#40 Understanding Numbers in English

Understanding the pronunciation of numbers in all forms is a problem for nearly every English student. What's more, this is a problem that is often left unaddressed. Quickly spoken telephone numbers, giving or receiving change at a food market or department store, being offered directions by a well-meaning but fast-talking native English speaker-these are all time that are particularly difficult to comprehend the numbers quickly being tossed at you.

"Understanding Numbers" addresses this problem with numbers, and will help you to hear those quickly-spoken numbers the first time-clearly and confidently understood. As a way of understanding studying numbers, we've chosen a financial record that you will surely find helpful. Understanding the proper pronunciation of numbers is absolutely essential in your complete understanding of the English language. At The Linguist, we want you to be confident with all forms of English speaking; and that includes confidence with numbers.

This item, though not particularly dynamic or exciting, is absolutely essential studying material for every Linguist student. Here is a suggested method for using this item effectively: Read the text of this item and listen closely to the pronunciation of each number. Read and listen again while saying each number after that number is spoken.

Once you have listened to this feature many times, read this article aloud and compare your own pronunciation with the pronunciation provided in the audio file. Continue this until you see definite improvement. Good luck, Linguist Student, now let's get started! State Farm Bank Rates as of 12/15/2004 at 10:00 A.M.

Interest Checking $0 - $2499 0% 0% $2500+ 1.34% 1.35% Savings $0 - $49,999.99 1.49% 1.5% $50,000+ 1.73% 1.75% Money Market $0 - $99 0% 0% $100 - $999 1.04% 1.05% $1,000 - $4,999 1.39% 1.40% $5,000 - $24,999 1.49% 1.50% $25,000+ 1.64% 1.65% Health Savings Account $0 - $2,499 1.49% 1.50% $2,500 - $9,999 1.98% 2% $10,000+ 2.47% 2.50% Certificates of Deposit less than $100,000 90 days 1.73% 1.75% 180 days 2.37% 02.4% 1 year 2.47% 2.50% 2 years 3.20% 0.25% 3 years 3.34% 3.40% 4 years 3.59% 3.66% 5 years 3.92% 4.0% Credit Card Products Rates effective 12/01/04 10:00 A.M. Visa Platinum Rewards Card: 11.90% $25,000 Good Neighbor Visa Credit Card: 8.99% $25,000 Student Visa Credit Card: 13.99% $2,500 Home Mortgage Loan Products Rates effective 12/17/2004 10:00 A.M. Home Mortgage Loan State Farm Bank offers a variety of Home Mortgage Loans, including affordable housing loans. Below is an indication of our current rates for a purchase transaction, based on the assumptions specified. Note: "ARM" is an acronym for "Adjustable-Rate Mortgage." An Adjustable-Rate Mortgage is a mortgage where interest rates are tied directly to the economy so your monthly payment could rise or fall. Because you're essentially sharing the market risks with the lender, you are compensated with an introductory rate that is lower than the going fixed rate. 30 Year Fixed Rate Conforming 5.875% -0.250% 0.000% 5.945% 15 Year Fixed Rate Conforming 5.375% -0.250% 0.000% 5.491% 1 Year ARM Conforming 4.500% 0.000% 0.000% 5.606% 3/1 ARM Conforming 5.000% 0.000% 0.000% 5.362% 3/1 ARM Jumbo 4.875% 0.000% 0.000% 5.332% 5/1 ARM Conforming 5.625% 0.000% 0.000% 5.550% Pricing and Annual Percentage Rate Assumptions: Location: Pricing could vary based on the state where the property is located. Loan amount: $200,000 for conforming products; $400,000 for JUMBO products.

Loan-to-value ratio: 80% or lower.

Property type: Single Family Primary Residence.

Loan purpose: Purchase only.

Escrow: Customer escrows for taxes, insurance, etc. as part of monthly payment.

Closing Costs/Prepaids: Estimated at 1% of the purchase price or value of the home.

Lock period: 30 days.

Income Documentation: All income used to qualify for a loan is documented.

Additional Notes: Mortgage rates change on a daily basis and have the ability to change within the day depending on market conditions. Your rate at loan approval may be different based on underwriting considerations and your individual financing request. Fees and closing costs vary by geographic area and the type of loan.

All loans are considered as either a conforming loan or a JUMBO loan (also known as a non-conforming loan). A conforming loan is a loan with a mortgage amount that does not exceed eligibility limits for purchase by the secondary mortgage market (i.e. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, etc.). A JUMBO loan is a loan with mortgage amount that exceeds the eligibility limits for purchase by the secondary mortgage market. The APR and payments on Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Loan Products are subject to change after the loan is closed due to the product's variable-rate feature. Home Equity Products Rates effective 12/6/2004 Home Equity Loans (Single Family, 1 to 4 units; Condominiums; Townhouses) 12-60 Months 5.74% 8.49% $5,000 - $500,000 61-120 Months 6.24% 8.99% $15,000 - $500,000 121-180 Months 7.49% 7.99% $15,000 - $500,000 Home Equity Lines of Credit (Single Family, 1 to 4 units; Condominiums; Townhouses) 84 Months 5.50% $5,000 - $500,000 Vehicle Loan Products Rates effective 12/6/2004 2005, 2004, 2003 12-36 Months 4.99% 13.50% 37-48 Months 4.99% 13.50% 49-60 Months 5.24% 13.50% 61-72 Months 6.24% 13.50% Boats and RVs only 73-180 Months 7.74% 9.49% 2002, 2001, 2000 12-36 Months 5.49% 13.50% 37-48 Months 5.74% 13.50% 49-60 Months 6.49% 13.50% Boats and RVs only 61-180 Months 7.99% 9.74% 1999, 1998 12-36 Months 6.74% 13.50% 37-48 Months 7.24% 13.50% 49-60 Months 7.74% 13.50% Boats and RVs only 61-180 Months 8.24% 9.99% 1997 and older 12-36 Months 7.74% 13.50% 37-48 Months 8.24% 13.50%