Tapescript
The part of the text containing the answer is underlined with the question number given in square brackets []. If you still struggle with CAE Listening, please refer to Listening tips.
Part 1
Extract One
Jane: Well that was certainly original. I’ve seen quite a few of his plays and that one was completely different to the others. [2]
Bill: Yes, it was quite dark, wasn’t it? Maybe it’s because he’d become aware of his own mortality when he wrote it.
Jane: That’s right. He’d been seriously ill, hadn’t he?
Bill: Apparently it was touch and go for a while. [1]
Jane: Mind you, the main character was hilarious, in a sick kind of way. I think that kind of humour would go right over most people’s heads.
Bill: Well, I don’t know how he’ll follow up that story. He really seems to be a different character to when he first started to write. [2]
Extract Two
Interviewer: The old mantra about the three most important factors for a shop’s success – location, location, location – has been borne out by a new mathematical model. It could help retailers pinpoint lucrative sites for their stores. Physicist Pablo Jenson is here with us today. Good morning Pablo.
Pablo: Good morning. We have analysed location records for more than 8500 retail outlets in Lyon, France. We found that the shops formed clusters, with shops such as butchers and delicatessens in one group, for example, and laundromats and bookstores in another. Stores of the same group seemed to attract each other, while stores from different groups repelled each other. [3]
Interviewer: You’ve created a theory haven’t you?
Pablo: Yes, that’s right. It’s a theory of magnetism to calculate a number, ‘Q’ for shops, based on the proximity of attractive and repellent businesses in the area. ‘Q’ represents the suitability of a site for a particular type of shop: the higher the number, the better the site. We tested this theory with all of the bakeries in Lyon between 2003 and 2005. During that period, 19 bakeries shut down and their average ‘Q’ was lower than the average for all bakeries. [4] Actually, the Lyon Chamber of Commerce is using the model to help entrepreneurs identify promising new premises
Extract Three
Speaker: For a beautiful alternative to the bigger Spanish coasts, try the Costa de la Cruz, ‘the coast of light’. The government of Andalucia is taking care to protect this little known region, which has earned the nickname, ‘the Spanish Algarve’ thanks to its charm and proximity to the Portuguese border [5]. A property in the area represents a sound investment because homes are cheaper than their Portuguese equivalents, and land laws mean that it will never become so built up that it is spoiled. National parks, farmland and beautiful beaches all abound, and Chris Mercer of spanishproperty.co.uk says that more homes will be built soon. ‘More land will have to be made available for development soon because demand is quite simply starting to outstrip supply’, he says. ‘The government is being careful to preserve the natural beauty and character though, so your investment should stay strong.’ [6]
Part 2
John: The extensive network which makes up the Grand Union Canal is, without doubt, a truly extraordinary piece of engineering. Begun in the late 18th century, the majority of the canal system was built without the benefits of modern technology or public finance [7]. It is a truly grand canal. But why is it known as the Grand Union Canal? From 1790 to 1929 a large number of competing, independently owned canals were constructed [8], their waterways not uniform in size and often unable to carry the larger vessels from other sections. Through a series of takeovers, the various companies eventually amalgamated and created a ‘union’ of canals which could form a continuous link between Birmingham, London and other important industrial areas [9]. Along every stretch of canal, you will find this heritage retained. Traditionally-painted narrow boats are still guided by original mile posts, while working examples of mills, pump houses, ancient locks and keepers’ cottages are a common sight on any journey.
The Grand Union Canal boasts an extraordinary variety of wildlife, from feeding herons and hunting owls to rare water voles. Natural habitats are numerous as a result of cleaner waters and the declining industrial traffic [10]. The hedgerows and canal banks have proved an ideal location for a number of diverse species to thrive in this tranquil and often unique environment.
A car-free and carefree way to appreciate the beauty of the canal – and at your own pace – is by walking. Whether you are looking for organised or independent towpath walks, we can help you with your planning. Each waterway office can supply information on circular walks, waterside pubs plus suggested routes and specific points of interest [11]. There are many stations within easy reach of the Grand Union Canal. Why not try a one-way walk, returning to your starting point by train?
We’re keen to encourage both experienced and inexperienced anglers onto the well-stocked canal network and reservoirs [12]. We lease certain sections to established clubs who welcome non-members for a small daily fee. Before you fish, check with your local British Waterways office for information on access and availability. Rod licenses are obligatory, and can be obtained from your local post office. [13]
Last but not least, the towpaths are wonderful for cycling. Free of traffic, free of fumes and free of hills. Miles of accessible towpaths through some of England’s finest countryside. We can all share the delights of the canal system so please be considerate to other users. [14] Surfaces vary from stony pathways to smooth asphalt – but that’s all part of the enjoyment!
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