General Listening Quiz

What are some popular and traditional souvenirs that you can buy in your hometown? What is special about them? How much do they cost?

1. 1. Souvenirs are more important than photos for remembering a trip.
   2. People spend too much money on souvenirs.
   3. Handmade souvenirs are better than mass-produced ones.
   4. Buying souvenirs supports local culture and artisans.
   5. Souvenirs are unnecessary in the age of smartphones and social media.
   6. People should only buy souvenirs for themselves, not for others.
   7. Traveling without buying souvenirs is a better way to experience a place.

“talk shop” = only talk about one’s business or profession
“He’s boring to be around because he only talks shop about his job.”

“a steal” = something that is so cheap that it feels like you are stealing it
“This dress was a steal. It only cost $5.”

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

Here are some words and expressions that appear in the recording:

• souvenir (noun): an item that reminds you of a particular place that you visit
  – I bought several souvenirs during my trip for family and friends.
• be sourced (verb): be found or obtained from a particular location
  – This fish is sourced from the sea near our house.
• tailor (noun): a person who makes or fits clothes for a living
  – Do you know a tailor who can make a nice business suit?
• come on (expression): an expression to express disbelief or surprise
  – Come on. Stop telling these wild stories and tell me the truth.
• pay/charge someone an arm and a leg (verb): pay a lot of money for something
  – I paid an arm and a leg for this car. It was so expensive.
  – That company is going to charge me an arm and a leg to buy their products.
• carry on (verb): speak in an excited or uncontrollable way
  – My father carried on and on last night about his speeding ticket. He said it wasn’t fair..
• novelty (adjective): new and interesting
  – We bought several novelty gifts for our family while we were on vacation.
• done (adjective): show an activity has finished or has been completed
  – I’m done with this car. It doesn’t run at all.

What kind of souvenirs have you ever bought in the past? Did you buy them for yourself, or did you buy them for someone else?

Use the internet to find popular souvenirs for one or more of these places. What is the item? About how much does it cost? What special meaning does it have for this country?

• Peru
• Japan
• China
• Mexico
• Germany
• Italy
• India
• Egypt
• Thailand
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• (a country of your choice)