Listening Exercise: New Student Orientation

1. At the beginning of the school year, all new students attend an orientation to learn about the school, the teachers, and the rules.

a) a meeting that gives important information
b) a party to celebrate a new job
c) a test to check knowledge

2. It can take time to settle in to a new country, but making friends and learning the language can help.

a) to feel comfortable in a new place
b) to go to sleep
c) to travel for a long time

3. Some people communicate better through writing, while others prefer verbal communication.

a) using body language
b) using hand gestures
c) using spoken words

4. People can use non-verbal communication to express their feelings without speaking.

a) writing messages on paper
b) using body language instead of words
c) talking in a loud voice

5. Facial expressions, like smiling or frowning, can show someone’s emotions.

a) related to the hands
b) related to the voice
c) related to the face

6. In many cultures, people use a gesture, such as a wave or a nod, to say hello.

a) a loud sound that gets attention
b) a movement that has meaning
c) an email message

7. In some cultures, making eye contact when talking shows confidence and respect.

a) looking at someone’s eyes
b) touching somebody’s eye
c) standing close to another person

8. When shaking hands in a business meeting, a firm handshake is a sign of confidence.

a) soft and gentle
b) short and quick
c) strong and steady

9. Before traveling to another country, it is important to be aware of its customs and traditions.

a) to be afraid of something
b) to have knowledge about something
c) to ask questions about something

10. When people get lost, they sometimes panic instead of staying calm and looking for help.

a) to make a careful decision
b) to feel very scared and act without thinking
c) to take a deep breath and relax

1. Who is the speaker?

a) The president of the college
b) The director for international student affairs
c) A professor in the ESL department

2. What is the purpose of this speech?

a) To punish the students for bad behavior
b) To introduce students to non-verbal communication
c) To welcome international students and provide important information

3. What does the speaker say about body language?

a) It is the same in every culture
b) It is a form of non-verbal communication
c) It is less important than spoken language

4. What is an example of body language?

a) Using verb tenses correctly
b) Smiling or frowning
c) Asking for directions

5. What percentage of communication do some psychologists believe is non-verbal?

a) More than 16%
b) More than 50%
c) More than 60%

6. How do Americans generally view eye contact?

a) As a sign of respect and honesty
b) As a sign of rudeness
c) As something unimportant

7. What kind of handshake do Americans prefer?

a) A soft and gentle handshake
b) A firm handshake
c) No handshake at all

8. What does a “thumbs up” gesture mean in America?

a) Good job
b) Stop
c) Come here

9. What should students be careful about when using the “okay” hand sign?

a) It can mean different things in different countries
b) It is never used in America
c) It is only used in formal situations

10. What is one universal body language gesture?

a) A firm handshake
b) A thumbs-up
c) A smile