12 (13) Ex. 2 p. 18 — Module 1

Exercise 2, page 18.0:02

Speaker A. 10 years ago, I wouldn't have recommended this area to anyone.0:05

Buildings were covered in graffiti, and there was vandalism everywhere.0:12

We had a huge problem with gangs.0:17

Young people just hung around causing trouble.0:20

But then the local council launched a scheme to get young people back into education and training.0:23

Slowly we started seeing them opening small businesses—garage, a hairdresser's, a café.0:30

Things have taken a turn for the better.0:38

Speaker B. 20 years ago, there were lots of factories in the area, and we were one of the biggest coal exporters.0:42

Everyone had a job, and a lot of people spent money like there was no tomorrow.0:51

Once the mines closed down, of course, all the small businesses that depended on the miners closed too.0:57

There's a lot of crime now, and a lot of people are moving out.1:04

Speaker C. We're really tight-knit.1:10

People keep an eye on each other and always lend a helping hand if possible.1:13

We have great events where everyone in the neighborhood takes part.1:18

We've always done that, So when hard times came along, we pulled together.1:22

There are no homeless people on our streets and no hungry children in our schools, and as far as I'm concerned, there never will be.1:27

Speaker D. The last town I lived in had no public transport, and it was kind of dangerous after dark, to be honest.1:37

Now I can get anywhere by bus, and there's a great system of cycle paths.1:44

There are green programs like waste recycling, and I've never heard of anyone being burgled or even witnessing a crime.1:49

My flat's on the ground floor, but I never worry about someone breaking in.1:56

Speaker E: Our street catches the eye, but for all the right reasons.2:01

Other areas get noticed for their homeless problems or the amount of graffiti you see, but we have prize-winning gardens and Christmas decoration competitions.2:07

My garden usually has the most flowers on my street, but Mrs Simpson at number 9 usually wins at Christmas.2:17

But because everyone is competing to have the best-looking house or garden, the whole street benefits.2:24

You have 30 seconds to complete the task.2:31

Now you will listen to speakers A to E again.3:04

Speaker:AY] 10 years ago, I wouldn't have recommended this area to anyone.3:09

Buildings were covered in graffiti and there was vandalism everywhere.3:16

We had a huge problem with gangs.3:21

Young people just hung around causing trouble.3:24

But then the local council launched a scheme to get young people back into education and training.3:27

Slowly we started seeing them opening small businesses—garage, a hairdresser's, a café.3:34

Things have taken a turn for the better.3:41

Speaker B. 20 years ago, there were lots of factories in the area, and we were one of the biggest coal exporters.3:46

Everyone had a job, and a lot of people spent money like there was no tomorrow.3:55

Once the mines closed down, of course, all the small businesses that depended on the miners closed too.4:01

There's a lot of crime now, and a lot of people are moving out.4:08

Speaker C. We're really tight-knit.4:13

People keep an eye on each other and always lend a helping hand if possible.4:17

We have great events where everyone in the neighborhood takes part.4:21

We've always done that, So when hard times came along, we pulled together.4:25

There are no homeless people on our streets and no hungry children in our schools, and as far as I'm concerned, there never will be.4:30

Speaker D. The last town I lived in had no public transport, and it was kind of dangerous after dark, to be honest.4:40

Now I can get anywhere by bus, and there's a great system of cycle paths.4:48

There are green programs like waste recycling, and I've never heard of anyone being burgled or even witnessing a crime.4:53

My flat's on the ground floor, but I never worry about someone breaking in.5:00

Speaker E: Our street catches the eye, but for all the right reasons.5:05

Other areas get noticed for their homeless problems or the amount of graffiti you see, but we have prize-winning gardens and Christmas decoration competitions.5:11

My garden usually has the most flowers on my street, but Mrs Simpson at number 9 usually wins at Christmas.5:21

But because everyone is competing to have the best-looking house or garden, the whole street benefits.5:28

This is the end of the task.5:34

You now have 20 seconds to check your answers.5:36