English Language Listening Library Online
Mixer #147 | Intermediate B1

Do you have enough gadgets?

Six people share their thoughts about gadgets and whether they wish they had more.

Warren / Canada
speakerI don't think I have enough gadgets. I think ... I don't think anyone should have too many, but I'm definitely wanting to have a few more devices to help me. Right now, I only have a regular cellphone, but I really wanted to get an iPhone. Actually, my iPod, I put through the washing machine by accident, and it managed to keep working for a year, but now the insides have rusted out and it doesn't work, so I need to get one of those, too.

Tim / United States
speakerI don't have too many gadgets. I have essential things, like I have a cellphone, I have a computer, a camera, and that's basically it. I don't really get a lot of gadgets and random items, because if I don't use something very often, I don't see the point of having it, so I get rid of it, or I'll just not buy it in the first place.

Gareth / England
speakerYeah, I have quite a few gadgets, quite a few old mp3 players that I no longer use, and every time Apple releases a new product, I have to have it, so it's a little bit like an obsession for me.

Katia / Mexico
speakerNo, I do not have many gadgets. I avoid anything that is technical or that is complicated. The simpler, the better. I find things, like gadgets, a little bit difficult to use, and many times I don't think they are necessary, so I rather not use or have any gadgets.

Lindsay / United States
speakerNo, I don't; my husband does. He's always buying a new gadget, a new computer, a new projector, a new DVD player. But for me, no, I don't like gadgets. I just got an iPhone, so that's probably my only real gadget.

Sunny / Korea
speakerI don't think I have too many gadgets. I only have the regular ones people have, like computers, mp3 players, but I really like to try new stuffs, even ... if I had some chance.

Learn Vocabulary from the Lesson!

device

image

I want a few more devices for work.

A device is a gadget. It is a small electronic machine used to simplify a task. Notice the following:

  1. Do you know how to work this device?
  2. That's a new device. What does it do?

by accident

image

I put my iPod through the washing machine by accident.

When something happens by accident, that means you made it happen by mistake. Notice the following:

  1. I hit your car by accident. I promise to fix it.
  2. We broke the machine by accident. I promise to get you a new one.

see the point

image

I don't see the point of having it

When you see the point of something, you understand it why it happens. Notice the following:

  1. I don't see the point of studying if I can use my book on the test.
  2. I see your point, but I still disagree.

in the first place

image

I'll just not buy it in the first place.

'In the first place' means 'to begin with'. Notice the following:

  1. This hotel is terrible. We should never have come here in the first place.
  2. I hate the topic of my paper. It is so boring. I wish I had not chosen it in the first place.

no longer

image

I have quite a few gadgets I no longer use.

'No longer' meand 'not anymore'. Notice the following:

  1. I now ride my bike everywhere so I no longer need my car.
  2. That family no longer lives there. They moved.

 

Vocabulary Quiz

device • by accident • see the point
in the first place • no longer
  1. We don't of memorizing these words.
  2. He got lost so we had to call for help.
  3. You should never have gone there .
  4. You need a GPS to help you find your way.
  5. People use maps now that there are GPS systems.
Answer the following questions about the interview.

One Minute English Video

Speakers
Mixer Video 147
Do you have too many gadgets?

Free Courses from ELLLO

One Minute English Videos

Free Courses from ELLLO