Post-listening exercises

Are there any sightseeing tours available in your home city? If so, where would they take a visitor to your city? Pretend you are the tour guide hosting exchange students in your city. What details about the city would you share with your guests? What would be the best way to see your city: on foot, by bicycle, by bus, or by taxi?

Ex. 16 Listen to the recording “Making Hotel Reservations” and read along with the recording.

Discuss in groups:

What are the main factors that determine where you choose to stay on your vacation (e.g., price, location, hotel amenities, room decor, hotel reputation, etc.)? Rank these things from highest to lowest and discuss your reasons.

Online Investigation

Let's suppose you are going on a week vacation to the destination of your choice. Use the Internet and find the most expensive and cheapest place to stay in that city and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each accommodation.

GRAMMAR

Ex. 17 Look at this table then use will and these verbs beat, draw with, lose to:

Bob Foster's forecast for next World Football Championship

Spain 3 Brazil 1 England 1 Russia 0 Holland 1 Italy 1 France 2 Argentina 0 The USA 1 Germany2

Bob Foster thinks that:

Example: Brazil will draw with England

1. France – Argentina 3. The USA – Germany

2. Russia - Holland 4. Spain - Italy

Ex. 18 What will you do if:

Example: You are thirsty → I will buy orange juice

1. You have a toothache → (to go to the dentist)

2. You have a headache → (to have an aspirin)

3. You have a birthday → (to organize a party)

4. You win a game → (to be happy)

5. You move to a new flat → (to invite my friends)

6. You go to London → (to visit the Tower of London)

7. You are hungry → (to go to the cafe)

8. You have a busy day → (to go to the swimming-pool)

9. The weather is fine → to go to the sea side)

10. You go on holiday in July → (to go to Austria)

Ex. 19 Complete the sentences with to be going to + one of these verbs:

travel hire change make book

1. We... car because it will be cheaper.

2. Our friends... a trip to Greece.

3. I... the tickets beforehand otherwise I will have some problems.

4. My parents... by ship because they enjoy watching the sea.

5. She... money in the bank.

Ex. 20

A. Read the text and answer the questions:

At weekends in England people like to relax. You can relax in many different ways. Some people like to stay at home with their families, and others like to go out and enjoy themselves. Young people enjoy going out to pubs, to the cinema or to night clubs. Many young people also like to play different kinds of sports. Tennis is very popular in England in the summer when you can play outdoors. Other popular sports are badminton, football, basketball and cricket. Cricket is a very traditional English game. It is played a lot at schools and in villages in the summer.

If you have children, you often go on day-trips to the seaside or take your children to amusement parks or perhaps to the zoo. In summer, many parents like to take their children on picnics in the countryside, especially if they live in a big city. It is nice to get away from the noise and the traffic at weekends and relax in the country.

If you have a house in the country you probably spend a lot of your time in the garden. Gardening is another very traditional English pastime. People are very proud of their gardens and spend many hours trying to grow beautiful flowers and rare bushes.

English people usually have about 5 weeks' holiday a year, apart from public holidays like Christmas and Easter. Many people like to go abroad for their holidays because the English weather is not always sunny. People want to lie in the sun and swim in the sea. So they cross the Channel and go to France, Spain or Italy. Some people fly, but a lot of people drive in their cars to the beaches in Southern Europe. However, many people also enjoy staying in Britain and visiting other regions of their own country. They like going to the sea-side in the south of England or the Lake District in the north. Many people also go to Scotland. It all depends on what you enjoy doing. You can relax in many different ways in England.

1. How do people relax at weekends in England?

2. What sports are popular in England?

3. Where do people spend their holidays?

B. Answer the same questions but concerning Russia.

Ex. 21 A Travel Brochure

"What Is your favourite place on earth?"

A. Make notes about it and write a description of it in the style of a travel brochure, making it sound as attractive as possible. Make use of the following words and phrases:

vivid comfortable clean water

peaceful hotel unique nature

picturesque fresh air sandy beaches

views wonderful weather exotic food

mountain (sea) sports

B. Take it in turns to read your "brochures". Decide which one was the most attractive, and what made you want to visit the place described.

Ex. 22 Your pen-friend wrote you a letter giving his ideas about travelling. Write him an answer. Tell him what do you think of travelling and what was your favourite journey (holiday).

Brighton

15 July, 2005

Dear friend!

I'm fond of traveling. I see and learn a lot of things I may read about them in books and newspapers, and see pictures of them on TV. The best way to study geography is to travel, and the best way to get to know and understand people is to meet them in their own homes. It is always interesting to discover new things, different ways of life, to meet different people, to try different food, and to listen to different musical rhythms. Travel broadens your mind and scope.

Travel has always been a part of people's education. It teaches people about art and culture. You can also improve your knowledge of foreign languages.

I don't like a quiet holiday by the sea or in the mountains with nothing to do but walk and bathe and laze in the sun. I'd rather travel to see different countries, modern cities and the ruins of ancient towns.

What do you think of travelling?

Did you have your favourite holiday?

All the best,

James.

Ex. 23 Give the Russian equivalents to the proverbs. Think about situations where you can use them. Learn the proverbs by heart.

1. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

2. Every country has its customs.

3. East or West, home is best.

4. So many countries, so many customs.

Unit VIII

BUSINESS ENGLISH

Writing resume

Ex. 1 Read the resume and write down your own.

The sample of the successful resume in English

John Doe

Address: Ekaterinburg,

Telephone: [phone],

E-mail: [e-mail]

Personal Information:

Date of birth: April 5, 1981
Marital status: single (married)
Nationality: Russian

Objectives:

A position of Credit Department Specialist

To use my special knowledge and professional experience in a banking sphere to full potential.

Expected Salary:

1000$ a month.

Work Experience:

04/2004 – to date: JSC Russian Global Industrial Corporation
Financial Department Specialist, Ekaterinburg.

Collection and handling of budgets for affiliate companies
Consolidated budget process and control
Making reports for CEO and shareholders
Correspondence and negotiations with foreign customers

06/2003 – 08/2003: JSC Ural Metro Bank
Credit Department Economist of the 1st category, Ekaterinburg.

Credit operations with physical entities
Consulting, reception of documents, client’s creditworthiness evaluation
Customers’ record management

05/2001 – 06/2003: JSC Ural Metro Bank
2nd category specialist of Currency Settlements Department, Ekaterinburg.

Correspondent accounts management (loro and nostro).
Opening of correspondent accounts;
SWIFT foreign currency transfers

Receipt and transfer of funds by “Contact” payment system (for physical entities without banking accounts)

Investigations
Аccounting reports for Central Bank of RF

04/2001 – 05/2001: JSC Ural Metro Bank
Accountant of Currency Settlements Department, Ekaterinburg
Foreign currency accounting operations
Customers service by client-bank system

Education:

10/2003 – to date: Ural State Technical University UPI, Ekaterinburg
Postgraduate student of the Faculty of Economics and Management

09/1998 – 06/2003: Ural State Technical University UPI, Ekaterinburg
Faculty of Economics and Management, Specialization: Finance and credit.
Honors Degree

09/2002 – 10/2003: Ural State Technical University UPI, Ekaterinburg
Institute of Advanced Training, Specialization: Bank Management and one month special course in France: Bank Credit Mutuel and High Business School of Grenoble (L’Ecole Superieure des Affaires de Grenoble, France);

09/1988 – 06/1998
English Language — lyceum # 2, Ekaterinburg

Professional Skills:

Software: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, IBSO, SWIFT.
Driver’s license, personal car, 4 years experience.

Foreign languages:

English (Intermediate) (Technical translation certificate)
French (Intermediate)

Personal Skills:

Responsible and hard-working person, good decision making, administrative, communicational and interpersonal skills.

Hobbies:

Tourism, aerobics, books (history novels).

Ex. 2 Read the text.

Recommendations for resume writing

Whether it’s fair or not, having a resume gives you an air of credibility. Writing a resume doesn’t have to be all that difficult, so there is no reason not to do it. It’s something that can take an hour or less of your time, and the benefit of being able to submit a resume is well worth the time it’ll take you to write it up. Most employers will admit that those that have resumes attached to their applications are more attractive, so make yourself more attractive by writing a resume.

In addition to writing a resume you’ll also want to write a great cover letter. A cover letter is something that you will attach to the resume to explain what you are applying for and why. Writing a cover letter should be an easy and straightforward process and will help give your resume even more professional credibility.

If you are intimidated by the idea of writing a resume, that’s still not a reason not to have a resume to give to employers. There are actually professional resume writers out there that can take your information and format it so that you’ll have a very effective resume. In fact,

if you’ve never written a resume before and you aren’t sure how to start the process, you can learn a lot by having one written for you.

Resume writers actually specialize in writing resumes for individuals that need help presenting themselves well on paper to prospective employers, so there is no reason to feel shy or uncomfortable about approaching a professional resume writer.

Interview

Ex. 3 Read the sample of a dialog.

Interviewer: Can you tell me about your responsibilities at your last job?

Candidate: I advised customers on financial matters. After I consulted the customer, I completed a customer inquiry form and catalogued the information in our database. I then collaborated with colleagues to prepare the best possible package for the client. The clients were then presented with a summarized report on their financial activities that I formulated on a quarterly basis.

Comment: Notice the amount of detail necessary when you are talking about your experience. One of the most common mistakes made by foreigners when discussing their former employment is to speak too generally. The employer wants to know exactly what you did and how you did it; the more detail you can give the more the interviewer knows that you understand the type of work. Remember to vary your vocabulary when talking about your responsibilities. Also, do not begin every sentence with "I". Use the passive voice, or an introductory clause to help you add variety to your presentation

Interviewer: When can you begin?

Candidate: Immediately.

Candidate: As soon as you would like me to begin.

Comment: Show your willingness to work!

Ex. 4 Read the text and make up a dialog.

Most common sample questions

— Tell me about yourself.

Make a short, organized statement of your education and professional achievements and professional goals. Then, briefly describe your qualifications for the job and the contributions you could make to the organization.

— Why do you want to work here? or What about our company interests you?

Show the interviewer your interest in the company. Share what you learned about the job, the company and the industry through your own research.

— Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?
The ideal answer is one of flexibility. However, be honest.

— What salary are you expecting?
You probably don't want to answer this one directly. Instead, deflect the question back to the interviewer by saying something like: "I don't know. What are you planning on paying the best candidate?" Let the employer make the first offer.
However, it is still important to know what the current salary range is for the profession. Find salary surveys at the library or on the Internet, and check the classifieds to see what comparable jobs in your area are paying. This information can help you negotiate compensation once the employer makes an offer.

Additional sample questions

Questions about your Qualifications

What is important to you in a job?

What motivates you in your work?

Questions about your Work Experience

What have you learned from your past jobs?

How does your previous experience relate to this position?

Questions about your Education

How do you think your education has prepared you for this position?

Why did you choose your major?

Ex. 5 Read the text.

A. First Impressions

The first impression you make on the interviewer can decide the rest of the interview. It is important that you introduce yourself, shake hands, and be friendly and polite. The first question is often a "breaking the ice" (establish a rapport) type of question.

This type of question is common because the interviewer wants to put you at ease (help you relax). The best way to respond is in a short, friendly manner without going into too much detail. Here is some examples correct responses:

Interviewer: How are you today?

You: I'm fine, thank you. And you?

OR

Interviewer: Did you have any trouble finding us?

You: No, the office isn't too difficult to find.

OR

Interviewer: Isn't this great weather we're having?

You: Yes, it's wonderful. I love this time of year.

OR

Interviewer: Did you have any trouble finding us?

You: No, the office isn't too difficult to find.

Here are some examples of incorrect responses:

Interviewer: How are you today?

You: So, so. I'm rather nervous actually.

OR

Interviewer: Did you have any trouble finding us?

You: As a matter of fact it was very difficult. I missed the exit and had to return via the highway. I was afraid I was going to be late for the interview. (No, the office isn't too difficult to find.)

OR

Interviewer: Isn't this great weather we're having?

You: Yes, it's wonderful. I can remember this time last year. Wasn't it awful! I thought it would never stop raining!

B.Getting Down to Business

Interviewer: Tell me about yourself.

Candidate: I was born and raised in Milan, Italy. I attended the University of Milan and received my master's degree in Economics. I have worked for 12 years as a financial consultant in Milan for various companies including Rossi Consultants, Quasar Insurance and Sardi and Sons. I enjoy playing tennis in my free time and learning languages.

Candidate: I've just graduated from the University of Singapore with a degree in Computers. During the summers, I worked as a systems administrator for a small company to help pay for my education.

Comment: This question is meant as an introduction. Do not focus too specifically on any one area. The above question will often be used to help the interviewer choose what h/she would like to ask next. While it is important to give an overall impression of who you are, make sure to concentrate on work related experience. Work related experience should always be the central focus of any interview (work experience is more important than education in most English speaking countries).

Interviewer: What type of position are you looking for?

Candidate: I'm interested in an entry level (beginning) position.

Candidate: I'm looking for a position in which I can utilize my experience.

Candidate: I would like any position for which I qualify.

Comment: You should be willing to take an entry level position in an English speaking company as most of these companies expect non-nationals to begin with such a position. In the United States, most companies provide many opportunities for growth, so don't be afraid to start from the beginning!

Interviewer: Are you interested in a full-time or part-time position?

Candidate: I am more interested in a full-time position. However, I would also consider a part-time position.

Comment: Make sure to leave open as many possibilities as possible. Say you are willing to take any job, once the job has been offered you can always refuse if the job does not appeal (not interest) to you.

Interviewer: Why do you want to work for Smith and Sons?

Candidate: After following your firms progress for the last 3 years, I am convinced that Smith and Sons are becoming one of the market leaders and I would like to be part of the team.

Candidate: I am impressed by the quality of your products. I am sure that I would be a convincing salesman because I truly believe that the Atomizer is the best product on the market today.

Comment: Prepare yourself for this question by becoming informed about the company. The more detail you can give, the better you show the interviewer that you understand the company.

C. Interview

-Come in. Pleas, take as it.

-Thank you.

-I’ am Rose Ripper, by the way. PR manager.

-Christine Belly, you’re looking for a temporary office work.

-That’s right.

-How old are you, Christine?

-I am 18.

- That’s rafter young for a kind of responsibility we give people. What experience have you told?

-Well I ‘we just left school actually. And I am looking for a job between now when I go to college.

-If does not sound a sit we can help, Christine. You see our clients are very demanding specially when if comes to a new office technology.

-Oh, that is no problem. I look extra classes in office skills at school.

- That’s good. Perhaps you’d like to outline what you have been doing?

-I started by learning keyboard skills. Then I went on to learn about work processing and database management. Would you like to see my certificates.

-Very impressive. You seen very qualified from the technical point of view. But how well do you thing you’ll get along with people in an office?

Ex. 6 Listen to the recording “Business Communications”.

Pre-listening exercises

The following words are found in the conversation - office supplies, fax, brochure, service, computers, answering machines. What do you think is the main topic of the conversation?

Listening exercises

Key vocabulary

· brochure (noun): pamphlet, small booklet
- Could you send me a brochure of your laptop computers?

· detail (verb, also noun): to explain
- The manager decided to detail his recent visit to our parent company.

Idioms

in the black - in good financial condition with no debt

The company has been in the black for the past six months.

see eye-to-eye - to agree or feel the same way

Most of the employees see eye-to-eye on the future of the company.

Answer the questions

1. Why can't Elaine Strong answer the phone?

a. She's in a meeting.

b. She's out of the office.

c. She's talking with another customer.
2. What does caller want the secretary to send?

a. information on after-sales service
b. a picture of the newest computers

c. a list of software products

3. What time should the secretary send the material?

a. 2:30 PM

b. 3:30 PM

c. 5:00 PM

4. What is the caller's name?

a. Cordell

b. Kordel

c. Kordell
5. What is the caller's telephone number?

a. 560-1287

b. 560-1828

c. 560-2187

Vocabulary activities

Complete the Text Completion Quiz

Secretary: Hello, Ultimate Computers. May I help you?

Caller: Yes, this is Jack Kordell from Hunter's Office Supplies. May I ⁽¹⁾ … to Elaine Strong, please?

Secretary: I'm sorry, but she's not in right now.

Caller: Okay, do you know when she'll be ⁽²⁾...?

Secretary: Uh, yes, she should be here later on this afternoon maybe about 4:30. May I take a message?

Caller: Yes. Ms. Strong sent me a brochure detailing your ⁽³⁾ … line of laptop computers with a ⁽⁴⁾ … of other software products, but there wasn't any information about after-sales ⁽⁵⁾…

Secretary: Oh, I'm sorry. Would you like me to fax that to you?

Caller: Yes, but our fax is being ⁽⁶⁾ … at the moment, and it won't be working until around 2:30. Hum... could you try sending that information around 3:30? That's should give me time to look over the ⁽⁷⁾ … before I call Ms. Strong, say, around 5:00.

Secretary: Sure. Could I have your name, telephone number, and fax number, please?

Caller: Yes. Jack Kordell and the phone number is 560-1287. And the fax number is 560-1288.

Secretary: Okay. Jack Kordell. Is your name ⁽⁸⁾ … C-o-r-d-e-l?

Caller: No. It's Kordell with a "K" and two "l's." K-o-r-d-e-l-l."

Secretary: All right, Mr. Kordell. And your phone number is 560-1287, and the fax number is 560-1288. Is that ⁽⁹⁾...?

Caller: Yes it is.

Secretary: All right. I'll be ⁽¹⁰⁾ … to send you the fax this afternoon.

Caller: Okay, bye.

Post-listening exercises

Imagine that you are opening your own clothing store or some other business. What kinds of office equipment and supplies do you think you will need to run your business? How much will this equipment cost? Will you rent the equipment or buy it? Do you create a Website for your business? Discuss your ideas.

Ex. 7 Listen to the recording “Job Interviews Tips”.

Discussion

Suppose you are the owner of an English school, and you are hiring a new English teacher for a new position. What questions would you ask the person to see if he or she is a qualifed candidate for the job?

Online Investigation

Check online for other good interview tips that could help people find a new job. What suggestions do you find not mentioned on this page? Can you find any questions specific to your particular field of interest or major?

Ex. 8 Listen to the recording “Job Promotion”.

Discussion

What factors and personal qualities do you think companies consider when giving an employee a promotion? On the other hand, what behaviors and personality traits work against a employee who is seeking a promotion?

Online Investigation

Knowing what to do and say on the job is critical to getting a promotion. Search the Internet for specific tips and advice on improving your chances of getting a promotion at your current or future job. Do these suggestions vary depending on your field of work? What is the perception of the "ideal" worker in your country and how does this differ from similar jobs overseas? You might want to interview people to prepare your ideas.

Telephone talk

Ex. 9 Read the information and act out your own dialog.

SITUATION	EXAMPLES
Introducing yourself.Phrases to use when you place the call.	- May I speak with Marina Smith? - Hello, this is John Block calling for Marina Smith. - Is Marina Smith in? (informal) When the person answers the call directly: - Hi Marina, it’s John calling. - GooWhen calling a general number:d afternoon, Marina. This is John Block from ABC company calling.
Answering the phone. There are many different ways to answer your phone	For calls to your direct line: - Good morning, this is Marina. - Good afternoon, XYZ firm. How may I help you? - Marina speaking. - XYZ firm, Marina speaking. For calls to your direct line, when the person asks for you by name: - Speaking (caller says: “Is Marina there?” and Marina replies: “speaking”). - This is she / this is he (caller says: “Is Marina in?” and Marina replies “This is she”). For calls to a general number: - Thank you for calling XYZ. How may I direct your call?
Connecting someone. When you answer the phone and it is for somebody else.	- One minute, I’ll transfer you now. - Please hold and I’ll put you through. - Let me see if Jim is available. - One moment, please. - Hang on a minute. (informal)
Ending a conversation	- It’s been great talking with you. I’ve got a meeting now so I better run. - Thanks for calling. I’ll speak with you again soon. - I’ve got another call coming in. Good talking to you. - I better let you go. - It’s 5 o’clock already. I better let you go. - Let’s touch base on this again in a few days.
When you need to put somebody on hold	- Jim is on another line at the moment. Would you like to hold? - I’m sorry, I have a call on my other line. Can you please hold? For customer service calls - All of our operators are currently busy. Please stand by for the next available operator.
When you don’t understand the caller	- Could you please repeat that? - I’m sorry, I didn’t catch what you just said. - Can you please speak a little more slowly? - Can you please speak a little louder?
Clarifying what your caller says	- Can you please spell that for me? - How do you spell your last name? - And that company name again was, JAQ Industries? - Let me repeat your information to make sure I got it right.
Taking a message for someone	- I'm sorry, John’s not here at the moment. Can I take a message? - John is in a meeting at the moment. May I ask who’s calling? - John is at lunch. Would you like to leave a message? - John has left for the day. Would you like to be put through to his voice mail?
Leaving a message for someone	- Please tell him that Susan called and ask him to call me back. My number is 999-343-3423. - Please ask him to call Susan when he gets in. - He already has my number. - He’s not in? Please put me through to his voice mail. - When do you expect him back in the office? - I need to speak with him on an urgent matter. Please have him call me as soon as he gets in.

Ex. 10 Listen to the recording “A Free Cell Phone!”

Pre-listening exercises

Cell phones, or mobile phones, are becoming more popular around the world as a preferred form of communication, but can you find a cheap calling plan that will fit your budget? What do you look for when deciding on a cell phone or a phone carrier (e.g., cost of phone, number of minutes a month, cancellation fees, etc.)?

Listening exercises

Listen to the conversation and read along with the conversation. Review the Key Vocabulary and the sample sentences.

Key Vocabulary

· rebate (noun): a refund of part of all of the amount paid
- The company offers a fifty-dollar rebate on the purchase of a new cellphone.

· catch (noun): a hidden drawback or disadvantage

- So, there must be a catch to buying this cellphone. I mean, why would the company offer it for free?

· in case (adverb): in the event that
- Bring your phone in case we need to call for help.

· fee (noun): cost, the amount of money you have to pay for something
- There are always a number of fees you have to pay when buying a car.

· charge (noun, also a verb): fee, the amount of money you have to pay for something or (as a verb), require someont to pay money for a product or service

- The store charged me too much for the cell phone, so I'm going to return it.

· nationwide (adverb and adjective): happening around the nation or country
- The cell phone company is promoting their services nationwide.
- That company offers nationwide cell phone coverage.

· roll over (phrasal verb): transfer or carry over

- This is one of the few companies that allows you to roll over your minutes to the next month without losing them.

· term (noun): period of time
- Over the long term, buying a high-quality phone might make the most financial sense.

· lemon (noun): a defective automobile
- I bought a used car at a really good price, but it turned out to be a lemon.

Idioms

to call someone up – to call

Please call me up if you aren’t busy this weekend. I’ll have my cellphone with me.

a thousand apologies – say one is very, very sorry

Hey, Steve. A thousand apologies for not calling you up earlier. My cellphone battery died.

Answer the questions

1. What reason does the girl give for needing a cellphone?

a. She can use it to check her email.
b. She can call family in case of an emergency.
c. She can make cheaper long-distance calls with it.

2.What is one major feature of the calling plan?

a. 1000 anytime minutes

b. unlimited weekday minutes

c. 1000 free weekday minutes

3. What is the term of service for this plan?

a. 3 months

b. 6 months

c. 9 months

4. Why does the girl suggest that her father buy a new car too?

a. Their current car is in bad shape, and it doesn't look good.
b. The cellphone's power supply won't work in an older car.

c. Their car isn't big enough to ride in with all her friends.

5. What do customers receive when they purchase the cellphone mentioned in the conversation?

a. a cellphone adapter for the car
b. money back for buying the phone

c. other cellphone accessories

Vocabulary activities

Multiple-choice and short-answer questions

1. Can I use your cell phone? My car broke down for the third time this week, and I can't get it started. To be honest, it's a real _________, and it's not worth $50.

a. lemon

b. banana

c. strawberry

2. Often, when you think you're getting a great price and deal on your cell phone service plan, you later realize that there is a _________, and you have to pay more than you thought.

a. catch

b. term

c. rebate

3. If you don't use all of your cell phone minutes this month, the company will roll _________ your minutes to the next month, so you don't lose them.

a. after

b. over

c. on

4. This company will _________ you all kinds of fees, so be sure to discuss the actual final cost in advance.

a. roll over

b. term

c. charge

5. In the short _________, a cheap phone might be best, but you should consider paying more for a better phone.

a. lemon

b. fee

c. term

Matching exercise

roll over, lemon, catch, charge, cancel

I want to ___________ my cell phone contract because I'm not happy with the service.

If you don't use all your minutes this month, this plan will allow you to _________ your minutes to the next month

This cell phone plan is unbelievably cheap. There must be a __________ because no company would offer such a great deal.

The monthly ________ for this service is $39.95 a month.

I hate this car. I just bought it a week ago, and now it won't start. What a _________!

Text completion quiz

Daughter: Dad. You love me, don't you?

Father: Of course, I do. Why do you ask... Ah, what's on your ⁽¹⁾...?

Daughter: Well, I saw this great ⁽²⁾ … for a free cell phone here in the newspaper, and...

Father: Free? Nothing's ever free.

Daughter: Well, the phone is free... after a $50 mail-in ⁽³⁾ …

Father: Ah, so that's the ⁽⁴⁾…. And why do you need a cell phone anyway?

Daughter: Dad. All my friends have one, and I can use it to call you in case the car breaks down.

Father: Ah, I don't know. There are always so many ⁽⁵⁾…

Daughter: But the monthly ⁽⁶⁾ … for this service is only $29.99, with 1,000 free weekday minutes nationwide, and unlimited weekend minutes. Plus, unlimited, anytime minutes for anyone using the same service.

Father: I don't know.

Daughter: And you can roll over the extra minutes to the next month instead of just ⁽⁷⁾ … them. What do you think of that?

Father: Yeah, but what is the ⁽⁸⁾ … of the service agreement?

Daughter: It's only for six months.

Father: But what if you ⁽⁹⁾ … early?

Daughter: Um... Ah, there's a cancellation fee of $200, but with...

Father: Two hundred ⁽¹⁰⁾...!

Daughter: Yeah, but you won't have to worry about me while I'm driving the new car.

Father: New car? What new car?

Daughter: The new car you'll need to buy so I can use the cell phone. I mean, what's is gonna look like if I'm using a cell phone in our old lemon.

Father: Teenagers. What'll they think of next?

Post-listening exercises

There is often debate on whether a cell phone is a need or just a want in today's society. What is your opinion on this? At what age is it appropriate for children or teenagers to have a phone and should they be asked to cover part of the cost, particularly for cell phone plans that cover features such as unlimited texting?

Дата добавления: 2015-10-29