Li Mei and Wu Ping are going with their friends Carla and Hari to the Carnival parade. Listen to the conversation and answer the questions.

Part 1

1. What is wrong with Li Mei’s clothing and shoes?

    Li Mei’s clothing is too thick and her shoes are not comfortable enough to walk in for a long time.

2. What advice does Carla give Li Mei?

    Carla suggests that Li Mei change her shoes to something more comfortable, wear some lighter and cooler clothing and also take a hat.

Part 2

3. Why is it important for them to have water?

     It is important for them to have water because it is very hot and they will be doing a lot of walking.

4. Why is it difficult for them to hear each other?

     It is difficult for them to hear each other because the music is very loud.

5. Why do they plan to meet at the parking lot at 8 o’ clock?

     They plan to meet at the parking lot at 8 o’clock because they might get separated in the crowd.

Listening text

CHRNIVAL IN TRINIDAD

Part 1

Carla and Hari are students in Trinidad. Their Chinese friends, Li Mei and Wu Ping, are visiting for the Carnival holiday in February.

C=Carla    LM=Li Mei

CARLA: Li Mei, why are you wearing those shoes? You can’t be serious! Your feet will hurt so much by the end of the parade that you won’t be able to stand. Would you like these comfortable shoes?

LI MEI:  Thanks, Carla, but I wanted something to go with this dress. Those are the wrong colour.

CARLA: You must be joking! That dress is too thick. Do you realize that it’ll be thirty-five degrees out there and that you’re going to be walking and dancing until midnight? You have to have something light and cool ─ and a hat!

Part 2

The boys are already there when the girls arrive. The music over the loudspeakers makes it difficult to hear each other. One after another, big bands arrive, along with thousands of dancers and musicians. The Carnival is beginning!

CARLA: Sorry we’re late. I had to get Li Mei some comfortable shoes!

WU PING: No problem. We’ve just got here. But I forgot my water- can I have some of yours?

    LI MEI: Me too! We just came, and I’m already tired and thirsty!

   CARLA: We’re each going to need a lot of water tonight! Shall I run over to the stand there and get something to drink for everybody?

HARI: Hurry up, Carla! The bands are moving!

CARLA : OK, I’ll hurry! But remember … we’re going to go slowly at first, so Wu Ping and Li Mei can get used to the music and the heat!

HARI : Yeah, OK! Remember, you two, if we get separated in the crowd, we’ll meet at the north end of the parking lot by 8 o’clock. Then we can go together to see the winners of this year’s award for best band and best costumes.