B2 First listening test 4

Laura: I heard Jamie's friends are planning to go to the Spring Sound festival in July. It's far, like 200 miles from home. They’re considering camping there, which seems like a lot for a fourteen-year-old. I mean, have you heard Jamie mention this to you? We really need to discuss whether this is a wise decision or not.

Tom: Yeah, actually, Jamie mentioned it last week. I kind of said it seemed okay. But at that time, I didn’t realize the tickets were £95, which honestly, is quite a lot for just a weekend. Plus, I hadn’t thought about the fact it’s so far away when I agreed it might be alright.

Laura: £95 for a ticket? That’s really expensive.

Tom: Yes, it is. But, it seemed like it could be a valuable experience for them. They’re going with Sam’s older brother, who’s 19. So, there’s some supervision involved, right? It’s not like they’d be entirely alone in the middle of nowhere. I thought maybe it could teach Jamie some independence. You know, handling themselves in a different environment. But, yeah, the ticket price is hefty. I admit I didn’t quite factor that in when I said anything. It’s a significant amount.

Laura: It's not just about the money, Tom. The distance worries me too.

Tom: Yeah, it is concerning.

Laura: How can we be sure Sam’s brother is responsible or even mature enough for this task?

Tom: Sam’s brother has been to these types of events before. He’s not just a random teen; he’s pretty responsible from what I gather. Jamie knows how to handle themselves better than most kids their age. Plus, they’re really excited about seeing those bands live. It’s something they’ve been talking about for months, you know. It’s a huge deal for them, seeing artists they love.

Laura: But it still seems risky. What if something goes wrong, Tom?

Tom: We can always discuss it further and see what Jamie has to say. Maybe after hearing their side, you'll feel differently.

Laura: I don’t want us to regret this decision if something happens. It’s a bit terrifying if you think about all the things that could go wrong. We should—

Tom: Consider it carefully?

Laura: Yes, exactly. Look, I understand that Jamie wants to have fun and experience new things. But these festivals can be crowded and chaotic. What if they lose track of each other or something else happens, like losing their phone?

Tom: True, but—

Laura: I’m not sure if Jamie is expecting us to just say yes without any real discussion.

Tom: Alright, Laura. Look, think about it from Jamie’s perspective. This is a chance for them to prove they’re responsible. It’s a chance for growth. We could set conditions if it makes you feel more comfortable, like regular check-ins and an emergency plan. Maybe Jamie can earn part of the ticket money through extra chores around the house, making them value it more. It could be a learning opportunity.

Laura: It’s a possible compromise, I guess. I’m still uncertain about this.

Tom: I think that’s reasonable. We should at least put it on the table and see how Jamie feels about meeting those conditions. Let’s remember, it’s important for them to understand the responsibility involved.

Laura: Well, it wouldn’t hurt to have a serious talk with Jamie, lay out our concerns and conditions.

Tom: Fair enough.

Laura: I’d definitely feel better if we have those specific conditions set. It’s not just about saying yes or no—

Tom: I get it.

Laura: We need to give Jamie the chance to show responsibility but within safe limits. This is about guiding them, not just letting go of all control. It’s about teaching them how to manage risk and understand boundaries.

Tom: I'm with you there. I think it’s crucial we teach them how to handle more responsibility safely. It’s a learning process for both us and Jamie, finding that balance.

Laura: Alright, let’s talk to Jamie, then. See if they’re open to the conditions we’ve discussed and if they understand our perspective.

Tom: Sounds like a good step forward. We need to be clear about our expectations and make sure they’re on board with everything.