Becoming an Australian citizen: English Listening Practice

Intermediate · B1–B2 Episode 20 of 20 · about 2 minutes · Hosts: Mel and Josh

1. Before you listen: key words

Press 🔊 to hear each word or phrase. You'll hear all of them in the conversation.

citizen a full member of a country
permanent resident someone allowed to live in a country permanently
ceremony a formal special event
pledge a formal promise
council local government
official formal and recognised

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.

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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Listening Room, episode 20: Becoming an Australian citizen

Intermediate (B1–B2) · englishcoaching.au

1. Vocabulary: write the meaning

citizen: ________________________
permanent resident: ________________________
ceremony: ________________________
pledge: ________________________
council: ________________________
official: ________________________

2. Questions

Where should you check the rules for citizenship?
☐ The official Home Affairs website ☐ Social media ☐ A friend
What is the test about?
☐ Australia's history, government, laws and values ☐ English grammar only ☐ Maths
Who often holds citizenship ceremonies?
☐ Local councils ☐ Banks ☐ Schools
What is a 'pledge'?
☐ A formal promise ☐ A fee ☐ A form
How can you congratulate a new citizen?
☐ Congratulations on becoming a citizen! ☐ Finally! ☐ Good luck.

3. Talk or write about it

Describe an important day in your life when something became 'official'. How did you feel?

Transcript

Josh: G'day, welcome to the Listening Room. I'm Josh.

Mel: I'm Mel. Today's topic is a big one for many listeners: becoming an Australian citizen.

Josh: Quick note first: this is just general information. Always check the official Home Affairs website for the rules.

Mel: Absolutely. So, Josh, what's the journey like?

Josh: Usually you need to have lived in Australia for a certain time as a permanent resident first, then you apply.

Mel: And many people need to sit the citizenship test.

Josh: The test is about Australia: our history, government, laws and values.

Mel: People study from the official book, called 'Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond'.

Josh: After that, there's the ceremony. That's the special event where you become a citizen.

Mel: Ceremonies are often held by local councils, and lots of them happen on Australia Day.

Josh: You make a pledge, which is a promise to be loyal to Australia and respect its laws.

Mel: And families come along, take photos and celebrate. It's really emotional.

Josh: I went to my friend Amina's ceremony last year. She cried, and so did I!

Mel: That's lovely. What did she say afterwards?

Josh: She said, 'I've lived here for twelve years, but today it feels official.'

Mel: Some useful phrases: 'Congratulations on becoming a citizen!' and 'Welcome, fellow Aussie!'

Josh: And remember, you don't stop being who you are. Many Australians are proud of more than one culture.

Mel: Beautifully said. Thanks for listening, everyone.

Josh: See you next time!

Answers: 1. The official Home Affairs website · 2. Australia's history, government, laws and values · 3. Local councils · 4. A formal promise · 5. Congratulations on becoming a citizen!

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?

citizen, permanent resident, ceremony, pledge, council, official. Each one has audio and a simple meaning.