Gold Experience B2 Students’ Book audio scripts

Emma: Especially if it’s the middle of the

Tracks 1.1 and 1.2 night. And I suppose it has to be a
Speaker 1: Come on! I’ll buy you all a present mutual thing. You’d do exactly the
with the money I’ve won. I can’t same for them too, without even
enjoy my good luck if you don’t all thinking about it.
share it. Johnny: Any other qualities you think a friend
Speaker 2: I hate seeing books lying about! I like should have?
them all stacked in careful piles. No, Emma: Yeah. I think a true friend has to be
no, not like that, like this. I like completely trustworthy. I mean, I
everything in the right place. It want to be able to tell a friend all my
upsets me if it’s not. problems and worries, so they are
Speaker 3: Is there something wrong, Tanya? going to know everything there is to
Oh, don’t cry, love. Come and tell know about me – my darkest secrets
me about it. Don’t worry, I won’t let if you like! And I’ve got to be very
anyone hear. sure that they’re not going to betray
Speaker 4: Oh, just be quiet and do as I say, my trust and let things out to other
Amy. I’m in charge and I know best. people.
Speaker 5: Adam’s really strong, so boxing Johnny: That’s really important, I agree.
against him is going to be tough, but Emma: I had a bad experience with
I’m not going to run away from the someone I thought was a friend
challenge, even if I do end up with a once. I used to tell her everything.
broken jaw! Then one day I saw that she’d taken
Speaker 6: If you’re going to run Alan down, I’m a really horrible photo of me on her
leaving. He’s my friend and I’ll stick phone and put it up on Facebook for
by him whatever you say. everyone to see.
Johnny: That’s way out of order!
Tracks 1.3 and 1.4 Emma: Another thing. You want a friend to
be loyal and supportive. If other
Johnny: And on Line 2 we have Emma. Hi,
people are putting you down, a
Emma. Thanks for joining us this
friend should stand up for you.
morning and taking part in our
That’s a real test of friendship I think.
‘Friends for life?’ survey. So – have
It’s so easy to go along with what
you been listening to our callers this
everyone else is saying. Like if a
morning?
whole group of people are dissing
Emma: I have. I’ve heard everyone so far.
your friend, you know, saying bad
It’s a great programme by the way!
things about her, it’s not easy to
Some really interesting answers.
stand up and say, ‘Hey, that’s just
Johnny: Thanks! So, as you know, we’ve
not on!’
been talking about friendship and I
Johnny: OK, some important points there.
have a couple of questions for you,
Next question. Would you say you
Emma. Are you ready?
have a lot of true friends?
Emma: Go ahead.
Emma: No way! I think if people are honest,
Johnny: Right, first up – Emma, what does
most would say they can count the
the word ‘friend’ mean to you?
number of real friends they have on
Emma: Well, I think it means different things
the fingers of one hand! These days,
to different people, but for me I
with social networking, people boast
guess a real friend is someone you
about having hundreds or even
can absolutely rely on. You know,
thousands of friends. But they aren’t
someone who’d drop everything to
real friends, they’re social
come running when you need them.
relationships! Like – you’ve probably
Johnny: Even if it’s the middle of the night?
met these people and know things
about them, but you don’t really
know them, if you get what I mean.
Johnny: Absolutely. So, Emma, do you think
really good friends last for a lifetime?

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 Gold Experience B2 Students’ Book audio scripts

Some callers have said that they feel Katy: Yeah – I like it. It’s not such a big place
loyalty to an old friend even if they but there’s a lot going on. The shops are
don’t particularly like them any more. good and I like all the old buildings.
Some have even said that getting
out of a friendship is a bit like getting Track 1.6
out of a boy/girl relationship when it 1 How long have you been learning English?
goes wrong! 2 Who in your family has influenced you the
Emma: Yes, I heard that caller. I’m not sure most?
whether real friends last a lifetime. I 3 Who is your best friend?
think we move on in life and we 4 What would you like to do in the future?
change, so our friends change too. 5 How do you like to spend your free time?
I’m still in touch with an old friend
from primary school but we’re not Tracks 2.1 and 2.2
that close any more. I think she’d like
Speaker 1: This creature is highly aggressive,
to be, but I’ve changed too much.
extremely venomous and the fastest
Although, in some cases – for
of its species in the world. In fact, it
example if young kids go through a
can reach a speed in the region of
bad time, the friends they have then
23 kilometres per hour. This reptile is
can sometimes last a lifetime
so aggressive that if you get near it,
because they get very close. Even if
it will charge at you and strike up to
they move away. Like if a child loses
a dozen times in a row, and each
his mum or dad when they’re very
time it strikes it will inject more
young, things like that.
venom!
Johnny: A very good point. And one final
Speaker 2: This creature is stealthy, well
thing, Emma. Some of our callers
camouflaged and has striped fur and
have said that the end of a friendship
– amazingly – striped skin beneath
can be very distressing. Do you
the fur! It’s a top predator and stalks
agree?
its prey. This mammal hunts alone
Emma: It’s true. If you’re good friends and
and most of the species live in the
something goes wrong – I don’t
jungle. Its habitat is disappearing,
know, a betrayal, or it could be that
and poachers hunt it as its bones are
you just find you don’t have much in
used in traditional medicine.
common any more – it can be
Speaker 3: This creature has the strongest bite
devastating. Like breaking up with a
of all animals, but it can’t chew. It
boyfriend.
can regrow its teeth when the old
Johnny: And the problem is that you don’t get
ones drop out. It lays eggs, and
as much sympathy! Thank you very
these turn into male or female
much for calling in, Emma.
babies depending on the
Track 1.5 temperature at which they develop. It
sometimes swallows stones to help it
Jack: Hi! I’m Jack. dive deeper. Like all reptiles, it’s
Katy: Hi! I’m Katy. I haven’t seen you before. cold-blooded.
Are you a new student? Speaker 4: This creature has no predator except
Jack: Yes, I’m studying here for a year. I’m man. It’s the world’s largest land
from Chicago, USA. It’s a great place to predator. It can swim 160 kilometres.
live. This animal hunts seals on sea ice in
Katy: Wow! What do you like about living the Arctic. Its population is falling
there? rapidly because of the effect of
Jack: It’s a really modern city with all sorts of global warming. If the temperature
great facilities. The people are very rises and the ice melts, this animal
friendly too. But this is a cool place to live cannot hunt and will starve.
too.

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 Gold Experience B2 Students’ Book audio scripts

Speaker 5: This creature sometimes visits the gales battered the front of the building and there
beach – at least, the females of the was torrential rain, too. The hotel was on the sea
species do. The males spend all front, so you could hear the waves crashing onto
their time at sea. It eats jellyfish, and the sea defences outside. Not something I’d like
sometimes mistakes plastic bags for to experience again.
food, which can be fatal. It has a 4
hard shell and a beak. This reptile is I think it was January last year. I was staying
critically endangered for several over with a friend for the weekend and we were
reasons: climate change is causing going to travel into school together on the
erosion on its beaches; its habitat is Monday. There was going to be a big maths test,
disappearing because of beach which I most definitely wasn’t looking forward to!
development; and its eggs are often But how lucky was I? On Sunday night, there
stolen by humans. was this massive snowstorm and my friend’s
house was totally snowed in! We couldn’t open
Tracks 2.3 and 2.4 the front door! And when we did get out, we
1 couldn’t use the car because there were
I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared before. I snowdrifts everywhere. Great excuse for missing
was out in the forest hiking with some mates a test! Just made snowmen and had snowball
from college. We often go out there for a couple fights with the kids next door. Cool!
of days and camp out overnight. Anyway, as you 5
know, last summer was really dry – drought-like When you think of tornadoes, you naturally think
conditions, hosepipe ban, and so on. Well, we of the USA and Kansas but you don’t think of the
didn’t have a barbecue because everything was south of England! Well, one night last year the
bone dry and it would have been way too dog woke us up howling in the middle of the
dangerous. But obviously someone else did! night and you could feel the whole house literally
When we woke up on Sunday morning, Dan shaking! I thought it was an earthquake! The
went outside the tent and heard this crackly windows were all rattling – it was a really
noise in the distance. He called us and we saw a frightening moment. But then suddenly it
yellow glow in the sky – and there was this stopped. In the morning, you could see the path
horrible smell, too. It was a forest fire! Did we of the tornado – across our garden, through our
run! neighbour’s and across the park. There was a
2 line of uprooted trees and turned-over cars. We
It had been raining continuously for forty-eight were lucky that it didn’t take off the roof of our
hours and there had been flood warnings issued house!
on all the news bulletins. All afternoon, Dad and
Tracks 2.5 and 2.6
I tried to do everything we could to stop the
water from coming in. We put sandbags outside A: OK, let’s think about this one. I don’t think
the front and back doors. The emergency that’s a very good idea. How about you?
services wanted everyone in our area to B: Actually, I think it could do some good. In my
evacuate their homes, but quite a lot of us opinion, the atmosphere is so polluted that
stayed put. I think everyone wanted to try to anything we can do to cut down on dirt and
protect their houses as long as possible. But the gases in the air has got to be good, don’t you
sandbags didn’t do any good. The water just think?
rushed in and it was literally knee-deep A: That’s a good point, but surely traffic doesn’t
downstairs. contribute that much to air pollution these
3 days, does it?
Last year I was on holiday with my parents in B: Maybe you’re right. Perhaps it’s more about
Florida and we were there when a hurricane using up energy. Think about it – if you’re
passed by! We weren’t actually in the path of the riding everywhere, you’re not using up oil or
storm and we didn’t get the full force of it, but it gas or electricity, are you?
was bad enough! The hotel had special shutters A: I see what you mean, but personally I don’t
to board up the windows – they’re so used to think you and me riding around everywhere is
hurricanes over there – and we all went down going to make a big difference to the world’s
into a hurricane shelter. Hundred-mile-an-hour environmental problems!

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B: I have to say that I agree with you. But it will you’ll find it’s an amazing area to
help us get fitter, won’t it? study.
A: True! Right – what do you think about this Speaker 5: I used to take myself off to the
one ... garden shed when I was a kid and
do all sorts of terrible experiments.
Tracks 3.1 and 3.2 I’m surprised I didn’t blow myself up!
Speaker 1: I remember really clearly being at I was particularly good at burning the
primary school and seeing my first bottoms off test tubes, I remember.
solar eclipse. The teacher had got us Nowadays, I love working in my
to make special cards to hold in front laboratory and finding out more
of our eyes, so we wouldn’t damage about acids and gases and about the
them. I thought the whole thing was way substances combine.
so awesome. I just had to find out
Track 3.3
more about our universe –
everything: space, the stars, the Helen? Hi, it’s Dave. I’m phoning from our
planets. It’s the most fascinating field landline because I’ve lost my mobile phone –
you could work in, at least that’s again! I’m just about to leave to catch the bus to
what I think! school and I thought I’d give you a ring just to
Speaker 2: When did I first get interested in this say that I’m unlikely to be able to make the party
subject? Well, let’s see now. It all tonight. I’ve got a big science test tomorrow and
started back when I was really I must do some revision tonight, otherwise I’m
young. My parents used to take us to likely to get a big, fat zero! I was going to do it
a particular part of the coast every last night, but I needed to get my maths
year, where the rock formations homework done. So, sorry! Anyway, I’d better go
were amazing. And my dad used to because the bus is due to arrive in two minutes.
take us to hunt for fossils in the I’ll ring you when I find my phone! Have a good
rocks. I built up quite a big collection. time at the party!
I even found a bit of dinosaur bone
once. That was really exciting! Tracks 3.4 and 3.5
Speaker 3: As a kid, my favourite toys were Hi. I’m Blake Winters and my talk to you today is
always things I had to make – like about a big problem that doctors and scientists
kits or Lego. I just loved finding out are soon going to be facing. Just think for a
how things work. I was always taking moment. If you fall over outside and cut your
my motorbike to pieces and putting it hand and then it gets infected, what do you do?
together again. It drove my mum You go to a doctor who gives you an antibiotic,
mad! Then I started getting ideas for and in a few days’ time you’ll be fine. We’ve
new machines and gadgets and been using antibiotics since 1928 when an
luckily I got offered a job doing just important scientist, Alexander Fleming,
that – inventing new types of discovered penicillin. He returned home after a
equipment for the sports industry. holiday with his family and found that one of his
How lucky am I? experiments had grown mould. This had killed
Speaker 4: I decided to go into this field some bacteria and Fleming developed the first
because it’s such fun! And it’s useful, antibiotic. At the time, this was a bit like magic!
too, because you need it in so many Before this discovery, people used to die from
aspects of life – like shopping and simple infections.
playing games. It’s a world of Today we use antibiotics to treat many health
numbers and patterns and shapes, problems. When people have operations, the
and you find out about the hidden doctors use antibiotics to stop infections. People
relationships between things. I love who are having cancer treatment or organ
solving problems. I suppose I have a transplants are given antibiotics. Antibiotics have
very logical brain. I know a lot of also cured many major diseases like
people have difficulty with this tuberculosis. In many parts of the world, these
subject, but give it a chance and diseases have disappeared. Without antibiotics,
they could return.

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 Gold Experience B2 Students’ Book audio scripts

However, there is a big problem. Antibiotics are Track 3.6

working less successfully these days. The
Sarah: That’s a really tricky question! I think it’s
bacteria that cause infections are becoming
actually quite likely. I’m not sure when,
immune to them, and many antibiotics simply
but one day this planet will probably run
don’t work any more, especially on some
out of resources, especially if the
‘superbugs’ that you can catch in hospitals. But
population continues to grow like it is!
why is this happening? Scientists think it is
Then who knows, we may end up moving
because we have been taking too many
to the moon or to Mars or somewhere
antibiotics over the years. Doctors give them to
like that. Those are reasonably close and
patients for really minor illnesses and farmers
scientists could probably make it possible
used to give them to their animals as part of their
for us to live there. What do you think?
routine! The danger is that soon our lives could
Maria: Yeah, I’m with you on that. We’re bound
be like those people in the past who could die
to get ourselves into a big mess here on
after cutting a finger. It would affect operations
Earth, so that will be our way out!
and lots of treatments. Scientists are very
worried. Tracks 4.1 and 4.2
So, what can we do about the problem? Why
don’t the scientists develop new antibiotics? The Do you know what job you want to do when you
problem is that it takes a lot of time and money leave school? Maybe you’re one of those people
to do this. The big drugs companies that make with a vocation – you’ve known where your heart
new drugs and medicines want to produce drugs lies since you were little: to be a doctor, for
that will bring them a lot of money. They example, or an actor. But if you haven’t got a
concentrate on drugs that people take regularly, clue what to aim for, don’t worry! The right job is
like painkillers or anti-depressants. The last new waiting for you. It’s out there somewhere! So
antibiotic was developed in the 1980s. There is how do you find it? Well, a good way to start is
also another problem. It is now very hard to find by doing some work experience while you’re still
sources of new antibiotics. But the good news is a student. This means spending a week or two
– yes, there is some good news! – some clever gaining experience in a company, organisation
scientists are looking in strange places for new or institution. That way, you can try out a variety
drugs: not in clean scientific laboratories, but in of jobs and see if you’re suited to them without
river water and the dark parts of dirty houses! tying yourself down. You don’t have to commit
One scientist in America, Mark Merchant, had an yourself to anything. Work experience may be
idea. He wondered why some animals that get paid or unpaid. If it’s unpaid, you may receive
cut in fights or come into contact with dirt and perks, like free lunches or a free travel pass.
bacteria do not develop infections. Perhaps Work experience is useful even if you already
there is something in their blood that kills have a good idea what kind of job you want. It’s
infections. If so, perhaps scientists could use this a great opportunity to speak to other employees
to make new antibiotics for humans. So, he used and find out the good and bad sides of the job.
some blood from an alligator and found that You can see if you’ve got the kind of skills that
something in it killed lots of bacteria. Simon Lee the job requires, too, and whether you need to
in the UK did the same with the brains of acquire some others, fast! Another good thing
cockroaches – small insects that live in dirty about work experience is that, when you’re
kitchens. He was successful, too. Now both ready to start applying for a job for real, your
scientists need to find out more and develop a future employer can see how motivated you are,
drug to use on humans. and how much trouble you’ve taken to find out
So there is hope for the future. But it depends on all about the work. It all looks good on the job
clever scientists to find the answers and they application form, doesn’t it?
might be very surprising answers indeed!

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 Gold Experience B2 Students’ Book audio scripts

Track 4.3 you think they’re having a laugh!

How do they expect to work with
1 I come up with new ideas quite easily, which is
the public looking like that? If
great.
they’re not that careful with the way
2 I always do what I say I’ll do and arrive at the
they look, perhaps they won’t be
right time!
too careful with the work they’re
3 I like working with other people in a team.
expected to do either!
4 I don’t mind what I do. And I’m happy to
Interviewer: Point taken! But someone might
change my hours to suit other people.
have just dressed up for the
5 I think carefully before I do things and I’m also
interview. How can you tell that
careful not to take risks.
they’re not usually really scruffy?
Track 4.4 Jenny: That’s tricky – but, for me, I always
look at the shoes. They can be a
1 In my job it takes a lot of hard work and dead giveaway! It’s amazing how
concentration to get things right – and my boss many people think a lot about their
expects perfection! outfit but don’t worry so much
2 I work very long hours and I’m usually pretty about shoes! I’ve had people in
exhausted at the end of the day. really smart business suits in an
3 When things turn out right at work and I know interview but with muddy, scuffed
I’ve made a difference to people’s lives, well, it shoes!
feels really good. Interviewer: That’s a good tip! And how about
4 I love my job and I can’t wait to get to work piercings and tattoos? Does that
each day! affect your decision?
5 I often get a bit bored because I do the same Jenny: That depends on several factors.
things all day – the work doesn’t vary very much. Firstly the type of work they’re
going to be doing obviously makes
Tracks 4.5 and 4.6
a difference. If you’re employing a
Interviewer: This week we’re talking to people cleaner, then it’s not that important.
in different businesses about job On the other hand, if the applicant
interviews and what we should and will be dealing directly with the
shouldn’t do to get that important public – as a receptionist or in the
job! Jenny Taylor is general restaurant – then very obvious
manager of Solar Leisure Club. Hi, tattoos and a lot of piercings might
Jenny, I imagine you’ve had to be a bit in-your-face – you have to
interview loads of applicants over be careful about offending
the years. customers. Sometimes staff will
Jenny: That is so true! We get people remove piercings or cover up large
applying all the time and I like to tattoos when they’re working, so
interview as many of the applicants that’s OK. I’ve certainly got nothing
myself as I can. Also there’s a against body art in general.
whole range of jobs that we need Interviewer: So, what impresses you at an
people for at Solar. In my time with interview?
the company I’ve interviewed Jenny: I think it’s vital for applicants to do
people for bar work, restaurant some research before they come
work, office work – you name it! to the interview so that they know a
Interviewer: OK, so how important is a person’s fair amount about the company.
image in an interview – their This means they can ask informed
clothes, appearance? questions about the position
Jenny: It’s really important. The care they’re applying for and the work
people take over their appearance conditions. That always makes a
shows how seriously they’re taking good impression.
the whole process, and how much
they want the job! If the applicant
turns up in scruffy jeans, trainers
and a less than clean T-shirt, then

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Interviewer: And what about the questions you mean, I know it’s quite repetitive, there’s not a lot
ask? Should the applicant give of variety – but at least she meets people. That’s
short answers or very detailed important if you’re sociable. It can be really
ones? That’s always something I’m enjoyable working with kids, but you have to be
not too sure about. pretty inventive to keep them happy and
Jenny: Well, to start with, the answers interested, don’t you? It’s also a rewarding job, I
need to be well thought through think.
and structured, not full of
hesitations or going on and on for Tracks 5.1 and 5.2
ages! Sometimes the applicant Charlie:Hi, I’m Charlie and I love this activity.
might not know an answer, but it’s It freaked Mum out when I told her I
good to give the impression that was taking this up. She was sure I’d
you do know what you’re talking kill myself. But it’s OK now. I go with
about. You might be making it up a group, and our leader knows
as you go along ... but if you can where the safe rocks and crags are
do that confidently, that’s a plus for for our age group. You’re all roped
me! It shows you can think on your up, too, so you can’t just drop off a
feet! Also, remember to stay mountain or anything! You’ve got to
relevant and don’t go off the point. follow the rules, though. One girl
Interviewer: Fine, I’ll remember that for my next jumped off a low rock without her
interview! And do you have any rope the other day and broke her
final advice you can give potential ankle. They had to get a helicopter
interviewees? to take her to hospital. Poor kid. It
Jenny: Well – you’d be surprised how looked really painful. Good job she
many applicants turn up chewing was wearing a helmet!
gum! Don’t! Also make sure you’ve Amanda: Is it my turn now? OK, well I’m
showered and don’t smell of stale Amanda and I got into this pursuit
cigarette smoke or body odour ... because of my older brother. He’d
that’s a real turn-off for an got himself a job as a lifeguard at a
interviewer! And I’m speaking from local swimming pool and he used to
experience here! And a final word take me along every night for a
– about punctuality for the swim. Anyway, they had this really
interview. It’s really important to get high board there. I watched kids
to your interview on time, maybe diving from it and it looked the
ten minutes early, but don’t get coolest thing ever. And then when I
there too early or it can make you tried it the first time, my heart was
look a tad over-eager! beating so fast. It’s really scary
Interviewer: Well, Jenny, a lot to think about actually, you need to know the right
there. Thanks! techniques so you don’t hurt
yourself. But the coaches teach you
Track 4.7
that so you don’t need to worry.
Student: OK, well, as you say, the photos show Joe: Hello, I’m Joe. I’ve never gone in for
jobs that students can do in the summer – during gym or team games. I mean, I don’t
the holidays. Both are also jobs that you can do belong to the school sports club or
part-time. The people in the photos are both anything. No way. I’d rather be out
young – maybe sixteen or seventeen – and they with the lads in the park, doing our
look really happy doing the jobs. The first photo own thing. I’ve always loved music. I
is of a girl working at the check-out in a used to dance around to all the boy
supermarket, so she’s spending a lot of time bands when I was a little kid. But it
indoors and talking to different people – usually wasn’t till I was in my teens that I
adults – whereas in the second photo, the boy is discovered dance – my type of
coaching some young children. His conversation dance. And urban music. We meet
is probably only with the kids. I imagine that the up – my friends and I – in the park. I
girl’s job would be quite interesting to do. I bring along my boom box, and we

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 Gold Experience B2 Students’ Book audio scripts

practise our slides and glides. There it. It looked more like mashed potato! Try
are other kids doing it, so it’s useful one! They taste much better than they look!
to watch and pick up some moves 3
from them. It’s incredibly relaxing, Man: The latest celebrity chef TV show was
strangely enough, and it makes me broadcast last night on Channel 9 after
feel amazing. weeks of publicity and general hype! Dave
Sonja: Hey there. I’m Sonya. I’d never March’s new way of looking at traditional
heard of spinning – that’s spelt s-p-i- recipes obviously whetted the appetites of
double-n-i-n-g – until I visited our a lot of people as it was watched by a
local gym. I was looking for the staggering number of viewers – and it
dance studio but I opened the wrong didn’t disappoint. The first programme in
door, and there were all these the eight-part series also went down well
people cycling like mad to the most with the critics, although there were a few
amazing pop music! I decided to unkind tweets about what he was wearing.
have a go and after that I was Can you believe it? His guests in the
hooked. It’s good fun because you studio included some famous faces, and
do it in teams, so it’s quite they were evidently enjoying the food he
competitive. You have to watch what cooked. A book of recipes from the series
you wear, though. Sitting on a will be on sale shortly. Should be worth a
saddle for an hour can make your look – maybe a good Christmas present?
bottom sore if you haven’t got the 4
right clothes! A: You’re looking really tired. Are you OK? I’m
so sorry I couldn’t come round earlier to help
Tracks 5.3 and 5.4 with the decorating.
1 B: That’s OK. I couldn’t get down to it anyway.
Helen: Hi, Pam. It’s me, Helen. I know you’re up It’s my back. It’s really hurting and I don’t
to your eyes today and you’re probably think I could lift a paintbrush!
trying to finish off the project right now. A: This isn’t the first time, is it? Have you seen a
I’m just calling about going to tennis this doctor?
evening. I wanted to say that I definitely B: Well, I’ve been taking painkillers, but there’s
will need picking up if that’s still OK for not much doctors can do.
your dad. And thanks a lot for the offer! I A: There’s a chiropractor I go to for my shoulder
think we said 6.30-ish so that we can get – when I’ve been overdoing the tennis! You
in a quick swim first. Don’t forget your could get him to have a look at it. You never
swimsuit! I won’t be able to stay for a know.
snack afterwards as I’m meeting up with B: OK, cheers. Worth a try.
Dave to go to the cinema and we’ll most 5
likely eat later anyway. Hope you get the A: Hiya. Are you hungry? I’m just about to make
project finished OK! Call me back when a sandwich – a healthy one, mind you, with
you’ve got a minute. Bye! wholemeal bread and tuna!
2 B: Thanks, but I’ve just had a fry-up for breakfast
A: Dave – hi! How did you get on with the cup – a full English: eggs, sausages, fried bread –
cakes last night? I was thinking about you. I the works! It was brilliant.
hope the recipe was clear and that you had A: What? What about this diet you’re supposed
everything you needed. to be on? You should have had cereal and
B: Well, it was certainly interesting to try. It was orange juice like I did. You’re a nightmare.
my first attempt at cooking anything and it You’re either eating loads or starving yourself.
took ages! Everything would have been You’ll never lose weight!
absolutely fine if my sister Jenny hadn’t been B: You can talk! I’ve seen you raiding the fridge
looking over my shoulder all the time and after dinner when you’re a couple of days into
giggling. It was all going really well until it a diet! I just like my food too much and I have
came to the icing. I just got a bit distracted by to admit I don’t have much self-control.
her comments and I made a bit of a mess of

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 Gold Experience B2 Students’ Book audio scripts

6 table well in advance. You won’t regret

Man: It hasn’t been easy. Getting to the top in it.
my sport has required a lot of dedication
and sacrifices. It’s the same in most Track 5.5
sports, isn’t it? But I’ve got no regrets. A: OK, shall we start with this one? Eight hours’
Since that moment when I saw my first sleep every night. Hmm, what do you think?
Olympic Games on TV, I haven’t wanted B: I’m not sure. Yeah, it’s true that you need to
to do anything else with my life. Getting to get enough sleep – otherwise you can’t
be on that podium became my entire concentrate the next day, can you?
focus! It completely turned my world A: That’s a horrible feeling – when your head is
around. I went from being an overweight all … what’s the word?
teenager with no confidence at all, who B: Fuzzy! Like full of wool! I know what you
couldn’t stand up for himself in any mean. But I think how much sleep you need
situation, to doing what I do now – depends on the person.
swimming for my country. A life in sport A: You’re right. Some people, like my sister,
helps you in so many different ways, I just need ten hours! And others, like my dad,
can’t recommend it enough. don’t need more than six. Me, too.
7 B: Sorry – are you saying that you need eight or
A: What an interesting programme that was on six?
stress last night. I’m really enjoying this series A: Six. I need about six. If I don’t get that, I feel
of documentaries. awful. And I think you’re more likely to go
B: Yeah. I didn’t realise how badly it can affect down with illnesses, too, if you don’t get your
some people. sleep.
A: It makes you wonder if there’s any way you B: Absolutely. What about this one: ‘Eat
can actually escape stress. It seems like it’s everything you like, but not too much’? Yes,
part and parcel of everything we do these that’s about not doing anything to excess.
days – from studying to working to travelling! A: Sorry, you’ve lost me … to excess?
B: I know what you mean. That programme was B: Yeah, like not too much exercise or too little.
a tad scary. I’ve been thinking about it and, A: Oh, I see what you mean. A little cake’s OK,
you know, my dad never stops working. Well, but not too much!
perhaps he ought to slow down a bit. I don’t B: Yeah – well, to put it another way, some
want him getting ill like those people on the people say ‘a little of what you like does you
programme. good’!
A: Yeah. But remember, these programmes do A: Oh yes, I’m with you there!
show the worst-case scenarios. They like to B: Then we’ve got ‘Have a good work–life
be dramatic. balance’. I agree that it’s important to get the
8 balance right.
Woman: If you’re wondering where to go for that A: How do you mean?
special meal, then I’ve got the answer. B: Well, it’s like – it’s important to work hard, but
Look no further than the new you need to find time to have a good social
vegetarian restaurant, The Eagle, in life, too.
Gold Street. It’s got everything! It’s A: OK, I get you. So, you don’t get too stressed
easy to get to, with a bus stop out. That’s a good point. Some people get too
immediately outside and access to a wrapped up in their work.
good-sized car park. And when you’re B: Like my brother. He’s always working. He
looking at the menu, you’ll be amazed needs to get a life!
by the range. Whoever said that
vegetarian food is boring obviously
needs to go there! It serves food that I
have never even heard of – let alone
tasted! Magic! And in addition to this, if
you need any information about
nutrition or ingredients, just ask the
very informative waiters. The Eagle
gets booked out quickly, so reserve a

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 Gold Experience B2 Students’ Book audio scripts

Tracks 6.1 and 6.2 when to shout and when to be quiet!

Very weird! But I got to see the
Speaker 1: The plot is really exciting, as you can
future winner of the whole thing. She
see from the cover. I’ve got it in
was amazing!
paperback and on my Kindle, can
Speaker 2: My grandad got the whole family
you believe. Each chapter ends on a
tickets for my birthday. I didn’t think
cliffhanger, which means you don’t
I’d enjoy it because sixties music
want to put it down. The characters
isn’t really my thing. I think my
are really well drawn. The heroine is
grandad was being a bit selfish there
a spy, and she’s been ordered to
– going back to his youth! However,
stop terrorists blowing up a
surprisingly, it was a brilliant
government building. I just can’t wait
evening. It was a musical about
to find out what the ending is.
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Speaker 2: The first scene is really dramatic.
– a band from the USA – and of
When the curtain goes up, the stage
course they sang loads of great rock
is completely dark and there’s this
’n’ roll numbers. The acoustics were
terrible storm. Then the lights go up,
amazing in the theatre and the
and we see a sinking ship – then the
singers and dancers were incredible,
pirates arrive! The sets and the
too. I loved it and it’s definitely
costumes are just amazing. We went
changed my mind about sixties
on the first night, and the actors got
music!
a standing ovation. If you think
Speaker 3: I’m one of those people who are
Shakespeare’s not your cup of tea,
always shouting out the answers at
you’ll get a pleasant surprise!
home! So when I had the chance to
Speaker 3: This is the best Iow-budget release
actually be in the studio audience for
of the year, in my opinion. Both the
the filming of one of the shows, I
plot and the script are excellent, and
jumped at it. I was particularly keen
the car chases are really thrilling.
because this show involved
The soundtrack is sung by one of the
audience participation, so I went
country’s top rock artists, so it’s
along hoping that I’d get my big
bound to be a hit.
moment! Sure enough, I was called
Speaker 4: As soon as you launch it, you’ll
up onto the stage to answer some
realise this offers you an amazing
questions. But I was so nervous that
high-fantasy multiplayer experience.
my mind went blank and I couldn’t
There are plenty of activities to keep
answer a thing! That will teach me!
you engaged. Whereas the last
Never again! Being in front of
version felt more appropriate for a
cameras and millions of people is a
single-player session, this version is
whole different ball game.
great in challenge mode. It’s a great
Speaker 4: I’m really into soaps, so I was really
way to test your skills, so go out and
looking forward to going to the
buy it. You’ll be glad you did!
annual TV awards ceremony in
Tracks 6.3 and 6.4 person this year, instead of watching
it at home on TV. We’d won two
Speaker 1: It was quite an experience! I went tickets in a magazine competition. It
with some mates to support a friend. was cool to see all the old familiar
He’s a singer and he made it through faces from the soaps there – looking
to the second round of auditions. posh and elegant in their fancy
The whole thing was a bit unreal, dresses and suits – way different
you know. OK, it was cool to see the from the characters they play on TV!
judges, and some of the acts were The host was great, but I wasn’t that
brilliant and got standing ovations, impressed by the speeches, though.
but others were real no-hopers! And I thought they’d be funnier. But most
there were these guys near the winners from the different categories
stage holding up big boards to tell us just basically said ‘thank you’ to tons
all when to clap, when to cheer,

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 Gold Experience B2 Students’ Book audio scripts

of people, some cried a bit and then outside and interacting with the people
they legged it! passing by. They look relaxed and
Speaker 5: I’d always wanted to go to an happy. The kids in the orchestra
outdoor gig – in spite of all the probably enjoy getting dressed up and
pictures you see of fans in tents that working together to produce some
have blown down and people sliding beautiful music!
about in rain and mud! So this year I Tracks 7.1 and 7.2
went with a group of mates to a big
festival nearby. My favourite band Julia: My best teacher took us for science.
was headlining, so I couldn’t not go, He was great at explaining difficult
if you know what I mean! It was the stuff and seemed to have endless
experience of a lifetime! It poured patience. But the best thing about
with rain and we got drenched, but him was his sense of humour. He
nobody cared. Everyone there was had a joke for every occasion,
so friendly and chilled out – just especially when things went wrong
there to have a good time, and we during an experiment, which they
did. The bands were phenomenal! often did. Anybody walking past the
We came home dirty, wet, tired and chemistry laboratory during our
broke. But what a weekend! lessons must have really wondered
what was going on because there’d
Tracks 6.5 and 6.6 be these hoots of laughter echoing
Katya: OK, to begin with, as you say, people all around the place. He encouraged
are playing music in both pictures, but us to discover things for ourselves
the places are very different. In the first and, though he was strict in some
picture, there’s a group of musicians ways, he didn’t tell us off if we
playing in the street. They’re on the accidentally burnt holes in our test
pavement and they’re playing for tubes, or created stuff that smelt
passers-by. Basically, they’re street horrible. Just as long as we were
entertainers. They can choose what serious about investigating science. I
they want to play and I imagine it can’t imagine all science teachers
depends on the people who are would be that tolerant. And because
listening! It’s quite relaxed. They can he made science so exciting and
wear what they want, too. challenging and such fun, we all did
Katya: In the second picture, however, it’s a really well in our end-of-term exams.
much more organised group. It’s an He was a brilliant teacher really.
orchestra for young people and the Robert: When I started secondary school I
people there are playing indoors, in a was really academic – I got top
big hall probably. They have to dress marks for everything. I was even
quite formally and they know exactly made form prefect in my first year.
what they’re going to play. It looks much Then I got in with the wrong crowd
more serious than the first picture. and my school work went right down.
People might be paying to listen to I got very cheeky too. I was always
them, so they have to be good, whereas in detention. In fact I almost got
in the first picture, people will only give expelled at one point, my behaviour
them money if they like what they do! was so bad. All that changed when I
The music they’re playing is obviously was put into Mr Lee’s class. He was
different, too. The orchestra are really strict on discipline and even
probably playing classical music, the bullies in the school were
whereas the street group are playing … petrified of him. If he appeared in the
I don’t know … folk, maybe? But corridor, they would run a mile! But
definitely not Mozart or Beethoven. And he was a brilliant psychologist too.
now to … what are the people enjoying He understood why kids sometimes
about playing in these places? Well, I go wrong. You know, if things are
think the first group are enjoying being bad at home, or if a student is having
relationship problems, and he’d sit

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you down and listen, and somehow me, obviously there will be some differences!
he’d get it out of you what was going But from the point of view of organisation, it’s the
wrong for you and why you were same. It will all be set up by the teachers and
behaving so badly. If it weren’t for admin staff and they do a fantastic job. It usually
him, I’d never have got to college. runs very smoothly.
So thank you, Mr Lee. You were The process starts with your application. You
tops! have to decide if you want to go, and find out
Mariana: I think my best teacher was Mrs what your parents think about it. Then you get
Lopez. She was the sports teacher matched with a particular student. The school
at my old boarding school. I went tries to consider your personality and interests –
there for five years, before we like whether you both like athletics or are keen
moved house. I go to a day school on hobbies like chess, etc., so you’ll have the
now, which I prefer. I used to get best chance of getting on. I was matched up with
very homesick away from my a student called Jean-Paul who lives in the
parents. Mrs Lopez understood that, countryside like me and who’s really into
and she was always there for me swimming – like me, too! Jean-Paul came to
when I was feeling down. I didn’t stay with me in England first. Luckily Jean-Paul
think I was any good at sport until I and I got on really well. He came to school with
went into her class. And because I me every day and told me about all the
didn’t seem too keen on games, I differences between school life here and in
always ended up being put in an France. I got the chance to see what he meant
alternative group, like cookery or when I went to stay with him in May. And you’ll
sewing, which I hated. I’m not a bit find there are lots of things they do differently
domesticated! Anyway, as I say, as when you go to Spain, too. For example, I
soon as I had Mrs Lopez as my form couldn’t believe how long the school day was in
teacher, I changed my mind about France. They start at 8.30 and go on to 5.00!
sport. She made games lessons into Mind you, they do have a two-hour lunch break –
such fun, all the hard work seemed unlike here! And they have to go to school on
to go out of it and I got more Saturday mornings until 12.00. No way students
confident and in the end I found I here would agree to do that, is there? Another
was really good at some things. thing that was different was that at school it was
Especially swimming. I‘ve even won the teachers who changed rooms for different
medals for that, and it’s all thanks to subjects – not the students. We stayed in the
Mrs Lopez. same classroom all day – apart from science,
that is. I’m still not sure which I prefer. There are
Tracks 7.3 and 7.4 pros and cons for both systems. I think I was
Mandy: very lucky. I got on very well with Jean-Paul’s
Hi, everyone. Miss Piper has asked me along to family and they took me on loads of trips to
this meeting because most of you are thinking different places, so I learnt a lot about the culture
about getting involved in the exchange while I was there. I also had some time to myself
programme to Spain this autumn. You probably and I went round the shops to get some
want to know what it’s all about. As I’ve been on presents for the family before I left – that was
an exchange, she thought I could talk a bit about interesting. Some of the shops are so different! I
what my experience was like. Then you can ask think that’s one of the important things about
me some questions. It’s good to know what going on an exchange. You get to see how
you’re getting into before you sign up. people in a different country live. It makes you
Well, I’m studying French, so our class was more open-minded. It’s also brilliant for your
invited to exchange with a class at a school in language! Jean-Paul’s English improved
France. This was last May, which I think was a amazingly while he was here and now my
great time to go because the weather was French is much better, too. I know there are
amazing. But November will also be interesting stories going round about students who have
for you, I think, as it’s coming up to Christmas had bad experiences on an exchange, but
and there’ll be all sorts of exciting things going they’re very rare and often it’s because the
on! As you’ll be going to a different country from English students themselves aren’t prepared to
try new things – like the food and drink!

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Personally, I loved having the opportunity to Tom: Hey, Stu. Who was that I saw you
sample a new type of cooking. I bet you’ll find with last night, eh? Uh huh! You
the breakfasts are quite unlike anything you’re were, well, happy, weren’t you? And
used to! So I would definitely recommend going all dressed up too. How trendy was
on an exchange. You get such a lot out of it. And that? Aren’t you the secret one? She
sometimes you make real friends there, too. was very pretty too, whoever she
Now has anyone got any questions? was!
Bruce: Listen, everyone! You know the
Tracks 7.5 and 7.6 exams we did last week? I got an A
A: OK, so we’re talking about ways of improving grade for every single subject. Aren’t
our English outside the classroom. Right, I clever? Our teacher said I’ll get to
which one shall we look at first? What do you university, no trouble! My parents
think? are going to be well impressed, you
B: Let’s talk about this one, shall we? know.
A: Good idea. For me that’s a really good way to Kara: Psst! Have you seen Barbara today?
improve your English – because you’re in the Story is, she’s split up with her
country and English is all around you, isn’t it? boyfriend. Mmm, I know. Teresa told
B: Absolutely. I think you get the feel for the me. She got it from Adam. And
language and of course, you need to speak it, Sandra said she saw them having a
don’t you? That’s the important thing. When row in the coffee bar last night. I
you need to do something you remember it wonder what they were fighting
better. Like asking for something in a café. about? Do you know? No? Well let’s
You realise why you need the language. In ask one of her friends. Come on!
the classroom it isn’t really real! Leonardo: Hey, Gemma. If your heart were a
prison, I’d murder to get there! How
Track 7.7 about coming out with me some
time?
A: So, now we have to decide which is the
easiest for students to do. Tracks 8.2 and 8.3
B: Yeah, we’ve said that they are all useful in
their different ways – apart from the 1
vocabulary lists – but which is the easiest? I A: Hi. How are you getting on with the new
think going to England is the most useful, but smartphone? I imagine it does everything,
it’s not the easiest, is it? considering how much it cost! Is it living up to
A: Yeah, you’re right. You can definitely learn a your expectations?
lot by going there, but not everybody has that B: It’s certainly worth the money, but I must
chance. admit I’m having a few problems. I changed
B: True. So, maybe watching films? networks because it’s really difficult to get a
A: I think that’s a good one to go for because signal in my area, but it’s only made the
everyone can easily do that – you can see the problem worse.
films on TV or online. A: Really? I thought they were all pretty similar.
B: And you can rent them or buy the DVDs, can’t B: No. Before, I used to be able to get a signal
you? by leaning out of my bedroom window, but
A: Yes. OK, are we saying that watching films is now I have to walk to the end of the garden.
the easiest for students to do? And that’s not much fun when it’s cold and
B: That and listening to music, too. We can all late at night!
do that! A: If I were you, I’d get my parents to move
house!
Track 8.1 2
Dan? It’s Miranda. I don’t seem to have seen
Heather: Oh no! We’ve got a maths test today
you for ages. You must think I only get in touch
and I’ve left my calculator at home. I
when I need something! And I really must thank
can’t manage without it. I’ll fail the
you for sorting out my laptop last month. You’re
test and my parents will go mad.
a genius with technology! It’s been great since
What on earth am I going to do?
you fixed the problem and it hasn’t frozen or

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 Gold Experience B2 Students’ Book audio scripts

crashed since then. I was just wondering if you’d on end online. You know sometimes it can
like my dad’s old PC? He’s been given a new get so bad that you don’t eat or sleep.
laptop by his company and he was about to A: I wouldn’t worry if I were you. Gary’s not like
throw his old PC away. I remembered you loved that. He loves his gaming, but he knows you
updating old computers so I thought I’d run it mustn’t let it control you. I bet he’ll be back in
past you and see if you wanted it. Get back to class tomorrow.
me when you can. B: I hope so.
3 6
A: What’s up, Sally? Has anything happened? OK, my research for today’s lesson about health
B: I’m furious! It’s Mark. We’ve been going out was into something I think a lot of kids suffer
together for six months now and he still from these days – texter’s thumb! Do you know
doesn’t trust me. about it? Because I didn’t! When Mr Taylor
A: What’s he done? asked us to find out about health problems
B: In the café yesterday after school I caught linked to technology I spoke to a doctor friend of
him checking through the texts on my phone! my dad’s and he told me that a lot of youngsters
He wanted to see if I’d been texting or getting come to him these days complaining about pains
texts from another boy. in their thumbs! Apparently it’s a result of
A: Wow! What did you do? overusing your thumb when you’re continually
B: I lost my temper and told him to get lost. texting. It’s nothing to get bothered about. Just
A: But you and Mark are so good together. He lay off the texting for a while and it’ll get better.
was probably just worried that he was losing Or learn to text with just fingers. But I imagine
you. then you’d just get texter’s finger instead!
B: Well, he’s lost me now. I don’t care what you 7
say. It’s wrong to snoop into people’s private A: Did you have a good time at your dad’s
messages. How can I trust him in the future? birthday party on Saturday?
Sorry – it’s over! B: Yeah, it was cool. My sister and I clubbed
4 together and got him an e-reader because as
Good news! The new technology series Imagine! you know he loves his books.
will start next Monday evening. This weekly A: Yeah. My mum’s got one and she takes it
show will look at the very latest in technology all everywhere. She wasn’t sure at first that
over the world. It will include interviews with she’d get on with one. It’s such a change and
different inventors who have come up with great she said she loved the feel of a book and
ideas and give them the opportunity to talk about being able to flick through the pages. But
them. There will also be a competition to she’s got used to the e-reader and she hasn’t
encourage teens to invent something looked back!
themselves, and the winners will come on the B: Well, I hope it’s the same for my dad. I’m fed
show to explain what they’ve done. The series up with tripping over all the piles of his books
will appeal to all young people who find science in the living room.
and technology interesting. It will also try to 8
explain difficult concepts and ideas in a A: I’m broke again. This is ridiculous. I’ve got a
straightforward way to those of us who are Saturday job to save some money for our
baffled by them. The makers of the programme holidays and two days after I get paid, it’s all
promise it will be a fascinating insight into gone.
technology today. B: But I never see you in the shopping mall.
5 A: I never have time these days to go out
A: Have you seen Gary recently? He hasn’t shopping. But that’s my problem. If I was
been to school and he isn’t answering his actually in a shop, I’d probably think more
phone either. about what I could afford. Whereas these
B: No, no one’s seen him for a few days. You days, I go online and get tempted by all these
know, I’m getting a bit worried about him. offers. I’ve set up ‘buy with one click’ on quite
A: Why? Do you think he’s ill? a few sites and it’s so easy! I find I’m ‘clicking’
B: I don’t know. It’s just this gaming he’s into. more and more often!
He’s been spending longer and longer online. B: Well, you know what to do, don’t you? Avoid
It’s addictive and some people spend hours those sites like the plague. At least until
you’ve been on holiday.

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Track 8.4 have to be home by nine o’clock! It’s

really unfair. How can I convince
Well, as you say, both pictures show different
them I’m old enough to be trusted? I
uses of technology. In the first picture, the
know when I need to study and
woman is wearing a very special pair of
when I don’t. I am seventeen, after
spectacles or ‘glasses’ I think you say. The
all!
technology is really new, and there’s a special
Speaker 3: Hi! I’m Carla. I’ve got a problem with
word for them like, erm, ‘computer glasses’?
my sister. In fact, she’s driving me
Anyway, you use them to see very small
mad! I have to share a room with
computer screens on them. I can’t remember
her, and it’s impossible because we
what they’re called. You know, the glass bits that
just don’t get on. She’s younger than
you look through. Well, they’re very clever. I
me, but only by a year, so it’s not like
don’t know why she’s wearing them in this
she’s a baby. She’s just so selfish.
picture. It may be for her job, or for fun. Maybe
She won’t share any of her things
she just wants to see how they work. The other
with me, but she’s always
picture, however, is definitely using technology
‘borrowing’ my clothes when I’m not
for work. It’s a robot that looks as if it serves the
there. She goes through my letters
meals in a restaurant! I presume it’s to help the
and texts, too, so I can’t keep
waitress or maybe even just to entertain the
anything private from her. And she’s
customers! As for the problems – well, obviously
always telling tales to Mum and Dad,
they could go wrong! The spectacles might not
so I keep getting into trouble. What
work or they might break, and the robot might …
can I do? I’m getting really desperate
I’m sorry, I can’t remember the exact word. It’s
now.
when you drop food or drink on the floor. Also I
guess they’re both really expensive … Track 9.2
Track 9.1 Amy: Did you see the graffiti on the school
walls this morning?
Speaker 1: Hi! I’m Diana and I’ve got a problem.
Grant: Yeah. It’s the Beat gang’s sign. But it
You see, I’ve got two best friends –
wasn’t there when I left school yesterday
we’ve been friends for ages and
evening.
ages, since we all started this
Amy: I didn’t need to stay for music practice
school, and the three of us used to
yesterday because Miss Dukes was ill.
get on really well. Anyway, they’ve
So I left early and didn’t see anything.
just fallen out in a really big way,
They could have done it late last night, I
over a boy in our class that they’ve
suppose.
both got a crush on. It’s crazy
Grant: Dan Myers was looking pleased with
because I don’t think he’s interested
himself this morning. I bet it was him.
in either of them, not seriously. He
The head should have suspended him
just likes flirting with people – it
after the fight last week, but he didn’t.
doesn’t mean anything. Anyway, my
Amy: He’s had a lot of problems, you know.
friends won’t speak to each other
Grant: Yeah, but he didn’t have to join a gang,
any more, and I’m stuck in the
did he? He had a choice!
middle. If I talk to one of them, the
Amy: True. He could have said no when they
other one gets really upset. I’m
asked him to join. But it’s hard to say no
getting really fed up with it all. What
to the Beat gang leader.
should I do?
Grant: I tried to give Dan some advice when he
Speaker 2: Hi! I’m Matthew. My problem is my
joined the gang. But I needn’t have
parents – they’re so strict it’s
bothered! He’s just not listening to
ridiculous! They won’t let me go out
anybody.
any weekday evenings. They make
me stay in and study for my exams Tracks 9.3 and 9.4
and they’re still months away. All my
friends are allowed out and I feel Interviewer: Today my guest is Rachel Brooks.
such an idiot that I can’t hang out Rachel is just eighteen, but she’s
with them. Even at the weekends, I been working with Channel 5 to

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make some fascinating But the worst thing is that you just
documentaries about problems can’t get away from it.
teenagers face today. The first of Interviewer: Can I ask you what sort of
these documentaries is called comments?
Cyber-bullying: the faceless haters Rachel: Well, most of them are too horrible
and she’s with us today to tell us to repeat but they include things
all about it. Hi there, Rachel. like ‘Everyone hates you!’, ‘Don’t
Thanks for coming on the come to school tomorrow – you
programme. know what’s waiting for you!’,
Rachel: Thanks for inviting me. ‘You’re fat and ugly’ and so on.
Interviewer: Rachel, this documentary … it’s Terrible, insulting things.
quite incredible. I watched it last Interviewer: But why do people do this?
night and I learnt an awful lot. It Rachel: Well, one reason is because
was very informative. I really had they’re anonymous online. The
no idea what cyber-bullying was victim doesn’t know who is posting
really all about. I felt really the comments. And because they
ignorant. are anonymous, the bullies feel
Rachel: You’re not alone. A lot of people they can say absolutely anything
are unaware of the problem. That’s they want – there are no limits.
why I made the programme. I They aren’t face to face with their
mean, everyone knows about the victim so they can’t see the effect
sort of bullying you get at schools. their words have and the
Many of us have seen it happening comments just get worse and
or even actually been through it worse.
ourselves. It can have disastrous Interviewer: I’ve heard that these people are
effects on young people. It can called ‘trolls’. Is that right?
lead to depression or even, at its Rachel: Yes. And these people don’t just
worst, to suicide. Fortunately, attack and bully people they know
these days a lot of people are from school. It goes further. There
looking out for it – teachers, are trolls who post horrible
parents, friends all know what to comments on sites of people
do and who to tell if they see signs they’ve never even met – like
of bullying. It still happens, but at celebrities. For them it’s like a
least people talk about it and hobby. It’s fun!
there’s advice on how to deal with Interviewer: So what can people do about this?
it. Cyber-bullying, however, is Rachel: That’s the big problem. There’s
something else! People are not very little you can do. Some
that aware of it and it’s very, very people try to respond to the trolls
difficult to deal with. but they shouldn’t. This just
Interviewer: So what exactly does it involve? encourages them to do more.
Rachel: Well, it’s a step on from normal There’s a saying going round
bullying. It all happens online. these days: ‘Don’t feed the trolls!’
People post vicious comments That’s probably the best advice.
about you online – usually on Interviewer: But it’s hard to ignore such
social network sites. It started with personal messages. And if
nasty texts when mobile phones everyone can see them it must be
started to become popular and so humiliating.
was a way that bullies could follow Rachel: Yes, it is. But these people are
their victims outside school and almost impossible to track down.
into their own homes. Now, with They hide behind other identities
social networking sites becoming online. But what they are doing is
so popular, this sort of bullying has actually illegal. If people can get
reached yet another level. Not only some evidence – like a printout of
do you see the comments, but the messages before they delete
everyone else can see them too!

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them – they can take them to the some kids get drawn into crime. And then
police. there’s being popular …
Interviewer: And do you think the problem will B: Sorry to interrupt, but I must say that I
be resolved soon? completely agree with you about the gangs.
Rachel: Some people think that bullies will And in places where gang warfare is a
get tired of this type of activity, but problem, there’s also the pressure of physical
I don’t agree. And it’s not going to threats if you don’t go along with the gang
be enough just for people to be members. Also, once you’ve joined a gang,
more careful about who they give it’s very hard to try to get out of it.
their email addresses to. We need A: Absolutely. Now, doing what your parents
more online protection from bullies expect is a huge pressure. Sometimes it’s
like these. However, I think we’re a getting top grades, sometimes it’s winning
long way from that at the moment. races …
It’s all tied up with whether there B: Can I jump in here? This sort of pressure can
should be more policing of the be very destructive. When you want to live up
Internet and if so, how this can be to your parents’ expectations, it can affect all
done. Maybe then the problem will sorts of areas of your life. Sometimes parents
disappear. want too much from their kids. Then the kids
Interviewer: OK, Rachel. Thank you so much. get into problems trying to be good enough.
Believe me, listeners, this is a For me it’s the pushy parents at sports events
must-see documentary. Watch out that get me angry.
for it. Next Tuesday at 7.30. A: My turn now. In my opinion, having the latest
things is a real pressure, too. It’s because
Tracks 9.5, 9.6 and 9.7 people don’t want to be different … and it’s
A: I want to start with this one. Kids often have awful if everyone else has got a laptop or a
to choose one family member to support tablet and you haven’t. But what can you do if
when there’s fighting at home. I think that’s your family isn’t particularly rich? You have
very hard. If your parents are fighting and to …
having arguments all the time, you sometimes
Track 10.1
have to take sides. That must be horrible.
And if they separate, the kids have to go and A: Have you heard of a writer called Mary
live with just one. It can cause loads of Shelley? She wrote a book called
problems. That’s a lot of pressure. And now, Frankenstein when she was only nineteen!
to talk about gangs … You know the book I mean, don’t you? About
B: Excuse me, Stella. Before you go on, I’d just a man who created a monster from human
like to say that it’s particularly difficult for kids body parts and then brought it to life?
that are in their teens. They’re trying to cope Anyway, in the beginning many people didn’t
with exams and stuff at the same time. In fact, believe a woman could have written such a
they often feel that their parents’ problems horror story. So they supposed her husband
are their fault. They start thinking that if I had written it; he was a famous writer, you
hadn’t done this, Dad wouldn’t have left, or see, called Percy Bysshe Shelley.
whatever. And the parents say bad things to B: I’ve just been reading about King
the kids about each other. It can get really Tutankhamen. He lived in Egypt in the
nasty. OK, what did you want to say about fourteenth century BCE, and he was a
joining gangs? Pharaoh – a king, really. The extraordinary
A: Yeah, it’s interesting. It’s not such a problem thing is, he became a Pharaoh when he was
here, at least not with the traditional sort of only eight or nine years old. He got married
gang. You know, the ones that fight with rival when he was still a kid, too – probably to his
gangs and have their own territories or ‘turf’, I sister! And he died before he was nineteen.
think they say. But there is a lot of pressure Talk about a short, eventful life! He’s buried in
on kids to be part of a group. Everyone wants the Valley of the Kings and there’s a curse
to belong and not be different, so I think a lot written on his tomb saying that anyone who
of kids go along with what their friends do, goes near it will get a horrible punishment.
even if they don’t agree with it. That’s how That’s scary!

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Tracks 10.2 and 10.3 1706, was the son of a farmer. While he was
growing up and doing an apprenticeship to
So, our project was to find out all we could about
become a butcher, he started to steal sheep and
famous outlaws in different countries. That is,
cattle. He ran away from the police and became
people who lived outside the community and
an outlaw. He first tried to be a smuggler – which
basically did a lot of robbing and other things
he didn’t do very well – and then a robber,
that were against the law. These people were
attacking people in isolated farmhouses. Turpin
being hunted by the authorities, and sometimes
is said to have been very violent, and shot, killed
they worked in gangs and carried out crimes
and tortured his victims. Turpin is famous for his
together, like Jesse James in the USA.
beautiful horse called Black Bess and the story
Sometimes they acted alone, like the English
says that he rode 190 miles from London to York
highwayman, Dick Turpin. I’ll tell you more about
in fifteen hours, which was a record at the time.
these guys in a moment. The thing about
But in fact it wasn’t Turpin who did this but
outlaws is that they’ve often become heroes to
another criminal called Nevison. He was trying to
the people who read about them because they
establish an alibi for himself! Turpin was caught
seem to have their own ideals or laws. Many
at last by pure chance. An old teacher
people believe that they had a special sort of
recognised Turpin’s handwriting on a letter that
justice. Think of the English Robin Hood. What
he sent to his brother asking for money. Turpin
he did was to steal from the rich and give to the
showed some courage at the end of his life
poor! People think that was a great idea! But is it
when he was about to be hanged. Perhaps it
really true? Robin is a fictitious character, but
was this that started the legends about him.
people now believe he was based on a real
Most people think that Turpin was brave,
person whose name was Roger Godberd. Now
gentlemanly and charming. The truth is that he
he wasn’t very nice at all! So, were these
was ruthless and often not even very good at
famous outlaws really fighting for justice or were
what he did!
they actually criminals who did a whole load of
And finally I’d like to mention Jesse James and
nasty things?
his gang who robbed trains and banks in the
Firstly, let’s have a look at Ned Kelly. He’s
USA …
probably Australia’s greatest outlaw and I think
the historical evidence shows that he did a lot of Track 10.4
bad things. But he was pushed into them by the
authorities at the time. He is certainly considered Ned’s father, who was a small-time criminal from
a hero. Ned’s father, who was a small-time Ireland, was transported to Australia.
criminal from Ireland, was transported to Turpin, who was born in 1706, was the son of a
Australia in 1841. Life was very hard for Ned’s farmer.
family and he started stealing horses when he
Tracks 10.5 and 10.6
was very young. However, it was when his
mother was wrongly put in prison for shooting a Yes – what interesting pictures! Both pictures, as
policeman that Ned became an outlaw and he you say, show important events from history but
hid out in the mountains with his brother and his the events themselves are very different. This
mates. After the gang robbed a bank in 1878, one is the ... I’m not sure how you say it … the
the police offered a reward of £12,000. They crowning of a king or queen? And this one is
chased the Kelly gang for a long time until when the first man walked on the moon. The
finally, in 1880, Ned was captured and hanged. moon photo is a relatively recent event, probably
While he was in prison, Ned wrote a long letter in the 1960s, whereas this other picture is a little
about how badly the poor Irish settlers were older. There’s another big difference. The
treated. This got a lot of public attention and it second event is really important to everyone in
eventually led to changes in the law. So was he the world because it was part of how man is
good or was he bad? exploring the universe and finding out things
Unlike Ned Kelly, another famous outlaw, Dick about the world. The first event is probably
Turpin, was probably far less brave and romantic important for just one country. I guess it’s maybe
than his story tells us. Turpin is well known for quite important for students from that country to
being a highwayman, a rider who attacked know about its past because that can help them
travellers and coaches on roads throughout understand about the present day and why
England in the 1730s. Turpin, who was born in things are like they are. I do think it’s important

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to know where we come from and what we did in product when it’s delivered, or if you decide you
the past, but not everyone agrees! Learning don’t want it. If you’ve bought it in a shop, you
about things like going to the moon is so can take it back and get a refund quite easily. If
important for everyone because it’s part of how you’ve bought it online, you have to send it back
the world is developing. It’s also really positive – – which is a nightmare sometimes – and it can
and so much about history is learning about take ages for the maker to send you a
wars and fighting. I think it’s good to learn about replacement. Also, when you shop online, you
things like this! have to go by the picture of the product on the
screen. You can’t pick it up or have a really good
Track 10.7 look at it, like you can in a shop. So it’s
One of the most famous tourist attractions in the sometimes quite hard to decide if it’s the right
UK is Stonehenge. This is an ancient group of thing to buy. One other problem can be the
huge stones in the middle of a wide green area waiting time for online purchases. If you’re
in the south of England called Salisbury Plain. ordering something for a special occasion, like a
Stonehenge is a mystery because people don’t birthday, you may find you can’t get the item
really know a lot about its history. It was quickly enough. You have to pay shipping costs,
probably built between 3000 and 2000 BCE and it too, so the item might end up dearer than you
is believed to have been a burial site. It may also originally thought.
have been a place for healing too, but this is just
Tracks 11.2 and 11.3
a theory. The only thing people agree about is
that it has some sort of religious connection. Speaker 1: The best way by far to get famous
Today groups of people gather near the stones these days is to post a clip of
on the shortest and longest days of the year yourself or your band on YouTube.
because they believe the stones have a special The word gets round and before you
power. Another mystery is that no one really know it, hundreds of thousands of
knows how the huge stones were transported people have watched you! Isn’t that
here in the first place! The stones came from what Justin Bieber did? You know –
somewhere quite a long way from the site. They the young Canadian singer? He was
must have been enormously heavy and in those like a totally overnight sensation.
days transport wasn’t easy! I love this place One minute no one had ever heard
because of the mystery and because it is very of him and the next he had a record
beautiful, with an unusual atmosphere. I think deal and millions of young girls were
foreign and UK visitors would really enjoy a visit. buying his CDs and wanting to marry
him! Well maybe not millions – but
Track 11.1 you know what I mean. And he’s
There are several advantages to shopping won awards, too. Shows the power
online. First, you can shop when you want to – of YouTube!
you’re not limited to times when the shops are Speaker 2: Companies that give bad service
open. For me, one of the biggest pluses is that have really got to be careful these
you can access lots of similar products on your days. Before, they could get away
screen so then you can just sit and compare with ripping people off, but that was
them, without having to traipse around the before people started blogging about
shops. You can compare prices, too, and make things online. Now if you’re fed up
sure you get the best bargain around. And often with something – like a product that
you can read reviews about the product from isn’t value for money or even an
people who’ve already bought it. It’s really useful airline that treats you badly – you
to know whether other people think it’s any good can blog about it, and soon the word
or not. And then, of course, goods are often is out and people can boycott the
cheaper online because manufacturers don’t company! Problem is, sometimes
have to worry about having a shop and shop people make up stories or
assistants, and all the costs entailed in all that. exaggerate and you can’t really tell
Of course there are disadvantages to online they’re not true.
shopping, too. For me, the biggest problem is Speaker 3: In the past, if people thought a law
what to do if there’s something wrong with the was unfair or didn’t like what the

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politicians were doing or something B: I’m with you on that. Another thing is that I
like that, they had to set up often tear out bits of a magazine – tips,
campaigns and write letters to the pictures I like or even website addresses. You
newspapers and things. Now you can’t do that with something online unless
can organise an online petition and you go to the hassle of printing it out. Can you
get thousands of signatures in days! imagine a newsagent’s shop without
Apparently, in our country if it goes magazines? It’s great just looking at all the
over a certain number, the front covers.
government is forced to consider the
problem. It can happen at school Track 12.1
level, too. If you think something’s Jenny: We went abroad this year – to the
wrong, you can find out how loads of UK. It was really exciting because
kids at school feel about it in a we got to stay in London and go to
matter of days – and maybe get lots of musicals. I love anything to do
something done about it. Brilliant! with the theatre, so it was a dream
Speaker 4: I think Twitter is amazing and I tweet for me. It’s a nightmare driving in the
all the time! But it’s a bit worrying, I city, so we went everywhere by Tube
think, because so many people use – which was OK, except at rush hour
Twitter and millions of people tweet when it’s packed and you get
all the time about different things – squashed up against people. That
and rumours can just get started and can get you a bit panicky! We saw
spread like wildfire, even if there’s no the sights of course – Tower of
truth to them. A sports celebrity and London, Buckingham Palace, St
a politician had their careers Paul’s Cathedral and the London
completely destroyed by rumours on Dungeon. How scary was that?
Twitter last year. Now that’s not fair. There were wax models of all these
Speaker 5: For me, the best thing about the famous people who’d been
Internet is how it brings everyone all imprisoned or executed hundreds of
round the world closer. I’m not years ago. Not everyone’s thing,
talking about meeting new people or maybe, but I thought it was great!
learning about different cultures, but Peter: For the first time ever, my parents let
about how quickly we can learn me go to summer camp and it was
about things that are happening in just amazing! There were about
different countries – breaking news thirty of us altogether – all teens. I
and stuff. Before, we just used to felt a bit scared at first because I’d
know about the things that were gone on my own but by the end of
happening in our country, but now day one, I felt I’d known everyone for
you can go on a news site and see ages. That was ace. We did loads of
what’s just happened on the other activities – kayaking, surfing, diving.
side of the world! No one can hide Things I’d never do at home. I
anything any more and that’s got to haven’t got a head for heights, so
be a good thing. the abseiling was a bit of an ordeal.
Mind you, I got to do scuba diving
Track 11.4
the same day, so that more than
A: Well, personally, I think people do both! And I made up for it.
don’t think that’s going to change. People like Florence: Mum and Dad are a bit strapped for
to leaf through magazines – there’s cash at the moment, so we just had
something cool about the feel of the glossy days out this year. I didn’t mind,
pages! And you can take one everywhere, though – bar the day we spent at the
can’t you? Whereas online, you just click or zoo. Seeing animals in cages just
touch to turn a page and then just read the puts my back up. We went to the
information. You can’t keep it lying round so seaside a few times of course –
that you can pick it up when you feel like it! always a winner, that! We only had
What do you think? one wet day, and Dad took us

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bowling, which turned out to be a 4

real laugh. So it wasn’t a bad A: I hear you’re off to America next month. I bet
holiday, all in all. you’re looking forward to it.
B: Yeah – we’ll be travelling all over the country
Tracks 12.2 and 12.3 and seeing some of the best sights. It’ll be the
1 trip of a lifetime. I’m just a bit worried about all
B: It took me ages to get to school this morning. the flying. You know I get a bit stressed out
The traffic was terrible, even though we set on planes.
out in good time. I was late for maths again. A: I know what you mean! I feel exactly the
A: Me, too. I told Dad he should have used the same. It’s when the plane lifts off and you get
by-pass. We got caught up in the traffic jam in that sinking feeling in your stomach, isn’t it? I
the town centre. It looked like a bus had hit a try to think about something else! And these
couple of cyclists. days I usually try to sleep through long flights.
B: Yes, my mum was driving and she pointed B: I think I’ll just take loads of magazines and
out how dangerous cycling in the town centre watch all the movies.
is these days. Although I didn’t see any 5
ambulances, did you? A lot of celebrities these days are raising money
A: No, I’m pretty sure it was just the bus that for charity by doing difficult things. There was
was holding things up. It went into a the TV presenter who went all the way down the
lamppost. There was a big crowd of people Amazon River in a small canoe, a journey which
including school kids on the pavement. I bet took her six weeks. Then there was a famous
they were even later than us! comedian who swam the length of the River
2 Thames. Well, the latest to join this group of
If you’ve been to Rio de Janeiro, you’ve probably brave celebs is another comedian, John Bishop,
seen the increasingly large part of the city called who made an incredible journey from Paris to
a ‘shanty town’. This is where houses have been London in five days! Tonight’s documentary
built onto each other without any idea of shows how he cycled from Paris to the coast,
planning and there are no roads for cars or then rowed across the English Channel and
bikes. It can take people many hours to get to finally ran three marathons in three days to get
the city centre, walking up and down steps and to London.
through tiny lanes. Last night’s documentary 6
showed us how the new cable car system can I suppose the reason I chose this job is because
transport people quickly over the top of this area. I’d always had a fascination with faraway places.
It was quite expensive to get up and running, but Ever since I was little, I’ve loved reading about
it has changed people’s lives here dramatically different countries and I’ve envied people with
and opened up new opportunities for work. jobs on planes, who get to visit a different place
Maybe this is the answer for more of our every week! Now I get to do that, too, but I
overpopulated cities. usually stay for longer than an afternoon or
3 overnight! It can sometimes take several days to
It’s me, Ben. I thought I’d give you a ring to say do my research, interview people and visit all the
we arrived safely this morning. But it was a places I need to – just a like a real tourist. It’s
terrible journey. You know my dad always gets hard work, but it’s enjoyable, and it’s great to
everywhere way too early? Well, we set off for see my work in print every month.
the airport at five o’clock! But you’ll never believe 7
it. When we got to the airport, we found out that A: I’m never going to take your advice again!
the plane was delayed – engine problems – for Going on that Tower Elevator Ride at the
four hours. We couldn’t get anything to eat theme park was the worst experience I’ve
because the restaurant staff were on strike and ever had!
to top it all, the heating had broken down, and B: But you said you liked scary rides. I
you know how icy it was this morning. By the absolutely loved it – screamed my head off,
time they’d finally fixed the plane, the delay was but I loved it.
actually six hours! Not a good way to start a A: Yeah – I enjoy fast, exciting rides usually but
holiday. this one was something else! I thought I was
going to be sick all over everyone!

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B: Mmm – it does give you a funny feeling. I

Track 12.4
must admit I was glad when it was over, but
that’s part of the experience. As you say, both photos show different rides at a
A: I felt ill for the rest of the afternoon. You could theme park and both rides are scary for different
at least say sorry for recommending it – or reasons. In the first photo, the people are on a
give me a bit of sympathy. It was horrible. fast-moving ride that turns people upside down
8 as well as round and round! That must make you
A: I must lend you this book I’m reading – it’s feel a bit sick! The second, however, is not up in
fascinating. the air but on the ground and is frightening for
B: Oh, is that the one about the London Tube? I another reason. This ride tries to make you
thought it looked a bit boring. really scared. It’s a ghost train and it is cleverly
A: You’d think so, wouldn’t you? But actually I’m designed so that you see ghosts and skeletons
really enjoying it. It’s all about the history of and things like that suddenly and unexpectedly
the London Underground and how it was so that it shocks you! The first ride might be
built. There’s also loads of interesting stuff scary for another reason too – it’s quite
about ghosts that people have seen in the dangerous – the machinery could go wrong and
tunnels and weird things that have been people could get hurt. I think some people might
found in the carriages! I haven’t been that worry about that too when they’re on one of
keen on going on the Tube in the past. It those, whereas on the second ride you’re on firm
always seems so stuffy, and it’s a wonder ground, at least! I think the people in both
more people don’t faint because it gets so pictures are feeling thrilled but in the first picture
hot. But reading this, it makes me want to the thrill comes from speed and sensation
travel to all the different stations and check whereas in the second picture it comes from
out what it says. It might take quite a long shock.
time, though!

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