Categories
Category: Practice
Categories
practice c1 clothes
C1 Advanced Topics
Categories
practice-c1-body-listening
Medical Matters
Introduction
Introduction
Look at the pictures below and decide which situation could be described with the following words:
| research | come around | blindness | unconscious |
| consultation | genes | medical records | pulse |
Listen to 4 short dialogues, and decide which picture best illustrates each situation. Click ‘Answer’ below when you have finished.
Answer
- Skiing accident (2nd picture from right)
- Doctors consulting (picture on right)
- Interview about a patient (picture on left)
- Gene test (2nd picture from left)
Listening 1
Time limit: 0
Quiz-summary
0 of 5 questions completed
Questions:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Information
Click to restart.
You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.
Quiz is loading...
You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.
You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:
Results
0 of 5 questions answered correctly
Your time:
Time has elapsed
You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)
Categories
- Not categorized 0%
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- Answered
- Review
-
Question 1 of 5
1. Question
General Comprehension
Listen and decide if statements 1-5 are true or false.
1. In all four situations, medical professionals work with someone else to gather information.
Correct
Incorrect
-
Question 2 of 5
2. Question
General Comprehension
Listen and decide if statements 1-5 are true or false.
2. All the situations involve decisions which could affect a patient’s well-being.
Correct
Incorrect
-
Question 3 of 5
3. Question
General Comprehension
Listen and decide if statements 1-5 are true or false.
3. None of the situations could be described as ‘an emergency’.
Correct
Incorrect
-
Question 4 of 5
4. Question
General Comprehension
Listen and decide if statements 1-5 are true or false.
4. A common theme in all the situations is the need to identify something specific .
Correct
Incorrect
-
Question 5 of 5
5. Question
General Comprehension
Listen and decide if statements 1-5 are true or false.
5. The outcome of one of the situations is clearer than the others.
Correct
Incorrect
Listening 2
Time limit: 0
Quiz-summary
0 of 6 questions completed
Questions:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Information
Click to restart.
You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.
Quiz is loading...
You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.
You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:
Results
0 of 6 questions answered correctly
Your time:
Time has elapsed
You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)
Categories
- Not categorized 0%
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- Answered
- Review
-
Question 1 of 6
1. Question
Listening for Detail
For the following 6 questions, listen and decide which situation contains the following ideas.
1. “We’ve taken immediate action. Now I need to establish why things have gone wrong.”
Correct
Incorrect
-
Question 2 of 6
2. Question
Listening for Detail
Listen and decide which situation contains the following ideas.
2. “When you get back to me with specific details, we can see if a novel therapy is an option.”
Correct
Incorrect
-
Question 3 of 6
3. Question
Listening for Detail
Listen and decide which situation contains the following ideas.
3. “Surprisingly, a previous concern may have been overcome, opening the possibility of a new way forward.”
Correct
Incorrect
-
Question 4 of 6
4. Question
Listening for Detail
Listen and decide which situation contains the following ideas.
4. “I’m concerned that the patient may have sustained a serious injury, so I’ve asked for immediate evacuation.”
Correct
Incorrect
-
Question 5 of 6
5. Question
Listening for Detail
Listen and decide which situation contains the following ideas.</p
5. “Though things have improved slightly over time, they are still a cause for concern.”Correct
Incorrect
-
Question 6 of 6
6. Question
Listening for Detail
Listen and decide which situation contains the following ideas.
6. “Do exactly as I say – it could be critical to the patient’s recovery.”
Correct
Incorrect
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
Time limit: 0
Quiz-summary
0 of 3 questions completed
Questions:
- 1
- 2
- 3
Information
Click to restart.
You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.
Quiz is loading...
You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.
You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:
Results
0 of 3 questions answered correctly
Your time:
Time has elapsed
You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)
Categories
- Not categorized 0%
- 1
- 2
- 3
- Answered
- Review
-
Question 1 of 3
1. Question
1/3 Match the words to form collocations.
Sort elements
- injury
- disorder
- failure
- results
- changes
- diseases
- effects
-
spinal
-
eating
-
organ
-
test
-
dietary
-
retinal
-
adverse/side
Correct
Incorrect
-
Question 2 of 3
2. Question
2/3 Change the following expressions to those used in the listening.
-
a) back damage: (spinal injury) (1. Skiing Accident)
b) wakes up: (comes around) (1. Skiing Accident)
c) medication to prevent stomach damage: ulcer (drugs) (2. Doctors Consulting - Time: 00:26)
d) overweight condition: (obesity) (3. interview -Time: 00:48)
e) didn’t vomit: (wasn't sick) (3. interview)
f) loss of sight: {blindness) (4. Gene Test - Time: 01:53)
g) significant development: {game changer) (4. Gene Test)
h) barrier removal: (breakthrough) (4. Gene Test)
Correct
Incorrect
-
-
Question 3 of 3
3. Question
3/3 Complete the sentences with vocabulary from exercises 1 & 2.
-
a) Can you get a mop and bucket? The cat’s just been (sick) on the stairs.
b) They called me with the (test results) this morning. Good news - they came back negative.
c) Child (obesity) in the UK is a growing concern as diets high in fat and sugar combine with a lack of physical exercise.
d) Make sure you drink lots of water while taking this course of medicine. One of the most common (side, adverse) effects of these tablets is dehydration.
e) When he (came around) from the operation, he had no idea how long he’d been unconscious.
f) While diabetes can be controlled with medication, at an advanced stage, the disease can result in (blindness) and even organ (failure).
g) Of all back injuries, damage to the (spine) can be the most difficult to treat.
Correct
Incorrect
-
Categories
practice c1 body health
Categories
flashcards body health 1
Body & Health: Medical Conditions
Study Tips
1. Listen to each word as your read the written form.
2. Say the word and listen again to compare your pronunciation.
3. Flip the card and read the definition.
4. Say the word to complete the example sentence. (Flip the card back to check if necessary.)
5. Listen to the example sentence, and say it yourself.
disease
Click / Hover
↻
NOUN: harmful condition, with its own symptoms or bodily changes
“When travelling, your vaccines against local diseases must be up to date.”
Listen
disorder
Click / Hover
↻
NOUN: problem or illness which affects the mind or body
“She suffered from an eating disorder for many years before seeking medical help.”
Listen
illness
Click / Hover
↻
NOUN: condition when the body is unable to work as it usually does
“His history of mental illness meant his suicide came as no surprise.”
Listen
sickness
Click / Hover
↻
NOUN: general condition of being ill, or a disease
“If we carry on with this level of staff sickness, we’re going to have some serious problems.”
Listen
Categories
practice c1 arts media
Arts & Media
Log in or join us for free to see the Lexicon answers and text.
Categories
practice c1 arts reading
Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
Introduction
Introduction
What do you know about the Great Depression in the United States?
What caused instability in the US economy in the late 1920s?
What were the main consequences of the depression?
Reading 1
Reading
General Comprehension
1. Quickly scan the unordered text below and decide which of the following statements is correct.
In 1929, the fastest way to hear about breaking news was by
a) listening to the radio.
b) getting your shoes shined.
c) buying a special type of newspaper.
d) talking to someone who looked well informed.
Answer
c) An ‘extra’ was a special publication containing the most up-to-date news. It was produced as important events or situations became known. There are a several references to this in the text:
“Sir, the latest edition!…” / “…you won’t hear it on the wireless. Only here in the extra edition.” / The extra edition—fresh off the press… / “…We get to shout it from the rooftops.” / …the thrill of being the first to deliver the news…
Time limit: 0
Quiz-summary
0 of 10 questions completed
Questions:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
Information
Click to restart
You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.
Quiz is loading...
You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.
You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:
Results
0 of 10 questions answered correctly
Your time:
Time has elapsed
You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)
Categories
- Not categorized 0%
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- Answered
- Review
-
Question 1 of 10
1. Question
2. Order the text, starting with “The sun set, casting a warm glow…” at the top.
-
The sun set, casting a warm glow on the busy streets of New York City. Newsboys moved through the crowds, their shouts filling the evening air. Among them was young Tommy, a scruffy kid with a cap pulled low, so it almost covered his eyes.
-
“Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” Tommy’s voice cracked as he waved a crumpled newspaper in the air, his thin frame lost under the weight of the headline shouting from the front page.
-
The year was 1929, and the Great Depression had tightened its grip. The stock market had crashed, fortunes evaporated, and hope seemed scarce. But Tommy knew one thing: people were hungry for the latest news.
-
He headed towards a well-dressed businessman, pushing through the crowd like an agile cat. “Sir, the latest edition! The headlines will make your head spin!”.
The man glanced at Tommy, his brow furrowing. “What’s with all the fuss, boy?”
Tommy thrust the paper into the man’s hands. “Wall Street in ruins! Banks collapsing! Read all about it!” -
The man’s eyes widened as he scanned the big, bold letters. “My God,” he whispered. “How could this happen?”
Tommy shrugged his shoulders. “Beats me, mister. But it’s all there, and you won’t hear it on the wireless. Only here in the extra edition.” -
The extra edition—fresh off the press, ink still wet, stories hitting the streets within minutes of the breaking news reaching the news desks.
-
Tommy’s heart raced as he continued his rounds. He passed a shoeshine stand, where old Mr. Higgins sat, polishing a pair of old, worn shoes. “Mr. Higgins!” Tommy called. “Get your news here!”
Mr. Higgins raised his spectacles to look at the headline. “Market crash, eh? Well, I’ll be damned. What’s the world coming to?” -
Tommy leaned in, lowering his voice. “They say fortunes went up like smoke. But you know what? We’re the lucky ones. We get to shout it from the rooftops.”
Mr. Higgins grinned. “You’re smart, kid. Keep it up.” -
And so, Tommy continued through the city’s streets—past carts selling apples, past newsstands with yesterday’s news, past the clatter of streetcars. He felt excited by the power of words, the thrill of being the first to deliver the news to the masses.
“Extra! Extra!” he shouted. “Read all about it!” And the city listened.
Correct
Incorrect
-
-
Question 2 of 10
2. Question
3. Match the paragraph descriptions below to the text and write a letter a-i in each space.
a) An expression is repeated and described in detail.
b) Background information details the context and we discover a character’s thoughts about it.
c) There is a moment of quiet intimacy between two characters, and one jokes with the other.
d) The place, scene and a character are introduced.
e) A character is astonished, and asks how something is possible. The other character says he doesn’t know.
f) Two characters interact; the first goes up to the second who is confused and asks for clarification.
g) A character passes different things, and we discover his feelings about his job.
h) A character moves on, excitedly. He speaks to someone he knows. The man stops what he is doing and puts on his glasses.
i) A character speaks and we are given more detail about him and the scene.-
1/9
The sun set, casting a warm glow on the busy streets of New York City. Newsboys moved through the crowds, their shouts filling the evening air. Among them was young Tommy, a scruffy kid with a cap pulled low, so it almost covered his eyes.
Your answer: (d)
Correct 1 / 1 PointsIncorrect / 1 Points -
-
Question 3 of 10
3. Question
3. Match the paragraph descriptions below to the text and write a letter a-i in each space.
a) An expression is repeated and described in detail.
b) Background information details the context and we discover a character’s thoughts about it.
c) There is a moment of quiet intimacy between two characters, and one jokes with the other.
d) The place, scene and a character are introduced.
e) A character is astonished, and asks how something is possible. The other character says he doesn’t know.
f) Two characters interact; the first goes up to the second who is confused and asks for clarification.
g) A character passes different things, and we discover his feelings about his job.
h) A character moves on, excitedly. He speaks to someone he knows. The man stops what he is doing and puts on his glasses.
i) A character speaks and we are given more detail about him and the scene.-
2/9
“Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” Tommy’s voice cracked as he waved a crumpled newspaper in the air, his thin frame lost under the weight of the headline shouting from the front page.
Your answer: (i)
Correct
Incorrect
-
-
Question 4 of 10
4. Question
3. Match the paragraph descriptions below to the text and write a letter a-i in each space.
a) An expression is repeated and described in detail.
b) Background information details the context and we discover a character’s thoughts about it.
c) There is a moment of quiet intimacy between two characters, and one jokes with the other.
d) The place, scene and a character are introduced.
e) A character is astonished, and asks how something is possible. The other character says he doesn’t know.
f) Two characters interact; the first goes up to the second who is confused and asks for clarification.
g) A character passes different things, and we discover his feelings about his job.
h) A character moves on, excitedly. He speaks to someone he knows. The man stops what he is doing and puts on his glasses.
i) A character speaks and we are given more detail about him and the scene.-
3/9
The year was 1929, and the Great Depression had tightened its grip. The stock market had crashed, fortunes evaporated, and hope seemed scarce. But Tommy knew one thing: people were hungry for the latest news.
Your answer: (b)
Correct
Incorrect
-
-
Question 5 of 10
5. Question
3. Match the paragraph descriptions below to the text and write a letter a-i in each space.
a) An expression is repeated and described in detail.
b) Background information details the context and we discover a character’s thoughts about it.
c) There is a moment of quiet intimacy between two characters, and one jokes with the other.
d) The place, scene and a character are introduced.
e) A character is astonished, and asks how something is possible. The other character says he doesn’t know.
f) Two characters interact; the first goes up to the second who is confused and asks for clarification.
g) A character passes different things, and we discover his feelings about his job.
h) A character moves on, excitedly. He speaks to someone he knows. The man stops what he is doing and puts on his glasses.
i) A character speaks and we are given more detail about him and the scene.-
4/9
He headed towards a well-dressed businessman, pushing through the crowd like an agile cat. “Sir, the latest edition! The headlines will make your head spin!”.
The man glanced at Tommy, his brow furrowing. “What’s with all the fuss, boy?”
Tommy thrust the paper into the man’s hands. “Wall Street in ruins! Banks collapsing! Read all about it!”
Your answer: (f)
Correct
Incorrect
-
-
Question 6 of 10
6. Question
3. Match the paragraph descriptions below to the text and write a letter a-i in each space.
a) An expression is repeated and described in detail.
b) Background information details the context and we discover a character’s thoughts about it.
c) There is a moment of quiet intimacy between two characters, and one jokes with the other.
d) The place, scene and a character are introduced.
e) A character is astonished, and asks how something is possible. The other character says he doesn’t know.
f) Two characters interact; the first goes up to the second who is confused and asks for clarification.
g) A character passes different things, and we discover his feelings about his job.
h) A character moves on, excitedly. He speaks to someone he knows. The man stops what he is doing and puts on his glasses.
i) A character speaks and we are given more detail about him and the scene.-
5/9
The man’s eyes widened as he scanned the big, bold letters. “My God,” he whispered. “How could this happen?”
Tommy shrugged his shoulders. “Beats me, mister. But it’s all there, and you won’t hear it on the wireless. Only here in the extra edition.”
Your answer: (e)
Correct
Incorrect
-
-
Question 7 of 10
7. Question
3. Match the paragraph descriptions below to the text and write a letter a-i in each space.
a) An expression is repeated and described in detail.
b) Background information details the context and we discover a character’s thoughts about it.
c) There is a moment of quiet intimacy between two characters, and one jokes with the other.
d) The place, scene and a character are introduced.
e) A character is astonished, and asks how something is possible. The other character says he doesn’t know.
f) Two characters interact; the first goes up to the second who is confused and asks for clarification.
g) A character passes different things, and we discover his feelings about his job.
h) A character moves on, excitedly. He speaks to someone he knows. The man stops what he is doing and puts on his glasses.
i) A character speaks and we are given more detail about him and the scene.-
6/9
The extra edition—fresh off the press, ink still wet, stories hitting the streets within minutes of the breaking news reaching the news desks.
Your answer: (a)
Correct
Incorrect
-
-
Question 8 of 10
8. Question
3. Match the paragraph descriptions below to the text and write a letter a-i in each space.
a) An expression is repeated and described in detail.
b) Background information details the context and we discover a character’s thoughts about it.
c) There is a moment of quiet intimacy between two characters, and one jokes with the other.
d) The place, scene and a character are introduced.
e) A character is astonished, and asks how something is possible. The other character says he doesn’t know.
f) Two characters interact; the first goes up to the second who is confused and asks for clarification.
g) A character passes different things, and we discover his feelings about his job.
h) A character moves on, excitedly. He speaks to someone he knows. The man stops what he is doing and puts on his glasses.
i) A character speaks and we are given more detail about him and the scene.-
7/9
Tommy’s heart raced as he continued his rounds. He passed a shoeshine stand, where old Mr. Higgins sat, polishing a pair of old, worn shoes. “Mr. Higgins!” Tommy called. “Get your news here!”
Mr. Higgins raised his spectacles to look at the headline. “Market crash, eh? Well, I’ll be damned. What’s the world coming to?”
Your answer: (h)
Correct
Incorrect
-
-
Question 9 of 10
9. Question
3. Match the paragraph descriptions below to the text and write a letter a-i in each space.
a) An expression is repeated and described in detail.
b) Background information details the context and we discover a character’s thoughts about it.
c) There is a moment of quiet intimacy between two characters, and one jokes with the other.
d) The place, scene and a character are introduced.
e) A character is astonished, and asks how something is possible. The other character says he doesn’t know.
f) Two characters interact; the first goes up to the second who is confused and asks for clarification.
g) A character passes different things, and we discover his feelings about his job.
h) A character moves on, excitedly. He speaks to someone he knows. The man stops what he is doing and puts on his glasses.
i) A character speaks and we are given more detail about him and the scene.-
8/9
Tommy leaned in, lowering his voice. “They say fortunes went up like smoke. But you know what? We’re the lucky ones. We get to shout it from the rooftops.”
Mr. Higgins grinned. “You’re smart, kid. Keep it up.”
Your answer: (c)
Correct
Incorrect
-
-
Question 10 of 10
10. Question
3. Match the paragraph descriptions below to the text and write a letter a-i in each space.
a) An expression is repeated and described in detail.
b) Background information details the context and we discover a character’s thoughts about it.
c) There is a moment of quiet intimacy between two characters, and one jokes with the other.
d) The place, scene and a character are introduced.
e) A character is astonished, and asks how something is possible. The other character says he doesn’t know.
f) Two characters interact; the first goes up to the second who is confused and asks for clarification.
g) A character passes different things, and we discover his feelings about his job.
h) A character moves on, excitedly. He speaks to someone he knows. The man stops what he is doing and puts on his glasses.
i) A character speaks and we are given more detail about him and the scene.-
9/9
And so, Tommy continued through the city’s streets—past carts selling apples, past newsstands with yesterday’s news, past the clatter of streetcars. He felt excited by the power of words, the thrill of being the first to deliver the news to the masses.
“Extra! Extra!” he shouted. “Read all about it!” And the city listened.
Your answer: (g)
Correct
Incorrect
-
Reading 2
Reading for Detail
Complete Text
The sun set, casting a warm glow on the busy streets of New York City. Newsboys moved through the crowds, their shouts filling the evening air. Among them was young Tommy, a scruffy kid with a cap pulled low, so it almost covered his eyes.
“Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” Tommy’s voice cracked as he waved a crumpled newspaper in the air, his thin frame lost under the weight of the headline shouting from the front page.
The year was 1929, and the Great Depression had tightened its grip. The stock market had crashed, fortunes evaporated, and hope seemed scarce. But Tommy knew one thing: people were hungry for the latest news.
He headed towards a well-dressed businessman, pushing through the crowd like an agile cat. “Sir, the latest edition! The headlines will make your head spin!”.
The man glanced at Tommy, his brow furrowing. “What’s with all the fuss, boy?”
Tommy thrust the paper into the man’s hands. “Wall Street in ruins! Banks collapsing! Read all about it!”
The man’s eyes widened as he scanned the big, bold letters. “My God,” he whispered. “How could this happen?”
Tommy shrugged his shoulders. “Beats me, mister. But it’s all there, and you won’t hear it on the wireless. Only here in the extra edition.”
The extra edition—fresh off the press, ink still wet, stories hitting the streets within minutes of the breaking news reaching the news desks.
Tommy’s heart raced as he continued his rounds. He passed a shoeshine stand, where old Mr. Higgins sat, polishing a pair of old, worn shoes. “Mr. Higgins!” Tommy called. “Get your news here!”
Mr. Higgins raised his spectacles to look at the headline. “Market crash, eh? Well, I’ll be damned. What’s the world coming to?”
Tommy leaned in, lowering his voice. “They say fortunes went up like smoke. But you know what? We’re the lucky ones. We get to shout it from the rooftops.”
Mr. Higgins grinned. “You’re smart, kid. Keep it up.”
And so, Tommy continued through the city’s streets—past carts selling apples, past newsstands with yesterday’s news, past the clatter of streetcars. He felt excited by the power of words, the thrill of being the first to deliver the news to the masses.
“Extra! Extra!” he shouted. “Read all about it!” And the city listened.
Time limit: 0
Quiz-summary
0 of 1 questions completed
Questions:
- 1
Information
Click to restart
You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.
Quiz is loading...
You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.
You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:
Results
0 of 1 questions answered correctly
Your time:
Time has elapsed
You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)
Categories
- Not categorized 0%
- 1
- Answered
- Review
-
Question 1 of 1
1. Question
1. Match the words from the story to the definitions.
Sort elements
- scruffy
- scarce
- fuss
- thrust
- scan
- beats me
- rounds
- polish
- thrill
- the masses
-
ADJECTIVE: dirty and untidy
-
ADJECTIVE: rare or not available in large amounts
(See WORDLIST: Defining Link opens in new tab) -
NOUN: when people become annoyed or anxious about something, especially something unimportant
(See WORDLIST: Personality Link opens in new tab) -
VERB: push suddenly or violently in a specified direction
-
VERB: quickly read a piece of writing to understand the main meaning or to find a particular piece of information
(See WORDLIST: People – Actions Link opens in new tab) -
PHRASE: informal spoken expression meaning, ‘I don’t know.’
-
NOUN: act of visiting a number of people or places in turn, especially in relation to working as a doctor, postal worker, etc.
-
VERB: make the surface of something smooth and shiny by rubbing it
-
NOUN: strong feeling of excitement and pleasure
-
PHRASE: ordinary people who form the largest group in a society
Correct
Incorrect
Vocab
Vocabulary
Time limit: 0
Quiz-summary
0 of 1 questions completed
Questions:
- 1
Information
Click to restart
You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.
Quiz is loading...
You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.
You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:
Results
0 of 1 questions answered correctly
Your time:
Time has elapsed
You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)
Categories
- Not categorized 0%
- 1
- Answered
- Review
-
Question 1 of 1
1. Question
Complete the gaps with one of the following words:
scan scarce thrill rounds thrust the masses scruffy polish beats me fuss -
a) “I know you cleaned the mirror, but can you (polish) it, so it really shines?”
b) “It was a great concert, but the real (thrill) was meeting the band at the end of the show.”
c) “John’s such a nice guy. (beats me) why he was so rude to the waiter.”
d) “Can you quickly (scan) this letter for me, just to make sure I’ve included all the main points?”
e) “I liked some parts of the series, but you can tell it was made for (the masses). You know, typical jokes, tragedy resolved by a happy ending.”
f) “I can’t understand why the milkman hasn’t delivered today. He must’ve finished his (rounds) by now.”
g) “Migration will only increase as local resources become more (scarce).”
h) “Stop making such a (fuss). It’s only a small cut. You’ll be fine.”
i) “I know you love that jacket, but it’s so old and (scruffy). Come on, throw it away and get a new one.”
j) “I saw that policeman (thrust) her against the wall. That’s how she got hurt.”
Correct 10 / 10 PointsIncorrect / 10 Points -
End of Practice
Now have a well-deserved breather!!
Complete Text
The sun set, casting a warm glow on the busy streets of New York City. Newsboys moved through the crowds, their shouts filling the evening air. Among them was young Tommy, a scruffy kid with a cap pulled low, so it almost covered his eyes.
“Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” Tommy’s voice cracked as he waved a crumpled newspaper in the air, his thin frame lost under the weight of the headline shouting from the front page.
The year was 1929, and the Great Depression had tightened its grip. The stock market had crashed, fortunes evaporated, and hope seemed scarce. But Tommy knew one thing: people were hungry for the latest news.
He headed towards a well-dressed businessman, pushing through the crowd like an agile cat. “Sir, the latest edition! The headlines will make your head spin!”.
The man glanced at Tommy, his brow furrowing. “What’s with all the fuss, boy?”
Tommy thrust the paper into the man’s hands. “Wall Street in ruins! Banks collapsing! Read all about it!”
The man’s eyes widened as he scanned the big, bold letters. “My God,” he whispered. “How could this happen?”
Tommy shrugged his shoulders. “Beats me, mister. But it’s all there, and you won’t hear it on the wireless. Only here in the extra edition.”
The extra edition—fresh off the press, ink still wet, stories hitting the streets within minutes of the breaking news reaching the news desks.
Tommy’s heart raced as he continued his rounds. He passed a shoeshine stand, where old Mr. Higgins sat, polishing a pair of old, worn shoes. “Mr. Higgins!” Tommy called. “Get your news here!”
Mr. Higgins raised his spectacles to look at the headline. “Market crash, eh? Well, I’ll be damned. What’s the world coming to?”
Tommy leaned in, lowering his voice. “They say fortunes went up like smoke. But you know what? We’re the lucky ones. We get to shout it from the rooftops.”
Mr. Higgins grinned. “You’re smart, kid. Keep it up.”
And so, Tommy continued through the city’s streets—past carts selling apples, past newsstands with yesterday’s news, past the clatter of streetcars. He felt excited by the power of words, the thrill of being the first to deliver the news to the masses.
“Extra! Extra!” he shouted. “Read all about it!” And the city listened.
Audio Story (To download, click on the 3 dots -on the right of audio player- and select ‘Download’)
Categories
flashcards arts media 1
Arts & Media: The News
Study Tips
1. Listen to each word as your read the written form.
2. Say the word and listen again to compare your pronunciation.
3. Flip the card and read the definition.
4. Say the word to complete the example sentence. (Flip the card back to check if necessary.)
5. Listen to the example sentence, and say it yourself.
breaking news
Click / Hover
↻
PHRASE: information about an event that is currently occurring or developing
“_____ news just in, the Prime Minister now confirming his resignation.”
Listen
coverage
Click / Hover
↻
NOUN: reporting/ analysis of a specific subject or event
“For _____ of the latest news, local, national and international, stay tuned.”
Listen
feature
Click / Hover
↻
NOUN: special article or programme, about a particular subject
“More of our _____ on the Post Office scandal after this short break.”
Listen
run a story
Click / Hover
↻
PHRASE: print in a newspaper/ magazine
“While most tabloids are _____ today, The Express focuses on the house-buying crisis.”
Listen
Categories
practice c1 animals listening
Life on the African Savanna
Introduction
Introduction
Look at the picture and answer the following 5 questions below:
Time limit: 0
Quiz-summary
0 of 5 questions completed
Questions:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Information
Click to restart
You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.
Quiz is loading...
You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.
You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:
Results
0 of 5 questions answered correctly
Your time:
Time has elapsed
You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)
Categories
- Not categorized 0%
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- Answered
- Review
-
Question 1 of 5
1. Question
1. Which of these animals is not naturally found on the African savanna?
Correct
That’s right! The Namib Desert horse from Namibia is the only horse found living wild on the African savanna.
Incorrect
Sorry:( The Namib Desert horse from Namibia is the only horse found living wild on the African savanna.
Hint
It doesn't look as colourful or dangerous as the others. -
Question 2 of 5
2. Question
2. Write the name of the hard pointed projection on the rhinoceros’ head?
- Your answer: (horn)
Correct
That’s right!!
-
Question 3 of 5
3. Question
3. Re-order the letters to form 2 words that describe the animals at the bottom of the picture?
- lipteers = (reptiles) / repadstor = (predators)
Correct 2 / 2 PointsThat’s right!!
Incorrect / 2 PointsOops, maybe a spelling mistake?
-
Question 4 of 5
4. Question
4. What is the name of the bird’s long, pointed mouth and nose?
Correct
That’s right!! And technically, it’s called a bird’s ‘bill’.
Incorrect
Sorry, they’re all similar in spelling, but maybe it helps to remember, ‘If a bird could speak, it would use its beak‘
-
Question 5 of 5
5. Question
5. Which of the animals has the longest lifespan?
Correct
That’s right!!
Rhino: Rhinos can live 30 to 50 years, depending on the species.
Songbird: Songbirds have diverse lifespans, but many live 5 to 10 years, with some exceptions.
Nile crocodile: These reptiles have a lifespan of around 70 to 100 years in the wild.
Pony: The lifespan of a pony can vary depending on the breed and care, but on average, they live 20 to 30 years.Incorrect
Sorry, those crocs live as long as us!!
Rhino: Rhinos can live 30 to 50 years, depending on the species.
Songbird: Songbirds have diverse lifespans, but many live 5 to 10 years, with some exceptions.
Nile crocodile: These reptiles have a lifespan of around 70 to 100 years in the wild.
Pony: The lifespan of a pony can vary depending on the breed and care, but on average, they live 20 to 30 years.Hint
If we don't eat them, and they don't eat us, we live for roughly the same number of years.
Listening
Listening
1. Listen to a short description of life on the African savanna, and order the following elements. (See ‘Answer’ below to check.)
a) an animal must always be aware of its surroundings
b) many creatures wear the evidence of past fights, but this one stands out for its most defining feature.
c) Among the calm and quiet, darker forces spectate.
d) Humans have made it suffer, through their ignorance.
Answer
1. b)
2. d)
3. a)
4. c)
2. Listen again, and decide if statements a-f are true, false, or not mentioned.
Time limit: 0
Quiz-summary
0 of 6 questions completed
Questions:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Information
Click to restart
You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.
Quiz is loading...
You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.
You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:
Results
0 of 6 questions answered correctly
Your time:
Time has elapsed
You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)
Categories
- Not categorized 0%
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- Answered
- Review
-
Question 1 of 6
1. Question
a) Rhinos often get injuries.
Correct
“Its thick, grey skin carries the scars of countless battles.”
Incorrect
“Its thick, grey skin carries the scars of countless battles.”
-
Question 2 of 6
2. Question
b) The rhino is different from other animals because of its size.
Correct
“But what sets the rhinoceros apart is it’s single, enormous horn.”
Incorrect
“But what sets the rhinoceros apart is it’s single, enormous horn.”
-
Question 3 of 6
3. Question
c) Rhino horns have strong medicinal qualities.
Correct
“…yet for centuries, people believed in its healing properties”
Incorrect
“…yet for centuries, people believed in its healing properties”
-
Question 4 of 6
4. Question
d) Nowadays, people understand the need to protect rhinos.
Correct
This isn’t mentioned.
Incorrect
This isn’t mentioned.
-
Question 5 of 6
5. Question
e) Speed and vision aid rhinos in dealing with danger.
Correct
“…surprising agility for its size…”
“its eyes, small and alert, scan the grasslands for signs of danger.”Incorrect
“…surprising agility for its size…”
“its eyes, small and alert, scan the grasslands for signs of danger.” -
Question 6 of 6
6. Question
f) Sometimes, animals on the savanna are unaware of nearby threats.
Correct
“And there, hidden in the shadows, hungry reptiles look on”
Incorrect
“And there, hidden in the shadows, hungry reptiles look on”
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
Time limit: 0
Quiz-summary
0 of 4 questions completed
Questions:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Information
Click to restart
You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.
Quiz is loading...
You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.
You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:
Results
0 of 4 questions answered correctly
Your time:
Time has elapsed
You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)
Categories
- Not categorized 0%
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- Answered
- Review
-
Question 1 of 4
1. Question
1/4 Listen to the first part, from “In the heart of the African savanna…” to “…single, enormous horn.”
When you have finished listening, match the words you heard to the definitions.
Sort elements
- roams
- command
- countless
- rival
- apart
-
move around without any purpose: "_____ a massive, prehistoric-looking mammal"
-
deserve and get respect: "_____ respect"
-
marks of very many fights: "scars of _____ battles"
-
competing males: "_____ males"
-
makes the rhino distinct: "sets the rhinoceros _____"
Correct 5 / 5 PointsIncorrect / 5 Points -
Question 2 of 4
2. Question
2/4 Listen to the second part, from “Composed of the same…” to “…among rhino communities”
When you have finished listening, complete the text.
- "Composed of the same material as our hair and (nails), the horn is anything but (delicate), rising threateningly from the rhino’s (snout). It is neither magical nor mythical, yet for centuries, people believed in its healing properties, grinding it into powders and (potions). In reality, the horn serves as a weapon, a tool for (digging) up roots, and a status symbol among rhino communities."
Correct 5 / 5 PointsIncorrect / 5 Points -
Question 3 of 4
3. Question
3/4 Listen to the third part, from “The rhinoceros moves…” to “…to be reckoned with.”
When you have finished listening, complete the expressions.
-
scanforceagilitysturdybulkalertcharge
a) "surprising (agility) for it's size"
b) "its massive (bulk)"
c) "supported by (sturdy) legs"
d) "Its eyes, small and (alert)"
e) " (scan) the grasslands"
f) "ready to (charge)"
g) "a (force) to be reckoned with"
Correct 7 / 7 PointsIncorrect / 7 Points -
-
Question 4 of 4
4. Question
4/4 Listen to the final part, from “Amidst the grasses…”.
When you have finished listening, arrange the text in the correct order.
-
"Amidst the grasses, songbirds fly
-
around, their long, fine beaks
-
probing for insects.
-
Nearby, small ponies
-
graze, their strong but slender
-
legs resting from a long run
-
across the plains. And there, hidden
-
in the shadows, hungry reptiles
-
look on, patiently waiting —old
-
masters too, of evolution and survival."
Correct 10 / 10 PointsIncorrect / 10 Points -
End of Practice
End of practice – Take a well-earned breather!!
Downloads
MP3 Audio download on media player. Click the 3 dots and select “Download”.