Basic Tactics for Listening, 3rd Edition » Unit 20: Describing Things

Word List
  • aircraft
  • backpack
  • briefcase
  • case
  • cheap-looking
  • checked
  • design
  • driven
  • frames (glasses)
  • handbag
  • handle
  • hurts
  • initials
  • keys
  • leather
  • left (v.)
  • letter
  • newsstand
  • novel
  • passport
  • plastic
  • rings
  • strap
  • striped
  • subway
  • suitcase
  • sunglasses
  • wallet
  • wheels
  • beach bag
  • business papers
  • coffee shop
  • credit cards
  • get off (the bus)
  • lost and found
  • on board
  • pocket knife
  • pull out
  • running shoes
  • travel abroad
  • turn in
Vocabulary Worksheet

‣ Use the words in the box to complete the crossword.

  1. a. backpack
  2. b. leather
  3. c. briefcase
  4. d. plastic
  5. e. cheap-looking
  6. f. suitcase
  7. g. handbag
  8. h. sunglasses
  9. i. initials
  10. j. wallet

ACROSSDOWN
2. appearing to be of poor quality _____1. A businessman might carry his papers in this. _____
3. You need one when you take a trip. _____4. where you keep your money and credit cards _____
6. another name for a purse _____5. CFN, for example _____
7. a material shoes are often made of _____8. A student uses this to carry books. _____
9. an inexpensive material _____10. You need these when it is sunny outside. _____
Answer Key

Find these items in the picture. Write the letter next to each item.

  1. running shoes
  2. a computer case with initials _____
  3. a handbag with a leather strap _____
  4. a small suitcase with a checked design _____
  5. a large suitcase with wheels _____
  6. a backpack with a striped design _____
Listening 1

‣ People are describing items they left in a taxi. Listen and check (x) the correct picture.

    • a.
    • b.
    • a.
    • b.
    • a.
    • b.
    • a.
    • b.
Listening 2

‣ Task 1

People are describing these items. Listen and number the pictures.

  1. _____
  2. _____
  3. _____
  5. _____
  6. _____

‣ Task 2

Listen again. Why does each person like the item? Circle the correct answer.

    • a. She wears it every day.
    • b. The sun hurts her eyes.
    • c. It's good for windy days.
    • a. It's made of plastic.
    • b. It's small.
    • c. It's great for work.
    • a. It's small.
    • b. It's big.
    • c. He uses it while he runs.
    • a. It's cheap.
    • b. It's not easily seen.
    • c. She likes the colors.
    • a. It doesn't have wheels.
    • b. It's good for traveling.
    • c. It's very big.
    • a. They're comfortable.
    • b. They're new.
    • c. She likes the color.
Listening 3

‣ Task 1

People are talking about items they lost. Listen and check (x) the item each person describes.

Lost items
1. wallet_____ suitcase_____ beach bag
2. shoes keys glasses
3. keys rings pocket knife
4. suitcase credit card passport
5. passport suitcase jacket
6. novel newspaper letter

‣ Task 2

Listen again. Where was each item lost? Circle the correct answer.

    • a. on the bus
    • b. in the car
    • a. on the bus
    • b. at the coffee shop
    • a. at school
    • b. in the house
    • a. at the department store
    • b. at the restaurant
    • a. at home
    • b. at the office
    • a. on the subway
    • b. at home

✺ Pronunciation

Syllable stress in adjectives

‣ Pronunciation Help
An adjective is always stressed in a sentence because it highlights something important about the noun.

‣ Task 1

Listen and repeat.

  • 1. léather wallet
  • 2. expénsive sunglasses
  • 3. régular glasses
  • 4. cólorful backpack

‣ Task 2

Listen. Mark the stressed syllables.

  1. comfortable chair
  2. attractive person _____
  3. plastic toys _____
  4. running water _____
  5. beautiful sunset _____
  6. interesting book _____
✺ Dictation

‣ Task 1

Listen to the conversation. Write the missing words.

A: Hello. City Taxi.
B: Hello, has anyone turned in a (1)_____ (2)_____? I think I left mine in a taxi this morning.
A: Well, our taxi drivers find lots of cell phones (3)_____ (4)_____. Can you describe it?
B: Yes, it's (5)_____. And it's in an orange case.
A: Hmm... Those are (6)_____ (7)_____. Let's see... no, I'm sorry, we don't have it.
B: Are you sure? I have to find it... it has all my important (8)_____ in it. Wait - what's that? Oh, it's in my jacket (9)_____!

‣ Task 2

Practice the conversation with a partner. Be sure to put stress on the correct syllables in the adjectives.

✺ Conversation

Work in pairs. Choose an item in your classroom. Describe the item and have your partner guess what it is.

Answer Key
Favorite Books