Inquiry about the West Bay Hotel's Temporary Staff Advertisement

ANNOUNCER: Section 1. You will hear a man telephoning to ask about a job in a hotel. First, you have some time to look at questions 1 to 4. You will see that there is an example that has been done for you.

WOMAN: Hello, West Bay Hotel. Can I help you?

MAN: Good morning. I'm ringing about your advertisement in the Evening Gazette.

WOMAN: Is that the one for temporary staff?

MAN: That's right.

ANNOUNCER: The advertisement is for temporary staff, so temporary has been written in the space. Now we shall begin. You should answer the questions as you listen because you will not hear the recording a second time.

WOMAN: Hello, West Bay Hotel. Can I help you?

MAN: Good morning. I'm ringing about your advertisement in the Evening Gazette.

WOMAN: Is that the one for temporary staff?

MAN: That's right.

WOMAN: The person responsible for that is not here today, but I can give you the main details.

MAN: Yes, please. What kind of staff are you looking for?

WOMAN: At the moment we need waiters. There was also a position for a cook, but that has already been filled.

MAN: I see. What are the working hours?

WOMAN: There are two shifts. The day shift runs from 7:00 to 2:00, and the late shift runs from 4:00 to 11:00.

MAN: Can employees choose which shift they prefer?

WOMAN: No. Staff members usually alternate shifts each week.

MAN: What about days off?

WOMAN: You get one day off each week. You can usually choose the day, but it must remain the same day every week.

MAN: And what is the rate of pay?

WOMAN: The pay is £5.50 per hour, and this includes a break.

MAN: Do staff have to go home to eat?

WOMAN: No. You can have a meal at the hotel, and it is completely free.

MAN: That sounds good. So I would earn around £231 per week.

WOMAN: You would also receive tips. Our guests are usually quite generous.

ANNOUNCER: Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 5 to 10.

MAN: Is there a uniform?

WOMAN: Yes. You need to wear a plain white shirt and dark trousers. The hotel does not supply these.

MAN: That's fine. I already have trousers. I just need to buy a few shirts.

MAN: Do I need anything else, like a waistcoat?

WOMAN: You must wear a jacket, but the hotel will lend that to you.

MAN: Do you know the starting date?

WOMAN: Yes. It should be around the 28th of June, in time for the summer season.

MAN: That's perfect. I'm available from the 10th.

WOMAN: You will need to speak to the service manager. Her name is Jane Urwin.

MAN: When is the best time to call?

WOMAN: Please call tomorrow morning. She usually starts checking rooms at midday, so call before that.

WOMAN: Her direct phone number is 832009.

MAN: Thank you.

WOMAN: She will also ask you for a reference, someone who can vouch for you.

MAN: That's fine.

WOMAN: You're welcome.

ANNOUNCER: That is the end of Section 1. You now have half a minute to check your answers.

ANNOUNCER: Section 2. You will hear a man being interviewed on local radio about a plan to improve a suburb called Red Hill. First, you have some time to look at questions 11 to 13. Now listen carefully and answer questions 11 to 13.

CAROL: Good morning and welcome again to Your City Today. With me today is Graham Campbell, a councillor from the city council. He’ll be telling us about the plan to improve the fast-growing suburb of Red Hill. Good morning Graham and welcome to the show.

GRAHAM: Good morning Carol.

CAROL: Now Graham, I understand there has been a lot of community consultation for the new plan.

GRAHAM: Yes, we’ve tried to address some of the concerns raised by local groups. Many residents are worried about traffic in the area, particularly the increasing speed of cars near schools. They feel it may only be a matter of time before there is an accident, as many children walk to school.

GRAHAM: Another concern is the overhead power lines. These are very old, and many residents asked whether something could be done about them.

GRAHAM: I’m pleased to say that the power company has agreed to move the power lines underground at a cost of $800,000. This will improve both the appearance and the safety of the area.

CAROL: That’s good news. But will this cause an increase in rates for local businesses?

GRAHAM: No, the power company has agreed to cover the cost themselves after discussions with the council. This means the council now has extra funds available for projects such as tree planting and public artwork.

ANNOUNCER: Before you hear the rest of the interview, you have some time to look at questions 14 to 20. Now listen and answer questions 14 to 20.

GRAHAM: We also prepared a map showing the proposed changes, and sent it to all residents.

GRAHAM: Firstly, we will plant mature pine trees to provide shelter and shade beside the supermarket on Days Road.

GRAHAM: To address traffic problems, the pavements at the corner of Carberry Street and Thomas Street will be widened.

GRAHAM: The entrance to Thomas Street from Days Road will be painted red to encourage drivers to slow down.

GRAHAM: A “Keep Clear” sign will be placed at the intersection of Evelyn Street and Hill Street so traffic can exit freely.

GRAHAM: To improve traffic flow, traffic lights will be installed halfway down Hill Street where it crosses Days Road.

GRAHAM: We are also planning activities for children. Local students will research a community story, such as the life of a local sports hero.

GRAHAM: An artist will turn the story into paintings on the wall of a building opposite the supermarket across Hill Street.

GRAHAM: Finally, a new children’s playground will be built at the end of Hill Street, near the intersection with Carberry Street.

CAROL: Wonderful. What happens next?

GRAHAM: The final plan will...

ANNOUNCER: That is the end of Section 2. You now have half a minute to check your answers.

ANNOUNCER: Section 3. You will hear two students called Dan and Jeannie discussing their studies at university. First, you have some time to look at questions 21 to 26. Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 26.

DAN: Hi, Jeannie. How’s it going?

JEANNIE: Oh, hello Dan. Pretty well, thanks. Have you managed to get the money for the course yet?

DAN: Yes, that’s all sorted out now. It took a long time though. Nearly a year ago I applied to my local council for a grant, and it took them six months just to refuse it.

JEANNIE: That’s really slow.

DAN: I also thought I was eligible for government funding, but I was mistaken. Then I asked my former company boss if they could sponsor me, and he agreed to make a financial contribution.

JEANNIE: What about college grants and scholarships?

DAN: They’re all quite small, so I decided not to apply unless I became desperate.

DAN: Eventually my parents helped me. At first they thought I should support myself because I already had a job, but in the end they took pity on me.

JEANNIE: That’s good news.

DAN: Now I can focus on meeting people. I haven’t had time for that yet.

JEANNIE: Why not join some college clubs?

DAN: You joined quite a few, didn’t you?

JEANNIE: Yes, I joined the drama club. Our first performance is next week, so we’re rehearsing constantly.

JEANNIE: I’m also hoping to take part in the spring production.

DAN: I’ve never liked acting. Are you involved in anything else?

JEANNIE: I enjoy singing, so I joined a music group. But I may leave after the next concert because the conductor doesn’t challenge us enough.

JEANNIE: I also joined the debating society, but with all the rehearsals I’ll probably have to give that up.

DAN: Do you play any sports?

JEANNIE: Yes, I’m on one of the hockey teams. I’m not very good, but I’d miss it if I stopped.

JEANNIE: I also started tennis, but it’s quite difficult because I’m not very fit.

DAN: I’ll probably avoid that then.

JEANNIE: I hope it will help improve my stamina, but it will take time.

DAN: Good luck.

JEANNIE: Thanks.

DAN: How are you finding the course?

JEANNIE: I wish we had more seminars.

DAN: Really? I think we already have too many.

DAN: I find them interesting, but sometimes I wonder if I’m clever enough for this course.

JEANNIE: I find them helpful because I can hear other people’s ideas and develop a deeper understanding of the subject.

DAN: How do you get on with your tutor?

JEANNIE: Mine is very demanding, but she gives a lot of feedback and advice.

JEANNIE: She’s helped me improve my essay writing and plan my revision for the end-of-year exams.

ANNOUNCER: Before you hear the rest of the discussion, you have some time to look at questions 27 to 30.

JEANNIE: First, you need to find out exactly what is required in the exams.

DAN: Would it help to look at past exam papers?

JEANNIE: Yes, they help clarify what topics are most important.

JEANNIE: After that, you can organize your revision priorities.

JEANNIE: I write the key topics on a card and read them regularly.

JEANNIE: You should also create a revision timetable so you know how to use your time effectively.

JEANNIE: It helps to divide revision into small tasks for each day.

JEANNIE: As I revise each topic, I write a short paragraph summary.

JEANNIE: Later I read it again quickly to help remember the key points.

JEANNIE: I also practise writing answers to exam questions.

DAN: That’s really helpful advice.

JEANNIE: No problem.

ANNOUNCER: That is the end of Section 3. You now have half a minute to check your answers.