General Listening Quiz

1. What names in your language are hard to say or spell? Give examples.
2. Do names in your country have special meanings?
3. Have you ever wanted to change your name? Why or why not? 

1. 1. Has anyone ever said your name the wrong way? How did you feel?
   2. Would you ever change your name? What new name would you choose?
   3. Do you think names have special meanings? What does your name mean?
   4. Is it important for teachers to learn how to say students’ names correctly? Why?
   5. Do people in your country use nicknames often? What are some examples?
   6. How do you feel when someone remembers your name?
   7. Do you think names can show something about a person’s culture?
   8. Have you ever met someone with the same name as you? What was that like?
   9. Which do you think is harder: spelling someone’s name or pronouncing it correctly? Why?

“spell it out” = to explain something very clearly
“The receptionist asked Emelia to spell it out so she could write the name correctly.”

“get it straight” = to make sure something is correct or understood
“She wanted to get it straight before printing Emelia’s registration form.”

Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)

Here are some words that appear in the recording:

• spell (verb): to say or write the letters of a word in the correct order
  – The receptionist asked Emelia to spell her name carefully.
• form (noun): a printed or digital document with spaces to fill in information
  – Emelia filled out the registration form before taking her placement test.
• double-check (verb): to look at something again to make sure it’s correct
  – The receptionist told Emelia to double-check her information before signing.

• Have you ever had someone spell your name incorrectly? How did you respond?
• Do you think unusual names make introductions more difficult? Why or why not?
• How can people politely ask others to repeat or spell their name?

Note About the Conversation: 

Emelia says, “No one asked my opinion about it,” as a joke, and the receptionist laughs. Emelia is making fun of herself and the situation. Her name has an unusual spelling. Emelia means that her parents chose her name; she didn’t. Everyone knows we don’t choose our own names, so the receptionist laughs because it’s a funny and friendly topic. He isn’t laughing at her, but with her.

It’s a way to make the conversation light and relaxed. 

Use the internet to learn about naming customs in three different countries. Answer these questions:

• How are names typically written (first name first, family name first)?
• Are there rules for spelling or pronunciation in official forms?
• Are people often asked to spell their names for official documents in these countries?
• Are there unique cultural practices when introducing yourself?