TRANSCRIPT

# Introduction to the Episode

Hello, and welcome back to another episode of "English on the Go"! I’m Alex, your host for today, and I’m excited to have you with me. We’ll be talking about something that many people need to do at some point—opening a bank account. Let’s get started!

# Introduction to the Topic

In today’s conversation, two people—Tom and Sarah—go to the bank to open an account. If you’ve never opened a bank account before or are thinking about doing it, this conversation will help you understand the process better. Let’s listen in and see how they handle it!

# Pre-listening Questions

Before we dive into the conversation, let’s take a moment to think about these questions. They’ll help you get into the right mindset for today’s topic:

Have you ever opened a bank account?
What do you think you need to open an account at a bank?
Why is it important to have a bank account?

# Conversation

Tom: Hi, I’d like to open a bank account today. Can you help me with that?

Sarah (Bank Clerk) : Of course! Do you know what type of account you’d like to open?

Tom: Hmm, I’m not sure. What are my options?

Sarah: We offer checking accounts and savings accounts. A checking account is great for everyday transactions, like paying bills and using a debit card. A savings account is better for saving money over time and earning interest.

Tom: I think I’d like a checking account. What do I need to open it?

Sarah: For a checking account, you’ll need two forms of identification, like a passport or driver’s license, and proof of your address. You’ll also need a deposit to start the account.

Tom: I brought my passport and my lease agreement. Is that okay?

Sarah: Yes, that’s perfect! How much would you like to deposit today?

Tom: I’ll start with $100.

Sarah: Great! I’ll need you to fill out this application form, and we’ll set up your account.

Tom: Okay, I can do that. How long does it take for the account to be ready?

Sarah: It’s quick. You can start using it as soon as we process the paperwork. You’ll receive your debit card in about a week.

Tom: That’s good to know. Will I be able to use online banking?

Sarah: Yes, we have an online banking app where you can check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills.

Tom: That’s exactly what I need! Is there a fee for the checking account?

Sarah: There’s no monthly fee if you keep a minimum balance of $500. Otherwise, it’s $10 per month.

Tom: I think I can manage that. What about a savings account? Should I open one now too?

Sarah: It’s always a good idea to have a savings account. You can open one today or any time in the future. It’s easy to transfer money between your checking and savings accounts.

Tom: Sounds good. I’ll start with the checking account for now.

Sarah: Alright, just sign here, and I’ll get everything set up for you.

Tom: Thanks so much for your help!

Sarah: You’re welcome! If you have any questions later, feel free to call or visit us again.

Tom: Will do. Have a great day!

Sarah: You too!

# Vocabulary Analysis

Now, let’s take a closer look at some useful vocabulary from the conversation:

Checking Account (noun): A bank account for everyday transactions like paying bills or using a debit card.

Example: Tom opened a checking account to pay his bills and use a debit card.

Savings Account (noun): A bank account that is used to save money and often earns interest.

Example: Sarah suggested that Tom open a savings account to save money for the future.

Deposit (noun): Money placed into a bank account.

Example: Tom made a deposit of $100 to open his checking account.

Identification (noun): Official documents like a passport or driver’s license that show who you are.

Example: Tom brought his passport as one form of identification.

Online Banking (noun): Using the internet to manage your bank account, check balances, and make transactions.

Example: Tom was happy to hear that he could use online banking to manage his account.

Now, let's listen to the conversation again. As you do, pay close attention and try to identify the vocabulary words we discussed earlier. See how they are used in context!

# Comprehension Questions

Let’s see how much you remember from the conversation. Take a moment to answer these questions:

What type of account does Tom want to open?

What documents does Tom bring to open the account?

How much does Tom deposit to start his account?

When will Tom receive his debit card?

What is the fee for the checking account if Tom doesn’t maintain a minimum balance?

# Post-listening Questions

Now that you’ve listened, it’s time to reflect. Think about these questions and how they relate to your own experience:

What type of bank account do you have, if any?

Do you prefer using online banking or visiting the bank in person? Why?

What is one thing you learned about opening a bank account from today’s conversation?

# Conclusion

Thanks for joining me today! I hope this conversation helped you feel more confident about going to the bank and opening an account. We’ve also prepared a special free PDF with helpful tips and vocabulary to make this process even easier. Be sure to check it out! See you next time on English on the Go!

# Vocabulary Summary

Word	Type of Word	Meaning	Example
Checking Account	Noun	A bank account for everyday transactions	Tom opened a checking account to pay his bills and use a debit card.
Savings Account	Noun	A bank account used to save money and often earns interest	Sarah suggested that Tom open a savings account to save money for the future.
Deposit	Noun	Money placed into a bank account	Tom made a deposit of $100 to open his checking account.
Identification	Noun	Official documents like a passport or driver’s license	Tom brought his passport as one form of identification.
Online Banking	Noun	Using the internet to manage your bank account and transactions	Tom was happy to hear that he could use online banking to manage his account.

EXERCISE

EXERCISE 01: Fill in the Blanks

Instruction: Listen to the conversation and fill in the blanks with the appropriate words.

Tom: Hi, I’d like to ______________ (1) a bank account today. Can you help me with that?
Sarah (Bank Clerk): Of course! Do you know what type of account you’d like to open?
Tom: Hmm, I’m not sure. What are my options?
Sarah: We offer ______ (2) accounts and ______ (3) accounts. A checking account is great for everyday transactions, like paying ______ (4) and using a debit card. A savings account is better for saving money over time and earning ______ (5).
Tom: I think I’d like a ______ (6) account. What do I need to open it?
Sarah: For a checking account, you’ll need two forms of ______ (7), like a passport or driver’s license, and proof of your ______ (8). You’ll also need a ______ (9) to start the account.
Tom: I brought my passport and my lease agreement. Is that ______ (10)?
Sarah: Yes, that’s perfect! How much would you like to ______ (11) today?
Tom: I’ll start with $100.
Sarah: Great! I’ll need you to fill out this application ______ (12), and we’ll set up your account.
Tom: Okay, I can do that. How long does it take for the account to be ______ (13)?
Sarah: It’s quick. You can start using it as soon as we process the paperwork. You’ll receive your ______ (14) card in about a ______ (15).
Tom: That’s good to know. Will I be able to use online ______ (16)?
Sarah: Yes, we have an online banking app where you can check your ______ (17), transfer money, and pay ______ (18).
Tom: That’s exactly what I need! Is there a ______ (19) for the checking account?
Sarah: There’s no monthly fee if you keep a minimum ______ (20) of $500. Otherwise, it’s $10 per month.
Tom: I think I can manage that. What about a ______ (21) account? Should I open one now too?
Sarah: It’s always a good idea to have a savings account. You can open one today or any time in the future. It’s easy to transfer money between your ______ (22) and savings accounts.
Tom: Sounds good. I’ll start with the checking account for now.
Sarah: Alright, just sign here, and I’ll get everything set up for you.
Tom: Thanks so much for your help!
Sarah: You’re welcome! If you have any questions later, feel free to call or visit us again.
Tom: Will do. Have a great ______ (23)!
Sarah: You too!

Answer Key

1. open

2. checking

3. savings

4. bills

5. interest

6. checking

7. identification

8. address

9. deposit

10. okay

11. deposit

12. form

13. ready

14. debit

15. week

16. banking

17. balance

18. bills

19. fee

20. balance

21. savings

22. checking

23. day

EXERCISE 02: Multiple Choice Questions

What type of account does Tom want to open?
a) A savings account
b) A checking account
c) Both a savings and a checking account
What does Tom need to provide to open the account?
a) Only one form of identification
b) A deposit and proof of address
c) Just a deposit
How much does Tom plan to deposit?
a) $50
b) $100
c) $500
What happens if Tom’s checking account balance goes below $500?
a) There is no fee
b) He gets charged $10 per month
c) He cannot use his account
How long will it take for Tom to get his debit card?
a) One week
b) Two weeks
c) One day

6. What type of account is better for saving money over time?
a) A checking account
b) A savings account
c) Neither

7. What forms of identification did Tom bring?
a) Passport and driver’s license
b) ID card and passport
c) Passport and lease agreement

8. How much is the monthly fee if Tom doesn’t keep a minimum balance?
a) $20
b) $10
c) $15

9. What does Sarah say is needed to start the checking account?
a) Only one form of identification
b) Proof of address and a deposit
c) A deposit only

10. What does Tom find useful about the online banking app?
a) Checking his balance
b) Transferring money
c) Both a) and b)

Answer Key

1. b) A checking account

2. b) A deposit and proof of address

3. b) $100

4. b) He gets charged $10 per month

5. a) One week

6. b) A savings account

7. c) Passport and lease agreement

8. b) $10

9. b) Proof of address and a deposit

10. c) Both a) and b)

EXERCISE 03: True or False

Tom already knows exactly what type of account he wants to open.
Sarah explains that a checking account is good for everyday transactions.
Tom needs a minimum of $1,000 to open a checking account.
The bank charges a $10 fee if the checking account balance is below $500.
Tom decides to open both a checking and savings account today.
Tom decides to open a savings account today.
Sarah explains that a checking account is ideal for daily transactions.
Tom plans to deposit $500 to start his account.
There’s a $10 fee if Tom’s checking account balance falls below $500.
Tom can use his debit card immediately after opening the account.

Answer Key

1. False

2. True

3. False

4. True

5. False

6. False

7. True

8. False

9. True

10. False

EXERCISE 04: Short Answer

What two types of accounts does the bank offer?
What two forms of identification did Tom bring to the bank?
What are some features of the bank’s online banking app?
How much is the minimum balance required to avoid a monthly fee for the checking account?
Why does Tom decide to open only a checking account?

Answer Key

1. The bank offers checking accounts and savings accounts.

2. Tom brought his passport and lease agreement as identification.

3. The bank’s online app allows users to check their balance, transfer money, and pay bills.

4. The minimum balance required to avoid a fee is $500.

5. Tom decides to open only a checking account for now because that’s what he needs for daily transactions.

EXERCISE 05: Match the Pairs

Match the following terms with their definitions:

1. Checking Account	a) A card used for daily transactions directly from your checking account
2. Savings Account	b) An account used to save money over time and earn interest
3. Online Banking	c) Adding money to your account
4. Deposit	d) An account used for everyday transactions, such as paying bills
5. Debit Card	e) A digital service that allows you to manage your bank account online

Answer Key

1. d) An account used for everyday transactions, such as paying bills

2. b) An account used to save money over time and earn interest

3. e) A digital service that allows you to manage your bank account online

4. c) Adding money to your account

5. a) A card used for daily transactions directly from your checking account

EXERCISE 06: Sentence Reordering

Put the sentences in the correct order based on the conversation:

Tom asks if he will be able to use online banking.
Sarah explains that Tom can start using his account once the paperwork is processed.
Sarah asks Tom how much he would like to deposit.
Tom signs the application form to open his checking account.
Sarah says Tom will receive his debit card in about a week.

Answer Key

1. Tom asks if he will be able to use online banking.

2. Sarah explains that Tom can start using his account once the paperwork is processed.

3. Sarah asks Tom how much he would like to deposit.

4. Tom signs the application form to open his checking account.

5. Sarah says Tom will receive his debit card in about a week.

At the Bank: Opening an Account| 🎧 English on the Go! | Beginner

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