Fixing a Pipe – Bilingual English and Spanish Listening Practice

←

Historia anterior Story 31

Historia siguiente Story 33

→

Vocabulario: fontanero · tubería · reparar · herramientas

🇩🇪 🇫🇷 🇮🇹 🇷🇺 🇷🇴

🎲 Random Story

Finding you a random story…

Just a second ✨

A1 | BEGINNER

I am a plumber. Today I go to a house. There is water on the floor. I look at the pipe. I use a wrench. I tighten one part. The water stops coming out. The person smiles.

A1 | PRINCIPIANTE

Soy fontanero. Hoy voy a una casa. Hay agua en el suelo. Miro la tubería. Uso una llave inglesa. Aprieto una pieza. El agua deja de salir. La persona sonríe.

I learned everything I know at LecturaBilingue.com — the place where stories come alive. Todo lo que sé lo aprendí en LecturaBilingue.com, el lugar donde las historias cobran vida.

🔊 AUDIO A1

🇬🇧 English

Spoken

Song

🇪🇸 Español

Spoken

Song

A1 | Practice

Match – Quizlet

Juega esta parte de la historia en Quizlet.

▶ Abrir el juego en Quizlet

Practice the Story — A1

Fixing a Pipe

Vocabulary

• I am a plumber — soy fontanero
• go to a house — voy a una casa
• water on the floor — agua en el suelo
• look at the pipe — miro la tubería
• use a wrench — uso una llave inglesa

• tighten one part — aprieto una pieza
• the water stops — el agua deja de salir
• coming out — saliendo
• the person smiles — la persona sonríe

Complete the sentence

I am a There is water on the I look at the I use a The water stops coming

Choose the correct answer

What is the narrator’s job? Choose He is a teacher He is a plumber He is a doctor Where is the water? Choose On the table On the floor On the window What does he use? Choose A pencil A spoon A wrench What happens at the end? Choose The pipe breaks The water stops coming out The person leaves

Build the sentence

Tap the words in the correct order:

I use a wrench

Reading comprehension

1. What is the narrator’s job?
2. Where is the water?
3. What does he use?
4. Why does the person smile?

Translation practice

Translate into Spanish:

• I am a plumber.
• There is water on the floor.
• I use a wrench.
• The water stops coming out.

Translate into English:

• Soy fontanero.
• Hay agua en el suelo.
• Uso una llave inglesa.
• La persona sonríe.

Reading and translation are bonus practice and are not included in the score.

A2 | ELEMENTARY

I work as a plumber. This morning, I fix a leak under the sink. First, I turn off the water. Then I check the pipe and replace a small part. I clean the area and make sure everything works properly. The problem is solved.

A2 | BÁSICO

Trabajo como fontanero. Esta mañana reparo una fuga debajo del fregadero. Primero cierro el agua. Después reviso la tubería y cambio una pieza pequeña. Limpio la zona y compruebo que todo funciona bien. El problema está solucionado.

I learned everything I know at LecturaBilingue.com — the place where stories come alive. Todo lo que sé lo aprendí en LecturaBilingue.com, el lugar donde las historias cobran vida.

🔊 AUDIO A2

🇬🇧 English

Spoken

Song

🇪🇸 Español

Spoken

Song

A2 | Practice

Match – Quizlet

Juega esta parte de la historia en Quizlet.

▶ Abrir el juego en Quizlet

Practice the Story — A2

Fixing a Pipe

Vocabulary

• I work as a plumber — trabajo como fontanero
• this morning — esta mañana
• fix a leak — reparo una fuga
• under the sink — debajo del fregadero
• turn off the water — cierro el agua
• check the pipe — reviso la tubería

• replace a small part — cambio una pieza pequeña
• clean the area — limpio la zona
• make sure — me aseguro
• everything works properly — todo funciona bien
• the problem is solved — el problema está solucionado

Complete the sentence

I work as a This morning, I fix a First, I turn off the Then I check the I replace a small Everything works

Choose the correct answer

Where is the leak? Choose In the garden Under the sink Near the door What does he do first? Choose He cleans the floor He turns off the water He opens the window What does he replace? Choose A small part The whole sink The floor What does he check at the end? Choose Everything works properly The water runs slowly The pipe works badly

Build the sentence

Tap the words in the correct order:

leak I fix a under the sink

Reading comprehension

1. What does the narrator do for work?
2. Where is the leak?
3. What does he do first?
4. What does he check at the end?

Translation practice

Translate into Spanish:

• I work as a plumber.
• This morning, I fix a leak under the sink.
• First, I turn off the water.
• The problem is solved.

Translate into English:

• Trabajo como fontanero.
• Reparo una fuga debajo del fregadero.
• Cambio una pieza pequeña.
• Todo funciona bien.

Reading and translation are bonus practice and are not included in the score.

B1 | INTERMEDIATE

My work as a plumber requires patience and attention to detail. Today a customer calls me because there is a leak in the kitchen. When I arrive, I check the sink, the seals, and the main pipe. I find a worn part and replace it. Then I turn the water back on little by little. There are no more leaks. The customer feels relieved.

B1 | INTERMEDIO

Mi trabajo como fontanero requiere paciencia y atención. Hoy un cliente me llama porque tiene una fuga en la cocina. Al llegar, reviso el fregadero, las juntas y la tubería principal. Encuentro una pieza desgastada y la sustituyo. Después abro el agua poco a poco. No hay más fugas. El cliente se queda tranquilo.

I learned everything I know at LecturaBilingue.com — the place where stories come alive. Todo lo que sé lo aprendí en LecturaBilingue.com, el lugar donde las historias cobran vida.

🔊 AUDIO B1

🇬🇧 English

Spoken

Song

🇪🇸 Español

Spoken

Song

B1 | Practice

Match – Quizlet

Juega esta parte de la historia en Quizlet.

▶ Abrir el juego en Quizlet

Practice the Story — B1

Fixing a Pipe

Vocabulary

• my work as a plumber — mi trabajo como fontanero
• requires patience — requiere paciencia
• attention to detail — atención al detalle
• a customer calls me — un cliente me llama
• a leak in the kitchen — una fuga en la cocina
• when I arrive — cuando llego
• check the sink — reviso el fregadero

• the seals — las juntas
• the main pipe — la tubería principal
• a worn part — una pieza desgastada
• replace it — la sustituyo
• turn the water back on — vuelvo a abrir el agua
• little by little — poco a poco
• feels relieved — se queda tranquilo

Complete the sentence

My work as a plumber requires A customer calls me because there is a When I arrive, I check the sink, the seals, and the main I find a worn Then I turn the water back on little by The customer feels

Choose the correct answer

What does the narrator’s work require? Choose Speed and noise Patience and attention to detail Luck and strong hands Why does the customer call? Choose Because there is a leak Because the kitchen needs paint Because the door is broken What does the narrator check? Choose The window and the floor The sink, the seals, and the main pipe The wall and the ceiling What does he find? Choose A lost key A worn part A new tool How does the customer feel at the end? Choose Angry Relieved Tired

Build the sentence

Tap the words in the correct order:

water I turn the back on

Reading comprehension

1. What does the narrator’s work require?
2. Why does the customer call him?
3. What parts does he check when he arrives?
4. What does he replace?
5. Why does the customer feel relieved?

Translation practice

Translate into Spanish:

• My work as a plumber requires patience and attention to detail.
• Today a customer calls me because there is a leak in the kitchen.
• I find a worn part and replace it.
• The customer feels relieved.

Translate into English:

• Mi trabajo como fontanero requiere paciencia y atención.
• Un cliente me llama porque tiene una fuga en la cocina.
• Después abro el agua poco a poco.
• El cliente se queda tranquilo.

Reading and translation are bonus practice and are not included in the score.

B2 | UPPER-INTERMEDIATE

Fixing a pipe is not just about replacing a part. You have to find the source of the problem and make sure the solution lasts. Today I find a small leak, but if it were ignored, it could cause dampness in the wall. I work carefully, protect the floor, and check the water pressure. When I finish, I explain to the customer how to prevent the problem from getting worse.

B2 | INTERMEDIO ALTO

Reparar una tubería no consiste solo en cambiar una pieza. Hay que encontrar el origen del problema y asegurarse de que la solución sea duradera. Hoy detecto una fuga pequeña, pero si se dejara pasar, podría causar humedad en la pared. Trabajo con cuidado, protejo el suelo y reviso la presión del agua. Al terminar, explico al cliente cómo evitar que el problema vaya a más.

I learned everything I know at LecturaBilingue.com — the place where stories come alive. Todo lo que sé lo aprendí en LecturaBilingue.com, el lugar donde las historias cobran vida.

🔊 AUDIO B2

🇬🇧 English

Spoken

Song

🇪🇸 Español

Spoken

Song

B2 | Practice

Match – Quizlet

Juega esta parte de la historia en Quizlet.

▶ Abrir el juego en Quizlet

Practice the Story — B2

Fixing a Pipe

Vocabulary

• fixing a pipe — reparar una tubería
• not just about — no consiste solo en
• replacing a part — cambiar una pieza
• find the source — encontrar el origen
• the source of the problem — el origen del problema
• make sure — asegurarse
• the solution lasts — la solución sea duradera
• a small leak — una fuga pequeña

• if it were ignored — si se dejara pasar
• cause dampness — provocar humedad
• in the wall — en la pared
• work carefully — trabajar con cuidado
• protect the floor — proteger el suelo
• water pressure — presión del agua
• prevent the problem — evitar el problema
• from getting worse — que vaya a más

Complete the sentence

Fixing a pipe is not just about replacing a You have to find the of the problem You must make sure the solution A small leak could cause in the wall I check the water I explain how to prevent the problem from getting

Choose the correct answer

What is fixing a pipe not just about? Choose Replacing a part Painting the wall Cleaning the kitchen What does the narrator have to find? Choose The source of the problem The customer’s bill The kitchen window What could the leak cause if it were ignored? Choose Noise in the kitchen Dampness in the wall Dust on the floor What does the narrator check? Choose The water pressure The kitchen light The front door What does the narrator explain at the end? Choose How to prevent the problem from getting worse How to buy a new sink How to paint the wall

Build the sentence

Tap the words in the correct order:

check water pressure I the

Reading comprehension

1. Why is fixing a pipe not just about replacing a part?
2. What does the narrator have to find?
3. What could happen if the small leak were ignored?
4. What does the narrator protect while working?
5. What does the narrator explain to the customer at the end?

Translation practice

Translate into Spanish:

• Fixing a pipe is not just about replacing a part.
• You have to find the source of the problem.
• If it were ignored, it could cause dampness in the wall.
• I explain how to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Translate into English:

• Reparar una tubería no consiste solo en cambiar una pieza.
• Hay que encontrar el origen del problema.
• Trabajo con cuidado y protejo el suelo.
• Explico al cliente cómo evitar que el problema vaya a más.

Reading and translation are bonus practice and are not included in the score.

C1 | ADVANCED

Over time, I have learned that a simple fault can be hiding a bigger problem. That is why I do not limit myself to fixing what is visible. I examine the connections, check the pressure, and look for signs of wear. In this trade, getting straight to the point does not mean working quickly, but identifying the real cause. A good repair should leave everything as it should be and prevent future headaches.

C1 | AVANZADO

Con el tiempo, he aprendido que una avería sencilla puede esconder un problema mayor. Por eso no me limito a arreglar lo visible. Observo las conexiones, compruebo la presión y busco señales de desgaste. En este oficio, ir al grano no significa trabajar deprisa, sino detectar la causa real. Una buena reparación debe dejar todo en orden y evitar futuros quebraderos de cabeza.

I learned everything I know at LecturaBilingue.com — the place where stories come alive. Todo lo que sé lo aprendí en LecturaBilingue.com, el lugar donde las historias cobran vida.

🔊 AUDIO C1

🇬🇧 English

Spoken

Song

🇪🇸 Español

Spoken

Song

C1 | Practice

Match – Quizlet

Juega esta parte de la historia en Quizlet.

▶ Abrir el juego en Quizlet

Practice the Story — C1

Fixing a Pipe

Vocabulary

• over time — con el tiempo
• I have learned — he aprendido
• a simple fault — una avería sencilla
• can be hiding — puede esconder
• a bigger problem — un problema mayor
• that is why — por eso
• I do not limit myself — no me limito
• fixing what is visible — arreglar lo visible
• examine the connections — observar las conexiones

• check the pressure — comprobar la presión
• signs of wear — señales de desgaste
• in this trade — en este oficio
• getting straight to the point — ir al grano
• working quickly — trabajar deprisa
• the real cause — la causa real
• leave everything as it should be — dejar todo en orden
• prevent future headaches — evitar futuros quebraderos

Complete the sentence

A simple fault can be hiding a bigger I do not limit myself to fixing what is I examine the connections and check the I look for signs of Getting straight to the point means identifying the real A good repair should prevent future

Choose the correct answer

What has the narrator learned over time? Choose A simple fault can hide a bigger problem New tools solve every problem Speed is the most important thing What does the narrator avoid doing? Choose Only fixing what is visible Checking the pressure Examining the connections What does the narrator look for? Choose Signs of paint Signs of wear Signs of dust What does getting straight to the point mean in this trade? Choose Working as fast as possible Identifying the real cause Choosing the cheapest part What should a good repair prevent? Choose Future headaches All customer questions The use of tools

Build the sentence

Tap the words in the correct order:

the I real cause identify

Reading comprehension

1. What can a simple fault be hiding?
2. Why does the narrator not limit himself to fixing what is visible?
3. What does he examine and check?
4. What does getting straight to the point mean in this trade?
5. What should a good repair prevent?

Translation practice

Translate into Spanish:

• Over time, I have learned that a simple fault can be hiding a bigger problem.
• I do not limit myself to fixing what is visible.
• Getting straight to the point does not mean working quickly.
• A good repair should prevent future headaches.

Translate into English:

• Con el tiempo, he aprendido que una avería sencilla puede esconder un problema mayor.
• No me limito a arreglar lo visible.
• Busco señales de desgaste.
• Una buena reparación debe evitar futuros quebraderos de cabeza.

Reading and translation are bonus practice and are not included in the score.

C2 | PROFICIENT

My work as a plumber has taught me that what matters most often remains hidden. A small leak can reveal years of neglect, ageing materials, or a poorly planned installation. Before touching a tool, I look at the whole system and read the clues left by the water. A proper repair is not about applying a quick fix, but about tackling the problem at its root and restoring safety to an everyday space.

C2 | COMPETENTE

Mi trabajo como fontanero me ha enseñado que lo esencial muchas veces permanece oculto. Una pequeña fuga puede revelar años de descuido, materiales envejecidos o una instalación mal planteada. Antes de tocar una herramienta, observo el conjunto y leo las pistas que deja el agua. Reparar bien no es poner un parche, sino cortar el problema de raíz y devolver seguridad a un espacio cotidiano.

I learned everything I know at LecturaBilingue.com — the place where stories come alive. Todo lo que sé lo aprendí en LecturaBilingue.com, el lugar donde las historias cobran vida.

🔊 AUDIO C2

🇬🇧 English

Spoken

Song

🇪🇸 Español

Spoken

Song

C2 | Practice

Match – Quizlet

Juega esta parte de la historia en Quizlet.

▶ Abrir el juego en Quizlet

Practice the Story — C2

Fixing a Pipe

Vocabulary

• what matters most — lo esencial
• often remains hidden — muchas veces permanece oculto
• a small leak — una pequeña fuga
• can reveal — puede revelar
• years of neglect — años de descuido
• ageing materials — materiales envejecidos
• poorly planned installation — instalación mal planteada
• before touching a tool — antes de tocar una herramienta
• the whole system — el conjunto

• read the clues — leer las pistas
• left by the water — que deja el agua
• a proper repair — una buena reparación
• applying a quick fix — poner un parche
• tackling the problem — abordar el problema
• at its root — de raíz
• restoring safety — devolver seguridad
• an everyday space — un espacio cotidiano

Complete the sentence

What matters most often remains A small leak can reveal years of It can also reveal ageing Before touching a tool, I look at the whole I read the clues left by the A proper repair means tackling the problem at its

Choose the correct answer

What has the narrator’s work taught him? Choose What matters most often remains hidden Every problem is easy to see Quick repairs are always best What can a small leak reveal? Choose New tools and clean water Years of neglect and ageing materials Fresh paint on the wall What does the narrator do before touching a tool? Choose He looks at the whole system He writes the bill He changes the floor What does the water leave? Choose Clues Tools Paint What is a proper repair not about? Choose Applying a quick fix Tackling the problem at its root Restoring safety What should a proper repair restore? Choose Noise Safety Neglect

Build the sentence

Tap the words in the correct order:

the read water the clues I left by

Reading comprehension

1. What has the narrator learned from his work as a plumber?
2. What can a small leak reveal?
3. Why does the narrator look at the whole system before touching a tool?
4. What does “read the clues left by the water” suggest?
5. What is the difference between applying a quick fix and repairing properly?
6. What should a proper repair restore?

Translation practice

Translate into Spanish:

• What matters most often remains hidden.
• A small leak can reveal years of neglect.
• I look at the whole system and read the clues left by the water.
• A proper repair is not about applying a quick fix.
• It is about tackling the problem at its root.

Translate into English:

• Lo esencial muchas veces permanece oculto.
• Una pequeña fuga puede revelar años de descuido.
• Observo el conjunto y leo las pistas que deja el agua.
• Reparar bien no es poner un parche.
• Hay que cortar el problema de raíz.

Reading and translation are bonus practice and are not included in the score.