General Listening Quiz
“English Language Center”
| Level | Topic | Speakers | Length |
| Intermediate | Telephone Conversation | Man – Man | 02:07 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
What questions would you ask if you called a language program overseas to find out more about it? Think of five questions and rank them in order of importance to you. Listen carefully to the following discussion. Compare your questions to the ones asked in the conversation.
Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!
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 check your progress.
- Immersion programs are more effective than traditional classroom programs.
- Learning a language online is just as good as learning in person.
- Students should start learning a second language as early as possible.
- Language programs should focus more on speaking than grammar.
- Studying a foreign language is only useful if you travel.
- Adults learn languages more slowly than children.
- Language programs that focus on culture are more effective than those that focus on rules.
- Using movies and music is the best way to learn a language.
- Language programs are too expensive for most people.
- Learning multiple languages at once is confusing and less effective.
Idioms
“rain or shine” = no matter what the weather is like
“Rain or shine, classes will be held on Friday.”
“leave the nest” = move away from home for the first time
“For some students, coming to a foreign country can be difficult because it is the first time they have left the nest.”
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
Explain and discuss some of these topics with a partner:
- problems related to choosing a language school overseas
- the differences in studying English in your home country and learning it in another country
- the difficulties in adjusting to another educational system abroad
Online Investigation
Not all language schools are the same, and some can provide a better educational and social experience than others. Search online and find two language schools or other programs that specialize in your area of interest. Collect information on cost and fees, types of classes offered, recreational opportunities, and reputation. Summarize which school would best suit your needs.