Audible - Listen and learn: Lesson 9 - Sport (1)

Conversation 1

Steve: So, are you going to the matchtomorrow?

Phil: What match?

Steve: United v City. Should be a good one.

Phil: Hm. I’ll probably watch it on the telly, actually. Are you going?

Steve: Well, I might. I’m a big City fan, but I haven’t got a ticket for the match yet.

Phil: Hm, might be difficult to get one now.

Steve: I know. Anyway, who do you think will win?

Phil: Well, United have been very strong this season, but City have got Jones. He’s an incredible player!

Steve: Yes, he’s one of the best centre-forwards they’ve ever had.

Phil: Although he’s had some problems with his ankle, hasn’t he?

Steve: Yes, it’s an old injury, but it still gives him problems.

Phil: City’s defence is pretty strong, though.

Steve: Yeah, that’s true. But I think their biggest problem is their manager.

Phil: What, Backmann?

Steve: Yeah, he was a great player in the 80s, but I don’t think he’s a brilliant manager.

Phil: Well, he’s been a bit unlucky lately. City have lost their last three games.

Steve: Hm, he could easily lose his job if they don’t win this one.

Phil: So, what do you predict the score will be?

Steve: Well, I reckon if they’re lucky tomorrow, it could be 2-1 to City, but it’ll probably be a draw. One all. What do you reckon?

Phil: Hm, well, I think United have got a pretty good chance tomorrow, especially with the new guy they signed last week.

Steve: Pedro Arringa?

Phil: Yeah, he’s a great attacking player. I’d say it will be 3-2 to United, with extra time.

Steve: Well, we’ll find out tomorrow.

Phil: We certainly will!

Conversation 1

Harry: What do you do in your spare time then? You always seem to be working. Do you HAVE any spare time?

Alison: Oh, that’s a good question! Yeah, I’m either busy at work or looking after the kids and cleaning the house. But, actually, I love playing tennis if I have the chance.

Harry: Really? Are you any good?

Alison: Not really, but I do enjoy playing it.

Harry: Where do you play? Do you belong to a club?

Alison: I used to. Now I just play at the public courts.

Harry: I like tennis, but to tell the truth, I prefer playing golf.

Alison: Really? Golf!? Don’t you find it boring? It looks so dull.

Harry: No! It’s not boring at all. It’s a really interesting game, actually. It’s very strategic. And it’s a great way to exercise.

Alison: Hm, well I suppose that’s true. There’s a lot of walking about in the fresh air, isn’t there?

Harry: Of course! And it’s also a great way to meet people. I’ve made a lot of useful business contacts at the golf course.

Alison: Well, you can keep your golf. I’ll stick with my tennis.

Harry: OK! I won’t argue with that.

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4

mp3 17, dialogue starts: 07:50

Neil and Eric meet in the street

Neil: Hi, mate! Where are you going?

Eric: I’ve got rugby practice.

Neil: I didn’t know you play rugby.

Eric: Yeah. I’m really into it.

Neil: Which team do you play for?

Eric: Just a local team.

Neil: So, what position do you play in?

Eric: Well I’m a prop. But sometimes I play in the second row.

Neil: Wow! I’m impressed. I should really take part in some sport, but I can’t be bothered. I used to go cycling, but I’ve never really done team sports.

Eric: Well, we’re looking for another player, actually. Why don’t you join us?

Neil: Hm, maybe, but rugby’s a bit dangerous, isn’t it?

Eric: Well, a bit. But it’s a lot more dangerous crossing the road!

Neil: Oh, You’re right there!

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4

mp3 17, dialogue starts: 13:40

Mick and Jean are chatting

Jean: Oh, I’ve spent so much money this month!

Mick: Really? What have you been buying?

Jean: Oh, all the sports kit for the kids. It’s the same at the start of every school year.

Mick: So, what did you get them?

Jean: Well, of course they had to have shorts, trainersand socks. And football shirts.

Mick: So, they all play football, do they?

Jean: Oh, yeah. The boys both play and my daughter wanted to be in the team as well. So, they had to have three pairs of boots as well.

Mick: Yeah, I can see how this could cost a lot.

Jean: Then we needed to get their sports bags. And they have to have the right brand. They won’t use anything if it’s got the wrong brand.

Mick: Yeah, that must add to the cost.

Jean: And then there’s the coaching and club fees. They all go to the after-school sports club and David’s wanted to start swimming as well, so we decided to get him some lessons at the pool.

Mick: Well, I’m sure it will all be worth it. Sport is a really good way to develop your mind and body.

Jean: That’s true.

Mick: And it helps you if you can be part of a team.

Jean: Yeah, that’s a good way of looking at it, I suppose. At least it keeps them out of trouble, doesn’t it?

Mick: Yeah, definitely.

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mp3 16, dialogue starts: 20:15

Len meets Jeff in the street / pub

Len: Hi, mate! You’re looking very happy! What’s happened?

Jeff: Well, I’ve been quite lucky recently. I won quite a lot of money on the horses last week.

Len: Oh, yeah? Do you like betting, then?

Jeff: Hm, now and again. I had a hundred pounds on Silver Dancer in the 3:20 at Aintree. It was an outsider at 10-1, but I really like the name.

Len: And he won the race?

Jeff: Yeah, the favourite was Wild Willy, and Silver Dancer was just behind him – but Wild Willy fell at the last fence – and Silver Dancer crossed the line. I won a grand!

Len: Wow! That’s amazing! Did you celebrate?

Jeff: Yeah, I took the wife out for a lovely meal at Da Maurizio’s.

Len: What, that fancyItalian restaurant near the Grand Hotel?

Jeff: Yeah, that’s the one.

Len: Well, well done, mate! Congratulations!

Jeff: Thanks, mate.

Len: Have you got a tip for me, then?

Jeff: Yeah. Nelson’s Eye in the 4:10 at Haydock Park. It’s 7-1, but the trainer is the same as Silver Dancer.

Len: Oh thanks! I think I’ll put a tenner on Nelson’s Eye, then!

Jeff: OK, great!