French A2.34 Listening Practice: The Background Behind The Event
French A2 listening practice with audio, transcript, key phrases, and a speaking challenge for the background behind the event.
Podcast listening is in beta while creation and discussion tools are refined. This published chapter includes its complete segmented audio and transcript.
Level
A2.34
Audio
1m 24s
Transcript
20 segments
What to notice while you listen
What you'll understand
Set the scene by saying where you were, what you had, or what you wanted.
Use bounded imperfect forms c'était, j'avais, and je voulais in a short spoken response and one changed version.
New pattern
bounded imperfect forms c'était, j'avais, and je voulais
Practice aloud after listening
C'était calme. J'avais le temps, mais je voulais partir.
It was calm. I had time, but I wanted to leave.
A short French listening chapter with transcript.
Set the scene by saying where you were, what you had, or what you wanted.
Read while you listen.
1. Hélène · Teacher
C’était calme. Imagine a pause on Nice’s famous blue seaside chairs.
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2. Alain · Native Speaker 1
Hier, je suis allé au bord de la mer. C'était calme.
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3. Hélène · Teacher
Tu as trouvé une place ? C'était facile ?
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4. Alain · Native Speaker 1
Oui, c'était calme et j'avais le temps.
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5. Hélène · Teacher
Tu n'as pas travaillé hier ?
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6. Alain · Native Speaker 1
Non, j'avais le temps. Mais après, mon ami Sam est venu.
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7. Hélène · Teacher
Et qu'est-ce que tu as fait avec Sam ?
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8. Alain · Native Speaker 1
Je voulais partir, mais nous avons parlé longtemps.
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9. Hélène · Teacher
One quiet pause has become a long conversation. The plan changes because a friend has arrived.
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10. Alain · Native Speaker 1
Oui, je voulais partir. Mais Sam est venu et nous avons parlé longtemps.
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11. Hélène · Teacher
Keep that repeated open vowel quality clean at the end, without stressing any silent letters in c'était or j'avais.
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12. Alain · Native Speaker 1
J'avais le temps. Je voulais partir, mais j'ai parlé avec mon ami.
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13. Hélène · Teacher
Tu as parlé longtemps avec ton ami ? C'était un bon moment ?
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14. Alain · Native Speaker 1
C'était calme, j'avais le temps, et je voulais partir.
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15. Hélène · Teacher
Now set that scene yourself: It was calm. I had time, but I wanted to leave.
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16. Alain · Native Speaker 1
C'était calme. J'avais le temps, mais je voulais partir.
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17. Hélène · Teacher
Now let us change the puzzle. How would you say: It was calm, but I wanted to wait?
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18. Alain · Native Speaker 1
C'était calme, mais je voulais attendre.
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19. Hélène · Teacher
Alors, tu es parti ou tu as attendu ?
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20. Alain · Native Speaker 1
J'avais le temps, alors j'ai parlé longtemps devant la mer !
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