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General Listening Quiz

“Student Loans”

Level Topic Speakers Length
Intermediate Student Loans Man – Woman 01:05

Pre-Listening Exercise

How do students go about getting a loan for college (e.g., from family, school, a bank, or other)? What expenses can such loans cover for a university student? Why are such loans needed for some people, but not for others?

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.

  • 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.

  • 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?

  • 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.

  1. Student loans are necessary for everyone who wants a college education.
  2. Students should avoid loans and only attend school they can pay for.
  3. Governments should forgive all student loan debt.
  4. Student loans encourage people to choose expensive schools unnecessarily.
  5. Taking student loans teaches financial responsibility.
  6. Student loans are unfair to low-income families.
  7. Students should prioritize their future career earnings over avoiding debt.
  8. Scholarships are more valuable than student loans for financial planning.
  9. Paying off student loans should be a top priority over other expenses.

Idioms

a walking encyclopedia” = someone who seems to know everything
My roommate would do well on a trivia game show. He’s a walking encyclopedia.”

have the right stuff” = have the needed skills to succeed
Susan has the right stuff to get into any school she chooses.”

Listening Exercise

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

Post-Listening Exercise

How do you (did you or will you) pay for your college expenses? Explain your experiences.

Online Investigation

Use the internet to answer some of these questions:

  1. What expenses do student loans cover?
  2. What are the ins and outs (good and bad points) of taking out a student loan?
  3. What are the interest rates on student loans?
  4. What other grants or scholarships are sometimes available at schools in your area?
Try More Free Listening at Dailyesl.com