New Listening Tests 2020
What’s this about?
We’re writing and creating our own listening lectures. These lectures are well-structured, include clear examples and development. They are designed to help students improve their lecture note-taking skills and to identify clear main ideas and support.
New MP3
We are fully aware that in some countries teachers and students are unable to access websites like YouTube, Vimeo, etc… So we will begin to add MP3 downloads to our lectures to provide a solution to this issue.
The lesson
This lesson includes:
- MP3 download
- Video: Power Point presentation (YouTube / Vimeo)
- Power Point slides download
- Pre-lecture vocabulary development sheet
- Question sheet (table completion, T/F/NG, multiple choice, open answers, etc…)
- Link to another lesson / resource
Teacher’s notes
- Hard: Listen twice and take notes. Answer the questions.
- Medium: Listen twice and take notes on the PPT slides. Answer the questions.
- Easier: Read the questions. Listen twice and answer the questions.
Museums
This short lecture discusses the purpose, funding and evolution of museums.
A brief overview of museums [New for 2020]
A short 9-minute listening lecture written by AEUK on museums. It discusses in detail the purpose of museums, how they are funded, their popularity and future evolution. It includes a video, test questions, tapescript and PPT. Example. Level ***** [B2/C1] / Video [9.10] / MP3 / PPT link in download / MEMBERSHIP
One-sided Academic Argument Essay: Museum [New for 2020]
Question: Should museums be free for everyone? This essay examines the keys arguments around how museums encourage cultural awareness and public education. This lesson contains two essays: one block and one point-to-point. Sources:6 / Example / Level ***** [B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
The British High Street
This short lecture gives a brief history, the current situation and possible solutions.
The Decline of the British High Street [New for 2020]
A short 8-minute listening lecture written by AEUK on the high street. It discusses the history, the current situation and its economic and societal effects and finishes with some possible solutions. It includes a video, test questions, tapescript and PPT. Example. Level ***** [B2/C1] / Video [7.44] / MP3 / PPT link in download / MEMBERSHIP
One-Sided Academic Argument Essay: Is the British high street dying? [New for 2020]
Question: Do you agree that the British high street is dying? This essay examines the keys arguments that high business rates and the popularity of internet shopping have caused many physical shops to close. This lesson contains two essays: one block and one point-by-point. Sources:4 / Example / Level ***** [B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Amazon: The world’s largest retailer
This short lecture gives an overview of the company, recruitment and recent criticism.
Amazon: The world’s largest retailer [New for 2020]
A short 8-minute listening lecture written by AEUK on Amazon. It discusses the company, recruitment, recent criticisms of safety and Amazon’s response, It includes a video, test questions, tapescript and PPT. Example. Level ***** [B2/C1] / Video [9.10] / MP3 / PPT link in download / MEMBERSHIP
Reading Test: Amazon: The largest internet company in the world [new for 2020]
The text provides an overview of the company, its innovative strategies, the digitalisation of warehousing systems and the darker side of working at Amazon.The reading test worksheet tests headings / T,F,NG / open answers / gap fill / information tables / reference words / vocabulary. (Example) Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Amazon: the retail giant. Reading & Summary Writing Lesson [New for 2020]
The text provides an overview of the company, its innovative strategies, the digitalisation of warehousing systems and the darker side of working at Amazon. The lesson includes a critical thinking worksheet too. (Example) Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
More Listening Tests
Here is a selection of our own written tests with tab links to other lessons (reading, writing, speaking) on the same topic.
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking: An Introduction – Lecture Listening Lesson (new 2020)
This lecture focuses on critical thinking at university. It includes a definition, alternative thinking styles, Bloom’s taxonomy and how to apply analysis and evaluation questions to reading and writing. It includes a video, test questions, tapescript and PPT (example). Level ***** [B2/C1] / PPT link in download / Video [10.00] / MP3 / MEMBERSHIP
Critical thinking – reading text analysis (new for 2020)
A great lesson for developing and practising critical thinking skills. It is a 400-word text on ‘going to university’ with over 15 possible problems. Students use the higher level thinking skills of analysis and evaluation to examine, question and critique the text. Example. Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] MEMBERSHIP
Critical Speaking – 8 questions most people get wrong! (new for 2020)
A great lesson for highlighting facts over opinions. This lesson asks students to discuss 8 questions based around a variety of topics. The lesson is based on research by Hans Rosling a UN advisor, professor of international health and medical physician, who argues many people have an over-dramatic world view that its not based on facts. The lesson includes factual data from the World Bank and UN to support all answers. Example. Level: ***** [C1 – High level] MEMBERSHIP
Critical Thinking Lesson PDF Book
AMAZING VALUE – Five lessons in one book. Introduction, definition, text analysis reading, lecture listening test, and speaking discussion. Example. [TEACHER MEMBERSHIP]
Economic Inequality
Economic Inequality- Lecture Listening Lesson
This is a lecture on what economic inequality is, how wealth is distributed, how the past has affected the present and the current debate. It includes a video, test questions and PPT (example). Level ***** [B2/C1] / PPT Link in download / Video [10.00] / MP3 / MEMBERSHIP
Reading Test: Economic Inequality.
The text defines economic inequality. It discuses differences in income distribution between the rich and poor, it highlights how inequality is measured and offers a range of solutions to address income inequality. The reading test worksheet tests headings / T,F,NG / open answers / gap fill / information tables / reference words / vocabulary. (Example) Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Economic Inequality: Summary Reading & Writing Lesson
The text discusses what is economic inequality and how it is measured. It also discusses the unfairness of wealth distribution between the rich and the poor and suggests possible solutions to address the situation. Students take notes on key idea and write a summary of 200-250 words. The lesson includes a critical thinking worksheet too. (Example) Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Economic Inequality Lesson PDF Book
AMAZING VALUE – Five lessons in one book. Introduction, definition, reading test & summary writing, 1 x lecture listening, [extra reading text] & seminar / example [TEACHER MEMBERSHIP]
x
More information – webpage link
The Gig Economy
The Gig Economy – AEUK Test
This is a lecture on defining the Gig Economy and discussing the positives and negatives of three Gig Economies (AirBnB, Uber and Task Rabbit). It includes a video, test questions and PPT (see example). Level ***** [B2/C1] / PPT link in download / Video [12.14] / MP3 / MEMBERSHIP
Reading Test: The Gig Economy
The text discusses the rise of the gig economy and makes an attempt to define exactly what it is. It then highlights key gig companies investigating the importance and limitations of this new contemporary employment platform. Finally, it puts forward the future challenges of the gig economy for employees, employers and society. The reading test worksheet tests headings / T,F,NG / open answers / gap fill / information tables / reference words / vocabulary.(Example) Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Summary Writing: The Gig Economy
The text discusses the rise of the gig economy and makes an attempt to define exactly what it is. It then highlights key gig companies investigating the importance and limitations of this new contemporary employment platform. Finally, it puts forward the future challenges of the gig economy for employees, employers and society. (Example). Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Gig Economy Lesson PDF Book
AMAZING VALUE – Six Lessons in one book. Introduction, definition, reading test, summary writing, Lecture listening & seminar [TEACHER MEMBERSHIP] More information
Academic Plagiarism: writing / essay mills
Academic Plagiarism- Lecture Listening Lesson (same text as reading)
This lecture focuses on academic plagiarism, what custom essay writing services are and the associated problems and solutions. It includes a video, test questions, tapescript and PPT (example). It is exactly the same text as the reading lesson. Level ***** [B2/C1] / PPT link in download / Video [12.00] / MP3 / MEMBERSHIP
Reading Test: Academic Plagiarism – the use of custom essay writing services / writing mills
The text discusses what is academic plagiarism, what are custom essay writing services and why university students use them. It highlights the key problems associated with using these sites and offers possible solutions to prevent students using them. The reading test worksheet tests headings / T,F,NG / open answers / gap fill / information tables / reference words / vocabulary. (Example) Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Academic Plagiarism: Summary Reading & Writing Lesson
The text discusses what is academic plagiarism, what are custom essay writing services (writing mills) and why university students use them. It highlights the key problems associated with using these sites and offers possible solutions to prevent students using them. Students take notes on key idea and write a summary of 200-250 words. The lesson includes a critical thinking worksheet too. Example. Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
More information – webpage link
U.S. Gun Culture
U.S. Gun Culture – Lecture Listening Lesson
This lecture focuses on the rise of gun related deaths and mass shootings in the U.S. It investigates the barriers that prevent stricter gun controls and calls for a ban on semi-automatic weapons. It includes a video, test questions, tapescript and PPT (see example). Level ***** [B2/C1] / PPT Link in download / Video [11.31] / MP3 / MEMBERSHIP
More information – webpage link
Ethical Consumerism
Ethical Consumerism – Lecture Listening
This is a lecture on defining ethical consumerism, the associated problems with consumers and the positive advances in the ethical consumerism movement. It includes a video, test questions and PPT (see example). Level ***** [B2/C1] PPT link in download / Video [09.01] / MP3 / MEMBERSHIP
More information – webpage link
TED Talk Listening Tests
These tests include associated readings and writings
Why Noise is bad for your health and what you can do about it. – Mathias Basner
TED TALK: This lecture discusses the rise in environmental noise and its psychological and physical effects. It proposes a number of possible solutions to control and reduce noise. Example Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] / Video [09:58] / MEMBERSHIP
Reading Test: Noise Pollution – the under-estimated threat to health
The text discusses what noise pollution is and how it has recently been recognised as harmful to health. The text explores recent empirical evidence into the detrimental effects of noise pollution and presents the W.H.O (2018) guidelines for reducing urban noise. The reading test worksheet tests headings / T,F,NG / open answers / gap fill / information tables / reference words / vocabulary. (Example) Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Noise Pollution: Reading & Summary Writing Lesson
The text discusses what noise pollution is and how it has recently been recognised as harmful to health. The text explores recent empirical evidence into the detrimental effects of noise pollution and presents the W.H.O (2018) guidelines for reducing urban noise. Students take notes on key idea and write a summary of 200-250 words. The lesson includes a critical thinking worksheet too. Example. Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Noise Pollution Lesson PDF Book
AMAZING VALUE – Five lessons in one book. Introduction, definition, reading test, summary writing, lecture listening & seminar [TEACHER MEMBERSHIP] More information
x
Your Brain on Video Games – Daphne Bavelier
TED TALK: This TED talk discusses how action-packed shooter games can be used as educational and rehabilitation tools. It provides clear examples of research and an analysis of the brain. Power Point. (Example). Level: ***** [B2/C1] / Video [17:51] / MEMBERSHIP
Reading Test: The impact of video games on health.
The text discusses three serious health issues connected to playing video games. The text uses eight key sources to highlight gaming to be a future health concern. The reading test worksheet tests headings / T,F,NG / open answers / gap fill / information tables / reference words / vocabulary. (see Example) Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Video Games: Reading & Summary Writing Lesson
The text discusses three serious health issues connected to playing video games. The text uses eight key sources to highlight gaming to be a future health concern. Students take notes on key idea and write a summary of 200-250 words. The lesson includes a critical thinking worksheet too. Example. Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Video Games Lesson PDF Book
AMAZING VALUE – Five lessons in one book. Introduction, definition, reading test, summary writing, lecture listening & seminar. Example. [TEACHER MEMBERSHIP]
x
What makes a good life? – Robert Waldinger
TED TALK: Lessons from the longest study on happiness by Harvard. It discusses the success of the study and what the findings were. [Example] Level: ***** [B2/C1] / Download PPT. / Video [12:46] / MEMBERSHIP
Reading Test: Understanding happiness [new for 2020]
The text discusses the three dimensions of happiness, happiness at home and work and the recent research into what are the important features of happiness. The reading test worksheet tests headings / T,F,NG / open answers / gap fill / information tables / reference words / vocabulary. (Example) Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Understanding happiness: Reading & Summary Writing Lesson [New for 2020]
The text discusses the three dimensions of happiness, happiness at home and work and the recent research into what are the important features of happiness. Students take notes on key idea and write a summary of 200-250 words. The lesson includes a critical thinking worksheet too. ( Example) Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Happiness Lesson PDF Book [new for 2020]
AMAZING VALUE – Six lessons in one book. Introduction, definitions, questionnaire, reading test & summary writing, 1 x lecture listening & seminar / Example / Webpage link / [TEACHER MEMBERSHIP]
Losing control of Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Sam Harris
TED Talk: An informative talk about the worries of A.I and how we fail to address the seriousness of what A.I could become. Example. Level: ***** [C1] / Video [14:27] / MEMBERSHIP
How can A.I save humanity? – Kai Fu Lee,
TED TALK: This lecture discusses how China has embraced A.I technology and is accelerating its advancement. It focuses on the main challenges that we all face with an A.I future and how it will positively compliment our lives. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1] / Video [14:42] / MEMBERSHIP
Reading Summary & Response Writing
Topic: 100 year study of A.I (Stanford Uni, 2016). Two page text (included) – students read the text, make notes of key ideas, relevant support and write a 250 word summary. Then they write 150-word critical response. Lesson includes a plan, outline, suggested main points and support, a model summary and model response [webpage]. Level ***** [B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
AEUK does not own the rights to the article: Full Text Source
Artificial Intelligence Lesson PDF Book
AMAZING VALUE – Five lessons in one book. Introduction, definition, reading & summary writing, 2 x lecture listenings & seminar / example [TEACHER MEMBERSHIP]
x
Summary Gap Fill Listening Tests
What are gap-fill summaries? go here
The environmental impact of Fast Fashion (new for 2020) – by S.Williams
This lecture discusses how the fast fashion clothing industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world. It focuses on materials, manufacturing and consumer waste. The worksheet is based on note-taking followed by a gap-fill summary. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1] / Video [8.10] / MP3 / MEMBERSHIP
Globalisation: economic, political, & cultural relationships – by Edeos
This lecture discusses the key elements in the rise of globalisation. It focuses on the inter-connected relationships of politics, culture and the economy. It includes a lots of important vocabulary. The worksheet is based on note-taking followed by a gap-fill summary. (Example). Level: ***** [B2/C1] / Video [8.10] / MP3 / MEMBERSHIP
Reading Test: Globalisation: International Trade.
The text defines the key points associated to globalization. It discusses the disparity of progression of trade between countries and highlights the integration of in-ward and out- ward looking policies. It finally points out that three key areas of international globalization are imperative for the economic growth of a country.The reading test worksheet tests headings / T,F,NG / open answers / gap fill / information tables / reference words / vocabulary. (Example) Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Summary Writing: Globalisation: International Trade.
The text defines the key points associated to globalisation. It discusses the disparity of progression of trade between countries and highlights the integration of in-ward and out- ward looking policies. It finally points out that three key areas of international globalisation are imperative for the economic growth of a country. (Example) Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Why some countries are poor and others are rich (new for 2020) – The School of Life
A really good lecture on the three key elements of why some countries are poor. It discusses how corruption of institutions, culture and geographical features all play a significant role in poverty. The worksheet is based on note-taking followed by a gap-fill summary. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1] / Video [8.47] / MP3 / MEMBERSHIP
What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution? (new for 2020) – Graeme Codrington
This lecture briefly highlights how the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Industrial Revolutions connect to the 4th Industrial Revolution. It clearly explains what is and what isn’t the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The worksheet is based on note-taking followed by a gap-fill summary. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1] / Video [10.39] / MP3 / MEMBERSHIP
Business Model Innovation (new for 2020) – University of St.Gallen
This lecture discusses how important innovation is for a company. It defines business model innovation and discusses the key steps in using business model patterns to reinvent a company, The worksheet is based on note-taking followed by a gap-fill summary. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1] / Video [08.10] / MP3 / MEMBERSHIP
Economic Inequality (new for 2020) – by AEUK
This lecture discusses what economic inequality is, how wealth is distributed, how the past has affected the future and the current debate. The worksheet is based on note-taking followed by a gap-fill summary. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1] / Video [10.00] / MP3 / MEMBERSHIP
