Karen Hong, concert pianist - Test 1

B2 First · Listening Multiple Choice Interview · Cambridge English First 3, Cambridge University Press

You will hear an interview with an international concert pianist called Karen Hong. For questions 1–7, choose the best answer (A, B or C).

An interview with an international concert pianist called Karen Hong.

Why does Karen keep practising pieces of music she knows well?

to keep her confidence levels high

to warm up before playing difficult new pieces

to make small improvements to her performance of them

What does Karen say about her mother?

She still tries to have an influence over Karen.

She shows her emotions much more than Karen's father.

She could have been a competent pianist herself.

Karen says that after winning a big competition, she began

to lose interest in music.

to take offence easily.

to doubt her talent.

Karen's decision to take a break from performing allowed her to

spend a lot of time on her own.

regain full physical health.

put a new management team in place.

When she was performing on television regularly, Karen enjoyed the idea that

she was bringing people from different countries closer together.

she was improving people's mood and energy levels.

she was taking classical music to new places and people.

What does Karen say about pop music?

It is suitable for people of all ages.

It makes little impression on her.

It affects teenagers' behaviour in different ways.

Karen believes that when dealing with young children who play music

praise should only be given where it is justified.

pushing them too hard will demotivate them.

it's a mistake to make them nervous about the end result.

Available as a free printable PDF worksheet with an optional answer key.