4. Buying a car or home
Instructions on How to Answer Objective Questions
You will listen to a conversation between two people discussing whether to buy a car or a home. After the audio, you will answer 10 multiple-choice questions based on the details of their conversation. Each question has four answer options. Choose the option that best fits what you heard.
You will only hear the audio once, so listen carefully to the key points and make note of important details. Once the audio ends, proceed to the questions and select the correct answers.
Objective Questions
- What issue is Rachel facing with her current car?
a) It’s too small for her needs
b) It’s expensive to repair
c) It doesn’t get good gas mileage
d) It was recently in an accident - What type of car is Rachel considering buying?
a) A hybrid SUV
b) A luxury sedan
c) A compact electric car
d) A sports car - Why is Rachel considering buying a home?
a) She wants to stop paying rent
b) She found a house she loves
c) She needs more space
d) Interest rates are high - What concern does Rachel have about buying a home?
a) She doesn’t have enough savings
b) She isn’t sure she’s ready for the responsibility
c) She can’t get a loan
d) She prefers renting - What does David mention as a responsibility of owning a home?
a) Insurance
b) Decorating
c) Property taxes
d) Renovation costs - What is one benefit of buying a home, according to David?
a) Low property maintenance
b) It’s a short-term commitment
c) It can be a long-term investment
d) It’s cheaper than renting - What does Rachel think about paying rent?
a) It’s affordable
b) It’s like throwing money away
c) It’s easier than owning a home
d) It allows her to save for a car - What does David suggest Rachel consider before deciding?
a) Whether the car is urgent or not
b) Whether she has enough savings
c) Whether she likes the neighborhood
d) Whether her job is secure - What is Rachel’s immediate feeling about getting a new car?
a) She feels excited about it
b) She prefers saving for a house
c) She’s unsure about which model to choose
d) She thinks it’s a bad idea - What is Rachel’s final decision at the end of the conversation?
a) She decides to buy a car
b) She decides to buy a house
c) She hasn’t decided yet
d) She chooses to rent a new place
Script (Approximately 3 minutes)
[Person A: Rachel]
Hey, David! I’ve been debating all week—should I invest in a new car, or is it finally time to think about buying a home?
[Person B: David]
Wow, that’s a tough choice! They’re both huge decisions. What’s pushing you towards getting a new car?
[Rachel]
Well, my car is over 10 years old now, and it’s starting to have all sorts of problems—brakes, transmission, you name it. I feel like I’m spending a fortune on repairs every few months.
[David]
I get it. Maintenance costs can really add up, especially with an older car. What kind of car are you thinking about buying?
[Rachel]
I’ve been eyeing a hybrid SUV—something fuel-efficient but big enough for road trips and outdoor activities. But then, I think about it and wonder if I should just put that money towards a down payment for a house.
[David]
That’s smart thinking. A house could be a long-term investment, and with interest rates being relatively low, it might be a good time to buy. Have you started looking?
[Rachel]
Yeah, just a little. I saw a few places online, but I’m not in love with anything yet. Plus, I’m not sure I’m ready for the commitment of owning a home.
[David]
That’s a valid concern. Owning a home does come with a lot of responsibility—mortgage, property taxes, repairs. But then again, paying rent can feel like you’re throwing money away.
[Rachel]
Exactly! That’s what’s bugging me. I keep thinking, if I’m going to spend all this money, shouldn’t it go toward something that’s mine? But then, I look at my car and wonder how much longer it’s going to last.
[David]
Hmm, maybe the question is which one is more urgent? Can your car survive for another year or two while you save more for a house, or do you need the car now?
[Rachel]
That’s a good point. I think the car might have a bit more life in it if I do some repairs. But honestly, the idea of getting something new and reliable sounds so appealing right now.
[David]
I hear you. Well, whatever you decide, both options have their advantages. If you go for the house, think of it as a long-term investment. If you choose the car, you’ll get immediate satisfaction and ease of transportation. Just make sure you’re happy with whatever decision you make.
[Rachel]
Thanks, David. I’ll keep thinking it over. I might have to crunch the numbers before I decide.
Answer Key
- b) It’s expensive to repair
- a) A hybrid SUV
- a) She wants to stop paying rent
- b) She isn’t sure she’s ready for the responsibility
- c) Property taxes
- c) It can be a long-term investment
- b) It’s like throwing money away
- a) Whether the car is urgent or not
- a) She feels excited about it
- c) She hasn’t decided yet
Difficult Words and Meanings
- Hybrid
- Meaning: A vehicle that uses more than one type of power, typically both gasoline and electricity.
- Sentence: I’m considering buying a hybrid car to save on fuel costs.
- Investment
- Meaning: The act of putting money into something (like a house or stocks) with the expectation of gaining profit or value over time.
- Sentence: Buying a home can be a great long-term investment.
- Mortgage
- Meaning: A loan taken out to buy property, which is paid back with interest over a set period of time.
- Sentence: I’ve been saving up for a down payment on a mortgage.
- Fuel-efficient
- Meaning: Using less fuel to travel a certain distance, often associated with hybrid or electric cars.
- Sentence: I want a car that’s fuel-efficient for my long commutes.
- Crunch the numbers
- Meaning: To do the math or calculations to figure out the financial details of a situation.
- Sentence: Before making a decision, I need to crunch the numbers and see what’s affordable.