In this B1/B2 English listening lesson, you will find out about Jade’s hobby. Jade talks quite quickly and naturally, so you will need to listen very carefully.
After you’ve done the exercises, read the final transcript at the end, and check what you heard is correct.
Contents
Listen in full
Watch the video and listen to Jade’s story. Then, answer the questions and start the exercises.
Gist questions
Answer these general questions about Jade’s talk:
1. How does Jade feel about breadmaking now compared to before?
a) She always found it easy and fun b) She used to think it was boring but now finds it enjoyable c) She still thinks it’s too much work2. What attitude does Jade express about learning something new?
a) It’s only worth doing if you succeed immediately b) It’s too stressful to try new things alone c) It can be hard at first, but it’s worth sticking with3. Why does Jade recommend breadmaking as a hobby?
a) It’s relaxing and rewarding, even if it takes patience b) It doesn’t require any effort c) It helps you save money on groceriesDetail questions
Here are some more detailed questions about Jade’s talk. See how many you can answer:
4. What problem did Jade have when she first tried baking bread?
a) She didn’t have the right ingredients b) Her bread came out too hard or flat c) She kept burning the bread6. What does Jade say about making food from scratch?
a) It’s healthier than buying it b) It feels nice and satisfying c) It’s mostly too complicated7. What’s the best part of breadmaking for Jade?
a) Smelling the bread in the oven b) Eating the bread fresh and warm c) Showing off her bread online8. What surprised Jade about getting into breadmaking?
a) She didn’t expect to enjoy it b) She thought she’d be good at it right away c) She bought a bread machine but didn’t use itTrain your ear
Listen for words
Listen 1
Listen and write the words you hear.
I decided to .
Listen 2
Listen and write the words you hear.
But over time, I .
Listen 3
Listen and write the words you hear.
I got the hang of it.
Listen 4
Listen and write the words you hear.
But bit trickier.
Listen 5
Listen and write the words you hear.
One of about making bread.
Dictation
Listen to Jade 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 Jade’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 that you can learn and use when you talk about hobbies like baking.
Words
a hassle (n) – something that is difficult or annoying
dough (n) – a soft mix of flour and water for bread
flat (adj) – not high or not risen
a hobby (n) – something you like doing in your free time
from scratch (phrase) – starting with basic ingredients, not ready-made
wholemeal (adj) – made from whole grain flour
malt loaf (n) – dark, sweet bread made with malt
sourdough (n) – bread made with a fermented mix
knead (v) – press and fold dough with your hands
rise (v) – get bigger when air goes in the dough
patience (n) – being calm and waiting
satisfying (adj) – making you feel happy with the result
homemade bread (adj + n) – bread made at home, not from a shop
a while (n) – some time
loads of butter (phrase) – a lot of butter
Phrases
get into (something) – start to enjoy or be interested in something
too much hassle – too difficult or annoying to do
give it a go – try something new
struggle with (something) – find something hard to do
to be honest – I’m telling the truth
get (something) right – do something correctly
turn out (well / badly) – end in a good or bad way
over time – slowly; after some time
stick at (something) – keep trying and not stop
get the hang of (something) – learn how to do it well
make (something) from scratch – cook using basic ingredients
mix things up – do something in a different way
have a go at (something) – try something new
It took me a while – I spent a long time doing it
work (something) out – understand or find the answer
require patience – need time and calm effort
the best thing about (something) – the part I like most
you can’t beat that – nothing is better than that
Grammar from the transcript
Below are some of the key grammar points that appear in this transcript.
Past Simple
- I decided to give it a go.
- I struggled with it a little bit at first.
- It took me a while to work that out.
Modal verb + base form pattern
- I couldn’t get the dough right.
- If you don’t do it in the right way, the bread won’t rise.
- I’d definitely recommend bread making. (would + recommend)
Learn more about using verbs with modals here.
Verb + to-infinitive pattern
- I decided to give it a go.
- I like to mix things up a bit.
Learn more about verb patterns here.
Comparatives and intensifiers
- a bit better
- too hard
- too flat
- quite a relaxing hobby
Learn more about intensity modifiers here.
Defining Relative Clauses
- one of those things that older people do
Learn more about relative clauses here.
Get more free A2, B1 and B2 English listening exercises and lessons here!
