Listening Comprehension

ESL Podcast #50

Cashing a Check

The local branch of my bank is located just a few blocks from where I live. It’s very convenient, since it has four ATMs open 24/7. Today I had to go in to make a deposit, but since I wanted to cash a check as well, I needed to go inside to talk to a teller.

Inside the bank, I got in line for the tellers. All the tellers are behind a large piece of bulletproof glass, so you have to speak up when you are talking to them. Anyway, when I got to the head of the line, the cashier said, “How may I help you?” “Well,” I said, “I’d like to deposit this payroll check into my checking account, and cash this cashier’s check.” “Certainly,” she said, “just endorse the back of both checks and put them in the tray.” “Sure. And, I can get that in small bills—10s and 20s?” I waited for her to process my checks. Then she said, “Here you are,” and counted out the cash and put it in an envelope. I said, “Thank you!” and walked away. Now that I have some money burning a hole in my pocket, I guess I better spend it!

ESL Podcast #69

Giving a Presentation

I don’t normally get stage fright, but the thought of getting up in front of my colleagues to give a presentation always gives me butterflies. But I have no choice; my boss asked me to do it, so I will.

I set up my projector and PowerPoint program on my laptop. Clearing my voice, I stood up and addressed the 10 people present at the meeting. I started off by saying, “Good afternoon. I want to thank you for inviting me to talk to you today.” I had a clicker in my hand to advance the slides. “Today I’m going to talk to you about our new product, Provasic. Please feel free to ask questions as we go along,” I said. I then flipped through the slides showing pictures of our product, and concluded by summarizing the main points of my talk with bullet points.

I finished by saying, “Thank you for your attention today. My contact information is on your handout.” Whew! I was glad that was over!

ESL Podcast #71

Opening a Bank Account

I decided to switch banks recently, and after looking at my options, I went for Mar Vista National Bank. I drove over to the bank, parked next to the drive-through teller lanes, and walked inside. I made my way to the new accounts desk, and was greeted by John, one of the customer service representatives there. I told him I wanted to open a new checking and savings account. He said he’d be happy to help me, and gave me a form to fill out with my personal information, including place of employment, home address, and so forth. I had to show him a government-issued ID and give him my Social Security number.

John asked if I wanted an interest-bearing account with overdraft protection. Technically, he said, the savings account is a money market where I can earn interest daily. The checking was free if I had direct deposit, and my checks were also free. I signed on the dotted line, gave him the minimum deposit to open the account, and thanked him for his help. I’m glad I got that out of the way. Now all I need to do is make some money to put into my accounts!

ESL Podcast #86

Asking About Jobs

Audio Index:
Slow dialog: 0:42
Explanations: 3:22
Fast dialog: 15:04

I was at the store the other day. I saw a former co-worker, Michael, across the room. He used to work at my company until he quit a few months ago to start a new job as a public relations officer at Missouri University. It’s a job he’s been working toward for years. He wasn’t happy working for a corporation and wanted to get into either a non-profit organization or a university. I wanted to see how he was doing. The truth was, I was thinking of making a move myself.

Becky: Hey, Michael. Remember me? I’m Becky. We used to work at Lekmans together.

Michael: Oh, sure. How are you? Long time, no see. How are things at Lekmans?

Becky: It’s about the same. I’ve been thinking of making a change myself. Do you mind if I ask you a few things about your job at the university?

Michael: No, not at all. Go ahead.

Becky: Well, I was wondering what the salaries are like? I mean…are they much lower than the corporate world?

Michael: Well, I can’t speak for all universities, but my salary is a definitely lower than at Lekmans. I just don’t think the salaries are comparable when you leave a major corporation.

Becky: Yeah, that’s what I thought. But, I’ve heard that the perks are better. I was wondering if that was really true.

Michael: I’d have to say yes and no on that. I don’t get a big end-of-the-year bonus like I did at Lekmans but I get to take classes for free if I want to. I’ve always wanted to get a graduate degree so I’m taking classes now to do that.

Becky: Oh, that’s great. It sounds like you’re really happy with your move.

Michael: Yeah, I guess I am. Working at a university is the really suits me.

	PODCASTS - TEXTS
Listening Comprehension
Englisch
	ESL Podcast #50 Cashing a Check The local branch of my bank is located just a few blocks from where I live. It’s very convenient, since it has four ATMs open 24/7. Today I had to go in to make a deposit, but since I wanted to cash a check as well, I needed to go inside to talk to a teller. Inside the bank, I got in line for the tellers. All the tellers are behind a large piece of bulletproof glass, so you have to speak up when you are talking to them. Anyway, when I got to the head of the line, the cashier said, “How may I help you?” “Well,” I said, “I’d like to deposit this payroll check into my checking account, and cash this cashier’s check.” “Certainly,” she said, “just endorse the back of both checks and put them in the tray.” “Sure. And, I can get that in small bills—10s and 20s?” I waited for her to process my checks. Then she said, “Here you are,” and counted out the cash and put it in an envelope. I said, “Thank you!” and walked away. Now that I have some money burning a hole in my pocket, I guess I better spend it! ESL Podcast #69 Giving a Presentation I don’t normally get stage fright, but the thought of getting up in front of my colleagues to give a presentation always gives me butterflies. But I have no choice; my boss asked me to do it, so I will. I set up my projector and PowerPoint program on my laptop. Clearing my voice, I stood up and addressed the 10 people present at the meeting. I started off by saying, “Good afternoon. I want to thank you for inviting me to talk to you today.” I had a clicker in my hand to advance the slides. “Today I’m going to talk to you about our new product, Provasic. Please feel free to ask questions as we go along,” I said. I then flipped through the slides showing pictures of our product, and concluded by summarizing the main points of my talk with bullet points. I finished by saying, “Thank you for your attention today. My contact information is on your handout.” Whew! I was glad that was over! ESL Podcast #71 Opening a Bank Account I decided to switch banks recently, and after looking at my options, I went for Mar Vista National Bank. I drove over to the bank, parked next to the drive-through teller lanes, and walked inside. I made my way to the new accounts desk, and was greeted by John, one of the customer service representatives there. I told him I wanted to open a new checking and savings account. He said he’d be happy to help me, and gave me a form to fill out with my personal information, including place of employment, home address, and so forth. I had to show him a government-issued ID and give him my Social Security number. John asked if I wanted an interest-bearing account with overdraft protection. Technically, he said, the savings account is a money market where I can earn interest daily. The checking was free if I had direct deposit, and my checks were also free. I signed on the dotted line, gave him the minimum deposit to open the account, and thanked him for his help. I’m glad I got that out of the way. Now all I need to do is make some money to put into my accounts! ESL Podcast #86 Asking About Jobs Audio Index: Slow dialog: 0:42 Explanations: 3:22 Fast dialog: 15:04 I was at the store the other day. I saw a former co-worker, Michael, across the room. He used to work at my company until he quit a few months ago to start a new job as a public relations officer at Missouri University. It’s a job he’s been working toward for years. He wasn’t happy working for a corporation and wanted to get into either a non-profit organization or a university. I wanted to see how he was doing. The truth was, I was thinking of making a move myself. Becky: Hey, Michael. Remember me? I’m Becky. We used to work at Lekmans together. Michael: Oh, sure. How are you? Long time, no see. How are things at Lekmans? Becky: It’s about the same. I’ve been thinking of making a change myself. Do you mind if I ask you a few things about your job at the university? Michael: No, not at all. Go ahead. Becky: Well, I was wondering what the salaries are like? I mean…are they much lower than the corporate world? Michael: Well, I can’t speak for all universities, but my salary is a definitely lower than at Lekmans. I just don’t think the salaries are comparable when you leave a major corporation. Becky: Yeah, that’s what I thought. But, I’ve heard that the perks are better. I was wondering if that was really true. Michael: I’d have to say yes and no on that. I don’t get a big end-of-the-year bonus like I did at Lekmans but I get to take classes for free if I want to. I’ve always wanted to get a graduate degree so I’m taking classes now to do that. Becky: Oh, that’s great. It sounds like you’re really happy with your move. Michael: Yeah, I guess I am. Working at a university is the really suits me.