A Free Cell Phone!

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IDIOMS!

"call someone up" = call
"Please call me up if you aren't busy this weekend. I'll have my cellphone with me."
"a thousand apologies" = say one is very, very sorry
"Hey, Steve. A thousand apologies for not calling you up earlier. My cellphone battery died."

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[ Quiz Script | Text Completion ]

A Free Cell Phone!

I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
V. Online Investigations

Level:	Topic:	Type:	Speakers:	Length:
difficult	cell phones	conversation	man - young woman	1:11

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
Cell phones, or mobile phones, are becoming more popular around the world as a preferred form of communication, but can you find a cheap calling plan that will fit your budget? What do you look for when deciding on a cell phone or a phone carrier (e.g., cost of phone, number of minutes a month, cancellation fees, etc.)?

HELPFUL TIP: Cell phones are now a part of everyday life. Be sure to compare phone plans before you make a long-term commitment; otherwise, you might be paying for a long time.

cellphone

II. Listening Exercises [Top]

Listen to the conversation by pressing the "Play Audio" button and answer the questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.

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1. What reason does the girl give for needing a cellphone?
A. She can use it to check her email.
B. She can call family in case of an emergency.
C. She can make cheaper long-distance calls with it.

2.What is one major feature of the calling plan?
A. 1000 anytime minutes
B. unlimited weekday minutes
C. 1000 free weekday minutes

3. What is the term of service for this plan?
A. 3 months
B. 6 months
C. 9 months

4. Why does the girl suggest that her father buy a new car too?
A. Their current car is in bad shape, and it doesn't look good.
B. The cellphone's power supply won't work in an older car.
C. Their car isn't big enough to ride in with all her friends.

5. What do customers receive when they purchase the cellphone mentioned in the conversation?
A. a cellphone adapter for the car
B. money back for buying the phone
C. other cellphone accessories

Score =
Correct answers:

Listen to the conversation again as you read the Quiz Script.

III. Vocabulary Activities [Top]

Review the key vocabulary from the conversation: [ Why do these? ]

IV. Post-Listening Exercises [Top]

There is often debate on whether a cell phone is a need or just a want in today's society. What is your opinion on this? At what age is it appropriate for children or teenagers to have a phone and should they be asked to cover part of the cost, particularly for cell phone plans that cover features such as unlimited texting?

V. Online Investigations - [ What's This? ] [Top]
Imagine you need a new mobile or cell phone. Look around and find the best deal on a cell phone for your particular needs. If you are a student, price might be important if you are paying for the phone yourself. Compare the deals for different companies you know and discuss which appeals to you most. What specific features do you look for in a phone? What advertising tactics do cell phone companies use to attract customers?

Please write your opinions on a related topic at Randall's ESL Blog HERE.

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