Audio Samples and Questions - Counting the Cost

Audio Samples and Questions

Counting the Cost

1. Pre-Listening Exercise
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Use the following words to complete the sentences:
plus, minus, times, altogether, divided, multiplied, equals

a) Seventeen ___ five ___ twenty-two.

b) ___ we have collected five hundred pounds for the charity.

c) Thirty-two ___ six ___ twenty-six.

d) Eight ___ by seven ___ fifty-six.

e) One hundred ___ by ten ___ ten.

f) Four ___ three ___ twelve.

2. Script
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2. Script
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Jody: OK, put the bags in the kitchen. I want to add up what we've spent.

Hans: I think we've spent too much.

Jody: Well, it's better to have good food than to buy cheap things. And the supermarket is cheaper than the local store.

Hans: But then we have to travel further.

Jody: I still think it makes sense.

Hans: Well, let's see what we've got. Have you got the receipts?

Jody: Yes, here they are. Remember, we went to the Post Office as well. I bought a book of twelve stamps, that was three dollars fifty cents.

Hans: And we posted Ingrid's airmail letter.

Jody: Yes, that was quite expensive, two dollars forty cents.

Hans: So we need to add on five dollars ninety cents to our supermarket bill.

Jody: We bought a lot of nice things though. Look at these lovely strawberries.

Hans: How much were they?

Jody: One ninety-nine.

Hans: We bought cream to go with them. That was a bit much.

Jody: Only eighty cents for a big carton. We deserve it. We work hard.

Hans: I'll have to work even harder to stay slim!

Jody: You look great! Let's look at the receipt. The washing-powder was on special offer.

Hans: Yes, that was a bargain. Three dollars thirty-eight for that large box. The chicken was expensive, six dollars seventy-nine pence.

Jody: But it will last for three days. I can make a
lemon chicken, some curry and there will be some left over for salad. Three meals!

Hans: You're a great cook. That helps a lot.

Jody: Thanks. I like cooking. When I look at the list I think we've done quite well. Almost 20 bucks, but we've got several good meals, some treats, fruit, and things for the house.

Hans: And the frozen things will last a long time. The fish was only two dollars thirty cents.

Jody: Let's have that now. I'll cook the chicken later - after we've had the strawberries and cream!

Questions

1) Why does Jody like going to the supermarket?
a) Because it sells good food.
b) Because it is nearer.
c) Because it is cheaper than the local store.

2) Why did they add five dollars ninety cents to their supermarket bill?
a) Because Jody bought a book of stamps.
b) Because they bought a lot of nice things.
c) Because they bought a book of stamps and posted a letter.

3) Why did Jody think it was a good idea to buy the strawberries and cream?
a) Because they work hard and deserve them.
b) Because they were cheap.
c) Because her friends like strawberries.

4) Why does Jody think the chicken is good value?
a) Because she can make three meals with it.
b) Because she likes cooking.
c) Because it was cheap.

5) When will Hans and Jody eat their strawberries and cream?
a) Before they eat the fish.
b) After Jody has cooked the chicken.
c) After the fish but before cooking the chicken.

Answers

1. = "C";
2. = "C";
3. = "A";
4. = "A";
5. = "C";

Post-Listening Exercise

Make up sums of your own using the following words:
plus, minus, times, altogether, divided, multiplied, equals.

Think of items you would buy in a store and make up a bill.
Practise the numbers by writing them in words as well as figures.