Spring 2011 Listening 3b Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab Homework 12

Web address of listening activity:
http://www.esl-lab.com/grades/gradesrd1.htm

Listening exercises:

1. Based on the girl's statements, how would you describe her English teacher?
A. irritable
B. fascinating
C. considerate

2. How does she feel about her Spanish class?
A. She finds that the exams are quite confusing.
B. She says that the assignments require too much time.
C. She feels the teacher doesn't spend enough time explaining verbs.

3. How is she doing in her algebra class?
A. She is getting excellent grades.
B. She is doing average work.
C. She is failing the class.

4. Why does the girl like her history class?
A. The teacher gives easy questions on tests.
B. The teacher rewards students who can handle his questions.
C. The teacher gives candy to all of the students.

5. What does the girl have to do after she returns from the movie?
A. She has to finish her algebra homework.
B. She must read her history book.
C. She needs to practice her instrument.

Score = 100%
Correct answers:
1. irritable
2. She finds that the exams are quite confusing.
3. She is getting excellent grades.
4. The teacher rewards students who can handle his questions.
5. She needs to practice her instrument. 

Answers to pre or post-listening questions:

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
How are school grades determined at different levels of education in your country (e.g., test, quizzes, reports, participation, etc.)? How are grades listed on report cards? In the USA, letters are often used to indicate performance (A, A-, B+, etc.).

Answer:
In my country, the full score is 100 in each subject in the elementary school. If you want to pass the course, you must get a score over 60. The full score is 120 in each subject in the middle school. If you want to pass the course, you must get a score over 72. The full school is 150 in each subject in the high school. If you want to pass the course, you must get a score over 90. In the university, the full score is different, because the professor decides what the full score is. These score will be listed in the form of columns on report cards

Vocabulary Exercises:

Girl: Dad, can I go to a movie with Sharon?
Dad: Yeah, sure, but wait. Weren't you suppose to get a (1)report card sometime this past week?
Girl: Well, oh yeah. Can I call Sharon now?
Dad: Uh-hum. You didn't answer my question. Did you receive it or not?
Girl: I love you Dad! You're the best!
Dad: Don't try to (2)butter me up. I can guess that your answer means that you didn't do well in some of your classes?
Girl: Well, my English teacher is soooo (3)boring, and he blows up every time someone talks.
Dad: In other words, you're not doing so well?
Girl: Uh, a C . . . minus.
Dad: Oh. Well, how are you doing in your Spanish class? You said you liked that one.
Girl: Well, I do, but I forgot to turn in a couple of assignments, and I had problems on the last test. All those (4)verbs tripped me up. I get them all mixed up in my head!
Dad: Okay, and what about algebra?
Girl: Ah, I'm acing that class. No (5)sweat.
Dad: Oh!
Girl: Can I go now?
Dad: And how are you doing in (6)history?
Girl: Oh, that's my favorite class. Mr. Jones is always passing out candy if you know the (7)answers to his questions.
Dad: Great. Now, I have a (8)bright daughter with tooth decay.
Girl: Ah, Dad. Can I go now?
Dad: You can go if you answer my history question. How old am I?
Girl: Uh, fifty-five?
Dad: Fifty-five! You just failed a (9)math and history test at the same time!
Girl: Dad . . .
Dad: Well, okay, but you need to come (10)straight home from the movie, and you need to practice your clarinet.
Girl: Oh, I forgot about that grade?
Dad: What?
Girl: Gotta run, Dad.

Score = 100%
Correct Answers:
1. report
2. butter
3. boring
4. verbs
5. sweat
6. history
7. answers
8. bright
9. math
10. straight




Key Vocabulary [Top]
suppose (verb): do what you should do based on rules or expectations

butter up (verb): to flatter with the purpose of getting something

blow up (verb): to get angry suddenly

trip up (verb): to cause to make mistakes

ace (verb): do very well on an assignment or test

no sweat (idiom): no problem, something that is easy to do

pass out (phrasal verb): give something to each member of a group

bright (adjective): smart or intelligent

tooth decay (noun): the gradual process of the tooth going bad, sometimes caused by poor dental care and eating habits
straight (adverb): immediately or directly

Spring 2011 Listening 3b Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab Homework 11

Web address of listening activity:
http://www.esl-lab.com/problem/probrd1.htm

Listening exercises:

1. What is the main problem discussed in the conversation?
A. extreme stress
B. hair loss
C. declining health

2. Based on the conversation, what is the most probable relationship between the speakers?
A. old friends
B. brother and sister
C. colleagues from work

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.

4. What does the man probably do at the end of the conversation?
A. He continues to look for other solutions to his problem.
B. He decides to visit a doctor at his sister's urging.
C. He finally accepts that state of his condition.

Score = 100%
Correct answers:
1. hair loss
2. brother and sister
3. He feels medical treatment is still unproven for his condition.
4. He continues to look for other solutions to his problem.

Answers to pre or post-listening questions:
I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
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?

Answer:
Personal problems: spam emails, pay for different kinds of fees, computer viruses and so on.
Health problems: headache, stomachache, bad cold, allergy and so on.
If a person wants to solve his personal problems, he will need to find the causes of these problems. For example, If a person's computer is invaded by computer viruses, maybe he will not update his anti-virus software and firewall software regularly.
If a person has health problems, the best way is to visit a doctor.

Vocabulary Exercises:
Heather: Ron, what are you doing?
Ron: Ah, nothing. I'm just looking up some (1)information on the Internet.
Heather: Like what? Let me see.
Ron: No, no, it's okay. I mean, you know . . .
Heather: Baldness? What are you looking that up for? [Well, you know . . . ] I . . . I mean, you're not that bad off.
Ron: Ah, there you go. Bringing it up (2)again!
Heather: No. I (3)mean it. You look great! Honestly, it's not that bad.
Ron: Hey, I get enough of it from friends and, the people at work, and now from you!
Heather: Well, maybe you could wear a toupee? I think you'd look great.
Ron: Oh no. And have it (4)slip off my head on to my date's dinner plate as I (5)lean over to kiss her? Uh-uh.
Heather: Well, have you ever thought about seeking (6)medical advice? There are new advances in medicines that not only retard hair loss, but help (7)regenerate new growth.
Ron: Ah, I still don't give much (8)credibility to medical treatment to prevent permanent hair loss.
Heather: Well, what about accepting the fact that you're just losing your hair?
Ron: I just can't give up hope. I know (9)appearances shouldn't matter, but I don't know. I just feel that women just (10)avoid me.
Heather: Come on. You can't be serious.
Ron: No really. I've seen it many times. It just, I don't know . . .

Score = 100%
Correct Answers:
1. information
2. again
3. mean
4. slip
5. lean
6. medical
7. regenerate
8. credibility
9. appearances
10. avoid
Key Vocabulary [Top]
baldness (noun): hair loss

to bring something up (verb phrase): to start talking about something

toupee (noun): a fake hair piece for men

uh-uh (paralinguistic expression): informal way of saying "no."

retard (verb): slow or prevent

regenerate (verb): to start or stimulate new growth

Spring 2011 Listening 3b Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab Homework 10

Web address of listening activity:
http://www.esl-lab.com/dental/dentalrd1.htm

Listening exercises:

1. What is the man's initial reason for visiting the dentist?
A. He wanted to have a filling replaced.
B. He needed to have a tooth pulled.
C. He came in for a dental check up.

2. What problem does the dentist discover when she takes her first look in the man's mouth?
A. The man has discolored teeth.
B. The man has a chipped front tooth.
C. The man has a decayed back tooth.

3. When does the man feel discomfort?
A. when he chews on hard foods
B. when he eats hot foods
C. when he drinks something cold

4. What is one method of treatment the dentist does NOT mention?
A. doing a root canal
B. putting a filling in
C. pulling the tooth

5. What does the dentist use to minimize the patient's pain during the procedure?
A. a local anesthetic
B. nitrous oxide
C. no medication is needed in this case

Score = 100%
Correct answers:
1. He came in for a dental check up.
2. The man has a decayed back tooth.
3. when he drinks something cold
4. doing a root canal
5. nitrous oxide

Answers to pre or post-listening questions:
I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
What are some reasons for visiting a dentist (e.g., tooth whitening, dental cleaning, orthodontics, invisalign braces, tooth fillings)? Name some common dental problems and possible preventative care for each.

Answer:
I think that people usually visit a dentist due to dental cleaning and tooth fillings. Because these two problems are common. Moreover, the dental cleaning need to be done by people each several months. It would be better. However,  people can brush their teeth every day as a possible preventative care. I think people can combine these two ways. The other is tooth fillings. When people find a decayed tooth in their mouths, they should visit dentists immediately to do tooth fillings. This way can avoid the decayed tooth becoming worse. Certainly, the key point to prevent teeth is that people insist on brushing teeth every day and visit dentists at regular time.  

Vocabulary Exercises:
Patient: Hi. Dr. Hyde?
Dentist: So, what's seems to be the (1)problem today?
Patient: Well, I just came in for a check up and a dental (2)cleaning.
Dentist: Hum. Open up. Let's take a look . . .
Patient: Okay. Uh . . .
Dentist: Hummmm. [Humm? Uh?] Wow! I've never seen one like THIS before. Let me try this.
Patient: Uhhh . . . Ouhhhh [Man screaming in pain . . .]
Dentist: Well, besides a lot of (3)plague buildup, there is a major cavity in one of your wisdom teeth. [I feel that.] Hasn't this given you any trouble?
Patient: Well, the tooth has been bothering me, and it sometimes (4)hurts when I drink something cold. Does it look that bad?
Dentist: Well, we're going to remove the decay, and then we'll either put a filling in, or if the decay is (5)extensive, we can't repair it, we might have to put a crown on your tooth. Or as a last resort, we may have to (6)extract the tooth.
Patient: Uh, well, that sounds painful!
Dentist: Don't worry. I've done this . . . once before. [Huh?] Nah, just relax.
Patient: Wait! Aren't you suppose to give me something to (7)dull the pain?
Dentist: Uh, chicken. Oh yeah. I almost forgot. We can either use a local (8)anesthetic or nitrous oxide . . . laughing gas. . . to minimize the (9)discomfort you might feel. Or you can just grin and bear it.
Patient: Nah, Nah, nah! Put me under! [I thought so.] I can't stand pain, and I'd rather not be aware of what's going on. And, if I need a filling, can I get one that looks like my other teeth?
Dentist: If we can save the tooth with a filling, I recommend a high-strength silver (10)alloy filling instead of a porcelain one. It'll probably last longer.
Patient: Okay, well whatever. Let's get it over with.
Dentist: Okay, pleasant dreams. Drill please.

Score = 80%
Correct Answers:
1. problem
2. cleaning
3. plaque
4. hurts
5. extensive
6. extract
7. dull
8. anesthetic
9. discomfort
10. alloy
 
Key Vocabulary [Top]

plaque (noun): a substance that builds up around teeth that can damage them

cavity (noun): tooth decay

wisdom tooth (noun): the last of your back teeth to come in

decay (noun, also verb): the gradual process of the tooth going bad, sometimes

caused by poor dental care and eating habits

filling (noun): a substance inserted into a tooth to repair a cavity

extensive (adjective): large in extent, range, or scope

crown (noun): a metal covering over the enamel-covered part of a tooth

extract (verb): remove 

dull (verb, also adjective): numb or make insensitive, deaden feeling

local anesthetic (noun): a drug used to dull the body`s senses from pain in a specific area

nitrous oxide (noun): a gas inhaled as an anesthetic in dentistry and surgery

discomfort (noun): pain or an uncomfortable feeling associated with a part of the body 

alloy (noun): a mixture of two or more metals

porcelain (noun): made of semitransparent ceramic

Spring 2011 Listening 3b Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab Homework 9

Web address of listening activity:
http://www.esl-lab.com/petcare/petcarerd1.htm

Listening exercises:
1. What is one of Shawn's concern about the dog?
A. It can be somewhat aggressive.
B. It eats too much food at one time.
C. The dog might mess on his carpet.

2. What is Shawn supposed to do between 3:00-4:00 p.m. for the dog?
A. Take the dog for some exercise with a Frisbee.
B. Feed him an afternoon doggie treat for a snack.
C. Let the dog watch a program on television.

3. Which point is NOT true about the cat?
A. The cat becomes a little moody at times.
B. The cat enjoys listening to classical music.
C. The cat will run away if it gets outside the house.

4. What can we infer from the conversation on the snake's reaction to Shawn?
A. The snake appears to warm up to him.
B. The snake doesn't care for Shawn at all.
C. The snake is extremely shy of Shawn.

5. What is Shawn's final response to Norman?
A. Norman should seek someone who is well-trained with animals.
B. Norman should take his animals to the zoo for special care.
C. Norman agrees to watch them for a lot of extra money.

Score =100%
Correct answers:
1. It can be somewhat aggressive.
2. Let the dog watch a program on television.
3. The cat will run away if it gets outside the house.
4. The snake doesn't care for Shawn at all.
5. Norman should seek someone who is well-trained with animals.

Answers to pre or post-listening questions:

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
What are some basic tips for caring for a dog or cat (e.g., feeding, grooming, house training, etc.)?

Answer:
People need to feed thier pets on time. Moreover, they should choose the suitable food. For example, they can cook food for their pets, or they can buy pet food in the supermarkets. With the seasons changing, people need to consider when they may groom their pets. If people want to save time, they can send their pets to pet shops, which have a series of services. Certainly, people need to train their pets. It is helpful for their pets to finish some certain actions. Meanwhile, people can relax themselves as well. People can bring their pet to do some exercises in the street. It is beneficial for people and their pets.



Vocabulary Exercises:
Norman: Hey, neighbor. How's it going?
Shawn: Fine. How about you?
Norman: Okay. Huh, by the way, my wife and I are going out of (1)town this weekend, and I was wondering if you could take care of some of our animals while we're gone. You know our dog, Jaws, don't you?
Shawn: Yeah. My leg still hurts from the last incident.
Norman: Hey, he's just a (2)playful little beast.
Shawn: Right.
Norman: Hey, he likes to bark a little, and his bark is worse than his bite.
Shawn: Oh yeah.
Norman: Just (3)feed him a can of dog food a day, and make sure he has plenty of water in his dish. [Oh] And then, take him for a walk around the block.
Shawn: Well, how about if I just throw a Frisbee over the fence to give him some (4)exercise? Wouldn't that work?
Norman: Ah, and then, he likes to watch the 3;00 soap opera on Channel 4 [What?] . . . and brush his teeth after you give you some doggie treats around 4:00.
Shawn: Man, you really (5)pamper your dog.
Norman: And, then brush his fur for about twenty minutes. He tends to shed this time of year. [Ah, what?] And then (6)scratch him around the ears. Otherwise, he feels neglected.
Shawn: Is that it?
Norman: Well, and then there's Claws.
Shawn: Claws? Who's Claws.
Norman: Oh, he's the cat we adopted from the animal (7)shelter, but he's a little temperamental.
Shawn: What do you mean "temperamental"?
Norman: Well, he has mood swings [Mood swings?], but he's been doing better since he's been going to the animal therapist.
Shawn: A therapist?
Norman: So, be sure to feed him a half cup of cat food two times a day [What? A therapist . . .], and don't forget to put out (on) some soft classical music during his nap time at 2:40 p.m. But don't let him out of the house because he might run away and chase the neighbor's dog.
Shawn: You have some high-maintenance animals.
Norman: Not really. And, don't forget to change the cat litter daily, or he might have an (8)accident on the carpet. [Oh, great.] And finally, there's Buttercup.
Shawn: Buttercup? Who's Buttercu . . . ? I'm afraid to ask.
Norman: Ah, she's a sweetie [What?] . . . if you know how to handle her right. [Oh, great.] Wait. Let me get her for you. Here you are.
Shawn: That's . . . That's a snake . . .[Hold her.] That's a big snake with big fangs. Does the snake go to a therapist, too?
Norman: Of course not . . . just an anger-management class.
Shawn: Oh! What?
Norman: I'm joking. Buttercup is a very docile (9)creature, and she never bites anyone she likes. If she doesn't, you'll know because she starts hissing and staring at you . . . . kind like what she's doing now.
Shawn: Well, I'm leaving. You must be going out of you mind to think I'm going to watch a (10)zoo full of misunderstood animals. You'd better hire some professional help 'cause I wouldn't watch them even if you paid me a million dollars.


Score = 100%
Correct Answers:
1. town
2. playful
3. feed
4. exercise
5. pamper
6. scratch
7. shelter
8. accident
9. creature
10. zoo

Key Vocabulary [Top]

incident (noun): a situation that occurs, sometimes serious

bark (verb; also noun): making the sound of a dog

pamper (verb): treat a person or an animal in a special way

adopt (verb): take into one's family

temperamental (adjective): changing feelings or moods 

handle (verb): take care of, hold or touch with your hands

fangs (noun): long sharp teeth from an animal such as a snake

docile (adjective): easy to work with or handle

go out of your mind: go crazy

Spring 2011 Listening 3b Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab Homework 8

Web address of listening activity:
http://www.esl-lab.com/zoo/zoord1.htm

Listening exercises:

1. What did the boy like best about the zoo?
A. porcupines
B. penguins
C. polar bears

2. What did the elephant do at the zoo?
A. The elephant kicked dirty food in their direction.
B. The elephant sprayed water at the children.
C. The elephant tossed dirt at the people.

3. According to what little the boy said, what can we infer about the bird show?
A. One of the birds performed exactly as expected.
B. A bird didn't mind the trainer very well.
C. They couldn't see the birds from where they were sitting.

4. Where did the boy see the butterflies?
A. inside a glass enclosure
B. in a wire building near the bird show
C. flying around the zoo

5. What does the expression, "Sleep tight" mean found at the end of this conversation?
A. It refers to the idea of wrapping yourself up in blankets to keep warm.
B. It represents the feeling of having good dreams throughout the night.
C. It makes reference to old-style beds that used ropes to hold up the mattresses.

Score = 80%
Correct answers:
1. porcupines
2. The elephant tossed dirt at the people.
3. A bird didn't mind the trainer very well.
4. inside a glass enclosure
5. It makes reference to old-style beds that used ropes to hold up the mattresses.

 
Answers to pre or post-listening questions:
I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top] 
What animals do you enjoy seeing at a zoo, including those that you would see on safari trips or Arctic sightseeing tours? What do like most about these animals?

Answer:
I enjoy seeing pandas, rihinoceros, elephants, giraffes, polar bears, and zebra and so on at a zoo. Children always like to see animals. When seeing animals, they will try to identify them. Meanwhile, they can  feed animals food.  
P.S. I can not understand this question--What do like most about these animals? 

Vocabulary Exercises:
Father: Mikey. Time for bed [Why?] Why? It's getting (1)dark out. Well, do you want to talk before you go to bed? [Yeah] Uh, what do you want to talk about?
Boy: Um, the zoo.
Father: The zoo? Oh, that was so fun when we went to the zoo. What did you like best about the zoo?
Boy: Um, the porcupines.
Father: They were big, weren't they. And what else . . . yeah. What else do you remember?
Boy: Um, the two giraffes.
Father: The two giraffes? And were they (2)taller than me or shorter than me?
Boy: Over your head.
Father: They were over my head. They were pretty tall. And what else do you remember? I remember . . . didn't you see an elephant? [Yeah] What about the elephant do you remember? [Um] What was he . . . was he eating? [Yeah] He was eating. And then, mommy said something happened with the elephant. That he did something.
Boy: He throwed (3)dirt on us.
Father: He did? Oh, how did he do that? With his foot?
Boy: No, with his (4)trunk.
Father: And then you fed some ducks. What color were the ducks?
Boy: White.
Father: And what other (5)animals do you remember?[Um] Wasn't there some type of show.
Boy: Yeah. A bird show.
Father: A bird show? What did the birds do?
Boy: Um, flied.
Father: Oh, they flew around!
Boy: One flied.
Father: Oh, one flew. Were they good birds? [Yeah] Were they naughty at all?
Boy: One was naughty.
Father: What did it do?
Boy: Um, did, to, thing, what you . . . it the . . . the man what it could not do. [Translation: It did something it wasn't supposed to do.]
Father: Uhh, okay. And then you saw some butterflies, didn't you? [Yeah] What (6)color were they?
Boy: After the bird show.
Father: After the bird show you saw them. And were the butterflies flying (7)around all over the zoo?
Boy: Uh, um, they're inside.
Father: They were inside, what, a little building? [Yeah] What was the building made of? Was it made of (8)wood? [No] What was it made of? [Glass] Oh, made of glass. And couldn't the butterflies fly out of the glass? [No] No, oh, what stopped them from (9)flying out?
Boy: Um, the air.
Father: Oh, the air. Oh, there was air coming down? [Yeah] Oh, well that's great. Well, it's time to go to bed now. Sleep (10)tight and don't let the bed bugs bite. Good night.
Boy: Good night.

Score = 100%
Correct Answers:
1. dark
2. taller
3. dirt
4. trunk
5. animals
6. color
7. around
8. wood
9. flying
10. tight

Key Vocabulary [Top]
porcupines (noun): a land animal with long, sharp needles used to protect itself

trunk (noun): the long nose or snout of an elephant

naughty (adjective): badly behaved

Spring 2011 Listening 3b Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab Homework 7

Web address of listening activity:
http://www.esl-lab.com/drive/driverd1.htm

Listening exercises:

1. Where has the man been practicing for his road test this past week?
A. at a driving school
B. on streets around town
C. at home

2. In what part of town do they begin the road test?
A. in a commercial area
B. in a residential district
C. in a school zone

3. What was the situation with the vehicle in front of them?
A. Mr. Smith is following too closely.
B. The driver of the other car is tailgating them.
C. The car ahead of them is driving below the speed limit.

4. What did Mr. Smith almost hit in the road?
A. another vehicle
B. a person
C. a street sign

5. What does the driving officer suggest Mr. Smith do at the end of the conversation?
A. He should come back on Friday to take the test.
B. He had better take more driving lessons before trying the test again.
C. He ought to take the test with another driving officer.

Score = 100%
Correct answers:
1. at home
2. in a commercial area
3. Mr. Smith is following too closely.
4. a person
5. He ought to take the test with another driving officer.

Answers to pre or post-listening questions:

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
What are some basic rules of the road you need to know when taking a road test to obtain a driver's license in your country? How about where you live now? Think about topics such as parking, speeding, passing, yielding the right of way, and obeying traffic signs and signals.

Answer:
First of all, I have not taken the test of driver's licence in my country and I can not drive. So I do not know about it. But I guess that an examinee should know and obey traffic signs and signals. Moreover, an examinee must grasp the driving skill such as parking, speeding, passing, yielding the right of way.  In America, I think it is the same as my country. The test of driver's licence consists of two parts: written test and road test.
Vocabulary Exercises:

Driving Officer: Okay. Mr. Smith. Let's begin your road test.
Mr. Smith: Oh. I know I'm ready. I've been practicing in my (1)driveway all week.
Driving Officer: Okay. Mr. Smith. As I'm sure you are aware, you will not only be tested on your (2)knowledge of the rules of the road, but on your behavior toward other motorists.
Mr. Smith: Okey-dokey.
Driving Officer: Okay. Now you can start your car.
Mr. Smith: Yeah, right. Here we go!
Driving Officer: Whoa! Take it easy. The speed (3)limit in this business district is only 25 miles an hour. [Oh]. All right. Now, turn right at the next corner . . . [This corner?] Na, not here! Wow! You forgot to (4)signal too!
Mr. Smith: Gosh. I didn't see that one, and . . . Ah, Could you grab my cell phone under my seat. [Huh] Nah, I'll get it.
Driving Officer: Oh, Mr. Smith. Keep your eyes on the road!
Mr. Smith: Oh yeah.
Driving Officer: Okay. Now, (5)pull over here and show me that you can parallel park.
Mr. Smith: Sure. Wait. Hey bud. Move your car. I was here first!
Driving Officer: Ah. Forget it. Just keep driving.
Mr. Smith: So, how am I doing? Can I just take a (6)peek at your notes?
Driving Officer: No! And, uh, watch out. Mr. Smith. Now you're (7)tailgating the vehicle in front of us.
Mr. Smith: Oh, yeah. I'm just so excited about getting my license today. [Right.].
Driving Officer: Okay. Now carefully, CAREFULLY turn right here, and wait, wait, WAIT . . .STOP!! You almost hit that (8)pedestrian. How in the world did you pass the written test anyway? [Well . . .]You have to give way to any pedestrians crossing the street. Jeez!
Mr. Smith: Oh. sorry about that. It won't happen again.
[Car screeching to a stop . . .]
Driving Officer: Whoa! Get out! [What?] Get out! I'm driving back to the office.
Mr. Smith: Does this mean I didn't pass the test?
Driving Officer: Look, Mr. Smith. Could you do me a (9)favor? When you come back to take the test again, plan on coming on Friday.
Mr. Smith: Again? Why? Is it less (10)crowded that day?
Driving Officer: No. It's my day off.

Score = 80%
Correct Answers:
1. driveway
2. knowledge
3. limit
4. signal
5. pull
6. peek
7. tailgating
8. pedestrian
9. favor
10. crowded
Key Vocabulary [Top]

driveway (noun): a small road leading up to a private house

motorists (noun): a person who operates a motor vehicle (car, motorcycle)

Okey-dokey (exclamation): informal for "Okay"

district (noun): area

grab (verb): to take hold of something

bud (noun): informal, sometimes used in a hostile or unfriendly manner when speaking to a man whose name is unknown

peek (verb): to take a short look at something

tailgate (verb): to drive too close to the vehicle in front of you that might make it impossible to avoid hitting in case of an emergency

pedestrian (noun):a person who walks, particularly where motor vehicles travel

jeez (interjection): an expression to show mild surprise, frustration, or disappointment
 

Spring 2011 Listening 3b Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab Homework 6

Web address of listening activity:
http://www.esl-lab.com/trouble/troublerd1.htm

Listening exercises:

1. What is the relationship between Greg and Cindy?
A. They are coworkers.
B. They used to go out together.
C. They are family.

2. Where did the man first run into trouble?
A. outside of Cindy's house
B. inside a club named Palace
C. at the city zoo

3. What happened while the man was trying to get away from Butch?
A. The car almost crashed off the road.
B. The man attempted to steal the car.
C. The man jumped on top of the car.

4. Where is the man at the time of this phone call?
A. at home
B. in a restroom
C. in his car

5. What does the man say he should have done that evening instead?
A. He should have done his homework.
B. He ought to have relaxed and read a book.
C. He should have washed his clothes.

Score = 100%
Correct answers:
1. They are family.
2. outside of Cindy's house
3. The car almost crashed off the road.
4. in a restroom
5. He should have washed his clothes.
Answers to pre or post-listening questions:

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
Finding pen friends (pen pals) or developing good friendships, either through online dating or talking with friends, can be an important part of a happy life. However, in dating relationships, what kinds of difficulties and problems can arise? What are the best ways to learn to solve such situations? What dating tips can you think of to ensure good relationships?

Answer:
The ways which are online dating or taking with friends are kinds of difficulties and problems. Online dating is virtual. So something maybe not true and people can not confirm it. If I know the friend from my friends, I always receive the information from them. Sometimes it can influence my judgement. For online dating, I can invited the person to meet in a certain place. I can see him or her really and talk with him or her. For the other situation, I can just know about a person's general information from my friend, then I can know him or her by myself. The dating tips are honesty, credibility and manner.



Vocabulary Exercises:

Greg: Hey, sorry, I can't come to the phone now. Just leave a message . . .
[Beep]
Dave: Greg, greg. Where in the world are you? Hey, man. I'm in hot water, and it's all your (1)fault! I thought you said Cindy was single and available!! Man, were you wrong!! You should have told me that your sis had just broken up with a seven-foot gorilla named Butch. I mean the guy is huge, and he caught me dropping her off at her place, and he nearly (2) strangled me before I could get in my car. And the guy's dog. You might have warned me about his (3)vicious beast dog. The thing nearly ripped off my arm.
Well, once I (4)pealed of their driveway, the (5)maniac started (6)chasing me in his monster truck and nearly ran me off the road. And man, you could have told me that your car didn't have much gas 'cause it ran out in the (7)middle of this dark parking lot, and I'm now hiding in the men's room of the gas station. Now, pick up the phone . . . pick it up , . . . Oh, no I can hear the guy outside and . . . hey, and your phone is going dead . . . Ah, man . . . you might have told me that thing couldn't hold a (8)charge . . . Ah man . . . I should have stayed home and done the (9)laundry . . . I shouldn't have listened to your (10)wacky idea of going out tonight . . . Greg, greg? Where are you?

Score = 80%
Correct Answers:
1. fault
2. strangled
3. vicious
4. pealed
5. maniac
6. chasing
7. middle
8. charge
9. laundry
10. wacky

Key Vocabulary [Top]

be in hot water (idiom): be in serious trouble

vicious (adjective): something causing great physical or emotional pain through aggressive actions or behavior, dangerous

peal out (phrasal verb): to accelerate a vehicle very quickly

maniac (noun): a person who acts in a wild or uncontrollable way

run off (phrasal verb): to force or drive off

hide (verb): to prevent from being seen or discovered

wacky (adjective): crazy, irrational, or silly

Spring 2011 Listening 3b Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab Homework 5

Web address of listening activity:
http://www.esl-lab.com/repairs/repairsrd1.htm

Listening exercises:

1. What one possible problem was NOT mentioned about the man's car?
A. a stopped-up fuel line
B. a grimy carburetor
C. a bad accelerator

2. Why can't the car's problem be diagnosed very easily?
A. The mechanic is not available to assess the problem.
B. The car is an older model that the mechanic hasn't seen before.
C. The mechanic doesn't have the proper tools to check the problem.

3. Today, how much would labor be per hour for the car owner in this conversation?
A. $50
B. $75
C. $125

4. Why will it be so expensive for the man to get his car fixed?
A. His car will require extensive repairs that will take a lot of time.
B. Special custom-made parts must be ordered from out of town.
C. He must pay higher fees because he isn't a resident of that area.

5. What day is it in the conversation?
A. Friday
B. Saturday
C. Sunday

Score = 100%
Correct answers:
1. a bad accelerator
2. The mechanic is not available to assess the problem.
3. $125
4. He must pay higher fees because he isn't a resident of that area.
5. Friday

Answers to pre or post-listening questions:

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
What are some common car problems that require special maintenance or repair? What has been your experience in getting your car repaired? If you need to get a new car due to a car accident, how can you secure a car loan to pay for your new vehicle? Where would you turn for car rentals while your own vehicle is being repaired?

Answer:
The engine oil needs to be changed in a period of time. The break system needs to be inpected in time. The tires should be checked up before people start to leave. I have not a car. So I have no experience in getting a car repaired. If I need to get a new car because of a car accident, I will ask my friends and my relatives who have cars to get some information and suggestions about securing a car loan for my new vehicle. While my own vehicle is being repaired, I will go to reputable car rental companies to rent a suitable car.  


Vocabulary Exercises:

Mechanic: What can we do for you today?
Car Owner: Uh, hi. Yes, I'm having a problem with my car, and it doesn't seem to run right. I mean every time I start it up, the engine runs for a minute or so, (1)sputters like it isn't getting enough gas, and then dies.
Mechanic: Hmmm. Okay. Let's open the (2)hood, and let's take a look . . . Okay, start her up.
(Engine starting . . .]
Okay, Okay. Shut her off. Hmmm. [So . . .] Let me look at the book here . . . [It] sounds like a possible (3)fuel line, a dirty carburetor, bad alternator, or even a weak battery.
Car Owner: So, which one is it?
Mechanic: Uhh. Difficult to say. Let me try this . . . Uh, alright . . . You need to talk to the mechanic.
Car Owner: The mechanic! So, who are you?
Mechanic: Well, I'm the (4)assistant, and I've only been here on the job for two days.
Car Owner: So, why didn't you tell me that in the first place? I mean, I wouldn't have (5)wasted all this time!
Mechanic: You didn't ask.
Car Owner: Okay, so how much is it going to cost?
Mechanic: Ah. Difficult to say. [That's what you said about the last thing!] Are you a local or from out of town?
Car Owner: I'm just passing through, and this is the only place for miles. [Yeah, that's right.] Man, can't you see my license (6)plate? [Sure did!]
Mechanic: Okay. The out-of-town rate. Let's see. Okay, here we go. If it's a fuel line, that'll be $100 . . . No, no, That's the local rate. Here, $200 for the pre-screening check, $150 for parts, plus or minus $100, and $75 an hour for labor. Oh, oh yeah. Today's a holiday, so labor is actually $50 more per hour.
Car Owner: Huh? Those prices are (7)outrageous, and what holiday is it today?
Mechanic: Oh, it's the local pumpkin festival.
Car Owner: Ah, come on. I can't believe this. Of all my luck, my car (8)breaks down in an out-of-the-way town [That's right.], and it'll cost an arm and a leg to get my car fixed.
Mechanic: Ah, we'll take care of you. Just bring the car back on Tuesday so Mike, our mechanic, can take a look at your car.
Car Owner: Why not today? It's only 11:00 a.m.!
Mechanic: Ahh, we close at 11:30 a.m. on holidays, and we're closed tomorrow and Sunday, and we're closed the following day as well.
Car Owner: I can't wait that long! I need my car (9)repaired now.
Mechanic: Well, next week is the best we can do, but you can talk to Mike at the Pumpkin Festival.This town will (10)grow on you. [Ah, man!]

Score = 80%
Correct Answers:
1. sputters
2. hood
3. fuel
4. assistant
5. wasted
6. plate
7. outrageous
8. breaks
9. repaired
10. grow

 Key Vocabulary [Top]

sputter (verb): make consecutive explosive noises

carburetor (noun): part of the engine that mixes air with gasoline vapor before combustion

alternator (noun): a generator that produces electrical current

outrageous (adjective): very expensive

out-of-the-way (adjective): remote or far from populated areas

cost an arm and a leg (idiom): be very expensive, outrageous

Spring 2011 Listening 3b Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab Homework 4

Web address of listening activity:
http://www.esl-lab.com/car-accident/car-accidentrd1.htm

Listening exercises:

1. Where did the car accident take place?
A. in front of the house
B. in the parking lot at the store
C. at the post office

2. Which factor did NOT contribute to the accident?
A. excessive speed
B. a faulty car mechanism
C. some obstructions in the car

3. Why is the girl really upset?
A. She wrecked her friend's car.
B. She doesn't have money to repair the car.
C. She won't have a car to drive over the weekend.

4. What is her dad's original solution to her predicament?
A. He offers to help pay for the repairs.
B. Her dad volunteers to drive her where she needs to go.
C. He suggests she invite friends over to eat.

5. How is the situation finally resolved?
A. The girl decides to go camping the following week instead.
B. The girl invites friends over instead for a pizza party.
C. The father reluctantly loans his car.

Score = 100%
Correct answers:
1. in front of the house
2. excessive speed
3. She won`t have a car to drive over the weekend.
4. He suggests she invite friends over to eat.
5. The father reluctantly loans his car.


Answers to pre or post-listening questions:

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
What are some of the major factors that lead to car accidents and what can be done to deal with these causes?

Answer:
People do not see the traffic lights. When people see the red light, they still cross the roads. They do not obey the traffic rules.  People drive cars but they do not keep safety vehicle distances.  People do not make their cars be inspected in regular time. The problems of weather can lead to car accidents.

If the problems are made by people, people must change their minds and focus on them very seriously. If the problems are made by the nature, people need to focus on the information from professional departments and be careful in the duration of driving cars.

Vocabulary Exercises:

Man: Honey. Do you know what time Katie will be home?
Woman: Uh, she should be here any minute. She took the car to pick up something from the store.
Man: Okay, I was just a little worried that . . . Man, what was that? Oh, no. The car! She drove over the (1)mailbox and hit a tree in the front yard. Ah, the car!
Woman: Well, just don't stand there blabbing all day. Let's go out and see if Katie's okay.
Man: Ah, my car.
Woman: Honey, are you okay?
Daughter: Oh, mom. I'm so sorry. I can't (2)believe this is happening.
Man: Oh, my car!
Woman: Forget your car!
Man: Driving with the cell phone. I know.
Daughter: It wasn't that at all. Don't (3)jump to conclusions.
Man: Oh, yeah.
Daughter: Dad . . . uh, mom. It's not like that at all. I mean, as I was pulling into the (4)driveway, something rolled from under the seat and got stuck under the brake pedal . . . the gas pedal . . . I, I don't know, and I couldn't stop the car. And then I accidentally hit the gas when I wanted to brake, and I hit the mailbox.
Woman: Uh, I think I know what the problem was. Honey, did you put those golf balls away like I told you? The ones YOU put under the driver's seat . . . the ones I told you would get in the way.
Man: Man, I thought I got those.
Daughter: Plus, Mom, the windshield wipers on the car didn't work, so I couldn't see very well in the rain.
Woman: Didn't you get those fixed?
Man: Uh, I've been meaning to get those (5)repaired.
Daughter: And mom. I was going to use the car this weekend to go (6)camping with my friends, but now my plans are ruined. My friends are going to hate me. What am I going to do?
Woman: Hon, yeah, what IS your daughter going to do? It appears that it's mainly your (7)fault for the accident and that she's in such a jam.
Man: My fault? Hey, why don't you just (8)invite your friends over for pizza? I'll buy.
Daughter: Mom, we've been planning this weekend for months. I need a car.
Woman: Hon.
Man: What? I mean, man, what a predicament! That's tough.
Woman: I think what your dad is trying to say is that you can take his new Jeep.
Daughter: Yeah, (9)awesome.
Man: What?
Daughter: Yes!
Man: Wait, not my new Jeep. I don't even have 500 miles on it.
Daughter: Four-wheeling through the mud, over big rocks and in deep ruts in the road . . . if there IS a road.
Man: Ah.
Woman: You love your daughter, don't you?
Man: Ask me after she returns from the trip.
Daughter: Ah, Dad. I'm going to call my friends to let them know of the good news. Thanks, Dad, I knew I could count on you.
Man: Yeah, but make sure wrecking the car doesn't become a (10)routine activity.
Daughter: Dad!


Score = 100%
Correct Answers:
1. mailbox
2. believe
3. jump
4. driveway
5. repaired
6. camping
7. fault
8. invite
9. awesome
10. routine



Key Vocabulary [Top]
blab (verb): talk too much about unimportant things, some of which might be private matters

jump to conclusions (idiom): form an opinion without all the facts and evidence

pull into (phrasal verb): move into a spot like a parking space or driveway

ruin (verb): spoil or destroy something completely

be in a jam (idiom): be in a difficult situation

tough (adjective): difficult or unfortunate

awesome (adjective): very good, impressive

count on (phrasal verb): depend on

wreck (verb): completely destroy or ruin