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.)?
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
III. Post-Listening Exercises
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?
Correct answers:
1. She can call family in case of an emergency. 2. 1000 free weekday minutes 3. 6 months 4. Their current car is in bad shape, and it doesn't look good. 5. money back for buying the phone
Father: Ah, so that's the catch. And why do you need a cell phone anyway?
Daughter: Dad. All my friends have one, and I can use it to call you in case the car breaks down.
Father: Ah, I don't know. There are always so many fee.
Daughter: But the monthly charge for this service is only $29.99, with 1,000 free weekday minutes nationwide, and unlimited weekend minutes. Plus, unlimited, anytime minutes for anyone using the same service.
Father: I don't know.
Daughter: And you can roll over the extra minutes to the next month instead of just losing them. What do you think of that?
Father: Yeah, but what is the term of the service agreement?
Daughter: It's only for six months.
Father: But what if you cancel early?
Daughter: Um . . . Ah, there's a cancellation fee of $200, but with . . .
Father: Two hundred bucks!
Daughter: Yeah, but you won't have to worry about me while I'm driving the new car.
Father: New car? What new car?
Daughter: The new car you're gonna buy me so I can use the cell phone. I mean, what's is gonna look like if I'm using a cell phone in our old lemon.
Father: Teenagers. What'll they think of next?
Key Vocabulary
rebate (noun): a refund of part of all of the amount paid - The company offers a fifty-dollar rebate on the purchase of a new cellphone.
catch (noun): a hidden drawback or disadvantage - So, there must be a catch to buying this cellphone. I mean, why would the company offer it for free?
in case (adverb): in the event that - Bring your phone in case we need to call for help.
fee (noun): cost, the amount of money you have to pay for something - There are always a number of fees you have to pay when buying a car.
charge (noun, also a verb): fee, the amount of money you have to pay for something or (as a verb), require
someont to pay money for a product or service - The store charged me too much for the cell phone, so I'm going to return it.
nationwide (adverb and adjective): happening around the nation or country - The cell phone company is promoting their services nationwide. - That company offers nationwide cell phone coverage.
roll over (phrasal verb): transfer or carry over - This is one of the few companies that allows you to roll over your minutes to the next month without losing them.
term (noun): period of time - Over the long term, buying a high-quality phone might make the most financial sense.
lemon (noun): a defective automobile - I bought a used car at a really good price, but it turned out to be a lemon.
IDIOMS!
"call someone up" = call "Please call me up if you aren't busy this weekend. I'll have my cellphone with me."
afreecellphone.mp3