| Level: | Topic: | Speakers: | Length: |
| intermediate | computer sales | two men | 02:18 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
Buying a new computer can be a fun experience, but problems can arise. What are some common computer problems that people encounter when running their machines, and what issues can cause them? When you encounter such problems, what do you do to resolve them: seek help from a friend, consult a computer store, or read a computer book or magazine?
Idioms
“sky-high” = very expensive
“Prices on laptop computers used to be sky-high, but the cost has dropped significantly over the last few years.”
“have a knack for something” = have a special or nature ability
“My younger brother has a real knack for fixing computers.”
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
What is the man’s main problem with his computer?
Caller: . . . and I think the computer’s infected with spyware and the big banana Trojan virus . . . [That’s normal.] That’s my biggest . . . that’s normal? . . . That’s my biggest concern.
The computer warranty _____.
Technical support: Okay, well, sorry to say, but your computer is no longer under warranty. [What?!] It ran out yesterday.
The conversation suggests that _______.
Phone Recording: Thank you for waiting. Your call is important to us. You are number 84 in the queue. You approximate waiting time is 2 hours, 17 minutes or whenever we get around to answering your call.
The main selling point of the second company is that _______.
Caller and Narrator: Does this experience sound familiar? Then, do what I did. If your computer is holding your hostage and you can’t get the service you deserve, then call Turbo Command, creators of the safest and most reliable computers and operating system on the planet.
What is the name of the second company?
Caller and Narrator: Does this experience sound familiar? . . . If your computer is holding your hostage and you can’t get the service you deserve, then call Turbo Command, creators of the safest and most reliable computers and operating system on the planet.
Vocabulary Practice
Do the vocabulary quizzes with the words from the conversation for more practice:
Post-Listening Exercise
What things do you look for in a new desktop or laptop computer? Using your criteria, search for a computer vendor in newspaper advertisements or magazines that sells the product you want. Be prepared to explain your reasons, including price, quality, and service, for selecting the computer and the vendor you settled on.
Online Investigation
Imagine that you need a computer or mobile device such as an iPad. Where would you find such a device online for a reasonable price? Find two online stores that sell the item and compare its price, the return policy of the company, and any reviews discussing its service. Then, decide which company would provide you the best service.
