openMind Level 3
Workbook audioscript
01
Unit 1, Section 4, Exercise B
1 Kitesurfing is a really difficult extreme sport to learn, but its
definitely worth it. Its a lot of fun, although it can also be very
dangerous. I was awful when I began, but now Im getting
much better. I like to try out new things all the time, and the
most dangerous sports are always the most fun!
2 Weve been dance partners for about two years, but its not
going so well. We entered a few competitions to compare our
dancing with other couples, but they were a lot better than us.
Were never going to stop dancing, though, because were not
quitters and we love it!
3 I like to run the New York Marathon every year. I work hard
and train all year long so that I can get in it, and each year I
try to improve my time from the previous year. Its a way of
challenging myself to do better all the time.
02
Unit 1, Section 6, Exercise C
L = Lisa; N = Nick
L: Hi, Nick! I havent seen you for ages!
N: Lisa, hey! Yeah, its been at least ten years.
L: Has it really?
N: Yes. Time flies. Hows it going?
L: Not too bad. Ive been working as an architect for five years.
N: Have you? Sounds good! Im living in Texas now.
L: Oh, are you? What do you do there?
N: I work for a computer company.
L: Do you? Is it fun?
N: Its OK. Listen, Im late for a meeting. It was really nice
seeing you.
L: Nice seeing you, too. Bye.
03
Unit 1, Listen and write, Exercise A
J = James; B = Becky
J: Hi, Becky, whats that?
B: Oh, thats my application for the marathon this summer.
Ive filled it out, but I havent had time to mail it yet.
J: A marathon? Wow. I didnt know you were interested in
running!
B: Oh, Ive wanted to run a marathon for I forget. years and
years. Since I was in high school, at least. But I havent run one
before. This will be my first.
J: Thats really great. Have you been training hard?
B: Oh, yes, and in so many ways. Theres so much to do!
J: Like what?
B: Well, just learning about technique, for one thing. Ive been
watching lots of training videos. Ive watched more than
twenty already!
J: Interesting.
B: And food! Ive been changing my diet. Ive been eating less fat
and more protein. Ive stopped drinking soft drinks. I only drink
water now.
J: Sounds great.
B: Yes, its very important to drink a lot of water. Marathons are
really long, you know!
J: Whats next?
B: Next? Well, I havent bought any special clothes yet.
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J: Clothes?
B: Yeah, like well, like long-sleeved shirts that can protect
you from the sun. And special socks. Maybe a hat. I havent
decided yet.
J: Shoes
B: Oh, right! Shoes! I havent bought any running shoes yet.
I should do that today.
J: How much running have you done?
B: Running?
J: Yeah how many kilometers have you run? Or how many
hours have you run? I guess I dont know how you count these
things.
B: Oh, I havent done any running yet. Ive been too busy!
04
Unit 2, Section 3, Exercise A
1a This is the house I used to live in when I was a child.
Look at it nowits in a terrible state!
1b This is the house I used to live in when I was a child.
Look at it nowits in a terrible state!
2a Oh, look at this movieI saw this one 20 years ago when
it first came out.
2b Oh, look at this movieI saw this one 20 years ago when
it first came out.
3a A: Do you ever go back to your old school?
B:  Well, it brings back a lot of memories, you know.
No, I dont really want to go back there now.
3b A: Do you ever go back to your old school?
B:  Well, it brings back a lot of memories, you know.
No, I dont really want to go back there now.
05
Unit 3, Section 3, Exercise B
A: Excuse me. Can you tell me if you have this book?
B: One minute, Ill just check. Yes, we have one copy.
A: Could you tell me where I can find it?
B: Its in the fiction section, over there.
A: Great! Do you know if you have any other books by this writer?
B: Just a minute, Ill check that. No, Im sorry, we dont.
A: Do you have any idea where I can buy her other books?
B: I suggest that you look her up on our website. You can order
them there.
06
Unit 3, Section 4, Exercise B
1 A: Hows your new washing machine? Are you happy with it?
B: Not really. It was a good model, but it just wouldnt start.
We tried everything, but it just didnt work. We had to take
it back to the store.
2 A: Those shoes look nice on you!
B:  Oh, thanks! Theyre a little small, though. I think I should
get the next size up.
3 A: You went shopping last weekend, didnt you? What did
you buy?
B: We bought a new TV, but when they delivered it, we
found that the stand was broken. Were still waiting
for a replacement.
openMind Level 3
07
Unit 3, Section 5, Exercise B
A: Good morning, sir. Can I help you?
B: Yes, Id like to return this camera. I bought it here last week,
on April 23rd.
A: I see. Whats the problem with it?
B: The zoom doesnt work, and the battery is missing.
A: I see. Do you have the receipt?
B: Yes, here it is.
A: OK, well, we can repair the zoom and order the missing part.
Or we can offer you a replacement camera, or exchange it for
a different model.
B: I think Id like a replacement.
A: OK, so we just need your name and address.
B: My names P. Johnson, and my address is 34 Green Street.
A: OK. Great. Ill be back in just a minute.
08
Unit 3, Section 6, Exercise B
A: Id like to return this hairdryer. Could you give me a refund?
B: Do you have the receipt?
A: No, I dont, but I definitely bought it here.
B: Im sorry, we dont give refunds without a receipt. We can give
you store credit.
A: Im sorry to insist, but I would definitely prefer to have a refund.
B: Im afraid thats out of the question.
A: In that case, Im going to have to insist on seeing the manager.
09
Unit 3, Listen and write, Exercise A
1
J = Jean; M = Mark; A = Announcer
M: You look tired, Jean.
J: Oh, I am! Work, kids, the house Im exhausted.
M: Thats too bad.
J: But Mark, you always have so much energy. Can you tell me
what your secret is?
M: Oh, its no secret, Jean! Its because I wake up with Power
Boost.
J: Power Boost? The new energy drink in a can from Drinko?
Does it really work?
M: Yes! One cup of Power Boost in the morning keeps me going
all day long! Its the best energy drink available.
A: Try Power Boost today! Youll see why top athletes like Stan
The Man Manson, the champion weightlifter, drink Power
Boost, too!
2 B: Oh, I dont know. Its up to you.
A: Oh, no! Not again! It doesnt fit!
B: Setting up a home network for your computers? Are you tired
of cords and cables that dont fit? Frustrated by software that
doesnt work? Have you ever taken your products home and
realized that something was missingor broken?
Well, you never have to go through that again. Our amazing
new Home Network Service will come to your house and get
you onlinethe same day! Thats rightthese young men
and women are all computer science graduates who can make
things work.
You wont have to do a thing! Just sit back, relax, and in no
time, youll be surfing the internet. Well do all the work for you.
Safe, fast, reliableand 10% cheaper than our competitors!
Call Home Network Services today.
Macmillan Publishers Limited 2014
3
A: Yeah? What do you want?
B: Um I dont have my bank account number can you tell me
what it is?
A: Give me your drivers license. Uh-huh. Here you go.
B: OK, thanks. Id like to deposit this check could you tell me
when the moneys going to be available?
A: Do I look like a psychic? A week, ten days, who knows?
B: Oh, well, OK
C: Does your bank give you the service you deserve? No? Well,
try the friendly folks at Companion Bank.
A: Um I dont have my bank account number can you tell me
what it is?
D: Of course, sir! Ill look that up for you right now. And here, have
a cup of coffee!
C: Companion Bank. Were like familyfamily that helps you with
your money! Come see us today. Youll be glad you did.
4
Do you need a break from cooking at home, but are tired of the
high prices of restaurants? Well, come on down to Snack Shack.
We have simple home cooking at prices you can afford. And its
convenient! With 23 Snack Shacks in town, theres sure to be one
near you. And bring the kids! Were family friendly. And if youre
ever not happy with your meal, well give you a full refundno
questions asked! Snack Shack, come on down today!
10
Unit 4, Section 4, Exercise B
1 A: Im telling you, I was in the clothing store and I asked the
salesperson to help me find something, and she said she
was too busy!
B: No! Did she say that? Thats terrible!
2 A: Did you get a new table for your kitchen at the store?
B: Yes, I did, but one of the legs came off as I was trying to
put it together.
A: So its broken now.
B: Uh-huh.
3 A: Have you had this vacuum cleaner for a long time?
B: Yes, weve had it for about 15 years.
A: Really? That long?
B: Yes, and it hasnt broken down once!
11
Unit 4, Section 6, Exercise A
1 A: This phone is broken. Should I get it fixed, or just buy a
new one?
2 A: I bought this tablet here last week, but Im not happy with it.
B: Im sorry to hear that.
3 A: I had my car fixed.
B: Perfect! We can drive to the beach.
4 A: That salesperson wasnt very helpful.
B: Really? What happened?
5 A: The service at this garage was excellent. Im going to
leave a big tip.
B: Thank you. Thats very nice of you.
openMind Level 3
12
Unit 5, Section 4, Exercise C
A: Hey, Naomi, have you heard about Sophie?
B: No, what happened?
A: Shes moving to Los Angeles. She told me she found a new job
there.
B: Wow, thats great news, but Ill be sad shes so far away.
A: Oh, and guess what? Steve told me he wanted to move there
with her, but she said no.
B: No way! Im amazed. I thought they would be a couple forever.
A: Yeah. Me, too.
B: Anyway, I have to go now. See you later.
A: OK. And, by the way, dont forget to call, OK?
13
Unit 5, Section 5, Exercise C
A: Excuse me. Do you have time to answer a few questions?
B: Yes, all right, what about?
A: Were doing some research about gossip.
B: Gossip?
A: Yes, thats right. OK. First, do you like to gossip?
B: Not really well, a little, I suppose.
A: Do you like to gossip on the phone, by email, or by text?
B: Well, mostly by email, I guess. I send emails to my friends,
you know.
A: Who do you gossip about? Friends, celebrities, ?
B: Oh, its mostly about friends, people we know I dont gossip
about celebrities.
A: And whats your opinion about gossip?
B: Well, I think its just fun, really.
14
Unit 5, Listen and write, Exercise A
C = Cara; P = Peter
C: Whats that youre drinking? Just water?
P: Well, its waterbut its not just water.
C: What do you mean?
P: Its Water Plus.
C: Um water plus what?
P: No, thats its nameWater Plus. Its a vitamin drink.
C: Oh, I heard about that on the news! The report said its really
bad for you!
P: What? No! Its water, with added vitamins. Someone on
my soccer team told me about it. He said it replaces all the
vitamins you lose when you sweat. You know, like when youre
playing sports. He said my game would improve if I started
drinking it. Who knows? He might be right. Also, its really
cheap. Much less expensive than juice, and just as delicious.
C: Delicious? Ah, OK, but do you want to know what I heard
on the news report? The report said it had a lot of added sugar.
Does it taste sweet?
P: No. I mean, not too sweet. It tastes good.
C: Does it taste like water?
P: It tastes like strawberries.
C: Peter! Water isnt supposed to taste like strawberries. See,
they added something to it. Im sure thats not healthy.
P: Do you know that for a fact?
C: Well, the report mentioned that it might cause problems with
your teeth. I guess from the sugar.
P: Did they show any people with tooth problems?
C: No, it was just a short report. They didnt interview anyone.
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P: See? They dont know. Theyre just trying to scare people.
All I know is, my friend said he didnt get tired so quickly
playing sports if he drank Water Plus.
C: And have you noticed the same thing?
P: I dont know. This is the first time Ive tried it. Ask me after
my soccer game which starts soon, so I should be going.
C: OK. Have a good game! I hope you come back with all
your teeth
15
Unit 6, Section 1, Exercise B
1 A: Can I have a word with you?
B: Yes, what is it?
A: Id like to speak to you about your attitude. I dont think
youve been very helpful recently.
2 A: You havent been doing too well this semester.
B: I know. What can I do about it?
A: You need to spend more time on your homework, and
dont miss so many classes.
3 A: What are you working on?
B: I cant tell you. Its a secret.
A: I promise I wont tell anyone.
4 A: Ask next time if youre going to borrow my laptop.
B: OK, I promise I wont use it again without asking.
5 A: Youre my best friend, right?
B: Of course. Whats the problem?
A: Well, I need to tell you something really important
16
Unit 6, Section 3, Exercise C
A: Tim, Ive been thinking about changing my job. Ive had
a really good offer.
B: Oh, yeah? Moving to another company, you mean?
A: No, Im staying with this company, but theyve offered me
a more senior position in another city.
B: I say go for it! What are you waiting for?
A: I know its a great opportunity, but Ill miss all my friends
and family here. Im worried that I wont be able to make any
friends over there.
B: Oh, yes, you will.
A: And Ill have to leave this town. I was born here, and I grew
up here, and all my friends are here.
B: Yes, but if you take the job, youll get a better salary.
A: Thats true, but Ill have more responsibility, too, and Id have
to travel more, so I wouldnt have much time with my family.
And I think the job would be more stressful.
B: Thats a tough decision.
A: Yeah, whats your advice?
17
Unit 7, Section 4, Exercise C
1 A: Computers are complicated, arent they?
B: Mm, not really, not once you get used to them.
2 A: Math isnt difficult, is it?
B: Yes, it is. I have to do lots of homework.
3 A: Children are very creative, arent they?
B: Yes, they certainly are.
4 A: Exams arent very useful, are they?
B:  Oh, I think they are. You need them when you
apply to college.
5 A: Playing chess will help improve your memory, wont it?
B: Yes, I think it will. It will help you to solve problems.
6 A: Video games dont help you learn anything, do they?
B: I think they do. You learn all kinds of skills.
openMind Level 3
18
Unit 7, Section 5, Exercise A
My younger brother is 18, and hes a student. Our personalities are
very differenthes studying computer science at college because
hes really good at math, and Im studying English literature
because I love reading. I would say Im more creative than him,
but hes definitely more athletic. In general, we get along well,
though. We have some things in commonfor example, we both
love listening to music, but we dont always like the same kind of
music. I like indie music, but he prefers listening to pop music. We
both like swimming and playing tennis. He usually wins at tennis,
but Im a faster swimmer. We dont look alike at all. We both wear
glasses, but he has really dark hair and Im blond. People often
dont believe that were related.
19
Unit 7, Listen and write, Exercise A
A: Hmm, look at this. The schools want more money to create
special classes for gifted children.
B: Well, thats a good idea, isnt it?
A: I think special classes should be for children who are having
problems, not for successful children.
B: Well, gifted children can have problems in class, too
A: Any child can have problems at school. That doesnt mean you
should make 30 different classes, does it? And think of all the
good reasons to keep them in the same class!
B: Such as?
A: For one thing, they could help to support other students who
are struggling. That way they would also get to develop new
skillslike how to teach.
B: Hmm. Maybe, but
A: Also, its important to have children with different abilities
in one class. You know, this child is good at math, that ones
good at art, this one leads discussions well, that one is a
great actress
B: Thats a good point. I agree its good to have right-brained
and left-brained students together in the same class. But dont
you think
A: And finally, it would cost more money to create new classes.
Youd need larger school buildings, new teachers, new
textbooks I dont think thats the most important thing to
spend money on these days.
B: OK, I understand your points. But there are also some
important reasons to consider special classes for geniuses
and prodigies.
A: Like what, for example?
B: Well
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20
Unit 8, Section 3, Exercise A
1 Oh, I didnt like it. I mean, its really a childrens story, and its
much too simple for adults.
2 This movie was so scary! I had to put my hands over my eyes
for most of it!
3 The story was really romantic. It was about two robots who fall
in love. It was very sweet and we were all crying at the end.
4 There werent any real characters in the movie. There was no one
you could identify with, and you just didnt care what happened
to them, and there was no story. What was it about, really?
5 Its incredible how they come up with all these new ways of
using special effects and animation. The movie was full of
exciting and original ideas.
6 I think most people would enjoy this musical. It has great music,
beautiful costumes, wonderful dancing and singing, and the
story is suitable for all ages. You wont feel bored for one minute.
21
Unit 8, Section 5, Exercise B
It was a beautiful hot summers day. In a corn field, a grasshopper
was having a good time hopping about and singing. He was very
happy. Then an ant walked by. The ant was walking very slowly
because she had found a big piece of corn and was carrying it
back to her home.
22
Unit 8, Section 5, Exercise C
Where are you off to with that heavy thing? asked the
grasshopper. Without stopping, the ant replied, To our
ant hill. This is the third piece of corn Ive delivered today.
Why not come and sing with me, said the grasshopper, instead
of working so hard? I am helping to store food for the winter,
said the ant, and I think you should do the same.
Why worry about winter? said the grasshopper, We have
plenty of food right now. The ant didnt pay attention to the
grasshopper and continued to collect food and bring it home.
23
Unit 8, Section 5, Exercise D
The weather soon turned cold. All the fields were covered with
thick snow. Even the grasshopper could not dig through the
snow. Soon the grasshopper started to get really hungry. He went
to the ants and saw them eating the corn they had collected in
the summer. Please, can you give me some food? asked the
grasshopper. No, we dont have enough for you, said the ants.
24
Unit 9, Section 3, Exercise B
1 A: You need to have an X-ray done at the hospital.
B: Sorry, what was that?
A: I said, you need an X-ray at the hospital.
2 A: You have a condition known as sleep apnea.
B: Can you explain what you mean?
A: Of course. Its a condition where you stop breathing
just for a few moments while youre asleep.
3 A: You need to give up all dairy products.
B: Sorry, Im not sure I follow you.
A: You have to stop eating cheese and milk.
4 A: Its better to rest and you should also take some
anti-inflammatory pills.
B: I didnt understand the last part.
A: You should take some medication to reduce the fever.
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25
Unit 9, Section 4, Exercise B
1 A: Hi, Karl. How are you feeling?
B: Not too good. I have a really bad headache.
A: Do you feel dizzy?
B: Yes, I do.
A: Hmm, sounds like it might be a migraine. Why dont
you lie down for a while?
2 A: Hello, Winnie. How are you?
B: I feel terrible. My eyes are so itchy!
A: Have you been sneezing a lot?
B: Yes do you think its hay fever?
A:  Yes. I think you should get some medicine from
the drugstore.
3 A: Hi, Renata. Are you OK?
B: No, I feel really sick.
A: Do you feel hot and cold?
B: No, but I think Im going to vomit.
A: You might have food poisoning. Lets call the doctor.
26
Unit 9, Listen and write, Exercise A
A = Announcer; W = Wendy; M = Matt
1 A: Welcome to another episode of Home Remedies, the
quiz show where our contestants have to match health
problems with the everyday cures listed on the board right
here. Our contestants today are Wendy and Matt.
W: Hi!
M: Hello!
A: OK, our first question is what is a good remedy for
a sore throat?
M: My mother used to give us hot tea for a sore throat.
Im going to say tea.
A: And Wendy?
W: Oh well, can I say tea, too?
A: No, sorry, the rules are that you need to have
a different answer.
W: Oh. I wish I had gone first, then. OK, I guess could it be
lemon and honey?
A: Lemon and honey is correct! Good job, Wendy, and one
point for you.
2 A: OK, our second question is whats a good home remedy
for a cold?
W: Well, Im going to say hot tea for this.
A: Matt, what do you say?
M: I think its ginger. Ginger has a lot of healing properties.
Its good for all kinds of things.
A: And our answer is water! A nice cup of hot water.
W: A cup of hot water? But thats the same as tea!
M: Maybe the way you make tea
A: Contestants! Please! Lets move on to the next question.
3 A: How would you treat an ear infection? An ear infection.
M: Ginger. Ginger can fight infections, so
W: If you have an ear infection, its necessary to go to the doctor.
A: Remember, these are all home remedies
W: Yes, but its essential to get proper medical care for
some things. You cant fight an infection by sticking nuts
in your ear.
A: So Wendy, is that your answer? Nuts?
W: NO! Um Maybe Chinese herbs.
A: And lets check the answer I think this is going to
surprise a lot of people olive oil! Thats right, a few
drops of olive oil in each ear can clear up some infections.
Isnt that surprising, folks?
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4 A: And Number 4 whats good for a migraine? A migraine
headache, folks.
M: Im sticking with ginger.
W: Well, I get migraine headaches, so I know this one.
Protein. If you eat enough protein, you wont get
migraines. So its nuts.
A: And lets check the answers Chocolate!
W: Chocolate? Thats crazy! Chocolate gives me migraines.
M: This quiz is giving me a migraine. I wish I hadnt agreed
to do this.
A: Well, according to our information, chocolate contains
magnesium, and thats essential for curing migraines.
5 A: And for our final question if youre vomiting, what
should you take? For vomiting.
W: Well if youre vomiting you shouldnt take anything.
M: Yeah, Wendys right. Nothing.
A: Well, nothing is not one of our answer choices.
W: But hmm. Well, every answer so far has been crazy.
So Im going to say chewing gum. Because thats the
craziest thing up there.
A: Matt?
M: Well, I choose Chinese herbs.
A: And our answer is ginger!
M: Ginger! I knew it! Oh, if only Id said that!
A: Our final score shows Wendy as the winner!
Congratulations, Wendy! Be sure to join us next week for
another episode of Home Remedies!
27
Unit 10, Section 5, Exercise A
A: Can you tell us about some of the trends in home
entertainment right now? Are people watching TV as much
as they used to, or is it changing?
B: Its definitely changing.
28
Unit 10, Section 5, Exercise B
B: People are watching TV shows, but whereas before they had
to watch them via cable or satellite at times decided by the
TV companys schedule, now theyre watching them on the
internet. That means they can watch their favorite shows
whenever they want to.
A: Sounds good, but they still have ads, dont they?
B: Yes, usually they do, but theyre often just at the beginning
of the show, so its not too bad.
A: And what about movies?
B: Well, the same thing is happening with movies. Until recently,
we had a situation where people could either rent movies from
a DVD store (which involves actually going to the store to pick
up and return the DVD, plus the choice is fairly limited), or they
could rent them online and get them delivered by mail.
But now there are programs you can download onto your
computer that will let you watch movies on demand, and you
just pay a monthly fee that is usually less than paying for cable.
The important thing is that viewers have a greater choice of
what TV shows or movies they want to watch and they can
choose when to watch them.
A: And you get to choose the movies.
B: Thats right. Theres a choice of thousands of movies.
A: Sounds amazing.
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29 3 J: Hey, watch it! Didnt you see that stop sign?

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

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openMind Level 3

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

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