CBSE Assessment of Speaking and Listening Skills (ASL)
Class XI Code XI-L-03
Audio scripts and Answer key
Time: 45 min Max Marks: 20

Task 1  5 marks

You will hear five short extracts of people talking about the benefits of learning music.
Read the statements given in your worksheet, then listen to the extracts and match each
statement A–G to each speaker 1–5. There are two statements you do not need.
You will hear the recordings twice.

Speaker 1
No wonder children who learn music do so well. By understanding beat, rhythm, and scales,
it is said children learn how to add, divide, recognise patterns and better understand areas of
Maths and basic Physics. Recent studies show music helps students do better in standardised
tests. Apparently, music develops the left side of the brain, which processes language and
reasoning, and it can actually wire the brain’s circuits in specific ways to help students
achieve higher grades in high school. That’s really fantastic, isn’t it?
Speaker 2
I recently read that learning instrumental music promotes several skills in children. That’s
because they have to coordinate the movement of hands, arms, and feet. For instance,
keyboard instruments like the piano demand different actions from the right and left hand
simultaneously. (laughs) It’s like patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same
time! Training in instruments helps develop ambidexterity and trains children to become
comfortable in uncomfortable positions. The mastery they achieve, thus fosters multiple skills
and competencies.
Speaker 3
Band classes reinforce a sense of cooperation and shared goals. If a child plays an instrument
too loudly or too quickly in a band, he will need to correct himself immediately. The shift
from ‘I ─Me─My performance’ to ‘We─Us─Our performance’ happens automatically. For an
orchestra to sound good, all the players must play their part well at the same time. The effort
to synchronise musical instruments, makes them sensitive to each other. They realise how
each one contributes to the team.
Speaker 4
Music teaches children about delayed satisfaction. To make a single sound on the violin,
you must first learn how to hold the violin, where to place your chin and how to hold the
bow. Children must persist through intensive practice before they reach specific goals, like
performing a solo piece or with an orchestra. The daily training to reach a certain standard
takes time, patience and effort. When they finally achieve that goal, their sense of pride and
achievement is immeasurable.

Speaker 5
Group music classes offer a forum where children learn to accept and give constructive
criticism. Turning negative opinions into positive change helps build self-confidence.
Combined lessons help children understand that nobody is perfect, and that everyone has
room for improvement. This creates a sense of acceptance and togetherness. Students
appreciate it when they are heard and understood by others. They are inspired by one
another’s effort. They motivate one another to do well and excel.

Task 2    6 marks

You will hear a conversation between a student and a counsellor about career choices.
Read the sentences given in your worksheet, then listen to the conversation and choose
‘a’ or ‘b’ or ‘c’ for each sentence.
You will hear the recordings twice.

Counsellor: Good morning! How can I help you?

Student: Good morning! Thank you for meeting me at short notice. You see, I need to take
the right decision about my choice of subjects in Class XI. And I don’t know what to do after
Class XII. I feel rather confused about the way ahead.

Counsellor: Don’t worry. That’s common with students of your age. Have you been able to
narrow down a list of options?

Student: No, I haven’t.

Counsellor: That’s alright. Why don’t we start with what you don’t want to do?

Student: Well, my parents want me to take Science with Biology. We are a family of doctors.
But I don’t see myself following that path. All my peers are taking up Science…they say it’s
the best choice. But I don’t want to do the same things…I want…something different.

Counsellor: I don’t think you should let your peers force you or affect you negatively. You should give yourself time.

Let’s think of the subjects you might enjoy studying. Tell me, which classes hold your
attention at school?

Student: Well, I love literature and reading…And yes, I’m quite interested in photography…
but they’re obviously not subjects you can study exclusively at school. I’m really not sure
what to pursue in order to build a career!

Counsellor: Hmmm…that’s a varied set of interests.

Student: The question is what will I be able to do with such mixed interests?

Counsellor: We can work it out. Don’t worry. Each one of us is unique in our potential.
Mmmm…You said you liked reading. Do you also like to write?

Student: Yes! I often contribute to the school magazine. I love my English classes! And my
grades have always been good in English.

Counsellor: How would you like to try photojournalism?

Student: Photojournalism?! You mean…I can make a living out of taking pictures and
writing about them?

Counsellor: Well…a photojournalist is a visual reporter of facts. He combines the best of
a writer and a photographer. You wouldn’t be tied down to a desk. You’d be on your own,
visiting places of interest, taking pictures and writing stories. An arts education will prepare
you to face the challenge.

Student: Hmm…I’ve never thought of this before. But, what stream will I have to study for it?

Counsellor: You could take up any stream in Class XI…even humanities. In college, may be
you could do a degree in professional photography and learn the art of conveying messages
through pictures.
Counsellor: Well you could always review your options at that time. Switch to print
journalism since you are good at writing. Advertising or Mass Media could be other lucrative
options. You never know what new directions you might take…so be flexible and openminded.

Student: That’s very true. You’ve given me a lot of food for thought. I shall research and
build my knowledge on it first. Thank you!

Counsellor: You’re welcome! You can contact me again if you need to discuss anything
further.

Task 3    4 marks

You will hear a book report by a student. Read the statements given in your worksheet,
then listen to the extract and choose four of the options A–G which are correct. Write
the correct letters in the blank boxes provided. You will hear the recording twice.
Which FOUR of the following statements does the speaker believe to be true?

Hello, friends!

This vacation, I thoroughly enjoyed a book called Hot Tea Across India by Rishad Saam
Mehta. He is an engaging travel writer and photographer who provides a new spin to the cup
that cheers.

The book opens with these lines: If there is one certainty about roads in India, it is that—no
matter where you are or what the hour is—if you want a cup of tea, you’ll find a tea stall
within a few kilometres.

The drink is the link to a series of funny, dangerous, thought-provoking and surprising
adventures Mehta goes through while travelling all over India.

Mehta loves driving and a major part of the book covers his travels in the Himalayas—
perhaps a bit too much of the book covers this part of his visit, because it leaves very little
room for the other places, especially the southern and eastern parts of the country. His
experiences on the steep routes had me almost wishing I could have done the same! An
experience at the Raid-de-Himalayas had me holding my breath till the very end of the tale!
Mehta is like a dear friend spinning tall tales of all the places he has been to. A part of you
knows that some of the stories are just a bit over the top—but he’s so funny and so sincere—
you can’t help laughing anyway!

Mehta’s fascinating tour from Manali to Munnar, the Rann of Kutch to Khajuraho, offers a
wonderful combination of wit, warmth and insight. If you enjoy travelling, you will love this
book. If you enjoy drinking tea, you will be entertained a lot more. If you do neither, then you
will still be enchanted by the book’s delightfully lighthearted tone and the splendid landscapes
it captures.
Task 4   5 marks

You will hear two students debating about online education. Read the sentences given in
your worksheet, then listen to the conversation and complete the sentences with one or
two words only. You will hear the recording twice.

Boy: Hello, friends. I will be speaking to you today about online learning and its key benefits.

Girl: Hello, everybody. I will be supporting the time-tested methods of regular schooling and
why virtual learning can never come close to it in impact.

Boy: Well, I think online education is a far better option than traditional education because
you don’t have to be in a fixed place at a fixed time in order to study, you know.

Girl: Classroom teaching needs the discipline of a set place and time for study. It offers far
more than a virtual world. I strongly believe the teacher-student interaction is what makes all
the difference. It is this connection that triggers actual learning and growth. And, speaking
about interactions, what about lab classes? Can you study the sciences without hands-on
laboratory training?

Boy: Oh, alternatives can be found for that. Online education has far too many advantages
to be dismissed. Think of the flexibility it allows. Think of those who work or can’t attend
regular school…won’t they be benefitted by an online medium of study? I’m convinced it’s
definitely more convenient and economical as well.

Girl: It may be a more practical option, but we still can’t do away with the teacher, especially
in the younger years of schooling. In fact, I strongly believe the school teacher’s influence can
never be replicated by a cold electronic medium. Who will feel the pulse of student emotions
and reactions? Who will respond to their doubts and problems? Who will motivate and inspire
them to reach higher and farther?

Boy: Online tutors can coach and clear doubts at the pace the students set for themselves.
They can even counsel and guide whenever required.
Let’s look at other issues…for instance, the problem of space. Traditional schools limit the
number of student admissions due to non-availability of seats. They say you also have to live
within a certain area for admission into a particular school.

The virtual classroom does nothing of that kind. Anyone who has a genuine passion for
learning can apply. Students can explore any subject without the discomfort of cramped
classrooms or fear of ridicule or peer pressure of any kind.
Girl: That is precisely my point. The classroom trains students to deal with challenging
situations all the time. School will teach you how to take risks and assert yourself today in the
classroom, so you are equipped to face the real world tomorrow. It may be easier to receive an
education sitting behind a screen, but of what use is it if it deprives students of important life skills?
Boy: E-learning encourages independent thinking and that’s very important for life. But in an
actual classroom, I feel it is the teacher’s point of view that overshadows everything else.
Girl: Well…all I can say is there are advantages and disadvantages to every type of learning
environment. Technology might determine the future of how education is delivered. But we
must always think of student needs…and what will equip him or her best in their journey
through life…

CBSE Assessment of Speaking and Listening Skills (ASL)

Class XI Code XI-L-03
LISTENING TEST
Time: 45 min Max. Marks: 20

Task 1    5 marks

You will hear five short extracts of people talking about the benefits of learning music.
Read the statements below, then listen to the extracts and match each statement A–G
to each speaker 1–5. There are two statements you do not need. You will hear the
recordings twice.

Statements

A. Individual and joint effort shapes effective group performances.
B. Group music lessons build fluency and verbal skills.
C. Peer feedback and acknowledgement build musical talent.
D. Learning music enhances scholarship and examination skills.
E. An exposure to musical instruments provides a window to other cultures.
F. Mastery in music after tireless practice, offers deep satisfaction.
G. Playing an instrument promotes physical skills and other aptitudes too.

 
Task 2    6 marks

You will hear a conversation between a student and a counsellor about career choices.
Read the sentences below, then listen to the conversation and choose ‘a’ or ‘b’ or ‘c’ for
each sentence. You will hear the recording twice.

1. The counsellor says that most students at this age
a. want more time to decide their future.
b. are in a fix about their higher studies.
c. are unaware about careers options available.

2. The student has doubts about pursuing Science although
a. his friends and family prefer it.
b. he enjoys studying it at school.
c. Science is the most popular choice.
3. The counsellor asks about the student’s interests in order to
a. change the topic of discussion.
b. relieve the student’s anxiety.
c. discover the student’s aptitude.
4. To be a photojournalist, the student would need to
a. train for several years.
b. work in an advertising agency.
c. be independent and creative.
5. The counsellor advises the student to always
a. take the counsel of his teachers.
b. adapt to changing circumstances.
c. try something new when he feels like it.
6. In conclusion, the student says he intends to
a. explore photojournalism a bit more.
b. take up photojournalism as a career.
c. pursue photojournalism as a hobby.

Task 3     4 marks

You will hear a book report by a student. Read the statements below, then listen to the
extract and choose four of the options A–G which are correct. Write the correct letters in
the blank boxes provided.
You will hear the recording twice.

Which FOUR of the following statements are true?

A. The book report is about the way tea is brewed in the country.
B. The author of the book feels tea is an integral part of India.
C. The book combines tales of machinery and travel.
D. The only drawback is the extended focus on the Himalayan region.
E. The stories in the book include nail-biting adventures.
F. The author offers a guided tour to the best tea stalls in the country.
G. The student enjoys the humour that runs through the book
Task 4    5 marks

You will hear two students debating about online education. Read the sentences below,
then listen to the conversation and complete the sentences with one or two words only.
You will hear the recording twice.
1. __________ __________ occurs when there is lively one-to-one classroom
communication.

2. The __________ of online study makes it a far more suitable option.

3. The main __________ in a young student’s life is the teacher.

4. E-schools have no restrictions on __________ or number of admissions.

5. Schooling imparts crucial __________ __________ to tackle present and future
challenges.