Pagoda Academy - ESL Textbook - SLE 2A

8/2/2019 Pagoda Academy - ESL Textbook - SLE 2A

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pagoda-academy-esl-textbook-sle-2a 1/15

Feeling Your Way Along11 L •

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F e e l i n g Y o u r

W a y A l o n g

After the Interview

Listen to Keith and Donna discussing a job interview.

w Comprehension & Discussion

Listen again and discuss the following questions with your partner.

1 Who do you think seemed more worried about the interview? Why do you think so?

2 What was Donna relieved about? Why do you think she felt this way? Explain.

3 What was Keith disappointed about? Why do you think he was disappointed?

If you were in his shoes, how would you feel?

4 Who seemed bored during the interview? Why do you think Keith would concern himself with

this?

5 How long had the interviewers been working? How do you think this affected their ability to

concentrate on the interviews? Do you think this will affect Keith and Donna’s chances of getting

the job? Why?

In this lesson, stu dents will talk about personal relationships with friends and acquaintances. They will be

encouraged to use various expressions to describe people they know, shared experiences and relationships. By

the end of the lesson, students should be able to express themselves using the appropriate adjective forms.

Many English adjectives of emotion and feeling are formed from the -ed/-ing forms of verbs. The

cause of a ‘feeling’ gets the -ing participle. The receiver of a ‘feeling’ gets the -ed participle.

Directly describing situations and people

Adjective: verb + ing

Falling over in front of all those people was embarrassing .

My third-year calculus class is so confus ing .

Her inaugural speech was very disappointing .

Describing how we feel or other people feel

Adjective: verb + ed

After realizing his pants had split, he was even more embarrass ed.

He was confused by her directions to the bank.

She was disappointed in her teammates’ lack of enthusiasm.

With a partner, describe how you feel when you experience the situations below. Be creative

and ask follow-up questions.

How do you feel when you… ?

1 have a chance to speak English with a native speaker

2 trip over on a crowded street

3 get a high exam score

4 see a car accident

5 get stuck in traffic

6 get concert tickets to see your favorite band

7 make a speech

8 see a romantic movie

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Round and Round

Students sit in a circle and take turns making sentences using – ed and –ing adjective forms of the verbs

below. Students should use the correct form of the adjective and not repeat the same form as the

previous student(s). Students should use as many variations of one adjective as possible before using

the next adjective. This activity is best done as a whole class but can also be done in small groups.

Bore

amaze concern scare motivate

depress irritate confuse interest

upset disturb relieve relax

thrill trouble overwhelm discourage

sooth tempt move horrify

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1 1


W a y A l o n g

Describe a Time When…

Take turns with a partner describing some of your personal experiences by using the adjectives below.

Remember to describe your experiences in detail, use as many adjectives as possible and be creative.

A: What happened when you felt the most embarrassed?

B: I was introducing a very important guest speaker at a conference and I said her name wrong.

A: That is pretty embarrassing. So, what did you do?

B: Well, I apologized to her afterwards. She wasn’t annoyed about it, but I was still really embarrassed

and disappointed in myself.

embarrassed disappointed frustrated worried

bored frightened confused tired

satisfied disgusted surprised excited

challenged annoyed encouraged flattered

displeased inspired shocked pleased

fatigued intrigued relaxed discouraged

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Friendship

Read the following passage and discuss the questions that follow with your partner.

I met Bill at a young farmer’s convention in Cheshire one sunny September afternoon about four

years ago. We immediately hit it off and have been firm friends ever since. It wasn’t long before we

found out we had a lot in common. At the time, we were both feeling frustrated with our lives for

one reason or another. Bill was in a worrying situation because a lot of his co-workers were losing

their jobs. I was going through some marital problems and was confused about what to do. It was

surprising to find out that we’d both experienced similar problems. Since then, we’ve often given

each other support and advice. Whenever I’m worried about

something, he’s always ready with some words of reassurance.

Or, when I’m just feeling tired of life, he always has some motivating

anecdote to cheer me up. Mainly, we just enjoy having a good laugh

together. It’s much easier to cope with life’s ups and downs when

you’ve got good friends like Bill!


1 What, most likely, are Bill and the writer’s occupations?

2 What kinds of problems was Bill having at the time they first met?

3 How does Bill help the writer to deal with difficult situations? How do you deal with difficult

situations?

4 In what ways do you try to help your friends when they have problems?

5 When was the last time a friend helped you? Explain what happened.

w Writing

Write eight to twelve sentences describing your relationship with one of your good friends, the things

you like to do together, and why you like to do these things. Use as many -ed and - ing adjectives as

possible.

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W a y A l o n g

Discuss the following questions with a partner. Be creative with your responses and ask follow-up

questions. Most importantly, have fun!

1 What kind of things bore you? What are some good ways to relieve boredom?

2 Do you think you are the kind of person who is easily satisfied? Why or why not?

3 When was the last time someone or something annoyed you? Explain what happened.

4 Have you heard any surprising news lately? What was the news and why were you surprised?

5 Think of something you once did that shocked other people? Explain what happened.

6 What kinds of things frustrate you? Why do these things make you frustrated?

7 What are you concerned about these days? Explain why these things are concerning you.

8 What kind of behavior do you find disgusting? Explain why this behavior disgusts you.

9 How would you feel if you bumped into your favorite celebrity on the street?

Explain what you would say and do.

0 Imagine you have just found out that you are of royal decent and will inherit a castle as well as a

sizeable fortune. How would you feel? How do you think your friends would react when they hear the

news? Why?

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It Takes All Types12 L •

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I t T a k e s

A l l T y p e s

In this lesson, stu dents will practice describing personality using a range of descriptors and structures. By the end

of the chapter, students should feel more confident about being able to describe each other’s characteristics in a

variety of ways.

There are many different ways to describe someone’s personality. For example,

by the way they behave around others

• He’s the kind of person who isn’t very sociable.

• He may seem arrogant but, he’s just very self-confident.

by their preferences

• She’s very fussy when it comes to clothes.

• His parents are conservative when it comes to marriage.

by how they deal with things around them

• Jon is very conscientious about his work.

• He participates in the meetings enthusiastically.

by their feelings towards others

• She’s jealous of her sister.

• He is a loving father.

by how they treat others

• She is bossy towards her two younger brothers.

• She is very strict with her students.

With your partner, discuss how people determine

their personality type based on astrology (e.g. Leo,

Aries, Virgo), Chinese Zodiac (e.g. Pig, Dragon,

Rooster), or blood type. Use as many adjectives in

your response as you can. Then discuss whether you

believe in such personality indicators. Be sure to give

reasons for your response.

74

The Blame Game

Listen to the following dialogue between a husband and wife.


Listen again and discuss the following questions with a partner. Be sure to practice what you learned

in the Language Point.

1 How do you think Janet and Richard feel toward each other? Why do you think so?

2 Richard thinks Janet is the kind of person who is obsessed with perfection. Why do you think that

is?

3 Does Janet think Richard gets moody when something is not done for him. Why do you think so?

4 Do you think Richard is sensitive about everything? Say why?

5 Do you think Richard will clean the oven? Why or why not?

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What’s He Like?

Take turns with a partner describing the people below. You should use at least four personality traits

and use as many different structures from the Language Point as possible.

My best friend

My best friend is an easy-going person. He’s also the kind of person who is patient whenever you ask

for help. He’s pretty clever when it comes to most things, but he’s never arrogant about his abilities.He’s also very open-minded. However, he can sometimes be a bit unreliable.

your best friend yourself your ideal type

your boyfriend / girlfriend your brother / sister the President

your favorite teacher your father someone you dislike

someone you admire your boss your favor ite actor / actress

your favorite singer your mother someone else (your choice)

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1 2

I t T a k e s

A l l T y p e s

Can You Guess My Type?

Look at the personality types below. Secretly choose one and explain it to your partner without saying

the actual word. Your partner should try to guess which personality type you are describing. Use as

many examples as you can, but try not to use other words from the list. Be sure to practice the

structures you learned in the Language Point!

A: I always look on the bight side of life.

B: You are easy-going.

A: No. I always think positively, even in negative situations.

B: I know. You are optimistic.

A: Right!

bad-tempered sociable absent-minded lazy easy-going

cheerful cautious self-confident cowardly generous

honest adventurous conservative impulsive arrogant

grumpy moody modest open-minded introverted

talkative extraverted selfish conceited strict

reliable stubborn bossy affectionate weird

nervous enthusiastic fussy charming sincere

polite intuitive annoying boring brave

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True to Character

Read the following star sign description and discuss the questions that follow with your partner.


1 Is an Aries usually cautious? Explain your answer.

2 Does an Aries usually consider his or her actions carefully?

3 Why might it be difficult to parent an Aries child? Explain.

4 What strong and weak points does an Aries have? Do you have similar strengths and weaknesses?

5 Does the description above accurately describe the Aries people you know? Do you believe that

astrological signs are accurate in describing one’s personality? Why or why not?

w Writing

Above is an astrological personality description for someone born under the Aries sign. Write a short

paragraph of about eight to ten sentences describing your own personality.

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1 2

I t T a k e s

A l l T y p e s

Discuss the following questions with a partner. Be creative with your responses and ask follow-up


1 Do you think that other people see you in the same way that you see yourself? If not, how might other

people describe your personality differently? Why?

2 How much do you think people’s personalities are affected by experiences and how much are affected

by genetics? Give reasons for your answer.

3 How accurately can you judge a person’s personality by your first impression of them? Say why you

think so.

4 Do you think that it is possible for people to change their personality? Why or why not? Have you ever

tried to change your personality? Which parts? Why?

5 Do you usually prefer to be around people with similar or different personality traits from you? Explainyour choice.

6 Of all the people you’ve met, whose personality do you admire the most? Why?

7 Do you think that having certain personality traits can help you be more successful in life? If so, say

which five characteristics are most important and why you think so.

8 How accurate is it to judge a person’s character according to astrology, blood type, or other such

methods? Say why you think so.

9 Do you think a couple with exactly the same personality are a good match? Why or why not?

0 Have you heard the expression, “The more people I meet, the more I like my dog”? What do you think

this means? Would you ever use this expression? Why or why not?

78

Aries: March 21 -April 2 0

F ro m a n ea r l y age, a n A r ies s ho ws

h is o r he r

b ra ve r y, co u rage a nd leade rs h i

p. T h is is a

s tee p lea r n i ng c u r ve. Ho we ve

r, i n t he i r

eage r ness to be ad ve n t u ro us a n

d e n t h us ias t ic,

a nd to s ho w i n i t ia t i ve, t he y o f

te n fa l l a t t he

f i rs t h u rd le. T he y ma y be acc ide n t-

p ro ne a nd

r is k- ta k i ng ca n ge t t he n i n to a

l l so r ts o f

t ro u b le. Yo u ma y f i nd yo u rse

l f e nd less l y

as k i ng t he m tot h i n k be fo re t h

e y ac t. T he y

need f res h a i r a nd p h ys ica l ac t

i v i t y to t h r i ve.

T he y res po nd we l l to be i ng g

i ve n

res po ns i b i l i t y b u t

need to be e nco u raged to

a na l yze t he i r ac t io ns. G i ve n t he i r te nde nc y to

s p ea k o r a c t b e fo r e t h i n

k i ng, t h e y ca n a p p ea r

i ns e ns i t i v e a nd u n k i nd. E

v e n so, t h e y a r e

wa r m- h ea r t ed a nd g e n e ro us.

T h e y k no w

e xa c t l y ho w to sa y so r r y

a nd to l ea v e o t h e rs

f e e l i ng b e t t e r fo r b e i ng

pa r t o f t h e i r wo r ld.

I t is no t eas y to pa r e n t

t h es e i nd i v id ua ls as

t h e y s e e m to n e ed to l ea r n t h ro ug

h e x p e r i e n c e

a nd r es is t b e i ng to ld w h

a t to do a nd ho w to

do i t. T h e y l ea r n q u i c k l

y, ho w e v e r. I nd e ed,

t h e y ca r r y o u t mos t tas k

s q u i c k l y a nd ca n

a maz e o t h e rs w i t h t h e i

r a c co m p l is h m e n ts. A

co m p e t i t i v e s t r ea k is o f

t e n p r es e n t. T h e y

r es po nd w e l l to goa ls a

nd ta rg e ts a nd v e r y

o f t e n s e t t h e

s e fo r t h e ms e l v es.

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Dealing with DifficultPeople

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D e a l i n g w i t h

D i f f i c u l t P e o p l e

The emphasis of this lesson is on personal relationships and dealing with various types of people. After learning

the target expressions presented here, students will have a chance to practice using these in simulated contexts.

Having done this, students should feel more confident communicating with various types of people in English.

Useful expressions for dealing with difficult people and situations:

Dealing with angry / critical people: Dealing with lazy people:

• I understand how you feel. • I’d really appreciate it if you could…

• I’m sorry you feel that way. • It’ll be much easier / fairer / better if everyone

• I’m sorry but it was the best I could do. works together. (offer a suggestion)

(give an excuse) • Everyone needs to work together as a team.

• What do you think needs to be done?

• How about we sit down and talk about this?(make a suggestion)

Deal ing with b ossy peopl e: Deal ing with unfr iendly peopl e:

• Okay, and now let’s see what other people • I was hoping we could be friends.

think.• Is there anything I can do to help?

• You’ve got a point, but I think we should

try it another way. (offer an alternative)

Have you ever had to deal with difficult people? Discuss these situations with your partner.Practice using the expressions you learned in the Language Point. Be creative with your

conversations and ask follow-up questions.

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Made to Order

Listen to the following dialogue between a waiter and a difficult customer in a restaurant.



1 Why does the customer get upset? Do you think the customer overreacted? Explain.

2 How would you describe the waiter’s reaction to the customer’s complaint? How would you have

reacted if you were the waiter?

3 What solution does the waiter offer the customer to deal with the mistake? Can you think of any

alternatives to this solution?

4 Have you ever experienced a similar situation or know someone who has? What happened?

5 Imagine you are the manager of the restaurant and witnessed the exchange between the customer

and waiter. What would you have said to the customer and the waiter?

81

a dif ficult boss a diff icult neighbor

a difficult sibling a difficult co-worker

a difficult classmate a difficult store clerk

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4 One of your co-workers often makes mistakes and you feel that the quality of his/ her work is not good

enough. Criticize your co-worker about the mistakes he / she made in a recent sales report.

5 The secretary in the department where you work is cold and unfriendly. You’ve tried to be friendly to

him / her, but he / she still acts the same way towards you. Politely try to find out why he / she is

unfriendly to you and see if you can solve the problem.

Counseling

Take turns with a partner describing a difficult person you know. The person could be angry, critical,

bossy, lazy, unfriendly, etc. Try to use some of the related words below to help you describe that

person. Your partner can then try to give you some advice about how to deal with that person more

effectively.

A: One of my colleagues is always in a bad mood. He is impatient and gets angry really easily. He is

really difficult to work with because of his bad attitude.

B: Have you thought about politely asking him what his problem is? Maybe there is a legitimate

reason for why he is moody. Maybe he just needs a friendly person to help him snap out of it.

A: Thanks. I’ll try talking to him.

Characteristics of Difficult People

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D e a l i n g w i t h

D i f f i c u l t P e o p l e

It Takes One To Know One

Role-play the following situations with a partner. Read your part quietly first. Then cover up the page

and role-play the situation with your partner as realistically as possible. Try to use some expressions

from the Language Point.

1 You gave a presentation at work this morning but

you made a few mistakes. Your boss is very angry.

Try to calm your boss down.

2 One of your friends is very bossy. He / she is

continuously trying to tell you and other friends

what you should do. He starts telling you his / her

plans for your trip together this weekend but

doesn’t ask for you and your friends’ opinions.

3 You share a room with another person who thinks you are very messy.

4 One of the people you work with has a habit of criticizing you in front of other co-workers. Ask your

co-worker firmly, but politely, to stop criticizing you.

5 You are a company secretary, but you don’t really like your job. You especially don’t like having to

deal with other employees. Whenever other employees approach you, you don’t feel like being helpful

or friendly.

1 One of your employees gave a presentation in front

of an important client this morning, but he/ she

made some embarrassing mistakes. You are very

angry with him / her.

2 You meet your friend to tell him / her about your

ideas for this weekend’s trip together. Say where you

want to go and what time you want to go and

return. Also say what kinds of things you want to do

when you get there. Do not ask for your friend’s

opinion.

3 You share a room with another person who is very messy. This person never helps clean and always

leaves his/her things on the floor. Tell your roommate to stop being lazy and clean up his/her mess.

82

An angry person:

bad/quick tempered

moody

abrupt

irritated

impatient

bad attitude

A critical person:

perfectionist

unfair

fussy

impatient

unforgiving

inflexible

A bossy person:

controlling

forceful

interfering

orders people around

domineering

overbearing

A lazy person:

disorganized

unmotivated

messy

slow

can’t be bothered

An unfriendly person:

cold

grouchy

abrupt

narrow-minded

distant

An arrogant person:

pompous

condescending

patronizing

bragging

egotistical

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It’s Already Been Done14 L •

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I t ’ s A l r e a d y

B e e n D o n e

This lesson is centered on the use of the passive voice, particularly in relation to receiving services and having

things done for us. Students will engage in activities which will get them using the passive in a variety of ways.

Afterwards, students should have a clearer understanding of how and when to use the passive voice.

Use: We use the passive when the subject receives the action.

Active: The man painted the living room. (The man is doing the action.)subject action

Passive: The house was painted by the man. (The house is receiving the action.)subject action

Form: The passive voice is formed by the verb be + the participle form of the main verb.

Past: The couple was visited by their friends.

Present: Her taxi fare is paid by the company.

Future: Your dry cleaning will be dropped off tomorrow.

Note: Informal uses of the passive can be formed with get and have. These are typically used in spoken

rather than written English.

Informal Passive Formal Passive

• She got hired yesterday. • She was hired yesterday.

• He has his car washed at the garage • His car is washed at the garage.

Take turns with a partner making the following sentences into the passive form.

Active: The stylist cut my hair. Passive: My hair was cut by the stylist.

• A decorator painted my kitchen. • A manicurist does my nails once a month.

• Someone will deliver a bed today. • The drycleaners usually clean my suits.

• The repairman will fix my TV today. • The boss told Randy to come in on time.

• My brother took the picture in Spain. • My mum ironed my shirts.

86

I’m Having My Hair Done

Listen to the conversation between two women discussing their plans.



1 What kind of relationship do you think Rachel and Trish have? Explain why you think so.

2 Can Trish go with Rachel to the salon? How do you think Rachel feels about Trish’s response to the

invitation? How would you feel if you were Rachel?

3 How does Rachel suggest overcoming the problem?

4 How important is it that Trish get her washing machine fixed? Why do you think so?

5 What are Trish’s plans like for the rest of the week? What is Rachel’s reaction to Trish’s plans?

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Where Do You Get Your Hair Done?

Take turns with your partner asking each other about the following things (use the passive form of the

verb in brackets). Then remember to keep the conversation going by asking follow-up questions!

A: How often do you get a dental checkup done?

B: About every six months. How about you?

A: About the same, actually. Have you even gotten any major dental work done?

B: Yeah, I have had two teeth crowned and my wisdom taken teeth out. What about you?

dental checkup (do) passport photo (take) eyesight (check)

medical checkup (do) manicure (do) ha ir (do , cut)

photo (develop) car (service) parcel (deliver)

dinner (cook) dry cleaning (do) massage (do)

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B e e n D o n e

What’s Happening Here?

Look at the pictures below. Use the verbs below to explain what is happening and make up a story

about what happened. Try to use as many verbs as you can in each story. Remember to use the passive

voice and ask follow-up questions.

break A: The woman’s leg is broken.B: How do you think it happened?

A: She may have been in an accident, or perhaps her leg was broken

while she was playing a sport. Have you ever broken your leg?

A: Yes, I have. When I was younger...

spill sting throw out smash

rob fall cut chase

catch ruin step on knock over

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Things To Be Done

Read the following passage and discuss the questions below with your partner.


1 Who is the message intended for? What kind of relationship do you think the reader and writer have?

Why do you think so?

2 What is expected of Justin while Colleen is away? Do you think Justin is accustomed to performing

these tasks? Why do you think so?

3 What kind of relationship do you think Justin has with his mother? Why do you think so?

4 What does Colleen mean when she says, “Don’t give in to them.” Why do you think she says this?

Explain.

5 How is Colleen and Justin’s family situation the same or different from yours in terms of who runs

errands and looks after the family’s affairs?

w Writing

Using the reading section as an example, write about some of the things you have done for you.

Remember to write in the passive voice as much as possible. Try to think of at least five things.

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B e e n D o n e

Discuss the following questions with your partner. Be creative with your responses and ask follow-up


1 Have you ever had clothes made for you? What did you have made and for what occasion? If not, what

would you like to have made?

2 If you could have a movie made about your life, which actor would you choose to play you? Give

reasons.

3 Do you have any jobs that you need to have done by someone? What are they and who will you get to

do those jobs?

4 Where do you usually go to have your hair cut? Why do you prefer that place to others?

5 When was the last time you had your photo taken professionally? What was the occasion?

6 If you could have any one of the following services provided for you free of charge for a year, which one

would you choose and why?

• chauffeuring • house cleaning • professional massage

• hairstyling • cooking (by a chef) • personal fitness training

7 What are some of the things you expect to have done for you by close family (parents, spouse, etc)?

Why don’t you do these things yourself?

8 Have you ever had your fortune told? Do you believe in fortune tellers? Why or why not?

9 If you had a robot that could perform various household chores and run errands, what would you have

it do? Explain your reasons.

0 Have you ever played a trick on someone or had a trick played on you? What happened? What is the

worst kind of trick a person could play on another? Explain why?

90

Hi Honey,

I decided to jot down a few reminders for you while I am away on the business trip. Now,

Rusty was given his medication this morning, but another two tablets will need to be given to him tonight. Don’t forget, he also needs to be walked after dinner. The kids’ lunches were

made this morning, but they will need to be made by you for the rest of week. Don’t give

them junk food – they are going to ask you for junk because I am away - don’t give in to

them! Haden’s piano teacher was paid yesterday, and his lessons were rescheduled for 6 pm

on Wednesday nights. Laura’s soccer coach told me her re-registration form for this

season was sent in the mail yesterday. Make sure you fill it in when you get it as

it will need to be mailed back by Friday. The dry cleaning was dropped off two

days ago and can be picked up anytime. Your mother called AGAIN… Justin,

she needs to be called back– she is your mother! Your dinners are made

and they are in the freezer – re-heating instructions are on the fridge. My

return flight is booked for 5 pm on Friday night, so I will need to be picked

up at the airport around 8 pm. Thanks Honey, I’ll see you in 5 days – I

miss you already. Hug the kids for me!

Colleen

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Becoming an Adult15 L •

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B e c o m i n g

a n A d u l t

The focus of this lesson is on the expression of reflexive pronouns and their use in discussing a variety of topics

including adjusting to becoming an adult. At the end of the lesson, students should be able to use reflexive

pronouns correctly and use them appropriately to express changes in their own lives.

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object refer to the same person or thing.

u After he went for a swim, he dried himself off.

u The first time I tried to cook, I burned myself.

u He is going to the mall to get himself some new clothes.

Reflexives are also used for emphasis.

u I painted my bedroom myself. (No one helped me).

u I complained about the leaky faucet and the landlord took care of it himself. (He did not send a

plumber.)

u The dormsthemselves are quite roomy.

Reflexives can also be used to express “alone”, “without company”, or “without help”.

u They like to spend a lot of time by themselves.

u When she asked if she could help him, he said he could do it by himself.

u I have never liked traveling by myself.

Note: “on one’s own” is commonly used in the same way as “by oneself”.

u My best friendlives on her own. a My best friendlives by herself.

Discuss the following questions with your partner.

Try to use reflexive pronouns in your responses and

ask follow-up questions.

• What sorts of things do you like to do by yourself?

• Who do you get along well with? Why do you get

along so well with each other?

• Do you think people generally like to be by

themselves or around others? Why do you think so?

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On the Move

Listen to the conversation between Amy and her friend Paul, who is moving out on his own.



1 How would you feel if you were Paul? Why?

2 Are you able to cook for yourself? If so, what do you like to cook? If not, why not?

3 Are you any good at home improvements? If so, what are you good at? If not, what would you

like to be able to do?

4 Do you think household responsibilities should be shared by all household members? Explain.

5 If you could, would you like to live at home with your parents for your whole life? Explain.

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Pardon me?

In groups of at least three, practice changing the sentences below to include reflexive pronouns. Then

ask each other to repeat what was said. Ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going.

Shopping alone

1 going out alone at night

2 waiting alone for a friend

3 eating at a restaurant alone

4 working alone in an office

5 living alone

6 driving alone

7 traveling alone

8 looking at art alone

9 spending the holidays alone

0 studying alone

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All By Myself

Work with a partner to fill in the blanks with the correct reflexive pronouns. Then use the statements

to interview your partner. Be sure to ask your partner follow-up questions.

A: Do you like to go to the movies by yourself?

B: No, I don’t like going to movies by myself. A: Why not?

B: I find it more enjoyable when I have company. I also like to go out for coffee or a meal after and

talk about the movie.

You Your partner

Yes No Yes No

1 You like to go to the movies __________________________________________. w w w w

2 Your best friend is able to cook _______________________________________. w w w w

3 You can lift 100lbs __________________________________________________. w w w w

4 We can learn English well by studying _________________________________. w w w w

5 You can fix everything around the house ______________________________. w w w w

6 It’s boring to eat out _________________________________________________. w w w w

7 Some people think it’s dangerous to walk home ________________________. w w w w

8 Homebodies like to spend a lot of time ________________________________. w w w w

9 Married couples like to spend quiet evenings in together ________________. w w w w

0 ‘Two heads are better than one’, so it is not efficient to work ____________. w w w w

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I went

shopping by

myself.

A

Pardon me?I didn’tcatch that.

B

She said shewent shoppingby herself.What did you buy?

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Credit Tips for Foreign Students

Read the following passage regarding tips for foreign students on establishing their credit in the United

States. Then discuss the questions below with your partner.

When living on your own in the United States, building a solid credit rating could be very helpful

to you. A credit rating is a system that evaluates the ability of an individual or company to repay

loans by themselves. However, it also has more important day-to-day uses. Credit ratings are

needed if someone wants to rent an apartment, buy a car or major appliance, or even get a cell

phone. The easiest way to accrue credit rating points is to get an American credit card and pay it

off regularly. If you are doing this by yourself, here is what you have to do: first, establish both a

checking and savings account in a U.S. bank. This will help you start a U.S. financial history.

Next, stop by student services as your university itself may offer special student credit cards.

Many of these can be obtained by foreign students themselves. Although you may have a

MasterCard or Visa from your own country, the transactions on these cards will not be assigned

to your U.S. credit rating. Also, if you use a U.S. credit card issued to your

parents, the points will only be accumulated by your parents themselves.

Therefore, getting your own credit card is your best bet. Use this credit card

for any purchase that you make on your own. After a few months of using the

credit card, other offers for higher-limit cards will ensue. You will also have

more freedom to rent a place of your own, pay for pricier items by yourself

and apply for such necessities as cells phones, Internet hookup, student loans

and so on. Just remember to pay your credit card bill!


1 What is a credit rating?

2 Why is having a good credit rating important?

3 What are some of the things that foreign students must do by themselves in order to gain good credit?

4 What kind of card can a student get from student services and how is it useful?

5 How is obtaining a good credit rating in the U.S. the same or different from getting a good credit

rating in your own country?

w Writing

Pretend it is New Year’s Day. Make New Year’s resolutions for you and your family. Try to use as many

reflexive pronouns as you can and be creative with your answers.

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Discuss the following questions with your partner. Be creative with your responses and ask follow-up


1 What are a couple of things that you insist on doing on your own?

2 What do / would you like about living on your own? What skills do those living on their own need to

learn?

3 What piece of advice would you give to your friend who is planning to live alone for the first time?

4 At what age do adults in your country move out of their parents’ houses and start living on their own?

Do you think it should happen earlier? Later? Why?

5 Can you do any household repairs on your own? If not, what would you like to be able to do on your

own?

6 Some university students prefer to use their parents’ money to pay for necessities while others prefer to

get a job to pay for themselves? Which is better? Why?

7 “It is better to go on vacation by yourself.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?

8 When was the last time you really enjoyed yourself? When do you think you will enjoy yourself like that

again?

9 If you were given one million dollars with the condition that you could only spend it on yourself, what

would you do with the money?

0 What is your opinion of young students who are home

schooled? What are the advantages and

disadvantages of students of any age studying by

themselves? Explain.

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Pagoda Academy - ESL Textbook - SLE 2A

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