islcollective worksheets preintermediate a2 adults high school listening reading writing passive voice or active voice c 496611605712419594bb12 82935999

Listen to the radio interview with Madeleine Henry. In her
opinion, what does the washing machine give people?
It gives _____________________________________________________.
4. Which day did Madeleine late when she was young?

Listen again and answer the questions.

1. Why is today a special day for Madeleine?
5. What was the happiest day in Madeleine’s life?
2. In what year was she born?
6. What does Madeleine think about computers?
3. Why does Jeff think the computer was the most important
invention?

QUICK REVISION. Choose the correct answer.
Even though the first mobile phone call 1 was made / were made in 1973, it was 1983 before
the first commercial mobile phone 2 was sold / were sold. It was very big and heavy –and it
cost $3,995! Today, mobile phones are cheaper than they were in 1983 and they 3 is used /
are used for many different things. For example, messages 4 is sent / are sent on them and
pictures 5 is taken / are taken with them. Mobile phones are amazing – can you imagine not
having one?

WHEN WERE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS FIRST
SOLD?
Match them to the timeline.
microwave  washing machine  telephone  home computer

1891

1908

1942

1. The telephone was first sold in _____________.
2. _____________________________________________________.

1977


3. _____________________________________________________.
4. _____________________________________________________.

LISTENING: Giving Opinions
Listen to the radio interview with Madeleine Henry. In her opinion, what
does the washing machine give people? It gives time and freedom.
Listen again and answer the questions.
1. Why is today a special day for Madeleine? It is her birthday.
2. In what year was she born? She was born in 1904.
3. Why does Jeff think the computer was the most important invention?
Computers are used all the time and our lives are different because of
them.
4. Which day did Madeleine late when she was young? It was the washing day.
5. What was the happiest day in Madeleine’s life? It was the day her family got a washing
machine.
6. What does Madeleine think about computers? They are important but we couldn’t enjoy
them if we didn’t have the time.

Audio File Link:

Jeff:

Madeleine:
Jeff:
Madeleine:
Jeff:
Madeleine:
Jeff:

Madeleine:

Jeff:
Madeleine:

Jeff:

/>
Welcome to Radio London. I’m Jeff Bennis. This morning we have got a special
guest in the studio: Mrs. Madeleine Henry. Today is Madeleine’s birthday. Happy
birthday, Madeleine.
Thank you, Jeff.
Madeleine, when were you born?
I was born in 1904.
1904! Wow! You’ve lived more than a hundred years! During your life, you’ve
seen some amazing inventions. In your opinion, what was the most important?
Hmmm. In my opinion, the most important invention was the washing machine.
The washing machine! I can’t believe you said that! What about computers?
Computers are used all the time and our lives are very different because we have
them. So many things are done through the computer. We ‘talk’ to people, do the
shopping – almost everything …
That’s true, but you can’t imagine how my life was changed because of the
washing machine! When I was a girl, washing clothes was hard work. I was the

oldest child, so I worked the hardest. I didn’t enjoy washing day. I hated it. Then,
when I was eighteen, we got our first washing machine. It was the happiest day
of my life. It was enormous and very complicated, but I thought it was the best
thing in the world.
But what about computers … and television? Don’t you think they are as
important as the washing machine?
Computers are important … and also radio and television. But the washing
machine has given people the time and freedom to enjoy radio, television and
computers.
Hmm, you’re right. I’ve never thought of that. OK, listeners, what do you think
was the most important invention? Call us. Our lines are open and the number is
…