Business English listening comprehension exercise: Rising inflation in the UK



💬 Useful phrases
“Could you speak more slowly, please?” — used when you need someone to slow down their speech for better comprehension
“I didn't quite catch that — could you repeat it?” — a polite way to ask someone to say something again
“Would you mind spelling that out for me?” — asking for a word to be spelled to avoid misunderstanding
“Let me make sure I understand correctly.” — used to confirm your understanding before responding
“I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with that term.” — appropriate when you encounter an unfamiliar word or expression
“Could you give me an example?” — requesting a concrete example to clarify an abstract concept
“Are you saying that...?” — used to paraphrase and confirm what someone has just said
“I'll need a moment to process that.” — a natural way to buy time when responding to complex information


READY TO PRACTICE? LET’S GO!

Here's what you do:
  1. Click on the video below.
  2. Make sure the captions/subtitles are turne off!
  3. Watch the video and pay attention to it! (You can pause and rewind the video.)
  4. Answer the listening comprehension questions below the video.
  5. Check your answers.


1. How much do the first two people pay for housing?
  about 40% of their income
  4% of their income
  14% of their income

2. Prices in the UK are the highest in __________.
  30 years
  13 years
  3 years

3. How is the man dealing with increasing energy prices?
  by getting a second job
  by getting a new radiator
  by heating his apartment less

4. Are real wages keeping up with the inflation rate?
  No, but they're slightly higher this year than last.
  No, they've actually fallen in the previous year.
  Yes, they're increasing at roughly the same rate as inflation.

5. Where were these people interviewed?
  Dublin
  London
  Manchester


Check answers (Your answers will be displayed in a new window)



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