Content Warning: This conversation is a discussion of a car accident.
| Level | Topic | Speakers | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficult | Car Accidents | Man – Woman – Teenage Girl | 02:18 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
What are some of the major factors that lead to car accidents and what can be done to deal with these causes? What possible injuries can occur in such accidents? Who would you contact if you had to file accident claims or other requests for medical assistance?
- Most car accidents can be prevented with better attention and care.
- Speed limits should be lower in all cities to improve safety.
- Using a phone while driving should result in a very high fine.
- Some people drive too slowly and still cause accidents.
- Driving at night is more dangerous than during the day.
- Self-driving cars will make roads safer in the future.
- New drivers should have more training before getting a license.
- Seat belts should always be required, even in the back seat.
- Pedestrians often cause accidents by not following traffic rules.
- Traffic cameras help reduce dangerous driving.
Idioms
“crash course” = a course in which you learn the material in a very short time period
“She took a driving crash course before she went on vacation.”
“black ice” = a coating of ice on the road that is nearly invisible to drivers
“Be careful as you drive home tonight because there are sure to be patches of black ice on the highways.”
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:
- blab (verb): talk too much about unimportant things, some of which might be private matters
– She blabbed to her friends all about the accident and how it was all my fault. How embarrassing. - jump to conclusions (idiom): form an opinion without all the facts and evidence
– Hey, don’t jump to conclusions. The accident might not have been her fault. - pull into (phrasal verb): move into a spot like a parking space or driveway
– When you arrive, just pull your car into the garage. - ruin (verb): spoil or destroy something completely
– You’re going to ruin your car if you drive it like that. - be in a jam (idiom): be in a difficult situation
– I’m in a real jam because I have a date tonight, but my car broke down this afternoon? What am I going to do? - tough (adjective): difficult or unfortunate
– Not having a car right now must be really tough. How are you going to get to work without one? - awesome (adjective): very good, impressive
– That’s awesome that your parents are letting you use their car for the weekend. - count on (phrasal verb): depend on
– I can always count on my kids to drive safely. Otherwise, I wouldn’t let them use my car. - wreck (verb): completely destroy or ruin
– My father wrecked the family car last night, but fortunately, he wasn’t hurt.
Vocabulary Practice
Do the vocabulary quizzes with the words from the conversation for more practice:
Post-Listening Exercise
What are some factors or situations that lead to car accidents (for example, texting and driving)? Are there laws in your country that prohibit certain driving behaviors? What are the penalties for violating these laws?
Online Investigation
Car accidents are often a part of life, and getting the right car insurance should be part of owning a vehicle. Choose a type of car in which you are interested. Then, select two car insurance companies and compare insurance rates for each. Which company seems to provide the best coverage and the best price? Do the companies provide cheaper rates for good students? Do the rates go up for younger drivers?