Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
A Student Credit Card III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
V. Online Investigations
Student credit cards are becoming more and more popular, but what are the advantages
and disadvantages of using credit cards, particularly for people your age?
2. What is one reason to explain why the woman obtained a student credit card?
A. She wants to buy things at a discount using the card.
B. She hopes to establish a good credit rating.
C. She doesn't want to borrow from her parents.
3. According to the man, what is one reason for NOT having a credit card?
A. People generally have a difficult time getting out of debt.
B. Students often apply for more credit cards than they need.
C. The interest rates on student cards are very high.
4. What does the woman imply about how she plans on resolving her credit card
problems?
A. She hopes that someone will give her the money.
B. She plans on getting rid of her student credit cards.
C. She is going to return the items she purchased on the card.
5. What is the man going to do for the woman to help her manage her money?
A. help her find a better paying job to cover her expenses
B. teach her how to prepare a financial management plan
C. show her how she can apply for low-interest student credit cards
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
UFO: A Story to II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
Remember IV. Post-Listening
V. Online Investigations
Students should visit a web site or read articles and come ready to discuss the questions
in preparation for the listening activity during the next class. Use the site below or locate
one through a search engine:
First, listen to the conversation by pressing the "Play Audio" button, and answer the
questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.
2. What time did the man report the incident to the police?
A. about 12:00 AM
B. about 3:00 AM
C. about 5:00 AM
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
A Healthy Lifestyle III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening
V. Online Investigations
Think of five important steps to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Write them down and
look up information on the Internet to support these ideas.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Back to School II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
Supplies IV. Post-Listening Exercises
V. Online Investigations
What kinds of schools supplies do you usually need to buy before the start of a new
academic year (e.g., pen, pencils, laptop or desktop computers, PDA, calculators)?
2. Why doesn't the father want to buy his daughter some of these supplies?
A. The items are far beyond his financial means.
B. He feels his daughter really doesn't need them.
C. The family already owns some of these supplies.
3. For which specific class does the girl mention that she needs these supplies?
A. geometry
B. chemistry
C. physics
4. What specific argument does the girl give her father to pursuade him to buy these
things?
A. They are on sale until the end of the week.
B. Her teachers require them as part of the curriculum.
C. She volunteers to use some of her own money.
What are three types of cookies you like to eat? Are there any kinds of baked goods you
don't care for? Do you bake your own cookies, or do you buy them? Who does the most
baking in your family: mother, father, grandparent, you, or another person?
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Breakfast Recipes II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
And a Small Surprise!
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
What are some common things people eat for breakfast in your hometown? Are any of
these things unique to your culture that you might not find in other countries? Who
usually prepares meals in your house: you, a parent, or someone else? In this activity, you
will hear a father and daughter talking about breakfast choices. Which is most appealing
to you?
2. Why does the daughter not want to eat cereal for breakfast.
A. She has to prepare the milk.
B. There's no cereal left.
C. She ate the same thing yesterday.
3. What other food did the father try to prepare for his family before, but it didn't turn out
well?
A. rice and eggs
B. steak and bacon
C. pancakes
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
Budget Hotel Rooms III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
What points do you consder when making a hotel reservation? Rank these ideas in the
order of importance to you and share your reasons for your choices.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
Car Rental III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
What are your major considerations when deciding on renting a specific car?
2. What was one of his major concerns about renting the car?
A. He couldn't add an additional driver to the rental plan.
B. He was only limited to a certain number of miles per day.
C. The vehicle would probably consume a lot of gas.
4. In which situation would the car protection plan NOT help the customer?
A. The car is stolen from a store parking lot with all of your valuables.
B. The driver loses control of the car and crashes it into power pole.
C. The car's exterior and windows are damaged in a hail storm.
5. What can we infer from the closing statement about roadside assistance?
A. You should call the police in case your car has mechanical difficulties.
B. Getting assistance might require some time and patience.
C. The company will compensate you for delays in your travel.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
College Majors II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
Getting a University Degree
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
How do people go about selecting a college major or future career? Are there job fairs in
high schools in your area to help students learn about different careers? Is it a common
practice for children to ask parents for guidance in choosing a college major?
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
College Textbooks III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying new or used books for school? Do
you pay for your own books or do your parents pay for them? Do you pay cash or do you
buy them using a credit card?
Buying a new computer can be a fun experience, but problems can arise. What are some
common computer problems that people encounter when running their machines, and
what issues can cause them? When you encounter such problems, what do you do to
resolve them: seek help from a friend, consult a computer store, or read a computer book
or magazine?
3. What can we infer from the first company's response to the caller?
A. They sent the man the wrong computer in the first place.
B. The company doesn't provide warranties for their products.
C. They are understaffed to handle customer complaints.
4. Which of the following is a main selling point for the second company being
advertised?
A. Their products are the newest on the market.
B. The computers are cheaper than those sold by competitors.
C. The company manufactures secure and trustworthy machines.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
Dinner Time III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
What are typical foods you eat in your country for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Is there a
another small meal or snack between the main mealtimes? Who usually prepares the food
in your home?
2. What is the first problem the girl notices about her father's cooking?
A. He is not following the recipe.
B. He is missing the right pan to cook the pizza.
C. He is using the directions for a different food.
3. How does the girl know her father doesn't like the pizza he prepared?
A. He tells her honestly what he thinks about it.
B. She can tell by his non-verbal expressions.
C. He throws it away after making it.
4. What problem did the girl NOT mention about the pizza?
A. It was too salty.
B. It was burned.
C. It was too chewy.
What are some basic rules of the road you can share with inexperienced drivers to help
them avoid accidents or traffic accidents? Are there traffic rules that are specific to
different countries?
4. Why does the daughter dismiss, or not take seriously, rule number 4?
A. The father doesn't obey the rule either.
B. The rule is an old traffic law that has changed.
C. The girl tells the dad the rule doesn't apply to her.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Roadside Assistance: II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
Emergency Call IV. Post-Listening Exercises
Have you ever needed roadside assistance? What kinds of situations do you think of
when you hear the words "emergency call"? What emergency or survival supplies
(including 72-hour kits) might be useful in such situations? Write down three ideas and
discuss them with a partner.
First, listen to the telephone conversation by pressing the "Play Audio" button, and
answer the questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
Exercise Program III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
Describe different types of exercise that are helpful in these areas: flexibility,
strengthening, and endurance.
What questions would you ask if you called a language program overseas to find out
more about it? Think of five questions and rank them in order of importance to you.
Listen carefully to the following discussion. Compare your questions to the ones asked in
the conversation.
Listen to the conversation by pressing the "PlayAudio " button of the audio type you
want to hear, and answer the questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.
3. If the Fall semester begins on August 29th, by what date should one apply to the
program?
A. May 29th
B. June 29th
C. July 29th
5. Which one was NOT mentioned as part of the application packet a student must send
to the center?
A. sponsorship form
B. high school transcripts
C. application fee
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Great Apartment II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
Living IV. Post-Listening Exercises
Besides price and size, what other questions would you ask a landlord before renting an
apartment?
3. Under which circumstance could you lose your deposit according to the conversation?
A. You end the agreement before the minimum leasing period of four months.
B. You cause damage beyond normal use of the apartment.
C. You remove any of the furnishings without permission.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Grocery Shopping: II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
Supermarkets and Food Coupons
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
Where do you or your family go grocery shopping on a regular basis? What are typical
things you buy and how much does your family spend on groceries per week? (Ask your
family if you don't know.)
5. Why does the woman get upset at the end of the conversation?
A. The man is preparing the steaks for the dog.
B. The man only bought one steak for himself.
C. The grill can't be used to cook the steaks.
Haven't We Met I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
Before? III. Post-Listening Exercises
5. Do you think the woman is interested in going out with the man?
A. yes
B. no
Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day are some of the major holidays in the
United States. From what you understand, how are these holidays celebrated (food,
family activities, local celebrations, games and recreation, etc.)?
2. How does the young girl, Elizabeth, celebrate this holiday with her family?
A. They go out to eat at a restaurant.
B. They visit close relatives.
C. They go to see a movie.
5. The final young woman says that the best thing about Christmas is:
A. receiving presents from classmates.
B. having a vacation from school.
C. sleeping late every day.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
A Japanese Bath II. Listening Exercises
III. Post-Listening Exercises
Name two customs or traditions visitors to your country may have difficulty adjusting to.
As part of this discussion, talk about any points that visitors should be aware of when
staying as a guest at a home in your country.
I. Listen to the conversation by pressing the "Play" button of the audio type you want to
hear, and answer the questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz. This
conversation deals with very traditional public baths in Japan, but these places have
changed considerably over the years depending on location.
1. What is the first thing you do when visiting a Japanese public bath?
A. pay the entrance fee
B. take off your shoes
C. put your clothes in a locker
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Just a Hair Cut, II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
Please! IV. Post-Listening Exercises
What kinds of services, besides a hair cut, can you receive at a beauty salon and barber
shop? How is a barber shop different from a beauty palor or salon in your area?
4. The customer went to this beauty salon to improve his appearance for:
A. a business convention in town
B. a social event with clients
C. an interview for new employment
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
Leisure Activities III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
Medical Advice III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
What are some of the most common problems for which people go to a doctor when
seeking medical advice and an examination? Do you ever look for medical advice or
medication online?
First, listen to the conversation by pressing the "Play Audio" button, and answer the
questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.
2. From the conversation, how did the man probably find out about Dr. Carter?
A. He saw the office on his way home from work.
B. A friend referred him to Dr. Carter's office.
C. He found Dr. Carter's number in the phone book.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Meeting Singles II. Listening Exercises
III. Post-Listening Exercises
When meeting other singles, people often make invitations for dates or other activities?
What expressions can you think of for accepting, expressing reservation, or refusing
invitations? What excuses can you think of if you really did not want to go out with
someone?
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
New York Travel III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
If you had time and money, what are three places in the world that you would visit and
why? Would you travel by plane, ship, or train? Would you rather stay in a big hotel, a
small inn, or even a youth hostel?
2. How will the group get to the hotel from the airport?
A. They will take taxis.
B. They will ride the subway.
C. They will be going by bus.
4. What is the group planning to do around Times Square for about an hour?
A. They're going to have lunch.
B. They will have time to do some shopping.
C. They will be having a tour of the area.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Personal Security II. Listening Exercises
Theft in the Park III. Post-Listening Exercises
What images come to mind when you read the title of this conversation, "Personal
Security: Theft in the Park"? What people might be involved: men, women, and/or
children? What time of day is it? What is stolen? Write down your ideas.
What are some of the questions you would ask or be asked when ordering a pizza by
phone?
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Radio Advertising II. Listening Exercises
III. Post-Listening Exercises
What service businesses often advertise over the radio? What points are important to
consider when making a radio commercial?
4. What will new customers receive free of charge if they call now?
A. spot cleaner
B. silverware
C. wall hangings
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
Saturday's Chores III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
What are some ideas on how to assign household chores in a family? Should parents give
money to their children as a reward? Use the Internet to search for ideas on this topic.
2. What is one thing the boy is NOT assigned to do around the house?
A. clean the bathroom
B. vacuum the floors
C. wash the walls
4. What is the father going to do while the boy is doing his household chores?
A. wash the car
B. paint the house
C. work in the yard
5. Where will the father and son go after the housework is done?
A. to a movie
B. out to eat
C. to a ball game
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
Movie Show Times III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
What points do you consider most when going out to see a movie (e.g., movie theme or
content, ticket price, show times, theater seating and sound system, etc.)?
3. For a sixteen-year-old, how much does a ticket cost for the 4:15 p.m. showing of Go
for the Gold.
A. $2.00
B. $4.50
C. $6.00
4. On which day could you take a family of five, and it would only cost them $10 for the
entire family?
A. Tuesday
B. Thursday
C. Saturday
5. Look at the simple map of street corners. If the Richards Science Museum is found on
corner A, on which corner are the Cinemas located?
A. B
B. C
C. D
A B
C D
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
Snacks and Candy III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
2. Why can't the cashier at the snack bar help the man?
A. The vending machine is not part of his business.
B. The customer pushed the wrong number.
C. He doesn't have a key to open the machine.
5. What does the man's friend infer in the last sentence of the conversation?
A. He was able to buy some candy without a problem.
B. They might have more luck with the machine tomorrow.
C. He'll buy his friend something at a different place.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Street Market II. Listening Exercises
III. Post-Listening Exercises
What kinds of items would you find being sold at a flea or street market? Would you ever
go to such a market to shop? Why or why not?
5. From the conversation, what does the customer probably purchase from the merchant
in the end?
A. only records
B. only a vase
C. some records and a vase
D. nothing
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Taxi Ride II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
[Difficult Version]
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
5. How much will the fare be for the taxi ride, not including a tip?
A. between five and ten dollars
B. between ten and fifteen dollars
C. between fifteen and twenty dollars
D. more than twenty dollars
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Traffic Ticket II. Listening Exercises
III. Post-Listening Exercises
What are common traffic violations and how do they threaten public safety (for example,
following cars too closely, or tailgating, can result in rear end collisions if the car if front
of you stops suddenly)?
3. What does the police officer tell the man about his driver's license?
A. The license is no longer valid.
B. The driver is using someone else's license.
C. The license is only good for 6 more months.
4. What can be implied from the driver's conversation about the officer's name?
A. The driver plans to report the officer to his superiors.
B. The driver tells the officer that they have met before.
C. The driver hints that the officer could let him off.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
TV Guide III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
Look at the list of TV programs below. Which shows interest you most? Discuss your
answers:
nature, documentary, news, game, home improvement, reality, cartoon, fitness or
exercise, soap opera or drama, talk, sitcom, cooking
2. Why does the man not want to watch the reality show?
A. He watched the same program last week.
B. He isn't interested in show's theme.
C. He wants to go swimming instead.
3. How does the man feel about watching Star Wars on TV?
A. He wouldn't mind seeing it again.
B. He'd like to watch it if he had more time.
C. He'd prefer to watch something else.
4. Which statement best describes the man's feelings about watching the home
improvement show?
A. He doesn't want to watch because his wife will expect him to fix things around the
house.
B. He thinks that he will be able to get a better job by learning from the show.
C. He thinks it is easier to get someone else to repair their problems around the
house.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Vacation Plans II. Listening Exercises
III. Post-Listening Exercises
Learning about the culture is another important part of travel and sightseeing. What
customs should visitors be aware of when visiting a home in your country? What should
and shouldn't people do? What are the expected customs and behaviors in this situation?
Listen to the conversation by pressing the "Play" button of the audio type you want to
hear, and answer the questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.
[ What are these different audio choices? ]
3. What advice does Markus give Pete about meeting Claudia's parents?
A. be on time
B. take a small gift
C. smile and be friendly
4. What is one thing Markus does NOT say about greeting Claudia?
A. shake her hand
B. give her a friendly hug
C. take her some flowers
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Weekly Activities II. Listening Exercises
III. Post-Listening Exercises
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
World of Computers II. Listening Exercises
III. Post-Listening Exercises
Suppose you are applying to work for a computer software company. What qualifications
and skills would be needed in different positions within a company? What kinds of
questions do you think you would be asked in a job interview for such positions?
2. From the discussion, what did Mr. Taylor probably do for his previous company?
A. He managed the sales department.
B. He gave seminars on the Internet.
C. He worked as a custodian.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
The Ideal Woman II. Listening Exercises
III. Post-Listening Exercises
In a small group, describe the "ideal" partner for you. Think in terms of personality,
educational and family background, socioeconomic level, job, and personal values and
beliefs.
First, listen to the conversation by pressing the "Play Audio" button and answer the
questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.
5. From the conversation, what is the most likely scenario of events for the rest of the
evening for Rocky?
A. He returns home alone and spends the night with his dog.
B. He remains at the party to try to make new friends.
C. He decides to visit his friend, Rusty, and they have TV dinners.
D. He meets a woman who shares his mutual interest in archeology.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Professional II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
Babysitting IV. Post-Listening Exercises
There are many things to consider when working as a babysitter or finding one to watch
your kids. One of the considerations for the babysitter is financial arrangements for
compensation? What is fair pay for watching children? Would you charge differently for
the number of children or for different circumstances? Should you charge extra when
being asked to do other tasks such as cleaning, cooking, or staying past midnight?
HELPFUL TIP: All babysitters should
take a basic first-aid course so they can be
better prepared in case of emergencies.
Having such training in areas such as cuts,
broken bones, and drowning can make you
feel more confident, too.
2. How often has Kelly babysat for Mr. Adams in the past?
A. never
B. one or two times
C. on a regular basis
3. According to the girl's financial consultant, why should she charge more for
babysitting?
A. She does some housework while the parents are out.
B. She purchases groceries for evening meals.
C. She provides special educational entertainment.
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
Personal Problems III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
What are some common personal or health problems we encounter in our lives? What
words of advice would you give a person with these problems?
3. Why is the man hesitant about seeking medical treatment for his condition?
A. He feels medical treatment is still unproven for his condition.
B. He is worried about the side effects of the medication.
C. He thinks the treatment is too expensive.