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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.
- parent-teacher meeting a short meeting where parents and a teacher talk about a child's progress
- How is she going? How is she doing? Is everything okay?
- settle in become comfortable in a new place
- make progress get better at something
- focus give all your attention to one thing
- an area to work on a polite way to say something needs to improve
- get along with have a friendly relationship with someone
- interpreter a person who changes spoken words from one language to another
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.
Josh: Hi, welcome to the Listening Room. I'm Josh.
Mel: And I'm Mel. Today's topic is a parent-teacher meeting. Some schools call it a parent-teacher interview.
Josh: It's a short meeting where parents and the teacher talk about how a child is going at school. My daughter's is next week, and I'm a bit nervous.
Mel: That's normal, especially in a second language. These meetings are often short, so it helps to prepare two or three questions.
Josh: Okay. So how do I start?
Mel: Keep it simple: 'Hi, I'm Josh, Lily's dad. Thanks for meeting with me.'
Josh: Then the teacher usually talks first. They might say, 'Lily's settled in really well' or 'She's making good progress in reading.'
Mel: 'Settled in' means she's comfortable in the new class. 'Making progress' means she's getting better.
Josh: And if there's a problem? Teachers are often very polite, so the message can sound soft.
Mel: Yes. 'She sometimes finds it hard to focus' or 'Maths is an area she could work on' usually means there's something to improve.
Josh: So listen carefully for those softer phrases. Then ask a follow-up question: 'What can we do at home to help?'
Mel: That's a great question. It shows you want to work together with the teacher.
Josh: You can share information too. 'She's been a bit worried about friendships lately' helps the teacher understand.
Mel: And ask about friends and behaviour, not only marks: 'How does she get along with the other kids?'
Josh: If you don't understand a word, it's fine to ask. 'Sorry, what does that mean?' or 'Could you give me an example?'
Mel: Many schools can also arrange an interpreter if you ask in advance. It's worth checking with the school office.
Josh: Near the end, you might hear, 'We're almost out of time.' That's your signal to finish.
Mel: If you still have questions, say, 'Could we set up another time to talk?' or 'Is it okay if I email you?'
Josh: So: prepare your questions, listen for the soft phrases, ask how to help at home, and follow up if you need more time.
Mel: Thanks for listening, everyone. Good luck with the meeting, 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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Keep learning: Everyday English lesson: talking to your child's school.
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?
Intermediate (about B1–B2). Beginners can use the Slow speed and read along.
Which words will I learn in this episode?
parent-teacher meeting, How is she going?, settle in, make progress, focus, an area to work on, get along with, interpreter. Each one has audio and a simple meaning.
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