Archive for April, 2009

Directions Around Town (3)

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
If you don’t have a good map of the city you are visiting, you might have to ask a lot of questions to find yourself around. Look at the expressions below and be sure to understand the meaning of the places on the map before you begin the listening [...]

Bus Travel

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
Many people take the bus to go to and from work or travel by bus on their vacations. If you are in a different country, and you don’t understand bus announcements in English, you might end up on the wrong bus to Las Vegas instead of New York. Study [...]

Telephone

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]

Talking on the phone is sometimes difficult because you can talk face-to-face with the other person, but you can speak better on the phone as you study common telephone expressions.
SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Hello. Is Cindy there?
>> Just a minute please.
May I leave a message for Mike?
>> Sure. Go ahead.

Shopping Center

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]

If you need shoes, a book, or even a new stereo, you probably can find many of these things at a shopping mall near you. Try this listening activity to improve your understanding of this topic.
SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Where did you buy that shirt?
>> I bought it at a clothing store [...]

Restaurants

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]

Most people enjoy going to restaurants for a bite (=a small amount of something) to eat; however, if you don’t understand the server or the menu, you might only be able to order a glass of water.
SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Hi. May I take your order?
>> Yes. I’d like a salad.
What do [...]

Hobbies

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]

Outside of school and work, many people enjoy spending their free time on their hobbies or other recreation activities. Hobbies can provide ways to develop our talents, relieve stress, and even get exercise.
SAMPLE SENTENCES:

What do you do in your free time?
>> I like to go jogging.
Do you have any [...]

Family Relationships

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]

People can get to know each other better if they can talk about their families, jobs, hometowns, and even their hobbies. Think of three questions (and possible answers) you might ask someone about his or her family before you do the listening activity (for example, “How many sisters [...]