LISTENING FOR OPINIONS

When discussing ideas, speakers oflen need to present different sides of an argument. To do this effectively, they use transitional phrases to distinguish belween various viewpoints. To compare different sides of an issue, a speaker might use phrases like this:

. . . but I think. . .

. . . but other people. . .

. . . but the other thing is.. .

. . . on the other hand. . .

. . . however, some people. . .

It is important to pay attention to transitional phrases so that you understand both sides of the argument as well as the opinion of the speaker.

1 Before you listen to the interview with Nina, read these incomplete excerpts. Notice that at the end of each one, Nina indicates that she is going to present another side of the issue. Think about what she might say.

1 It’s fun to spend hours a day surfing the net, investigating something that interests you, but…

2 It’s wonderful on one hand to have the Internet at your disposal, but. . .

3 You get to discuss books with your friends, to share the ideas with others, but. . .

4 I know a little bit about the Internet, but. . .

5 I really like e-mail, but. . .

6 Computers might be great for writing and editing things, and everything looks great and all that, but. . .

Listen to Kina describe her feelings about computers and the Internet. As you listen, take notes about the opinions she expresses after each of the excerpts in step 1. Then compare your answers with a partner.

INTERVIEW WITH KELLY: The benefits of computers and the Internet

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

Letters make better keepsakes: small objects that you keep because they remind you of someone or some event

E-mail is just so much more convenient: easier

for more extended interaction: longer conversations

I have IM (Instant Messaging) configured: set up on a computer

once vour get over your initial fear: first, preliminaiy

just fiddling around with them and testing things out: using them to leant what they are like

My generation is hooked on the Internet: addicted to It makes a lot of things accessible: available

All of my syllabi for my classes are online: plural of "syllabus” (Latin)

The Internet could increase the disparities between different classes: differences / levels of society

Or maybe technology just illuminates existing disparities: highlights, points out