Video game systems like the Game Boy are popular among children and teenagers, but how do children obtain these systems: they receive them as gifts, they earn money and buy them, or they borrow the systems from a friend?

HELPFUL TIP: Many people enjoy playing video games in their free time. However, spending too much time playing might lead to negative physical and social effects. Try to live a balanced life, entertaining yourself in and outside of the house.

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II. Listening Exercises [Top]

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

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[ Other Audio Options: Play RealMedia | Play Window Media ]

1. Why does the father discourage his son from buying a Game Boy?
A. Using it is a simply a waste of time.
B. His son needs to play with friends instead.
C. The game system costs too much.

2. How much can the boy save a month in allowance to buy a Game Boy?
A. $1.25
B. $5.00
C. $7.50

3. What does the boy need to do to earn allowance?
A. He has to get good grades in school.
B. The boy needs to get his chores done.
C. He doesn't have to do anything.

4. What suggestion does the father give his son for making more money around the neighborhood?
A. delivering newspapers door-to-door
B. selling lemonade to people passing by
C. collecting empty cans from the trash

5. What can we infer from the ending of the conversation?
A. The father is going to help buy the Game Boy for his son.
B. The boy feels some disappointment and surprise.
C. The boy no longer wants a Game Boy.

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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? ]

• Mixed-Up Sentence
• Sentence and Vocabulary Matching

IV. Post-Listening Exercises [Top]

Playing video games is growing in popularity, but finding the right game system at the right price can be challenging. Search the Internet and compare two different game systems in terms of price, availability, variety of games, and overall playing experience. Assume that the game system will be used by an entire family with younger users as well as adults. Make recommendations based on the information you find.

V. Online Investigations - [ What's This? ] [Top]

Online gaming is becoming very popular because it allows players to participate in online games from different parts of the world. Use the Internet to do a review of an online role-playing or simulation game. In your review, discuss the objectives of the game, the number of players that can join at any one time, the intended audience (children, teens, or adults), and any cost associated with playing it.

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[ What's This? ]

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