Conversations
Listen to each conversation, read along, and practise until it feels natural.
Conversation 1 of 6
Cultural Differences at Work
Alex
I've been reading about cultural differences in the workplace. It's fascinating.
Priya
What have you been reading? I find this topic really interesting too.
Alex
An article about how different cultures approach hierarchy and authority at work.
Priya
That's something I've experienced personally. In my home country, you never question your manager directly.
Alex
Whereas here, people are encouraged to challenge ideas and speak up in meetings.
Priya
It took me a while to adjust. I used to think it was disrespectful to disagree with a senior colleague.
🎧 Listen:
Conversation 2 of 6
Culture Shock
Ben
Have you ever experienced culture shock when travelling or moving to a new country?
Sofia
Absolutely. When I first moved here from Brazil, everything felt overwhelming.
Ben
What was the biggest adjustment?
Sofia
The weather, obviously. But more than that, the social customs. People here seem quite reserved at first.
Ben
I can imagine. In many cultures, people are much more open with strangers.
Sofia
In Brazil, you hug people when you meet them. Here, a handshake felt very formal to me.
🎧 Listen:
Conversation 3 of 6
National Identity
Teacher
Today I'd like to discuss the concept of national identity. What does it mean to you?
Student 1
I think it's about shared history, language, and traditions. Things that connect people to a place.
Student 2
I'd add values to that list. Like a shared belief in democracy or freedom of speech.
Teacher
Interesting. But can national identity be problematic? Can it lead to exclusion?
Student 1
Yes, if it becomes too narrow. When people define their nation in a way that excludes others.
Student 2
I think globalisation is changing national identity. Young people often have multiple identities.
🎧 Listen:
Conversation 4 of 6
Traditional Festivals
Friend 1
I went to a traditional festival in the countryside last weekend. It was unlike anything I'd experienced.
Friend 2
What kind of festival was it?
Friend 1
A harvest festival. They had folk music, traditional food, and these incredible costumes.
Friend 2
That sounds wonderful. Do you think these traditions are important to preserve?
Friend 1
Absolutely. They connect communities to their roots and keep history alive.
Friend 2
But some traditions can be problematic, can't they? Some are tied to outdated values.
🎧 Listen:
Conversation 5 of 6
Women in Society
Journalist
I'm writing an article about the changing role of women in society. Could I ask your perspective?
Professor
Of course. It's a subject I've studied for many years.
Journalist
How much progress has been made in the last fifty years?
Professor
Enormous progress in many areas. Women's participation in the workforce and education has transformed dramatically.
Journalist
But there are still significant inequalities, aren't there?
Professor
Absolutely. The gender pay gap persists, and women are still underrepresented in senior leadership roles.
🎧 Listen:
Conversation 6 of 6
Immigration & Integration
Host
Tonight we're discussing the impact of immigration on local communities.
Guest
Thank you for having me. It's a complex topic that deserves nuanced discussion.
Host
Let's start with the economic dimension. What does the research tell us?
Guest
The evidence consistently shows that immigration contributes positively to economic growth and fills critical skills gaps.
Host
But critics argue it puts pressure on public services like housing and healthcare.
Guest
That's a legitimate concern, but the research shows immigrants are net contributors to public finances.
🎧 Listen:
✍ Unit 4 Quiz
Test your understanding of all 6 conversations. Score 70% or above to pass.
1. Priya says in her home country, you never ___ your manager directly.
2. Sofia says that in Brazil, you ___ people when you meet them.
3. The professor says the gender ___ gap still persists.
4. What did the harvest festival include?
5. What does Student 2 say globalisation is changing?
6. What does the guest say about immigrants and public finances?
7. Match the speaker to their statement:
Priya used to think disagreeing was...
Sofia found the social customs...
Student 1 says identity can lead to...
The professor says women are underrepresented in...