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Listen to a conversation. Take notes on the problem presented and the possible solutions suggested.
ball – a formal dance
fund – to provide money
back out – to decide not to do something
costume – clothes worn to make you look like someone or something else
notice – an early warning that something is going to happen
Listening:
- Problem: The school dance has lost funding.
- Solution 1: Cancel dance right away.
- Advantage: Let people know early if dance must be canceled.
- Disadvantage: That would disappoint a lot of people.
- Solution 2: Look for funding elsewhere.
- Advantage: Do not have to disappoint everyone.
- Disadvantage: Hard work for the organizer to find funding elsewhere.
M: Hey, Martha, how's the planning going for the Halloween Ball?
W: Terrible! I just got an e-mail from the Martial Arts Club. They were going to fund the dance and even do a live performance. But now they're backing out at the last minute.
M: Really? That's awful. Do you know why?
W: Yeah, they don't have enough money after all, which is too bad because I've put all this time and effort into organizing the dance. So now I'm not sure what to do.
M: Well, I guess you could cancel it. But I know that would disappoint a lot of people. My friends and I already made costumes. We're going to be pirates.
W: That's awesome! I wish I didn't have to cancel it, but I don't see any other option. I mean, I'm not going to spend my own money on a school dance.
M: True. But there's gotta be another way. What if you searched around to see if some other organization will sponsor it?
W: I guess I could call around. But it is going to be really hard to find someone on such short notice ... and the longer I wait to cancel it, the more people are going to be in your situation-costumes made and everything.
M: Right. Well, I'm sure you'll figure something out. Let me know if I can help.
W: Thanks. I appreciate that.
Read and think about the prompt below.
The students discuss two possible solutions to the woman's problem. Describe the problem. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why.
Look at your notes from the listening and answer the following questions in complete sentences.
- What is the problem?
- What should the woman do?
- Why?
Try to fill in the blanks of the sample response below using your notes.
Now listen to a sample response. How does it differ from your response above? Write down any differences in information or phrasing.
Listen again and repeat after the response during the intervals. Pay close attention to pronunciation, intonation, and word stress.
WITHOUT looking at the written sample response, make quick notes on your own response using your notes on the reading and the listening only.
Notes for the Response
Now give your own spoken response to the prompt. Try to incorporate useful expressions you remember from the sample, while also paying attention to your pronunciation and intonation. Record your time.
