Self - help books

Listen to the interview below.

While you listen, choose the correct answer for the following questions.

1. Choose the correct synonym for ‘alienate’
1. isolate
2. hide
3. block

2. Michael Heppell is a …… of self-help books
1. well known salesman
2. popular writer
3. very good retailer

3. Choose the most appropriate definition for ‘challenges’, as heard in the interview.
1. difficulties
2. contests
3. objections

4. Circle the option that best fits into the meaning of the expression ‘a low-point’.
1. A valley
2. The bottom
3. A rough patch

5. ‘Flip it’ is aimed at three …
1. compulsive readers
2. social classes
3. target groups

6. Explain the sentence ‘Self-help books are like religion without the bad bits’

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7. Circle the sentence that best fits into the definition of ‘grievance’, as heard in the interview.
1. She had applied for that job before and was turned down, so now she couldn’t help holding a grudge against the company.
2. After her husband died, she felt absolutely devastated.
3. When her life came close to an end, she realized her sons would cry for her.
8. According to Joan Smith, realizing that a part of one’s life is not under one’s own control … you …
1. makes/ cross
2. drives/mad
3. lets/down

9. Controlling your reactions is … to feel happier
1. essential
2. impossible
3. unimportant

10. The work by Toby Young was about
1. personal and professional facts
2. British people and friends
3. A Briton’s emotions

When you feel happy with your work, check your score using this answer key sheet and read the transcript.

Source: BBC Learning English. 6 Minute English