Lesson 2: I’m not saying that it’s no big deal.

I can discuss the importance of celebrating special days.

INTRODUCE

Many people consider it important to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special days, but not everyone agrees.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

Read the explanations. Then, say whether each statement is true or false for you.

    1. It’s no big deal is used to say that something is not very important.

     

    I was worried about not being dressed nicely enough for the party, but Jack said that it was no big deal.

     

    It’s no big deal if my friends or family forget about my birthday. ( T / F )

     

     

    2. If you’re sentimental, you’re strongly influenced by emotional feelings, especially ones caused by old memories.

     

    Emma is extremely sentimental. I tried to throw out an old blanket last week, but she got angry because it was the blanket we used at our first picnic together.

     

    I consider myself a sentimental person. ( T / F )

     

     

    3. _______________________________________

     

    This year, I got married, turned 30, and bought a house. That’s three milestones in one year!

     

    Q: What do you think a milestone means?

STEP B SPEAK YOUR MIND

Sometimes you want to tell the truth.

    Thanks again for watching the movie with me! Wasn’t it amazing?

    In all honesty, I found it a little boring. I don’t really like historical dramas.

UNDERSTAND

SPEAKING

Jen and Takahiro are talking during their coffee break.

Jen:

Yesterday was the absolute worst!

Takahiro:

Why? What happened?

Jen:

It was my five-year anniversary, but my husband didn’t do anything special! No gifts, no dinner reservation, no card.

Takahiro:

Did he forget about it?

Jen:

No, he remembered. He just didn’t do anything! Don’t you think that’s horrible?

Takahiro:

Well… In all honesty, I don’t think it’s necessary to be sentimental about things like anniversaries. They’re just one day.

Jen:

But it was our fifth anniversary! That’s a milestone, you know.

Takahiro:

I’m not saying that it’s no big deal. But do you really need to celebrate it by going to dinner or buying each other gifts? I mean, isn’t your love for each other already a gift in itself?

Jen:

(sighs) Yes… But I can’t help but feel disappointed. He didn’t do much for our anniversary last year either, but I thought he would do something special for our fifth.

Takahiro:

Well, if you’re really hurt, you should tell him how you feel.

Jen:

Yeah, you’re right. Okay, I’ll talk to him about it tonight. Thanks for listening.

TRIVIA

Did you know that it’s common to give greeting cards for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays in the US and many other countries? The cards usually have pre-printed messages, but many people like to write short messages on them as well for a personal touch.

PRACTICE

Are the underlined expressions used correctly? If not, change the sentences.

ex. In my opinion, Fridays are important milestones.

→ incorrect: In my opinion, anniversaries are important milestones.

 

  1. My wife is very sentimental. Every year, she throws out all the old stuff we don’t need anymore.
  2. Oh, you’re going to be 15 minutes late? It’s no big deal. A few other people said they’re going to be late too.
  3. Today I went to the supermarket. That’s a big milestone!

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

You’re hanging out with your American friend whose spouse’s birthday is coming up soon. Share your thoughts about celebrating birthdays and other special days.

Today's Expressions

  • it's no big deal
  • sentimental
  • a milestone

Speak Your Mind

  • In all honesty, …

Discuss your ideas.

1

CELEBRATING SPECIAL DAYS
2

BEING SENTIMENTAL
1

CELEBRATING SPECIAL DAYS

  1. What events are worth celebrating? What events are not worth celebrating?
  2. What’s the best way to celebrate reaching a milestone?
  3. Do you think it’s necessary to spend a lot of money on celebrations?

2BEING SENTIMENTAL

  1. What kind of things are people usually sentimental about?
  2. Why do you think some people are more sentimental than others?
  3. Do you think being sentimental is a good or a bad thing?

FEEDBACK

I can discuss the importance of celebrating special days.

LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • 4
    Very Good

    Could complete the task with ease

  • 3
    Good

    Could complete the task with some clarifications

  • 2
    Fair

    Could complete the task with additional instructions

  • 1
    Poor

    Could somehow complete the task with difficulty

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK