CONTRAST 1

THE JUMBO HOSTEL

You are going to listen to a report about a new hostel. hostel: albergue
Listen and choose the correct answer.
(8 x 1 = 8 points) flight attendant: auxiliar de vuelo
convenient: práctico/a, cómodo/a
honeymoon: nupcial
cockpit: cabina del piloto
fit in: poner, colocar

1 The plane … . 5 You can get into Stockholm from the airport … .
a. hasn’t flown since 1976 a. in a few minutes
b. has got new seats b. for free
c. is now a place for guests to stay c. by train or bus
d. is leaving Sweden d. only by bus

2 When describing the hostel, Tom does NOT 6 What makes the honeymoon suite special?
mention … . a. its size
a. clothes b. its location
b. furniture c. its bed
c. food d. its colour
d. windows
7 Guests at the hostel cannot … .
3 Tom didn’t like … .
a. get married on the plane
a. the size of the room b. use the Internet
b. the bed c. walk on the wing
c. sharing a bathroom d. walk to the terminal
d. the café
8 Melanie’s only complaint is about … .
4 Tom recommends the hostel for people who … .
a. the bus service
a. are afraid of flying b. the breakfast
b. need to get to the terminal c. the evening meal
c. want to see Stockholm d. the workers
d. want to save money

1
 CONTRAST 1

The Jumbo Hostel

Nigel: Hi, this is Nigel Jameson for Radio 9, reporting from Arlanda Airport in Stockholm, Sweden. I’m
standing outside, next to a plane – it’s a Boeing 747. But this plane isn’t flying anywhere. It’s now a
hostel, called the Jumbo Hostel. The owners bought the plane, which was built in 1976, and they’ve taken
out all the seats and instead they’ve put in bedrooms and bathrooms. Pretty amazing, eh? I’d like to get an
idea of what it’s like to stay at this hostel, so I’m going to catch one of the guests as they leave ... excuse
me, sir! I’m from Radio 9 in London. And you are ... ?
Tom: I’m Tom – Tom Easton.
Nigel: Tom, I see you’re leaving the Jumbo Hostel now. Would you mind telling us – how was it?
Tom: Oh, it was a lot of fun. I especially liked the style – they tried to keep the atmosphere of the plane. Like
the people who work there – they all wear flight attendants’ uniforms! And in the café – they used real
seats from the plane.
Nigel: And what about your room?
Tom: The windows in the room are the actual windows of the plane! The bed was quite comfortable, and there
was a TV and a cupboard. But the room was a bit too small for me.
Nigel: And the bathroom?
Tom: Well, this is a hostel, so most of the rooms don’t have private bathrooms or showers. But the shared
bathrooms were very clean, so it didn’t bother me.
Nigel: So would you recommend the Jumbo Hostel?
Tom: Yes, it’s a great experience! And it’s so convenient. You get a free bus to the terminal and you’re there in
three minutes. You don’t have to worry about getting in from the centre of Stockholm in time to catch
your flight. But if you’re touring Stockholm, it’s probably better to stay in town rather than here. It takes
around half an hour to get to the city from here and the buses and trains are expensive.
Nigel: Well, thanks very much and have a good flight!
Tom: My pleasure!
Nigel: Oh, here’s someone else – a couple. Excuse me, I’m Nigel Jameson from Radio 9. Can I ask you a few
questions?
Melanie: Oh, OK ... sure.
Nigel: You are ... ?
Melanie: Melanie and Charles Hopkins.
Nigel: How did you like staying at the Jumbo Hostel?
Melanie: We stayed in the honeymoon suite, and it was just fantastic! It’s built in the cockpit of the
plane – the place where the pilot sits. They still have all the pilot’s instruments there, and there’s just
enough space to fit in a double bed! It’s the only room with a private bathroom, too.
Nigel: According to what I’ve heard, the hostel actually offers weddings where the couple get married on the
wing of the plane! May I ask – did you do that?
Melanie: No, but we did go out onto the left wing, sit with a cup of coffee, and watch the planes taking off.
Nigel: So all in all, you enjoyed your stay.
Charles: Yes, it was great fun. The workers were very friendly, the service was fantastic, and it was clean. You
can’t walk to the terminal although it’s very close, but there’s a free bus. There’s also free wireless
Internet everywhere on the plane. Oh, and by the way, the price includes breakfast.
Nigel: And was the breakfast good?
Charles: It was quite simple, but just fine really.
Melanie: The only problem was that when we arrived in the evening, we were hungry, and you can’t get dinner at
the hostel. You have to go and catch the bus into the airport.
Nigel: Well, thanks so much for your time.
Melanie: No problem.
Answers: 1. c 2. c 3. a 4. b 5. c 6. b 7. d 8. c

2
 CONTRAST 1

THE IDITAROD RACE

You are going to listen to a description of an unusual endurance: resistencia
race. Listen and choose the correct answer.
(8 x 1 = 8 points) race against time: carrera contrarreloj
sled: trineo
drop: bajar, descender
path: camino
put up: poner, colocar, levantar

1 The Iditarod takes place … . 5 According to Martin, dogsled drivers never … .

a. on Saturday, 1st March a. travel alone
b. on 1st March b. travel at night
c. every March c. do trips of more than two days
d. every January d. travel in temperatures over -50˚C

2 Which statement is true about the Iditarod?
a. Celebrities often participate.
b. The participants are from Nome.
c. People from Nome came up with the idea.
d. Winners earn thousands of dollars in prizes.
3 Why did Dr Welch panic?
a. He didn’t know how to cure diphtheria.
b. There was no diphtheria medicine in Nome.
c. He knew he was becoming sick with
diphtheria.
d. He had never treated diphtheria before.
4 Why was the medicine sent to Nome by dogsled?
a. It was the only form of transport available.
b. Other forms of transport were too slow.
c. Other forms of transport were too expensive.
d. The dogsled drivers knew the way.
6 Americans heard about the emergency in Nome
because … .
a. Dr Welch broadcast the emergency on the
radio
b. it was reported by the media
c. Bill Shannon told the newspapers
d. the number of people with diphtheria kept
growing
7 How did Kaasen lose his way?
a. He couldn’t see the path.
b. He didn’t know which path to take.
c. It was his first trip to Nome.
d. He was a new driver.
8 Why were some drivers unhappy after the race to
Nome?
a. They didn’t get much attention.
b. They wanted a statue of themselves.
c. They didn’t believe that Balto deserved to be
a star.
d. They thought Kaasen didn’t deserve any
attention.

3
 CONTRAST 1

The Iditarod Race

Jackie: I’m Jackie Hill and this is Sportsweek. I’m talking to you today from Anchorage, Alaska at the start of the
annual Iditarod race. With me is Martin White. Martin lives in the town and is an expert on the history of
the Iditarod. Nice to meet you, Martin.
Martin: Thank you, Jackie.
Jackie: Martin, you have a special connection to the Iditarod, haven’t you?
Martin: Yes. My grandfather took part in the very first Iditarod, my father participated and so did I.
The Iditarod is a family tradition.
Jackie: Can you tell us more about the Iditarod race?
Martin: Certainly. The Iditarod is an annual race for dog teams and their drivers across Alaska. It always begins
on the first Saturday in March. Today it’s a very competitive race. Participants compete for prizes worth
thousands of dollars and the winners become celebrities. The race is dangerous and is a real test of
endurance for the drivers and their dogs. The Iditarod began in 1973 to remember another race, a race
against time to save the people of the town of Nome.
Jackie: Tell us that story.
Martin: Sure. It was January 1925 and Dr Curtis Welch was beginning to panic. Four children in Nome had died
of diphtheria and another was very sick in hospital. Dr Welch needed diphtheria medicine and he needed
it fast. He sent a telegram to a doctor in Anchorage, the capital of Alaska. There was medicine in
Anchorage, but Nome was 1,600 miles away. How could the medicine get to Nome? Ships couldn’t
travel on the frozen sea between Anchorage and Nome. Planes couldn’t fly in winter weather. There was
a train, but it only went as far as the town of Nenana, 1,100 kilometres from Nome. The only way to get
the medicine from Nenana to Nome was by using dogs and sleds. Twenty dogsled drivers volunteered to
help. The journey from Nenana to Nome usually took 30 days, but they knew they had to do it faster than
that.
Jackie: So what happened next?
Martin: The first driver, Bill Shannon, was waiting at the train station when the medicine arrived. With his team
of nine dogs, he started the journey to the next town. It usually took two days, but Bill knew that was too
long. Usually, dogsled drivers only travel during the day, because it’s too cold at night. That night
temperatures dropped to -52ºC, but Bill and his dogs travelled through the night.
Jackie: I can’t imagine those kinds of temperatures.
Martin: Most people can’t! Meantime, the number of people with diphtheria was growing. Newspapers and radio
reported on the situation in Nome. People all over America knew about the emergency. The last driver
was Gunnar Kaasen. He started his journey 85 kilometres from Nome. Soon after he left, there was a
terrible storm and temperatures dropped even further. The path was covered by snow and Kaasen lost his
way. He had no idea which way to go and he felt his body beginning to freeze. Suddenly his main dog,
Balto, began to run. He’d found the path! At 5.30 am on February 2, 1925, the medicine arrived in Nome.
Jackie: Amazing – the men and the dogs were heroes.
Martin: They certainly were, but it was Balto and Kaasen that got all the attention afterwards. Balto became a
star: Some of the other drivers weren’t too happy about that! They felt that they and their dogs were being
ignored. Later that same year, a statue of Balto was put up in New York’s Central Park, and in 1995
Steven Spielberg even made a movie about him.
Jackie: Thank you, Martin. Next, we’ll be talking to one of the participants in this year’s race.
Answers: 1. c 2. d 3. b 4. a 5. b 6. b 7. a 8. a

4
 CONTRAST 1

THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH

ROBOT COMPETITION
You are going to hear about a robot competition. round: ronda
Listen and choose the correct answer.
(8 x 1 = 8 points) cheering: ovaciones, vítores
demonstrate: hacer una demostración de
challenging: desafiante, que supone un desafío
stage: fase
overseas: al extranjero

1 The noise in the stadium is caused by … . 5 How did Jenny qualify for the national team?
a. the participants a. She won many competitions.
b. the teams’ supporters b. She travelled overseas.
c. the robots c. She built a robot by herself.
d. football supporters d. She competed against many other schools.

2 Each team in the IYR competition is given … . 6 Why do the team members need to know each
a. robotics equipment only other well?
b. robotics equipment and instructions a. To understand what everyone is good at.
c. instructions only b. To know who has the best maths skills.
d. a different robotics problem to solve c. To understand who works well under
pressure.
3 In the second round of the IYR, the teams are
d. To understand who is easy to work with.
required to … .
a. design and build a different robot 7 What did Jenny enjoy about the IYR?
b. design a new task for their robot to perform a. Meeting teenagers from all over the world.
c. build a robot in three weeks b. Getting to know team members.
d. get their robot to perform a different task c. Learning how to build a robot.
d. Seeing a robot that she designed and built.
4 When Jenny talks about building “a new robot
from scratch”, she means … . 8 What did Jenny’s team do wrong two years ago?
a. with help from other people a. They took too long building the robot.
b. using expensive materials b. They didn’t spend enough time on the
c. from the beginning design.
d. with great difficulty c. They didn’t leave enough time to build
their robot.
d. Their design wasn’t good enough.

5
 CONTRAST 1

The International Youth Robot Competition

Peter: And now for the last item on Technology Today, it’s over to our reporter Adam Jones at the Birmingham
Stadium. Can you hear me, Adam?
Adam: Yes, Peter.
Peter: What’s going on over there?
Adam: We’re waiting for the first round of the International Youth Robot Competition, or the IYR, to start. This
is the third year the IYR has been held. Last year’s competition took place in Paris and this year it’s being
held right here in Birmingham, England.
Peter: It’s very noisy in the stadium.
Adam: Yes, the atmosphere here is what you would expect at a football match, not a science competition!
Friends, parents and teachers of the teams have come to encourage the participants. There’s a lot of
cheering and singing going on! Now I’m going to talk to Jenny, who was in the winning team last year, to
find out more about the competition. Jenny, tell us about the IYR.
Jenny: Well, the IYR is an international robotics competition for secondary-school students. Each team is given
a box of identical equipment containing motors, batteries and a control system – but no instructions! Last
year we were given a specific problem and six weeks to build a robot to solve the problem. After
demonstrating our robots, ten teams were chosen to go on to the second round. In the second round, we
were given another task for our robot to perform. Remember, we’d already built our robots. We weren’t
allowed to build a new robot, only improve the one we’d already built. That was really challenging.
Adam: Why was that?
Jenny: We had three weeks to get ready, but it was very difficult to make our robot perform the new task. It
would have been easier to build a new robot from scratch!
Adam: How did you get to be in the national team?
Jenny: It wasn’t easy. There were competitions all year. The first stage of the competition takes place between
different schools. The winners then participate in city and national competitions. It’s the winners of the
national competition that go overseas to represent their country.
Adam: So it must be important to know how to work as part of a team.
Jenny: That’s right. It’s not only technical knowledge, like maths and physics, that’s important but also
teamwork, so the judges give points for our ability to work together. We have to understand the strengths
and weaknesses of the team members, which means we have to get to know each other well.
Adam: What else makes a good team member?
Jenny: You definitely need to be able to work well under pressure.
Adam: You obviously enjoyed participating in the IYR.
Jenny: Not at first. It was a lot of work and very stressful, but after a while I began to relax and enjoy myself. It
gives you an incredible sense of satisfaction when you can point to a robot and say,
“I made that.”
Adam: Last year wasn’t the first time you participated in the robotics competition, was it?
Jenny: No, it wasn’t. I participated two years ago but my team didn’t do very well.
Adam: Why was that?
Jenny: We spent too long on the design – two weeks. That left us very little time to build the robot. After that
experience, I encouraged my team to spend less time on the design and to actually build the robot. That
way we could see what didn’t work and still have time to fix it.
Adam: It obviously worked because your team won first prize. Ah, it looks like this year’s competition is about
to start …
Answers: 1. b 2. a 3. d 4. c 5. a 6. a 7. d 8. c

6
 CONTRAST 1

UNUSUAL WEDDINGS
You are going to hear a radio programme about
unusual weddings. Listen and choose the correct
answer. (8 x 1 = 8 points)
outer space: espacio exterior
the next best thing: la mejor alternativa
dive: bajar en picado
roller coaster: montaña rusa
upside-down: bocabajo, al revés
fancy: lujoso/a

1 The New York couple were married … . 5 The Mount Everest wedding was short
a. in outer space because … .
b. on a plane a. people were hungry
c. on a roller coaster b. the physical conditions were difficult
d. while parachuting c. there were not enough oxygen masks
d. people were tired from the climb
2 There were not many guests at the ceremony
because … . 6 The couple’s parents … .
a. they were afraid to come a. planned the wedding
b. it was too expensive b. tried to stop the wedding
c. there was no room c. were pleased about the wedding
d. the couple didn’t have many friends d. were angry about the wedding

3 The ceremony was conducted by … . 7 In Hong Kong, … .

a. a family member a. fewer couples are getting married
b. an astronaut b. expensive weddings start at $1,280
c. a pilot c. there is social pressure on young couples to
d. someone who had flown to outer space get married
d. fancy formal weddings are popular
4 The Nepalese couple … .
a. were not sure if their plan would succeed 8 Unexpected McWedding guests are … .
b. told everyone about their plan a. friends
c. changed their plan at the last minute b. workers
d. hadn’t planned to get married c. customers
d. musicians

7
 CONTRAST 1

Unusual Weddings
Fiona: Hi, this is Fiona Brooks on What’s Up? Lots of couples nowadays want their weddings to be unique.
They don’t want a typical wedding in a church or a garden. I’m sure many of you have already heard
about people getting married underwater, or parachuting from a plane, so wedding planner Ian Wallace is
here to tell us about some even stranger wedding ideas. Ian, glad to have you with us. So, what out-of-
the-ordinary weddings can you tell us about today?
Ian: Well, I think the most amazing thing I’ve seen is a couple from New York. They’re both space fanatics
and they wanted a wedding in outer space. They didn’t have the money for that, so they did the next best
thing. They had the ceremony in a plane that simulates the zero gravity of outer space. This plane flies up
and then suddenly dives down very fast, like a roller coaster. Each time it comes down, you feel like you
don’t weigh anything.
Fiona: That sounds frightening!
Ian: Yes, frightening and expensive. There were only 12 guests, because they couldn’t pay for
more – each guest’s ticket cost over £3,000! By the way, the bride wore trousers under her dress because
she knew she’d be upside-down part of the time.
Fiona: That was clever! So who did they find to conduct this unusual wedding ceremony?
Ian: They got Richard Garriott, the man who travelled to the International Space Station as a tourist.
Obviously, he had no problem being in zero gravity! Now, the next wedding I want to tell you about is
also very high up, though not in outer space. A couple in Nepal got married on top of Mount Everest.
They were part of a climbing expedition, and it was a complete surprise for the other climbers – the
couple hadn’t told anyone they were planning to do it because they had no idea if they were really going
to get to the top. Even their parents didn’t know!
Fiona: Mount Everest? Are they professional mountain climbers?
Ian: Yes, they live in a village near Everest and they work as mountain climbing guides. The whole ceremony
was only ten minutes long. They couldn’t stay any longer because it was too cold and there wasn’t
enough air – people had to wear oxygen masks up there. Of course, there was no music and no
champagne!
Fiona: So what did their parents say when they found out?
Ian: Surprisingly, they were happy. I say surprisingly because Nepal is a country where most marriages are
still planned by the parents.
Fiona: So Ian, any other unusual weddings to tell us about?
Ian: Yes. You know, in Hong Kong there’s a lot of social pressure on young couples and their families to have
a fancy formal wedding. They have to save money for years, or borrow the money. But now there’s a
solution: weddings at McDonald’s – they’re called McWeddings – starting at only $1,280!
Fiona: But who would want to get married at McDonald’s?
Ian: Well, you’d be surprised. McDonald’s is a very popular place to socialise in Hong Kong – a lot of people
go on dates there.
Fiona: What does the wedding price include?
Ian: McDonald’s food for up to 50 guests, invitations, decorations, toys and music through the speaker
system. The workers dress in formal black and meet the guests at the entrance. No alcohol is served at
McDonald’s, so guests drink milkshakes instead! And the restaurant isn’t closed to the public during a
wedding, so couples must plan on having unexpected guests who come in for a burger.
Fiona: It actually sounds like fun!
Ian: Yes, it does.
Fiona: Well, people certainly have some creative ideas when it comes to weddings. Thanks for being here, Ian.
Ian: It’s been great, Fiona!
Answers: 1. b 2. b 3. d 4. a 5. b 6. c 7. d 8. c

8
 CONTRAST 1

THROW IT OUT!
You are going to hear a programme about why many junk: trastos
people find it difficult to throw things away. Listen and
choose the correct answer. (8 x 1 = 8 points) gadget: aparato
Do-It-Yourself: bricolaje
cluttered: atestado/a, repleto/a (de cosas)
work out: entender, averiguar
take up: ocupar, llenar

1 The weekly programme Why Do We Do That? 5 Why doesn’t Jack fix his broken chairs?
is about … . a. He needs to buy the right tools.
a. human behaviour b. He doesn’t know how to fix them.
b. cluttered homes c. He doesn’t have time.
c. bad habits d. He’s bought new chairs.
d. buying habits
6 According to Dr Bradshaw, the most difficult
2 Jack’s wife hopes Dr Bradshaw will … . items to get rid of are … .
a. explain why Jack won’t throw things out a. those that we believe we’ll use one day
b. encourage Jack to get rid of his junk b. items from our childhood
c. explain why she and Jack had arguments in c. items that were expensive
the past d. items that remind us of special places we’ve
d. encourage listeners to get rid of their clutter been

3 According to Dr Bradshaw, one of the main 7 Most people are surprised to hear that a cluttered
reasons we buy too much is … . house is … .
a. adverts convince us it will make us happier a. stressful
b. we enjoy getting a bargain b. tiring
c. we enjoy spending money c. expensive
d. adverts convince us we need electrical d. dirty
gadgets
8 Dr Bradshaw suggests taking photos of items
4 Why doesn’t Jack get rid of his bread-maker? that … .
a. He wants to fix it first. a. are difficult to throw out
b. He thinks it will help him save money. b. take up space
c. He thinks he’ll still use it. c. bring back good memories
d. It cost a lot of money. d. might be useful one day

9
 CONTRAST 1

Throw It Out!
Jack: I’m Jack Patterson and you’re listening to Why Do We Do That? the show where we try to understand
why we behave the way we do. Last week, we looked at why people find it so difficult to change bad
habits. With me today is Dr Alice Bradshaw. Dr Bradshaw is a psychologist who studies our relationship
with our possessions, the things we own. Her book You Don’t Really Need It has become a bestseller.
Welcome to the show, Dr Bradshaw.
Alice: Thank you, Jack.
Jack: I loved the title of your book. That’s exactly what my wife says to me. She thinks I have too much junk
and she’s always telling me to get rid of it. To be honest, it’s been the cause of quite a few arguments
between us in the past. She was excited you were coming on the show. I know she’s hoping you’ll be a
good influence on me.
Alice: I talk about that in my book: the stress too many possessions can cause in our relationships.
Jack: How do we end up with so many things?
Alice: Often, it’s because we simply buy too much. There are many reasons for this, but advertising plays a
major part. Adverts tell us that if we buy the latest mobile phone, fashion item or electrical gadget we’ll
be happier, more popular and have an easier life. But it doesn’t take long before our new possession is
forgotten or replaced by something better, faster or newer. It’s a never-ending cycle. And when we’ve
paid money for something, it seems a waste to throw it away, so we keep it.
Jack: Like that expensive bread-maker I bought. I planned to use it every day – I really thought that it would
help me save money. I used it a couple of times, but it’s just sitting in my cupboard now.
Alice: Exactly! Another reason we keep things is that we think they may be useful in the future. My father has a
Do-It-Yourself book that he bought 30 years ago. He’s never used it, but he won’t throw it out because he
might need to fix something one day. And then there are the broken things that we keep because “one
day”, we’re going to fix them.
Jack: Mmm, like those broken chairs in our house. I’ve been meaning to fix them for ages – I bought the tools
and everything, but I never seem to find the time.
Alice: That’s another good example! It’s also especially difficult to get rid of things that have sentimental
meaning, like your old teddy bear or a gift that your best friend gave you when you were children. It’s not
wrong to keep a few things that have special meaning to you or remind you of a special person, but
people don’t realise that keeping too much stuff has a price. You have to clean it, store it and look after it.
All that takes time and energy. Another point that most people don’t realise is that we waste money when
our homes are cluttered. People usually think they’re saving money by keeping things, when in fact the
opposite is often true.
Jack: Can you explain that?
Alice: Well, when we have too much stuff, we can’t find the things we do need. You go out and buy more
batteries, for example, because you can’t find the ones you have.
Jack: So, do you have any tips for us? How can we clean out our stuff and get rid of the things we don’t need?
Alice: Well, first of all, you need to work out why you’re keeping certain things. If you keep lots of things for
sentimental reasons, here’s a simple solution that helps many people – take photos of the items you find
hard to throw out. That way you’ll still have your memories, but they won’t be taking up space in your
house!
Jack: Good idea. We’ll be back with more ideas on how to clean out your junk after the break.
Answers: 1. a 2. b 3. a 4. d 5. c 6. b 7. c 8. a

10
 CONTRAST 1

“DANGERS” OF ROMANTIC COMEDIES

You are going to listen to a radio programme about agony aunt: consejera sentimental
romantic comedies. Listen and choose the correct
answer. (8 x 1 = 8 points) mind-read: leer la mente
soul-mate: alma gemela
fate: destino
to match: corresponder, ajustarse a
smoothly: sin complicaciones

1 Tom dislikes romantic comedies because … . 5 Tom objects to the fact that romantic
a. he doesn’t think they’re funny comedies … .
b. they’re so popular a. rarely show that two people are meant to
be together
c. they’re unrealistic
b. emphasise romantic destiny
d. he’s a man
c. influence viewers’ belief in romantic fate
2 In Australia, 20% of people surveyed … .
d. aren’t interesting
a. saw romantic comedies with their partners
6 In an experiment with university students, … .
b. had romantic partners
a. the romantic comedy influenced opinion on
c. gave their partners presents romantic fate
d. had partners who wanted them to behave like b. the films had no influence on belief in
a romantic-comedy character
romantic fate
c. an equal number of students in each group
3 One-quarter of the respondents in the Australian believed in romantic fate
survey … .
d. nobody who had watched the drama
a. said they were able to read their partner’s indicated a belief in romantic fate
mind
b. had partners who expected them to mind-
read
7 Tom and Ann agree that romantic comedies … .
a. influence adults more than young people
c. had partners who knew what they were
thinking b. have a bigger effect on young people than
on adults
d. didn’t know their partner’s thoughts
c. have the same influence on young people
and adults
4 According to Ann, romantic comedies … .
d. are more popular with young people than
a. don’t show much communication between adults
partners
b. emphasise good communication between
partners
8 When Tom says that people using romantic
comedies as a guide will be “let down”, he means
c. show how communication helps resolve they’ll be … .
problems a. realistic
d. prove the connection between true love and b. successful
mind-reading
c. disappointed
d. angry

11
 CONTRAST 1

“Dangers” of Romantic Comedies

Tom: Hey, everyone. I’m Tom Robertson, here with you on a Saturday evening. We’ll have more great music
in a few minutes, but right now, here’s everyone’s favourite agony aunt, Ann Blake, to explain why
romantic comedies may not be so funny after all. Hi, Ann.
Ann: Hey, Tom …
Tom: I can’t wait to hear the bad news about romantic comedies … I’m definitely not a fan …
Ann: A lot of men say that. Just out of curiosity, why don’t you like them?
Tom: Mainly because they present romantic relationships in such an unrealistic way.
Ann: Right – and that’s exactly the reason so many people like romantic comedies. However, some recent
research has shown that there’s a negative side to watching these films. For instance, 20% of people
questioned in an Australian survey had partners who expected them to behave like someone in a romantic
comedy – that is, do things like give their partner wonderful presents for no particular reason. And even
more people – about a quarter of the survey respondents – said that their partners expected them to mind-
read.
Tom: Twenty-five per cent were expected to somehow know their partner’s thoughts? Without being told?
Ann: Yes. In romantic comedies, mind-reading seems to be proof of true love. Even though many of these
films show very little communication between partners, problems get resolved very easily.
Tom: See – those are the kinds of things that bother me about those films. And another thing that disturbs me is
that so many of them are based on the idea that two people are destined to be together …
Ann: It’s interesting that you say that. In fact, another study found that watching romantic comedies does seem
to influence some viewers’ belief in romantic destiny and the idea of one true soul-mate – that is,
someone who they’ll instantly recognise and fall in love with.
Tom: How did the researchers discover that?
Ann: They did an experiment with 120 American university students. Half of the students watched
a romantic comedy, and half watched a drama about an old man’s journey to visit his brother. After the
films, more of the students who’d watched the romantic comedy indicated a strong belief in romantic
destiny or fate than those who had watched the drama.
Tom: Hmmm … These were university students, right?
Ann: Uh-huh.
Tom: I imagine that young people are more influenced by romantic comedies than adults are …
Ann: I think you’re right. But I hope that young people also remember that films – even romantic comedies –
are not accurate sources of information about love or about starting and maintaining relationships.
Tom: Well, anyone who uses romantic comedies as a guide to their love life is definitely going to be let down.
Ann: They certainly are. Reality is not going to match the fantasies presented in films. Real-life relationships
very rarely develop as suddenly, smoothly, cutely or perfectly as on the screen.
In addition, they require far more time, effort and communication than the relationships we see in
romantic comedies.
Tom: And with that good reminder, Ann, we’re going back to the music …
Answers: 1. c 2. d 3. b 4. a 5. b 6. a 7. b 8. c

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 CONTRAST 1

THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN VOICE

You are going to listen to a radio programme about
a man named Ted Williams. Listen and choose the
correct answer. (8 x 1 = 8 points)
overnight: de la noche a la mañana
messy: desordenado/a, despeinado/a
gift: don
radio announcer: locutor/a de radio
media: medios de comunicación
stay off: mantenerse alejado/a de

1 The news reporter noticed Ted while he was … . 5 The Second Chance Foundation is … .
a. singing a. a charity
b. asking for money b. a new reality TV show
c. writing a sign c. an advert
d. sleeping on the street d. a news programme

2 The interview with Ted was recorded … . 6 Ted is selling things on eBay … .
a. in advance a. to pay for a home
b. by a radio announcer b. for people to use
c. outside c. to help others
d. in a studio d. as a joke

3 The reporter … . 7 Ted became homeless because … .

a. surprised Ted a. he was uneducated
b. shocked Ted b. no one would give him a job
c. wasn’t impressed by Ted c. he drank and used drugs
d. was surprised by Ted d. he went to prison

4 Ted became famous after people … . 8 After becoming famous, Ted … .

a. read about him in the newspaper a. saw his relatives
b. saw him on the Internet b. stopped drinking
c. heard his voice on the radio c. started using drugs again
d. saw him on TV d. didn’t want to work

13
 CONTRAST 1

The Man with the Golden Voice

Joe: Hi and welcome to Life Stories, with Sara Bernard and Joe Farber. Today we’re going to talk about
someone you may have heard of – Ted Williams, the homeless American man who became famous
overnight because of his wonderful voice. Sara, you’ve looked into his story. What did you find out?
Sara: It all started last January ... A newspaper reporter was driving along and saw Ted standing on
a street corner asking for money. At first the reporter thought this thin man with long, messy hair was just
another homeless person. But then he saw the sign that the man was holding.
It was a handwritten sign and it said something like: “I have a God-given gift – my voice.
I used to be a radio announcer, but now I’m having a hard time. Please help me.”
Joe: So the reporter probably thought, now here’s an interesting story. Maybe I’ll interview this guy.
Sara: That’s right! He stopped his car, took out his video camera and said, “OK, sir, if you’ve got such a great
voice, let’s hear it!” The homeless man, Ted Williams, started improvising a radio advert – and the
reporter got a real shock. Ted’s voice really was amazing – very deep and smooth – and he actually spoke
like a professional radio announcer. So the reporter posted his video on the newspaper’s website, and
soon it was on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. Within one day, Ted was getting hundreds of offers of
help from all over the country! People wanted to give him money, someone wanted to give him a suit to
wear … and he had so many job offers, he didn’t know what to choose!
Joe: It’s another case of becoming an instant celebrity.
Sara: Yes, soon he was flying all over the United States to appear on TV news shows. He’s already done
advertisements, and he’s going to have his own reality TV show. But Ted isn’t thinking only about
himself. He’s started a charity called the Second Chance Foundation, to help homeless people get a new
start. He’s selling the things he used to use when he was homeless on eBay – like his sign and the tent he
used to sleep in!
Joe: His sign? That’s really funny!
Sara: Yes, but he’s not doing it as a joke – he’s going to use the money for his charity.
Joe: Sara, what was Ted’s life like before he became homeless?
Sara: Well, as a young man, he studied voice acting. Then he got a job at a radio station. He had a family and a
home. But he became addicted to drugs and alcohol and lost everything. He’s even spent some time in
prison for stealing.
Joe: So do you think he can really change?
Sara: Well, that’s a good question. It’s not easy to deal with all this attention from the media. He’s confused
about choosing the right jobs, and he’s also met with his family for the first time in many years, which
was very emotional for him. Clearly, that’s a lot of pressure to deal with but fortunately he’s in a
rehabilitation programme for alcoholics.
Joe: Well, let’s hope that he stops drinking and has a successful career – and that he stays off the streets.
Sara: That’s what everyone would like to see!
Joe: Well, thanks for the great story, Sara!
Answers: 1. b 2. c 3. d 4. b 5. a 6. c 7. c 8. a

14
 CONTRAST 1
THE BETTER SIDE OF FACEBOOK
You are going to hear about the advantages of using
Facebook. Listen and choose the correct answer.
(8 x 1 = 8 points)
1 According to Dr Green, people criticise him
because … .
a. he doesn’t understand the power of
Facebook
b. he doesn’t think Facebook is dangerous
c. he emphasises the dangers of social
networking in his book
d. he ignores the dangers of Facebook
2 Dr Green was upset because the people who
criticised his book … .
a. hadn’t read the book
b. hadn’t read the book properly
c. claimed he was endangering children
d. claimed he didn’t understand Facebook
3 Dr Green wrote his book … .
a. to educate people about the positive aspects
of Facebook
b. to teach people how to use Facebook
sensibly
c. to answer people who criticised him
d. to explain why people misunderstand
Facebook
4 What does Dr Green say about Facebook and shy
children?
a. It can be a substitute for face-to-face
communication.
b. It can help them practise social skills.
c. It can cause serious communication
problems.
d. It can prevent face-to-face communication.
approach: enfoque, planteamiento
bullying: acoso escolar
ensure: asegurar, garantizar
cope: arreglárselas
put in: dedicar (tiempo), trabajar
keep up with: estar al día de
5 According to Sally, some teachers … .
a. believe Facebook is a valuable learning tool
b. need to start using Facebook
c. never use Facebook in their lessons
d. think Facebook prevents students from
learning
6 Which of these statements is true about Sally’s
Facebook project?
a. She designed the project with her students.
b. Her students came up with the idea for the
project.
c. She came up with the idea for the project.
d. Her students designed the project.
7 Which of these statements is NOT true about
Sally’s Facebook project?
a. The students wrote a lot.
b. It took a long time to prepare.
c. The students developed an interest in history.
d. The students spent a lot of time working
on it.
8 According to Sally, schools should stay updated
technologically in order to … .
a. keep their students interested
b. educate their teachers about new technology
c. learn how to create Internet projects
d. help students spend their time better
15
 CONTRAST 1

The Better Side of Facebook

Jenny: This is Today’s Parents and I’m Jenny Osmond. Today we’ll be talking to two people who have some
interesting – and positive – things to say about Facebook. We’ll start with Dr Philip Green. Dr Green is a
psychologist whose book Social Networking: The Good News has caused
a lot of controversy. Welcome, Dr Green.
Dr Green: Thank you, Jenny.
Jenny: Dr Green, we always read about the dangers of Facebook, but you’ve taken a positive approach to the use
of Facebook among young people. You say that sometimes it can actually be good for young people.
You’ve even gone as far as to say that in some cases, Facebook can make kids happier!
Dr Green: That’s right, Jenny. You know, many people have accused me of ignoring the dangers of social
networking. Their criticism upset me because I do mention the negative aspects, like bullying, but I just
don’t emphasise them. If my critics had read my book properly, they would have seen that. I also say that
if people are using Facebook instead of talking to each other face to face, that is a serious problem. But
I’m concerned that people are only concentrating on the disadvantages and are not aware of the beneficial
effects of Facebook. That’s the reason I wrote the book.
Jenny: Can you tell us what some of these beneficial effects are?
Dr Green: Well, Facebook is especially good for shy kids – and adults. They might be too shy to carry out a
conversation face to face, but if they’re texting or chatting online, they have time to stop and think about
what they want to say. Online communication is not a substitute for face-to-face conversation, but it can
be a less frightening way to introduce and practise social skills. Having friends is one of the most
important factors in ensuring a person’s happiness. This is especially true for young people. We need to
develop their abilities to function well socially. My argument is that Facebook can be a less threatening
way for shy children to learn social skills.
Jenny: So when you said Facebook can make young people happier, you meant it can help them cope better
socially.
Dr Green: Yes, that’s right. Virtual communication can often help them prepare for real face-to-face
communication.
Jenny: Interesting. Now we’re going to talk to Sally Collins. Sally is a secondary-school history teacher who has
developed some interesting projects for her students using Facebook. Welcome, Sally.
Sally: Hi, Jenny.
Jenny: Sally, tell us why and how you work with Facebook in your lessons.
Sally: Teachers often tell young people they should be learning instead of being on Facebook. They think of
Facebook as a distraction to learning, but used correctly I believe it can be a valuable educational tool.
Jenny: Can you give us an example of this?
Sally: Certainly. Last year, I had the idea of using Facebook in my history lessons. I created a project about the
French Revolution on Facebook. It took a lot of time to prepare, but it was worth it. Students created
Facebook pages and profiles for the different personalities involved in the revolution, like Marie
Antoinette and Napoleon. They were so motivated and put in far more hours than they would have done
with a traditional project. It had always been a struggle to get them to write anything. With the Facebook
project, I couldn’t get them to stop! If our schools are going to stay relevant to our students, we need to
keep up with the digital world they live in. Instead of only complaining about our students’ interest in
Facebook, we can use it to create learning opportunities.
Jenny: Thank you, Dr Green and Sally Collins. I enjoyed hearing your ideas.
Dr Green
and Sally: Thank you. / Thanks.
Answers: 1. d 2. b 3. a 4. b 5. d 6. c 7. c 8. a

16
 CONTRAST 1

CULTURE CLASH
You are going to hear an interview with an author.
Listen and choose the correct answer.
(8 x 1 = 8 points)
clash: conflicto
outsider: extranjero/a, persona de fuera
go to a lot of trouble: tomarse la molestia
hot (food): picante
rush: correr de un lado para otro

1 Early Days is Lia’s … . 5 When Lia’s mother first arrived in London, she
a. first novel thought … .
b. first book a. the English drank a lot of tea
c. first bestseller b. English food was terrible
d. only bestseller c. the English were unfriendly
d. the English weren’t polite
2 Early Days is about … .
a. Lia’s mother’s observations of the English 6 According to Indian culture, … .

b. an immigrant’s experiences in 1960s Britain a. you should always offer guests a proper meal
c. Lia’s childhood in London b. it’s rude to offer guests tea
d. the English attitude to immigrants c. it’s rude to drink tea without biscuits
d. guests should refuse to eat a full meal
3 Which of these statements is true about Lia’s
childhood? 7 The first time George’s family visit Anya and
a. It was difficult because her parents were so George, … .
different. a. they tell Anya they don’t like Indian food
b. Her parents didn’t understand her. b. they refuse to touch the food
c. She didn’t think her family was unusual. c. they don’t eat the meal Anya prepared
d. She thought her family was strange. d. they tell George they don’t like Anya

4 When Lia grew up, she understood why … . 8 When George and Anya first visit India, … .
a. she always misunderstood her parents a. George offends Anya’s family
b. her parents always misunderstood each other b. George visits many tourist sites
c. different cultures misunderstand each other c. they stay in a hotel
d. the Indians and the British often d. they stay with Anya’s family
misunderstand each other

17
 CONTRAST 1

Culture Clash
Jack: Welcome to Bookworm, the programme about everything to do with books: writing and editing,
illustrating and translating, buying and selling. Today we’ll be talking to Lia Advani, whose book Early
Days has become a bestseller. Welcome, Lia.
Lia: Thank you, Jack.
Jack: Early Days is your first book, isn’t it?
Lia: Not really. I wrote a children’s book two years ago, but Early Days is my first novel.
Jack: Your book is about the experiences of an Indian immigrant, Anya, in 1960s London. Anya’s story is
based on your own mother’s story, is that right?
Lia: Not completely. Like my mother, Anya arrived in London in 1960, worked as a secretary and married an
Englishman. But many of the incidents in the book are based on my own observations of the interactions
between my mother’s Indian family and my father’s English family.
Jack: What was it like growing up in two such different cultures?
Lia: As a child I never really thought about it. That’s just the way my family was. When I grew up,
I realised that it had given me the ability not only to understand two cultures but also to view things as
outsiders do. When your parents come from two different cultures, you see how people of different
cultures can misunderstand each other.
Jack: My favourite chapters in Early Days are the ones where Anya and her husband George meet each other’s
family. In fact, a lot of the conflict between Anya and her husband’s family revolves around food and
visiting.
Lia: One of the big differences for me between Indian and British cultures is the attitude to food and guests.
When my mother first arrived in England, she thought the British were very rude.
Jack: Why was that?
Lia: When she visited an English home, she was only offered a cup of tea and a biscuit. She has lived in
England over 50 years now, and even though she understands it’s not rudeness, she still can’t get used to
the fact she’s never offered a meal. Things are very different if you’re a guest in my mother’s house.
Jack: How’s that?
Lia: Well, you’ll still get a cup of tea, but you’ll get a meal as well. It’s considered extremely rude not to feed
your guests a full meal. And it’s very rude if you’re a guest not to eat it!
Jack: You mean like the scene in the book when George’s family visits George and Anya for the first time after
their wedding?
Lia: Yes, that’s right. Anya prepares a wonderful Indian meal for George’s English family. She goes to a lot
of trouble to prepare the meal, but George’s family hardly touches the food. They had never eaten hot,
spicy food before and don’t like trying new things. Anya of course is very upset and thinks George’s
family doesn’t like her.
Jack: In the book you also write about Anya’s first visit to India with George. George wants to stay in a hotel,
but Anya explains that they can’t do this as her family will be very insulted. George and Anya spend their
entire trip rushing between aunts, uncles and cousins so that no one will be offended. Poor George never
gets to see any of the tourist sites.
Lia: Yes. That story in the book was inspired by my parents’ first visit to India. My parents have been to India
several times since that first visit. They still visit the family but these days, my father also gets to see the
places he wants to.
Jack: How long did it take you to write Early Days? …
Answers: 1. a 2. b 3. c 4. c 5. d 6. a 7. c 8. d

18