B2 Listening: Environmental Problems in Our Area
B2 First – Listening
Instructions: You will hear a conversation between two neighbors, Sarah and Ben, discussing environmental problems in their area. For questions 1–6, choose the answer (A, B, or C) which fits best according to what you hear.
You can listen to the recording twice.
Listening: Environmental Problems in Our Area
While Listening
- What environmental issues do Sarah and Ben describe?
- What solutions do they propose?
- Which solution seems most realistic? Why?
Questions 1–6
1. What problem does Ben highlight in urban areas?
A. Noise from construction
B. Traffic and pollution
C. Poor recycling facilities
2. According to Sarah, what is another urban problem?
A. Lack of green spaces
B. Shortage of schools
C. Water pollution
3. What problem does Ben mention in rural areas?
A. Air pollution
B. Lack of public transport
C. Irregular rubbish collection
4. What solution does Sarah suggest for urban pollution?
A. Planting more trees
B. Using public transport or cycling
C. Building more roads
5. What solution does Ben propose to reduce car use?
A. Improving bus services
B. Increasing parking fines
C. Encouraging carpooling
6. Which community action is suggested to improve the local environment?
B. Planting private gardens
C. Starting a recycling business
After Listening – Reflection
Think about your own habits. Which environmental actions could you adopt? Consider:
- Transport choices (walking, cycling, public transport)
- Recycling and reducing waste
- Participating in local clean-up or awareness activities
Multiple Choice:
- B – Traffic and pollution
- A – Lack of green spaces
- C – Irregular rubbish collection
- B – Using public transport or cycling
- A – Improving bus services
- A – Organizing clean-up days
While Listening – Notes:
Environmental issues:
- Urban: traffic, air pollution, lack of green spaces
- Rural: irregular rubbish collection
- Solutions:
- Use public transport/cycle; improve bus services; organize clean-up days
- Most realistic solution:
- Community clean-up days (practical, easy to organize, people willing to help)
Sarah:
Morning, Ben. Have you noticed how bad the air’s been recently?
Ben:
Yes, definitely. One issue is the traffic on the main road. There are more cars every year, and the pollution is getting worse.
Sarah:
I agree. And in this area, another problem is the lack of green spaces. We’ve lost two small parks because of new housing.
Ben:
That’s true. On the other hand, my sister lives in the countryside, and her biggest issue is waste management. Rubbish collection doesn’t happen very often.
Sarah:
That’s interesting. Here, one solution might be encouraging people to use public transport or cycle instead of driving.
Ben:
We could try pushing the local council to improve bus services. If they were more reliable, fewer people would use their cars.
Sarah:
Another solution might be organizing community clean-up days. At least it would help deal with litter and raise awareness.
Ben:
That sounds realistic. People are usually willing to help if it’s local and practical.
Sarah:
Exactly. Big changes take time, but small actions can still make a difference.