Task 2 · Listening · Variant 7

Bob: Mum? I'm back!

Mum: Hi darling! How was school?

Bob: Not bad. Actually, it was great!

Mum: And what made it 'great'?

Bob: Our biology teacher. She said that next class is going to be a field trip to a Mystic Aquarium, which is very large and has all kinds of animals, birds and reptiles.

Mum: That sounds terrific! I've been there with your dad once. I can still remember how excited I was when I learned that the parrot I was holding could repeat after me!

Bob: Wow! What about dad? Was he impressed?

Mum: Believe me, he was. But not with parrots. The aquarium has a live event several times a day. We visited the one with a beluga contact program. Your dad was brave enough to get into the water with the beluga whales. He was fit for the adventure and then he stood next to them and heard them vocalize and breathe. He even touched their tongue!

Bob: You're kidding!

Mum: I'm not! You'll love it.

Bob: I'm not going to swim with them. They're too big and too scary for me. I'm looking forward to the tanks with the fish. Our teacher says that they're dimly lit and… and they are endless, and that are filled with every kind of fish that I can think of.

Mum: She's right. Moreover, the aquarium also has a few outside displays in round water tanks that you can look over and actually see the animals jump. The best thing about these tanks is the fact that you can actually touch their backs.

Bob: I'd love to hold a baby alligator and have my picture taken with it.

Mum: If I'm not mistaken, you'd be able to. There are several booths where you can hold an animal and get a photo of the event. I'll give you some money.

Bob: Thank you! I also heard that there's a hidden amazon exhibit that includes snakes, bats, frogs, lizards, plants, piranhas, tarantulas and birds.

Mum: Yes, it's a wonderful nature walk with hand rails and benches to rest if needed. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, and you are able to see how the wildlife live.

Bob: The teacher says that the ticket agent will stamp your ticket so you can go back the following two days for free. Can you go with me? Ple-e-ease?

Mum: Bob, you know that I need to plan it in advance. Your next class is on Wednesday, isn't it?

Bob: Actually, it's on Thursday. But I know we can't make it on Friday, can we?

Mum: We'll both be busy that day. Let's try Saturday.

Bob: Great! Thanks, Mum!