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:
Feeding, grooming, house training, helping a pet have a bath, buying some clothes and shoes for it
bringing it to walk and sending it to see farrier regularly.
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 = 90%
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
2010年11月30日星期二
Listening 2b Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab Homework 28
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 = 80%
Correct answers1. 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:
Different personalities , appearances and some behaviors.
Do not have high hope when you want to meet each other.
Be yourself when your are dating. It represents respect.
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 = 70%
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
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 = 80%
Correct answers1. 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:
Different personalities , appearances and some behaviors.
Do not have high hope when you want to meet each other.
Be yourself when your are dating. It represents respect.
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 = 70%
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
2010年11月25日星期四
Listening 2b Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab Homework 27
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:
I think some common car problems are that security system, tires and exhaust system.
I don't have a car. So I don't have any experiences in getting a car repaired.
I think I can find the insurance company which gives my car insurances.
I will find a reputable car rental comapny.
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) wastedall 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
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:
I think some common car problems are that security system, tires and exhaust system.
I don't have a car. So I don't have any experiences in getting a car repaired.
I think I can find the insurance company which gives my car insurances.
I will find a reputable car rental comapny.
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) wastedall 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
2010年11月24日星期三
Listening 2b Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab Homework 26
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:
The major factors are that overspeeding, running the red right and driving after alcohol.
The police can make them pay for fine and give them serious advices.
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 completelybe 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
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:
The major factors are that overspeeding, running the red right and driving after alcohol.
The police can make them pay for fine and give them serious advices.
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 completelybe 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
2010年11月23日星期二
Little Prince- Chapter 27
Summary:
The twenty-seventh chapter is about that narrator had never told the story about him and little prince during the six years. Author's friends saw author and felt very happy. Narrator ever felt sad and felt consoled. Narrator knew the little prince went back to his planet. When author drew a sheep which little prince wanted to get, author could imagine what happened in little prince's planet. Sometimes author could imagine how the little prince protected his flower. And sometimes author could imagine that little prince forgot to protect his flower or the sheep disappeared. All that happened between narrator and little prince were a great mystery. For reader, they love little prince. And for narrator, he thought everything was different and changing. Sometimes children could understand what was important.
Vocabulary:
distracted (a.)-- unable to pay attention to sb. or sth. because you are worried or thinking about
strap (n.)-- a strip of leather or other material that is used to fasten sth.
Interesting Sentence:
"The little prince puts his flower under glass, and he keeps close watch over his sheep."
This sentence means that little prince can focus on his sheep in order to protect his flower.
Questions:
1. Why does the author not tell this story before six years?
2. What does fatigue mean?
a. tiredness
b. weakness
c. boredom
d. fatality
The twenty-seventh chapter is about that narrator had never told the story about him and little prince during the six years. Author's friends saw author and felt very happy. Narrator ever felt sad and felt consoled. Narrator knew the little prince went back to his planet. When author drew a sheep which little prince wanted to get, author could imagine what happened in little prince's planet. Sometimes author could imagine how the little prince protected his flower. And sometimes author could imagine that little prince forgot to protect his flower or the sheep disappeared. All that happened between narrator and little prince were a great mystery. For reader, they love little prince. And for narrator, he thought everything was different and changing. Sometimes children could understand what was important.
Vocabulary:
distracted (a.)-- unable to pay attention to sb. or sth. because you are worried or thinking about
strap (n.)-- a strip of leather or other material that is used to fasten sth.
Interesting Sentence:
"The little prince puts his flower under glass, and he keeps close watch over his sheep."
This sentence means that little prince can focus on his sheep in order to protect his flower.
Questions:
1. Why does the author not tell this story before six years?
2. What does fatigue mean?
a. tiredness
b. weakness
c. boredom
d. fatality
Listening 2b Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab Homework 25
Web address of listening activity:
http://www.esl-lab.com/expense/expenserd1.htm
Listening exercises:
1. To whom is the man speaking?
A. his friend
B. his sister
C. his mom
2. Which sentence would identify the man's current situation?
A. He has a lot of expenses including student loans.
B. He has a decent job, but he's looking for a new one.
C. He's in debt and is trying to borrow money.
3. How would you describe the man's apartment?
A. a small place with a nice view of the city
B. a spacious apartment that includes cable TV
C. an apartment downtown with free parking
4. Which sentence best describes the man's dining practices?
A. He tries to go out to eat every night.
B. He doesn't know how to cook very well.
C. He prefers to eat alone.
5. What does the woman suggest the man do at the end of the conversation?
A. He should be careful when using his credit cards.
B. He ought to get rid of his car to save money.
C. He should stop spending money on entertainment.
Score = 100%
Correct answers:
1. his sister
2. He`s in debt and is trying to borrow money.
3. a small place with a nice view of the city
4. He doesn`t know how to cook very well.
5. He ought to get rid of his car to save money.
Answers to pre or post-listening questions:
I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
What are common monthly expenses for a student living on their own, including student or car loans? How about a family of four? Write a list of your expenses, figure out how much money you spend on each area, and what percentage of your income pays for each.
Answer:
The common monthly expenses for a student living on their own are that fees of eating food, fees of living on campous or living off campous and purchase fees.
Vocabulary Exercises:
Ron: Uh, could I borrow a few bucks until payday? I'm a little (1)strapped for cash.
Nancy: Uh, yeah, I guess, but I'm pinching pennies myself, and you still (2)owe me $20 from last week. And mom and your friend Ron said you borrowed money from them this past week. [Oh, yeah.] How ARE things going anyway?
Ron: Well, not very well. To be honest, I'm really in the (3)hole, and I can't seem to make ends meet these days.
Nancy: What do you mean? I thought you landed a great job recently, so you must be loaded.
Ron: Well, I do have a job, but I've used my credit cards to pay off a lot of things recently, but now, I can't seem to pay the money off.
Nancy: Uh, do you have a (4) budget? I mean, how do you keep track of your income and expenses?
Ron: Well, when my money runs out, I come to you. Of course. [Great!] No, but I guess I should have some financial plan.
Nancy: Well, let me see if I can help you. How much money do you spend on your apartment?
Ron: Uh, I pay $890 on rent for the studio apartment downtown . . . not including (5)utilities and cable TV. But the place has an awesome view of the city.
Nancy: Uh, $890! Why are you paying through the nose for such a small place when you could find a cheaper one somewhere outside of the downtown area?
Ron: Yeah, I guess.
Nancy: Okay. How much money do you spend on food a month?
Ron: Hmmm. I'm not really sure. I think I spend around $600. [$600?!] Well, I go out to eat at least four times a week, so those expenses add up. I just don't enjoy eating alone, and I don't have a (6) knack for cooking like you do.
Nancy: Well, I can understand that, but perhaps you ought to buy some microwaveable meals you could prepare at home.
Ron: Well, I guess I could.
Nancy: And entertainment?
Ron: Well, I spend a few dollars here and there on basketball and movie tickets, a concert or two, and ballroom dance lessons.
Nancy: Uh, exactly how much do you spend on all of these? Just a "few" dollars?
Ron: Well, oh . . . about $400 or so.
Nancy: Or so? No wonder you're having money problems. You can't just blow your money on things like that! And what about transportation?
Ron: Oh, I (7)commute to work everyday in my new sports car, but I got a great deal, and my monthly payments are only $450. Come outside and take a look. We can go for a spin!
Nancy: No, I've heard enough. You've got to (8) curb your spending, or you'll end up broke. I suggest you get rid of your credit cards, cut back on your entertainment expenses, and sell your car. Take public transportation from now on.
Ron: Sell my car?! I can't date without a car. What am I going to say? "Uh, could you meet me downtown at the bus stop at 7:00?" Come on!
Nancy: And you need to create a budget for yourself and (9)stick to it, and start with paying off your bills, starting with me. You owe me $50 dollars.
Ron: Fifty dollars! Wait, I only borrowed $20 from you last week. How did you come up with $50?
Nancy: Financial (10)consulting fees. My advice is at least worth $30!
Score = 80%
Correct Answers:
1. strapped
2. owe
3. hole
4. budget
5. utilities
6. knack
7. commute
8. curb
9. stick
10. consulting
Key Vocabulary [Top]
buck (noun): dollar
be strapped for cash (idiom): have no money available
pinch pennies (idiom): be careful with money
in the hole (idiom): in debt
make ends meet (idiom): make enough money to live
land (verb): find
be loaded (adjective): having a lot of money
budget (noun): a financial plan of expenses and income
keep track of (idiom): keep a record of
run out (phrasal verb): use up or exhaust
utilities (noun): services provided by gas, power, and water companies
pay through the nose (idiom): pay an excessive amount of money
knack (verb): a special way or ability of doing something
blow (verb): spend thoughtlessly or wastefully; throw away
commute (verb): travel back and forth between work and home
curb (verb): lessen or reduce
http://www.esl-lab.com/expense/expenserd1.htm
Listening exercises:
1. To whom is the man speaking?
A. his friend
B. his sister
C. his mom
2. Which sentence would identify the man's current situation?
A. He has a lot of expenses including student loans.
B. He has a decent job, but he's looking for a new one.
C. He's in debt and is trying to borrow money.
3. How would you describe the man's apartment?
A. a small place with a nice view of the city
B. a spacious apartment that includes cable TV
C. an apartment downtown with free parking
4. Which sentence best describes the man's dining practices?
A. He tries to go out to eat every night.
B. He doesn't know how to cook very well.
C. He prefers to eat alone.
5. What does the woman suggest the man do at the end of the conversation?
A. He should be careful when using his credit cards.
B. He ought to get rid of his car to save money.
C. He should stop spending money on entertainment.
Score = 100%
Correct answers:
1. his sister
2. He`s in debt and is trying to borrow money.
3. a small place with a nice view of the city
4. He doesn`t know how to cook very well.
5. He ought to get rid of his car to save money.
Answers to pre or post-listening questions:
I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
What are common monthly expenses for a student living on their own, including student or car loans? How about a family of four? Write a list of your expenses, figure out how much money you spend on each area, and what percentage of your income pays for each.
Answer:
The common monthly expenses for a student living on their own are that fees of eating food, fees of living on campous or living off campous and purchase fees.
Vocabulary Exercises:
Ron: Uh, could I borrow a few bucks until payday? I'm a little (1)strapped for cash.
Nancy: Uh, yeah, I guess, but I'm pinching pennies myself, and you still (2)owe me $20 from last week. And mom and your friend Ron said you borrowed money from them this past week. [Oh, yeah.] How ARE things going anyway?
Ron: Well, not very well. To be honest, I'm really in the (3)hole, and I can't seem to make ends meet these days.
Nancy: What do you mean? I thought you landed a great job recently, so you must be loaded.
Ron: Well, I do have a job, but I've used my credit cards to pay off a lot of things recently, but now, I can't seem to pay the money off.
Nancy: Uh, do you have a (4) budget? I mean, how do you keep track of your income and expenses?
Ron: Well, when my money runs out, I come to you. Of course. [Great!] No, but I guess I should have some financial plan.
Nancy: Well, let me see if I can help you. How much money do you spend on your apartment?
Ron: Uh, I pay $890 on rent for the studio apartment downtown . . . not including (5)utilities and cable TV. But the place has an awesome view of the city.
Nancy: Uh, $890! Why are you paying through the nose for such a small place when you could find a cheaper one somewhere outside of the downtown area?
Ron: Yeah, I guess.
Nancy: Okay. How much money do you spend on food a month?
Ron: Hmmm. I'm not really sure. I think I spend around $600. [$600?!] Well, I go out to eat at least four times a week, so those expenses add up. I just don't enjoy eating alone, and I don't have a (6) knack for cooking like you do.
Nancy: Well, I can understand that, but perhaps you ought to buy some microwaveable meals you could prepare at home.
Ron: Well, I guess I could.
Nancy: And entertainment?
Ron: Well, I spend a few dollars here and there on basketball and movie tickets, a concert or two, and ballroom dance lessons.
Nancy: Uh, exactly how much do you spend on all of these? Just a "few" dollars?
Ron: Well, oh . . . about $400 or so.
Nancy: Or so? No wonder you're having money problems. You can't just blow your money on things like that! And what about transportation?
Ron: Oh, I (7)commute to work everyday in my new sports car, but I got a great deal, and my monthly payments are only $450. Come outside and take a look. We can go for a spin!
Nancy: No, I've heard enough. You've got to (8) curb your spending, or you'll end up broke. I suggest you get rid of your credit cards, cut back on your entertainment expenses, and sell your car. Take public transportation from now on.
Ron: Sell my car?! I can't date without a car. What am I going to say? "Uh, could you meet me downtown at the bus stop at 7:00?" Come on!
Nancy: And you need to create a budget for yourself and (9)stick to it, and start with paying off your bills, starting with me. You owe me $50 dollars.
Ron: Fifty dollars! Wait, I only borrowed $20 from you last week. How did you come up with $50?
Nancy: Financial (10)consulting fees. My advice is at least worth $30!
Score = 80%
Correct Answers:
1. strapped
2. owe
3. hole
4. budget
5. utilities
6. knack
7. commute
8. curb
9. stick
10. consulting
Key Vocabulary [Top]
buck (noun): dollar
be strapped for cash (idiom): have no money available
pinch pennies (idiom): be careful with money
in the hole (idiom): in debt
make ends meet (idiom): make enough money to live
land (verb): find
be loaded (adjective): having a lot of money
budget (noun): a financial plan of expenses and income
keep track of (idiom): keep a record of
run out (phrasal verb): use up or exhaust
utilities (noun): services provided by gas, power, and water companies
pay through the nose (idiom): pay an excessive amount of money
knack (verb): a special way or ability of doing something
blow (verb): spend thoughtlessly or wastefully; throw away
commute (verb): travel back and forth between work and home
curb (verb): lessen or reduce
2010年11月21日星期日
Little Prince- Chapter 26
Summary:
The twenty-sixth chapter is about that after narrator finished repairing his engine, he went to see the little prince. When narrator reached, he saw little prince sitting on the top of a ruin and talking. But author didn't know whom the little prince talk to. when the narrator came to little prince and found that little prince talked to a yellow snake, the little prince had been bitten by the snake. The snake left the ruin when it saw the author. Narrator caught little prince in his arms in time and discovered little prince' face was very white. Author realized the situation was very serious and talked to the little prince. Narrator was surprised when he knew that little prince learnt about he had repaired his engine. Little prince said he would leave and narrator felt sad. Narrator said he could help little prince draw his sheep. When little prince smiled sadly, narrator realized that he would be more frightened. Narrator wanted to hear little prince's laughing. And the little prince didn't answer narrator's questions. Narrator used case of the flower, case of the water and case of star to cheer up little prince and make him laugh. When little prince wanted to know why narrator said his laughing was narrator's present and little prince had stars like nobody else, author told little prince all the reasons and meanings. When little prince got answers and heard narrator's consolation, he laughed again and again. Narrator told little prince something about the snake. At that night, little prince left without sound and narrator didn't found. When narrator heard what little prince said, narrator did answer nothing. And little prince cried at that time. Little prince said to narrator that little prince wanted to leave alone and little sat down because of fear. Little prince told something about his flower to narrator. And narrator sat down as well. When little prince took a step, narrator couldn't move. At that time, a yellow flash close to little prince's ankle and kept him motionless for an instant. And little prince fell in the sands without crying out.
Vocabulary:
faint (adj.)-- that cannot be clearly heard
moisten (v.)-- to make sth slightly wet
irreparable (adj.)-- too bad to repair or put right
Interesting Sentence:
" He remained motionless for an instant"
This sentence means little prince had not any behaviors in a very short time.
Questions:
1. What is the yellow flash? Does it have a kind of underlying meaning?
2. What does nasty mean?
a. awful
b. serious
c. dirty
d. strict
The twenty-sixth chapter is about that after narrator finished repairing his engine, he went to see the little prince. When narrator reached, he saw little prince sitting on the top of a ruin and talking. But author didn't know whom the little prince talk to. when the narrator came to little prince and found that little prince talked to a yellow snake, the little prince had been bitten by the snake. The snake left the ruin when it saw the author. Narrator caught little prince in his arms in time and discovered little prince' face was very white. Author realized the situation was very serious and talked to the little prince. Narrator was surprised when he knew that little prince learnt about he had repaired his engine. Little prince said he would leave and narrator felt sad. Narrator said he could help little prince draw his sheep. When little prince smiled sadly, narrator realized that he would be more frightened. Narrator wanted to hear little prince's laughing. And the little prince didn't answer narrator's questions. Narrator used case of the flower, case of the water and case of star to cheer up little prince and make him laugh. When little prince wanted to know why narrator said his laughing was narrator's present and little prince had stars like nobody else, author told little prince all the reasons and meanings. When little prince got answers and heard narrator's consolation, he laughed again and again. Narrator told little prince something about the snake. At that night, little prince left without sound and narrator didn't found. When narrator heard what little prince said, narrator did answer nothing. And little prince cried at that time. Little prince said to narrator that little prince wanted to leave alone and little sat down because of fear. Little prince told something about his flower to narrator. And narrator sat down as well. When little prince took a step, narrator couldn't move. At that time, a yellow flash close to little prince's ankle and kept him motionless for an instant. And little prince fell in the sands without crying out.
Vocabulary:
faint (adj.)-- that cannot be clearly heard
moisten (v.)-- to make sth slightly wet
irreparable (adj.)-- too bad to repair or put right
Interesting Sentence:
" He remained motionless for an instant"
This sentence means little prince had not any behaviors in a very short time.
Questions:
1. What is the yellow flash? Does it have a kind of underlying meaning?
2. What does nasty mean?
a. awful
b. serious
c. dirty
d. strict
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