Personal Practice

Listening (Dialogue A)

The following dialogue is fairly long, and so we divided it into three smaller segments for you. You may listen to each segment separately and then answer the questions based upon the segment. However, we want you to listen to the complete dialogue at least twice: once at the beginning and again at the end. Also, try answering the questions on your own before using the hints provided. Learn the following vocabulary and then follow the steps as outlined below.

هذا Speaker Icon
haadha
this

صاحبي Speaker Icon
SaaHibi
my friend (male)

Background: Two friends greet each other at a small social gathering. The second (Hani) introduces an American guest (Jack) to the first, and a conversation follows.

STEP 1: Listen to the complete dialogue at least once.

Speaker Icon

STEP 2: Listen to the initial section as many times as needed and answer the question for this section.

Speaker Icon
  1. What is the relationship between Jack and Hani? hint To help you focus in on the answer, listen to the pertinent excerpt from the conversation.
    Feedback Imagefriends
    Feedback Imagecousins
    Feedback Imageclassmates
    Feedback Imagecolleagues from work

STEP 3: Listen to the middle section as many times as needed and answer the questions for this section.

Speaker Icon
  1. Why is Jack in the Middle East? hint To help you focus in on the answer, listen to the pertinent excerpt from the conversation.
    Feedback ImageHe is teaching at the American University in Beirut.
    Feedback ImageHe is working at the American University in Beirut (as staff, not faculty).
    Feedback ImageHe is studying at the American University in Beirut.
  2. Hani seems to think that Jack might know his friend Muhammad Mudani. Why? hint To help you focus in on the answer, listen to the pertinent excerpt from the conversation.
    Feedback ImageHis friend also studies at the American University.
    Feedback ImageHis friend teaches Arabic at the American University, and Jack studies it.
    Feedback ImageHis friend is from the same state in America as Jack.
  3. Why doesn't Jack know Hani's friend? hint To help you focus in on the answer, listen to the pertinent excerpt from the conversation.
    Feedback ImageHe is new to the university.
    Feedback ImageHe doesn't study the same subject.
    Feedback ImageHe doesn't know anyone.
    Feedback ImageThe friend is at a different university.
    Feedback ImageHis home state is large.

STEP 4: Listen to the final section as many times as needed and answer the questions for this section.

Speaker Icon
  1. How does Hani say that he is not currently studying. What exact words does he use? Answer

    feedback image
  2. What is Hani's occupation? hint To help you focus in on the answer, listen to the pertinent excerpt from the conversation.
    Feedback Imageemployee in a small company
    Feedback Imageemployee in a large company
    Feedback Imageprofessor at a large university
    Feedback Imagegovernment employee
  3. Jack is not familiar with the city where Hani works. Why not? hint To help you focus in on the answer, listen to the pertinent excerpt from the conversation.
    Feedback Imageit is far away
    Feedback Imageit is small
    Feedback Imageit is new

STEP 5: Listen to the complete dialogue at least one more time to help solidify what you have learned in the way of listening.

Speaker Icon

Print Dialogue