How does reading the questions help?
A question about the initial problem, another about a location, and a third about the next action call for different information. Identify what each question asks before listening. This gives you three points to focus on without having to remember every detail of the conversation.
Do not choose an answer in advance just because it describes a familiar situation. A conversation about a meeting room could lead to a relocation, repair, or cancellation. The first suggestion you hear may be rejected. What matters is the final agreement and the constraints that shape it.
In the first exchange, room names distinguish the original location from the replacement. The number of visitors explains why the smaller room works. Each detail has a role; the explanation should reconstruct that role, not just cite a word that also appears in the correct answer.
How should you work through this workshop?
These fictional scenes also appear in our 200-question bank. If you have already worked through them here, the bank will not be an unfamiliar assessment.
For each dialogue, read the questions and listen if a recording is available. Reading the script lets you analyze meaning, but it does not replace listening. When reviewing your answers, attribute each suggestion and decision to the correct speaker.
Conversation 1
Read the three questions, then listen to the conversation once before answering.
Read the transcript
A: The projector in room Cedar is not working. Our product demonstration starts in twenty minutes. B: Room Maple has a working screen, but it only seats twelve. A: We have ten visitors, so that should be fine. Could you put a sign on the Cedar door? B: Of course. I will also email the presenter.
What problem are the speakers discussing?
Choose an answer.
The solution, step by step
C — Faulty presentation equipment.
The method in action
- The projector is not working; all ten visitors fit in the 12-seat room.
Where will the demonstration take place?
Choose an answer.
The solution, step by step
D — Room Maple.
The method in action
- Room Maple is suggested and then accepted by the first speaker.
What will the second speaker do?
Choose an answer.
The solution, step by step
A — Notify the presenter.
The method in action
- The final line says the presenter will be emailed; no repair is promised.
Conversation 3
Read the three questions, then listen to the conversation once before answering.
Read the transcript
A: The morning walking tour is fully booked. We still have places at two, though. B: My train leaves at four. How long is the tour? A: Ninety minutes. It ends beside the central station. B: That works. Please book two places for this afternoon.
Where is the conversation most likely taking place?
Choose an answer.
The solution, step by step
A — At a tourist information desk.
The method in action
- The guided-tour booking indicates a tourist information setting.
Why does the customer ask about duration?
Choose an answer.
The solution, step by step
D — A train departure limits the available time.
The method in action
- The 4 p.m. train departure explains the question.
How many places does the customer request?
Choose an answer.
The solution, step by step
B — Two.
The method in action
- The final sentence explicitly requests two places.
Conversation 7
Read the three questions, then listen to the conversation once before answering.
Read the transcript
A: I have finished entering the survey responses. Should I send the spreadsheet to the whole team? B: Not yet. Two customers asked us not to share their contact details. A: I will remove those columns from the copy we circulate. B: Thanks. Keep the original file in the restricted folder.
What has the first speaker completed?
Choose an answer.
The solution, step by step
D — Survey data entry.
The method in action
- Entering the survey responses is complete.
Why should the file be changed?
Choose an answer.
The solution, step by step
A — To respect a privacy request.
The method in action
- Two people asked that their contact information not be shared.
What will happen to the original file?
Choose an answer.
The solution, step by step
B — It will remain in a restricted folder.
The method in action
- The final line specifies where the original file should be stored.
Conversation 11
Read the three questions, then listen to the conversation once before answering.
Read the transcript
A: Our guest speaker’s flight has been delayed. She will miss the opening session. B: Could we move the panel discussion to the morning and her talk to the afternoon? A: I have checked with the panel members, and they are all available. B: Good. I will update the programme on the event website.
What has caused a scheduling problem?
Choose an answer.
The solution, step by step
A — A delayed flight.
The method in action
- The flight delay means they will not arrive by opening time.
What change is proposed?
Choose an answer.
The solution, step by step
A — Move the panel to the morning.
The method in action
- Speaker B suggests swapping the panel and presentation time slots.
What will the second speaker update?
Choose an answer.
The solution, step by step
B — The online programme.
The method in action
- The final line says the schedule will be updated on the website.
The pitfall
Stopping at the first suggestion
Someone may suggest a room and then learn that it is too small. Choosing the first room name you hear makes you miss the rest of the logic. Wait for confirmation when the question asks what will happen, not what was being considered.
The same issue comes up with dates: a time may be mentioned only to be ruled out. Hearing a number is not the same as understanding its role. Ask whether it is the old schedule, the constraint, or the new decision.
How can you review without copying the whole script?
Write three lines: starting situation, obstacle, and chosen action. Add the sentence that supports each answer. If you understand the written dialogue but not the audio, isolate a short section and listen again before rereading. If you still make the same mistake in writing, work on the meaning or logic of the exchange.
Finish with a short paraphrase in English: “The demonstration is moving because the projector is broken.” This checks that you connected the information. You do not need to repeat the speakers’ exact words to retain their decision.
Key takeaways
- The questions guide your listening without predicting the answer.
- Attribute information to the right speaker.
- A suggestion is not necessarily the final decision.