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Listening Exercise from Podcast
Listen and fill in the blanks:
Sarah: "So, Mark, have you ever thought about what life would be like in a smaller town? You know, where everyone knows everyone, and things move at a slower ?"
Mark: "I have, actually. I’ve always wondered what that would be like, knowing people in your neighborhood and not having to deal with so much noise and . But honestly, I’m so used to the excitement of the city. There’s always something happening, and I love that energy."
Sarah: "I get that. There’s definitely an energy in the city—so many people, things to do, places to . But, for me, growing up in a town was a whole different experience. There’s a real sense of community. Like, everyone knows you, and there’s this natural support system. You just don’t get that in cities as much, do you?"
Mark: "That’s true. In the city, you’re kind of on your . People are friendly, but there’s less of that neighborly feeling. Everyone’s just… busy, you know? They’re always in a rush, going from one place to the next."
Sarah: "Exactly. In my town, people took time to say hello or help each other . I remember walking down the street and always running into someone I knew. There’s this calm and predictability to it."
Mark: "But don’t you miss the variety of city life? Like, I can go out any night of the week and try food from a different country, see live music, or even catch a new art . The options are endless!"
Sarah: "I get that. The food options alone are amazing in the city! But for me, having that slower pace—being able to hear the birds, take in the quiet, have the stars visible at night—that’s what I love about my town. The peace and quiet of being surrounded by nature is something I didn’t realize I’d miss until I moved to the ."
Mark: "Fair point! Nature’s a big . In the city, parks are beautiful but crowded, and getting out into real open space is a whole trip. It’s like you have to plan to find nature."
Sarah: "Yes! In a town, it’s right . My family home is close to rivers, fields, and a little forest. I used to go for walks every evening. In the city, it’s like you have to make a schedule just to find a quiet place."
Mark: "I know! Sometimes I feel like I’m constantly in motion here—squeezing in time to meet friends, racing from one thing to the . But that pace is part of what I love too. I don’t think I’d trade that."
Sarah: "I understand that. Different lifestyles, I guess! In a town, we might have just a handful of restaurants, maybe one theater, and people spend more time just visiting each other’s . It’s a simple life, but it has its own charm. You’re never really a stranger to anyone."
Mark: "I respect that! And honestly, there are days when I envy it. But would you want to live in a city ?"
Sarah: "Maybe! Just to experience that variety. But I think I’ll always be a small-town person at . The hustle and bustle are fun, but I need my quiet moments."
Mark: "And maybe one day I’ll try the quiet town life to see if I can slow down a ! I think both have their perks, and at the end of the day, it’s about what feels like home to you."
Answer Key:
- 1. pace
- 2. traffic
- 3. go
- 4. own
- 5. out
- 6. exhibit
- 7. city
- 8. one
- 9. there
- 10. next
- 11. homes
- 12. again
- 13. heart
- 14. bit
Transcript:
Sarah: "So, Mark, have you ever thought about what life would be like in a smaller town? You know, where everyone knows everyone, and things move at a slower pace?"
Mark: "I have, actually. I’ve always wondered what that would be like, knowing people in your neighborhood and not having to deal with so much noise and traffic. But honestly, I’m so used to the excitement of the city. There’s always something happening, and I love that energy."
Sarah: "I get that. There’s definitely an energy in the city—so many people, things to do, places to go. But, for me, growing up in a town was a whole different experience. There’s a real sense of community. Like, everyone knows you, and there’s this natural support system. You just don’t get that in cities as much, do you?"
Mark: "That’s true. In the city, you’re kind of on your own. People are friendly, but there’s less of that neighborly feeling. Everyone’s just… busy, you know? They’re always in a rush, going from one place to the next."
Sarah: "Exactly. In my town, people took time to say hello or help each other out. I remember walking down the street and always running into someone I knew. There’s this calm and predictability to it."
Mark: "But don’t you miss the variety of city life? Like, I can go out any night of the week and try food from a different country, see live music, or even catch a new art exhibit. The options are endless!"
Sarah: "I get that. The food options alone are amazing in the city! But for me, having that slower pace—being able to hear the birds, take in the quiet, have the stars visible at night—that’s what I love about my town. The peace and quiet of being surrounded by nature is something I didn’t realize I’d miss until I moved to the city."
Mark: "Fair point! Nature’s a big one. In the city, parks are beautiful but crowded, and getting out into real open space is a whole trip. It’s like you have to plan to find nature."
Sarah: "Yes! In a town, it’s right there. My family home is close to rivers, fields, and a little forest. I used to go for walks every evening. In the city, it’s like you have to make a schedule just to find a quiet place."
Mark: "I know! Sometimes I feel like I’m constantly in motion here—squeezing in time to meet friends, racing from one thing to the next. But that pace is part of what I love too. I don’t think I’d trade that."
Sarah: "I understand that. Different lifestyles, I guess! In a town, we might have just a handful of restaurants, maybe one theater, and people spend more time just visiting each other’s homes. It’s a simple life, but it has its own charm. You’re never really a stranger to anyone."
Mark: "I respect that! And honestly, there are days when I envy it. But would you want to live in a city again?"
Sarah: "Maybe! Just to experience that variety. But I think I’ll always be a small-town person at heart. The hustle and bustle are fun, but I need my quiet moments."
Mark: "And maybe one day I’ll try the quiet town life to see if I can slow down a bit! I think both have their perks, and at the end of the day, it’s about what feels like home to you."
