In this B1/B2 English listening lesson, you will listen to Jade talking about her daily diet. Jade is from the UK, and she speaks quite quickly. She also sometimes uses slang and conversational English phrases. How much of Jade’s talk you can understand?
Read the transcript at the end, after you have finished the exercises.
Contents
Listen in full
Watch the video and listen to Jade’s story. Try to understand as much as you can just by listening.
You can listen several times if you need to, then answer the questions and start the exercises.
Gist questions
Answer these general questions about Jade’s talk:
1. What is Jade’s general attitude toward her eating habits?
a) She follows a very strict healthy diet b) She tries to eat well but often chooses convenience c) She eats the same thing every day2. What does Jade say about cooking dinner?
a) She always cooks elaborate meals from scratch b) She avoids cooking because it’s time-consuming c) She enjoys cooking but sometimes chooses easy meals3. How does Jade describe her feelings about food in general?
a) Food should only be about health and fitness b) Eating should be enjoyable and balanced c) She doesn’t really think much about foodDetail questions
Here are some more detailed questions about Jade’s talk. See how many you can answer:
4. What does Jade say about her lunch choices at work?
a) She usually brings homemade meals b) She eats quickly and often chooses less healthy options c) She always opts for a warm, cooked lunch5. When Jade doesn’t feel like cooking in the evening, what does she often do?
a) She eats leftovers from the night before b) She picks something very simple or orders food c) She goes out to eat with friends6. What kind of meals does Jade actually enjoy preparing?
a) Meals that are creative but not too complicated b) Only traditional recipes with lots of ingredients c) Recipes that take over an hour to make7. How does Jade describe her tea-drinking habit?
a) As a way to replace her afternoon coffee b) As something she enjoys mostly in the evenings to unwind c) As an unhealthy part of her daily routine8. What does Jade suggest about having a balanced diet?
a) It’s okay to enjoy food as long as you include variety b) Strict health rules should be followed every day c) It’s best to avoid high-carb meals entirelyTrain your ear
Listen for words
Listen 1
Listen and write the words you hear.
I often eating whatever’s easiest.
Listen 2
Listen and write the words you hear.
I or porridge.
Listen 3
Listen and write the words you hear.
I know some people massive breakfasts.
Listen 4
Listen and write the words you hear.
I enjoy cooking.
Listen 5
Listen and write the words you hear.
I often something easy.
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 talking about her daily diet 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 food and eating habits that you might want to learn and use.
Words
a diet (n) – the way a person usually eats
slang (n) – informal words used in casual speech
porridge (n) – a hot breakfast dish made from oats
a nibble (n) – a small amount of food eaten quickly
a pastry (n) – sweet or savoury baked food made from dough
filling (adj) – making you feel full for longer
exhausted (adj) – very tired
a takeaway (n) – food you buy and eat at home
a treat (n) – something special you enjoy, usually not every day
enjoyment (n) – pleasure or satisfaction from something you like
a variety (n) – different kinds or types of things
Phrases
on the whole – generally; in most cases
whatever’s easiest – the thing that takes the least effort
to be bothered (to do something) – have enough energy or interest to do something
super hungry – extremely hungry
find myself (doing something) – realise that I am doing something without planning to
grab something quick – get food fast without much thought
a bit more filling – more satisfying or makes you feel full
look forward to (something) – feel happy about something that will happen soon
knock up something easy – make or prepare food quickly
can’t be bothered – not have the energy or interest to do something
once in a while – from time to time; not often
have a bit of a kick – give energy or a strong taste
take food seriously – think food is important
you’ve gotta enjoy what you eat – you should take pleasure in your food
a bit of everything – a small amount of many different things
try as many different things as you can – taste or experience a variety of foods
Grammar from the transcript
This speaker’s description of their eating habits includes several useful grammar patterns.
Frequency adverbs and phrases
This speaker uses frequency expressions to show how often or when things happen:
- I often just find myself eating whatever's easiest
- In the morning I usually have toast with butter and a cup of tea
- For lunch, I'll often have a sandwich or maybe a salad
- Sometimes I have a soup, which is nice in winter
- I do also like a nice salad from time to time
- In terms of drinks, I mostly have water or tea
- I like a treat now and then as well
Intensifiers
The speaker uses words like "quite", to strengthen or soften words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs) and statements she uses:
- I do try to eat quite healthily
- I'm usually super hungry by then
- I do actually quite enjoy cooking
- I love tea, especially in the evening
- It's definitely a good idea to try as many different things as you can
Complex sentences with "if" and "as long as"
The speaker uses complex sentences with "if" and "as long as"
- If I have more time, I might make eggs or porridge
- If I'm in a rush, I just grab something quick like a snack or a pastry or something
- ..if I'm really exhausted, I often just knock up something easy
- As long as you eat a bit of everything, I think that's fine
Noun + to-infinitive
Some noun phrases like "the best way" are followed by infinitives to express a purpose or function:
- I find it's the best way to relax after a long day
- it's definitely a good idea to try as many different things as you can
Non-defining relative clauses
The speaker uses a "which" clause to add extra information in the same sentence.
- Sometimes I have a soup, which is nice in winter
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