Lesson 7: Warning Signs
Always trust your gut.

I can talk about warning signs.

INTRODUCE

Warning signs often appear before something bad happens. It’s important to be aware of these signs so that you can avoid or prepare for danger!

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

Go over the expressions with your tutor and answer the questions.

    1. A loose cannon is an unpredictable, uncontrollable person who can be dangerous.

     

    I try to stay away from him as much as possible. He’s such a loose cannon!

     

    Q: Which of the people below would you describe as a loose cannon? Why?

    A

    B

     

     

    2. A red flag is a sign that something is wrong.

     

    Losing your enthusiasm for what you’re studying is a red flag. Maybe you should consider changing your major?

     

    Q: Which of the following would you call a red flag in a relationship? Why?

    A

    B

     

     

    3. Trust your gut is an expression used to say that you should trust how you feel, especially if something seems wrong.

     

    Don’t go on the trip if you have a bad feeling about it. Trust your gut.

     

    Q: In which situation would you say “trust your gut” to someone? Why?

    A

    B

STEP B PRONUNCIATION

When a word that ends with t comes before a word that starts with y, the /t/ and /y/ often combine to form /ch/.
Phrase Example

trust your

/ trus-chur /

Always / trus-chur / gut!

UNDERSTAND

SPEAKING

Naoki’s having lunch with his Australian coworker Andy.

Naoki:

What’s wrong? You look troubled.

Andy:

Ah, sorry. (sighs) I just moved into my new apartment last weekend. Remember the cheap place I told you about? I ended up taking it.

Naoki:

That’s the one in the area everyone was calling sketchy, right? Did something happen?

Andy:

Yeah. Well, it’s not that serious, but it’s really bothering me. See, I’m still getting used to the trash and recycling system here, and the other day, I accidentally threw a can in the wrong bin.

Naoki:

Okay, and then?

Andy:

Well, one of my neighbors saw me do it, and he started screaming at me and kicking the bin repeatedly! I knew I was wrong, so I said I was sorry, but he ignored my apology. And now he just stares at me every time I see him. I find it really odd and kind of threatening.

Naoki:

Yikes! I know you just moved in, but I think his behavior is a red flag. He seems like a loose cannon. Maybe you should consider finding another place?

Andy:

Really? (sighs) Aside from that guy, I actually like my new place. Do you really think I should move because of one incident?

Naoki:

Well, it may seem like an overreaction, but if you honestly feel threatened by him, it might be best to start looking for a new place. Always trust your gut.

TRIVIA

The phrase find something odd means to think that something is weird or unusual. Aside from this idiom, here are other expressions that use the word odd:

 

  • an oddball: a person who acts somewhat strangely
  • the odd one out: a person who belongs to a group but is different from the others in some way

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

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

  1. You never know when she’ll suddenly start throwing things at you—she’s such a lost cannon!
  2. People tend to avoid walking down that street. Isn’t that the red flag?
  3. If you feel unsure about hanging out with him alone, just tell him no. Trust your guts.

STEP B EXERCISE

Choose the follow-up sentences that best match the bold sentences.

1. Trust your gut.You feel like your teacher is kind of sketchy, right? __________.

  1. You should probably quit taking his lessons right away.
  2. You should wait and see what happens.

2. Yeah, my mom is definitely a loose cannon. __________.

  1. She’s really patient and barely raises her voice.
  2. She gets mad pretty easily.

3. You know, you should trust your gut. __________.

  1. I know you think your friend is lying, but you’re probably mistaken.
  2. If you think your friend is lying, then you should confront her.

4. Don’t you think that’s a red flag? __________.

  1. If he’s avoiding you, then he must be hiding something!
  2. If he gives you flowers every day, then he might propose soon!

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

Your foreign friend is having problems at his/her new part-time job. He/She called you to discuss it. Talk to him/her and give some advice.

Today's Expressions

  • a loose cannon
  • a red flag
  • trust one’s gut

Challenge 2

Discuss your ideas.

If Time
Allows
1

RED FLAGS
2

TRUSTING YOUR GUT
3

LOOSE CANNONS
1

RED FLAGS

  1. What are some red flags that signal that you shouldn’t buy something?
  2. What are some red flags that signal that a person cannot be trusted?
  3. What are some red flags that signal that someone is in bad health?
  4. What are some red flags that signal that a relationship will not go well?

2TRUSTING YOUR GUT

  1. Why do so many people ignore feelings of danger?
  2. Have you ever ignored your gut and later regretted it?
  3. In what kind of situations should you trust your gut and take action right away?
  4. In what kind of situations is it better to ignore your gut?

3LOOSE CANNONS

  1. Do you know anyone in real life who’s a loose cannon?
  2. How can being a loose cannon affect your life (ex. fewer friends, bad work evaluations)?
  3. What's the best way to deal with a loose cannon?
  4. Do you think a loose cannon can learn to control his/her words or actions?

FEEDBACK

I can talk about warning signs.

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