Practice Listening English Exercises for A2 – Gifts

Listening task 1: Gift-giving occasions

A Listen. What are the gift-giving occasions? Number the occasions from 1 to 6. (There are two extra occasions.)

__ anniversary

__ birthday

__ business meeting

__ Father's Day

__ graduation

__ Mother's Day

__ retirement

__ thank you

Show answers & Audioscripts

1) retirement   3) Father's Day   5) thank you

2) graduation   4) birthday   6) Anniversary

Audioscripts inb below

BListen again. Which gifts are the people going to buy? Check (✓) the correct pictures.

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Show answers & Audioscripts

1) a   2) b   3) b   4) a   5) a   6) B

Audioscripts

1)

Tyler :   Hi, Vanessa! What are you doing here?

Vanessa :   Hi, Tyler. I’m trying to choose a retirement gift for mother. She's retiring next month.

Tyler :   Really? I didn't know that. Good for her. What are you going to get her?

Vanessa :   Well, a few years ago she got really interested in photography. I know she wants to spend more time taking pictures after she retires.

Tyler :   I know the perfect thing, then. Look at this.

Vanessa :   Wow! It's so small! And thin! It looks like a credit card.

Tyler :   Isn't it amazing? But it takes great pictures. I know – I have one self.

2)

Woman 1 :   Oh, a gift catalog! What are you looking for?

Woman 2 :   I need a gift for niece. Her high school graduation is in June.

Woman 1 :   Oh, how nice. What kinds of things does she like?

Woman 2 :   Well, she wears a lot of jewelry – you know, necklaces, bracelets, earrings …

Woman 1 :   Hmm. Well, look at this. What do you think? It's a nice size, and she could put a lot of things in it. The wood looks pretty, too.

Woman 2 :   I think she'll like it a lot. I think I'll get it!

3)

Greg :   Hey, Steve! What are you up to?

Steve :   Oh, hi, Greg. I'm looking for something for Father's Day.

Greg :   Well, any of these would be great. Does your dad play a lot?

Steve :   Yes, he's out on the court almost every weekend. He loves to be outside, and he loves to exercise.

4)

Woman :   Excuse me. I’m looking for a birthday gift for grandson. He really loves music. Could you recommend something?

Store clerk :   Sure. What kind of music does he like?

Woman :   Uh, I’m not really sure.

Store clerk : Well, uh, who are his favorite singers?

Woman :   Oh, I can't remember. He's sixteen. Just give me something that kids that age like to listen to.

Store clerk :   Well, why don't you get him one of these? Then he can choose his own music.

Woman :   That's a great idea. I'll take one for fifty dollars.

5)

Man :   I can't believe classes are almost over.

Woman :   Yeah, l know. I think I’m going to get something for Professor Wang. She's been so helpful to me this year, and I just want to thank her.

Man :   Well, why don't you get her one of these?

Woman :   I’m sure she has one already – or several. But she's always drinking tea before class. I’m going to get her one of these.

Man :   Good idea. Better get a large one!

6)

Store clerk :   How can I help you, sir?

Man :   Well, it's our anniversary today.

Store clerk :   Congratulations. How many years have you been married?

Man :  Just one.

Store clerk :   Well, in that case, you'll want to get something special. How about some of these?

Man :   Those are beautiful. And pink's her favorite color.

Store clerk :   Would you like twelve, a dozen?

Man :   Yes, please.

Listening task 2: Gifts and cultures

A Listen. Sometimes the meanings of gifts are different among cultures.
Cross out (✗) the items that are not good gifts.

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Show answers & Audioscripts

1) a   2) a   3) b   4) b

Audioscripts inb below

BListen again. Why are the items not good gifts?
Circle the correct answers.

1) China

      a. It can also mean “Good-bye.”

      b. It's too cheap.

2) Argentina

      a. It's too personal.

      b. It isn't comfortable.

3) Italy

      a. They're too expensive.

      b. The number of roses is unlucky.

4) Japan

      a. The number of items is unlucky.

      b. There are too many.

Show answers & Audioscripts

1) a   2) a   3) b   4) a

Audioscripts

1) China

Woman :   Did I tell you I’m going to China on business? I have to buy some gifts before I leave.

Man :   Good idea. What are you going to bring?

Woman :   I was thinking of bringing some handkerchiefs. They're colorful, beautiful … also lightweight. I don't want to carry anything heavy.

Man :   Uh, I don't think you should give handkerchiefs. They aren't good gifts in Chinese culture.

Woman :   Why not?

Man :   A handkerchief is a symbol of saying good-bye or ending a relationship.

Woman :   Saying good-bye?

Man :   Yeah, like when you're going away, and people are crying, so they need a handkerchief. Actually, I've heard that one of the best things to give is a dinner – not a present, but a big dinner. It's good for business.

2) Argentina

Woman :   I’m going to Argentina to do a homestay and I need to bring some gifts for family. Did you know that in Argentina you should never give clothes unless you know the person really well?

Man :   Don't give clothes? Why not?

Woman :   Clothes – even things like neckties – are too personal. Only good friends give clothes.

Man :   Huh? I never thought of a tie as being personal, just uncomfortable. So what are you going to bring?

Woman :   I don't know. Maybe a plant or something for the house.

3) Italy

Woman :   [shop door closes] Hello. I'd like to buy some flowers. I want to give them to a friend who's from Italy. How about those? About ten, I guess, please.

Store clerk :   Ma'am, I don't think you should give ten flowers. In Italy, even numbers – two, four, six, and so on – are bad luck.

Woman :   Even numbers are bad luck? OK, I'll take nine flowers then.

4) Japan

Store clerk :   May I help you?

Man :   I'm going to stay with a family in Japan. I need to get something for them.

Store clerk :   Pen sets are always a good gift.

Man :   Oh, that's a good idea. Let's see…. Here are some sets with a pen and pencil and bigger sets with four pens.

Store clerk :   You said you're going to Japan?

Man :   Yeah.

Store clerk :   Don't give a set of four pens, then. In fact, don't give four of anything.

Man :   Why not?

Store clerk :   The Japanese word for “four” sounds like the word for “death.” It's bad luck.

Man :   Thanks for telling me. I'll take the pen and pencil set, then.

Store clerk :   Good choice. These sets make very good gifts. After all, pens write in any language!

Man :   Uh … yeah. Right.

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