Practice English Listening A2 Exercises – Listening to people give suggestions for using technology

A

Twenty-two percent of the population never uses the Internet.

Older people, people living in rural areas, those who are worried about privacy, and those who think the Internet isn’t necessary in their life don’t use the Internet.

B

“Net evaders” are people who ask others to send emails or browse websites for them.

“Internet dropouts” are people who once used the Internet but don’t anymore.

People may become Internet dropouts because they don’t have a computer anymore, don’t have enough time, or aren’t interested.

Transcripts

A

HOST:   We’ve all heard stories about how Internet use is growing. Today, however, we’re talking with someone who has studied people who don’t use the Internet. Let’s welcome Dr. Tom Van Cleeve to the program.

DR. VAN CLEEVE:   Thank you. It’s nice to be here.

HOST:   Thanks for coming. Now, I understand that many people still don’t use the Internet. Is that right? What can you tell us?

DR. VAN CLEEVE:   That’s right. My research has revealed that in the United States, for example, about 22 percent of the population never uses the Internet.

HOST:   And why is that?

DR. VAN CLEEVE:   Well, they tend to be older people or people living in more rural areas. But there are also those who worry about privacy, or who think that the Internet isn’t necessary in their lives. Some of these people are even proud to be independent from the online world.

HOST:   Interesting.

B

HOST:   In your new book, you mention “net evaders.” Can you explain what you mean by this?

DR. VAN CLEEVE:   Well, lots of people live with someone who browses websites, but they still don’t log on themselves. I call this group “net evaders.” I found that these people may ask a family member to send emails for them, for example, but they don’t want to do it themselves.

HOST:   I know someone like that!

DR. VAN CLEEVE:   Yes, and then there’s another group of people I call “Internet dropouts.”

HOST:   Internet dropouts! What exactly does that mean?

DR. VAN CLEEVE:   It refers to people who once used the Internet, but have stopped using it for some reason. They may not have a computer anymore, may not have enough time, or simply may not be interested.

HOST:   I see. Well, thanks very much for sharing that information with us, Dr. Van Cleeve.

Terry wants help editing a video.

Transcripts

TERRY:   Say, before you go, can you help me with something else?

RACHEL:   Sure, but I only have a minute.

TERRY:   OK, quickly, I’d like to edit a video I took. It’s too long, and I want to post it online for my friends to see.

RACHEL:   Well, I know you need to open your editing program first.

TERRY:   OK.

RACHEL:   And then … sorry, I’m not sure. Try to get the answers from the “Help” box. That’s what I always do.

A

1 video camera

2 GPS system

3 ATM card

B

1   It’s best to use a stand or lean against something solid.

     Be careful when you put in the battery.

2   Make sure to get the exact address.

     Be sure to watch the road

3   Be sure to put it in correctly.

     Remember to press “Enter.”

     Don’t forget to count your money before you walk away from the machine.

Transcripts

1

MAN:   Be sure to use a stand or try to lean against something solid when you’re filming with this. If you just hold it by hand, the picture often looks very shaky. Make sure to put in the battery carefully. If you push too hard, you can damage it.

2

WOMAN:   Type in where you are now. Then type in where you want to go. Make sure to get the exact address. Then just listen to the directions. Be sure to watch the road. You don’t want to have an accident!

3

MAN:   Be sure to put it in correctly. Then punch in your secret code. Remember to press “Enter.” And don’t forget to count your money before you walk away from the machine.