Car Repairs

I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises

Level:	Topic:	Type:	Speakers:	Length:
difficult	transportation	conversation	two men	02:18

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
What are some common car problems that require special maintenance or repair?

HELPFUL TIP: Not all mechanics are the same, so shop around for a reputable company that can repair your car. Asking friends about the places they take their cars can be a good place to start.

Need a new car?

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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[ What are these different audio choices? ]

[ Other Audio Options: Play RealMedia | Play Window Media ]

1. What one possible problem was NOT mentioned about the man's car?
A. a stopped-up fuel line
B. a grimy carburetor
C. a bad accelerator

2. Why can't the car's problem be diagnosed very easily?
A. The mechanic is not available to assess the problem.
B. The car is an older model that the mechanic hasn't seen before.
C. The mechanic doesn't have the proper tools to check the problem.

3. Today, how much would labor be per hour for the car owner in this conversation?
A. $50
B. $75
C. $125

4. Why will it be so expensive for the man to get his car fixed?
A. His car will require extensive repairs that will take a lot of time.
B. Special custom-made parts must be ordered from out of town.
C. He must pay higher fees because he isn't a resident of that area.

5. What day is it in the conversation?
A. Friday
B. Saturday
C. Sunday

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]

Discuss some experiences you have had at a car repair shop. (If you have never had your car repaired, imagine what problems might come up.) Have you ever felt that you paid too much for repairs? Check around for shops that provide such services. Do they guarantee their work? What can you do if you are dissatisfied with the work? How do you find a car repair shop that you can trust and that will do a good job?

IDIOMS!

"raise cain" = get angry or annoyed

"My dad really raised cain when the mechanic didn't fix his car on time."

"bite the bullet" = prepare yourself for something unpleasant

"I think you just have to bite the bullet and have your car repaired, even if it costs a lot of money."

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