1. Look at the photograph belowsilentlyfor 1 minute then answer the questions.
a.What strikes youthe most?
b.What do you feel when you look at this image?
c.Is anything surprising, confusing, or familiar?
2. In small groups:
a. Find a title for the photograph.
b.Share your answers in 1. above.
c.Talk about what the photograph shows or symbolizes about American society or values.
3. Predict the topic.
a.Based on the photograph, what do you think we are about to learn or hear?
b. Write down 5-7 keywords you expect to hear in the audio clip.
Car Culture in the US - Audio 1 Worksheet
1.Listen to theextract [0:00 - 0:26].Don’t worry about understanding everything.
While listening, try to catch:
- Words that are stressed or said more slowly – they are often important.
- Words that sound similar to French.
- Words or expressions you already know – use them to understand the general idea.
- Any of your predicted keywords – did you hear any from your list?
2.Sharethe words or ideasyou recognized with a partner.
Try to say what the audio is mostly about (even in simple words).
Remember:understanding is not about catching every word, but connecting the clues.
3. Second Listening. Spot key ideas: What is “Car Culture”?
a.While listening, take notes on:
- What people use cars for (e.g. work, shopping…).
- How cities are organized around cars.
- When this culture started in the U.S.
b. In small groups, use your notes to write a simple definition of “Car Culture” in your own words (1-2 sentences).
4. Linking the audio and the photograph studied in the Pre-Listening Worksheet (Aerial view of massive highway intersection in Los Angeles, California).
In small groups discuss:
a.What do the photo and the audio have in common?
b.How does the photo help you understand the audio?
Extract: [0:00 - 0:26]