Free everyday English listening practice for daily life: listen to Mel and Josh, read along with the transcript, learn the key words and check your understanding with a short quiz.
1. Before you listen: key words
Press 🔊 to hear each word or phrase. You'll hear all of them in the conversation.
- parcel a box or package you send by post
- weigh measure how heavy something is
- standard the normal, cheaper and slower service
- express a faster service that costs more
- tracking number a number for checking where your parcel is
- customs form a form that says what is inside a parcel going to another country
- collect go and get something that is waiting for you
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.
Mel: Hi, welcome to the Listening Room. I'm Mel.
Josh: And I'm Josh. Today we're going to the post office. I have a parcel to send to my brother.
Mel: Great. At the counter, you can start with, 'Hi, I'd like to send this parcel, please.'
Josh: Then the staff member will ask, 'Where's it going?' That means, 'Where are you sending it?'
Mel: They'll weigh it on the scales, because the price depends on the weight and the size.
Josh: Next question: 'Standard or express?' Standard is cheaper but slower. Express is faster, but it costs more.
Mel: If you're not sure, ask, 'How long does it take?' or 'When will it arrive?'
Josh: My brother's birthday is on Friday, so I'll say, 'Express, please.'
Mel: Good choice! You'll also get a tracking number. With a tracking number, you can check online where your parcel is.
Josh: For a parcel to another country, you may need to fill in a customs form. It says what's inside and how much it's worth.
Mel: Write it clearly, and be honest about what's in the box.
Josh: Now, the other side: receiving mail. Sometimes a parcel arrives when you're not home.
Mel: Then you might find a card in your letterbox, or get a message on your phone. It says the parcel is waiting at the post office.
Josh: So you go to the counter and say, 'Hi, I'm here to collect a parcel.'
Mel: Bring the card or the message, and some ID, like your driver's licence or passport.
Josh: Some parcels need a signature. That means you sign your name to show you got it.
Mel: And if you need a box or tape, just ask, 'Do you sell boxes?' Most post offices do.
Josh: So: say where it's going, choose standard or express, keep your tracking number, and bring ID to collect.
Mel: Thanks for listening. Good luck with your parcel, Josh!
Josh: Thanks, Mel. See you next time!
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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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?
parcel, weigh, standard, express, tracking number, customs form, collect. Each one has audio and a simple meaning.
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