Collecting things - Test 1

C1 Advanced · Listening Multiple Choice Interview · Cambridge English Advanced 4, Cambridge University Press

You will hear an interview with John Harvey and Meredith Jackson, who have just written a book together about collecting things. For questions 1–6, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which fits best according to what you hear.

An interview with John Harvey and Meredith Jackson, co-authors of a book about collecting things.

John and Meredith share the opinion that, in general, collections

don't often have much monetary worth.

reflect the life experiences of collectors.

aren't defined in terms of quantity.

involve a considerable investment of time.

When asked about collectors' views on the appearance of the objects collected, Meredith highlights

the need to have distinctively-coloured items in a collection.

the strict rules that established collectors set themselves.

the willingness of collectors to share information with others.

the importance of how a collection is presented.

What made John start to collect chairs?

a longstanding interest in comfort

a childhood instinct for the unusual

a wish to improve his academic reputation

a curiosity about the principles of their structure

Why did Meredith buy her first designer scarf?

as a reaction to a colleague's criticism

in the hope of making a profit

in a deliberate show of vanity

as a reward for doing a good job

John views the majority of the chairs in his collection as

functional objects to be enjoyed.

reminders of a golden age of furniture.

talking points to stimulate conversation.

precious pieces that need safeguarding from visitors.

John says that giving up collecting

would free up valuable space.

is unlikely to be an option for him.

would be a great loss to his life.

might actually be a sensible idea.

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

More C1 Advanced Listening Multiple Choice (Interview) practice · All C1 Advanced practice