School Report

I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises

Level:	Topic:	Type:	Speakers:	Length:
difficult	education	conversation	man - girl	01:24

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
How are school grades determined at different levels of education in your country (e.g., test, quizzes, reports, participation, etc.)? How are grades listed on report cards? In the USA, letters are often used to indicate performance (A, A-, B+, etc.).

HELPFUL TIP: Many students in the US take the SAT and/or the ACT tests as a part of gaining entrance to colleges and universities. Try taking such tests several times so you get a feel for how they are written if the school are considering require such tests.

mother and child

II. Listening Exercises [Top]

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

Media Player

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

1. Based on the girl's statements, how would you describe her English teacher?
A. irritable
B. fascinating
C. considerate

2. How does she feel about her Spanish class?
A. She finds that the exams are quite confusing.
B. She says that the assignments require too much time.
C. She feels the teacher doesn't spend enough time explaining verbs.

3. How is she doing in her algebra class?
A. She is getting excellent grades.
B. She is doing average work.
C. She is failing the class.

4. Why does the girl like her history class?
A. The teacher gives easy questions on tests.
B. The teacher rewards students who can handle his questions.
C. The teacher gives candy to all of the students.

5. What does the girl have to do after she returns from the movie.
A. She has to finish her algebra homework.
B. She must read her history book.
C. She needs to practice her instrument.

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 was the hardest class you took in high school? What made the class difficult? What are the keys to passing exams? In your country, what percentage do you need to pass a class? Do teachers allow you to retake tests if you fail them because of poor performance or even cheating?

Please write your opinions on a similar topic at Randall's ESL Blog HERE.

IDIOMS!

"hand in" = turn in or give an assignment to a teacher

"Don't forget to hand in your homework at the end of class."

"at the end of your rope" = no longer have the ability or patience to do something

"To be honest, I'm at the end of my rope. I've told these students repeatedly not to copy their assignments, but they don't listen. I guess I'll have to fail them."

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