Lesson 8: Bad News
I have good news and bad news.

I can read and understand an email about bad news.

INTRODUCE

Receiving bad news can be very difficult. It’s important to know how to deliver the news gently to others.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

I. Go over the expressions with your tutor.

    1. I have good news and bad news. is used when you want to deliver both positive and negative news to someone.

     

    I have good news and bad news. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the job yesterday. But, I received a better offer from another company today!

     

     

    2. You can use the phrase I don’t know how to say this, but… when you want to give someone bad news delicately.

     

    I don’t know how to say this, but I think we should break up.

     

     

    3. I’m afraid it’s out of my hands. is used to politely tell someone that you cannot control something.

     

    I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more I can do about it. I’m afraid it’s out of my hands.

     

    II. How would you deliver the following bad news to people? Use the expressions above.

    You accidentally deleted your

    friend’s important files.

    One of your friends was

    involved in a bad car accident

    but is okay.

    Your parents decided to sell

    their house and move abroad,

    and your sibling is really upset

    about it.

STEP B PRONUNCIATION

When one word ends in -nt and the next word starts with a consonant sound, the /t/ is often dropped.
Phrase Example

I don’t know

/ I dunno /

/ I dunno / how to say this, but you didn’t pass the exam.

UNDERSTAND

READING

Saori is reading an email from Naoki.

Saori,

I have good news and bad news. The good news is that I got a small promotion! I’m now the supervisor of the sales team. It’s a lot more responsibility and a little more money. Hehehe.

But, here’s the bad news: Because of my promotion, I’m going to be involved in a long-term project here in Fukuoka. I don’t know how to say this, but I might not be able to come home as often. Also, it doesn’t look like I’m going to be transferred back to Tokyo for at least the next few years… I’m really sorry, but I’m afraid it’s out of my hands.

As for having a second baby, I’ve given it a lot of thought. I do want Aoi-chan to have a little brother or sister, but with my new promotion, I just don’t think we should try right now. It might be better to wait until I transfer back to Tokyo so I can be there to help you. I know this isn’t what you want to hear… I’ll give you a call when I get off work tonight.

Naoki

TRIVIA

Japanese students often use the phrase That’s too bad. Did you know that it shouldn’t be used for very serious things like death and illnesses because it can sound very rude and heartless? In these cases, the better phrase is I’m so sorry.

 

X Your dad died? That’s too bad!

O Your dad died? I’m so sorry.

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

The underlined expressions are close but not quite correct. Correct them.

  1. I’m sorry, his decision is final. I’m afraid it’s within my hand.
  2. I have a good and bad news. I didn’t make it to the final stage of the competition, but I got an offer from a famous talent agency anyway!
  3. I don’t know what to tell you, but I’m leaving next week.

STEP B EXERCISE

Follow the instructions in the parentheses using the expressions in the box.

I have good news and bad news.
I don’t know how to say this, but…
I’m afraid it’s out of my hands.

1.

Tutor: I really want to see the movie with you this weekend. Please ask your parents again.

Student: (Say that you can’t do anything about it because your parents already said no.)

 

 

2.

Tutor: Okay, we’ll meet at the station at 10:00. Remember to bring the tickets!

Student: (Delicately say that you forgot to buy the tickets for your trip and they’re sold out now.)

 

 

3.

Tutor: What did you want to tell me?

Student: (Say that you have positive and negative news.)

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

You and two of your friends, Maggie and Terry, have plans to go to your favorite band’s concert. One day before the concert, Maggie sent you an email. Read the email. Then, tell Terry about it.

Today's Expressions

  • I have good news and bad news.
  • I don’t know how to say this, but…
  • I’m afraid it’s out of my hands.

Hey! I have good news and bad news.

First, the bad news: I don’t know how to say this, but I don’t have a ticket to the concert anymore. You know my friend Jessica, right? Well, her dog died last week. She was so sad, and I wanted to do something to make her happy, so I gave her my concert ticket. I’m sorry. I know we were supposed to go to the concert together, but I just couldn’t stand seeing Jessica like that.

The good news is that tickets don’t seem to be sold out yet. I know the concert is tomorrow, but I’m still hoping I can get one. I’ll let you know if I do! Either way, I hope you have lots of fun! Tell Terry I’m really sorry.

Best,

Maggie

Challenge 2

Discuss your ideas.

If Time
Allows
1

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS
2

SENSITIVE NEWS
3

OUT OF YOUR HANDS
1

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS

  1. If someone had good news and bad news for you, which would you like to hear first?
  2. Do you always try to find a positive side to bad news?
  3. What’s the easiest way to deliver bad news?
  4. When’s the best time to deliver bad news?

2SENSITIVE NEWS

  1. What kind of things do you consider to be sensitive news?
  2. Should sensitive news always be delivered delicately?
  3. What kind of sensitive news have you had to deliver before?
  4. Would you rather deliver sensitive news to a close friend or someone you didn’t know well?

3OUT OF YOUR HANDS

  1. Do you feel like many things in your life are out of your hands?
  2. Do you get frustrated when something is out of your hands?
  3. Do you think that having some things that are out of your hands is always a bad thing?
  4. Do you think that Japanese people accept that things are out of their hands more than other cultures do?

FEEDBACK

I can read and understand an email about bad news.

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