CELPIP Listening Practice Test 22

Liam: The scooter rental program’s pickup system is chaotic. Any solutions, Mia?

Mia: We could assign pickup times, but that might limit spontaneity.

Liam: True. What about a shared calendar where users book slots? It’s flexible but needs everyone’s cooperation.

Mia: Good idea, though some might forget to check it. Another option is a central pickup hub with a lockbox system.

Liam: That’s secure, but installing lockboxes costs money. The calendar seems practical if we enforce usage rules. Let’s discuss how to make that work smoothly.

Mia: About the calendar idea—some users might not update their bookings. Should we add reminders?

Liam: Definitely. Automated reminders could keep things on track. But what if someone books and doesn’t show up?

Mia: We could add a penalty for no-shows, like a small fee. Let’s try a free calendar app with reminders first.

Liam: Agreed. I’ll find one with a user-friendly interface. Can we test it starting next month?

Liam: That calendar app you found works great, Mia. It sends reminders and tracks bookings.

Mia: Awesome! It’s user-friendly and free, which fits our budget. Let’s launch it next week.

Liam: I’ll send a group message explaining how to use it and set a rule for no-show penalties.

Mia: Perfect. We can review feedback after two weeks to ensure it’s working. If it’s smooth, we’ll stick with it. Let’s finalize the setup by Monday.

.: .

Adopter: Hi, I’m Liam, calling about my pet adoption appointment. Can you confirm the details?

Clerk: Sure, Liam! You’re booked for tomorrow at 2 p.m. to meet our dogs.

Adopter: Correct. What should I bring?

Clerk: A photo ID and proof of address, like a utility bill. Do you have other pets?

Adopter: No, first time. What’s the adoption fee?

Clerk: It’s $80 for dogs, $60 for cats, payable by card or cash.

Adopter: Okay. How long will it take?

Clerk: About an hour. You’ll meet the dogs, discuss their care, and sign paperwork if you pick one.

Adopter: Can my friend come along?

Clerk: Yes, but keep it to two people for a smooth visit.

Adopter: Got it. We’ll be there at 2. Thanks!

Clerk: Great, Liam. Excited to help you find a pet!

Person 1: Hi, I’m interested in learning about water conservation programs in our neighborhood. Can you tell me what’s available?

Person 2: Sure! The city has a few initiatives to promote water conservation. The main one is the WaterWise program, which encourages residents to reduce water usage through free tools and education. It’s open to everyone in the neighborhood.

Person 1: That sounds interesting. What kind of tools are provided?

Person 2: They offer a free water-saving kit, which includes a low-flow showerhead, faucet aerators, and a rain barrel for your garden. You can pick one up at the community center or request delivery through the city’s website. They also provide a guidebook with tips on reducing water use, like fixing leaks and watering plants early in the morning.

Person 1: Nice! Is there any cost to join the program, or is it all free?

Person 2: It’s completely free. The city funds it to meet sustainability goals. You just need to register online with your address to get the kit and access their workshops. The next workshop is this Saturday at 10 a.m. at the community center, covering efficient irrigation techniques.

Person 1: I’d love to attend. Do I need to sign up for the workshop in advance?

Person 2: Yes, they ask for registration to manage space. You can sign up on the website or call the city’s environmental office. It’s limited to 30 people, so I’d recommend registering soon. They also have an online version if you can’t make it in person.

Person 1: Good to know. Are there any incentives for participating?

Person 2: Definitely! If you complete the workshop and install the water-saving kit, you can get a $50 rebate on your water bill. You’ll need to submit proof of installation, like a photo of the showerhead or rain barrel, through the website. Plus, they’re starting a neighborhood challenge next month where the street with the lowest water usage wins a community garden upgrade.

Person 1: That’s motivating! Are there any rules or requirements for the challenge?

Person 2: For the challenge, your household needs to be enrolled in the WaterWise program, and you’ll track your water usage through a meter reading you submit monthly. It’s voluntary, but it’s a fun way to get the neighborhood involved.

Person 1: This is great. I’ll register for the program and the workshop today. Thanks for all the info!

Person 2: You’re welcome! It’s a fantastic program, and it really helps the environment. Let me know if you need the website link or anything else.

News Anchor: With heatwaves becoming more frequent, Crestview City is intensifying its battle against urban heat islands, where built environments amplify temperatures, endangering vulnerable populations. Announced yesterday, a comprehensive $6 million strategy will roll out in October, involving the creation of 1,500 green roofs on apartments and coating streets with reflective paint to deflect sunlight. This follows a study showing city centers 8 degrees hotter than outskirts, linked to concrete density and vehicle exhaust. Council member David Chen detailed how the plan incorporates misting stations in parks and incentives for businesses to install shade sails. Collaborations with universities will monitor temperature drops, targeting a 4-degree reduction city-wide. Residents in affected zones, like downtown, will get free heat-reflective window films. Praise comes from health organizations, crediting the initiative for potentially averting 20 heatstroke cases annually, based on last summer's data. Yet, property owners question the upfront costs and maintenance burdens. Authorities counter with phased implementation and grants covering 50% of expenses. Additional actions include expanding urban forests with drought-resistant plants. Pilot tests in one neighborhood already show 10% cooler microclimates. Should the efforts yield results, full integration into building codes is planned by 2028. Community forums are scheduled to gather feedback, ensuring inclusive progress. Crestview's proactive stance could set a model for hotter climates ahead, prioritizing resident well-being in a warming world.

Tara: So, the city council is considering a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, and they’ve asked for community input. We need to decide if our neighborhood association should support the proposal.

James: My first thought is about the noise. Those machines are so loud that you can’t hear yourself think. The electric ones are quieter and still get the job done.

Omar: True, but electric models are weaker. Landscapers might have to spend more time clearing leaves, which could drive up costs.

Tara: That’s one concern. There’s also the environmental angle. Gas blowers produce a surprising amount of emissions for such small engines.

James: Exactly—air quality matters. I’ve read that running a gas blower for an hour produces as much pollution as driving a car hundreds of kilometers.

Omar: But we can’t ignore the practical side. In fall, when leaves pile up, electric blowers might need recharging mid-job. That’s not ideal for large yards or commercial work.

Tara: Maybe the solution is a phased approach—ban gas blowers during summer when leaf volume is low, but allow them in peak leaf season.

James: I’m not sure partial bans work well. They’re harder to enforce. If we’re going to support the change, we should go all-in and suggest incentives for landscapers to switch to electric.

Omar: Incentives could help, like rebates for buying new equipment. That way, we’re not putting all the burden on small businesses.

Tara: And we could recommend a transition period, say one year, before the ban takes full effect.

James: That sounds reasonable. We support the ban in principle, but with financial and time support for those affected.

Omar: Okay, I can get behind that. Let’s draft our position letter with those points.

Speaker: Electric scooters have become a common sight in many cities, offering a quick and environmentally friendly way to get around. But as with many new forms of transportation, opinions on their benefits and drawbacks vary widely. According to Jasmine Carter, an urban mobility researcher, electric scooters reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. She explains that in downtown areas, short car trips are often replaced by scooter rides, which helps lower pollution and makes streets less crowded. Jasmine also points to their convenience, as users can rent them through apps and park them almost anywhere. In contrast, Paul Edwards, a traffic safety advocate, raises significant concerns about safety. He cites studies showing a rise in accidents involving scooters, especially among inexperienced riders. Paul notes that many scooters lack adequate lighting for nighttime use, and riders often don’t wear helmets. He argues that without stricter regulations, the safety risks could outweigh the environmental benefits. Meanwhile, city council member Laura Kim emphasizes accessibility. She believes scooters are a valuable addition to public transportation networks, particularly for connecting commuters to bus or train stations. Laura highlights programs in Chicago and Lisbon where scooter rentals were strategically placed near transit hubs, increasing ridership for public transit. However, Michael Torres, a pedestrian rights activist, warns about sidewalk clutter. He points out that improperly parked scooters can block walkways, making navigation difficult for people with disabilities or parents pushing strollers. Michael believes cities should require designated parking zones to keep sidewalks safe and accessible. In conclusion, Jasmine Carter praises scooters for reducing congestion and emissions, Paul Edwards warns of safety hazards, Laura Kim focuses on improved transit connectivity, and Michael Torres stresses the need for proper parking regulations. While electric scooters offer many potential benefits, their success depends on balancing convenience with safety and accessibility.

1. What is the main issue being discussed? B. Coordinating scooter pickups
2. Why is the pickup time assignment option less preferred? A. It restricts spontaneity
3. What do they decide to explore further? D. Using a shared calendar
4. What concern does Mia raise about the calendar system? B. It’s too expensive
5. What decision do they make? D. Test a calendar app with reminders
6. Why is the calendar app the best choice? B. It’s free and user-friendly
7. What are the next steps they plan to take? B. Send a group message and set rules
8. When do they plan to finalize the setup? B. By Monday
9. Why is Liam calling? B. To confirm adoption appointment details
10. What must Liam bring to the appointment? C. A photo ID and proof of address
11. What is the adoption fee for a dog? C. $80
12. How long is the appointment expected to last? A. 1 hour
13. What restriction applies to guests? D. Limited to two people
14. What is the primary information Person 1 is asking for? B. Water conservation programs in the neighborhood
15. What is included in the WaterWise program’s free kit? D. A low-flow showerhead, faucet aerators, and a rain barrel
16. What is required to attend the WaterWise workshop? A. Registration in advance
17. When is the next WaterWise workshop scheduled? B. This Saturday at 10 a.m.
18. What incentive is offered for completing the workshop and installing the kit? A. A $50 rebate on the water bill
19. What is a requirement for the neighborhood water usage challenge? C. Enrolling in the WaterWise program
20. What problem is the city primarily tackling? B. Urban heat islands
21. When will the strategy begin rolling out? C. In October
22. How many green roofs are planned? C. 1,500
23. What concern do property owners have? D. Upfront costs and maintenance
24. What is the targeted temperature reduction? B. 4 degrees
25. What is the main issue being discussed? B. Banning gas-powered leaf blowers
26. What is James’s main concern about gas-powered leaf blowers? D. They produce excessive noise
27. What practical drawback does Omar mention about electric blowers? A. They require frequent charging
28. What compromise does Tara initially suggest? A. Allowing gas blowers only in autumn
29. Why does James dislike partial bans? A. They are harder to enforce
30. What solution do they all agree on in the end? C. Support the ban with incentives and a transition period
31. What kind of support might be offered to landscapers? C. Equipment rebates
32. How long of a transition period does Tara suggest? D. One year
33. Jasmine Carter believes electric scooters help: B. Reduce congestion and emissions.
34. Paul Edwards’ main concern about scooters is: B. Safety risks due to accidents.
35. Laura Kim sees scooters as: B. A way to improve last-mile connections.
36. Michael Torres is worried about: B. Reduced pedestrian access due to blocked sidewalks.
37. Cities like Chicago and Lisbon placed scooters: B. Near transit hubs to boost ridership.
38. The speaker concludes that scooter success depends on: B. Balancing benefits with safety and accessibility.