Listening Test for Intermediate Level Young Adults
Name:_______________________ Date:_______________________
Structure
1. Section 1: A 5-minute conversation
– 2 questions
2. Section 2: One-minute conversations
– 5 conversations
– 2 questions per conversation
3. Section 3: 3-minute monologue
– 1 monologue
– 5 questions
Grading Guide
Sec 1 – Each question: 5 points (total 10 points)
Sec 2 – Each question 1 point (total 10 points)
Sec 3 – Each question 2 point (total 10 points)
– Total: 30 points
– Passing score: 23 points
TRANSCRIPTS
Section 1
5-Minute Conversation
Setting: A café where two friends, Sarah and John, are catching up.
Sarah: Hey John, it’s been a while! How have you been?
John: Hi Sarah! Yes, it has been a long time. I’ve been pretty busy with work. How about you?
Sarah: Same here, work has been hectic. I barely have time for anything else. What have you been working on lately?
John: I just started a new project at my job. We’re developing a new app for online shopping. It’s exciting but also very challenging.
Sarah: That sounds interesting! What kind of app is it?
John: It’s an app that helps people find the best deals on products. We’re incorporating some AI to suggest items based on user preferences.
Sarah: Wow, that sounds really useful. I could definitely use something like that. Shopping online can be so overwhelming sometimes.
John: Exactly! That’s the problem we’re trying to solve. What about you? How’s your job going?
Sarah: I’ve been working on a marketing campaign for a new product. It’s been a lot of work, but I think it’s going to be successful.
John: That sounds great. What kind of product is it?
Sarah: It’s a new line of eco-friendly household cleaning products. We’re trying to target people who are interested in sustainable living.
John: That’s a fantastic idea. More and more people are becoming environmentally conscious these days.
Sarah: Yes, exactly. We’re hoping that this product will really take off. Anyway, enough about work. Have you been doing anything fun in your free time?
John: Not much, honestly. I did go hiking last weekend, though. It was nice to get out into nature and take a break from everything.
Sarah: That sounds lovely. I need to do something like that soon. Maybe we could go hiking together sometime.
John: That would be great! Let’s plan something soon. It’s always more fun with friends.
Sarah: Definitely. Let’s make it happen.
Questions:
1. What is John currently working on at his job?
2. What is Sarah’s new marketing campaign about?
Section 2
1-Minute Conversation Transcripts
Conversation 1
A: Did you see the game last night?
B: Yes, I did. It was incredible! The last-minute goal was unbelievable.
A: I know, right? I couldn’t believe it when they scored. It was so intense.
Questions:
1. What did A and B watch last night?
2. How did the game end?
Conversation 2
C: Hey, do you have the notes from yesterday’s lecture?
D: Yes, I do. I can email them to you if you want.
C: That would be great, thank you! I missed the class because I was sick.
Questions:
1. What does C need from D?
2. Why did C miss the class?
Conversation 3
E: Are you coming to the party on Saturday?
F: I might. I have a family event earlier that day, but I’ll try to make it.
E: Cool, I hope you can come. It’s going to be a lot of fun.
Questions:
1. What event is E asking F about?
2. What is F’s reason for possibly not attending the party?
Conversation 4
G: Can you help me with this math problem?
H: Sure, let me see. Oh, this is a tricky one, but I think I can help.
G: Thanks, I’ve been stuck on this for an hour.
Questions:
1. What does G need help with?
2. How long has G been stuck on the problem?
Conversation 5
I: Do you want to go for a coffee break?
J: Yes, I need a break. I’ve been working non-stop since morning.
I: Great, let’s go. There’s a new café nearby that I’ve been wanting to try.
Questions:
1. What does I suggest doing?
2. Why does J want a break?
Section 3
Monologue
Transcript
“Good afternoon, everyone. Today, I’d like to talk to you about the history of Australia, a land rich with diverse cultures and a unique past.
Australia’s history dates back over 60,000 years with the indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who were the first inhabitants of this vast land. They have a deep spiritual connection to the land, which is reflected in their art, music, and stories passed down through generations.
In 1770, Captain James Cook, a British explorer, made his first landing on the east coast of Australia, claiming it for Britain. This event marked the beginning of significant changes for the indigenous peoples. In 1788, the First Fleet arrived in Sydney, establishing the first European colony. This period brought about conflict, disease, and displacement for the Aboriginal people, drastically altering their way of life.
The 19th century saw a surge in European immigration, spurred by the discovery of gold in the 1850s. This gold rush brought wealth and development, leading to the establishment of major cities like Melbourne and Sydney. However, it also intensified the marginalization of the indigenous population.
In 1901, Australia became a federation, uniting the six separate colonies into one nation. This period saw the implementation of policies that aimed to create a ‘White Australia,’ restricting non-European immigration. These policies were gradually dismantled in the mid-20th century, leading to a more multicultural society.
Post-World War II, Australia experienced significant economic growth and social change. The 1960s and 70s were marked by the civil rights movement, advocating for the rights of the indigenous population. In 1967, a national referendum resulted in a landmark decision, granting the federal government the power to make laws for Aboriginal Australians and include them in the census.
In recent decades, Australia has continued to grapple with its history, striving for reconciliation and recognition of the injustices faced by the indigenous peoples. Today, Australia is known for its rich cultural diversity, stunning landscapes, and a strong sense of community.
Understanding Australia’s history is crucial in appreciating its complex and multifaceted identity. It’s a history that encompasses ancient traditions, colonial impacts, and ongoing efforts towards equality and unity.
Questions and Answers
- Approximately how far back does Australia’s history date? 60 thousand years.
- Who arrived in 1788 and what did it mean for the Aboriginal people? The First Fleet arrived in Sydney, establishing the first European colony. This period brought about conflict, disease, and displacement for the Aboriginal people, drastically altering their way of life.
- What mineral was discovered in the 1850s? Gold.
- What movement came about in the 1960s and 1970s. The civil rights movement.
- Complete this sentence: Today, Australia is known for its rich cultural …………..
………..diversity, stunning landscapes, and a strong sense of community.
ASSESSMENT RUBRIC
Assessment Rubric for English Listening Test
Criteria
Excellent (5) Good (4) Satisfactory (3) Needs Improvement (2) Unsatisfactory (1)
Comprehension
Key Information
Inference and Interpretation
Vocabulary Understanding
Following Instructions
Usage Instructions
1. Comprehension: Evaluate how well the student understands the main ideas and specific details of the listening material.
2. Key Information: Assess the student’s ability to identify and recall key information and relevant details.
3. Inference and Interpretation: Judge the student’s ability to make accurate inferences and interpretations based on the listening material.
4. Vocabulary Understanding: Consider the student’s understanding of the vocabulary used in the listening material.
5. Following Instructions: Evaluate the student’s ability to follow both simple and complex instructions accurately.
6. Response Accuracy: Assess the accuracy and relevance of the student’s responses to questions based on the listening material.
7. Note-taking Skills (if applicable): Evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of the student’s note-taking during the listening test.
This rubric provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the listening skills of young adult students in English. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score. Use this rubric to provide detailed feedback on students’ strengths and areas for improvement in their listening abilities.
Peter Abram 