A Train Journey to Brighton
About this practice test
Test your A2 English listening with a train-station announcement about platforms, stops, delays, tickets, and visitor information.
What you’ll practice
Understanding detail
Follow specific information and examples.
Interpreting ideas
Identify main points and inferences.
Evaluating arguments
Assess claims, evidence, and limitations.
What to expect:
5 questions with explanations to review after submission.
Study the questions and tasks
Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Try the exercises before opening any answer or transcript sections, then use them to review your work.
- Practice level
- A2. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.
- Question formats
- Single choice
How to approach this practice
Read the questions, then listen before opening the transcript. Notice names, numbers and any corrections the speaker makes.
A2 Listening: A Train Journey to Brighton
Read the transcript
Good morning, this is a message for passengers traveling to Brighton. The 9:15 train will leave from platform 4, not platform 2. It will stop at three stations: Oakfield, River Road, and Brighton Central. The journey usually takes fifty minutes. Today, however, the train may be five minutes late because the driver is waiting for a signal. Passengers who need a ticket should use the machine near the entrance. The cafe beside platform 4 opens at eight thirty. There is also a small waiting room next to the information desk. When you arrive in Brighton, the tourist office is opposite the station. It can provide a free walking map and information about bus tickets. Please keep your ticket until the end of the journey.
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Question 1 · Single choice
Choose one answer.
Which platform will the 9:15 train use?
Return to the passage, recording or visual- Platform 4
- Platform 2
- Platform 3
- Platform 5
Check answers and explanations
- Answer
- Platform 4
The announcement changes the platform from 2 to platform 4.
The 9:15 train will leave from platform 4, not platform 2.
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Question 2 · Single choice
Choose one answer.
How many stations will the train stop at before Brighton Central?
Return to the passage, recording or visual- Three
- One
- Two
- Four
Check answers and explanations
- Answer
- Three
The announcement names three stops in total.
It will stop at three stations: Oakfield, River Road, and Brighton Central.
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Question 3 · Single choice
Choose one answer.
Why may the train be late?
Return to the passage, recording or visual- The driver is waiting for a signal.
- The cafe is not open.
- The platform is crowded.
- The tourist office is closed.
Check answers and explanations
- Answer
- The driver is waiting for a signal.
The driver is waiting for a signal.
Today, however, the train may be five minutes late because the driver is waiting for a signal.
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Question 4 · Single choice
Choose one answer.
Where should passengers use the ticket machine?
Return to the passage, recording or visual- Near the entrance
- Beside the cafe
- Inside the waiting room
- Opposite the tourist office
Check answers and explanations
- Answer
- Near the entrance
The machine is near the entrance.
Passengers who need a ticket should use the machine near the entrance.
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Question 5 · Single choice
Choose one answer.
What can the tourist office provide?
Return to the passage, recording or visual- A walking map and bus-ticket information
- A free train ticket
- A hotel room
- A meal for passengers
Check answers and explanations
- Answer
- A walking map and bus-ticket information
It provides a free walking map and information about bus tickets.
It can provide a free walking map and information about bus tickets.
What to review next
Listen again to difficult sections, then open the transcript to check what you heard. Repeat a useful phrase aloud and try the recording once more without the text.
A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.
Before you practise: a worked example
Listen for the final information, especially when a speaker corrects or changes an earlier statement.
Example transcript: “Let’s meet at five — actually, half past five would be better.” What is the final suggested time?
The final suggested time is 5:30. Actually signals a correction; the first time is replaced by the later suggestion.
This teaching example is separate from the scored questions. After your test, compare any mistakes with the explanation and revisit the topic before trying again.