Listening B2 Trinity ((ISE II))
En este post vamos a poner a tu disposición una serie de ejercicios de exámenes de Trinity para que puedas practicar, que es la clave para el éxito en el examen. Si necesitas más formación acerca del examen de ISE II (B2) puedes encontrar todo maravillosamente explicado en el siguiente post: >>La Gran guía del ISE II Tranquilo, vamos con calma, la clave los Listening es poner mucha atención en cada palabra que acontece en el audio, así que… TAKE IT EASY! Mucha suerte y al toro.
Listening B2 trinity para practicar
Exercise 1
1. You’re going to hear a talk about ageing population. You will hear the talk twice. The first time, just listen. Then I’ll ask you to tell me generally what the speaker is talking about. Are you ready? 2.Now listen to the talk again. This time make some notes as you listen, if you want to. Then I’ll ask you to tell me what reasons the speaker gives for and against. Are you ready?
Ageing affects all of us. It is used to refer to a situation where the average age of a country’s citizens is enhanced when the life expectancy of the people is increased. The life expectancy of citizens are increasing in developing economies where the advancement in medical science is improving living conditions and health. The heightening ageing population is useful in the growth of volunteers in any country. This is beneficial for the government, as the senior citizens offer free labour to the society after retiring.
The phenomenon does not come without its disadvantages. In certain underdeveloped and developing countries, older people earn low pensions to cover their life expenses. Plus, they compete with the younger generation in getting paid jobs. In fact, in some nations, the older generation cannot stop earning for fear of having no source of income; and thus, no food. While this holds true, it is also correct that the ageing population in some countries has gathered enough finance and joyfully serves the communities.
Economists have pointed out that the increase in senior citizens in a country means that the healthcare and pension expenses will increase. This is a cost to the government and a pressure on the taxpayers. Also, the increasing number of weak and ailing people increases the pressure on the healthcare amenities. The chances of suffering from Diabetes and hypertension are enhanced, making it difficult to cope with the demand. The situation can however be brought under control, if the ageing population has contributed to their own pension during its earning days.
In the event that older people work for a long period of time and the younger generations cannot access jobs, innovations are checked to a great extent. As a result, new ideas do not reach maturity. But the positive aspect is that senior people have more experience than the young. They can stand by the values of their cultures and maintain a practice that helps in continuing traditions.
A higher ageing population means lower instances of child birth, and eventually, lower costs on the health, education and social welfare programmes of the children. They have much to teach the younger generation and also motivate them to achieve new ventures. This can encourage the youth of a country to launch their own businesses and not be dependent on job givers.
Ageing population
Arguments for Arguments against
Growth of free volunteers
Have more experience than the young
Values in a culture are enhanced
Low birth rate and low social welfare programme expenses
The young can learn from the senior citizens
Youth can start new business establishments
Low pension to cover expenses
Younger generation does not get jobs easily
Pressure on taxpayers
Instances of diseases and health-care cost increase
Innovations are stopped
Exercise 2
1. You’re going to hear a talk about globalisation. You will hear the talk twice. The first time, just listen. Then I’ll ask you to tell me generally what the speaker is talking about. Are you ready?
2. Now listen to the talk again. This time make some notes as you listen, if you want to. Then I’ll ask you to tell me what reasons the speaker gives for and against. Are you ready?
Globalisation has been extremely good for some of the developing nations around the world who now have access to the global markets. However, globalisation is a complex issue. While it has made the world a better place to live by solving serious problems, such as poverty and unemployment, it has also made the rich richer. But, the creation of employment in low cost countries outweighs this flaw of globalisation.
The critics against globalisation continue to argue that even though globalisation is about free trade, there are still barriers like, (value added taxes) on imports. But, what these critics are overlooking is that before globalisation, nations were not allowed to freely trade with one another. Although the barriers have not been completely broken down, the restrictions on exporting and importing have been reduced. Today, customers have access to a wider range of products and services since the entry of foreign companies in the marketplace. Perhaps a better argument against globalisation would be that customers are increasingly opting for foreign-made products over domestic ones.
Those who continue to argue against globalisation point out that competition between countries is forcing companies to lower their prices. Even though this is great news for customers, this is not necessarily good news for manufacturers. Since other nations have equal opportunity to showcase their goods and services in marketplaces around the world, companies always have to think about innovating. Globalisation may have resulted in shutting down of old companies unable to keep up with the changing trends, but it has helped consumers gain access to better quality products at low prices. Even labour movement between countries has been made easy with globalisation. Here, critics seem to point out that the benefits mostly go to low cost countries. But, if the larger picture is kept in mind, low cost countries benefiting from globalisation is a welcome change. This uplifts economically backward companies while also helping developed countries fill in their talent gap for cheap.
Ultimately, globalisation is beneficial for both developed and underdeveloped countries. Even though the existence of trade barriers are still a concern for some companies, it is undeniable that overall globalisation has positive effects. It helps to bring nations closer together. Globalisation also creates hope for the creation of a better, peaceful world to live in where nations understand each other and are dependent on each others’ resources for growth.
Globalisation
Arguments for Arguments against
Developing countries have easy access to the global marketplace
Reduced trade barriers
Employment creation
Consumers have access to products or services from foreign companies
Customers buy quality products at affordable prices
Talent gap around the world is filled easily
Makes the rich richer
Particularly beneficial for low cost countries
Forces manufacturers to offer their products at cheap rates
Foreign products are preferred over domestic ones
Exercise 3
1. You’re going to hear a talk about mobile phones. You will hear the talk twice. The first time, just listen. Then I’ll ask you to tell me generally what the speaker is talking about. Are you ready? 2.Now listen to the talk again. This time make some notes as you listen, if you want to. Then I’ll ask you to tell me what reasons the speaker gives for and against. Are you ready?
Mobile phones are one of the most common electronic communication devices, used by almost everyone today. The widespread usage of mobiles has some ill effects according to some experts, while others conclude that the advantages outweigh any such disadvantage. There have been many studies around the world regarding how mobiles affect human beings. A recent study suggested that there were no substantial links between mobiles and the increase in brain tumor risks. An alternative study prior to this one suggested that mobiles are associated with such risks. Global agencies including the WHO have classified mobile radiation as a harmful carcinogen. Conversely, other researchers have stated that such radiation cannot cause cancer, due to its non-ionizing nature.
Radiation levels of all mobiles are certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Thus, there is not a big chance of us getting hands on phones that emit radiations above the FCC’s limits. Conclusions of a study also stated that mobile phone users might actually have a reduced risk of brain tumors. Opposing viewpoints state that it is too early to tell, due to the latency period of tumors. Additionally, a study also suggests that mobile phone radiofrequency radiations are responsible for cancers and DNA damage. However, reputed agencies like, the FCC, FDA and GAO have suggested that there are no proven links between mobile phone radiation and cancer.
A logical observation can be made that even with the rapid rise in mobile phone usage, the number of brain cancer cases have not risen significantly. Thus considering mobiles as causes for the disease is not relevant. Another observation states that children who use mobiles are twice as likely to absorb RF radiation than adults. This was more pronounced in children under the age of 8. In adults too, radiation from mobiles is considered to be the cause of low sperm count and miscarriages. Such radiation is also regarded as the cause of ADHD and behavioural problems in children. However, it must be noted that almost all devices like radios, cordless phones, televisions, and pagers all work via transmitting RF radiation. Since such devices cannot work without RF radiation, they might be considered necessary evils.
According to another study, the radiation released by mobiles affects the proper functioning of pacemaker devices. Mobile phones have made our lives quite convenient and continue to do so. But the results of multiple studies cannot be considered as inconclusive. Regulating the use of mobiles might be the solution.
Mobile phones – are they safe?
Arguments for Arguments against
A study suggests that there were no substantial links between mobiles and brain tumor risks
Researchers have stated that such radiation cannot cause cancer, due to its non ionizing nature
A study also stated that mobile phone users might actually have a reduced risk of brain tumors
Conventional standardised testing can keep focus on the things that matter
Global agencies including the WHO have classified mobile phone radiation as a harmful carcinogen
A study suggests that mobile phone radiofrequency (RF) radiations are responsible for cancers and DNA damage
Children who use mobile phones are twice as likely to absorb RF radiation than adults
Mobile phone radiation regarded as a cause for ADHD and behavioural problems in children
A study suggested that mobile phone radiation can interfere with the functioning of pacemaker devices
Exercise 4
1. You’re going to hear a talk about airlines. You will hear the talk twice. The first time, just listen. Then I’ll ask you to tell me generally what the speaker is talking about. Are you ready? You will hear the talk twice. The fisrt time, just listen 2.Now listen to the talk again. This time make some notes as you listen, if you want to. Then I’ll ask you to tell me what reasons the speaker gives for and against. Are you ready?
Low-fare airlines appear to be a fantastic deal, especially for frequent flyers, with the obvious reason being low prices. These deals offer regular flyers an opportunity to save as much as 50% to 80%. In spite of this, flyers do argue about the hidden fees that come with such deals like insurance costs, taxes and other added expenses. The price of the ticket is still quite low as compared to normal ticket pricing. So, low-fare deals are a clear winner here.
There are several flyers, however, who do complain about the stringent limitations put on low-fare deals. And it can be said that their arguments do focus on some serious issues, for example, airlines requiring flyers to purchase two-way tickets. This may not be entirely false, but there are airlines allowing flyers to book one-way tickets without charging anything extra, as well. Also, a lot of people argue about the no refund policy that most airlines have during such promotional offers – but the amount is so nominal that it will not break your bank. And there are those finding faults with the rescheduling restrictions, but even this can be avoided by properly planning your trip in advance.
Those who are critical of airlines offering low-cost fares point out that the promotional offers are only for certain specific routes and available for a very limited period of time. And that is definitely a drawback. If the promotional offers do not fall within your travel dates, the offer is practically of no use to you. However, you might be able to schedule your travel dates to coincide with the promotional offers. Airlines usually offer low-cost tickets during off-season or non-peak hours of the day. And most airlines are providing the option of booking low-cost tickets in advance and using it within a timeframe set by them. So, if you already have your travel plans prepared, you can purchase tickets in advance and enjoy a hassle-free trip.
Ultimately, low-cost airlines are the perfect way to travel for regular flyers. Some of the airlines announce such offers when they have new plans or are re-fleeting. This gives flyers a chance to enjoy state-of-the-art amenities and features. Moreover, competitively priced airlines make it possible for those travellers with a limited budget to make the best use of the offers. There is no doubt that there are some restrictions and limitations with the low-cost airline fares. But if you look at the bigger picture, these offers are certainly lucrative.
Low cost airlines
Arguments for Arguments against
Lower price – 50% to 80% savings opportunity
Requires flyers to purchase two-way tickets
Tickets need to be booked in advance
The offer period may not coincide with your travel dates
Rescheduling restrictions
Exercise 5
1. You’re going to hear a talk about pets. You will hear the talk twice. The first time, just listen. Then I’ll ask you to tell me generally what the speaker is talking about. Are you ready? 2.Now listen to the talk again. This time make some notes as you listen, if you want to. Then I’ll ask you to tell me what reasons the speaker gives for and against. Are you ready?
Pets are close companions for many of us. They keep us safe from intruders and keep our homes secure. They can be of great help, not just against other people, but situations like, fire, natural disasters and other emergencies. They are lovable animals who impact our lives in many positive ways. A pet can boost your mood, help fight depression and anxiety, and make us feel happier. So, a home with a pet animal is generally a safe and happy place. Pets can make their owners feel instantly better and enhance their lives.
Having a pet and taking care of it can be a vast learning experience for individuals. By trying to care of a pet, we learn how important it is to be patient and compassionate. This knowledge and understanding helps us improve our relationships with the people in our lives. Children who live in homes with pets also grow up to be more patient and gentle. A pet animal has feelings for its owner and expresses them vividly. They can understand if you are unwell, sad, depressed or under the weather. Oftentimes, pets try to cheer up their owners to make them feel better. It is always good to have our pets as lovable cuddle buddies, and it is a sure-shot way of making one’s day better. Pets can also benefit people who are afflicted with mental health issues. Cats, dogs, birds and other animal pets can help to fight the symptoms of major mental ailments.
There are however, some drawbacks one can experience with pet animals at home. Firstly, keeping a pet at home increases one’s responsibilities in many ways. Taking care of the pet, feeding it, and caring for it is a serious commitment. Training pets is also a considerable effort that one must invest in. An animal that is not properly trained can behave erratically and increase its owner’s woes. People who are too busy in their schedules might consider not having pets at home. Pets can also cause allergies which are hard to deal with.
A well-trained pet is safe around children. But, without adequate training, they can be the causes of harm. It also takes significant monetary investments for taking care of pets. There might also be the need of cleaning up after pets, and they might disturb one’s sleep at night. Pets are great to have around, if one can deal with the above mentioned drawbacks.
Getting a Pet
Arguments for Arguments against
Pets can keep us safe from intruders and secure our homes
Pets can boost one’s mood, and help fight depression and anxiety
Pets teach us the importance of being patient and compassionate
Pets can help people with mental disorders
Increases one’s responsibilities
An animal that is not properly trained can behave erratically
Pets can cause allergies
Considerable monetary investments are needed for taking care of pets
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