| I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top] |
What are some common car problems that require special maintenance or repair?
HELPFUL TIP: Not all mechanics are the same, so shop around for a reputable company that can repair your car. Asking friends about the places they take their cars can be a good place to start.
| II. Listening Exercises [Top] |
| 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?
HELPFUL TIP: Accidents are often caused by a combination of human error and even adverse weather conditions. You can’t control other people’s actions, so always drive defensively and carefully to avoid accidents and confrontations with other drivers.
| II. Listening Exercises [Top] |
| I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top] |
What exactly is cancer, and what forms of cancer are most common in your country or area (liver cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, or other)? Search the Internet to understand more about the disease and look up the most common forms of cancer treatment, both traditional and non-traditional therapies. Also, discuss whether family members openly discuss the disease and if there are any cultural norms on how people deal with cancer.
HELPFUL TIP: Cancer can cause great suffering for both patients and families. Early cancer screening can catch the disease early to improve chances for survival.
| II. Listening Exercises [Top] |
| 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.
HELPFUL TIP: Don’t spend more money than you earn and get into debt. It will follow you and become an unwelcomed friend. Following a budget will help you keep out of debt.
| II. Listening Exercises [Top] |
| I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top] |
What are some of the things you need to do to apply for college and succeed in your studies at that level?
HELPFUL TIP: Starting to save money from a very early age will help relieve the stress of having enough money to pay for college. Parents often won’t be able to do it for you.
| II. Listening Exercises [Top] |
| I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top] |
Cell phones, or mobile phones, are becoming more popular around the world as a preferred form of communication, but can you find a cheap calling plan that will fit your budget? What do you look for when deciding on a cell phone or a phone carrier (e.g., cost of phone, number of minutes a month, cancellation fees, etc.)?
HELPFUL TIP: Cell phones are now a part of everyday life. Be sure to compare phone plans before you make a long-term commitment; otherwise, you might be paying for a long time.
| II. Listening Exercises [Top] |
| I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top] |
Do you have any supplies in your house or at your apartment you can use in case of a natural disaster or emergency? If so, what are they? What things are most needed in such an emergency to get you by for at least 72 hours?
HELPFUL TIP: Having a family or individual emergency plan in case of a natural or manmade disaster is vital to your survival. Such a plan might include food, shelter, and first-aid supplies. Don’t wait until it is too late to start preparing.
| II. Listening Exercises [Top] |
