Do the Preparation task first. Then listen to the audio. Next go to each Task and do the activity. If you need help, you can read the Transcript at any time.
Preparation
Do the vocabulary activity below before you listen. Then listen to the episode and do the first task to check your understanding. Finally, practise some vocabulary and grammar in Tasks 2, 3 and 4. You can read the transcript at any stage if you want.
Transcript
Audio script
Magda: So, did you see the flat?
Sarah: Yeah, it’s great...really spacious, really light, good location near a tube station – and not too expensive!
Magda: Sounds perfect. There’s got to be a catch...
Sarah: Well, Fadi’s cousin is the owner...
Magda: That’s not a problem, is it?
Sarah: No...no, I don’t think so...He seems ok...
Magda: You don’t sound sure...
Sarah: No, really, he’s ok. And I really need a new place!
Magda: So you think you’ll move in?
Sarah: Yeah, certainly. Already decided....I move in on Saturday!
Magda: Great!
Johnny: Hi! Magda and
Sarah: Hi there Johnny! Come and have a seat! How’s it going?
Johnny: Great thanks...just waiting for Harry.
Sarah: You two are hanging out together all the time at the moment...
Johnny: We’re good mates, we get on really well...
Magda: Isn’t Harry working for you as well now?
Johnny: No!!! He’s working with me, not for me...there’s a very big difference!
Magda: What’s that?
Johnny: Well, if he was working ‘for’ me, that means I’d be his boss! But he’s working ‘with’ me, which means that we work for the same company, that’s all.
Magda: I’m not sure I’d want to be in the same office as you and Harry! What do you do, talk about football all the time?
Johnny: No! We don’t even work in the same office!
Magda: Sorry, only joking...I didn’t mean to be rude, but I think it’s a good idea to keep friends and work separate...
Sarah: Mmm, I agree...
Johnny: You could be right – but we don’t actually work together closely. It’s a big company you know, and Harry works on the IT side. I’m at the front of the operation – searching out opportunities, winning contracts, clinching deals...
Magda: Alright for you then!
Johnny: I’ll be rich in three years...
Magda: That’s what you always say! There are more important things in life than money, you know!
Sarah: Magda, don’t worry...not all Chinese people are like that. We don’t only care about money!
Johnny: Maybe, but all I mean is, well, I know where I’m going...
Magda: Lucky you...I wish I did...I’m about to finish my degree and haven’t got anything lined up for the future yet...
Sarah: Oh dear...nothing at all?
Magda: Well, I’ve got an interview with a small architect’s practice next week...
Sarah: That’s great news! Well done!
Magda: Yeah...but...I’m really worried about it! I’ve never done a job interview before. Can you give me some advice?
Sarah: Erm...I guess I could help...I’ve done one or two interviews...
Johnny: I’ll tell you all you need to know! Don’t worry. Just listen to me, take my advice and you’ll definitely get the job!
Magda: Oh, er, well, great...
Johnny: But I can’t tell you now...got to go...
Sarah: Where are you off to in such a hurry?
Johnny: Got an appointment with the boys, haven’t I? Fadi and Harry - we’re all playing football this evening. Bye!
Sarah: Bye!!
why many people don't listen to Big City Small World it's great audio I like it
hello, thanks for this good series. I don't understand this sentence mean: There’s got to be a catch!
could you please explain it?
Hi zolikha,
A catch means a hidden problem or disadvantage. When Magda hears about the flat, it sounds so perfect - but she thinks it's too good to be true. She suspects that there's something wrong with the flat that they don't know about yet. Does that make sense?
Jonathan
The LearnEnglish Team
I got it, thanks for your good explain.
Hello duzolini,
Yes, both forms are possible in this context.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team