2 FOCUS ON LISTENING

LISTENING ONE The Music in My Head

VOCABULARY

1 Read and listen to a radio call-in show about genius. Notice the boldfaced words and
phrases. Try to guess their meanings.

TRANSCRIPT
Host: Hello, everyone. Today we have a great subject to talk about: genius—what it is and
where it comes from. I’m sure all our listeners have heard of child prodigies—people who
display incredible abilities when they are very young. Let’s begin by taking your calls on
this interesting topic. First, we have Alana from New York.
Alana: Hi. My husband and I have always been fascinated by this subject, but right now,
I’m calling about our son Mike. He’s only ten years old, but he can do all kinds of
mathematical calculations at the speed of light. For example, we’ll show him a rule from
my college textbook that is completely unfamiliar to him—square roots of large numbers,
for example—and he gets it immediately. Is he a prodigy?
Host: I’m not too sure, but Mike certainly sounds interested in math. Does he ever make
mistakes?
Alana: Well, sure, sometimes. But then he goes back to revise the answers he gets wrong.
And he enjoys doing calculations. He has a lot of confidence in his own abilities.
Host: That’s terrific. Whether he’s a prodigy or not, I think you should definitely
encourage his interest. Thanks for calling. Next, we have Steve from Chicago.
Steve: Hello? Yes, well, I’d like to know where talented young children get their abilities.
Host: You know, we’re not really sure. Even the most renowned scientists don’t
agree on why a few children become prodigies. Some young children become skilled
in something like math, music, or chess before our very eyes. They don’t have any
training, and, most of the time, they’re completely unconscious of their abilities. It’s
just the way they are. For example, Mozart started composing when he was five. It
was instinctive, almost involuntary. And perhaps you’ve heard about Akrit Jaswal,
the young Indian boy who performed surgery at the age of seven. Now, he really
was a prodigy, as far as I’m concerned. OK. Our next caller is Samir, from Dallas.
Samir: Hi. I wanted to point out that all children have a lot of potential. That’s an
objective fact.
Host: Yes, you’re right—and we certainly want to encourage all children to do their
best. But personally, I do think that some individuals are a bit different. They seem to
be born with some kind of underlying talent. Let’s take a break now. When we return,
we’ll be talking about how parents should handle their children’s talents.

4 UNIT 1
 LISTEN

1 Listen to the whole report. Create a chart like the one below to take notes.

TAKE NOTES The Music in My Head

Main Ideas Details

Reporter:
Jay Greenberg = musical - studies at Juilliard
prodigy
- is greatest talent in 200 yrs
- has written 5 full-length symphonies
- is 12 yrs old

2 Compare your notes with a partner’s. How can you improve your notes?

Go to MyEnglishLab to view example notes.

MAIN IDEAS

Answer the questions. Use your notes to help you.

1. What does Jay’s teacher Sam Zyman say about Jay’s talent?

2. What does Jay say about how he creates compositions?

3. What role have Jay’s parents played in the development of his talent?

4. Why doesn’t Jay go back and revise his work?

6 UNIT 1
COMPREHENSION

You will hear an interview with Dr. Gráinne McLoughlin, a

scientist who specializes in the study of twins.

1 Listen to the interview. Create a chart like the one

below to take notes. Try to list the examples and
explanations with bullets or dashes as you take notes.

TAKE NOTES What Makes a Prodigy?

Main Ideas Details

2 Use your notes to answer the questions.

1. According to Dr. McLoughlin, how common are prodigies?

2. What special techniques do scientists use to study prodigies?

3. How are prodigies different from other people?

4. Dr. McLoughlin says, “The study of twins has allowed us to understand the influence of
nature and nurture on many different behaviors and abilities.” What does she mean?

5. Dr. McLoughlin says, “A great deal of research has been USE YOUR NOTES
done . . . But the results are often inconclusive.” What
does she mean? Compare your notes with
a partner’s. How can you
improve your notes next time?

6. What is the smart seventeen-year-old boy who graduated from Cambridge University an
example of?

7. Why does Dr. McLoughlin talk about Tiger Woods?

8. What does Dr. McLoughlin conclude about whether geniuses are born or made?

Exploring Genius 11
2 Read and listen to a podcast. Complete the transcript with the boldfaced words and
phrases from page 30. Use the correct form.

PODCAST H OST: Hi, podcast listeners. Well, we asked you, our listeners, to call in and describe a person you
admire—a person who has overcome an obstacle. Here are a few of the calls we received.

VOICE MESSAGE 1: As far as I’m concerned, my father is a hero. A few years ago, he had a terrible car
accident, and the doctors gave him a scary ____________________: They told him he had severely
1.
damaged his spinal cord and would never walk again. My family was ____________________ by the
2.
news, but, you know, my father was determined to get back on his feet. He said he wasn’t going to give
up—he was going to ____________________. And he did! Now, he’s able to get around on his own. He’s
3.
made great progress physically, but for me his achievements ____________________ that. He’s also
4.
become an inspiration to me because he’s shown me how to face obstacles in life.

VOICE MESSAGE 2: I want to talk about Helen Keller. She’s an historical figure I
really admire. Helen became blind and deaf when she was a baby, and
everyone had so many ____________________ about her—including her
5.
family! They thought she lived in a world of her own and that there was no
hope for her future. But Helen was not a(n) ____________________ person.
6.
Not only did she learn to communicate, but she also became a world-famous
speaker and author. And she even earned a BA along the way. In 2003, her
portrait was put on a special Alabama state quarter, and it’s beautiful. It really
___________________! Sadly, some people have __________________
7. 8. Helen Keller
ideas about the disabled, but Helen Keller is an incredible example that
disproves many of them.

VOICE MESSAGE 3: I admire Mahatma Gandhi. He overcame difficulties of his own and helped other people
overcome a lot of ____________________ in their lives. He supported the poorest people in his country.
9.
His enemies made several attempts to kill him, and, in 1948, someone was successful. Gandhi was fatally
shot as he was about to make a speech, and ____________________ . After his death, there was an
10.
outpouring of grief across India. He was against violence, saying that “An eye for an eye only ends up
making the whole world blind.” His example is what ____________________ when I get depressed
11.
about world events.

Go to the Pearson Practice English App or MyEnglishLab for more vocabulary practice.

Pushing the Boundaries 31

 PREVIEW

You will hear a report about artist Carol Saylor.

Think about the title of the listening (Artist Opens

Others’ Eyes) and the title of this unit (Pushing the
Boundaries). What disability do you think you might
hear about? Then listen to an excerpt from the report.
Circle the correct answers.
1. Carol Saylor is . 2. She sounds .
a. a painter a. devastated
b. a sculptor b. hopeful
c. a musician c. angry
Carol Saylor

LISTEN

1 Listen to the whole report. Create a chart like the one below to take notes.

TAKE NOTES Artist Opens Others’ Eyes

Main Ideas Details

Carol Saylor: • 73 yrs old
Blind and deaf artist • art teacher, sculptor

2 Compare your notes with a partner’s. How can you improve your notes?

Go to MyEnglishLab to view example notes.

MAIN IDEAS

Circle the correct answers. Use your notes to help you.

1. According to Saylor, what do most sighted people think about blind people?
a. They understand their difficulties.
b. They have incorrect ideas about them.
c. They are sympathetic to them.
2. Many student groups visit Saylor’s studio. What does Saylor mainly want to teach them?
a. how to make sculptures
b. how to work with clay
c. how to use their imagination
3. How do these students respond to Saylor?
a. They are impressed by her work.
b. They are confused about her methods.
c. They are afraid of blindness.

32 UNIT 2
 Excerpt Two:

Main idea:

Details:
- mental fitness as important as
- helps in difficult situations—examples:

Go to MyEnglishLab for more note-taking practice.

COMPREHENSION
You will hear an interview with a young athlete who was inspired by athlete Ryan Chalmers and his
extraordinary achievements.

1 Listen to the interview. Create a chart like the one below to take notes. Try to identify
key words as you take notes.

TAKE NOTES An Athlete’s Inspiring Journey

Main Ideas Details

Ryan Chalmers (left) with supporter

at fundraiser in New York City

36 UNIT 2
 2 FOCUS ON LISTENING

LISTENING ONE Who’s Smart?

VOCABULARY

1 Read and listen to a lecture from an introductory course on animal intelligence. Notice
the boldfaced words and phrases. Try to guess their meanings.

TRANSCRIPT

HOST: Welcome to this month’s guest lecture. This morning I’m pleased to introduce Dr.
Addison Shanks, visiting scholar from Johnson University. So, without further delay, I’ll
give the floor to Professor Shanks.
DR. SHANKS : Thank you. Good to be here. Today we’ll consider whether animals are “intelligent” in
the same ways that humans are. Let me begin by asking you how we know humans
are intelligent. Off the top of your head, would you say it’s because we invent
language, or use tools? Is it because we can transfer knowledge we learn in one
context to another context? Are we intelligent because we can deceive and
intentionally trick others? Or is it because we empathize with others, understanding
how they feel? Are other animals capable of these things as well? Let’s consider some
recent research.
First, humans are conscious beings. When we look into a mirror, for example, we
know we are seeing our own image. What about other animals? If you show a chimp
his own reflection in a mirror, one might assume that he thinks he’s looking at another
chimp. But is it true that he just doesn’t get it? Or would the chimp understand he’s
looking at himself? Apparently, he would. When some apes look into a mirror for the
first time, their reaction is spontaneous: They examine their teeth. In some studies,
researchers put paint on the faces of sleeping chimps. After waking, the chimps used
a mirror to get the paint off. This shows awareness, or knowledge, of self. Dolphins
and elephants have also demonstrated self-awareness: They look into mirrors to
examine themselves after researchers place marks or objects on their heads.

82 UNIT 4
LISTEN

1 Listen to the whole interview. Create a chart like the one below to take notes.

TAKE NOTES Who’s Smart?

Main Ideas Details

Dr. Boysen:
Chimp Sara can show – ~ 40 yrs old
compassion, leads Abigail
– new chimp, pet ~ 20 yrs = Abigail – difficulty getting around; retinal
around
damage from diabetes
– Sara was not socialized w/chimps, but helps Abigail

2 Compare your notes with a partner’s. How can you improve your notes?

Go to MyEnglishLab to view example notes.

MAIN IDEAS

What does each animal do? Check (✓) the correct pictures. Use your notes to help you.
1.

2.

3.

Animal Intelligence 85
 COMPREHENSION

Scientists have added to our knowledge of large-ape and bird intelligence. You will hear a podcast
interview with Liz Pennisi, a writer for Science magazine who discusses some new research on
animal cognition.

1 Listen to the interview. Create a chart like the one below to take notes. Try to avoid
non-essential words as you take notes.

TAKE NOTES What Motivates Animals?

Main Ideas Details

2 Use your notes to answer the questions. Check (✓) Yes or No.
The speakers say that apes and / or birds can . . . Yes No
1. understand when someone is watching.
2. manipulate someone to get what they want.
3. operate robots. USE YOUR NOTES
4. teach their offspring what they’ve learned.
Compare your notes with
5. remember. a partner’s. How can you
improve your notes next time?
6. create works of art.
7. plan.
8. anticipate the future.
9. judge what someone else might be doing.
10. deceive others who might steal their food.

a scrub jay hiding food

90 UNIT 4
 EXPAND

1 Work with a partner. Read and listen to a radio talk show. The host and guest are
answering calls. Notice the boldfaced words and phrases.

HOST: Our guest today is Dr. Lara Ruiz, an expert on animal behavior. Welcome, Dr. Ruiz. I’ve asked our
listeners to call in to tell us their stories of smart animals or animals that cause problems. We have
calls from all over. Yes, hello, Dodie. You’re on the air.
DODIE: Hi, I’m calling about smart squirrels. I have a bird feeder next to my house, and no matter what I do,
squirrels always get the food. They climb right up the pole. They’re such a nuisance! I put oil on the
pole, but the squirrels somehow figured out a solution. And, also, raccoons are getting into my
garbage can. They open the lid with their little hands . . .
HOST: Sorry to butt in here, Dodie, but I want to stick to one question at a time and get you some answers.
Dr. Ruiz, what about Dodie’s squirrel problem?
DR. RUIZ: Squirrels enjoy a challenge and are clever at getting food. However, you can anticipate what they’ll
do. They might be getting at your feeder by jumping from above, so try moving it away from the
house and trees. See if that helps.
HOST: Thanks for calling, Dodie. OK, Janek . . . Janek? Are you there? You have the floor.
JANEK: Yes, hello. I’m calling about problems with deer, which are not very intelligent animals. I make a
living selling garden plants, but deer jump my fence at night and eat everything. It’s costing me a
fortune. What’s more, they’re dangerous.
HOST: Dangerous? What do you mean?
JANEK: Deer often run into the street and cause car accidents. I like animals as much as the next person,
but at some point we have to admit that humans are more, well, superior to animals. Deer are not
endangered animals. We just have to get rid of them if they become problems.
HOST: You mean kill them? Some people might think killing them is pushing the envelope a bit, no?
Callers, what do you think? The phone lines are already ringing. Alicia, you’re on.
ALICIA: Hi. I just heard your last caller, and I take issue with his cruel solution to the deer problem. Animals
are helpless next to humans, so it’s our responsibility to protect them, not kill them because they’re
in our way. The humane thing to do is stop thinking that wild animals are a nuisance, and learn to
live with them.
HOST: Dr. Ruiz, would you like to weigh in here?
DR. RUIZ: Both callers have good points. We have to allow for human activity, but we also want to be ethical
in our treatment of animals. And we want to preserve what we can of the natural world for our
children, of course.
HOST: OK, time for one last caller. Kendall, you’re on the air.
KENDALL: There’s a really smart cat on my local news and on YouTube. He’s called
the “Cat Burglar” because he sneaks out at night and steals from
neighbors. He’s on videos taking bathing suits, shoes, toys, all kinds
of things, and delivering them to his embarrassed owners. They
have tried to put a stop to his bad behavior, but they can’t keep
him in the house all the time. He’s taken hundreds of items!
DR. RUIZ: Intriguing case! I’d like to figure out his motivation.
HOST: Maybe he’s just having fun! At any rate, we’re out of time for
today. So thanks for joining us today, Dr. Ruiz!

94 UNIT 4
 2 FOCUS ON LISTENING

LISTENING ONE The Longevity Project

VOCABULARY

1 Read and listen to a podcast about staying active. Notice the boldfaced words and
phrases. Try to guess their meanings.

TRANSCRIPT
HOST RAUL RASHID: Thanks for joining me today, Elena and Marco. You both live alone and are
independent, healthy, and seemingly happy. I want to delve into your secret for
living long and healthy lives. There have been some scientific breakthroughs
recently regarding living long and healthy lives. One finding is that we need to
stay active. Do you agree?
E LENA: I absolutely agree. Of course, I’m seventy-eight now and I’ve had to slow down a
lot over the years, but I’m pretty active. I stretch and walk a mile every day, take a
weekly yoga class, and play basketball every Monday.
RR: Basketball? That seems like vigorous exercise for someone who is slowing down.
E LENA: Well, we play a little slowly. But to stay healthy, I have to make a plan and stick
to it, even if I feel a little stiff at first. I always feel better later.
RR: Marco, what about you?
MARCO: No basketball for me. In fact, I don’t do planned exercise or take classes. But I’m
pretty conscientious about staying active. I live in the city and enjoy walking
everywhere I can. That adds up to a few miles every day.
RR: OK, so you’re both persistent about keeping active. And you certainly look fit.
Do you follow strict diets?
MARCO: Not at all. I’m eighty-three years old and never
have. I eat out a lot and eat whatever I want. If I
kept up with all the news about health, I’d get
overwhelmed and give up anyway. I eat what
I please, just in moderation. I do try to keep my
weight down.
ELENA: I try to keep the pounds off, too. I
just feel better at my proper weight.
RR: I understand you two have been
friends for three decades.
ELENA: Thirty-four years, actually. We meet
every so often for dinner or a show
or something with a group of
friends. I do need my alone time,
but I also see friends regularly.
Some I travel with, too.
MARCO: Yes, so do I.

108 UNIT 5
NOTE-TAKING SKILL

Taking Notes with Diagrams

Taking notes in a diagram, such as a flowchart or mind map, can help you understand the
relationship between ideas, including chronological order and cause-and-effect. Diagrams can also
help you review your notes quickly.
When using a diagram to take notes,
• use shapes (squares, circles) to help you categorize certain kinds of information.
• use arrows to show the order of and relationships between ideas.
• listen for signals.

Order Signals Cause-and-Effect Signals

First, As a result,
At the time, Because . . .
After . . . , so . . .
After that, When . . .
When . . .
Then
Next,

Example

You hear: After my mother died, I decided to study to be a physician’s assistant. I got my
certificate, and then I took a position at a senior living facility.
You write: mother died ➞ became a PA ➞ got job working w/seniors

Listen to a woman tell a story about her parents. Complete the diagram with main ideas
and details. Also, write the order and cause-and-effect signal words you hear.

Father Parents decided Plans to go to

wanted to to go to Went to Cambodia and
travel
1. _________ 3. _________: 6. _________ 9. _________
but couldn't When loved it 5. _________ and Uruguay 8. _________
father (order) (order)
retired

daughter
because
2. _________ working there, 7. _________ 10. ________
(cause) (effect) (cause)
had little 4. _________ have become countryside is
vacation (cause) more interested spectacular
invited them in traveling

Go to MyEnglishLab for more note-taking practice.

The Golden Years 115

 COMPREHENSION

You will hear a report about a woman in her sixties who helps seniors who are less knowledgeable
about modern technology.

1 Listen to the report. Create a flowchart like the one below to take notes. Try to listen
for signal words and add to the chart as you take notes.

TAKE NOTES Tobey Dichter, Generations Online

2 Use your notes to answer the questions. Circle the correct answers.
1. Tobey Dichter started the program in .
a. places where seniors live and get together
b. homes where families meet
c. hospitals and healthcare centers
2. Dichter knew older people could be witty, wise, and cool. She learned this from .
a. her grandmother
b. her mother
c. her neighbor
3. Before Dichter left her life-long career, she .
a. wasn’t happy with her job
b. sometimes thought about helping older people
c. never thought of starting this kind of project
4. Dorothy Gray had .
a. a difficult time learning to use computers
b. little trouble learning to use computers
c. her own computer
5. One motivation for learning about computers that seniors in the report mention is .
a. to shop and bank online
b. to be more independent
c. to email their families
6. Dichter’s project . USE YOUR NOTES
a. has changed her a lot Compare your notes with
a partner’s. How can you
b. requires a lot of work
improve your notes next time?
c. is successful for every individual she teaches

116 UNIT 5
 2 FOCUS ON LISTENING

LISTENING ONE Why We Give

VOCABULARY

1 Read and listen to an article about philanthropists. Notice the boldfaced words. Try to
guess their meanings.

Pay It Forward *

Bill and Melinda Gates

For Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, giving to others is a personal
requirement. Believing that every life has equal value, he and his
wife created the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, an organization
that provides financial assistance to improve health care, reduce
poverty, expand educational opportunities, and provide access to
information. This powerful foundation places special emphasis on
developing countries. It is also involved in granting money to other
Bill and Melinda Gates organizations that act in response to human needs and are
committed to improving living conditions the world over.

Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett is a gifted financial investor and money manager.
As a result, he is one of the wealthiest men in the world, but he
believes that children should not inherit too much money. So
Buffett gave each of his children a gift of $600 million to be used
for charity. He also made it clear: If the children ran into financial
difficulties and asked him for a loan, he would give them a
definitive answer: no.

Warren Buffett Some people might think that Buffett’s position is debatable.
However, his children are thankful. His son Peter and his wife
have established their own foundation called NoVo, a nonprofit
organization dedicated to empowering women and girls around
the world. Warren Buffett is also a notable philanthropist, having pledged to give away 99 percent of his
fortune to philanthropic causes, primarily via the Gates Foundation.

* pay it forward: respond to someone’s kindness by

being kind to someone else

134 UNIT 6
 PREVIEW

You will hear a radio interview by Alex Goodwin, host of the

program The Infinite Mind. He speaks with Stacy Palmer, editor
of the Chronicle of Philanthropy, a highly regarded publication
for people interested in the world of philanthropy.

How many people volunteer time or donate money

to causes? Check (✓) your predictions. Then listen to an
excerpt from the interview to check your prediction.
1. Percentage of Americans who volunteer their time:
25 percent 50 percent 75 percent
2. Percentage of Americans who donate money to others:
25 percent 50 percent 75 percent

LISTEN

1 Listen to the whole interview. Create a chart like the

one below to take notes.

TAKE NOTES Why We Give

Main Ideas Details

What Americans give:
Time ½ give time
$ 75% give $

2 Compare your notes with a partner’s. How can you improve your notes?

Go to MyEnglishLab to view example notes.

MAIN IDEAS

Check (✓) the reasons people give their time or money according to the interview. Use your
notes to help you.
passion for a cause moral or religious beliefs
tax benefits family tradition
a desire to repay someone for something legal requirements
the need to feel useful school requirements

136 UNIT 6
 NOTE-TAKING SKILL

Annotating Your Notes

Taking good notes as you listen is important. But it is just the first step. Reviewing and adding to
your notes soon after you’ve taken them is equally important. Annotating will not only help you
recall what you have heard but also make the ideas clearer.
Ways to review and add to your notes:
• Highlight or circle important information.
• Draw arrows to connect related ideas.
• Cross out unimportant information.
• Add your own questions.
• Add your own examples.
Example

You hear: Each year, the woman donates a quarter of her income, which comes from
various sources.
You write: Donates 1/4 of income / yr – from various sources

Your annotation: Donates 1/4 of income / yr – from various sources = how much $?

Read the notes (in light blue) and annotations (in dark blue). Then listen to an excerpt
from a report about donating. Improve the notes with your own annotations.

Main Ideas Details

People inspired to give $ at holidays - ½ all charitable donations:
Thanksgiving New Year’s
Ex: orgs collect $ outside stores, etc.

Q: Do other countries see - guerilla philanthropist = gives

increase around holidays? year-round, in unusual way

Go to MyEnglishLab for more note-taking practice.

140 UNIT 6
COMPREHENSION

You will hear a radio report about a mystery donor, who explains how and why she gives money to
others anonymously.

1 Listen to the report. Create a chart like the one below to take notes. Try to improve
your notes with annotations after you take notes.

TAKE NOTES The Mystery Donor

Main Ideas Details

2 Use your notes to answer the questions. Circle the correct answers.
1. The Mystery Donor started giving to charity because she .
a. needed to find meaning in her life
b. had access to more money than she needed
c. was encouraged to donate money
2. She donates of her income every year.
a. 10 percent
b. 25 percent
c. 50 percent
3. She gives anonymously because she is .
a. worried people will think she didn’t give enough
b. embarrassed about how much money she has
c. unwilling to change her relationship with the receivers
4. One motivation she has for giving to single mothers is that she .
a. was the child of a single mother
b. was a poor single mother herself for a while
c. is most interested in children’s causes
5. Philanthropists like the Mystery Donor large foundations.
a. push their political beliefs on USE YOUR NOTES
b. give most of their donations to
Compare your notes with
c. are more flexible and responsive givers than a partner’s. How can you
improve your notes next time?
6. The Mystery Donor if the donation was received.
a. calls to see
b. doesn’t ask
c. is always told

Giving to Others: Why Do We Do It? 141

 LISTEN

1 Listen to the whole interview. Create a chart like the one below to take notes.

TAKE NOTES Water Shortage: Past the Tipping Point?

Main Ideas Details

New studies: Aquifers in danger – 21 of 37 largest losing water faster than being replaced
– Countries affected: China, Russia, Australia, India, and the U.S.

2 Compare your notes with a partner’s. How can you improve your notes?

Go to MyEnglishLab to view example notes.

MAIN IDEAS

Identify the statements as T (true) or F (false). Then correct the false statements. Use your
notes to help you.
1. A few of the world’s aquifers are no longer sustainable.
2. Water resources are being managed well.
3. The problem affects every continent in the world.
4. During periods of drought, people rely on the groundwater in aquifers.
5. Recent studies have shown how little water is left in our aquifers.

DETAILS

1 Listen again and add to your notes. Then complete the conversation with the correct
numbers. Use your notes to help you.

JACK: Hey there, Enid. You were just in that lecture, weren’t you? Alarming, right? What
was it the professor said—that 17 of the world’s aquifers are in danger?

ENID: No, Jack, it’s even worse than that. He said are no longer
1.
sustainable.

JACK: Wait, what? Aren’t there only major aquifers worldwide?

2.

ENID: Yes, as far as we know, anyway. So it’s a really serious problem.

JACK: Plus, you know, that water is not just for drinking. The professor also said that the
aquifers provide percent of the water we use for agriculture.
3.

164 UNIT 7
 2 FOCUS ON LISTENING

LISTENING ONE The Darker Side of Video Games

VOCABULARY

1 Read and listen to an interview about investing money in video game companies.
Notice the boldfaced words and phrases. Try to guess their meanings.

The Ethical Investor Investing in Game Companies: Should you?

TRANSCRIPT

REPORTER: Video gaming has become wildly popular in recent years. Global sales are expected to
reach $120 billion in the next two years, with at least 25 percent of those sales in China
alone. I recently spoke to Todd Rudamill, an investment specialist.
Todd, I remember when video games were was played only by nerds1, the kids who were
not popular or athletic. It seemed kids played video games to substitute for playing with
other kids. But now computer gaming has totally shed its nerdy image and become
popular worldwide with people of all ages.
TODD RUDAMILL: That’s right: Both kids and adults of all ages are big gamers now. Games are interactive,
and people play against others around the world, meeting people randomly through
playing games. This industry offers tempting investment opportunities and huge profits.
REPORTER: But there must be a downside. What do new investors need to consider?
TR: Well, the gaming industry is controversial. In some cases, too much gaming can be
addictive. It’s well known that some features of online games are psychological
reinforcements designed to keep players playing—for example, they reward players for
the number of hours they spend playing and for the number of levels they complete.
REPORTER: Would you really call it an addiction, though?
TR: Yes. Gaming addicts display all the symptoms of other addicts: They lose contact with
family and friends, they sleep less, they miss school, and they lose jobs. They can even go
berserk when their gaming is somehow stopped. Some can quit—many go cold turkey.
But others remain obsessive about playing. This might scare some investors away.
REPORTER: In that case, it seems risky to invest. Public opinion could turn against gaming then?
TR: Well, it’s not a compulsion for all players, only some. There are many benefits for people
who aren’t compulsive. Gaming is used for educational and medical purposes with great
success. It can be effective in treating and even diagnosing some mental illnesses. There
are games for almost anything: getting kids to take their medicine; teaching young parents
to care for babies; helping people learn to do things like read, do math, compensate for
disabilities, and speak other languages. Games are used to train pilots, astronauts,
surgeons, and many others. The possibilities are endless, so investment is very tempting.
But it can be risky, as you say.
REPORTER: So, a note to potential investors: Keep an eye on this industry. Gaming is still in its youth,
with lots of room to grow.

1 nerd: someone who is awkward in social situations and has only intellectual interests

188 UNIT 8
 LISTEN

Listen to the whole report, presented in two parts. Create a chart like the one below to
take notes.

TAKE NOTES The Darker Side of Video Games

Main Ideas Details

I. Video gaming is popular = £ 3 billion / year on gaming
big business
more than on film or music
essential part of youth culture

2 Compare your notes with a partner’s. How can you improve your notes?

Go to MyEnglishLab to view example notes.

MAIN IDEAS

Circle the correct answers. Use your notes to help you.

Part 1:
1. Video gaming .
a. does not cause problems for teens
b. is a huge industry
c. can lead to drug addiction
2. Gaming addiction .
a. mostly affects the parents of children and teens
b. occurs especially when gamers play alone
c. is similar to other addictions

Part 2:
3. Video game designers use techniques to .
a. encourage gambling
b. keep people playing
c. prevent addiction

190 UNIT 8
 6. According to Professor Mark Griffiths, a world authority on the psychological impact of
computer games, how does gaming compare to other addictions?
a. Gaming is more addictive than tobacco or alcohol.
b. Gaming addicts are usually also gambling addicts.
c. Gaming addicts have the same symptoms as other addicts.
7. Which category of games causes the most problems?
a. off-line
b. online
c. board
8. How was the “variable rate of reinforcement” theory first developed?
a. by studying rats and food
b. by studying athletes and sports
c. by studying people and gambling

2 With a partner, take turns summarizing your notes. Then discuss how your notes and
your answers in Preview helped you understand the listening.

Go to MyEnglishLab for more listening practice.

MAKE INFERENCES

Inferring Contrasting Information

To highlight contrasting information, speakers emphasize words by saying them louder or with a
higher pitch. They may also speak more slowly or pause before certain ideas. Lastly, they may use
vocabulary that introduces contrast, such as but.

Read and listen to an excerpt from the report about video games. Notice the words
that receive emphasis. Then answer the questions.
Example

PROF . MARK GRIFFITHS: The good news is that, for the vast majority of people, video games
are something that’s very positive in their life. But we have to take on
board that there is a growing literature that suggests for a small but
significant minority, things like gaming can be potentially problematic.
1. In each item (a, b, c), circle the word(s) that receive(s) emphasis.
a. The good news is that . . .
b. . . . But we have to take on board . . .
c. . . . gaming can be potentially problematic.

192 UNIT 8
2. Professor Griffiths delivers the first half of the statement at a normal pace because it is
information. He delivers the second half more slowly and in a higher pitch because
it is information.
a. known / contrasting
b. contrasting / known
ANSWERS: 1. a - good; b - have to and take on board; c - gaming and potentially problematic.
These words are said both louder and at a higher pitch.
2. a. Professor Griffiths concedes or indicates that although gaming is fine for most people, we
must also recognize that it is a problem for others.

Listen to the excerpts from the report about video games and circle the correct answers.

Excerpt One

1. Which boldfaced words does Leo emphasize?

L EO: It was fun while you’re playing. But then when you think about the
derogatory effect it’s having on your life, then, then obviously, you don’t
feel so good.
2. What is Leo contrasting?

Excerpt Two

1. Which boldfaced words does Professor Mark Griffiths emphasize?

PROF. G RIFFITHS: People put money into alcohol and tobacco addiction, maybe even into
gambling addiction. But in gaming addiction, it’s kind of so new, people
don’t see it as an important research area to look into.
2. What is Professor Griffiths contrasting?

Video Games: Friend or Foe? 193

 NOTE-TAKING SKILL

Taking Notes with an Outline

Using an outline can help you organize and understand what you hear. An outline is more detailed
than the Cornell Method chart (the style of chart used in most of the Listen sections throughout
the book, including page 6, for example). It is an organizational tool that lets you note in detail the
topic, main ideas, supporting details, and examples. Use numbers, letters, and indentation (the
setting of text in from the left) to show the relationship between ideas.
Example

You hear: There are a couple of concerns that come up when we talk about video games. The
first is addiction, and that’s definitely a real problem.
You write: Topic: Concerns About Video Games
I. Addiction –real problem, but: A.
B.
C.

Leave space for adding details later and be sure to review your notes soon after listening, revising
and annotating your notes to improve your comprehension of the material.

Listen to excerpts from a report about video game concerns. Complete the outline.
Remember to use numbers and letters for each additional bit of information.
Excerpt One

Listen and add to the outline.

Excerpt Two

Listen and complete the outline.

Topic: Addressing Concerns About Video Games

I. Addiction –real problem, but games do a good job
A. Games provide things ____________________________________.
1. Satisfying ___________________.
______ Chance ____________________________________.
______ Sense of ____________________________________.

______ Games offer things that ___________________ does not

______ Take from games and transfer _________________________.

Go to MyEnglishLab for more note-taking practice.

196 UNIT 8
COMPREHENSION

You will hear an interview with Jane McGonigal, an award-winning game designer. After a brain
injury, she made a video game to help herself recover.

1 Listen to the interview. Create a chart like the one below to take notes. Try to
organize the ideas in outline form as you take notes.

TAKE NOTES Truths and Myths in Gaming

Main Ideas Details

I.
A.
1.

2 Use your notes to answer the questions. Circle the correct answers.
1. Jane McGonigal acknowledges that video games can be addictive because .
a. many games are poorly designed
b. they provide the things we crave most
c. some gamers have poor self-control
2. According to McGonigal, games allow us to .
a. learn something important about ourselves
b. apply skills from our daily lives to game playing
c. start out unskilled at something and then improve
3. McGonigal argues that playing games .
a. increases cooperation because gamers solve problems together
b. is not as bad as watching violent movies
c. has no connection to violent behavior
4. McGonigal says that games are escapist .
a. yet not dangerous, even if played for long hours
b. but help develop skills that players can use in their real lives
c. and provide relaxation for stressed people
5. McGonigal’s conclusion is that playing games . USE YOUR NOTES
a. can help people solve problems and world issues Compare your notes with
a partner’s. How can you
b. is a harmless way to relax and have fun
improve your notes next time?
c. can potentially cause problems, so should be monitored

Video Games: Friend or Foe? 197

 LISTENING SKILL

1 Listen to an excerpt from the interview with Jane McGonigal. What counterargument
is she making? When and how does she signal it?

Identifying Counterarguments

When speakers want to persuade others, they sometimes point out an opposing point of view.
They may even acknowledge that some aspect of that point of view is valid. This is called making a
concession. Typically, they go on to explain why they do not agree. This is an effective strategy and
is called a counterargument.
Speakers may introduce counterarguments with a contrast in tone and with expressions like these:
But . . . / However, . . . In fact, . . .
On the other hand, . . . You know, . . .
Nevertheless, . . . Actually, / Really, . . .
There’s no evidence of this.

Read and listen to an excerpt from the interview with Jane McGonigal. Then answer the
questions.
Example

JANE MCGONIGAL: There are a couple of concerns that come up often when we talk about
video games. The first is addiction, and that’s definitely a real problem. You
know, what I’ve discovered is that games do a better job, in many ways, of
providing things we crave most.

1. McGonigal says that addiction is a concern when we talk about video games. Then she begins a
counterargument. What is it?
2. What phrase does she use to introduce the counterargument?
ANSWER: 1. Her counterargument is that video games provide things we want. This weakens or
provides a counterargument to the opinion that games are addictive and bad for us.
2. “You know, what I’ve discovered is . . . ”

198 UNIT 8