Making friends in a new city: English Listening Practice

Intermediate · B1–B2 Episode 8 of 8 · 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.

lonely sad because you don't have friends or company
turn up arrive or come to something
have something in common share an interest or experience
volunteering doing work without pay to help others
grab a coffee meet for a coffee (casual)
catch up meet and talk
keep showing up keep coming regularly

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 8: Making friends in a new city

Intermediate (B1–B2) · englishcoaching.au

1. Vocabulary: write the meaning

lonely: ________________________
turn up: ________________________
have something in common: ________________________
volunteering: ________________________
grab a coffee: ________________________
catch up: ________________________
keep showing up: ________________________

2. Questions

What helped Josh make friends in Brisbane?
☐ Online games ☐ Joining a social soccer team ☐ Working late
Why do activities make conversation easier?
☐ They're free ☐ You already have something in common ☐ They're quiet
Where can you often find free English conversation groups?
☐ Local libraries ☐ Supermarkets ☐ Banks
What does 'We should catch up sometime' often mean?
☐ Let's meet tomorrow ☐ A friendly comment, often without a set date ☐ I don't like you
How long does it usually take to make real friends, according to Josh?
☐ A few days ☐ A few months ☐ Several years

3. Talk or write about it

You meet someone at a new class. Start a conversation, ask two questions, and suggest meeting for a coffee.

Transcript

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

Mel: I'm Mel. Today's topic is an important one: making friends when you move to a new city.

Josh: When I moved to Brisbane for work, I didn't know anyone. The first few months were pretty lonely.

Mel: I think lots of people feel that way. So what helped you?

Josh: Honestly, joining things. I joined a social soccer team. You don't need to be good, you just turn up and play.

Mel: That's a great idea. Activities make conversation easy, because you already have something in common.

Josh: Other ideas: volunteering, a community garden, a running club, or classes at the local library.

Mel: Libraries in Australia often have free conversation groups for people learning English. They're a great place to practise.

Josh: Now, how do you start a conversation with someone new?

Mel: Keep it simple. Comment on the situation. 'Is this your first time here?' or 'How long have you been coming to this class?'

Josh: And if the conversation goes well, you can suggest meeting again. 'Do you want to grab a coffee sometime?'

Mel: That's a big step for some people, but it's very normal here.

Josh: Something I learned: Australians often say 'We should catch up sometime!' but don't set a date.

Mel: Yes! If you really want to meet, be specific. 'Are you free next Saturday morning?'

Josh: And don't feel bad if it takes time. Making real friends usually takes a few months.

Mel: Be patient, say yes to invitations, and keep showing up.

Josh: Great advice. Thanks for listening, and good luck making new friends!

Mel: See you next time!

Answers: 1. Joining a social soccer team · 2. You already have something in common · 3. Local libraries · 4. A friendly comment, often without a set date · 5. A few months