Original Listening/Reading Specimen Scripts — Vocational Coiffure
These are original scripts written for classroom use — not transcripts of the real copyrighted videos referenced in the progression (BBC, British Council, National Careers Service, TED, etc.), which cannot be reproduced here. Each script is paired below with the real video it stands in for, so you can play the original video in class and use the script only as a back-up (read aloud, or recorded) if the link is unavailable on the day, or as extra practice alongside it. The comprehension questions already in the interactive exercises page work equally well with either.
Metiers de la Coiffure — sector-specific scripts
Listening specimen — A day in the life of a hairdresser
Real video: nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/hairdresser
I'm training as a hairdresser in a busy city-centre salon. Every client is different, which I
love — some come in knowing exactly what they want, others need help deciding what would actually
suit them. A big part of the job is listening carefully before you even pick up the scissors.
Hygiene matters a lot too: every tool is sterilised between clients, without exception. Standing
up most of the day was tiring at first, but I've got used to it. What surprised me most is how
much of the job is really about people, not just hair — a lot of clients come in for a chat as
much as for a haircut.
Listening specimen — Social media and beauty standards
Real video: teachingenglish.org.uk/teaching-resources/teaching-adults/class-plans/intermediate-b1/changing-ideas-beauty
Social media has changed the way many people think about their appearance, including their
hair. Trends spread incredibly fast online, and some clients now come into salons asking for a
very specific look they've seen on social media, which isn't always realistic for their hair type.
Some hairdressers say this has made their job more creative and exciting. Others worry that
constant exposure to heavily edited images online is putting unrealistic pressure on clients,
especially younger ones. Many professionals in the industry now try to have honest conversations
with clients about what's actually achievable, rather than simply agreeing to recreate an edited
photo.
Shared scripts (same for every specialty)
Listening specimen — Christmas: UK vs USA
Real video: listeninenglish.com/av034-british-christmas.php (see also: learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/vocabulary/b1-b2-vocabulary/christmas-uk)
Hi everyone! Today I want to talk about Christmas traditions in the UK and the USA, because
although they're similar, there are some real differences.
In the UK, most people open their presents on Christmas morning, not on Christmas Eve. Christmas
dinner usually includes turkey, roast potatoes, and Christmas pudding for dessert. The 26th of
December is called Boxing Day, and it's a public holiday when many people go shopping for the
sales or watch football.
In the USA, Christmas is also a big family celebration, but there's more variation depending on
the region. Some families open presents on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day. Classic dishes
include ham or turkey, and pumpkin pie is very popular for dessert.
Both countries love Christmas lights, carol singing, and of course, Santa Claus — although in
Britain, some people still call him "Father Christmas"!
Listening specimen — Health and safety at work
Real video: youtube.com/watch?v=SPxTs5YG_Ag ("Health and safety", episode 23, English at Work, BBC Learning English)
MANAGER: Morning! Before you start your shift, let's quickly go over the safety rules.
NEW EMPLOYEE: Sure, go ahead.
MANAGER: First, you always need to wear the protective equipment we gave you.
NEW EMPLOYEE: Even for quick jobs?
MANAGER: Yes, always — accidents often happen during "quick jobs" because people skip the rules.
Second, if you notice anything unsafe — a wet floor, a loose cable, broken equipment — you report
it immediately. Don't wait.
NEW EMPLOYEE: Who do I report it to?
MANAGER: Me, or whoever's supervising that day. We take it seriously — better ten false alarms
than one accident. And finally, if there's ever an emergency, the meeting point is just outside,
by the car park.
NEW EMPLOYEE: Got it, thanks.
Listening specimen — Job interview: a weak vs a strong answer
Real video: youtube.com/watch?v=Qhz9dz9lle8 (ep.1) · youtube.com/watch?v=5K8o2nYAA6U (ep.4, bad candidate) · youtube.com/watch?v=NRiaznQevTA (ep.5) — "Job Interview Tips", You're Hired, British Council
BAD CANDIDATE EXAMPLE
INTERVIEWER: So, tell me a bit about yourself.
CANDIDATE: Um, not much really. I don't know, I just need a job.
INTERVIEWER: Okay... and why do you want to work here?
CANDIDATE: My friend said it was easy money.
INTERVIEWER: I see. Do you have any questions for me?
CANDIDATE: No, not really.
GOOD CANDIDATE EXAMPLE
INTERVIEWER: So, tell me a bit about yourself.
CANDIDATE: Of course. I'm currently training in this sector, and I did a work placement last year
where I learned a lot about teamwork and following procedures carefully.
INTERVIEWER: And why do you want to work here specifically?
CANDIDATE: I've heard great things about how this company trains its apprentices, and I'm someone
who really wants to keep learning on the job.
INTERVIEWER: Great. Do you have any questions for me?
CANDIDATE: Yes — what does a typical first month look like for a new trainee?
Listening specimen — A mobility placement abroad (Erasmus+)
Real video: reso-avenirs.onisep.fr/ressources-transversales/la-mobilite-en-voie-professionnelle-avec-erasmus/le-stage-professionnel-en-europe-avec-erasmus ("MecaBoost" mobility project video)
Hi, I'm a student in my final year of a vocational course, and last year I did a five-week work placement
abroad through the Erasmus+ programme.
I was a bit nervous at first — I'd never worked in English before, and everything felt strange for
the first few days. But the team I worked with was really welcoming, and they were patient when I
didn't know a word.
By the end, I could follow instructions in English without translating them in my head first,
which felt like a big step. I also learned to be more independent — I had to sort out my own
accommodation and travel, which taught me a lot about organising myself.
If you're thinking about doing a mobility placement, my advice is: say yes, even if it feels scary
at first. You'll come back more confident, in the language and in yourself.