openMind Level 3

Workbook audioscript

01 J: Clothes?
Unit 1, Section 4, Exercise B B: Yeah, like well, like long-sleeved shirts that can protect
1 Kitesurfing is a really difficult extreme sport to learn, but its you from the sun. And special socks. Maybe a hat. I havent
definitely worth it. Its a lot of fun, although it can also be very decided yet.
dangerous. I was awful when I began, but now Im getting J: Shoes
much better. I like to try out new things all the time, and the B: Oh, right! Shoes! I havent bought any running shoes yet.
most dangerous sports are always the most fun! I should do that today.
2 Weve been dance partners for about two years, but its not J: How much running have you done?
going so well. We entered a few competitions to compare our B: Running?
dancing with other couples, but they were a lot better than us. J: Yeah how many kilometers have you run? Or how many
Were never going to stop dancing, though, because were not hours have you run? I guess I dont know how you count these
quitters and we love it! things.
3 I like to run the New York Marathon every year. I work hard B: Oh, I havent done any running yet. Ive been too busy!
and train all year long so that I can get in it, and each year I 04
try to improve my time from the previous year. Its a way of Unit 2, Section 3, Exercise A
challenging myself to do better all the time. 1a This is the house I used to live in when I was a child.
02 Look at it nowits in a terrible state!
Unit 1, Section 6, Exercise C 1b This is the house I used to live in when I was a child.
L = Lisa; N = Nick Look at it nowits in a terrible state!
L: Hi, Nick! I havent seen you for ages! 2a Oh, look at this movieI saw this one 20 years ago when
N: Lisa, hey! Yeah, its been at least ten years. it first came out.
L: Has it really? 2b Oh, look at this movieI saw this one 20 years ago when
N: Yes. Time flies. Hows it going? it first came out.
L: Not too bad. Ive been working as an architect for five years. 3a A: Do you ever go back to your old school?
N: Have you? Sounds good! Im living in Texas now. B:  Well, it brings back a lot of memories, you know.
L: Oh, are you? What do you do there? No, I dont really want to go back there now.
N: I work for a computer company. 3b A: Do you ever go back to your old school?
L: Do you? Is it fun? B:  Well, it brings back a lot of memories, you know.
N: Its OK. Listen, Im late for a meeting. It was really nice No, I dont really want to go back there now.
seeing you. 05
L: Nice seeing you, too. Bye. Unit 3, Section 3, Exercise B
03 A: Excuse me. Can you tell me if you have this book?
Unit 1, Listen and write, Exercise A B: One minute, Ill just check. Yes, we have one copy.
A: Could you tell me where I can find it?
J = James; B = Becky
B: Its in the fiction section, over there.
J: Hi, Becky, whats that?
A: Great! Do you know if you have any other books by this writer?
B: Oh, thats my application for the marathon this summer.
B: Just a minute, Ill check that. No, Im sorry, we dont.
Ive filled it out, but I havent had time to mail it yet.
A: Do you have any idea where I can buy her other books?
J: A marathon? Wow. I didnt know you were interested in
B: I suggest that you look her up on our website. You can order
running!
them there.
B: Oh, Ive wanted to run a marathon for I forget. years and
years. Since I was in high school, at least. But I havent run one 06
before. This will be my first. Unit 3, Section 4, Exercise B
J: Thats really great. Have you been training hard? 1 A: Hows your new washing machine? Are you happy with it?
B: Oh, yes, and in so many ways. Theres so much to do! B: Not really. It was a good model, but it just wouldnt start.
J: Like what? We tried everything, but it just didnt work. We had to take
B: Well, just learning about technique, for one thing. Ive been it back to the store.
watching lots of training videos. Ive watched more than 2 A: Those shoes look nice on you!
twenty already! B:  Oh, thanks! Theyre a little small, though. I think I should
J: Interesting. get the next size up.
B: And food! Ive been changing my diet. Ive been eating less fat 3 A: You went shopping last weekend, didnt you? What did
and more protein. Ive stopped drinking soft drinks. I only drink you buy?
water now. B: We bought a new TV, but when they delivered it, we
J: Sounds great. found that the stand was broken. Were still waiting
B: Yes, its very important to drink a lot of water. Marathons are for a replacement.
really long, you know!
J: Whats next?
B: Next? Well, I havent bought any special clothes yet.

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openMind Level 3

07 3
Unit 3, Section 5, Exercise B A: Yeah? What do you want?
A: Good morning, sir. Can I help you? B: Um I dont have my bank account number can you tell me
B: Yes, Id like to return this camera. I bought it here last week, what it is?
on April 23rd. A: Give me your drivers license. Uh-huh. Here you go.
A: I see. Whats the problem with it? B: OK, thanks. Id like to deposit this check could you tell me
B: The zoom doesnt work, and the battery is missing. when the moneys going to be available?
A: I see. Do you have the receipt? A: Do I look like a psychic? A week, ten days, who knows?
B: Yes, here it is. B: Oh, well, OK
A: OK, well, we can repair the zoom and order the missing part. C: Does your bank give you the service you deserve? No? Well,
Or we can offer you a replacement camera, or exchange it for try the friendly folks at Companion Bank.
a different model. A: Um I dont have my bank account number can you tell me
B: I think Id like a replacement. what it is?
A: OK, so we just need your name and address. D: Of course, sir! Ill look that up for you right now. And here, have
B: My names P. Johnson, and my address is 34 Green Street. a cup of coffee!
A: OK. Great. Ill be back in just a minute. C: Companion Bank. Were like familyfamily that helps you with
08 your money! Come see us today. Youll be glad you did.
4
Unit 3, Section 6, Exercise B
Do you need a break from cooking at home, but are tired of the
A: Id like to return this hairdryer. Could you give me a refund?
high prices of restaurants? Well, come on down to Snack Shack.
B: Do you have the receipt?
We have simple home cooking at prices you can afford. And its
A: No, I dont, but I definitely bought it here.
convenient! With 23 Snack Shacks in town, theres sure to be one
B: Im sorry, we dont give refunds without a receipt. We can give
near you. And bring the kids! Were family friendly. And if youre
you store credit.
ever not happy with your meal, well give you a full refundno
A: Im sorry to insist, but I would definitely prefer to have a refund.
questions asked! Snack Shack, come on down today!
B: Im afraid thats out of the question.
A: In that case, Im going to have to insist on seeing the manager. 10
09 Unit 4, Section 4, Exercise B
1 A: Im telling you, I was in the clothing store and I asked the
Unit 3, Listen and write, Exercise A
salesperson to help me find something, and she said she
1
was too busy!
J = Jean; M = Mark; A = Announcer
B: No! Did she say that? Thats terrible!
M: You look tired, Jean.
2 A: Did you get a new table for your kitchen at the store?
J: Oh, I am! Work, kids, the house Im exhausted.
B: Yes, I did, but one of the legs came off as I was trying to
M: Thats too bad.
put it together.
J: But Mark, you always have so much energy. Can you tell me
A: So its broken now.
what your secret is?
B: Uh-huh.
M: Oh, its no secret, Jean! Its because I wake up with Power
3 A: Have you had this vacuum cleaner for a long time?
Boost.
B: Yes, weve had it for about 15 years.
J: Power Boost? The new energy drink in a can from Drinko?
A: Really? That long?
Does it really work?
B: Yes, and it hasnt broken down once!
M: Yes! One cup of Power Boost in the morning keeps me going
all day long! Its the best energy drink available. 11
A: Try Power Boost today! Youll see why top athletes like Stan Unit 4, Section 6, Exercise A
The Man Manson, the champion weightlifter, drink Power 1 A: This phone is broken. Should I get it fixed, or just buy a
Boost, too! new one?
2 B: Oh, I dont know. Its up to you.
A: Oh, no! Not again! It doesnt fit! 2 A: I bought this tablet here last week, but Im not happy with it.
B: Setting up a home network for your computers? Are you tired B: Im sorry to hear that.
of cords and cables that dont fit? Frustrated by software that 3 A: I had my car fixed.
doesnt work? Have you ever taken your products home and B: Perfect! We can drive to the beach.
realized that something was missingor broken? 4 A: That salesperson wasnt very helpful.
Well, you never have to go through that again. Our amazing B: Really? What happened?
new Home Network Service will come to your house and get 5 A: The service at this garage was excellent. Im going to
you onlinethe same day! Thats rightthese young men leave a big tip.
and women are all computer science graduates who can make B: Thank you. Thats very nice of you.
things work.
You wont have to do a thing! Just sit back, relax, and in no
time, youll be surfing the internet. Well do all the work for you.
Safe, fast, reliableand 10% cheaper than our competitors!
Call Home Network Services today.

Macmillan Publishers Limited 2014

openMind Level 3

12 P: See? They dont know. Theyre just trying to scare people.

Unit 5, Section 4, Exercise C All I know is, my friend said he didnt get tired so quickly
A: Hey, Naomi, have you heard about Sophie? playing sports if he drank Water Plus.
B: No, what happened? C: And have you noticed the same thing?
A: Shes moving to Los Angeles. She told me she found a new job P: I dont know. This is the first time Ive tried it. Ask me after
there. my soccer game which starts soon, so I should be going.
B: Wow, thats great news, but Ill be sad shes so far away. C: OK. Have a good game! I hope you come back with all
A: Oh, and guess what? Steve told me he wanted to move there your teeth
with her, but she said no. 15
B: No way! Im amazed. I thought they would be a couple forever. Unit 6, Section 1, Exercise B
A: Yeah. Me, too. 1 A: Can I have a word with you?
B: Anyway, I have to go now. See you later. B: Yes, what is it?
A: OK. And, by the way, dont forget to call, OK? A: Id like to speak to you about your attitude. I dont think
13 youve been very helpful recently.
Unit 5, Section 5, Exercise C 2 A: You havent been doing too well this semester.
A: Excuse me. Do you have time to answer a few questions? B: I know. What can I do about it?
B: Yes, all right, what about? A: You need to spend more time on your homework, and
A: Were doing some research about gossip. dont miss so many classes.
B: Gossip? 3 A: What are you working on?
A: Yes, thats right. OK. First, do you like to gossip? B: I cant tell you. Its a secret.
B: Not really well, a little, I suppose. A: I promise I wont tell anyone.
A: Do you like to gossip on the phone, by email, or by text? 4 A: Ask next time if youre going to borrow my laptop.
B: Well, mostly by email, I guess. I send emails to my friends, B: OK, I promise I wont use it again without asking.
you know. 5 A: Youre my best friend, right?
A: Who do you gossip about? Friends, celebrities, ? B: Of course. Whats the problem?
B: Oh, its mostly about friends, people we know I dont gossip A: Well, I need to tell you something really important
about celebrities. 16
A: And whats your opinion about gossip? Unit 6, Section 3, Exercise C
B: Well, I think its just fun, really. A: Tim, Ive been thinking about changing my job. Ive had
14 a really good offer.
Unit 5, Listen and write, Exercise A B: Oh, yeah? Moving to another company, you mean?
C = Cara; P = Peter A: No, Im staying with this company, but theyve offered me
C: Whats that youre drinking? Just water? a more senior position in another city.
P: Well, its waterbut its not just water. B: I say go for it! What are you waiting for?
C: What do you mean? A: I know its a great opportunity, but Ill miss all my friends
P: Its Water Plus. and family here. Im worried that I wont be able to make any
C: Um water plus what? friends over there.
P: No, thats its nameWater Plus. Its a vitamin drink. B: Oh, yes, you will.
C: Oh, I heard about that on the news! The report said its really A: And Ill have to leave this town. I was born here, and I grew
bad for you! up here, and all my friends are here.
P: What? No! Its water, with added vitamins. Someone on B: Yes, but if you take the job, youll get a better salary.
my soccer team told me about it. He said it replaces all the A: Thats true, but Ill have more responsibility, too, and Id have
vitamins you lose when you sweat. You know, like when youre to travel more, so I wouldnt have much time with my family.
playing sports. He said my game would improve if I started And I think the job would be more stressful.
drinking it. Who knows? He might be right. Also, its really B: Thats a tough decision.
cheap. Much less expensive than juice, and just as delicious. A: Yeah, whats your advice?
C: Delicious? Ah, OK, but do you want to know what I heard 17
on the news report? The report said it had a lot of added sugar. Unit 7, Section 4, Exercise C
Does it taste sweet? 1 A: Computers are complicated, arent they?
P: No. I mean, not too sweet. It tastes good. B: Mm, not really, not once you get used to them.
C: Does it taste like water? 2 A: Math isnt difficult, is it?
P: It tastes like strawberries. B: Yes, it is. I have to do lots of homework.
C: Peter! Water isnt supposed to taste like strawberries. See, 3 A: Children are very creative, arent they?
they added something to it. Im sure thats not healthy. B: Yes, they certainly are.
P: Do you know that for a fact? 4 A: Exams arent very useful, are they?
C: Well, the report mentioned that it might cause problems with B:  Oh, I think they are. You need them when you
your teeth. I guess from the sugar. apply to college.
P: Did they show any people with tooth problems? 5 A: Playing chess will help improve your memory, wont it?
C: No, it was just a short report. They didnt interview anyone. B: Yes, I think it will. It will help you to solve problems.
6 A: Video games dont help you learn anything, do they?
B: I think they do. You learn all kinds of skills.

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openMind Level 3

18 20
Unit 7, Section 5, Exercise A Unit 8, Section 3, Exercise A
My younger brother is 18, and hes a student. Our personalities are 1 Oh, I didnt like it. I mean, its really a childrens story, and its
very differenthes studying computer science at college because much too simple for adults.
hes really good at math, and Im studying English literature 2 This movie was so scary! I had to put my hands over my eyes
because I love reading. I would say Im more creative than him, for most of it!
but hes definitely more athletic. In general, we get along well, 3 The story was really romantic. It was about two robots who fall
though. We have some things in commonfor example, we both in love. It was very sweet and we were all crying at the end.
love listening to music, but we dont always like the same kind of 4 There werent any real characters in the movie. There was no one
music. I like indie music, but he prefers listening to pop music. We you could identify with, and you just didnt care what happened
both like swimming and playing tennis. He usually wins at tennis, to them, and there was no story. What was it about, really?
but Im a faster swimmer. We dont look alike at all. We both wear 5 Its incredible how they come up with all these new ways of
glasses, but he has really dark hair and Im blond. People often using special effects and animation. The movie was full of
dont believe that were related. exciting and original ideas.
19 6 I think most people would enjoy this musical. It has great music,
Unit 7, Listen and write, Exercise A beautiful costumes, wonderful dancing and singing, and the
A: Hmm, look at this. The schools want more money to create
story is suitable for all ages. You wont feel bored for one minute.
special classes for gifted children. 21
B: Well, thats a good idea, isnt it? Unit 8, Section 5, Exercise B
A: I think special classes should be for children who are having It was a beautiful hot summers day. In a corn field, a grasshopper
problems, not for successful children. was having a good time hopping about and singing. He was very
B: Well, gifted children can have problems in class, too happy. Then an ant walked by. The ant was walking very slowly
A: Any child can have problems at school. That doesnt mean you because she had found a big piece of corn and was carrying it
should make 30 different classes, does it? And think of all the back to her home.
good reasons to keep them in the same class! 22
B: Such as?
Unit 8, Section 5, Exercise C
A: For one thing, they could help to support other students who
Where are you off to with that heavy thing? asked the
are struggling. That way they would also get to develop new grasshopper. Without stopping, the ant replied, To our
skillslike how to teach. ant hill. This is the third piece of corn Ive delivered today.
B: Hmm. Maybe, but
Why not come and sing with me, said the grasshopper, instead
A: Also, its important to have children with different abilities
of working so hard? I am helping to store food for the winter,
in one class. You know, this child is good at math, that ones said the ant, and I think you should do the same.
good at art, this one leads discussions well, that one is a Why worry about winter? said the grasshopper, We have
great actress plenty of food right now. The ant didnt pay attention to the
B: Thats a good point. I agree its good to have right-brained
grasshopper and continued to collect food and bring it home.
and left-brained students together in the same class. But dont
you think
23
A: And finally, it would cost more money to create new classes. Unit 8, Section 5, Exercise D
Youd need larger school buildings, new teachers, new The weather soon turned cold. All the fields were covered with
textbooks I dont think thats the most important thing to thick snow. Even the grasshopper could not dig through the
spend money on these days. snow. Soon the grasshopper started to get really hungry. He went
B: OK, I understand your points. But there are also some to the ants and saw them eating the corn they had collected in
important reasons to consider special classes for geniuses the summer. Please, can you give me some food? asked the
and prodigies. grasshopper. No, we dont have enough for you, said the ants.
A: Like what, for example? 24
B: Well Unit 9, Section 3, Exercise B
1 A: You need to have an X-ray done at the hospital.
B: Sorry, what was that?
A: I said, you need an X-ray at the hospital.
2 A: You have a condition known as sleep apnea.
B: Can you explain what you mean?
A: Of course. Its a condition where you stop breathing
just for a few moments while youre asleep.
3 A: You need to give up all dairy products.
B: Sorry, Im not sure I follow you.
A: You have to stop eating cheese and milk.
4 A: Its better to rest and you should also take some
anti-inflammatory pills.
B: I didnt understand the last part.
A: You should take some medication to reduce the fever.

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openMind Level 3

25 4 A: And Number 4 whats good for a migraine? A migraine

Unit 9, Section 4, Exercise B headache, folks.
1 A: Hi, Karl. How are you feeling? M: Im sticking with ginger.
B: Not too good. I have a really bad headache. W: Well, I get migraine headaches, so I know this one.
A: Do you feel dizzy? Protein. If you eat enough protein, you wont get
B: Yes, I do. migraines. So its nuts.
A: Hmm, sounds like it might be a migraine. Why dont A: And lets check the answers Chocolate!
you lie down for a while? W: Chocolate? Thats crazy! Chocolate gives me migraines.
2 A: Hello, Winnie. How are you? M: This quiz is giving me a migraine. I wish I hadnt agreed
B: I feel terrible. My eyes are so itchy! to do this.
A: Have you been sneezing a lot? A: Well, according to our information, chocolate contains
B: Yes do you think its hay fever? magnesium, and thats essential for curing migraines.
A:  Yes. I think you should get some medicine from 5 A: And for our final question if youre vomiting, what
the drugstore. should you take? For vomiting.
3 A: Hi, Renata. Are you OK? W: Well if youre vomiting you shouldnt take anything.
B: No, I feel really sick. M: Yeah, Wendys right. Nothing.
A: Do you feel hot and cold? A: Well, nothing is not one of our answer choices.
B: No, but I think Im going to vomit. W: But hmm. Well, every answer so far has been crazy.
A: You might have food poisoning. Lets call the doctor. So Im going to say chewing gum. Because thats the
craziest thing up there.
26
A: Matt?
Unit 9, Listen and write, Exercise A
M: Well, I choose Chinese herbs.
A = Announcer; W = Wendy; M = Matt A: And our answer is ginger!
1 A: Welcome to another episode of Home Remedies, the M: Ginger! I knew it! Oh, if only Id said that!
quiz show where our contestants have to match health A: Our final score shows Wendy as the winner!
problems with the everyday cures listed on the board right Congratulations, Wendy! Be sure to join us next week for
here. Our contestants today are Wendy and Matt. another episode of Home Remedies!
W: Hi!
M: Hello!
27
A: OK, our first question is what is a good remedy for Unit 10, Section 5, Exercise A
a sore throat? A: Can you tell us about some of the trends in home
M: My mother used to give us hot tea for a sore throat. entertainment right now? Are people watching TV as much
Im going to say tea. as they used to, or is it changing?
A: And Wendy? B: Its definitely changing.
W: Oh well, can I say tea, too? 28
A: No, sorry, the rules are that you need to have Unit 10, Section 5, Exercise B
a different answer. B: People are watching TV shows, but whereas before they had
W: Oh. I wish I had gone first, then. OK, I guess could it be to watch them via cable or satellite at times decided by the
lemon and honey? TV companys schedule, now theyre watching them on the
A: Lemon and honey is correct! Good job, Wendy, and one internet. That means they can watch their favorite shows
point for you. whenever they want to.
2 A: OK, our second question is whats a good home remedy A: Sounds good, but they still have ads, dont they?
for a cold? B: Yes, usually they do, but theyre often just at the beginning
W: Well, Im going to say hot tea for this. of the show, so its not too bad.
A: Matt, what do you say? A: And what about movies?
M: I think its ginger. Ginger has a lot of healing properties. B: Well, the same thing is happening with movies. Until recently,
Its good for all kinds of things. we had a situation where people could either rent movies from
A: And our answer is water! A nice cup of hot water. a DVD store (which involves actually going to the store to pick
W: A cup of hot water? But thats the same as tea! up and return the DVD, plus the choice is fairly limited), or they
M: Maybe the way you make tea could rent them online and get them delivered by mail.
A: Contestants! Please! Lets move on to the next question. But now there are programs you can download onto your
3 A: How would you treat an ear infection? An ear infection. computer that will let you watch movies on demand, and you
M: Ginger. Ginger can fight infections, so just pay a monthly fee that is usually less than paying for cable.
W: If you have an ear infection, its necessary to go to the doctor. The important thing is that viewers have a greater choice of
A: Remember, these are all home remedies what TV shows or movies they want to watch and they can
W: Yes, but its essential to get proper medical care for choose when to watch them.
some things. You cant fight an infection by sticking nuts A: And you get to choose the movies.
in your ear. B: Thats right. Theres a choice of thousands of movies.
A: So Wendy, is that your answer? Nuts? A: Sounds amazing.
W: NO! Um Maybe Chinese herbs.
A: And lets check the answer I think this is going to
surprise a lot of people olive oil! Thats right, a few
drops of olive oil in each ear can clear up some infections.
Isnt that surprising, folks?

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openMind Level 3

29 3 J: Hey, watch it! Didnt you see that stop sign?

Unit 11, Section 2, Exercise C K: Yeah, I saw it.
1 A:  I was in a hurry, so I just parked my car in the first empty J: But you didnt stop!
spot I saw. I didnt think to read the street signs or look at K: But there werent any cars coming. And I slowed down.
the building I parked near. The worst thing was I got an J: I know, but didnt you see that pedestrian? I thought you
expensive parking ticket and I only left my car for were going to hit him!
15 minutes. K: I wasnt going to hit him! And he shouldnt have been
B:  Its never a good idea to park illegally in front of crossing there, anyway.
a police station! J: I know, but you should have come to a complete stop
2 A:  I was late for work, and I drove through a red light. at the stop sign.
A police officer pulled me over and asked if I had gone K: Well, I dont think you need to if theres no one else around.
through the light, and I said no. But they had me on 4 K: Oh, hey, thats my phone! Can you hand that to me?
camera, so I had to pay a fine. J: Uh no
B: You should always tell the truth to a police officer! K: Its right there, in my bag. On the top.
J: I know, but youre not allowed to use your cell phone
30
while driving.
Unit 11, Section 6, Exercise B
K: Oh, come on. That is such a stupid law.
A = Alex; M = Maria J: Look, its still the law. And the fines for breaking it are really
A: Hi, Maria. You look worried. Whats going on? high. Whoever called will leave a message.
M: Oh, hi, Alex. Nothing really. Well, actually Im kind of 5 J: How come youre slowing down?
annoyed because my friend Susan asked me to do her a favor K: Its a 20-kilometer-per-hour zone.
and help her with her homework assignment, but I refused J: But its ten oclock at night. Theres no one around.
because I think thats cheating. Were supposed to do the K: I know, but its a new speed limit for downtown.
assignment on our own. At any time of day or night, you have to slow down
A: And? to 20 kilometers an hour.
M: Well, now shes really upset and wont talk to me! J: What? Twenty? Even if there arent any pedestrians or
A: Oh, dear! Im not sure that was the best way to handle it. other cars around?
M: What else could I have done? K: Yes. They introduced the new lower speed limit just a few
A: Maybe you should have found a way to help her without just months ago. Im surprised you havent heard about it.
giving her the answers. J: Oh, thats just ridiculous. I can understand why you should
M: Hmm, maybe, but thats almost the same, isnt it? slow down when there are pedestrians, and bike riders,
A: Did you think about directing her to one or two websites to and other traffic around but when the roads are empty,
encourage her to work on her own? well, thats just stupid.
M: Well, I hadnt thought of that K: It doesnt bother me. It helps make slowing down in the
A: Isnt it possible that taking a more cooperative approach may downtown area a habit.
have helped? Maybe she just needed help getting started.
M: Yes, I see what you mean.
31
Unit 11, Listen and write, Exercise A
J = Josh; K = Kelly
1 J: Thanks for giving me a lift, Kelly.
K: Oh, no problem, Josh. Uh-oh, Josh, you should have put
on your seatbelt before we started.
J: Oh, yes, youre right! I should have! Sorry, I just forgot.
Wearing a seatbelt is really important. I was going to put it
on, and then I guess I just forgot. There!
K: Yeah, its important. And its the law! I once got a ticket for
not wearing a seatbelt.
J: Oh, wow, really?
2 J: Have you ever gotten any other tickets?
K: Well yeah, I got a speeding ticket once. I felt really
bad about it. I shouldnt have been speeding, but I was
late, you know?
J: Well, in my opinion, a lot of the speed limits are
too low. Like here they shouldnt have made this
a 30-kilometer-an-hour limit.
K: Oh, Im not against speed limits. We need them for safety.
J: Yeah, if theyre reasonable. But if theyre too low and there
arent any other cars around, then whats the problem with
going a little faster? Everybody does it.

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openMind Level 3

32
Unit 12, Section 3, Exercise B
Good afternoon! The title of my talk is: How to reduce employee
job stress.
Job stress is one of the major reasons given by employees for illness
and absence from work. This in turn causes huge company losses.
The United Nations International Labor Organization indicates
that more than 75 percent of American workers consider their jobs
stressful. Other reports indicate that approximately 13 million days
were lost to sickness caused by stress in the U.S. last year. Stress at
work is the main cause of employee absence, which in turn causes
the company to lose money. It is therefore in the companys interest
to attempt to reduce the stress of its employees. In this talk, I am
going to outline some ways in which the manager can help to reduce
stress for the companys employees.
Making sure the employees are doing the jobs they are best at and
happiest in is the first thing a manager should do. For example,
dealing with customers on the phone is a job that will suit an
outgoing and talkative person. If the job suits your personality, it will
be less stressful. Before you allocate tasks to your employees, make
sure they feel happy and confident about doing those tasks.
The second factor is training. Researchers claim that stress and
anxiety occur most often when workers try to complete tasks for
which they have insufficient training. They lack confidence and are
anxious that they might be doing the wrong thing. Providing regular
training for all employees and encouraging them to share work tips
and experience will help you to prevent problems before they occur.
Third, it is the job of the manager to notice problems as soon as
they come up. This means listening to employees and making sure
they know you will listen to their problems. Of course, listening to
problems is not the same as solving the problems. They also need to
see that you are willing to take action, too!
To summarize, in this talk I have outlined why stress is an important
reason for reduced productivity and I have suggested three easy
ways for every manager to deal with the problem of employee stress.

Macmillan Publishers Limited 2014