IN THIS LESSON, YOU WILL
2. Express sympathy to one of your friends.
3. Help your other friend realize something important.
PRACTICE
STEP A EXERCISE
Match the expressions with their meanings.
1. touch-and-go
2. it hit someone
3. I can/can’t live with that.
4. might as well do something
5. crystal clear |
a. obvious or easy to understand
b. used to say whether you accept something or not
c. used to say that it’s better to do something than not do it
d. to have a sudden realization
e. having a very unsure or uncertain outcome |
STEP B EXERCISE
Fill in the blanks using the expressions in the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.
- Your sister’s words may have been harsh, but I don’t think she wanted to hurt you. __________ when she said those things.
- When Derek was hospitalized for fatigue, he had __________. He realized that he was working way too much and needed to change his life.
- Instead of staying up worrying about your interview tomorrow, I think you’d __________ (go to sleep).
- Hey, I’m so sorry I can’t comfort you in person, but please know that __________.
- Okay, __________. You’re right that she’s very talented. Let’s give the role to her.
MISSION
Challenge 1
You’re good friends with a couple who are going through a difficult time in their lives. One of them sent you a text message. Read the message.
Remember?
- be better off doing something
- touch-and-go
- crystal clear
- a light bulb moment
Hey there,
I need your help. My husband’s really mad at me right now and is refusing to listen! I don’t know if you heard, but just a few weeks ago he had a serious accident at work. He injured his leg pretty badly while visiting a construction site and had to have an operation. The surgery was successful, but his condition is still touch-and-go. Right now, he has to use a wheelchair. The doctor said it might take months before he can walk again… And he might never be the same as before the accident.
Anyway, despite his injury, he keeps talking about going back to work. He even said that there are several sites he’d like to visit once he recovers. It’s like the accident didn’t scare him at all! But honestly, even if he recovers fully, I don’t want him to go back to being a site engineer. It’s just too dangerous! Yesterday, I told him that I think he’d be better off having an office job. When I said that, he got so mad and told me that he’d never quit his job no matter how dangerous it was.
Now, he thinks I’m being unreasonable. Would it be possible for you to talk to him about this? The accident was a light bulb moment for me, and it made me realize that I don’t want anything bad to happen to him ever again. I’m so sorry for the trouble, but I really hope you can try to convince him. Thanks.
Challenge 2
Now, you’re talking to your friend on the phone about her text message. Comfort her and give her some advice.
Remember?
- My thoughts are with you.
- I can’t imagine how you feel.
- it hit someone
- Point taken.
- might as well do something
Challenge 3
Now, you called your friend’s husband. Express your sympathy about his condition and talk to him about how his wife feels.
Remember?
- be better off doing something
- touch-and-go
- it hit someone
- a light bulb moment
- My thoughts are with you.
- I can't imagine how you feel.
- I'm sure someone's heart was in the right place.
- I can/can't live with that.
- might as well do something
- Point taken.
FEEDBACK
Be a good friend to them during this difficult time.
MISSION 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
