Do you come from a big family? How important is family life, in your opinion?
In this B1/B2 English listening lesson, you will listen to Leo talking about his family. Leo speaks British English, and he speaks quite slowly, with a soft West Midlands accent.
After you complete the exercises, read the transcript at the bottom of this page.
Contents
Listen in full
Watch the video and listen to Leo’s story, then answer the questions.
Gist questions
Answer these general questions about Leo’s talk:
1. How does Leo describe his family relationships overall?
a) Distant and quiet b) Busy but close-knit c) Serious and formal2. How have Leo’s feelings toward his sister changed over time?
a) They argue more now than before b) They grew closer and can support each other c) They barely speak anymore3. What is Leo’s main message about family?
a) Families always cause trouble b) Families are annoying and unnecessary c) Families matter and stick together despite flawsDetail questions
Here are some more detailed questions about Leo’s talk. See how many you can answer:
4. What does Leo mean when he says their house was “always buzzing”?
a) It was noisy and full of activity b) There were insects in the kitchen c) It was always too quiet5. What were mornings like in Leo’s house growing up?
a) Calm and relaxing b) Full of rushing and stress c) Organised and slow6. Why did Leo and his sister used to argue?
a) They didn’t go to the same school b) They didn’t want to eat dinner together c) They disagreed about small things7. What does Leo say is “so nice” about seeing his family now?
a) They all still make the effort to meet up b) It gives him time to ask for help c) It reminds him to cook together8. What does Leo mean by “we always stick together”?
a) They spend every moment together b) They support each other, even with problems c) They go on family trips every yearTrain your ear
Listen for words
Listen 1
Listen and write the words you hear.
My big actually.
Listen 2
Listen and write the words you hear.
He’s always of the family.
Listen 3
Listen and write the words you hear.
So, growing up.
Listen 4
Listen and write the words you hear.
So we always things to do.
Listen 5
Listen and write the words you hear.
We’d dinner together.
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 talking, and listen at the same time. Click on any word or phrase in the text to listen again.
Words and phrases
Here are some words and expressions from the text that you might find useful when talking about your family and relationships.
Words
close (adj) – having a good, warm relationship
growing up (n) – the time when you change from a child to an adult
buzzing (adj) – full of noise, energy, and activity
a nightmare (n) – something very difficult or stressful
to rush (v) – to move or do something quickly
to argue (v) – to speak angrily with someone because you disagree
silly (adj) – not serious; a bit foolish
to get along (v) – to have a friendly relationship
to feel down (v) – to feel sad or unhappy
annoying (adj) – making you feel a little angry
to make the effort (v) – to try to do something even if it is hard
the odd (something) (adj) – occasional; not regular
a Sunday lunch (n) – a traditional meal with family on a Sunday
by no means (phrase) – not at all
personality (n) – the way a person thinks, feels, or behaves
to stick together (v) – to stay close and support each other
what counts (phrase) – what really matters; what is most important
Phrases
not that big – quite small
be close (as a family) – have strong, caring relationships
a big part of (something) – an important part of something
when we were growing up – during our childhood
be buzzing – be full of activity and noise
have loads of (something) – have a lot of something
rush around – move quickly because you are busy
a nightmare morning – a morning that is very busy or stressful
have dinner together – eat the evening meal as a family
sit down and talk – take time to talk properly
get along (with someone) – have a friendly relationship with someone
feel down – feel sad or unhappy
make the effort to (do something) – try to do something, even if it takes work
meet up – get together and see each other
be there for (someone) – support or help someone when they need it
no matter what – in any situation; always
by no means perfect – not perfect at all
at the end of the day – after everything is considered
stick together – stay close and help each other
what counts – what is most important
Grammar from the transcript
Here are a few examples of grammar and patterns that Leo uses when talking about his family:
Used to for past habits and states
We use used to to talk about habits or situations that were true in the past but are not true now.
- My sister and I used to argue quite a lot when we were younger.
Present Perfect Simple
Leo uses present perfect simple tense to describe states, actions or relationships that began in the past and which are still true now.
- He’s always been a big part of the family.
- We’ve become a lot closer.
so + adjective pattern
Leo uses “so + adjective” to make these adjectives stronger or more heartfelt.
- It’s so nice when we meet up.
- Family’s so important.
You can find out more about making your adjectives stronger here.
Must / mustn't (as personal reminders)
Leo uses "must" and "mustn't" to show important information that he doesn't want to leave out:
- I mustn’t forget our dog. (If I didn't mention the dog, I would feel bad.)
- I must admit... (To be honest..)
Compound and complex sentences
We use compound and complex sentences to connect shorter clauses. Leo uses these complex and compound sentences in the transcript:
- Even though we’re all busy with work and life, we still try to meet up. (complex sentence)
- ...we argue sometimes, but we always stick together. (compound sentence)
Did you know? You can get even more FREE A2, B1 and B2 English listening exercises and lessons here!
