Emma, thanks for meeting me. We need to finalize the venue for next Friday’s team celebration.

No problem. I’ve been researching three options. Which atmosphere are you leaning toward?

I prefer something festive but relaxed. The Corner Bistro has a private room and live acoustic music.

That sounds fun, but we wanted an outdoor setting. Skyview Lounge’s rooftop garden could work.

I liked that idea until I remembered it rained during last October’s rooftop event.

Right. We can’t risk weather issues again. What about the new patio at Riverside Grill?

That patio is heated and covered, and they offer vegetarian and vegan catering options.

Yes, but their minimum spend is two thousand dollars. Our budget cap is one thousand five hundred.

True. We’d overshoot by five hundred. Could we negotiate a lower minimum?

Possibly, but they usually don’t budge on October weekends. We need a firm quote.

Then let’s revisit the Bistro. They quoted twelve hundred for room rental and appetizers.

That fits, and they’ll include a complimentary champagne toast if we book by Tuesday.

Perfect. Are there any dietary restrictions we should mention when booking?

Yes, one team member is gluten-free and another is allergic to shellfish.

I’ll ask them to prepare gluten-free appetizer platters and avoid shellfish entirely.

Great. Also, the Bistro can supply a projector for our team slideshow if we request ahead.

Good idea. Let’s add that. I’ll handle the audio and music playlist with their coordinator.

I’ll confirm the booking today and send the calendar invite to the team by noon.

Thanks, Emma. This is shaping up nicely. I’m excited about our celebration.

Me too. It’s going to be a memorable evening for everyone.

You will hear a conversation between two coworkers. They are deciding on a venue for their team’s celebration next Friday evening.

What special offer does The Corner Bistro provide if booked by Tuesday?

What is the main purpose of the conversation?

Which dietary restrictions do they need to inform the venue about?

What can be inferred about David’s responsibilities?

Which factor led them to dismiss Skyview Lounge?

David

Emma

Team Celebration Venue Discussion

Morning Mark! I was thinking we should hold our annual garage sale this Saturday.

Good idea, Sarah. I’ve already bought signs and banners. Did you decide on a start time?

Yes, let’s begin at eight a.m. so early birds have time to browse.

Perfect. I’ll put up the signs Friday evening around six.

Thanks. I’ll draft an online neighborhood notice tonight and post it by nine p.m.

We need tables. I have three folding tables but that might not be enough.

I can borrow two more from my sister. They’re the long ones, so that’s five in total.

Great. Also, how about refreshments? People usually like coffee and muffins early in the morning.

I’ll bake a batch of blueberry muffins and brew coffee. Could you provide cups and napkins?

Sure, I have disposable cups and napkins in my garage. I’ll set up a small refreshment table.

We should assign price tags. Would you mind labeling electronics and tools?

No problem. I’ll use colored stickers: green for electronics, red for tools.

I’ll handle the clothing and books with blue labels. That way buyers know at a glance.

Should we donate unsold items to the thrift store afterward?

Yes, I’ll call the charity. They’ll pick up donations Sunday morning.

What about payment methods? Cash only, or should we accept e-transfers?

Let’s accept both. I’ll bring my phone for quick transfers and a cash box with change.

I’ll bring a calculator to keep track of sales. That should speed up checkout.

Do we need chairs for customers who want to rest?

I have four folding chairs. That should be enough.

Awesome. Finally, let’s agree on a breakdown of proceeds—60% goes to you since you supplied electronics, 40% to me.

Sounds fair. I’ll draft a quick breakdown sheet and we’ll review it Saturday morning.

You will hear a conversation between two neighbors. They are organizing a joint garage sale for the upcoming weekend.

What time will Sarah post the online neighborhood notice?

What is the main purpose of their conversation?

How many tables will they have for display?

What can be inferred about their plan for unsold items?

Which factor influenced their decision to accept e-transfers?

Sarah

Mark

Community Garage Sale Planning

Hey Lisa, thanks for meeting up. Ready to pick a place for tonight’s dinner?

Absolutely. I’ve been craving something different—maybe Thai or Mediterranean.

Thai sounds good. How about Spice Symphony? They have that new coconut curry dish.

I love their curry, but their service can be slow on weekends.

True. What about Olive Grove? Their mezze platter is excellent.

It is, but it’s pricier. Their average entrée is twenty-five dollars.

Our budget is around twenty each, though we can stretch it for a special occasion.

Right. We could share the mezze and split an entrée to save money.

Good idea. Olive Grove also has live guitar music starting at seven.

That’s perfect. We can arrive by six-thirty to get a table and enjoy the music.

I’ll make a reservation for 6:30. Should I request a table near the stage?

Yes, but not too close—we don’t want it too loud while we chat.

Understood. Also, they mentioned a happy hour deal on appetizers until 7 p.m.

Great, we can try their hummus and falafel then. Those are half-price.

Perfect. Should we invite Sarah and Mike as well?

Yes, the more the merrier. I’ll text them now to confirm.

Okay. Don’t forget to mention our budget and the happy hour special.

Will do. Also, I heard they offer gluten-free pita—Mike will appreciate that.

Good call. And if Mike brings his guitar, maybe he can join in after the live set.

That’d be fun. Let’s hope he’s up for an impromptu performance.

Alright, I’ve reserved the table, and we’re set for 6:30 at Olive Grove.

Fantastic. I’m really looking forward to tonight’s dinner and music.

You will hear a conversation between two friends. They are deciding which restaurant to visit for a celebratory dinner tonight.

What special deal does Olive Grove offer before 7 p.m.?

What is the main purpose of this conversation?

What can be inferred about Mike’s dietary needs?

Why do they want a table near the stage but not too close?

Jason

Lisa

Dinner Restaurant Decision

Anna, have you decided where we should go for our weekend trip?

I was thinking about Lakeview Resort. They have canoe rentals and hiking trails.

Sounds relaxing, but it’s a two-hour drive. What about Mountain Pines? It’s only ninety minutes away.

True, but Lakeview’s lakeside cabins include breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

Mountain Pines offers a complimentary guided nature walk, though.

That could be fun. Do they have any spa services on site?

Yes, they have a small spa with massages available at a discount package.

Great. How about budget? Lakeview is two hundred per night, Mountain Pines is one fifty.

Our budget is three hundred total. We could stay one night at either place.

But I’d like two nights. Maybe we split: one night at each?

That’s clever, but we’d spend extra on gas driving back and forth.

Right. Alternatively, we could camp one night and stay in a cabin the next.

Do you have camping gear ready? I know our tent is in the garage.

Yes, and I bought a new sleeping bag last month. It’s rated for cold weather.

Perfect. If we camp by the lake Friday night, we save on one cabin fee.

And then we can relax in the cabin Saturday night with breakfast included.

What about meals? Should we pack sandwiches for camping?

Yes, I’ll prepare turkey wraps and granola bars for Friday.

And we can eat at the resort restaurant Sunday morning before heading home.

Good plan. Let’s confirm campsite availability tonight.

I’ll call Lakeview at six. You check Mountain Pines’ spa booking.

Deal. I’ll secure our massage time for Saturday afternoon.

You will hear a conversation between a husband and wife. They are planning their weekend getaway this coming Saturday and Sunday.

What is the main topic of the conversation?

What did Anna buy last month for camping?

What can be inferred about their budget preference?

What arrangement do they decide to confirm tonight?

Anna

Weekend Getaway Planning

Sophie, our friends arrive at seven. Have you decided on a menu?

Yes, I thought we’d start with a spinach and artichoke dip with tortilla chips.

Sounds good. For the main course, should we do roasted chicken or salmon?

I prefer salmon, but remember John is allergic to fish. Maybe chicken is safer.

Right. Roasted herb chicken it is. I’ll marinate it in lemon and thyme.

Great. I’ll prepare garlic mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables on the side.

What about a salad? We could make a mixed greens salad with vinaigrette.

Yes, and add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.

Perfect. For dessert, do you want to bake a chocolate mousse or buy a cheesecake?

Let’s bake the mousse. I have heavy cream and dark chocolate in the pantry.

I’ll handle the mousse while you finish the sides.

Thanks. Also, we need drinks. Do we have enough wine and sparkling water?

We have four bottles of white wine and two red. Should I pick up more rosé?

Yes, one bottle of rosé and some extra sparkling water.

Okay, I’ll stop by the store on my way home. How about appetizers timing?

I’ll put out the dip at 6:45 so it’s ready when guests arrive.

I’ll lay out the plates, silverware, and napkins in a minute.

I’ll light the candles and play some background music.

Perfect. Oh, and we should move the dog crate to the laundry room.

Everything else is ready. I’ll check in with you in ten minutes.

Great. This is going to be a lovely evening.

You will hear a conversation between a husband and wife. They are organizing preparations for guests coming over for dinner tonight.

What allergic concern influenced the main course choice?

What is the main focus of the conversation?

What can be inferred about Mark’s role?

Why do they move the dog crate to the laundry room?

Listening Task 2- Daily Life Conversation

Listening Task 2 Sample #1

Listening Task 2 Sample #2

Listening Task 2 Sample #3

Listening Task 2 Sample #4

Listening Task 2 Sample #5