Audio scripts and Answer Key for Listening Worksheets Class XI

Worksheet 1 Class XI

Task 1

You will hear 5 short extracts of people talking about technology in schools.

Read the statements below, then listen to the extracts and match each statement A-G to each
speaker 1-5. There are two statements you do not need. You will hear the recordings twice.

Speaker 1

Schools are changing, becoming smarter. The days of lugging around huge school bags, making notes
and mugging from textbooks are gone. Theyve given way to smart classrooms with white boards
on which content can be saved, stored and viewed online. Schools were experimenting with basic
technology till recent times but this is no longer the case. Class notes are now emailed to students;
there are graphic calculators and Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Homework assignments are posted
online. All of this is designed to make teaching more interactive by video conferencing and live
broadcasting.

Speaker 2

What does so much technology do to a childs learning life? Today a teachers job is to focus on
concepts rather than content. He should be able to teach more than what Google has to offer.
However, while we embrace technology, we have to be extra cautious as kids are highly vulnerable to
cybercrime. So the question is, How much technology is too much in schools? While smart classes
have their advantages, it doesnt make any sense to make seven-year-olds carry a laptop to school. If
students can read up everything online, they may become complacent and even stop going to school.

Speaker 3

Children arent as attentive as they used to be before smart board devices were incorporated into
teaching. Some children no longer take notes. Those using internet twenty-four-seven are easily
distracted. Children miss out on writing skills. Lets face it, the traditional tools of teaching will
never become obsolete. Another drawback of the net age is that students are at a loss if they dont
understand content on the web or have a guide at hand. Technology can never replace a teacher.

Speaker 4

Gen-Y seems to be comfortable with the technology even though parents and teachers are still in
adjustment mode. I dont know which generation will be better off in the long run though. Its good
for their brains, but is it good for them in other ways? Children are mentally active, not so physically.
Central Board of Secondary Education Trinity College London

Speaker 5

Technology is here to stay and we will just have to accept it. But theres no doubt that childrens
handwriting and vocabulary have suffered. However, the danger is not so much from the use of
technology in a supervised classroom but rather what a child will do at home when hes alone, lost in
a virtual world. His health, ability to engage with others, natural curiosity about his surroundings and
imagination are bound to suffer. If pen and paper once defined school days, its the stylus and touch
screen that do so today. Perhaps the two can co-exist.

Task 2

You will hear three people talking about homework. Read the sentences below, then listen to the
conversation and choose A, B or C for each sentence.
You will hear the recording twice.

Intro female: School homework, the bane of many a household, has been closely studied by a pair of
Australian academics who found that homework for young primary school children is of little or no
value when it comes to academic achievement. Rachel Carbonell spoke to the books authors, Richard
Walker and Professor Mike Horsley about their views

light male: I realise theres a lot of disagreement, but the consensus findings would be that
homeworks not very beneficial for primary school kids. You know, there are very limited benefits for
junior high school kids and only reasonable benefits for senior high school kids. Thinking about the
effect of the involvement of parents in homeworkwhere parents are over-controlling or interfere in
their kids homework activitiesthen thats clearly not beneficial, is it? But where parents essentially
try to provide guidance then that situation is beneficial for students. Not many parents actually do
this, they tend to take control but if they can take a back seat then this supports their kids autonomy
rather than them being interfering and controlling,

female: Well, despite the research showing overall that homework is of limited value for younger
children, it didnt discount the value of homework in children. For example, it said that it helps to
develop other skills such as managing their time and setting and completing tasks.

deep male: Yes, but the fact is that the quality of the homework that is set is more important than the
quantity. We think that theres probably too much homeworkwhich is basically just practising and
repeating the work done in the classroom.

female: I think the book is valuable because its aimed at teachers and parents as well as students. I
suppose in essence it proposes a re-think of homework, doesnt it?

light male: Yes for example it suggests that teachers should develop a homework curriculum. That
is, when the teachers are planning their unit of work they should probably plan homework at that
time. Homework is often an add-on. So one of the things that we hope to achieve is to try and get the
Central Board of Secondary Education Trinity College London

planning of homework to be more sophisticatedmuch more structured and organised.

deep male: The other thing is that homework tends to be seen as being an individual activity.
But if you see homework as being social and cultural in nature then youre going to set different
types of homework for students. If you believe this then youre probably going to emphasise
more collaborative learning. Youre probably going to emphasise the fact that students need some
assistance with their homework from parents and other people rather than just the idea of students
sitting at home, in isolation, doing their homework.

Task 3
You will hear Sarita Shah, giving a presentation on heating problems and solutions for them. Read
the question below then listen to the extract and choose four of the options A-G which are correct.
You will hear the recording twice.
Which four of the following statements does the speaker believe to be true?

Heat Mapping

Hello! I am Sarita Shah, working at Heat-Well,an upcoming Heat-mapping Company in New Delhi.
Do you know where yourinsulation gapsare? As the winter months arrive and much of Northern
India braces itself for icy weather, we take to the streets to let homeowners know exactly where their
heating expenses are escaping. We provide suggestions about how to make your homes moreenergy
efficient. We drive around as many streets as possible, taking pictures of peoples homes in our SUV,
equipped with infrared cameras, heat-mapping whatever homes are visible on both sides of the
street.

The photos give a quick assessment of each structures thermal envelope and highlight areas where
heat is escaping into the outside air. In blobs of colour ranging from black-coldest-to purple, orange
and yellow which is the hottest, the images can be used as a thermal map to prioritize areas that
need extra insulation, usually around windows, eaves and spaces between floors. The images are
then processed on the companys software and stored on a secure server. Homeowners can then type
in their addresses to see if their homes have been covered and get a free assessment.

Heat-Well can then recommend local insulation companies, window installers etc. that can
providefittingsto help plug the gaps. The only challenge that we face is the concern for privacy,
expressed by the people, but we at Heat-Well insist that our cameras cannot see through walls or
windows. So it is impossible to see people or objects inside the buildings. Also, the images are stored
on a secure server and homeowners can also opt out of the program and have the photos deleted at
their request.
Central Board of Secondary Education Trinity College London

It can be proved that about 50 per cent of household energy waste results from breaches in a homes
heat envelope. The company estimates that residential buildings can easily save Rupees 37,000 to
75,000 per year.

Task 4

You will listen to someone talk about things that irritate them on Indian roads. Read these
sentences, then listen to the speaker and complete these sentences in one or two words only.
You will hear the recording twice.

An average Indian road is an irritating place to be in. Be it a biker, a truck driver, a car owner, a cyclist,
a scooter or a mere pedestrian, it is a path full of uncertainties, dangers and at times, unintended
amusements. Today I want to discuss what is it that irritates me the most when I am on the road.
I am sure I will get a fair share of people supporting me on this. Honking, and too much of it at that,
is a problem. A big one. In India, people often think they will clear a traffic jam simply by honking
their horns. Does not happen. What happens instead, is high blood pressure for some, road rage for
others, and frustration for the rest. If there are any left, they simply turn up the volume. I think the
last ones are the smartest and get home first.

Why are people so obsessed with high beam headlights? I will never know. And to be sure, I never
use high beam myself. See, high beam has its uses. On a highway with high speed traffic, and one way
roads, it is the only way to drive. But in cities, with well-lit roads as in Delhi, Mumbai and some other
cities, it is a nightmare. In fact, it is criminal to use high beam! Or should at least be.

Rear View mirrors have a purpose and are supposed to be used. Pity we dont realise that. Out of
laziness or sheer callousness, I am yet to figure out. The number of cars on the road who never
bother putting into use the rear side view mirrors is incredible. You dont need University of
Cambridge research to prove that. Simply roam around the city and casually note the number of cars
with a folded side view mirror. Or those without one at all. Somehow to me, a rear side view mirror
is more useful than a normal rear view mirror. It helps you reverse and also when you wish to change
lanes. And yet, people dont use it. Shame, shame.

And now the bikers! They are a bunch of crazy people. They zig zag around, sometimes appear in
front of you out of nowhere, and at times disappear too without warning. And in India there are so
many of them. So they make my life hell.

But what is it with SUVs though? You are big, you are spacious, you are frightening. But you dont
own the road. Not in the city anyway. Because you are heavy, you are also slow and no matter how
hard you try, you cant get further ahead of my Maruti 800 from one red light to the next. So stop
giving me those looks. I am scared but cant be defeated. Irritating.
Central Board of Secondary Education Trinity College London

Key

Task One Task Two Task Three Task Four

1 C 1 a True Statements: B,C,D, F 1. dangers

2. F 2 b 2. honking
3 A 3 a 3. headlights
4 G 4 a 4. change lanes
5 D 5 c 5. bikers
6 b
 Audio scripts and Answer Key for Listening Worksheets Class XI

Worksheet 2 Class XI

Task 1

You will hear 5 short extracts of people talking about school.

Read the statements below, then listen to the extracts and match each statement A-G to
each speaker.

Speaker 1

As a member of the school council, I helped choose a new ICT teacher. We observed him
teaching a demonstration lesson and we were impressed with his skill as an ICT teacher and
the way he kept discipline. Getting involved in the school council has helped me a lot. It is
a positive thing. It has given me confidence in making decisions. I think we are making a
difference for the students.

Speaker 2

I play right back for the school football team. Teachers help a lot with after-hours training.
The school encourages you to learn a variety of things. Im also very keen on ICT and have
been given a software program that shows you the basics. I practice my computer skills in
break-time, lunchtime or after school. Anyone can turn up and book time on a computer.

Speaker 3

Im a buddy to junior-class children. You play with them at break-time, give them confidence
and help them in their studies. If a student is struggling, you get to be their buddy and help
them through the year. Buddies are given training. A guidance counsellor comes in, she plays
games and helps you with your listening skills. She tells us how to recognize signs a child
needs help, how to talk to them and help them. She doesnt shout at you. She listens and
shes really nice. After she talked about it there were fewer disturbances during school hours.

Speaker 4

The school has a good diet campaign. I take a packed lunch with some fruit, a sandwich
and a drink of blackcurrant or water. Mr Sharma, the head teacher, doesnt allow us to bring
crisps or chocolate. The lunch people come round and if they see you eating it they take it
off you, even in the afterschool club!. My diet makes me feel fit and strong and I enjoy eating
Central Board of Secondary Education Trinity College London

better now. Eating fruit releases energy slowly over a longer period so I dont feel the need
for snacks.

Speaker 5

Last year I travelled overseas for the first time to Lisbon with a group of year 9s and 10s.
The trip was paid for and organised by the schools business sponsor an estate agent. I
went because of my interest in food technology. School encourages you to enjoy things you
havent done before. I also started to go to after-school drama club and I joined a Saturday
club where I do extra ICT. Im getting Cs and Bs in most subjects and an A* in drama.

Task 2

You will hear a boy and a girl talking about their upcoming NSS camp. Read the sentences
below, then listen to the conversation and choose A, B or C for each sentence.

You will hear the recording twice.

Boy: Hi, Roopa

Girl: Oh, hi, Avinash. Hey, did you see the notice board yesterday?
Boy No, Ive skipped it as usual like most of the students, haha. Tell me, was there
something special on it .
Girl: Yeah, there was a notice from our NSS in charge, Mr. Sharma. It was about one day
camp meant for NSS Volunteers. Its going to be organized for next Sunday .
Boy: Is it meant for volunteers from class XI or XII? What are they supposed to do?
Girl: Its meant only for our class, class XI. Well, you know how dirty our area has got! So
here is an opportunity to make it more beautiful. Itll be a great social service.
Boy: So you will be cleaning all the streets and roads?
Girl: You are right. Well be cleaning the main streets by picking up all the plastic
wrappers, bags, etc. You know all the gutters get choked due to plastic as it not
biodegradable. We are also going to make colony walls look nicer and create
murals on empty walls depicting social messages. Many people have offered the
walls of their houses for murals.
Boy: Oh really! Perhaps we have come across some murals in our English book in the
chapter about Tut. A mural is to make a painting on the wall itself, isnt it?
Girl: Exactly!
Central Board of Secondary Education Trinity College London

Boy: But even if you clean the area, people will just litter it again the next day. So what is
the use of cleaning it? Were just students its not our business. We need to focus
on our studies. It is the duty of older people to think about all this.
Girl: No, Avinash, that isnt so. We are living on an ailing planet and we have entered
into an era of responsibility. It is a pity that we all keep shifting that responsibility to
others. Honestly, its ridiculous I think you are just making excuses because youre
refusing to leave your comfort zone! But if we all did our bit, it would be very
effective and have such a positive impact, wouldnt it? We can change the whole
scenario.
Boy: OK! That makes sense. I am convinced. But how can you make others aware?
Girl: We are preparing posters with slogans to make people aware. Well talk to them
about the importance of cleanliness for the health and hygiene of all of society.
Well also highlight the hazards of plastic, which is the main source of litter on the
earth. If we want to save this planet, well have to say NO to plastic. We need
more and more hands to enlighten people.
Boy: Youre absolutely right. Itll be an honour to be a part of this camp. Tomorrow Ill see
Mr. Sharma and put my name down to attend the camp.
Girl: Good! See him in the staff room as he is going to leave early to make the necessary
arrangements for the camp.
Boy: Oh yeah. Good idea. Thanks for letting me know all this.

Task 3

You will hear a talk on the benefits of walking. Read the question below, then listen to the
extract and choose four of the options AG which are correct. You will hear the recording
twice.

Which four of the following statements does the speaker believe to be true?

Meditation, yoga and exercises have become a must in todays hurly burly world. Those of
us who are not at ease with meditation and yoga can do very well with simple exercises like
walking in nature, which is the greatest doctor for mankind.

When you are down physically, mentally and spiritually, just sit up and get going for a
meeting with nature. You will be in touch with mother earth and in the process both will be
doing a whole lot of good to each other. Not only will your anxieties and sorrows disappear,
you will get a new feeling of hope and happiness.
That is why even Hippocrates, considered to be the Father of Western medicine, said that
taking a walk is like taking the best medicine against all kinds of possible ailments. And I read
recently that the Greek physician also said that you always have two doctors on stand-by
your right leg and your left leg!

Studies have shown that walking reduces the risk of many major diseases like cancer,
diabetes and arthritis. And prevention of major illnesses means great savings for the
environment too.

Yes, walking should be special to all. It is the number one participation sport in the world.
That means there is no exercise as good as walking. It involves more muscles of your body
than any other sport does. Brisk walking uses almost all of the 650 muscles and 206 bones
found in the human body!

Tailpiece: And they discovered something very interesting: When it comes to walking, most
of the ants thinking and decision-making is not in its brain at all. Its in its legs.

Task 4

You will hear two people debating the issue of technology in schools. Listen to the debate
and complete the sentences with one or two words only.

You will hear the recording twice.

Woman: Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Im here to speak in favour of using
technology not just as an aid to study but to fully replace teachers. There is no denying the
fact that technology makes classes interesting. With PowerPoint presentations and videos,
students not only hear and learn but also visualise the lesson, which makes it easier for
them to remember whatever they are taught. Usually when a professor comes and delivers
a lecture, some students start dozing if the lecture is boring. They end up mugging up for
exams then forgetting the information as soon as the exams end.

Man: I agree with my opponent that using technology in education is really an excellent
idea. But can technology ever substitute the personal attention assured by a teacher or is it
just an accessory to help teachers teach better?

In college, as soon as the PowerPoint is switched on the students engage themselves in other
activities like texting if the lecturer is not explaining along with the presentation and just
keeps changing slides. And the other thing is that it feeds the feeling in students that there is
no need to pay attention in class since they will get notes emailed later anyway.

Woman: I am surprised my friend doesnt realise that PowerPoint presentations have

a lasting impression on minds. Using technology in education also helps students to
understand the subject better. So technology has changed the learning experience for the
better. Why has the government been wasting so much money to pay so many teachers,
when anyone who can operate technology can serve the purpose? The saved money could
be utilized on technology.
Central Board of Secondary Education Trinity College London

Man: I agree that it can be a good aid. With government schemes to provide Aakash tablets
to school children to help them learn, education has finally turned a curve and embraced
technology. But can the tender minds use it properly without a teacher? Besides, a big part
of college or school life is interacting with your professors and classmates and learning about
more than what is in the curriculum.

Woman: I beg to differ here. You can use PowerPoint and videos in a class that would reach
out to most students. You can use movies to teach students of social sciences, you can show
engineering students computer-generated models. Even the tiny children would love to learn
on PowerPoint .

Man: I would like to enlighten my friend that personal interaction with a teacher can
do magic. Some teachers can make you a better person. There are many ways to solve a
problem and only a teacher can teach you that; a computer can only teach you what it has
been fed. And computers cannot teach you about poetry or arts. So, they can never replace
teachers completely.

So I wind up saying that technology is fine as long as it is just an aid for the teacher. But we
cannot do away with the classroom system with a teacher as it has proven very effective so
far.

Key

Task One

Speaker Statement

1 C
2 B
3 E
4 F
5 A

Task Two Task Three Task Four

1 a D,F,C,A 1 visualise; remember

2 c 2 personal attention
3 c 3 learning experience
4 b 4 curriculum
5 b 5 to replace
6 a