There are many types of phone services today to choose from, including cellular, satellite, and even voice over IP phone services, and to make such calls, many phone cards are available. However, no matter what service you use, learning how to leave and understand phone messages is important. What questions or requests might you hear in a telephone message (e.g., "Please call me tomorrow.")

HELPFUL TIP: Having an answering machine with a clear message can help your caller know exactly what information they should record (e.g., their name, the time they called, and a short message).

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2. Listening Exercises [Top]

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

Loading the player ... [ What are these different audio choices? ]

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

1. What will take place at Bill's house tomorrow?
A. a party
B. a game
C. a dance

2. Why does Hank have to work late?
A. He has to attend a meeting.
B. He has to write a report.
C. He has to close the office.

3. Why is Hank going to visit Lisa after work?
A. because she is sick in bed
B. because he has to return something
C. because he is going to take her to Bill's house

4. Where is Hank going to get the snacks to take to Bill's house?
A. from his house
B. from the store
C. from his work

5. What time will Hank most likely arrive at Bill's house?
A. 7:00 PM
B. 8:00 PM
C. 9:00 PM

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Score =
Correct answers:

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

C. Watch Randall in this Video Lecture on how to answer the phone more successfully in any language. Take notes as you watch and then review your ideas at the end.

3. Vocabulary Activities [Top]

Review the key vocabulary from the conversation:

[ Why do these? ]

• Mixed-Up Sentence
• Multiple-Choice and Short-Answer Questions
• Sentence and Vocabulary Matching
• Text Completion Quiz
• Simple Future Tense

4. Post-Listening Exercises [Top]

A. Practice leaving a message for a friend for these situations. Use the additional words to add information to the message:

• You're sick, and you can't go to school today. (homework)
• You want your friend to pick you up after school. (5:30 P.M.)
• You have to study for a test and play tennis today. (reschedule)

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

In what ways has the Internet and technology helped us stay in contact with other people, particularly through the use of mobile phones an online phone answering services. Review two phone companies that offer products or services such as voice mail and call forwarding designed help people communicate better with each other. Then, determine the benefits of such products in terms of cost, effectiveness, and convenience.

Want to Tell People About This Listening Activity?

[ What's This? ]

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