Aussie coffee culture: English Listening Practice

Beginner · A1–A2 Episode 19 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.

flat white espresso with steamed milk and a little foam
long black espresso with hot water, no milk
having it here drinking in the café
taking it away takeaway
keep cup a reusable coffee cup
barista a person who makes coffee
regular a customer who comes often

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 19: Aussie coffee culture

Beginner (A1–A2) · englishcoaching.au

1. Vocabulary: write the meaning

flat white: ________________________
long black: ________________________
having it here: ________________________
taking it away: ________________________
keep cup: ________________________
barista: ________________________
regular: ________________________

2. Questions

What is a long black?
☐ Espresso with hot water ☐ Coffee with lots of milk ☐ Iced coffee
How should you order?
☐ Size, type, milk ☐ Name, age, address ☐ Price first
What does 'taking it away' mean?
☐ Takeaway ☐ Dine in ☐ No sugar
What is a keep cup?
☐ A reusable cup ☐ A paper cup ☐ A coffee machine
What's a 'regular'?
☐ A customer who comes often ☐ A medium size ☐ Normal milk

3. Talk or write about it

Order your favourite drink at a café. Say the size, type and milk, and answer 'Having it here or taking it away?'

Transcript

Mel: Welcome to the Listening Room. I'm Mel.

Josh: I'm Josh. Today's topic is very important to Australians: coffee!

Mel: Australians love café coffee. Most cafés make espresso coffee, and there are lots of different types.

Josh: The most famous one is the flat white. It's espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.

Mel: A latte is similar, but with more milk and more foam. In some cafés it comes in a glass.

Josh: A cappuccino has lots of foam and chocolate powder on top.

Mel: And if you don't want milk, order a long black. That's espresso with hot water.

Josh: Then there's the 'magic', which is a Melbourne favourite: a strong, small flat white.

Mel: Now, how do you order? Size, type, milk. 'Can I get a small flat white with oat milk, please?'

Josh: And they might ask, 'Any sugar?' or 'Having it here or taking it away?'

Mel: 'Having it here' means dine in. 'Taking it away' means takeaway.

Josh: And one more question: 'What name is it?' They write your name on the cup.

Mel: Lots of people bring a keep cup. That's a reusable cup.

Josh: Some cafés give a small discount if you bring one.

Mel: Here's a tip: a 'regular' is a customer who comes every day. Baristas often remember your order!

Josh: There's nothing better than 'The usual?' from your barista.

Mel: Thanks for listening. Enjoy your next coffee!

Josh: See you next time!

Answers: 1. Espresso with hot water · 2. Size, type, milk · 3. Takeaway · 4. A reusable cup · 5. A customer who comes often

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?

Beginner (about A1–A2). Beginners can use the Slow speed and read along.

Which words will I learn in this episode?

flat white, long black, having it here, taking it away, keep cup, barista, regular. Each one has audio and a simple meaning.