Professional Babysitting

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IDIOMS!

"look in on" = check on the safety of someone, especially if they are sick
"You probably should look in on the baby every hour during the night to see how she is sleeping."
"be grouchy" = be in a mad mood, especially if someone is tired or sick
"Our daughter might be a little grouchy if she doesn't get enough sleep."

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[ Quiz Script | Text Completion Quiz ]

I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
V. Online Investigations

Level:	Topic:	Type:	Speakers:	Length:
difficult	work	conversation	man - girl	01:21

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]

There are many things to consider when working as a babysitter or finding one to watch your kids. One of the considerations for the babysitter is financial arrangements for compensation? What is fair pay for watching children? Would you charge differently for the number of children or for different circumstances? Should you charge extra when being asked to do other tasks such as cleaning, cooking, or staying past midnight?

HELPFUL TIP: All babysitters should take a basic first-aid course so they can be better prepared in case of emergencies. Having such training in areas such as cuts, broken bones, and drowning can make you feel more confident, too.

Can using a credit card be a dangerous thing?

II. Listening Exercises [Top]

Listen to the conversation by pressing the "Play" button and answer the questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.

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1. What impresses the man about the girl at the beginning of the conversation?
A. The girl arrives promptly on time.
B. The girl carries her own business cards.
C. The girl comes prepared to cook for the kids.

2. How often has Kelly babysat for Mr. Adams in the past?
A. never
B. one or two times
C. on a regular basis

3. According to the girl's financial consultant, why should she charge more for babysitting?
A. She does some housework while the parents are out.
B. She purchases groceries for evening meals.
C. She provides special educational entertainment.

4. What specialized training has the girl received to become a babysitter?
A. educational
B. emotional
C. medical

5. What additional expenses does her rate increases need to cover?
A. investments
B. hobbies
C. recreational

Score =
Correct answers:

Listen to the conversation again as you read the Quiz Script.

III. Vocabulary Activities [Top]

Review the key vocabulary from the conversation: [ Why do these? ]

IV. Post-Listening Exercises [Top]

What do you think are the characteristics or qualities of a good babysitter? Search the Internet to see what services are available. Also, take a look to see what courses are available for babysitters? In what ways would take such courses help babysitters become more qualified and attractive to potential clients?

V. Online Investigations - [ What's This? ] [Top]
Imagine that you have two small children, ages 2 and 4, and you are looking for a full-time baby sitter or nanny to care for them. What companies can you find online that provide these services? Review two companies and compare their company philosopy, experience, reputation, guarantees, and costs.

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