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Listen to a conversation. Take notes on the problem presented and the possible solutions suggested.
interview – a meeting in which an employer asks questions to someone applying for a job
frequently – often
delay – to be slowed down
willing – wanting or agreeing to do something
lend – to give something to someone for a short period of time
Listening:
- Problem: The man has an interview across town but his car will not start.
- Solution 1: Take the bus.
- Advantage: It is a reliable option.
- Disadvantage: He might be delayed.
- Solution 2: Ask to borrow roommate's car.
- Advantage: He will not be late to the interview.
- Disadvantage: The owner may need the car for an emergency.
W: Having car trouble?
M: Yeah, it won't start. And I've got to get to a job interview all the way across town.
W: Oh man, that's too bad. What're you going to do?
M: I don't know.
W: I guess you could take the bus. I'm sure it'll take you wherever you need to go, The only problem with that would be the fact that it stops so frequently. It might take a while for you to get there.
M: Well, my interview's in forty minutes. I might be delayed if I took the bus. At least I know that the bus can get me there, though.
W: Well, I'd let you borrow my car if I had one. But unfortunately, I don't. But, hey, your roommate has a car, right? Why don't you ask him if he would be willing to lend you his car?
M: That's a good idea. It would definitely be faster than the bus. But what if he needs his car this afternoon? I would feel really bad if I took his car and he ended up needing it. I mean, what if he needed it for an emergency?
W: True. Either way, you had better decide quickly so you're not late to the interview.
M: Tell me about it! I don't know what I'm going to do…
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.
WITHOUT looking at the original reading passage, review your notes from the reading and listening passages. Select the information you think is important.
Look at your notes from the listening and answer the following questions in complete sentences.
- What is the problem?
- What should the man do?
- Why?
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.
