INTRODUCE
Everyone has relationship troubles from time to time. Reading about others’ relationship problems can help you get a better idea of how to fix your own.
PRESENT
STEP A EXPRESSIONS
Go over the expressions with your tutor and answer the questions.
1. If you do something 24/7, you do it all the time.
Michael uses his phone 24/7.
Q: Do you use your phone 24/7?
2. Alone time is time spent away from other people.
Everyone needs their alone time.
Q: How much alone time have you had this past week?
3. To do some soul-searching means to take some time to carefully think about how you really feel about things.
I want to change my life, but I think I need to do some soul-searching first.
Q: Where do you think is a good place to do some soul-searching?
STEP B PRONUNCIATION
| Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
twenty-four-seven / tweh-nee-fohr sev-uhn / |
I want to be with you / tweh-nee-fohr sev-uhn /. |
UNDERSTAND
READING
Toru’s wife Holly is writing an email to her friend back in the US.
 |
Hey, Maddie,
It’s only been a week, but I miss you already! France is great: The food is amazing, the weather is lovely, and the places we’ve been to were absolutely gorgeous!
Well, everything would’ve been perfect if it weren’t for some people at work. The staff in this office are way too flirty. Ugh! You should’ve seen Toru’s face when the ladies greeted us. They kissed us on the cheeks, and he clearly liked it. Seeing that made me feel very uncomfortable. I called him out about it at lunch, but he said I was just being unreasonable because I’m jealous. Like, seriously?! I’m not blind!
What’s even more annoying right now is the fact that I’m with Toru 24/7. I’m still upset with him, but we’re together all the time—at work, during breaks, and back at the hotel. He’s even with me right now while I’m writing this! I don’t have my alone time anymore, and it bothers me. Is that bad? Do you think I should tell him? Or not? I’m afraid that if I do, we might argue and end up having a big fight. I mean, I don’t hate being with him. I just feel like I need some me time to maybe do some soul-searching. Do you know what I mean?
Holly
TRIVIA
When a person is having me time, it means he/she is doing something relaxing or enjoyable by himself/herself. Be careful: The phrase stays the same regardless of the subject!
O I need some me time.
O You need some me time.
O She needs some me time.
PRACTICE
STEP A EXERCISE
Replace the underlined parts with expressions from the box.
- Anthony’s boss always sets impossible deadlines. Because of that, it feels like Anthony is at work all the time.
- Maggie doesn’t like hanging out with friends on weekends. She prefers being by herself.
- When life gets too stressful, Paul likes to go to the lake to think about what’s going on in his life.
STEP B EXERCISE
Complete the dialogues using the pictures and expressions in the box.
1.
Tutor: I spend every day helping others – my kids, my husband, my coworkers… I’m so tired!
Student: You need to ________.
2.
Tutor: A lot has happened to me lately. I’m not sure about my future plans anymore…
Student: Maybe you should ________.
3.
Tutor: My eyes are so tired recently, but I don’t know why.
Student: I think it’s because ________.
CHALLENGE
Challenge 1
You’re checking out a popular online advice column. Read today’s advice. Then, share what you read with your friend.
Today's Expressions
- 24/7
- alone time
- do some soul-searching
 |
Ask Allan
Dear Allan,
My best friend and I go to the same university and have been roommates for almost a year now.
Since entering university, we’ve been doing everything together: eating out, shopping, hanging out with friends… EVERYTHING! But recently, I’ve been feeling like I just want to have some alone time. I’m afraid being together 24/7 is not good for us. Is it normal to feel this way towards your best friend? Am I being selfish?
Confused Roommate
Dear Confused Roommate,
First of all, let me assure you that what you’re feeling right now is totally normal! Spending time with someone you get along with is great, but there are also times when you need to be by yourself. Being with someone 24/7 can certainly get annoying.
I suggest that you talk to your best friend about having some me time. It doesn’t mean you’re going to end your friendship; you just want to give each other the chance to meet other people, try new activities, or even do some soul-searching. It’s all part of growing up! Besides, you know what they say—being separated from someone for a while makes you appreciate them even more.
Allan
Challenge 2
Discuss your ideas.
If TimeAllows
1 ALONE TIME |
2 SOUL-SEARCHING |
3 24/7 |
|---|---|---|
|
1 ALONE TIME
|
2SOUL-SEARCHING
|
324/7
|
FEEDBACK
I can read and understand a text about relationship trouble.
LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT
-
4
Very GoodCould complete the task with ease
-
3
GoodCould complete the task with some clarifications
-
2
FairCould complete the task with additional instructions
-
1
PoorCould somehow complete the task with difficulty
PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK
- RANGE
the ability to use a wide variety of vocabulary - ACCURACY
the ability to speak correctly - FLUENCY
the ability to speak smoothly without pauses or fillers - INTERACTION
the ability to manage a conversation
