Example of a listening skills text

Here is an example of the kind of listening text that often appears in elementary level coursebooks. How could you use this to develop students’ listening skills?

Part One

A:         Hello. Can I help you?

B:         Yes. I’d like a coffee, please.

A:         Small, medium or large?

B:         Medium, please.

A:         OK, sure. Anything else?

B:         Well, maybe a piece of cake. What kind of cake do you have?

A:         Well, we have carrot cake and some delicious fruit cake…

B:         OK, great. I’ll have a piece of carrot cake.

A:         OK, here you are. That’s $6 altogether, please.

Part Two

A:         Hello. Can I help you?

B:         Yes, please. I’ve got a bit of a cold. Do you have any tissues?

A:         Sure. We have packets of 12, 24 or a big box like this. How many would you like?

B:         A packet of 12 is fine, thanks.

A:         OK. Anything else?

B:         Oh yes. A bar of soap, please.

A:         Is this one OK?

B:         Yes, that’s fine.

A:         OK. That’s $5.75 all together, please.

Part Three

A:         Hello. Can I help you?

B:         Yes, please. I’m looking for a shirt.

A:         OK.  What size are you?

B:         Small, I think.

A:         What color are you looking for?

B:         Blue, maybe.

A:         How about this one?

B:         Oh yes, that’s nice. How much is it?

A:         $22-50.

B:         Can I try it on?

A:         Sure. The changing rooms are just over there. B:         I’ll take it, thanks.