MOVING UP unit 4 Listening

Unit 4  We've Been There!  p. 40 

What is a "gap year"?
Would you carry a tracking device?  

Who said these phrases?

1. "Cool! I've got a diary of my trip."                                               
   
2. "I can contact him if he's in danger."
3. "I don't mind taking it with me."
4. "What's the matter? Are you feeling OK?"
   

Conversation between Ellen and Sam  p. 41

Ellen: Hey, Sam, look at this story in the newspaper.

Sam: What is it?
Ellen: A boy's mum has ordered him to carry a GPS tracking device with him on his gap year.
Sam: So what?

Ellen: Sam! A gap year is all about doing something by yourself, without your parents watching you all the time. Teenagers need to learn to be responsible and independent.
Sam: How old's the boy?

Ellen: 19! He's an adult and his mum's checking what he's doing all the time. She's probably checking to see if he's changed his socks!
Sam: It's a GPS tracker, not a spy camera. She can only see where he is--more or less.
Ellen: It says it's accurate to five meters of where he is.
Sam: Does the boy mind having this tracker?
Ellen: No, he's happy about it because he feels safe. If he gets into a dangerous situation, his mum can find him. 

Sam: Well, that's OK then. The other day, I heard about a British student that got lost in Australia for a week because he forgot to take his mobile with him when he went for walk in a forest. The world can be a dangerous place for teenagers. 

Ellen: Well, I think it's ridiculous. You have to learn to take risks and have adventures. It's only because we've got the technology that we can make these gadgets. I bet Christopher Columbus and Captain Cook didn't have their mums following them!

Sam:  You're right, I suppose, but this sort of technology can be very useful. It can help people in dangerous situations.

Ellen: You're too sensible! I hope mum tracks you when you go on holiday with your friends next week!

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the tracker? Which do you agree or disagree with?