At the beach: safety and slang: English Listening Practice

Beginner · A1–A2 Episode 7 · about 2 minutes · Hosts: Mel and Josh

1. Before you listen: key words

Press 🔊 to hear each word or phrase. You'll hear all of them in the conversation.

swim between the flags swim where lifeguards are watching
rip a strong current that pulls you out to sea
slip, slop, slap put on a shirt, sunscreen and a hat
sunnies sunglasses
swimmers swimwear
thongs flip-flops
esky a cooler box

2. Listen to the episode

Press Play. The line being spoken lights up so you can read along. Start with Slow if you're a beginner, then try Normal. For a challenge, hide the transcript the first time you listen.

3. Check your understanding

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4. Shadow the hosts

Shadowing means repeating a line straight after you hear it, copying the speed, stress and rhythm. Press 🔁 next to any line in the transcript, then press 🎤 and say it. Your browser shows what it heard. Try 3 to 5 lines a day.

5. Talk about it

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Listening Room, episode 7: At the beach: safety and slang

Beginner (A1–A2) · englishcoaching.co

1. Vocabulary: write the meaning

swim between the flags: ________________________
rip: ________________________
slip, slop, slap: ________________________
sunnies: ________________________
swimmers: ________________________
thongs: ________________________
esky: ________________________

2. Questions

Where should you swim?
☐ Anywhere ☐ Between the red and yellow flags ☐ Near the rocks
What is a rip?
☐ A big wave ☐ A strong current that pulls you away ☐ A fish
What should you do if you're caught in a rip?
☐ Swim hard against it ☐ Stay calm, float and raise your arm ☐ Dive under
What are 'sunnies'?
☐ Sunglasses ☐ Sunscreen ☐ Sunny days
What does 'slop' mean in 'slip, slop, slap'?
☐ Put on a hat ☐ Put on sunscreen ☐ Put on a shirt

3. Talk or write about it

Give a new friend three tips for a safe day at the beach in Australia.

Transcript

Mel: Hi, I'm Mel, welcome to the Listening Room.

Josh: And I'm Josh. Today we're going to the beach!

Mel: Australia has amazing beaches, but they can be dangerous. So let's start with safety.

Josh: Rule number one: swim between the flags. The red and yellow flags show where lifeguards are watching.

Mel: Rule number two: watch out for rips. A rip is a strong current that pulls you away from the beach.

Josh: If you're caught in a rip, stay calm, float, and raise your arm for help.

Mel: Rule number three: the sun. In Australia we say 'slip, slop, slap'.

Josh: Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat. And put on your sunnies.

Mel: Sunnies are sunglasses. What else do you need at the beach?

Josh: Your swimmers, a towel, and maybe your thongs.

Mel: Thongs are flip-flops, everyone. Don't worry!

Josh: You might also see people bring an esky. That's a cooler box for drinks and food.

Mel: And at some beaches, a cafe or kiosk sells chips and ice-creams.

Josh: One more word: the surf. 'The surf's up' means the waves are big today.

Mel: So, to sum up: swim between the flags, watch out for rips, and slip, slop, slap.

Josh: Have fun and stay safe. See you next time!

Answers: 1. Between the red and yellow flags · 2. A strong current that pulls you away · 3. Stay calm, float and raise your arm · 4. Sunglasses · 5. Put on sunscreen

Frequently asked questions

Is there a transcript for this English listening practice?

Yes. The full transcript is on this page and each line lights up as it's read. You can also print a worksheet with the transcript, questions and answers.

What English level is this episode?

Beginner (about A1–A2). Beginners can use the Slow speed and read along.

Which words will I learn in this episode?

swim between the flags, rip, slip, slop, slap, sunnies, swimmers, thongs, esky. Each one has audio and a simple meaning.