Vocalyra English

A2.1 #050 — Health: Asking for Pharmacy Advice. Vocalyra · A2.1.

Listening comprehension

1. How long has the person had symptoms?
   1. One day
   2. Two days
   3. Five days
   4. Two weeks
2. What does the pharmacist suggest?
   1. Antibiotics
   2. Throat lozenges and water
   3. A sleeping pill
   4. A new allergy medicine
3. When should the person seek medical care?
   1. If symptoms worsen or breathing becomes difficult
   2. Immediately for any cough
   3. Only after a month
   4. Only if the pharmacy closes

Full transcript

Welcome to Vocalyra English. A2 level. Asking for pharmacy advice.
In this lesson, listen to the conversation and focus on the main ideas, important details, and reasons that are given.
Listen.
Hi. I’ve had a sore throat and a cough for two days.
Do you have a fever or any trouble breathing?
No fever, and I can breathe normally.
You could try these throat lozenges and drink plenty of water.
How often can I take the lozenges?
One every three hours, but no more than eight in a day.
Can I take them with my usual allergy medicine?
There is no common interaction, but check the label and ask your doctor if you are unsure.
When should I see a doctor?
If your symptoms get worse, last more than a week, or you develop breathing problems, seek medical care.
Listen again. Focus on the important details.
Hi. I’ve had a sore throat and a cough for two days.
Do you have a fever or any trouble breathing?
No fever, and I can breathe normally.
You could try these throat lozenges and drink plenty of water.
How often can I take the lozenges?
One every three hours, but no more than eight in a day.
Can I take them with my usual allergy medicine?
There is no common interaction, but check the label and ask your doctor if you are unsure.
When should I see a doctor?
If your symptoms get worse, last more than a week, or you develop breathing problems, seek medical care.
Now answer three questions. You will have time to think after each question. Choose your answer on Vocalyra.
Question one. How long has the person had symptoms?
Question two. What does the pharmacist suggest?
Question three. When should the person seek medical care?
Very good. Listen one last time from beginning to end.
Hi. I’ve had a sore throat and a cough for two days.
Do you have a fever or any trouble breathing?
No fever, and I can breathe normally.
You could try these throat lozenges and drink plenty of water.
How often can I take the lozenges?
One every three hours, but no more than eight in a day.
Can I take them with my usual allergy medicine?
There is no common interaction, but check the label and ask your doctor if you are unsure.
When should I see a doctor?
If your symptoms get worse, last more than a week, or you develop breathing problems, seek medical care.
One final listening challenge. Listen again and focus on the situation and what each speaker needs.
Hi. I’ve had a sore throat and a cough for two days.
Do you have a fever or any trouble breathing?
No fever, and I can breathe normally.
You could try these throat lozenges and drink plenty of water.
How often can I take the lozenges?
One every three hours, but no more than eight in a day.
Can I take them with my usual allergy medicine?
There is no common interaction, but check the label and ask your doctor if you are unsure.
When should I see a doctor?
If your symptoms get worse, last more than a week, or you develop breathing problems, seek medical care.
Now practice speaking for yourself. Explain the problem politely, ask a clear question, and confirm the solution. Repeat the expressions until they feel natural.
Your turn. Repeat after me.
Do you have a fever or any trouble breathing?
You could try these throat lozenges and drink plenty of water.
One every three hours, but no more than eight in a day.
There is no common interaction, but check the label and ask your doctor if you are unsure.
Great job. This is Vocalyra English. Listen. Understand. Speak.

Answer key

1: Two days; 2: Throat lozenges and water; 3: If symptoms worsen or breathing becomes difficult

Vocalyra

A2.1 #049 — Housing: Reporting a Repair Problem. Vocalyra · A2.1.

Listening comprehension

1. What is wrong in the apartment?
   1. The heater is broken
   2. The kitchen sink is leaking
   3. A window will not close
   4. The lights are off
2. When does the leak happen?
   1. All the time
   2. Only at night
   3. When the tap is on
   4. When the dishwasher is off
3. When can the technician come?
   1. Today at five
   2. Tomorrow between ten and noon
   3. Friday afternoon
   4. Next week

Full transcript

Welcome to Vocalyra English. A2 level. Reporting a repair problem.
In this lesson, listen to the conversation and focus on the main ideas, important details, and reasons that are given.
Listen.
Hello. I’m calling because there is a problem in my apartment.
I’m sorry to hear that. What seems to be wrong?
The kitchen sink is leaking under the cabinet.
Is the water leaking all the time?
Only when I turn on the tap, but the floor is getting wet.
Please stop using the sink until we send someone.
When can a technician come?
We have an opening tomorrow between ten and noon.
I’ll be home then. Do I need to move anything?
Please clear the cabinet under the sink so the technician can work.
Listen again. Focus on the important details.
Hello. I’m calling because there is a problem in my apartment.
I’m sorry to hear that. What seems to be wrong?
The kitchen sink is leaking under the cabinet.
Is the water leaking all the time?
Only when I turn on the tap, but the floor is getting wet.
Please stop using the sink until we send someone.
When can a technician come?
We have an opening tomorrow between ten and noon.
I’ll be home then. Do I need to move anything?
Please clear the cabinet under the sink so the technician can work.
Now answer three questions. You will have time to think after each question. Choose your answer on Vocalyra.
Question one. What is wrong in the apartment?
Question two. When does the leak happen?
Question three. When can the technician come?
Very good. Listen one last time from beginning to end.
Hello. I’m calling because there is a problem in my apartment.
I’m sorry to hear that. What seems to be wrong?
The kitchen sink is leaking under the cabinet.
Is the water leaking all the time?
Only when I turn on the tap, but the floor is getting wet.
Please stop using the sink until we send someone.
When can a technician come?
We have an opening tomorrow between ten and noon.
I’ll be home then. Do I need to move anything?
Please clear the cabinet under the sink so the technician can work.
One final listening challenge. Listen again and focus on the situation and what each speaker needs.
Hello. I’m calling because there is a problem in my apartment.
I’m sorry to hear that. What seems to be wrong?
The kitchen sink is leaking under the cabinet.
Is the water leaking all the time?
Only when I turn on the tap, but the floor is getting wet.
Please stop using the sink until we send someone.
When can a technician come?
We have an opening tomorrow between ten and noon.
I’ll be home then. Do I need to move anything?
Please clear the cabinet under the sink so the technician can work.
Now practice speaking for yourself. Explain the problem politely, ask a clear question, and confirm the solution. Repeat the expressions until they feel natural.
Your turn. Repeat after me.
I’m sorry to hear that. What seems to be wrong?
Is the water leaking all the time?
Please stop using the sink until we send someone.
We have an opening tomorrow between ten and noon.
Great job. This is Vocalyra English. Listen. Understand. Speak.

Answer key

1: The kitchen sink is leaking; 2: When the tap is on; 3: Tomorrow between ten and noon

Vocalyra

A2.1 #048 — Work: Asking for a Schedule Change. Practice an everyday conversation about changing your schedule at work.

Listening comprehension

1. Why does the employee need to leave early?
   1. A family dinner
   2. A medical appointment
   3. A train trip
   4. A class
2. What time can the employee start?
   1. Seven
   2. Eight
   3. Nine
   4. Ten
3. What must be finished before leaving?
   1. A presentation
   2. The client report
   3. A training course
   4. The weekly schedule

Full transcript

Welcome to Vocalyra English. A2 level. Asking for a schedule change.
In this lesson, listen to the conversation and focus on the main ideas, important details, and reasons that are given.
Listen.
Could I ask you about my schedule next Thursday?
Sure. What do you need to change?
I have a medical appointment at three, so I need to leave early.
Can you start earlier that morning?
Yes. I can start at seven instead of nine.
That should work if you finish the client report before you leave.
I can have the report ready by two o’clock.
Good. Please also tell the rest of the team.
Of course. I will send them a message today.
Then the schedule change is approved.
Listen again. Focus on the important details.
Could I ask you about my schedule next Thursday?
Sure. What do you need to change?
I have a medical appointment at three, so I need to leave early.
Can you start earlier that morning?
Yes. I can start at seven instead of nine.
That should work if you finish the client report before you leave.
I can have the report ready by two o’clock.
Good. Please also tell the rest of the team.
Of course. I will send them a message today.
Then the schedule change is approved.
Now answer three questions. You will have time to think after each question. Choose your answer on Vocalyra.
Question one. Why does the employee need to leave early?
Question two. What time can the employee start?
Question three. What must be finished before leaving?
Very good. Listen one last time from beginning to end.
Could I ask you about my schedule next Thursday?
Sure. What do you need to change?
I have a medical appointment at three, so I need to leave early.
Can you start earlier that morning?
Yes. I can start at seven instead of nine.
That should work if you finish the client report before you leave.
I can have the report ready by two o’clock.
Good. Please also tell the rest of the team.
Of course. I will send them a message today.
Then the schedule change is approved.
One final listening challenge. Listen again and pay attention to the time, the reason for the request, and the manager's answer.
Could I ask you about my schedule next Thursday?
Sure. What do you need to change?
I have a medical appointment at three, so I need to leave early.
Can you start earlier that morning?
Yes. I can start at seven instead of nine.
That should work if you finish the client report before you leave.
I can have the report ready by two o’clock.
Good. Please also tell the rest of the team.
Of course. I will send them a message today.
Then the schedule change is approved.
Now speak in your own words. Politely explain a scheduling problem, suggest a solution, and confirm what work you will finish. You can practice these sentences slowly until you feel comfortable.

Your turn. Repeat after me.
Sure. What do you need to change?
Can you start earlier that morning?
That should work if you finish the client report before you leave.
Good. Please also tell the rest of the team.
Great job. This is Vocalyra English. Listen. Understand. Speak.

Answer key

1: A medical appointment; 2: Seven; 3: The client report

More lessons at Vocalyra.

Vocalyra English · B2.1 · #047

Listen and answer the questions on Vocalyra.

Listening comprehension

1. What policy is the company considering?
   1. Full-time remote work
   2. Three required office days per week
   3. A four-day workweek
   4. No team meetings
2. What alternative is proposed?
   1. A rule based only on seniority
   2. Team-level expectations
   3. Closing the office
   4. Daily attendance checks
3. What should guide later adjustments?
   1. Rumors
   2. Evidence on performance, collaboration, and retention
   3. Office rent alone
   4. The oldest policy

Full transcript

Welcome to Vocalyra English. B2 level. Debating a remote-work policy.
In this lesson, listen to the conversation and focus on the main ideas, important details, and reasons that are given.
Listen.
The company is considering requiring everyone to work in the office three days a week.
I understand the argument for collaboration, but a fixed rule may create problems for teams with different needs.
Management says spontaneous conversations are harder to reproduce online.
That is true, although productivity data from our department did not decline when people worked remotely.
What alternative would you suggest?
I would set team-level expectations instead of one company-wide number of office days.
Wouldn’t that make the policy inconsistent?
Possibly, but consistency is not always the same as fairness. A sales team and a software team may need different arrangements.
So you would measure results rather than attendance?
Exactly. I would track performance, collaboration quality, and employee retention, then adjust the policy based on evidence.
Listen again. Focus on the important details.
The company is considering requiring everyone to work in the office three days a week.
I understand the argument for collaboration, but a fixed rule may create problems for teams with different needs.
Management says spontaneous conversations are harder to reproduce online.
That is true, although productivity data from our department did not decline when people worked remotely.
What alternative would you suggest?
I would set team-level expectations instead of one company-wide number of office days.
Wouldn’t that make the policy inconsistent?
Possibly, but consistency is not always the same as fairness. A sales team and a software team may need different arrangements.
So you would measure results rather than attendance?
Exactly. I would track performance, collaboration quality, and employee retention, then adjust the policy based on evidence.
Now answer three questions. You will have time to think after each question. Choose your answer on Vocalyra.
Question one. What policy is the company considering?
Question two. What alternative is proposed?
Question three. What should guide later adjustments?
Very good. Listen one last time from beginning to end.
The company is considering requiring everyone to work in the office three days a week.
I understand the argument for collaboration, but a fixed rule may create problems for teams with different needs.
Management says spontaneous conversations are harder to reproduce online.
That is true, although productivity data from our department did not decline when people worked remotely.
What alternative would you suggest?
I would set team-level expectations instead of one company-wide number of office days.
Wouldn’t that make the policy inconsistent?
Possibly, but consistency is not always the same as fairness. A sales team and a software team may need different arrangements.
So you would measure results rather than attendance?
Exactly. I would track performance, collaboration quality, and employee retention, then adjust the policy based on evidence.
Your turn. Repeat after me.
I understand the argument for collaboration, but a fixed rule may create problems for teams with different needs.
That is true, although productivity data from our department did not decline when people worked remotely.
I would set team-level expectations instead of one company-wide number of office days.
Possibly, but consistency is not always the same as fairness. A sales team and a software team may need different arrangements.
Great job. This is Vocalyra English. Listen. Understand. Speak.

Vocalyra

Vocalyra English · B1.1 · #046

Listen and answer the questions on Vocalyra.

Listening comprehension

1. What does the learner want from a course?
   1. Only entertainment
   2. Practical skills and a recognized certificate
   3. A shorter commute
   4. A free computer
2. What is special about the project management course?
   1. It has no assignments
   2. It includes a real-company team project
   3. It is fully online
   4. It lasts only one week
3. Why might the learner choose marketing first?
   1. It is more flexible
   2. It has no certificate
   3. It is more expensive
   4. It meets every morning

Full transcript

Welcome to Vocalyra English. B1 level. Comparing evening courses.
In this lesson, listen to the conversation and focus on the main ideas, important details, and reasons that are given.
Listen.
I’m trying to choose between the evening marketing course and the project management course.
What are you hoping to get from the course?
I want practical skills I can use at work, but I also want a recognized certificate.
Both offer certificates, but the project management course includes a team project with a real company.
That sounds useful. Is the workload heavier?
A little. It requires about six hours of study a week instead of four.
I work full time, so that could be difficult during busy periods.
The marketing course is more flexible because most assignments can be completed online.
Then I may start with marketing and take project management next term.
That seems reasonable, especially if flexibility matters this semester.
Listen again. Focus on the important details.
I’m trying to choose between the evening marketing course and the project management course.
What are you hoping to get from the course?
I want practical skills I can use at work, but I also want a recognized certificate.
Both offer certificates, but the project management course includes a team project with a real company.
That sounds useful. Is the workload heavier?
A little. It requires about six hours of study a week instead of four.
I work full time, so that could be difficult during busy periods.
The marketing course is more flexible because most assignments can be completed online.
Then I may start with marketing and take project management next term.
That seems reasonable, especially if flexibility matters this semester.
Now answer three questions. You will have time to think after each question. Choose your answer on Vocalyra.
Question one. What does the learner want from a course?
Question two. What is special about the project management course?
Question three. Why might the learner choose marketing first?
Very good. Listen one last time from beginning to end.
I’m trying to choose between the evening marketing course and the project management course.
What are you hoping to get from the course?
I want practical skills I can use at work, but I also want a recognized certificate.
Both offer certificates, but the project management course includes a team project with a real company.
That sounds useful. Is the workload heavier?
A little. It requires about six hours of study a week instead of four.
I work full time, so that could be difficult during busy periods.
The marketing course is more flexible because most assignments can be completed online.
Then I may start with marketing and take project management next term.
That seems reasonable, especially if flexibility matters this semester.
Your turn. Repeat after me.
What are you hoping to get from the course?
Both offer certificates, but the project management course includes a team project with a real company.
A little. It requires about six hours of study a week instead of four.
The marketing course is more flexible because most assignments can be completed online.
Great job. This is Vocalyra English. Listen. Understand. Speak.

Vocalyra

Vocalyra English · A2.1 · Travel

Practice changing a train reservation, understanding departure times, and discussing flexible-ticket fare differences.

Listening comprehension

1. Why does the traveler need help?
   1. To cancel a hotel
   2. To change a train reservation
   3. To buy a bus pass
   4. To report lost luggage
2. What later train is available?
   1. Eight fifteen
   2. Nine forty-five
   3. Ten thirty
   4. Eleven twenty
3. What does the traveler pay?
   1. A fixed cancellation fee
   2. Nothing at all
   3. Only the fare difference
   4. A new full-price ticket

Listen, think, and check your answers in your Vocalyra learning activities.

Full transcript

Welcome to Vocalyra English. A2 level. Changing a train reservation.
In this lesson, listen to the conversation and focus on the main ideas, important details, and reasons that are given.
Listen.
Hi. I need to change my train reservation for tomorrow morning.
No problem. What time is your current train?
It leaves at seven fifteen, but I need a later departure.
There is a train at nine forty-five with seats available.
That works. Is there a fee to change the ticket?
Because your ticket is flexible, you only pay the fare difference.
How much is the difference?
It is twelve dollars. Your seat number will also change.
That is fine. Can you send the new ticket by email?
Yes. You will receive it in a few minutes.
Listen again. Focus on the important details.
Hi. I need to change my train reservation for tomorrow morning.
No problem. What time is your current train?
It leaves at seven fifteen, but I need a later departure.
There is a train at nine forty-five with seats available.
That works. Is there a fee to change the ticket?
Because your ticket is flexible, you only pay the fare difference.
How much is the difference?
It is twelve dollars. Your seat number will also change.
That is fine. Can you send the new ticket by email?
Yes. You will receive it in a few minutes.
Now answer three questions. You will have time to think after each question. Choose your answer on Vocalyra.
Question one. Why does the traveler need help?
Question two. What later train is available?
Question three. What does the traveler pay?
Very good. Listen one last time from beginning to end.
Hi. I need to change my train reservation for tomorrow morning.
No problem. What time is your current train?
It leaves at seven fifteen, but I need a later departure.
There is a train at nine forty-five with seats available.
That works. Is there a fee to change the ticket?
Because your ticket is flexible, you only pay the fare difference.
How much is the difference?
It is twelve dollars. Your seat number will also change.
That is fine. Can you send the new ticket by email?
Yes. You will receive it in a few minutes.
Your turn. Repeat after me.
No problem. What time is your current train?
There is a train at nine forty-five with seats available.
Because your ticket is flexible, you only pay the fare difference.
It is twelve dollars. Your seat number will also change.
Great job. This is Vocalyra English. Listen. Understand. Speak.

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