Kevin, thanks for coming in today. How can I help with your retirement planning?

I’m turning 55 next month and want to ensure my savings last. I’m not sure which investment options suit me.

First, let’s review your risk tolerance. Are you comfortable with market fluctuations?

I prefer stability over high returns. I’d rather accept lower gains than risk large losses.

In that case, a mix of government bonds and balanced mutual funds would work. It offers steady income and moderate growth.

What about inflation? Won’t bonds lose value over time?

Good point. We can include inflation-indexed bonds and a small allocation in dividend-paying stocks to hedge inflation.

How much should I allocate to stocks versus bonds?

I recommend a 30/70 split: 30% in stocks, 70% in bonds and cash equivalents.

That sounds reasonable. How often should I rebalance the portfolio?

Semi-annually is sufficient. We’ll review performance every six months and adjust to maintain your target allocation.

Yes, the mutual funds have a management fee of 0.8%, and trading fees apply if we adjust frequently.

Certainly. We can use low-cost index funds instead of actively managed ones to reduce fees to around 0.2%.

Great. When can we start implementing this plan?

I can set up the portfolio by next Monday. I’ll send you the account paperwork today.

Perfect. Thank you for your guidance, Dana.

You’re welcome. I’ll follow up after our first semi-annual review.

You will hear a conversation between a financial advisor and a client.

What is Kevin’s main concern about his investments?

What can be inferred about Kevin’s attitude toward risk?

What portfolio split does Dana recommend?

What is the main purpose of their conversation?

How often does Dana suggest rebalancing the portfolio?

Dana

Kevin

Planning Retirement Investments

Good morning, Jason. How are you feeling after your knee surgery?

A bit stiff and sore, especially when I try to bend it.

That’s normal. We’ll focus on improving your range of motion gradually.

First, ankle pumps to improve circulation and reduce swelling.

Straight leg raises to strengthen your quadriceps.

If done slowly and controlled, it shouldn’t cause pain.

Lift for three seconds, hold for two, then lower for three.

Yes, hamstring stretches using a towel while lying down.

A mild stretch is okay, but not sharp pain.

Apply ice for 15 minutes to reduce inflammation.

Do I need to wear the brace during exercises?

Keep it on for support, but loosen it slightly to allow movement.

We’ll reassess strength and flexibility and adjust your plan.

Great. Thank you for explaining everything.

You’re welcome. Consistency is key to a full recovery.

You will hear a conversation between a physical therapist and a patient.

How many ankle pumps does Dr. Patel recommend per session?

What instruction is given for the duration of each straight leg raise?

How many sets of straight leg raises are recommended per day?

What type of bond does Jason inquire about using after exercise?

What can be inferred about Jason’s commitment to recovery?

What is the main focus of the conversation?

Dr. Patel

Jason

Discussing Physical Therapy Plan

Good morning, Carlos. I’m interested in finding volunteer opportunities in the community.

Morning, Emily. What causes are you most passionate about?

I care about youth mentorship and environmental cleanup.

Great. We have a mentorship program at the local after-school center.

Mentors assist students with homework, organize activities, and provide guidance.

How often do mentors meet with the students?

Twice a week, two-hour sessions after school.

That fits my schedule. What about environmental projects?

We run monthly park cleanups and tree-planting events on weekends.

Yes. We welcome individuals and groups. No prior experience required.

We hold an orientation session once a month covering safety and procedures.

About two hours, usually on the first Saturday of each month.

Absolutely. Just complete one application form and select both options.

How quickly will I hear back after applying?

We review applications weekly, so you should receive confirmation within seven days.

You must be at least eighteen for outdoor work; mentorship is open to volunteers aged sixteen and above with parental consent.

Thank you. One more thing: are there any reimbursement for travel expenses?

We offer a small stipend to cover transit costs for weekend events.

That’s helpful. I’ll submit my application today.

Great. Let me know if you need any assistance completing the form.

I appreciate your help, Carlos. Looking forward to getting started.

You will hear a conversation between a woman seeking volunteer work and a community coordinator.

What can be inferred about the orientation session?

When is the orientation session usually held?

What age requirement is mentioned for outdoor work?

What is the main purpose of the conversation?

Emily

Carlos

Finding Volunteer Opportunities

Hello Dr. Nguyen, thanks for seeing me on short notice.

Of course, Tom. How can I help with your son’s behaviour?

My four-year-old, Lucas, throws daily tantrums when I drop him at preschool.

Is there a consistent trigger or time of day for these tantrums?

It’s always in the morning, right after I say goodbye.

He may feel anxious about separation. Have you tried a transition ritual?

I give him a hug, but he still cries. What else can I do?

Introduce a 'goodbye wave' routine with a special toy he can hold at school.

Yes. He’ll associate the toy with your presence until you return.

I see. What about at home when he refuses bedtime?

Create a consistent bedtime routine: bath, story, and a five-minute cuddle.

He often demands extra stories and gets upset if I say no.

Offer two story choices and limit to one. Give a timer so he knows when time’s up.

A timer could help. How do I handle tantrums during meals?

Offer small portions and let him request more. Praise him when he tries new foods.

He loves praise but still throws food when I insist he eats vegetables.

Use a 'one-bite rule': he must try one bite before he can leave the table.

Sounds fair. Should I involve his preschool teacher?

Yes, share these strategies so they use the same routines at school.

With consistency, expect gradual change over two to four weeks.

Great. Any tips on positive reinforcement?

Use a sticker chart: reward three good behaviours with a small treat.

You’re welcome, Tom. Consistency and patience are key.

You will hear a conversation between a child behaviour expert and a concerned father.

What bedtime strategy does Dr. Nguyen recommend?

What can be inferred about the purpose of the 'goodbye wave' routine?

What rule does Dr. Nguyen suggest for meals?

How long before they should see improvement?

Dr. Nguyen

Managing Child’s Tantrums

Good afternoon, Linda. I’m Ethan from Apex Home Services. I’m here to inspect your heating system.

Hello, Ethan. Thank you for coming on short notice. The furnace has been making strange noises.

Let’s start in the basement. Could you show me where the furnace is located?

Sure. Follow me down the hall. It’s the unit with the red warning light blinking.

I see. The blinking red light indicates a pressure issue. I’ll check the pressure gauge first.

Potentially. It could be a faulty pressure relief valve or debris in the line.

How long does this inspection usually take?

About twenty minutes for diagnostics. If parts are needed, repairs may take up to two hours.

Okay. Please go ahead with the diagnostics.

I’m going to shut off the power before examining internal components.

Is it safe to remain in the house during the inspection?

Yes. The system will be off briefly. You won’t feel anything unfamiliar.

The pressure gauge reads 25 psi, which is below the normal range of 30–35 psi.

Possible causes are a leaking valve, air in the lines, or wear on the heat exchanger.

Can you fix it today if you find the faulty part?

I carry common replacement valves. If that’s the issue, I can install it now.

That would be ideal. What about cleaning the air filter?

I’ll clean or replace the filter as part of the service. It improves airflow and efficiency.

Great. Do I need to prepare anything upstairs while you work?

Just keep doors open to ensure proper ventilation. I’ll let you know when I need access to other areas.

You’re welcome. I’ll start with the valve check now.

You will hear a conversation that takes place in a woman's home when a maintenance technician is visiting.

What issue did Linda report with her furnace?

What can be inferred about the service Ethan provides?

What is the primary purpose of the visit?

What does Ethan suggest to improve airflow?

How long may repairs take if parts are not on hand?

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