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Audioscripts Macmillan English Hub B2 Workbook 

UNIT 1 Another surprising thing which we to the hairdresser’s or just out


learnt from this research was that to the local supermarket. These
Lesson 1.4, Listening, Exercise C the younger generation actually activities may seem quite boring
1.5 J = John Y = Yasmin feels lonelier than older people. to you and me, but if you don’t
J: We’re all used to hearing about the J: Actually, that doesn’t surprise me. see anyone for days on end, or
effect of social media. We often Young teenagers can often feel even hear the sound of somebody
remark how it’s possible to have socially isolated, can’t they? else’s voice, then these small
hundreds of ‘friends’ on Facebook, gestures are really important.
Y: That’s true, although the report
and yet in reality, we may have no J: Did you hear that, listeners?
specifically found that people
friends at all. This inevitably leads These are ways – quite simple
aged between 18 and 22 felt the
to wider issues – social isolation, ways – that you can make a
loneliest, despite being around
feelings of exclusion, anxiety and real difference …
others a lot of the time.
so on. In the UK, the authorities
have come up with an unusual
J: But surely, living alone has a huge
influence on loneliness, too?
UNIT 2
way of tackling the problem. Here
Y: Absolutely. In fact, I’d say it’s Lesson 2.4, Listening, Exercise B
to tell us all about it is our social 2.5 P = Presenter G = Gudrun
affairs correspondent, Yasmin actually the main cause of
Ahmed. Yasmin, welcome to loneliness amongst older people. P: Hello and welcome to Health Beat.
today’s programme. Something like half of people aged Now, we all know that making
75 and over in the UK live alone, important lifestyle changes can
Y: Thanks. It’s good to be here.
and many of them find it difficult be difficult – I mean, who hasn’t
J: So, tell us about this struggled to stick to a New
to get out and meet people.
unique approach. Year’s resolution? But why is it
J: And this is why the ‘minister for
Y: Well, in 2018, the British Prime so tough to make a meaningful
loneliness’ has been appointed?
Minister appointed a ‘minister change? Here to help me answer
Y: That’s right. The creation of
for loneliness’, to address social that is well-being coach and
this position is an opportunity
isolation in the UK. best-selling author Gudrun Nair.
for people to start talking. To
J: A minister for loneliness? That’s Gudrun – thanks for coming on
begin a public dialogue – about
got to be a first, hasn’t it? the show.
relationships, communities and
Y: It certainly is. It’s actually the first mental health in general. The new G: Happy to be here.
time a national government has minister wants to commission a P: So, how can we succeed in
directly tried to address the issue. study into the whole issue, and making lifestyle changes – which
J: So, what’s the story? Where did she wants to bring together local actually last?
the idea for this appointment councils, community groups and G: Well, I think the most important
come from? charities, as well as businesses and thing is to be realistic about what
Y: It came about as the result of a individuals, to develop a strategy you’re trying to achieve. All too
recent survey by the British Red which will tackle loneliness across often, we set ourselves vague
Cross which found that more than the country. or unmanageable goals and fail
nine million British people are often J: So what can we do, as individuals, as a result. Let me give you an
or always lonely. to help? example. Say your goal is ‘to lose
J: That’s a huge number. Y: The most important thing you weight’. What does this actually
can do is to make contact – make mean? How much weight are you
Y: I know! It’s a serious problem, but
friends. Not the social media trying to lose? When do you want
loneliness is often a sad reality in
kind! Reach out to neighbours to lose it by? Why are you trying
today’s modern world, and social
who you’ve never really spoken to lose it? Vague goals like this can
isolation can have a negative
to before. Stop and have a chat actually be pretty demotivating.
impact both psychologically and
physically. Depression, anxiety when you see them, instead of P: So, what’s the alternative?
and stress are all directly linked to hurrying on. G: How about something like, I’m
social isolation, and these, in turn, J: What about older people? Some going to lose three kilos in four
can lead to an increased risk of of our listeners might feel a bit weeks. This is a challenging, but
coronary heart disease, arthritis awkward about just, well, walking realistic goal, and it has a clear
and type 2 diabetes. And in fact, up to somebody and starting time frame.
the situation is quite similar in a conversation. P: OK, so what else?
other countries. For example, Y: Well. Something else you can do G: Two words – start slowly. Massive
a 2018 survey conducted by is to offer practical help – taking lifestyle changes don’t happen
the global health organisation, out the rubbish or changing a overnight – you’ve got to build up
Cigna, found that nearly half light bulb. Many older people to them.
of Americans say that they find it difficult to get out at all, P: Can you give us an example?
sometimes or always feel lonely. so you can offer the person a lift

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G: OK, let’s say you want to introduce family about what you’re trying to the planet. Now, I’m sure many of
some physical exercise into achieve, you’ll actually get a really you heard on the news this week
your routine. If you try to do positive reaction. about the very lucky American
too much at once, it can all feel P: So, what’s the best way to who survived for 38 days after
a bit overwhelming, and this is get started? being shipwrecked on a remote
when people give up. Allocate a G: Well, why not use social media Pacific island. He was spotted by a
particular time of day to exercise to your advantage? Share your passing ship, rescued and is now
and set a time limit – say, ten resolution on Facebook and safely home and recovering from
minutes every morning before you’ll have hundreds of people his terrifying experience. Well,
work. You’ll soon find that it to support and encourage you. today, I’m going to be explaining
becomes part of your daily routine. Committing to the goal in such a what you should do if you ever
After a while, you won’t even think public way means there’ll be a lot find yourself in a similar situation.
about it. Then, you can move on of people waiting to see whether I think the most important piece
to your next fitness goal, using the you succeed and, believe me, that of advice I can give – and this is
same method. really helps with motivation. true of many situations in which
P: Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. So, we find ourselves – is don’t
P: Yeah, I can imagine. It’s nice to
what about making a list of your panic! Panic is your worst enemy.
hear about a positive use of social
goals? Is that actually helpful? Provided you stay calm, you have
media for a change.
G: Er, it can be, but not the way most a good chance of surviving. You
G: Well, social media has actually need to believe that you’ll be
people do it. We tend to just write helped my clients in a lot of
a huge list of everything we want, rescued. Your priorities should be
ways. For example, I was recently safety, water, shelter and food – in
then forget about it. The lists working with someone who had
I work on with my clients are a that order. And rescue of course,
a really poor work–life balance. but that comes later.
little different. He rarely got home before eight
P: How so? So, first of all – safety. The first
o’clock in the evening, and by
thing you need to do is to
G: Well, first, I ask people to write that point, both of his children
establish what I like to call a ‘safe
down their motivation for each were in bed. He felt like he never
zone’. Start by asking yourself if
goal – why they actually want to got to see them or his wife. So,
there are any immediate dangers
make the change. to encourage himself to leave
in the area. For instance, are
P: So, why it’s important to them? work on time, he started posting
there any wild animals? Are
G: Right. Next, they make a list the exact time he arrived home
there rocks or spiky plants which
of any obstacles they might each day and how much time this
could injure you? You need to
face – anything that would stop allowed him to spend with his
be aware of these things. It’s
them from making progress. family. That way, he could track his
extremely important to avoid
progress online.
P: OK. injury. Out in the wild – with no
P: And did he achieve his goal? medication – even a small cut can
G: And finally, they make a plan of
action – what steps they will need G: He certainly did. He now leaves on be fatal.
to take in order to actually achieve time every day and can help put As soon as you’ve done that,
their goal. It’s much more than the kids to bed. the next thing to do is to look
just ‘a list’ – it helps people focus P: Glad to hear it. So, have you got for water. As long as you have
their ideas. any final words of advice? a supply of fresh water, you
P: OK, I see how that could work. G: If nothing else, I think it’s can actually survive for quite a
important to understand that long time with very little food.
G: Something else which I always
you have to work hard to make Obviously, if you find a stream,
say to my clients is – you don’t
meaningful lifestyle changes. then you’re very, very lucky! If
have to do this on your own. A
P: Gudrun Nair – thank you for not, then you need to find a way
lot of people don’t want to talk
talking to us. Next on the to collect water – this means
about their resolutions, as it kind
show, we … collecting rainwater or finding
of highlights all of their, er, failings,
water dripping down cave walls.
their flaws. If we tell our friends
that we want to lose weight, UNIT 3 You could also try to collect water
from the leaves of any large plants
for example, it draws attention Lesson 3.4, Listening, Exercise C
C = Chuck you can find. It’s important that
to the fact that we might be 3.5
you stay warm and dry and away
overweight, right? C: Good afternoon everybody. For from insects that might bite you. In
P: True. It can be pretty difficult to talk those of you who don’t know other words, you need some kind
about your problems – especially me, my name is Chuck Adams of shelter. Find a fallen tree. Then
with people you know. and I’m a survival expert with over collect some large branches and
G: Exactly. But you’ll find that if 30 years’ experience in some of lean them across the fallen tree.
you’re honest with your friends or the harshest environments on

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Cover these with leaves and the use of technology in want to improve their quality
smaller branches to protect you medicine. My guests are Doctor of life as much as they can.
from the wind and rain. Anna Scott, of Harrington City They’ve survived life-changing
On an island, the sea is an Hospital, and Richard Driver, accidents – they’re very brave
obvious source of food. As well a research scientist at the people – and they’re prepared to
as trying to catch fish, look for University of Kingsmarkham. go that little bit further.
limpets – those small shellfish DS and R: Good morning. R: I don’t know if you would say
that attach themselves to rocks P: So Anna, technology is changing that if you were in their position.
on the seashore. You will probably the way doctors diagnose, treat DS: You’re right, but that’s why
find some berries and fruit, too, and care for their patients. Tell us I believe we need to invest
but how can you work out if a bit about the developments we more money in this technology,
they’re safe to eat? Well, first, rub can expect to see in the future. so that we can be sure it’s
the berry or fruit across your skin. DS: Well, this idea doesn’t come from completely safe and 100%
Then, touch it to your lips without the future – but from the past! successful for every patient
eating it. Finally, put a piece of the Since ancient times, medical before we make it available.
berry or fruit in your mouth and practitioners have tried to replace R: Well, surely that’s true of every
then spit it out again. Provided missing body parts using artificial new development, isn’t it?
there is no strong reaction, it devices. Since then, there have P: OK. Let’s move on, shall
should be safe to eat. been huge advances obviously, we? Richard?
Obviously, getting rescued is especially in the design and R: Well, Nadia, with people living
your ultimate goal. It’s important manufacture of artificial limbs. longer than ever, being able to
to remember that somebody R: That’s true – designers are able replace parts of the human body
is probably out there looking to use lightweight plastics and when they cease to function
for you, so don’t give up hope. carbon fibre to create the most is going to become vital. We
An example of this is the man incredibly lifelike arms and legs hope that one day we’ll be able
I mentioned at the beginning of which don’t look at all artificial. to 3D print replacement organs.
the talk. He lit a fire on the beach
DS: The really interesting part comes Organovo, a US-based medical
and the smoke was seen by a
with the control of the limb research company, is currently
rescue ship which had been sent
though. Scientists are working developing an incredible
to look for him. So you need to
on a brain-computer interface ‘bioprinting’ process . Layers of
make some kind of signal in case a
which will allow the patient to cells called ‘bio ink’ are built up
plane or ship passes by. A distress
control his or her artificial limb into carefully calculated designs
signal is simply a pattern of three,
using brain power alone. to create new structures.
such as three blows on a whistle,
three flashes of light or even R: Yes, but what you’re not DS: Oh, come on. For most
three piles of rocks. You could also explaining is that this people – medical professionals
use tree branches to spell out a development has met with a included – the idea of 3D
message. Although, remember, it lot of resistance from patients printing new organs is just
needs to be really big if it’s going themselves. The kind of science fiction.
to be seen from the air or by a technology you’re talking about R: Well, you’re obviously wrong,
passing ship. Three sailors were requires far more complicated because it’s happening – here
rescued in that way a couple of and dangerous surgery than that and now.
years ago. They wrote the word which is currently used to attach DS: You’re talking about 3D printing
‘Help’ using tree branches on a prosthetic arm or leg. new tissue. We’re still years away
the beach. DS: Well, that’s true, Richard, but from what you’re suggesting.
So, while I hope that none of you what’s your point? We all R: It’s undoubtedly true that this
ever do find yourselves alone on a know that these procedures technology is in the early stages,
desert island, I hope that the tips are delicate, and, yes, they can but researchers have already
I’ve given you today will stand you be dangerous. printed small sections of liver
in good stead. R: By definition, somebody who’s tissue in the lab. I don’t think
lost a limb has already had it’s actually all that unrealistic.
UNIT 4 a horrific experience. Many Don’t forget that medical
Lesson 4.4, Listening, Exercise B patients just don’t want to procedures which are perfectly
4.5 P = Presenter DS = Dr Scott expose themselves to another normal today were just a dream
R = Richard extreme procedure. 20 years ago.
P: Good morning. You’re listening DS: I agree, Richard, but while there P: Anna, can you predict any other
to Future Talk on Radio 7 with may sometimes be objections ways in which technology will
Nadia Hussein. On today’s from a few patients, I think transform patient care?
programme, we’ll be discussing you’ll find that most people

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DS: I remember being terrified and villages in their hundreds in Candela! We are offering a fee
the first time that I had to and possibly even thousands. of between €800 and €2000 to
take blood from a patient. They leave behind them empty single people and families who
Today, robots – which are not streets, closed schools and are willing to join our community.
affected by anxiety or fear – can cafés and an elderly population. Six new families have moved
easily perform this procedure Fields which have been farmed in already!
without making any mistakes. for generations have been P: That’s incredible! And what are
And of course, they will soon abandoned and houses are falling you asking in return?
be carrying out much riskier, down because there is nobody A: New residents will have to commit
surgical procedures. to repair them. According to to living permanently in the
P: Perhaps, but a robot isn’t the EU statistics, as many as 22% of village. We will expect them to
same as a doctor, is it? Patients rural European populations are rent a house here, and we also
may not want to have an elderly. However, some areas and require them to have a job with
electronic doctor taking their towns are trying to change this a minimum salary. So they must
blood. Isn’t it possible that the trend of rural depopulation. work and have an income. We
patient’s fear may significantly One person hoping to bring especially welcome families with
impact their physical well-being? life back to their empty streets young children as we’re hoping
DS: When I say ‘robot’, we’re not is Aldo Conti – a resident to reopen the village school if
talking about a Star Wars-style of Candela, a small town in we have enough pupils. The
android! A surgical robot is south-east Italy. Aldo recently reopening of the school, local
a mechanical arm to which moved back to Candela after shops and businesses will create
tiny sensors and cameras are ten years living in the UK and jobs for local people, too, which
attached. A human doctor was devastated to find it much we hope will also encourage
actually controls the entire emptier than when he left. I met some of our own young people
procedure – a screen allows Aldo last year, when he took me to stay here and not to head for
him or her to view enlarged on a tour of the town. the city.
3D images of the inside of the A: … and this is the main square. P: A similar project is taking place
patient’s body. P: Wow! It really is empty, isn’t it? in Saint-Pierre-de-Frugie, in the
R: I know that, Anna, but the level A: Yeah. When I was growing up, the Dordogne region of south-western
of risk is crazy! I believe that square was full of people at the France. I spoke to one of the
researchers are trying to develop weekend, but now, everyone’s project leaders, Mark Henderson,
robotic surgery too fast. There just gone. about how he aims to breathe life
have been lots of reports about P: And you want to repopulate back into the village. So you’re not
robotic surgical devices making the entire village? Sounds a actually from here, are you?
fatal mistakes. While I accept that bit ambitious. M: Er, no. My wife and I moved here
in some cases these techniques about four years ago for a bit of
A: Haha! Well who doesn’t enjoy
are safe and useful, I just think peace and quiet.
a challenge? We all know
that people have a tendency to P: Well, you’ve certainly got that!
that people are leaving the
admire anything ‘new’. In some
countryside and heading to M: True – although I didn’t think it
cases, the traditional surgical
urban areas. Here, in Candela, would be this quiet! Our house
procedure is actually much
we hope to change that trend was pretty cheap and it didn’t
safer. I, for one, think that some
and bring life back to our village take long to work out why. There
hospitals – especially private
by encouraging city dwellers to was no school, no shops, the
ones – are promoting these
relocate here. farms and fields were abandoned,
kinds of technologies in order to
P: So how is this going to work exactly? people were leaving. No, people
impress their patients and get
A: Just think about it. Although most had left – especially the young
more ‘customers’, if you like.
jobs and houses are in urban people, you know?
DS: Definitely! That is an issue, but
areas, there are lots of people P: Aren’t the young people always
I don’t see why the unethical
who are fed up with their hectic, the first to leave?
practices of a few private clinics
should stop us from developing stressful lifestyle in the city, M: Absolutely.
life-saving new techniques … people who are longing to get P: So, what changed?
away and to live at a slower pace, M: Well, as you can see, our village
UNIT 5 closer to nature. is beautiful.
Lesson 5.4, Listening, Exercise A P: Sure. But that’s where the jobs P: True – the countryside around
5.5 P = Presenter A = Aldo are. Why would people want to here is amazing.
M = Mark move here?
M: Right – so we decided to
P: Across rural Europe, young A: Well, for one thing, we are willing concentrate on that – the
people are leaving small towns to pay people to come and live natural environment. A team of

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volunteers started to work in the A: … what with exams and so on. older. Some of our country’s most
village – we fixed the fountains I know my daughter finds it quite successful businesspeople didn’t
and public monuments; we stressful. She’s about to take her go to university.
cleared the footpaths and created exams and, well, she’s got a lot on A: Well, I guess that’s true but,
walking trails. Suddenly we had her plate. Still, it’s worth it, in the what about friends? I mean,
nature lovers, walkers, campers, end, isn’t it? I mean, to improve one of the main reasons we
all wanting to come and visit our their job prospects. send our children to school is to
village and stay. C: Actually, neither of my children go learn to socialise. How do you
P: That’s great. But what about to school. expect them to … to … learn
local businesses? A: Seriously? to deal with the real world? You
M: Well, we restored one of the C: Yes, my husband and I homeschool can’t keep them hidden away at
bigger, older houses and both our children. home forever!
converted it into a hotel. We’ve A: You’re joking, right? I mean, how C: I’m sorry, but that’s ridiculous.
also opened a village shop that will they get the qualifications I’m not keeping them ‘hidden
sells organic produce and the they need to go to university? at home’. As a matter of fact, my
restaurant is open again. We’ve son is quite shy, and he found
C: Just because they’re
even created an eco-centre which it difficult to cope when he first
homeschooled doesn’t mean
has educational resources and started at secondary school. That’s
they’re not getting an education,
information for visitors. And best why we pulled him out.
Anya. My husband teaches them
of all? We’ve installed several wind A: Oh, come on! You’re not helping
maths and science, and I teach
turbines and are now generating him to deal with his shyness with
them English literature and
our own electricity! your overprotection. He has to
essay writing.
P: Wow! So has it worked? learn to deal with difficult people
A: Look – I know you studied
Are people moving back to and situations. You’re depriving
English Lit, and your husband
the village? him of the skills he’ll need in his
is a biologist, but, I mean, those
M: Well, let me give you a few adult life.
aren’t the only subjects. What
stats – the population of about music, art, geography C: Well, I for one think that the
the village has risen from 360 and, well, everything? Don’t school environment doesn’t
in 2008 to over 400; 22% of you think you’ve bitten off a prepare you for adult life. Children
our farmland is used for organic bit more than you can chew? don’t always treat each other well,
farming – that’s compared with It’s a huge responsibility. How you know. Quite the opposite in
3% in the rest of France; and our can you provide them with a fact. I’m sorry, but you seem to
school has reopened – there’s full curriculum? have quite a negative attitude.
even a waiting list. A: Look, I’m sorry, Cleo, we seem to
C: We hire tutors for those subjects
P: That’s amazing. I hope it which we can’t teach ourselves, have got off on the wrong foot.
all continues. and, as a matter of fact, the kids Let’s just forget this whole topic of
conversation and start again. How
UNIT 6 are getting better grades than
some of their peers who go to are your parents?
Lesson 6.4, Listening, Exercise B mainstream schools. They’re not C: They’re fine, thank you. Look, Anya,
6.6 A = Anya C = Cleo obliged to study subjects they it’s been nice talking to you, but I’ve
A: Cleo! I was so happy when I got don’t like and they do really well got to go. I’ll … maybe I’ll see you
your message. I haven’t seen you in the ones they love. What you sometime. Bye.
for ages! How are you? Are you don’t understand is that they have A: But, Cleo!
still living in Sheffield? so many more choices. They’re
C: It’s so great to see you, too, Anya! not limited by a rigid school UNIT 7
Yes, I am. I’m married now and curriculum. They can think outside Lesson 7.4, Listening, Exercise A
I have two children. the box. We go on nature walks 7.5 L = Lecturer
and visit art galleries. We do craft
A: That’s fantastic! Girls, boys? How L: When I was here five years ago,
projects and experiments. There’s
old are they? I spoke about the need for society
so much more flexibility with, well,
C: My daughter’s 6 and my son’s 12. to find creative ways to address
with the way we do things.
A: 12? That’s amazing! How’s he the issue of overcrowding in our
A: You still haven’t explained how towns and cities. I wanted to
getting on at school? It’s not so
you expect them to get a good inspire people to make better use
bad at that age, is it? It’s when
place at university, Cleo. of the space we have and many
they’re 15 or 16 that things
C: University isn’t everybody’s cup projects since – for example, the
start to get a bit tough – a lot
of tea. There are other paths in regeneration work happening in
of pressure …
life. Actually, my son wants to set Manchester – seem to have taken
C: Well, the thing is, Anya …
up his own business when he’s my lead.

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However, space in urban areas Equally intriguing is SubTropolis, stations, making it ideal for
is still at a premium. Today’s an underground business anyone that needs to continue
megacities continue to expand at complex in Kansas City. Like many their journey by rail. It also offers
an alarming rate and many experts areas in the American Midwest, it riders protection from vandalism
believe that by 2050, two-thirds of was once known for its booming and theft – both of which have
the world’s population will be living industry, but over the past three become a serious problem in the
in urban areas. For generations decades, that has all changed. city in recent years.
now, architects have carved When the once-successful mining For me, all of these projects
out space by building upwards. operations in Kansas closed represent a creative way forward
Now, it seems, some city councils in the 1940s, they left behind for our cities. Since the last time
have decided the answer to our huge networks of caves and I spoke on this stage, overcrowding
problems may lie below ground, tunnels – massive, empty space has arguably become one of the
and I hope that the projects I’m without use or purpose. Twenty biggest threats to our society. If we
going to show you today will make years later, the largest mine was carry on building without thought
you feel the same. bought by a local entrepreneur to the millions of people that
and converted into a sprawling want to live and work in our cities,
Lesson 7.4, Listening, Exercise B complex of underground offices
7.6 L = Lecturer I’d argue that our way of life is
and commercial premises known under serious threat. It’s only with
L: A great example of how the space as SubTropolis. innovative solutions, like the ones
below cities can be exploited is Today, more than 1500 people I’ve discussed today, that we can
the Growing Underground project work there in a variety of tackle the very real problems of
in the UK. This is London’s first and businesses. Interestingly, the US urban development. Thank you.
only underground farm – created Postal Service also stores two
in old underground tunnels which billion dollars’ worth of postage UNIT 8
run 30 metres beneath ground stamps in the facility! Like Growing
level. The farm is accessed via a Lesson 8.4, Listening, Exercise B
Underground, the network 8.5 P = Presenter J = Jo
London tube station, and if you of tunnels here maintains a
brave the 129 steps deep into the constant temperature of between P: Hello and welcome to The Book
darkness, you are rewarded with 18 and 21 degrees Celsius, so the Group. This week, we’re talking
an astonishing sight – rows and whole complex uses very little about crime fiction, which recently
rows of perfect green vegetables energy, and businesses are able became the UK’s best-selling genre
and herbs packed into clinical to save thousands of dollars on for the first time ever. In fact, over
white shelving units. energy bills. It is also considered the past three years, sales of crime
The farm uses specially designed to be a very secure location for fiction have risen by an incredible
lighting and watering systems – in businesses as access to the site 19%, meaning that one in every
fact, it actually uses 70% less water is limited. Food distributors find three books sold in the UK is about
than conventional agricultural the site extremely useful because crime. So, what is it that draws
methods and 50% less energy. the constant temperature and people to these stories of murder
Unlike a regular greenhouse humidity levels are ideal for storing and violence? Here to help us
above ground, no extra heat or products such as cheese, coffee answer that question is Jo Craig,
light is required during the winter and wine. best-selling author of Without an
months and the temperature in Alibi and creator of the ever-popular
But it’s not just commercial
the underground garden is kept Billy Chandler detective series.
operations that can benefit
at a steady 16 degrees Celsius. Jo – welcome to the show.
from building below ground. In
And, as it is literally under its Amsterdam, bicycles are a hugely J: Thanks for having me, I’m always
customers’ feet, delivering the popular means of transport. happy to talk about books.
produce to the market and This is obviously great for the P: Well, you’re in the right place. So,
restaurants which it supplies environment, but bikes take Jo – why do you think we love
causes very little pollution in up space, and it’s becoming crime writing so much?
terms of transportation. increasingly difficult for the J: Well, first of all, most crime novels
And you know what? There are thousands of people that cycle tend to follow a fairly well-worn
eight huge shelters just like in the city to find somewhere path: an unexplained murder is
this one spread across the city, to park. To address this, the city followed by a complicated trail of
just waiting for entrepreneurs has recently constructed a huge detection and discovery, led by an
like Richard Ballard and Steven underground cycle park. Offering engaging central character. He or
Dring – the creators of Growing up to 3000 spaces for both local she might be a professional police
Underground – to bring them residents and tourists, the new officer – like the Swedish Kurt
to life. facility is situated underneath Wallander or, of course, my own
one of Amsterdam’s main train character, Billy Chandler. Or they

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might just be a normal person who Wilde’s The Importance of Being R: Oh, really? That’s odd. Let me take
takes a lively interest in crime – like Earnest who says, ‘The good end a look at this morning’s bookings.
Agatha Christie’s unlikely amateur happily, and the bad unhappily. OK. Can I take your name, please?
detective, Miss Marple. That is what fiction means.’ H: It’s Helen. Helen Jackson. Listen, is
P: These creations are often a bit I think that’s certainly what we this going to take long? This really
different from a regular policeman expect from the crime novels is going to upset my schedule.
or -woman, though, aren’t they? we read. I would also argue that I’m already running at least ten
J: Absolutely! The central character the messiness of ordinary life is minutes late. The 8.36 – that’s the
often has unusual personal habits something which drives us to train I usually catch to work – will
or quirks: Sherlock Holmes plays reach for the murder mystery. We be leaving soon. At this rate, I’ll be
the violin and Adam Dalgliesh can never predict what’s going lucky to get the one at 8.54. Either
writes poetry. to happen in our own lives: work, way, I’d be lucky to make it into
family, relationships, ill health – all work by 9.30 and, frankly, it’ll be all
P: So is crime writing just about
of these can make day-to-day your fault!
following the same old formula?
living a tough proposition. R: I really am terribly sorry to have
J: Well, good writers do also use
P: So, why would people want to held you up Miss Jackson, but if
the genre as a means to explore
read about something depressing, you’ll just give me a minute to
wider social themes such as
too? Wouldn’t they try to find check. It shouldn’t take too long.
poverty, race relations or gender
something more uplifting H: Frankly, it’s already taken too long.
roles. However, with a few
or positive? A single, 45-minute session is what
exceptions, the genre doesn’t
experiment – what you see, or J: Well, crime fiction always solves I booked. I received a confirmation
read in the cover blurb, is what a complicated web of events. By email about it last week.
you get. And in my view, that is the time you turn over the last R: OK, so it says here that you
what most readers are looking page, you’ve been given answers booked the court for seven o’clock
for and expect – a gripping plot to all the puzzles which were and it’s now quarter past.
which is guaranteed to keep posed while you were reading
H: And?
them entertained for the few the book. Rarely are we given
such an opportunity in our own R: Ten minutes is all we allow for
hours or days it will take them to late arrivals, I’m afraid. Anyone
read the book. Having said that, lives, and maybe that’s what we
find comfort in – a puzzle whose more than ten minutes late may
there are other factors which may lose their booking to a walk-in
contribute to the readers’ interest pieces all fit neatly into place in
the end. It has also been observed customer. It’s company policy,
in murder and the strange twists I’m afraid.
of the human mind. that readers’ appetite for crime
fiction increases in times of H: Ridiculous is what it is. There was
P: Such as? nothing about this policy in my
economic hardship. This would
J: Well, in real life, we often see seem to reinforce the idea that confirmation email.
people, or groups of people, people look for certainty in times R: Actually, it’s clearly stated in
that we consider to be naturally of difficulty: human courage the terms and conditions at
‘bad’, getting away with actions and patience winning out in the bottom.
which we believe are immoral. a difficult world. H: I see. Well, that doesn’t help me
From unjust or unfair situations
P: If only that were so in real life! now. I expect a full refund.
in our everyday lives to serious
crimes which affect the lives of J: Yes, exactly! R: Er, I’m afraid we cannot offer
refunds to customers that missed
thousands. Many of us – in a
complicated, mixed-up, stressful
UNIT 9 their sessions.
world – would like to see a Lesson 9.4, Listening, Exercise B H: This is absurd!
simpler reality in which good 9.5 N = Narrator R = Receptionist R: We can, however, book another
triumphs over evil, reason over H = Helen F = Freja L = Liam session for tomorrow morning.
senselessness. Rarely do we Conversation 1 Perhaps you can make it in for
witness ‘good’ winning out over seven this time?
R: Good morning. Welcome to
‘evil’ in real life, but the crime Conversation 2
Kington Leisure Centre! How are
novel allows people to reverse
you today? F: Morning, Liam. Please do sit down.
that trend – even if it’s only in
H: Not very well, actually. I take it you got my note?
our imaginations.
R: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. How can L: Yep – all done. There was a bit of a
P: So it gives readers the chance
I help? problem, though.
to see bad people pay for
H: Well, I booked a squash court for F: Oh, really? What was that?
their actions?
seven o’clock and somebody else L: Well, the photocopier ran out of
J: Exactly. It actually reminds me
is using it! paper, so I was only able to print
of one of the characters in Oscar
720 copies of the report.

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F: 720? 100 copies is what I ask you happy, I’m happy. But what does relish, leapt to her defence. She
to print, Liam. One for each person interest me is the ability of social seems to arouse as much feeling
attending the presentation. media to shape our view of reality. as a living, breathing person. For
L: Wait, what? But … but … In fact, I’d argue that in recent me, this just goes to show how
I thought … I’m sure the notes years, social media has blurred much social media has distorted
said 1000 copies. the lines between what’s real and our view of reality. What I mean
F: 1000 copies would be ridiculous, what’s fake. is – her very existence seems to
Liam. Never mind, at least we Let me give you an example. One have made us question what we
have enough for the presentation. of the latest influencers taking mean by ‘real’ when it comes to
I take it you did check the spelling the fashion world by storm is online content.
as I asked? 19-year-old model, Miquela Sousa. But is Lil Miquela really so
L: Of course, boss. Look … Better known as Lil Miquela, her different from the rest of us?
profile first appeared on Instagram Don’t we all use Instagram
F: ‘Derwent Electrical Services wish
in 2016 and has since gained well pages, blogs, YouTube channels
to thank you for your loyal
over a million followers. 1.5 million and Twitter feeds to present an
custom over the last 12 moths.’
to be precise. This success landed idealised version of ourselves,
Moths, Liam?
her a contract with the fashion not necessarily who we are?
L: Er, that’s right. house Prada and she is now I mean, seriously, does anybody
F: Months is what it’s supposed to the face of their 3D-generated really believe that those beauty
say, Liam. Not moths! Every single advertising campaign. vloggers actually look like that
one of these reports will now have Her Instagram account itself in real life? The right lighting, the
to be thrown away. is fairly typical for someone of best digital equipment, clever
L: I … I … I’m really sorry. I guess her age – endless selfies of her make-up tricks and editing can
I just didn’t … modelling on-trend streetwear or make anybody look like a model
F: Didn’t what, Liam? Think for two posing with celebrities. She’s also of perfection – an image utterly
minutes? Why you don’t take fairly outspoken on current affairs, unrelated to the real, living,
more care over your work, that’s is regularly involved in fundraising breathing person. What I’m saying
what I don’t understand, Liam. campaigns and has a burgeoning is – our online persona often
Just give me the pile of envelopes. music career. In other words, bears very little resemblance to
I’ll take the reports out and she does everything that other our real self.
redo them. influencers do. And for me, this is where the
L: Um, how are we going to take the Yet, her rise to fame has caused dilemma lies. I’m happy for my
reports out? I mean the envelopes a media storm. People are daughter to take inspiration
are all sealed. outraged and have expressed from the people she follows
their anger in no uncertain terms online, to aspire to a different
F: Sealed, Liam? Sealed? I specifically
online. Why? Because Lil Miquela lifestyle. But are influencers
wrote, ‘Do not seal the envelopes’
is not real – that’s to say, not setting an impossibly high
in my note. I wanted to check
flesh and blood real. She’s the bar? They seem to have the
everything first, because, frankly,
world’s first ‘virtual influencer’ perfect life. But is this because
I thought you might make a
and was created as part of a they don’t actually share the
mistake and, sadly, I was right.
digital art project by Sara Decou boring bits? You don’t get likes
L: I … I don’t know what to say.
and Trevor McFedries. or retweets for pictures of you
F: It’s fine, Liam. Just go and locking the front door or taking
What I think is most astonishing
find some more paper for the the bins out. You’re expected
about all of this is not that
photocopier, will you? to present the best version of
someone would choose to
yourself – the one that goes on
UNIT 10 create a virtual persona like
glamorous holidays and eats
this – it actually makes sense
Lesson 10.4, Listening, Exercise C from a marketing point of in expensive restaurants. But
10.6 L = Lecturer most of us aren’t celebrities, and
view – but that people would
L: Thank you. Now, I’d like to start react so passionately to her sometimes our lives aren’t all
by telling you a little bit about my very existence. When she first that great. And surely, that’s OK,
daughter. She, like most teenagers appeared on the scene, furious too. What I’m trying to say is that
in this day and age, is completely debates erupted on social in a world where the difference
addicted to social media. It’s media – a story that was actually between real and fake is almost
where she gets her news, how she picked up by mainstream news impossible to distinguish,
connects with her friends, what outlets – with some commenters, perhaps it’s more important
she turns to for advice. And for the often in the most unpleasant than ever to teach our children
most part, I’m fine with this. It’s or abusive language, branding it’s OK to be themselves.
not my thing, but as long as she’s her as fake. Others, with equal

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EXAM PRACTICE 1 underground collection centres that dancing is an act in which


for recycling. It’s also possible to we become a ‘creator’ – that we
Listening Part 1 monitor the waste that people use dance to prove to ourselves
11.1 L = Lecturer produce and there are awards that we are special, unique, that
L: Smartphones, smart cars, smart given to the ‘greenest’ people. we are not ordinary. To these
homes. Everything these days Furthermore, this system means experts, dancing provides us with
seems to be getting smarter that there is no need for large the opportunity to show our
and today we’re talking about waste collection lorries adding personality to the world.
smart cities. more pollution above ground. I think you could also make the
Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, is Something that ties all of these argument that dancing taps into
what’s known as a ‘lighthouse’ city initiatives together is education. some kind of nostalgia. It helps
and, thanks to some generous How can you encourage the us remember our lost youth.
EU funding, a number of projects general public to be greener? We get lost in the music and are
are being implemented in the Well, in one area, local residents transported back to the good
hope that, if successful, they can are given tablets which they use times from our past, the freedom
recreated in other cities to help to monitor their own energy of being young – a time when we
promote a greener world. So, and water use in real time. The still had the full energy of life.
we’re going to focus on some of idea is that if the public are Many also see dance as a form
the projects happening there. better aware of how much gas, of communication – we use
Firstly, let’s look at transportation – water and electricity they use, it to express ourselves when
specifically fuel types. In many parts they might waste less of these words and speech are not
of Stockholm, it’s now possible to valuable resources. enough. For example, many
buy bio-fuel. In fact, it is already people experience the desire
Listening Part 2
becoming popular with both car to dance for joy when you feel
11.2 L = Lecturer
and taxi drivers, and the plan is to passionate about something or
have lorries and heavier vehicles L: Thank you. Thank you. Next fall in love. Indeed, this form of
using it soon. Research is also being in our series of lectures on communication may be closely
conducted into how to make the movement, we will focus on one linked to survival. It is ultimately a
fuel more efficient. question – why do we dance? basic biological function.
Why do we choose to move our
Another area in which the city
is aiming to be greener is in
bodies to music, often – well, EXAM PRACTICE 2
at least in my case – to quite
how buildings are heated. Over Listening Part 1
embarrassing effect during
the past few years, Stockholm 12.1 P = Presenter A = Alex
social events? What do we
has been working with a major P: So we have in the studio today,
actually get out of it?
energy company to create a Alex Brown, who has just written
city-wide heating system which Well, for one thing, it’s pretty
a book on conflict in the family
can recycle the heat from data good for us. Multiple studies have
called Conflicting Opinions.
centres, large supermarkets and shown that dancing is a good way
Welcome, Alex.
sports stadiums. This ‘waste heat’ is to stay fit and many think it helps
to improve our overall focus. But A: Thanks for inviting me.
carried underground and can be
transported around the city and it’s certainly not the most obvious P: So, you seem to be the authority
pumped back, or recycled if you way to get these kinds of benefits. on family dynamics right now …
like, into buildings for extra heat. We don’t need to dance in order A: Well, I don’t know about that.
to have a healthy mind and body, But I did do a bit of research and
As for city planning on a larger
so there must be another, more thought I should get it down on
scale, there are already a number
fundamental reason for doing it. paper as it might help others.
of eco-districts in Stockholm.
These are areas in which you I actually think most people dance P: And I for one am glad you
will see plenty of solar panels simply because they enjoy it. In did – it’s a very interesting book.
collecting energy. Many of the fact, there’s a good amount of Now, something you talk about
older buildings in these areas, evidence to suggest that dancing quite a lot is sibling rivalry and
rather than being destroyed and does, in fact, affect our mood. I have to say that, when I was
replaced with newer ones, are When we dance, our heart beats growing up, there were quite a
being modernised to make them faster and our spirits rise, too. So few times I wished I was an only
more energy efficient. there’s a pretty good argument for child. My three sisters were pretty
wanting to dance purely for the tough to live with. So there’s a
Another important area is
enjoyment of it. great deal I can relate to in your
household waste. Stockholm’s
residents are now asked to put Another area to consider is book. The big surprise was that it’s
rubbish into different coloured our sense of identity. Some all quite positive.
bags which are thrown into large psychologists have suggested

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A: Well, that was what I wanted to P: So the goal is to find an social situation has deteriorated
achieve. Some people argue that acceptable solution. had noticeably bleaker outlook
conflict with siblings is a bad thing. A: That’s right. It does take time, of than people in more stable
I wanted to really turn this idea on course, but if you see conflict as a nations. Egyptians, for example,
its head. learning process, you will see the are less satisfied today than they
P: I guess parents always want to try benefits later on in life. were back in 2007. At the opposite
to find some kind of preventative end of the scale, Ukrainians said
measures. It can be quite stressful. Listening Part 2 they were far happier today than
12.2 L = Lecturer in the past.
A: Yes, definitely. Mums and dads
are always looking for some L: Hello everybody. Today I’m Now, whilst individuals might
kind of resolution to conflict so going to talk about something prioritise things like education and
the family can live in harmony. of great significance in our lives health over personal wealth, there
The thing is, sibling rivalry is that not all of us manage to does seem to be a correlation
inevitable. You rely on your achieve – happiness. between a county’s financial
parents to help you survive when I can see a few sceptical faces status and how highly its citizens
you are little, and if a little brother out there already, but let’s get rate their overall life satisfaction.
or sister comes along, it is a very something straight. I am well For example, Malaysians rated
real threat to the attention they aware that happiness is, by nature, much higher than Bangladeshis.
give you. Therefore, if parents try something which is difficult to However, Germans, who are
to put a stop to the fighting, at define, something which is hard generally much richer than
some point, they’re going to feel to put your finger on. I mean, Malaysians, only rated themselves
like they’ve failed. On top of this, what criteria do you use to slightly higher in terms of life
you are actually depriving your assess it? And isn’t everyone’s satisfaction, so perhaps the
kids of a great opportunity to interpretation of happiness difference becomes smaller, the
develop social skills. different? How do you put a unit wealthier you get.
P: Hmm, I’m not sure our listeners of measurement on happiness? An undeniable result was that
would agree with you … Well, for the purpose of this talk, overall, Asians and Africans were
A: Well, for me, if there are raised it’s probably more accurate to the most optimistic with regards
voices and slammed doors, this use the word happiness to mean to the future. Countries from both
means the rivals are dealing with ‘life satisfaction’. I’ll give you continents saw themselves as
the situation in an emotional, time to share your thoughts on having a higher rank on the ladder
rather than a logical way. the subject when I’m done, so than they do currently. The results
please save up any questions or weren’t as bright for people in
P: So how do you handle this?
comments you have until then. the Middle East, where a quarter
A: I suppose the best approach is to believed the future would be
So, we carried out a survey
speak in a calm voice and not add worse for them.
of 43 countries around the world,
to the noise. Ask them to speak to
and it would appear that some of OK, I’d now like to open it up to
each other rather than shout.
my previous assumptions about the audience …
P: But, isn’t this just theoretical? this subject were wrong.
It’s not always easy to put
I had, for example, long believed
into practice.
that, contrary to popular belief,
A: I see your point, but the problem is money can actually buy you
parents often get too emotionally happiness. Surely the more
involved. All too often, they money you have, the easier
actually raise their voices too, it is to be happy? Well, when
rather than leading by example. asked what made them happy,
P: What if they don’t want to talk? the majority of people in our
A: Then separate them and let them survey considered things like
calm down. By talking to each health and education to be far
other rationally about why they more important than material
were angry and how the other possessions. These were closely
person might have felt, you are followed by low crime rates,
helping them to develop empathy owning a house and having job
and listening skills. satisfaction. It seems clear from
P: Could be quite handy when this that money certainly wasn’t
negotiating at work! a priority.
A: Exactly. I would also ask them to However, some results were
suggest ways that their conflict less surprising. Those living in a
could have been resolved. country where the political or

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