General Listening Quiz
“A Free Cell Phone”
| Level: | Topic: | Speakers: | Length: |
| difficult | cell phones | man – young woman | 1:11 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
Smartphones are now an essential part of everyday life around the world, offering far more than just voice communication. With a wide variety of mobile carriers, prepaid plans, and app-based calling options, finding an affordable mobile plan that fits your budget is easier than ever—but the choices can be overwhelming. What factors do you consider when choosing a smartphone or mobile service provider (e.g., data limits, monthly cost, network coverage, phone installment plans, or contract flexibility)?
Speak Up, Take a Stand! Instructions for Getting the Conversation Started
These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.
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In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.
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In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?
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For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and self-assess your progress.
- Smartphones have improved the way we stay connected with others.
- Texting is a better way to communicate than calling.
- People spend too much time on their phones during social gatherings.
- It’s easier to express your true feelings through a message than face-to-face.
- Smartphones have made conversations less meaningful.
- Video calls are just as personal as meeting someone in person.
- Social media apps on smartphones help people feel more connected.
- People should put their phones away during meals and conversations.
- Smartphone communication is faster, but not always clearer.
- Younger people communicate more effectively because they use smartphones more often.
Idioms
“call someone up” = call
“Please call me up if you aren’t busy this weekend. I’ll have my smartphone with me.”
“a thousand apologies” = say one is very, very sorry
“Hey, Steve. A thousand apologies for not calling you up earlier. My cellphone battery died.”
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Vocabulary Practice
Do the vocabulary quizzes with the words from the conversation for more practice:
Post-Listening Exercise
There is often debate on whether a smartphone is a need or just a want in today’s society. What is your opinion on this? A recent report shows that the amount of phones sold globally has quadrupled in the last decade. At what age is it appropriate for children or teenagers to have a phone and should they be asked to cover part of the cost, particularly for cell phone plans that cover features such as unlimited texting?
Online Investigation
Imagine you need a new mobile or smartphone and the perfect cell phone provider. Look around and find the best deal on a cell phone for your particular needs. If you are a student, price might be important if you are paying for the phone yourself. Compare the deals for different phones you know and discuss which appeals to you most. What specific features do you look for in a phone? What advertising tactics do cell phone companies use to attract customers?