CELPIP Listening Practice Test 18

Zoe: My utility bills are so high, Kai. How can I save energy?

Kai: You could switch to LED bulbs—they’re efficient. Or try a smart thermostat to control heating. Another option is unplugging devices, but it’s a hassle.

Zoe: Unplugging’s annoying. A smart thermostat sounds complex. LEDs seem simple. Are they expensive?

Kai: They’re affordable and last ages. Swap out your main lights first—kitchen, living room. Check sales online.

Zoe: I’ll start with LEDs. That’s an easy change to make.

Zoe: I’m going with LED bulbs, Kai, but should I replace all lights now or just a few?

Kai: Start with high-use areas like the kitchen—it’ll save the most energy. Replace others later.

Zoe: Kitchen’s a good start. I’ll buy LEDs for those lights. Should I get a specific brand?

Kai: Look for high-lumen, low-wattage ones. Check reviews online.

Zoe: I’ll shop online tonight and focus on the kitchen first.

Zoe: I’m set on LED bulbs for the kitchen, Kai. I’ll buy high-lumen, low-wattage ones online.

Kai: Perfect! Why focus on the kitchen?

Zoe: It’s used most, so I’ll save more. I’ll order the bulbs tonight and install them tomorrow.

Kai: Nice plan! Need help picking brands?

Zoe: I’m good, thanks. I’ll check reviews and update you tomorrow evening after ordering.

Applicant: Hi, Ms. Rivera, I’m super anxious about my first job interview tomorrow. Any pointers?

Advisor: Absolutely, Jamie. What’s the role you’re you applying for?

Applicant: It’s a sales assistant position at a bookstore. I’ve never done this before.

Advisor: First interviews are exciting! Wear neat business casual clothes—like a button-up shirt. Got one?

Applicant: Yeah, I can do that. What questions might they ask?

Advisor: Expect things like “Why do you want this job?” Practice explaining your love for books.

Applicant: Okay, I’ll rehearse tonight. Should I bring anything?

Advisor: Bring two copies of your resume and a pen. Also, also arrive 10 minutes early to show you’re reliable.

Applicant: Got it. The interview’s at 11 a.m. Should I get there by 10: a50?

Advisor: Perfect. It’s at their downtown store, right? Also, research their events—they host book clubs.

Applicant: They do. I’ll check their website. What if I freeze up?

Advisor: Take a deep breath and ask for a moment to think. They’ll appreciate your composure.

Applicant: That helps. Can I follow up after the interview?

Advisor: Send a thank-you email by end of day tomorrow. I’ll email you a sample.

Applicant: You’re a star, Ms. Rivera. Thanks!

Advisor: You’ll shine, Jamie. Good luck!

Person 1: Hi, I’d like to reserve a spot at the lakeside picnic area for a birthday party next weekend. Can you give me the details?

Person 2: Hello! Our lakeside picnic area is a beautiful spot for celebrations. We have shaded tables and grills along the lake, available for private bookings on Saturdays and Sundays.

Person 1: That’s ideal. What’s included in the reservation, and what should we bring?

Person 2: A reservation gives you exclusive use of a picnic site with four tables and two grills for up to 40 guests. We provide trash bins and parking passes. You’ll need to bring your own food, utensils, and decorations. Charcoal for the grills is available for $5 per bag if you don’t have any.

Person 1: Sounds good. How much is it, and how do I book?

Person 2: It’s $80 for a four-hour slot, either 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. You can book online or at the park office with a $30 deposit. We’re almost fully booked for next weekend, so I’d book soon.

Person 1: Got it. Are there any facilities nearby?

Person 2: Yes, there’s a restroom 50 yards away, and a playground for kids. The lake is swim-safe, but no lifeguard is on duty, so supervise closely.

Person 1: Perfect! Is there a discount for larger groups?

Person 2: If you reserve two slots in a month, the second is 15% off. Also, you get a free bag of charcoal for bookings over 30 people.

Person 1: I’ll reserve the afternoon slot. Thanks!

Person 2: You’re all set for a great party! Enjoy the lake!

News Anchor: An investigation is underway following a tragic helicopter crash that occurred yesterday morning near Kelowna, British Columbia. The aircraft, operated by a private charter company, went down shortly after takeoff during a routine survey flight over a forested area. Officials from the Transportation Safety Board confirmed that three people were on board — two passengers and the pilot. Sadly, all three were pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency responders arrived within 30 minutes, but the remote location and rough terrain made access difficult. Weather conditions at the time were reported as clear, and early reports suggest a possible mechanical failure, although the cause has not yet been confirmed. The crash site has been secured, and investigators are expected to remain in the area for several days.

Sophie: Alright, team, we need to plan a community language class to promote cultural exchange. It should be welcoming and affordable. Any ideas?

Mark: I think we should offer Spanish classes. It’s widely spoken, and we could find volunteer teachers from the local Hispanic community.

Tom: Spanish is a good choice, Mark, but some residents might want other languages. What about a multi-language program? We could offer Spanish, French, and Mandarin in rotating sessions.

Sophie: A multi-language program is inclusive, but it might be hard to find teachers for all three. What if we start with one language and expand later? Spanish could be the pilot, with plans for more if it’s successful.

Mark: I like the pilot idea, Sophie, but we’d need to ensure the classes are engaging. Beginner-level lessons might bore advanced learners.

Tom: True. We could offer two levels—beginner and intermediate—and use interactive methods like role-playing or cultural activities to keep it fun.

Sophie: Great idea, Tom. My concern is the venue—where can we host these classes for free or low cost?

Mark: The community center has meeting rooms we could use for free if we’re a non-profit program. We’d just need to book early.

Tom: I’m sold on the Spanish pilot with two levels at the community center. Let’s also promote it through local cultural groups to attract diverse participants.

Sophie: Perfect. Let’s go with the Spanish language pilot. Mark, can you check the community center’s room availability?

Mark: Sure, I’ll call tomorrow.

Tom: I’ll reach out to cultural groups and find volunteer teachers.

Sophie: Great. I’ll design the class curriculum and create flyers. This language class is going to bring our community together!

Speaker: Let’s discuss the rise of plant-based diets, which prioritize foods like vegetables and grains over animal products. This trend prompts varied perspectives from nutritionists, farmers, and environmentalists about its health and ecological impacts. Dr. Clara Nguyen, a nutritionist, strongly supports plant-based diets. She argues they reduce chronic diseases, citing studies showing 30% lower heart disease rates among vegans. Nguyen points to programs in Sweden, where plant-based school meals improved student health. She believes these diets promote longevity and wellness. In contrast, Robert Lane, a livestock farmer, highlights economic challenges. Lane acknowledges health benefits but argues that widespread adoption threatens farmers’ livelihoods, as meat demand drops. He notes that livestock supports millions of jobs globally. Lane suggests promoting sustainable meat alongside plant-based options to balance economies. Offering a balanced view, Dr. Ayesha Rahman, an environmental scientist, advocates for flexible dietary shifts. Rahman proposes reducing meat consumption while supporting sustainable farming practices. She highlights Costa Rica’s success, where plant-based campaigns cut emissions without harming farmers. Rahman emphasizes education to encourage gradual change. However, Professor Mark Ellis, a food security expert, raises concerns about accessibility. Ellis supports plant-based diets but warns that fresh produce is often expensive or unavailable in low-income areas, limiting adoption. He cites data showing 25% of urban residents lack access to affordable vegetables. Ellis recommends subsidies for produce to ensure equity. In conclusion, plant-based diets spark diverse opinions. Dr. Nguyen sees them as health boosters, while Robert Lane focuses on economic risks. Dr. Rahman favors flexible shifts, and Professor Ellis highlights access issues. I believe plant-based diets can thrive with education and equitable access, balancing health, environment, and economic needs.

1. What is Zoe’s goal? C. Reducing utility bills
2. Why does Zoe reject unplugging devices? B. It’s too annoying
3. What option does Zoe choose? D. Switching to LED bulbs
4. What concern does Zoe raise about LED bulbs? C. Deciding which lights to replace
5. What does Kai suggest? D. Start with high-use areas
6. Why is focusing on the kitchen the best choice? B. It saves the most energy
7. What are Zoe’s next steps? A. Order and install LED bulbs
8. When will Zoe update Kai? D. Tomorrow evening
9. What is Jamie seeking from Ms. Rivera? D. Advice for a job interview
10. What job is Jamie interviewing for? A. A sales assistant
11. What attire does Ms. Rivera recommend? D. Business casual
12. What does Jamie plan to do tonight? C. Rehearse answers
13. What time should Jamie arrive for the interview? B. 10:50 a.m.
14. What is Person 1 seeking information about? B. Picnic area reservations
15. What does a picnic reservation include? D. Four tables, grills, and parking passes
16. What should guests bring? B. Food, utensils, and decorations
17. How much is the reservation fee? B. $80
18. What facility is available nearby? D. A restroom and swim area
19. What discount is offered? A. 15% off the second slot
20. Where did the helicopter crash occur? B. Near Kelowna
21. How many people were on board the helicopter? B. Three
22. What type of flight was being conducted? A. A routine survey flight
23. What factor made the emergency response more difficult? D. Remote terrain
24. What is suspected as a possible cause of the crash? A. Mechanical failure
25. What are the speakers planning? B. A cultural festival
26. What is Mark’s initial suggestion for the class? A. Spanish classes
27. What concern does Tom raise about Mark’s suggestion? C. It limits language options
28. What alternative does Sophie propose? B. A Spanish pilot program
29. What concern does Mark raise about Sophie’s suggestion? C. It might bore advanced learners
30. What is the main advantage of offering two levels, according to Tom? D. It keeps classes engaging
31. Why do the speakers choose the community center? A. It’s free for non-profits
32. What is the final decision made by the speakers? A. To host Spanish classes as a pilot
33. Dr. Clara Nguyen argues that plant-based diets primarily reduce: C. chronic diseases
34. Robert Lane’s main concern about plant-based diets is D. lack of environmental benefits
35. Dr. Ayesha Rahman supports: A. flexible dietary shifts
36. Professor Mark Ellis is concerned about plant-based diets’: C. accessibility for low-income groups
37. The speaker mentions Sweden as an example of: B. successful school meal programs
38. The speaker concludes that plant-based diets should: A. include education and access solutions