AMERICAN VOICES: Eddie, Leslie, Ralph, Vanessa

Felix, and Richard

In this section you will hear six people of different ages give their opinions about the positive and negative effects of various forms of media.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEWS

PERSONALIZING THE TOPIC

1 Work with a partner and read the following positive and negative effects of the media. Discuss each effect and find an example that you and your partner agree about. Write the examples in the blanks.

Positive effects Example

Keeps the user well informed NewCpape-K tell t/C tvhah к happe-ning in #ie – world

Is entertaining

Is a good use of time

Is a good form of communication __

Allows users to share opinions _________________________________________

(Other positive effect)

Negative effects Example

Causes users to waste time

Encourages violence

Has too much advertising______________________________

Encourages people to think alike

(Other negative effect)

Now look at the forms of media below. Choose three. Explain to your partner the positive and negative effects each one has on you.

• Television • Video games • Magazines • Internet

• Telephone • Newspapers • Movies • Other?

INTERVIEW WITH EDDIE, LESLIE, AND RALPH:

Opinions about media

Here are some words and phrases from the interview with Eddie, Leslie, and Ralph printed in bold and given in the context in which you will hear them. They are followed by definitions.

Eddie

maybe a wasteful effect: something that makes you use time badly Video games restrict the things kids do: limit

Do big kids know the difference between fantasy and reality: something in your imagination, not real

The reason is not because they’ll make you deranged: crazy, mentally disturbed Violent games. . . just make Lhe kid a little bit more antisocial: less friendly Leslie

I used to think they were just trendy: the latest fashion a status symbol thing: sign of being rich or important She is able to keep tabs on us: know where we are Ralph

You’ve got to keep an eye on the movies your children watch: pay attention to You’ve got to check out the program: become familiar with

Q LISTENING FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Work with a partner. Read the descriptions of the people who were interviewed in the left column. Then listen to parts of their interviews. Write the form of media they are discussing in the right column.

Person Type of media

Eddie is 15 years old. He is interested in sports, music, and traveling.

Leslie is 24 years old. She is currently studying

to become a teacher.

Ralph is 40 years old. He is a plumber and

electrician.

Now listen to the entire interview with these three people. As you listen, take notes on the positive and negative effects of the form of media each person is discussing. Write your notes in the chart on page 86.

З і Compare your notes with your partner.

INTERVIEW WITH VANESSA, FELIX, AND RICHARD:

Opinions about media

Here are some words and phrases from the interview with Vanessa, Felix, and Richard printed in bold and given in the context in which you will hear them. They are followed by definitions.

Vanessa

It’s completely drained of all real information: without, empty of

[News is influenced by] the corporate and political interests: powerful corporations and political groups

The news is totally manipulated: controlled

anything that is not prepackaged: prepared in advance

Felix

Sports give you a lot of character: good qualities

I like a good whodunit: mystery movie (from the words “Who done it?")

Parents are the nucleus of the family: center

Especially when the kids are in their formative years: young age when good or had qualities are developed Richard

You have to look at the trade-off: disadvantages 1 link up with people: communicate