Security Systems | Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab

Level:	Topic:	Speakers:	Length:
difficult	home protection	man - woman	02:16

Pre-Listening Exercise

Businesses and homes often fall victim to crime, particularly robbery and burglary, and having methods of protecting your life and property such as burglar alarms can be important. So, what are some common methods that businesses use to protect their property? How about homeowners or even yourself if you are living in an apartment or dormitory at school? In this conversation, how was the man caught?

Idioms

"get worked up" = become upset or emotional
"My mom got all worked up when she found out that someone broke into her car and stole her purse."

"keep someone on" = continue to employ someone in a job
"After the flower shop was robbed, the owner realized he didn't have enough money to keep some of the employees on for a while."

Listening Exercise

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

The man tries to rob the business by _____.

using a fake weapon

pretending to be a police officer

trying to pass a stolen check

Robber: Wait! I have a gun. Bank Teller: Where? Robber: In . . . in my pocket . . . see? Bank Teller: What? Ah, that's not a gun. That's your hand made to look like a gun.

The female bank employee tells the man that ______.

she doesn't have much money to give him

the business is closing early

she can't open the cash register

Bank Teller: Okay, but I only have a few dollars and some loose change in my register.

This conversation takes place at ______.

a bank

a hotel

a restaurant

Bank Teller: I mean, you could make more money setting up a lemonade stand outside the bank and selling each cup for twenty-five cents.

The robber's car is ______ while he is in the bank.

hauled away

hit by another vehicle

is stolen

Bank Teller: Well, I'll be. It looks like someone's car is being towed out front. [Uh, what?] Poor devil. [Oh, ahhh!] Boy, that's sure going to ruin someone's day. [Oh, man!]

What do you think happens next?

The man is arrested and taken away.

The woman complies with the robber's demands.

The robber uses his gun to escape.

Bank Teller: Alright. But I'd suggest you turn around now. Those nice police officers seem like they want to talk to you . . . or something.

Post-Listening Exercise

If you found yourself in a similar position as in the conversation (you are being robbed at home, in the street, or at work), what would you do to protect yourself and your valuables?

Online Investigation

What devices are available for purchase in your area (or that can be found online) to protect yourself against attack or intruders to your home or while you are walking in public? One example could be a loud whistle or can of mace. Find three things that can be used legally in your area for self protection. How much do they cost? How effective are they?

See Listening Script

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