Do you prefer quiet, peaceful places or noisy, exciting places?
In this B1/B2 English listening lesson, you will listen to Emily. She is talking about a place that she enjoys spending time in. Listen to Emily’s talk and see how much you can understand!
After you have done the exercises, read through the transcript at the end of the page. Check whether sounds and words you heard are correct.
Contents
Listen in full
Watch the video and listen to Emily’s story, then answer the questions and start the exercises.
Gist questions
Answer these general questions about Emily’s talk:
1. Why does Emily enjoy being in a train station?
a) She finds peace in the quiet areas there b) She feels energised by the movement and atmosphere c) She likes the historical architecture2. How does Emily describe the feeling a station gives her?
a) It makes her feel that something significant is happening b) It reminds her to stay calm and focused c) It makes her wish she were at home3. What does Emily say about how other people view train stations?
a) Most people dislike them, and she agrees b) She understands they’re not for everyone c) She thinks everyone should enjoy themDetail questions
Here are some more detailed questions about Emily’s talk. See how many you can answer:
4. What does Emily mean when she says the station feels “alive”?
a) It’s noisy and full of people b) It’s clean and modern c) It’s very well organised5. How does Emily feel about the noise and energy in the station?
a) She finds it stressful b) She enjoys the busy feeling c) She ignores it completely6. Why does Emily say the train station felt special when she was young?
a) She used to go there every day b) It was exciting because she didn’t travel often c) Her parents worked at the station7. What kind of feeling does Emily get from sitting and watching people?
a) She gets bored b) She feels calm and interested c) She feels annoyed8. What does Emily like most about the train station?
a) The food and drinks there b) That it’s close to her home c) That it feels full of movement and changeTrain your ear
Listen for words
Listen 1
Listen and write the words you hear.
I’m quiet or peaceful places.
Listen 2
Listen and write the words you hear.
And then there’s coffee and sandwiches.
Listen 3
Listen and write the words you hear.
But I like.
Listen 4
Listen and write the words you hear.
I don’t take the train I used to.
Listen 5
Listen and write the words you hear.
Some rush.
Dictation
Listen to Emily and write down what she 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 Emily’s talk, and listen at the same time. Click on any part of the text to check for listening accuracy.
Words and phrases
Here are some useful words and expressions from the text about places you love that you might want to learn and use.
Words
a platform (n) – the place beside the train tracks where you wait for a train
an announcement (n) – information spoken to everyone, often through a loudspeaker
atmosphere (n) – the general feeling or mood of a place
a possibility (n) – something that could happen
peaceful (adj) – calm and quiet
chaotic (adj) – very busy and not organised
buzzing (adj) – full of noise, movement, and activity
a bench (n) – a long seat where several people can sit
Phrases
not really into (something) – not very interested in something
the moment I (do something) – as soon as something happens
buzzing around like bees – moving quickly in many directions
when I was younger – in the past when I was a child
(Not) as often as .. used to – less often than before
arrive early – get to a place before the time you need to be there
grab a .. – quickly buy something (to eat or drink)
watch people passing by – look at people as they go past
full of movement – busy, with a lot of things happening
Grammar from the transcript
Here are some essential grammar items and patterns used by Emily in her talk:
Using Second Conditional
Emily uses a second conditional expression to talk about an unreal (imaginary) situation and outcome.
- If I could choose anywhere at all, it would actually be a busy train station...
Present Continuous
We use the present continuous to describe actions that are happening now. Emily's story is in the past, but she is using present continuous tense to make her story sound more interesting.
- Everyone’s buzzing around like bees.
- Some are waiting...
Used to for past habits
We use used to to talk about past habits or states that are different now.
- I don’t take the train as often as I used to.
Perception verbs + object + -ing
We use verb patterns with perception verbs to show actions in progress as we experience them.
- I hear suitcase wheels rolling, people talking...
- I watch the people passing by.
To-infinitive of purpose
We use the to-infinitive to express purpose — why we do something.
- I always arrive early, just to take in the atmosphere.
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