Conversations
Listen to each conversation, read along, and practise until it feels natural.
Conversation 1 of 6
Project Behind Schedule
Manager
I've noticed the project is running behind schedule. Can you tell me what's happening?
Employee
I apologise for the delay. We ran into some unexpected technical issues last week.
Manager
What kind of issues? This is the first I'm hearing about it.
Employee
The database migration took much longer than anticipated. We should have flagged it sooner.
Manager
I agree. In future, please let me know immediately when problems arise. I can't help if I don't know.
Employee
Understood. I'll make sure to communicate more proactively going forward.
🎧 Listen:
Conversation 2 of 6
Noisy Neighbour
Neighbour 1
I'm sorry to bother you, but I need to raise something that's been bothering me.
Neighbour 2
Of course. What's the matter?
Neighbour 1
It's the music. I can hear it quite clearly through the walls, especially late at night.
Neighbour 2
I had no idea it was that loud. I'm really sorry. I'll turn it down.
Neighbour 1
I'd really appreciate that. I have to be up early for work, so it's been affecting my sleep.
Neighbour 2
That's completely understandable. I should have been more considerate.
🎧 Listen:
Conversation 3 of 6
Disputing a High Bill
Customer
I'm calling because I received a bill that seems much higher than usual.
Advisor
I'm sorry to hear that. Could I take your account number, please?
Customer
Yes, it's seven four two one nine eight.
Advisor
Thank you. I can see your account here. Your usage was significantly higher this month.
Customer
That can't be right. I was away for two weeks. Nobody was home.
Advisor
In that case, there may be a fault with your meter or a leak somewhere. I'd recommend getting it checked.
🎧 Listen:
Conversation 4 of 6
Flatmate Problems
Friend 1
I'm really struggling with my flatmate situation. I don't know what to do.
Friend 2
What's going on? I thought you got on well with her.
Friend 1
We used to. But recently she's been leaving the kitchen in a terrible state and not paying her share of the bills on time.
Friend 2
Have you spoken to her about it directly?
Friend 1
I've tried to hint at it, but I haven't had a direct conversation. I hate confrontation.
Friend 2
I understand, but hints rarely work. You need to have an honest, calm conversation.
🎧 Listen:
Conversation 5 of 6
Trouble Sleeping
Doctor
So you've been having trouble sleeping. How long has this been going on?
Patient
About three months now. I can fall asleep, but I wake up at three in the morning and can't get back to sleep.
Doctor
That sounds very disruptive. Are you under a lot of stress at the moment?
Patient
Work has been very demanding. I've been worrying about a big project.
Doctor
Stress is a very common cause of disturbed sleep. Have you tried any relaxation techniques?
Patient
I've tried reading before bed, but my mind just keeps racing.
🎧 Listen:
Conversation 6 of 6
Exam Anxiety
Student
I'm really worried about my exam results. I think I failed the statistics paper.
Tutor
Let's not jump to conclusions. Tell me what happened.
Student
I revised everything, but when I sat down in the exam, my mind went completely blank.
Tutor
Exam anxiety is very common. It doesn't mean you don't know the material.
Student
But what if I have to resit? I'll lose my scholarship if my average drops below sixty percent.
Tutor
Let's focus on what we can control. First, let's wait for the results. Then we'll make a plan.
🎧 Listen:
✍ Unit 3 Quiz
Test your understanding of all 6 conversations. Score 70% or above to pass.
1. The employee says the ___ migration took much longer than anticipated.
2. The neighbour says the music has been affecting their ___.
3. The student says their mind went completely ___ in the exam.
4. What does the advisor suggest about the high bill?
5. What does Friend 2 say about hints?
6. What has the patient tried to help with sleep?
7. Match the problem to the solution suggested:
Project delay
Noisy music
High bill
Exam anxiety