Lesson 4: Appearances
I don’t get why most people here think it’s okay to judge a book by its cover.

I can talk about the importance of appearances.

INTRODUCE

In Italy, it's often said that first impressions last and one’s appearance matters more than it does in many other countries.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

Go over the first two expressions with your tutor and answer the questions. Then, guess the meaning of the third expression based on the clues provided.

    1. The way someone carries oneself refers to a person’s overall behavior including speech patterns, facial expressions, body language, and general appearance.

    I’m inspired by the way the Queen carries herself. Last week, she visited a farm and still managed to look dignified in 15 centimeters of mud!

    Q: Do you often think about the way you carry yourself?

     

     

    2. To dress to impress means to wear something that will leave a positive impression.

    My brother dressed to impress for his job interview. He spent a lot of money on his suit. I hope he gets the job!

    Q: On what occasions do you dress to impress?

     

     

    3. _____________          ______.

     

    Yeah, Jake’s not that good-looking, but give him a chance! Don’t judge a book by its cover.

    Q: What do you think judge a book by its cover means?

STEP B SPEAK YOUR MIND

Sometimes you want to say that a person has no choice in a situation.

    Ugh, Tom’s so bossy!

    I know… Well, like it or not, he’s the project leader.

UNDERSTAND

SPEAKING

Ken is meeting up with his American friend, Jeremy. They’re both studying abroad in Rome.

Ken:

Looking great, man!

Jeremy:

You think so? Honestly, I hate these clothes. You know me. I’d rather be comfortable than fashionable any day.

Ken:

Well, it’s a nice change from your usual sweatpants. (laughs) Anyway, why are you dressed up?

Jeremy:

Greta talked me into it. She said I should always dress to impress.

Ken:

I don’t see anything wrong with that.

Jeremy:

There’s more. She insisted that I buy this leather belt and tuck in my shirt to show it off. Do you know how much this thing cost?!

Ken:

I think it suits you, though! You look like a respectable man now. I hope you become one. (laughs) Joking aside, you do look good.

Jeremy:

Thanks. Well, like it or not, I guess I’ll have to dress like this if I want to keep dating Greta.

Ken:

You know, I think that this is one way that Japanese people are similar to Italians. We also like to look nice when we go out. You don’t usually see anyone shopping for groceries in their pajamas like you did last week! (laughs)

Jeremy:

I guess for me, the way you carry yourself is more important than wearing fashionable clothes.

Ken:

Well, you have a point there.

Jeremy:

Yeah. Honestly, I don’t get why most people here think it’s okay to judge a book by its cover.

Ken:

Well, luckily for you, Greta didn’t. Do you remember what you were wearing the first time you met her? I’m surprised she didn’t run away! (laughs)

TRIVIA

Do you know how to translate the phrase bijin wa mikka de akiru  (美人は三日で飽きる) in English? There’s actually no direct translation, but it’s often translated in English as the similar idiom beauty is only skin deep, which means that personality is more important than physical attractiveness.

PRACTICE

Complete the dialogues using the instructions in the parentheses and the expressions in the box. Some expressions may be used more than once, and the form of some expressions may need to be changed.

the way someone carries oneself
dress to impress
judge a book by its cover

1.

Tutor: Do you have any tips for my presentation? I’m a bit nervous.

Student: Be sure to speak clearly. (Say that he/she should also be mindful of his/her body language and facial expressions.)

 

2.

Tutor: I have a blind date tomorrow! Do you have any advice?

Student: First impressions are really important! (Say that he/she should choose a really nice outfit.)

 

3.

Tutor: I’m a bit scared to approach her. She looks kind of mean.

Student: Once you get to know Linda, you’ll see how nice she is. (Say that he/she shouldn’t make assumptions based on a person’s appearance.)

 

4.

Tutor: Do you think it’s okay for me to wear this t-shirt tomorrow?

Student: To your interview?! No way! (Say that he/she has to dress well if he/she wants to get the job.)

 

5.

Tutor: Geez! What are you wearing? You can’t wear pajamas out in public! People are going to laugh.

Student: Well, I don’t care about what they think. (Say that it’s shallow to make a conclusion about someone because of how they dress.)

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

Your friend is excited about his/her upcoming date with an Italian next weekend. Give some advice about what to wear for it.

Today's Expressions

  • the way someone carries oneself
  • dress to impress
  • judge a book by its cover

Speak Your Mind

  • Like it or not, …

Challenge 2

What do you think? What does your tutor think? Discuss.

If Time
Allows
1

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
2

INSIDE VS OUTSIDE
1

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

  1. How important are first impressions for you?
  2. What do you do to make a good first impression?
  3. Do you believe in the saying first impressions last?

2INSIDE VS OUTSIDE

  1. Which do you think most people value more, inner beauty or outer beauty?
  2. Would you go on a date with someone who was very physically attractive but wasn’t very nice?
  3. Did you ever make a judgment based on a person's appearance that turned out to be wrong?

FEEDBACK

I can talk about the importance of appearances.

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