Website Information

IDIOMS!
"bookworm" = a person who spends a lot of time reading

"She's a real bookworm, and she spends most of her free time reading."

"hit the books" = study very hard

"You'd better hit the books hard tonight because the final test won't be easy."

More of Randall's Favorite Learning Resources

[ Quiz Script ]
College Textbooks
I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
V. Online Investigations

Level:Topic: Type:Speakers:Length:
mediumtextbooksconversationman - woman01:51

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying new or used books for school? Do you pay for your own books or do your parents pay for them? Do you pay cash or do you buy them using a credit card?

HELPFUL TIP: Students can often save a lot of money by buying used textbooks instead of new ones. Ask a fellow student if they have the book you need, or you can sometimes buy the book online.

classmates

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.

Loading the player ...
[ What are these different audio choices? ]
[ Other Audio Options: Play RealMedia | Play Window Media ]

1. The man is selling his science book, Today's World for ___________.
A. $13
B. $30
C. $33

2. Why is the woman surprised by the price of the science book?
A. She thinks that the book is in pretty bad condition.
B. She feels that she can find the book cheaper on the Internet.
C. She says that the textbook is an old copy.

3. Which book does the woman NOT buy?
A. an English writing textbook
B. a math textbook
C. a novel

4. The man's textbook on marriage is called, Finding the Perfect _____________.
A. Friend
B. Partner
C. Someone

5. Why does the man want to study cooking?
A. He wants to learn to cook because he lives on his own.
B. He wants to major in hotel management in the future.
C. He has a friend who's taking the same class.

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 is your favorite Website for buying books? Do you think companies charge students too much for textbooks? If so, what other things can students do to save money on school books . . . besides just copying them.

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

Think of a book you want to buy. Search for it using two or more Web sites that sell new or used books. Then answer these questions:

  • How much does the book cost, new and/or used?
  • How much is shipping and handling?
  • Do you have to pay any form of sales tax, and if so, how much?
  • What is the company's return policy?
  • Can you find an online review for the company, and if so, what does it reveal about its service?

Want to Tell People About This Listening Activity?

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

Randall's Sites: Daily ESL | ESL Blog | EZSlang | Train Your Accent | Tips For Students | Hiking In Utah

Randall Davis. All rights reserved.
Read complete Terms of Use for more information.

Using This Site