What’s transport like where you live?
In this B1/B2 English listening lesson, you will listen to Leo talking about transport in his town. Leo speaks slowly, with a soft, West Midlands (Birmingham) British accent.
After you have listened to Leo’s talk and completed the exercises, read the transcript at the end to check.
Contents
Listen in full
Watch the video and listen to Leo’s story. Then, answer the questions and start the exercises.
Gist questions
Answer these general questions about Leo’s talk:
1. What is Leo’s overall attitude toward transportation in his town?
a) He thinks it’s confusing and badly organized b) He likes having multiple options even if some are frustrating c) He wishes there were more train services2. How does Leo feel about driving in his town?
a) He avoids it because of the stress and cost b) He thinks it’s the fastest and most relaxing way to travel c) He hopes to buy a car soon3. What does Leo think about public transport like buses and trains?
a) He finds them comfortable and always reliable b) He avoids them due to safety concerns c) He uses them often but sees both pros and consDetail questions
Here are some more detailed questions about Leo’s talk. See how many you can answer:
4. Why does Leo usually prefer walking to work?
a) It helps him feel alert without exhausting him b) It gives him time to listen to podcasts c) It saves more time than other transport5. What does Leo say about walking when the weather is bad?
a) He still walks with an umbrella b) He switches to the bus when it rains c) He takes a taxi in all cases6. What problem does Leo mention about taking the bus?
a) Buses often stop running in the afternoon b) The bus routes don’t go near his job c) They can be delayed during busy traffic hours7. What does Leo like most about taking the train?
a) It’s the fastest way to get around his town b) It gives him time to read or listen to music c) It always runs on time and is cheap8. What is the biggest drawback of train travel, according to Leo?
a) The stations are hard to get to b) The seats are uncomfortable c) The tickets are expensive if not booked aheadTrain your ear
Listen for words
Listen 1
Listen and write the words you hear.
There are to get around.
Listen 2
Listen and write the words you hear.
It’s easy, free, and relaxing.
Listen 3
Listen and write the words you hear.
Walking in the fun.
Listen 4
Listen and write the words you hear.
But to be honest, I don’t .
Listen 5
Listen and write the words you hear.
Traffic is always so stressful
Dictation
Listen to Leo and write down what he says in the box below. Then, check what you wrote. Any mistakes you make will be in blue.
Listen and read!
Read the transcript of Leo’s talk, and listen at the same time. Click on any part of the text to listen again.
Words and phrases
Here are some useful words and expressions from the text about transport that you might want to learn and use.
Words
reliable (adj) – working well most of the time
rush hour (n) – the busy time when many people are travelling to or from work
a nightmare (n) – a very difficult or stressful situation
expensive (adj) – costing a lot of money
stressful (adj) – making you feel worried or tense
a downside (n) – a bad part of a situation
ridiculously (adv) – in a way that seems silly or too much
affordable (adj) – not too expensive; easy to pay for
in advance (adv) – before the time something happens
option (n) – a choice or possibility
Phrases
get around – travel within a place or area
to be honest – used before giving your real opinion
it depends on the day – it changes depending on the situation
a different story – a completely different situation
walking in the rain – going on foot when it’s raining
take twice as long – need double the time
public transport – buses, trains, or other shared transport
in a rush – needing to hurry
quite expensive – costing a bit too much
let’s face it – used when saying something true or obvious
get a lift (from someone) – have someone drive you somewhere
book in advance – buy or arrange something before the date
at the end of the day – after everything is considered; in the end
depends on where I’m going – changes depending on the destination
sit back and relax – rest and do nothing while travelling
a different story when it rains – a situation that changes when the weather is bad
Grammar from the transcript
Here are several English grammar patterns that appear in the speaker’s talk.
Comparative patterns
Comparatives and equatives are used to show difference or preference between two things.
- Driving’s definitely quicker than the bus
- not so long that I get tired
- ..it can take twice as long (as ..)
Conditionals (zero)
Leo uses zero conditional patterns to describe likely everyday outcomes if certain things happen:
- If it’s raining, then it’s a different story
- If the traffic’s bad, it can take twice as long
Comment clauses
These short clauses express an opinion or evaluation about what is being said.
- To be honest, it depends on the day
- But to be honest, I don’t use them much
- Let’s face it, traffic is always so stressful = We need to accept this issue
Develop your listening skills further with more A2, B1 and B2 English listening exercises and lessons!
