| Level | Topic | Speakers | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficult | Adsense Ads | Man | 01:35 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
Have you ever heard of Adsense? If not, it is one service that allows you to make money online. However, what questions or concerns do you have about making money using the internet? Is it safe and effective? How do affiliate marketing programs work? Write down your ideas before you listen to this short news program on Adsense. This news program is not affiliated at all with the actual program, but only provided as information.
Idioms
“earn one’s keep” = make enough money to pay one’s living expenses
“I don’t make a lot of money, but I make enough to earn my keep.”
“squirrel away” = to hide money for future use
“My wife squirreled away enough money over the years to buy a new car.”
Listening Exercise
Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)
Vocabulary and Sample Sentences
Here are some words and expressions that appear in the recording:
-
discreet (adjective): careful not to attract attention or cause embarrassment
– Sometimes, doctors have to be very discreet when talking with their family about patients. -
means (noun): method or way
– Many advertisers use almost any means to persuade customers to buy their products. -
straightforward (adjective): simple, direct, and clear
– I suggest you use a straightforward approach when dealing with the problem with your girlfriend. -
implement (verb): put into action
– The company president decided to implement a new training program to improve employee morale. -
relevant (adjective): having some connection to a certain subject
– If a website is relevant to the needs of its visitors, people will return to use it again and again. -
enhance (verb): improve or make better
– You can enhance your website by making it easier to navigate. -
annoying (adjective): making you feel bothered by or unhappy with something
– I can’t stand annoying ads that try to get you to buy unwanted products. -
customize (verb): change something to make it more appropriate or suitable for you
– Many people customize their computers the way they like them. -
spread the word (idiom): tell or announce something to a lot of people
– Hey. Tom is getting married. Spread the word! -
display (verb): show
– Some websites display to raise money to support their sites.
Post-Listening Exercise
Is making money important to you? If so, explain your reasons. Then, find out more information about Adsense and compare this program to other online money-making services. What are the benefits of using Adsense or similar programs? Are there any potential drawbacks as well? Is making money quick always that easy? Consider the options and discuss them with a friend or classmate.
Online Investigation
You can spend just five minutes on the internet, and you will quickly find products and services that promise you quick money with very little effort. However, is making money just that easy? Search the internet for a website that appears to promise great returns. Analyze the information and try to determine whether its claims are actually true. Questions to help you might include:
- Is there clear and detailed information about the owner of the website so you can contact the person or organization easily?
- Does the website promoting a product seem to promise too much with very little effort on your part?
- Does the website try to lure you to purchase something, saying that it is a limited-time offer for a limited number of people?
- Can you get your money back easily if you are not satisfied?
- Are their online reviews of the website that detail other people’s experiences with the company in question (and not just testimonials on the product’s website)?