Lesson 7: Surprise
I didn’t see that coming.

I can express surprise.

INTRODUCE

There are many ways to express surprise. It’s good to know what to say when unexpected things happen.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

I. Go over the expressions with your tutor.

    1. I didn’t see that coming. means you did not expect something to happen.

     

    Janet quit? Wow, I didn’t see that coming! I thought she liked working here.

     

     

    2. Holy cow! is an expression of surprise.

     

    $50,000?! Holy cow! I didn’t think a purse could be that expensive.

     

     

    3. To be gobsmacked means to be speechless from shock or surprise.

     

    Well, uh, I—I’m gobsmacked. I thought you’d pick Hiro for this promotion.

     

    II. Imagine you were watching a soccer championship match, and one of the weakest teams just beat the #1 ranked team. Express your surprise using the expressions above.

STEP B PRONUNCIATION

When one syllable ends with a consonant sound and the next syllable also starts with a consonant sound, one of the sounds may be dropped for easier pronunciation.
Phrase Example

didn’t

/ dint /

I / dint / see that coming.

UNDERSTAND

SPEAKING

Saori and Catherine are talking.

Saori:

Since we visited him in Fukuoka, Naoki has been making more time to talk to Aoi-chan and me. He calls us every night.

Catherine:

That’s great!

Saori:

Yeah. And you know what? We’ve actually been talking about Aoi-chan and me joining him in Fukuoka to live…

Catherine:

Yeah, I thought you would say something like that.

Saori:

You’re not surprised?

Catherine:

Nah, I saw it coming from a mile away! (laughs)

Saori:

Really? I thought you’d be gobsmacked by my big news! (laughs)

Catherine:

Well, earlier you were talking about how being with your whole family is important to you. It’s only natural that you’d want to live together again no matter what. Speaking of big news, I have some too… My mom’s planning to move to Japan.

Saori:

Move here? Wow! Now, that— I didn’t see that coming. Why’s she moving here?

Catherine:

You know how Jun is right now. I barely get any help from him because he’s so busy with work. So, I asked my mom to come live here so she can help me with Riho-chan.

Saori:

Oh, Catherine! You used to joke that you left Taiwan because of your mother. And now you’re actually asking her to live with you! (laughs)

Catherine:

I know, right? I’m a little surprised myself, to be honest!

Saori:

So, when’s she coming here?

Catherine:

Tomorrow.

Saori:

Holy cow! That soon?

TRIVIA

The expression I saw it coming from a mile away. can be used to say that something was very obvious and did not surprise you. Why? Because if you see an object coming from a mile (1.6 kilometers) away, it must be very obvious!

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

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

  1. I was gobsmacking when the coach kept the star player on the bench for the whole match.
  2. Jill Dunham got the best actress award? Well, I didn’t see her coming!
  3. Did you make this cake? Great cow! You’ve improved so much!

STEP B EXERCISE

Follow the instructions in parentheses using the expressions in the box. More than one answer may be possible, but be sure to use each expression at least once.

Holy cow!
gobsmacked
I didn’t see that coming.

1.

Tutor: Oh, wow, look at this. This celebrity paid $15 million for a motorcycle.

Student: (Express surprise and say that you could buy a house with that money.)

 

2.

Tutor: Did you hear the news? APC Toys just filed for bankruptcy.

Student: (Say that you didn’t expect that because the company just launched a new product line.)

 

3.

Tutor: We prepared plenty of dishes tonight. I hope you’re hungry.

Student: (Say you’re quite speechless by the amount of food.)

 

4.

Tutor: Did you hear the big news? Emily’s moving to Dubai next month!

Student: (Say you didn’t know that would happen since she never mentioned wanting to live in Dubai.)

 

5.

Tutor: I’ve finished redecorating the room! So, what do you think?

Student: (Say that you’re left speechless and ask if he/she really did that amazing painting all by himself/herself.)

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

During your break, you’re chatting with your coworker about Pierre, one of the managers at work. Pierre is a strict, serious workaholic who never joins after-work parties except with clients. Talk with your coworker about Pierre and express surprise about what he/she tells you about him.

Today's Expressions

  • I didn’t see that coming.
  • Holy cow!
  • gobsmacked

Challenge 2

Discuss your ideas.

If Time
Allows
1

SURPRISES
2

SEEING SOMETHING FROM A MILE AWAY
3

BEING SPEECHLESS
1

SURPRISES

  1. What things or situations usually surprise people?
  2. Are you good at planning surprises?
  3. Do you know anyone who hates surprises?
  4. How do people usually react when they’re surprised?

2SEEING SOMETHING FROM A MILE AWAY

  1. What are some obvious signs that something bad is going to happen?
  2. What are some obvious signs that someone plans to surprise you?
  3. What are some obvious signs that someone is unhappy?
  4. What are some obvious signs that someone is angry?

3BEING SPEECHLESS

  1. What sort of news can make a person feel speechless (ex. pregnancy, bankruptcy)?
  2. Has a book or movie ever left you speechless?
  3. Can delicious food leave you speechless?
  4. Has someone ever made you feel speechless?

FEEDBACK

I can express surprise.

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