you doing?
M: So did I – that one also came
top for me, but the one with F: Applying for a course at Track 19
the mum and her little girl our local college. My friend N: Test 3, Exercise 2
blowing bubbles was pretty did an art one there and she You will hear five short
too, don’t you think? highly recommends it so I audio recordings. For each
thought I’d give it a go, too. question, choose the correct
F: Personally, I preferred the
M: I thought you’d go for answer, A, B or C, and put a
photograph that captured
something more practical tick in the appropriate box.
the happy mood of the
like gardening. You will hear each audio
young family sitting on
recording twice.
the grass. F: I know so much already
that I thought it’d be a You will hear two students
M: Yeah, but I didn’t like it as
waste of time and money. talking about the school
much as the photo of the
But I did consider their trip they are on.
autumn leaves falling and
the girl sitting on the grass yoga classes and I was Now look at Questions 9
looking at them. tempted by the guitar and 10.
lessons too. I really want
F: Oh, right. F: I’m so excited – one whole
to learn something new. In
week at the seaside! I made
fact, those two are next on
sure I packed my sunglasses
Track 16 my list.
this time!
N: Question 6. Why did the M: Good for you!
boy have to stay at home M: I don’t suppose you’ve
last night? packed some suntan lotion?
Track 18 F: You bet! … Oh no!
F: It’s a shame you couldn’t
N: Question 8. What did the
join us to see the film last M: What is it?
local people raise money for
night. F: I can’t see my charger.
at the recent charity event?
M: Well, at first I thought I was M: Don’t worry – you can
M: We’d like to thank everyone
going to make it because my borrow mine. Anyway, the
who got involved in our
grandparents had cancelled teacher wants us to decide
local charity event to raise
the big family dinner – I what we want to do on
money to improve our local
think they didn’t fancy the first day and I thought
park. As you may know,
driving to our house in that the walk to observe the
our events have been very
terrible rain last night. But wildlife after dark couldn’t
successful in the past and
out of nowhere I got this sound more exciting.
helped to pay for more
headache. It must have been
trees to be planted. We also F: I was thinking the same.
from all the studying I’d
paid for the new benches, I’m less thrilled about the
done in the morning.
now found throughout the presentation about dolphins,
F: Well, listen – we’ve decided park. Well, I’m pleased to though.
to watch another film next announce that this time
M: So maybe we should get
week, so you can join us you’ll be able to enjoy a new
it out of the way before
then. basketball court, thanks
anything else, so then we
to everybody’s generous
M: Sure, count me in. can look forward to things
donations. At the next
like learning to surf.

13
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

F: Sounds like a plan. Let’s tell F: Hi Lilly – sorry, but I can’t M: Oh, totally. Apart from one
the teacher. come tonight. I’ve got my day when I ate something
dance class. I really thought bad and missed one of the
Track 20 I’d better make an effort walks. But then I found out
to meet some new people, the guy leading the walk
N: You will hear a man asking so I joined last month. My overslept because his alarm
about a beach clean-up doctor’s been telling me clock didn’t go off. And
event he wants to join. for ages to do something there was a strong wind
Now look at Questions 11 to get more active, but I’ve and fog in the morning, so I
and 12. taken up jogging for that. don’t think I missed much.
F: Hello? You should join, too – I can’t
F: Right.
recommend the class enough.
M: Hi. I’m calling about the
beach clean-up event next Sometimes we dance Track 23
month. I’m new to this, so in pairs, sometimes all
together, which I prefer N: You will hear a girl telling
I just wanted to check what
– it’s so much fun. The her mum about her first
stuff to bring, like litter
instructor has invented weeks at university.
pickers. I don’t think it says
this anywhere. special names for all the Now look at Questions 17
steps to help us remember. and 18.
F: Oh – there’s no need.
Plus, the class is always in
Everything will be provided F1: So nice to see you again!
the evening, which suits me
on the day. And we’ll all How’s everything?
fine. Anyway, phone me
meet at Damson Bay in the
back and let me know when F2: Well, the lectures were really
morning. We should finish
we can meet! Bye! hard to follow at first, but
by 1 p.m.
I’m getting used to the
M: Yeah, your website Track 22 teaching style now. You’ll
mentions all that. It also also be pleased to know –
N: You will hear a man telling
says we should sign up I’ve become less shy when
his friend about his recent
online. it comes to asking the tutor
holiday.
questions, like in my last
F: That’s right. But I always
Now look at Questions 15 session. But it was a shame
tell new people to watch
and 16. that, at the same session,
some clips of our previous
I couldn’t hear the tutor
clean-up events and look F: When did you come back
properly because of his
at people’s posts on our from your holidays?
microphone.
website first. Just to make
M: Just last night. When it
sure they have realistic F1: And how are you doing for
came to leaving, I started
expectations. Why don’t you money? Have you thought
to wish I could’ve stayed
do that and then call me if about the ad for stocking
longer to enjoy the
you have any more queries? shelves in our local shop?
mountains. But I wouldn’t
M: Thanks. have been able to get F2: Well, my roommate’s
any more days off work, neighbour is looking for
Track 21 anyway. Plus, the hotel someone to teach her kids
was packed with people some Italian. But I’d rather
N: You will hear a woman put the clothes I don’t wear
staying – which I found
talking about her new dance anymore up for sale. I’ve
quite unusual for this time
class. got an app for that.
of year.
Now look at Questions 13 F1: Sounds brilliant.
F: By the sound of it, you
and 14.
enjoyed yourself.
N: That is the end of Exercise 2.

14
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

Track 24 To construct the undersea never thought would be

farm, Sergio attached huge possible. He’s now thinking
N: Test 3, Exercise 3
balloons to the seabed, of focusing on wasabi,
You will hear an expert in
which he then inflated with a root vegetable with a
agriculture, called Carlo
air. The design of these very strong taste, which is
Moretti, giving a talk about
balloons, which my daughter difficult to grow, but Sergio
underwater farming in Italy.
thought looked like large believes the underwater
For each question, choose
rain drops, is similar to environment would be
the correct answer, A, B
massive transparent golf perfect for it.
or C, and put a tick in the
balls. Obviously, the design
appropriate box. Thanks to the relatively
has been worked on and
stable temperature
You will hear the talk twice. improved since the project
underwater, the need
Now look at questions started.
for a system to cool the
19–26.
The improved design also surrounding air down can
M: Thanks for inviting me to means that the initial be skipped altogether.
talk about an underwater difficulty of flooding, which Unfortunately, the salty
farming project based in my occasionally happened, can sea water isn’t any good
native Italy. Let me start by now be avoided. Traditional for watering the plants, but
explaining how it began and farmers often have to deal through a process called
what it’s all about. with plants that are affected ‘desalination’, when the
People often assume that with disease or to overcome salt is removed, it can then
this project must be the work issues like harmful insects. be used for this. And what
of an ocean engineer. Some Fortunately, Sergio and makes this project really
also think it was the idea of his team don’t have to special is the use of wind
a marine scientist – I must concern themselves with and the sun to produce any
admit, I’d never expected any of these. energy that is needed.
a scuba diver to be behind Critics sometimes question The project’s already
it all, myself. The concept whether plants grown attracted a lot of interest
of growing fruit and veg underwater get enough from various international
under the sea came to Sergio direct sunlight. Recent organisations, including
Gamberini during a holiday. studies have shown, those producing medicines.
He thought the plant- however, that the part of And I can see huge
friendly sea environment sunlight that encourages possibilities for its use in
could be used to grow crops growth, called the red this field, above any other.
in underwater greenhouses. spectrum, can filter down With the growing demand
In 2012, Sergio took the as far as fifteen metres for environmentally friendly
first steps to set up this deep. For this reason, the holidays, the project site
project in north-west Italy, underwater greenhouses are might become a popular
with the help of experts and lowered into water at depths destination. And I’m sure
with the resources of his of between five and no other industries, like fish
company, called the Ocean deeper than eleven metres. farming, for example, will
Reef Group. The project soon start exploring this
So far, Sergio has tried to
became affectionately alternative method of
grow herbs and vegetables.
known as Nemo’s Garden, agriculture too.
And it was beans, in
but Ocean Magic would be particular, that, to his N: Now you will hear the talk
just as appropriate, since amazement, produced again.
growing food under the very good results. He
That is the end of Exercise 3.
sea is something new and even had a good harvest
totally unexpected. of strawberries, which I

15
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

Track 25 they see them, but I still of an occasional message to

think it’s quite nice – it’s say I’m OK. My wife thinks
N: Test 3, Exercise 4
like a travel journal they that I ought to work harder
You will hear six people
can follow. on my communication with
talking about keeping in
friends, but I know they’re
touch with friends. For N: Speaker 3
fine with it.
questions 27–32, choose
M: I’m not very patient when
from the list (A–H) which N: Speaker 6
it comes to reading stuff. In
idea each speaker expresses.
fact, I’m the opposite, so I F: When my brother and I
Write the correct letter
appreciate it more when I were younger, we travelled a
(A–H) on the answer line.
get pictures from people’s lot and made lots of friends
Use each letter only once.
holidays or weddings. My from other countries who
There are two extra letters
friends complain that it we tried to stay in touch
that you do not need to use.
takes me ages to get back to with. Back then it was quite
You will hear the audio them, and when I finally do normal to write letters or, a
recordings twice. it’s at the least convenient bit later, send text messages
time for them. They’ve told to stay in touch. But, over
Now read statements A–H.
me I should try a bit harder. time, we lost touch, so
N: Speaker 1 Well, it’s not that the calls finding these friends again
M: I’m in my final year of uni, cost a lot, but I just put it on social media sites was
but I still manage some off and then I forget. really exciting. We even
foreign travel from time ring each other up. I’m
N: Speaker 4
to time. I have to watch quite shy though, so it’s
F: After high school, I moved not always easy to keep the
my spending while I’m
abroad to study at college, conversation going.
travelling and this includes
which meant leaving all my
not running up a huge bill N: Now you will hear the six
friends behind. Even though
when I’m ringing up my speakers again.
I haven’t seen some of them
mates. Some of my relatives
for a long time, they’ve kept That is the end of
would love to receive
in touch, but others only Exercise 4.
handwritten postcards
send the odd message now
from some faraway places
and then. I’d be very sad if Track 26
I visit, but I’ll stick to
I lost touch with them, so I
posting photos on my N: Test 3, Exercise 5
try to follow what they’re up
Facebook page, which can You will hear an interview
to every day. Luckily, most
tell people more than long with a businesswoman
of them upload pictures
descriptions. called Fatima Karimi, who
and write posts online, so
N: Speaker 2 sometimes it feels as if I’ve started an online language
never left. school. For each question,
F: I love to travel now that I’ve choose the correct answer,
retired. Most of my friends N: Speaker 5 A, B or C, and put a tick in
prefer to stay at home, the appropriate box.
M: I only have a few friends, but
though – and it’s them I
I know I can trust them with You will hear the interview
tend to send updates to. I’ve
anything. I can ring them at twice.
tried posting blogs online,
any time, even at the weekend
but some friends have no Now look at questions
and they won’t mind. There
internet access, so I put my 33–40.
are times when I’m away on
day-to-day adventures down
business for long periods of M: With me today is Fatima
on paper and post them to
time when I don’t keep in Karimi, who set up an
my best friends instead. It
touch – with the exception online language school.
can take a long time before

16
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

Fatima, what’s your own inconvenient times, like country since our teachers
experience of learning my friend’s daughter, for live in the country where the
languages? You started very example. And in my son’s language is spoken.
young, I believe. case, most tutors didn’t
M: I’ve heard that you were
manage to motivate him
F: Yes – I was only four and, your own first customer.
– that got me thinking
by the age of seven, I was
that students and their F: That’s right. When running
fluent in English, French
tutors should be carefully your own business, you
and Spanish on top of my
matched. need to believe in what
native Arabic. Later on, I
you’re selling, so sorting
also mastered Dutch and M: How do you make sure you
out any possible issues at
German. Now, I’m doing select the right people for
the start was vital for me.
Mandarin because I want the teaching posts?
As it happened, I needed
to explore that part of the
F: Well, I’m really proud to work on my Dutch, so it
world. When I was a child,
of the excellent teacher just made sense. Looking
it was more of a necessity
database I’ve managed to back, the teacher must have
really since we lived in
create. Nothing beats flying thought I was checking up
different countries because
out to meet and speak to on her, which was never my
of my father’s job. My mum
my potential teaching staff intention. But I was really
has always been my biggest
in person. But, before I can pleased with the standard
inspiration – she can speak
do that, I first have to go of teaching.
eight languages!
through hundreds of emails
M: And what do you enjoy
M: But you didn’t set up your with information about
about your business?
online language school until people’s experience to select
you were in your thirties. who to meet. Sometimes F: There’s no denying it’s
my friends tell me about hard work, but there are
F: Yes. When growing up, it
a teacher they’ve had and advantages, too. One of
never occurred to me that I
liked, but I rarely take that them is that you get to go
might run a school. I took
into account. to a lot of countries and
linguistics at university,
after meetings I can go
but ended up getting a M: So, what makes people
sightseeing, so it feels like
job with an international choose your online courses?
a holiday. And I meet a
company selling cleaning
F: Well, business professionals lot of interesting people
products. After years of
make up most of our from all over the world too.
working there, it became
students, which meant that Watching my business grow
quite tedious, so I handed
flexibility was at the top of has been a boost to my self-
in my notice and took some
my priorities when setting belief, which must be the
time out. That’s when I felt
up the business. To have top gain for me.
I wanted to do something
a lesson, they just need a
more creative. M: And finally – what are your
smartphone and they can
plans for you and your
M: So, what made you decide have a video chat with
business?
to go into providing the teacher at the most
language courses online? suitable time from their F: Well, we’ve recently been
office or while waiting for approached by a few
F: Well, we all might’ve
a plane. And they certainly well-known international
heard of someone who’s
appreciate that. The vast companies to provide
attended a language course
majority, though, value the language courses for their
and didn’t get on with
fact that they can find out employees, so we’ve been
their classmates. Or worse,
more about things like the busy with that. These
they simply dropped out
culture and traditions of the companies choosing our
because it was on at very

17
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

services has proved that F: How about going to the F: So, who moved into the
our school is becoming a movies tonight? apartment next door?
recognised name globally,
M: Great – there are really M: Well, I was really hoping it’d
which is a dream come true.
good movies on right now, be a family with a son my
But I feel our classes should
like the new horror movie age. I thought it’d be really
not stop with languages
called Look Behind You. I cool to hang out together.
and that’s the aim of my
know it’s not your favourite Instead, it’s an elderly
upcoming project.
genre, but then I had to couple, very nice by the
M: Thanks, Fatima. watch that historical movie way. Their granddaughter’s
with you the other day even living with them, though,
N: Now you will hear the
though I’m not into them. and she’s the same age as
interview again.
me. Her mum and dad are
That is the end of F: I know, but why don’t we
working abroad, but she
Exercise 5. try something we both
decided to stay with her
enjoy this time, like science
grandparents so that she
Track 27 fiction?
can go to school here. You’ll
N: Test 4, Exercise 1 M: I’d like that. I’ll tell you meet her soon, she’s starting
You will hear six short what – next time I’ll come at our school tomorrow.
audio recordings. For each and watch a romantic movie
F: Great!
question, choose the correct with you. How does that
answer, A, B, C or D, and sound? N: Question 5. Where did the
put a tick in the appropriate man leave his phone?
F: OK!
box. F: So, was your phone on the
N: Question 3. What birthday
You will hear each audio bedside table like I said?
presents did the girl buy for
recording twice. her sister? M: Well, I looked there first
Question 1. What time does because I always check my
M: So, how was the birthday
the mother expect to be messages before going to
party you organised for
back from work today? sleep and I usually put the
your sister?
phone down on top of the
F: Hi Alex, it’s Mum. Listen F: Oh, great – my sister book I read or next to the
– I won’t be able to leave really enjoyed it. And she lamp.
work earlier then quarter to got loads of presents –
five today. But I’m aiming F: And?
especially chocolates. Her
to get home for half past friends must know how M: This time I must’ve taken
five. So, you’d better start much she loves them. the phone with me to the
reheating the dinner from study in the morning and,
yesterday without me. If we M: And did she like the gloves
without realising, put it
all want to eat soon after I and the scarf with dots you
on top of the books on
get back, let’s say at quarter decided to give her?
my desk. Then I went to
to six, then you should put F: Well, in the end I decided get more books from the
the dinner in the oven no to get a book instead of the bookshelf and walked out
later than quarter past five. gloves and, when I went of the room without it.
Give me a ring if you need back to the shop to get the
anything. Thanks. N: Question 6. Which activity
scarf, they only had one
did the girl enjoy most at
N: Question 2. What film are with stripes, but it was just
the summer camp?
the friends going to see as nice.
tonight? F1: Seems like you had great
N: Question 4. Who are the
fun at the camp.
boy’s new neighbours?

18
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

F2: Oh yeah – especially M: Hi Martin! It’s Josh. I’m for you, but we’ll be having
cooking over a fire. We sorry, but I’m running late, lunch at the farm café.
prepared our evening meal so just start the football This is where you’ll also be
from the things we got practice without me. Mum told how crops are grown
from the local farmer. It phoned and asked me to and turned into what we
was really exciting, but get a birthday present for eat. I hope you’ll find it
nothing was as exciting as my sister – I couldn’t say interesting hearing the
the storytelling evenings. no. It’s really annoying – I farmer talk about what
Everyone was really would’ve been on time makes his job enjoyable and
interested in my stories. otherwise because my music don’t forget to take notes
lesson finished at three when he explains how he’s
F1: What about the pottery
exactly. Oh, before I forget been dealing with the recent
classes? I always enjoyed
– Pete wants to meet us, weather changes. You’ll be
those when I was your age.
so we can do that after the using these to present your
F2: Yes, making my own mug football practice. Anyway, ideas on this topic in class.
wasn’t bad. And did you the traffic doesn’t seem as
N: You will hear a boy telling his
know that I learnt to play bad as usual, so I reckon
friend about a water sport he
table tennis? I’m even better I’ll be there in about thirty
has taken up recently.
than my best friend Alice. minutes. See ya.
Now look at questions 11
F1: Oh, wow. N: That is the end of Exercise 1.
and 12.
N: Question 7. What did the Now turn to Exercise 2.
F: So, what’s this new hobby
woman dislike most about
you’ve got?
the hotel she stayed at? Track 28
N: Test 4, Exercise 2 M: Underwater hockey –
M: How was your holiday?
You will hear five short it’s like normal hockey,
F: It was fantastic, apart from audio recordings. For each you must’ve seen that
the hotel. question, choose the correct on television; two teams
answer, A, B or C, and put a playing against each other
M: What happened? Was the
tick in the appropriate box. trying to hit a puck, a
room too small?
You will hear each audio small rubber disc, with a
F: Yeah, but that bothered recording twice. stick and get it into the
my husband more than me. opponent’s goal – just this
He also detested the food, You will hear a teacher one’s underwater. I didn’t
which I thought wasn’t telling students about their realise it even existed until
too bad. The service at the next school trip. my cousin mentioned it. I
reception really spoiled it Now look at question 9 thought they’d never offer it
for me, though. and 10. at our local pool, but I saw
M: Was the pool OK at least? a poster for it last month
M: Tomorrow we’re off to and signed up.
F: No, and we didn’t use it – it Walford Farm. Some of
was just too small. Luckily, you have asked me if you’ll F: And how is it? You’re not
the beach was just five need special boots. Well, the best swimmer I know.
minutes away. And the town we won’t be going into the M: True, but it’s all about
had loads of wonderful fields, so no need. What you staying underwater long
cafés and small galleries. should remember, though, enough to hit the puck –
is plenty of water – we’ll be something others struggle
M: Oh, good. outdoors and it’ll be hot. I with. For me, though, it’s
N: Question 8. Why is the boy know your parents usually getting used to how slow the
late for his football practice? pack loads of sandwiches water makes you move.

19
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

N: You will hear a girl leaving a F: I know what you mean. At title, but they did have lots
phone message for her friend least, on the way there, the of questions to start with.
about her adventure holiday. buses weren’t running late
N: That is the end of Exercise 2.
like last time.
Now look at questions 13 Now turn to Exercise 3.
and 14. M: And, then, Matt Nowak
didn’t even win! I was Track 29
F: Hi Ying, it’s Helena. You
expecting more of him,
probably thought I’d N: Test 4, Exercise 3
but he was far too relaxed
already gone off to the You will hear a clothes
and his opponent took
mountains for my trekking designer called Lee Chan
advantage of that.
adventure. Well, I really giving a talk about the
can’t wait to do that, but, F: And that was the problem, invention of waterproof
unfortunately, I’ve had to wasn’t it? I know some fabric and the Macintosh
postpone it for a month. people doubt his abilities raincoat. For each question,
The local guide who was because of his young age. I choose the correct answer,
supposed to show us where thought, if anything, he was A, B or C, and put a tick in
the wolves live was taken ill. going to get into trouble the appropriate box.
I heard that he’s the best – because of his injured knee.
he gets really good reviews You will hear the talk twice.
M: Hmm.
from groups of people who Now look at questions
meet up to do trekking N: You will hear a part of 19–26.
holidays – so I don’t mind an interview with someone
who works as a night M: Hi, I’m Lee Chan, a
waiting.
sky officer. fashion designer, and I’m
Anyway, speaking of here to talk about the
adventure – can you lend Now look at questions 17 Macintosh raincoat and
me your backpack? I and 18. the material it’s made
haven’t used mine for ages from – both invented by a
M: Amelia, what does your job
and, even though I thought Scottish inventor, Charles
involve?
I could fit everything in, I Macintosh. You may think
can’t. I promise not to lose F: I make sure the sky at night Charles started off as a
it! I’ll return it without a is dark by keeping light tailor, or, as I thought, a
scratch! Cheers. pollution as low as possible. chemist, since chemistry
I work, and live, in a national was his passion. In fact, he
N: You will hear two friends
park, which is far away from was given the position of a
talking about a tennis
everything, but I prefer that clerk in his father’s factory,
match they went to.
to busy cities. People who but left to pursue his
Now look at questions 15
come here to watch the stars interests in experimenting
and 16.
don’t realise how important with chemicals.
M: Did you enjoy the match dark quiet nights are for us
yesterday? and the wildlife and, above The idea of making
all, I really enjoy telling them clothing waterproof isn’t
F: It was too hot for me. surprising, given how often
about this.
M: It could’ve been much it rains in Scotland. Our
When I mention my job, ancestors probably got
worse with the rain they’d
people don’t know how inspired by watching birds
been promising. I tell you
to respond because it’s so waterproof themselves by
what though – having to
unusual. Because of this, applying oil, produced by
wait in line for everything,
I was a bit anxious about their bodies, onto their
like something to eat, was a
telling my friends. Luckily, feathers. The only other
let-down.
they’ve got used to my job attempt at waterproofing

20
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

known at Macintosh’s obtain the legal rights Track 30

time was rubbing wax for it, so it’s Charles
N: Test 4, Exercise 4
onto clothing. To keep Macintosh who’ll be
You will hear six people
water out, Macintosh forever remembered as the
talking about their holidays.
experimented with a type inventor of the waterproof
For questions 27–32, choose
of rubber found in trees, material.
from the list (A–H) which
which he made into a soft
With the increased demand idea each speaker expresses.
mixture. He then applied
for this material, many Write the letter (A–H) on
it between two layers of
more companies were now the answer line. Use each
clothing.
using it to produce coats letter only once. There are
The early stages didn’t pass and jackets, often worn by two extra letters that you do
without difficulties, though. railway workers as well as not need to use.
Macintosh became aware police officers. Even polar
You will hear the audio
that the waterproof material explorers benefited from it –
recording twice.
reacted to temperature something I didn’t expect.
changes. In winter, it Now read statements
In the second half of the
turned stiff and, when the A–H.
20th century, the Macintosh
temperature rose, it became N: Speaker 1
coat was made into a
sticky. Not to mention how
fashionable item by film M: Last year I decided to
smelly the first waterproof
stars in America. But it is stay in a hotel by the sea.
material was, whatever the
Japan that’s experiencing Before departure, I started
temperature.
the latest growth in demand wondering if lying on the
When reading about the for this coat. The popularity beach all day long, by myself,
early waterproof material, of the coat has also led was going to be my kind of
I couldn’t help thinking I to the company working thing. As it turned out, the
wouldn’t have been very with some leading fashion hotel offered day trips to
happy wearing clothes labels based, for example, in nearby places of interest.
made from it because of France, and the production And that’s where I met lots
the unfortunate issues. of new designs. of friendly holiday-makers,
Apparently, there were also who, like me, were into beach
I’m often asked how the
quite a few problems during volleyball, so we played it
coat’s produced, and
the sewing process and not every evening. I could’ve also
whether the techniques
many people were willing done a basic language course,
have changed over the
to work with the material. but I left that to others.
past 200 years. People
Macintosh decided to set up
don’t believe me when I N: Speaker 2
his own factory rather than
say they haven’t. It’s an
look for factory owners to F: Last summer my parents
interesting process, though,
manufacture clothing from took me on a holiday by
with some parts sewn and
his material. the sea. While there, I
others glued together. The
The first waterproof coat, material’s now supplied considered joining surfing
which was given the name by an overseas company, lessons run by a local surfer.
‘Macintosh’, was produced but the coat is still made in In the end, this wasn’t
in 1823 and it wasn’t long Scotland. possible because of heavy
before it made it to the storms that, unfortunately,
N: Now you will hear the talk put a stop to my plans. My
shops in 1824. Interestingly,
again. parents didn’t seem to be as
in 1818, another Scott –
James Syme – invented a That is the end of Exercise 3. bothered by that as I was
way of making waterproof Now turn to Exercise 4. because they had more time
material, but failed to to visit the local museums.

21
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

Good job we hadn’t paid resorts where I’d have to deal answer, A, B or C, and put a
for the lessons beforehand with loads of other tourists, tick in the appropriate box.
and we didn’t waste time or chatty locals trying to
You will hear the interview
trying to get a refund. sell you something. Last
twice.
year, I went trekking along
N: Speaker 3
America’s west coast, but Now look at questions
M: Last summer I decided to I wish I’d had somebody 33–40.
take my family on holiday. I there to share the beautiful
F: Today, I’m talking to
spent lots of money on the landscape with. That’s
Michael Vitko, about his
flight, so I didn’t waste too something I might think
journey from the Czech
much on the hotel. This was about next time I go hiking.
Republic to the Arctic
a mistake, really, which was
N: Speaker 6 Circle in Norway, which
obvious to me the moment
he made on his motorbike
we got there and it didn’t get F: I love travelling to
called a Jawa. What inspired
any better when we got to undiscovered locations.
you to do this, Michael?
our rooms. However, despite My friends are sometimes
this, we were determined to concerned that the M: Like most children, I read
have fun and spent as much accommodation I choose lots of adventure books,
time as we could outdoors. is a bit old-fashioned and hoping that one day I’d be
Luckily, the weather didn’t uncomfortable – and they able to do the same things
let us down, even though certainly wouldn’t stay there as the heroes. I’d talk
they forecast heavy rain. themselves. I think these endlessly with my best mate
hotels are just part of the about this, dreaming of big
N: Speaker 4
experience and I don’t have adventures. It wasn’t until
F: After graduating last to pay a fortune for them. my early twenties, when
June, I needed a break. The places I visit have such I saw a TV programme
I went for a foreign city rich history and traditions – about one guy riding a Jawa
break and thought that, and the people who live around the world, that I
apart from taking it easy, there are always keen to help began considering my own
it might be useful to pick and have a chat with me, just motorbike adventure.
up a few phrases in a new like on my last holiday. So, I
F: And how did you get ready
language. So, when I got never feel alone – quite the
for the Arctic Circle trip?
there, that’s exactly what I opposite in fact.
did. I read somewhere this M: People often think I spent
N: Now you will hear the six
helps you to get to know weeks putting the route
speakers again.
local people better and they together. They look shocked
really appreciate tourists That is the end of Exercise when I say I only had a
making the effort. I enjoyed 4. Now turn to Exercise 5. rough plan with the main
it so much that I’m already points highlighted on a
thinking of doing the map. Obviously, I had to
Track 31
same thing next year, with be sure I wouldn’t run out
another language, of course. N: Test 4, Exercise 5 of petrol, so saving up for
You will hear an interview this was crucial. Plus, I also
N: Speaker 5 with Michael Vitko, a put a bit aside to cover any
M: I got into travelling in my young adventurer, who has unforeseen situations like
early twenties and haven’t travelled to the Arctic Circle something going wrong
stopped since. I’ve always on his motorbike. Listen with the motorbike.
preferred peaceful places, to the interview and look
at the questions. For each F: In some photos from your
like forests and mountains.
question, choose the correct trip, there is another biker.
I’m not one for busy seaside
Who is that?

22
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

M: Oh, yes – Peter. That was a M: I love exploring the beauty You now have six minutes
complete coincidence. We of nature, whether it is to copy your answers onto
just got talking at a petrol mountains or forests. But the separate answer sheet. I
station in Lithuania. He was it really touched me how will remind you when there
heading north and so was people went out of their is one minute left.
I. The added benefit was, way to help me when I
You have one more minute
of course, that he kept me was in trouble. Having
left.
company for some of my said that, nothing came
journey and offered to film close to the feeling I had That is the end of the
me occasionally for the short when I travelled for days examination.
film I was making. It was without meeting anybody.
great and we’ve kept in touch. Everything was so quiet. Track 32
F: I heard that you had F: And how was your return M: I suppose the good
some problems with your back home? thing about working in
motorbike. a supermarket is that it
M: Don’t get me wrong, I was would give me a chance to
M: Well, things like that are looking forward to coming meet new people. It might
bound to happen. There’s home after such a long even help me with my
no point trying to rearrange journey, but I had mixed communication skills. On
the whole journey, in my feelings the minute I got the other hand, it’s likely
opinion. I knew I could off my bike. You are full of to be very tiring, so I might
rely on my friend, who’s a memories and experiences feel too tired afterwards to
mechanic, to send me the and it’s hard to get back do my homework. Plus, I
parts I needed to fix my into your daily routine. I’d don’t think it pays much.
bike, in the post. The time be really sad if I couldn’t
spent waiting for them do any more trips, but And just like the first
brought a welcome break I’m lucky to have a very option, helping somebody
and I had a chance to pay a supportive family. with their school work
visit to another friend who wouldn’t pay much either,
F: And your motorbike? It but I guess the experience
lives in the area.
seems very important to you. would be very useful –
F: Did you have to deal with explaining something
M: Absolutely! When I started
any other problems? clearly and being organised
riding, I would never
M: There were a few tricky have imagined how much are important skills. But
language issues, but these richer my life was going you’d need to be much
days you can get by with to become thanks to my better at the subject than
English in most places. motorbike. Obviously, the person you’re supposed
What took me by surprise I also need a steady job to teach – otherwise, there
was how being on a boat to earn money for my wouldn’t be much point
on the rough sea can really trips and to pay for the doing this work. Apart
shake you up – and I was maintenance of my bike. from that, people who do
glad when I finally got back But, when I’m not on the this work have to be very
on dry land. The weather road, I’m already thinking patient.
and the temperature of my next adventure. I do think, though, that it’s
would’ve been a real a very interesting idea to try
F: Well, good luck, Michael.
problem, though, if I’d gone out a few part-time jobs like
a couple of months later. N: Now you will hear the these to see what you might
interview again. like to do in the future as
F: There must’ve been lots of
positive experiences. Which That is the end of Exercise 5. your career.
ones stood out for you?

23
CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

CAMBRIDGE IGCSETM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

Track 33 would be very useful – Track 34

explaining something
M: I suppose the good M: Neither of these two
clearly and being organised
thing about working in options would appeal to
are important skills. But
a supermarket is that it me though, but if I had to
you’d need to be much
would give me a chance to choose one, I’d probably
better at the subject than
meet new people. It might go for helping somebody
the person you’re supposed
even help me with my with their homework. The
to teach – otherwise,
communication skills. On reason for this is that I don’t
there wouldn’t be much
the other hand, it’s likely like getting up early and
point doing this work.
to be very tiring, so I might this kind of work would
Apart from that, people
feel too tired afterwards to most likely be done in the
who do this work have to be
do my homework. Plus, I afternoon after school, or in
very patient.
don’t think it pays much. the evening. Also, I’d prefer
I do think, though, that it’s to do a job where I wouldn’t
And just like the first
a very interesting idea to try have to talk to many people
option, helping somebody
out a few part-time jobs like because I’m rather shy.
with their school work
these to see what you might
wouldn’t pay much either,
like to do in the future as
but I guess the experience
your career.

24