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L E S S O N

11
Lesson Focus

Feeling Your Way Along

After the Interview

Listen to Keith and Donna discussing a job interview.

In this lesson, students will talk about personal relationships with friends and acquaintances. They will be encouraged to use various expressions to describe people they know, shared experiences and relationships. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to express themselves using the appropriate adjective forms.

Many English adjectives of emotion and feeling are formed from the -ed/-ing forms of verbs. The cause of a feeling gets the -ing participle. The receiver of a feeling gets the -ed participle.
Directly describing situations and people

Adjective: verb + ing Falling over in front of all those people was embarrassing. My third-year calculus class is so confusing. Her inaugural speech was very disappointing.

Describing how we feel or other people feel

Adjective: verb + ed After realizing his pants had split, he was even more embarrassed. He was confused by her directions to the bank. She was disappointed in her teammates lack of enthusiasm.

w Comprehension & Discussion

Listen again and discuss the following questions with your partner.
1 Who do you think seemed more worried about the interview? Why do you think so? 2 What was Donna relieved about? Why do you think she felt this way? Explain. 3 What was Keith disappointed about? Why do you think he was disappointed?

With a partner, describe how you feel when you experience the situations below. Be creative and ask follow-up questions.
How do you feel when you ?

If you were in his shoes, how would you feel? 4 Who seemed bored during the interview? Why do you think Keith would concern himself with this? 5 How long had the interviewers been working? How do you think this affected their ability to concentrate on the interviews? Do you think this will affect Keith and Donnas chances of getting the job? Why?

1 have a chance to speak English with a native speaker 2 trip over on a crowded street 3 get a high exam score 4 see a car accident 5 get stuck in traffic 6 get concert tickets to see your favorite band 7 make a speech 8 see a romantic movie
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Describe a Time When

Take turns with a partner describing some of your personal experiences by using the adjectives below. Remember to describe your experiences in detail, use as many adjectives as possible and be creative.

Round and Round

Students sit in a circle and take turns making sentences using ed and ing adjective forms of the verbs below. Students should use the correct form of the adjective and not repeat the same form as the previous student(s). Students should use as many variations of one adjective as possible before using the next adjective. This activity is best done as a whole class but can also be done in small groups.
Bore

A: What happened when you felt the most embarrassed? B: I was introducing a very important guest speaker at a conference and I said her name wrong. A: That is pretty embarrassing. So, what did you do? B: Well, I apologized to her afterwards. She wasnt annoyed about it, but I was still really embarrassed

and disappointed in myself.

amaze embarrassed bored satisfied challenged displeased fatigued disappointed frightened disgusted annoyed inspired intrigued frustrated confused surprised encouraged shocked relaxed worried tired excited flattered pleased discouraged depress upset thrill sooth

concern irritate disturb trouble tempt

scare confuse relieve overwhelm move

motivate interest relax discourage horrify

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Friendship
Discuss the following questions with a partner. Be creative with your responses and ask follow-up questions. Most importantly, have fun! Read the following passage and discuss the questions that follow with your partner.

1 What kind of things bore you? What are some good ways to relieve boredom?

I met Bill at a young farmers convention in Cheshire one sunny September afternoon about four years ago. We immediately hit it off and have been firm friends ever since. It wasnt long before we

2 Do you think you are the kind of person who is easily satisfied? Why or why not?

found out we had a lot in common. At the time, we were both feeling frustrated with our lives for one reason or another. Bill was in a worrying situation because a lot of his co-workers were losing

3 When was the last time someone or something annoyed you? Explain what happened.

their jobs. I was going through some marital problems and was confused about what to do. It was surprising to find out that wed both experienced similar problems. Since then, weve often given

4 Have you heard any surprising news lately? What was the news and why were you surprised?

each other support and advice. Whenever Im worried about something, hes always ready with some words of reassurance.

5 Think of something you once did that shocked other people? Explain what happened.

Or, when Im just feeling tired of life, he always has some motivating anecdote to cheer me up. Mainly, we just enjoy having a good laugh

6 What kinds of things frustrate you? Why do these things make you frustrated?

together. Its much easier to cope with lifes ups and downs when youve got good friends like Bill!

7 What are you concerned about these days? Explain why these things are concerning you.

8 What kind of behavior do you find disgusting? Explain why this behavior disgusts you.

w Comprehension & Discussion

1 What, most likely, are Bill and the writers occupations?

9 How would you feel if you bumped into your favorite celebrity on the street? Explain what you would say and do.

2 What kinds of problems was Bill having at the time they first met? 3 How does Bill help the writer to deal with difficult situations? How do you deal with difficult situations?

0 Imagine you have just found out that you are of royal decent and will inherit a castle as well as a sizeable fortune. How would you feel? How do you think your friends would react when they hear the news? Why?

4 In what ways do you try to help your friends when they have problems? 5 When was the last time a friend helped you? Explain what happened.

w Writing
Write eight to twelve sentences describing your relationship with one of your good friends, the things you like to do together, and why you like to do these things. Use as many -ed and -ing adjectives as possible.

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L E S S O N

12
Lesson Focus

It Takes All Types

The Blame Game

Listen to the following dialogue between a husband and wife.

In this lesson, students will practice describing personality using a range of descriptors and structures. By the end of the chapter, students should feel more confident about being able to describe each others characteristics in a variety of ways.

There are many different ways to describe someones personality. For example,
by the way they behave around others Hes the kind of person who isnt very sociable. He may seem arrogant but, hes just very self-confident. by their preferences Shes very fussy when it comes to clothes. His parents are conservative when it comes to marriage. by how they deal with things around them Jon is very conscientious about his work. He participates in the meetings enthusiastically. by their feelings towards others Shes jealous of her sister. He is a loving father. by how they treat others She is bossy towards her two younger brothers. She is very strict with her students. 1 How do you think Janet and Richard feel toward each other? Why do you think so? 2 Richard thinks Janet is the kind of person who is obsessed with perfection. Why do you think that is? 3 Does Janet think Richard gets moody when something is not done for him. Why do you think so?

w Comprehension & Discussion

Listen again and discuss the following questions with a partner. Be sure to practice what you learned in the Language Point.

With your partner, discuss how people determine their personality type based on astrology (e.g. Leo, Aries, Virgo), Chinese Zodiac (e.g. Pig, Dragon, Rooster), or blood type. Use as many adjectives in your response as you can. Then discuss whether you believe in such personality indicators. Be sure to give reasons for your response.
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4 Do you think Richard is sensitive about everything? Say why? 5 Do you think Richard will clean the oven? Why or why not?

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Can You Guess My Type?

Look at the personality types below. Secretly choose one and explain it to your partner without saying the actual word. Your partner should try to guess which personality type you are describing. Use as many examples as you can, but try not to use other words from the list. Be sure to practice the structures you learned in the Language Point!

Whats He Like?
Take turns with a partner describing the people below. You should use at least four personality traits and use as many different structures from the Language Point as possible.
My best friend
My best friend is an easy-going person. Hes also the kind of person who is patient whenever you ask for help. Hes pretty clever when it comes to most things, but hes never arrogant about his abilities.

A: I always look on the bight side of life. B: You are easy-going. A: No. I always think positively, even in negative situations. B: I know. You are optimistic. A: Right!

Hes also very open-minded. However, he can sometimes be a bit unreliable.

bad-tempered cheerful honest grumpy talkative reliable nervous polite

sociable cautious adventurous moody extraverted stubborn enthusiastic intuitive

absent-minded self-confident conservative modest selfish bossy fussy annoying

lazy cowardly impulsive open-minded conceited affectionate charming boring

easy-going generous arrogant introverted strict weird sincere brave your best friend your boyfriend / girlfriend your favorite teacher someone you admire your favorite singer yourself your brother / sister your father your boss your mother your ideal type the President someone you dislike your favorite actor / actress someone else (your choice)

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True to Character
Discuss the following questions with a partner. Be creative with your responses and ask follow-up questions. Most importantly, have fun! Read the following star sign description and discuss the questions that follow with your partner.

1 Do you think that other people see you in the same way that you see yourself? If not, how might other people describe your personality differently? Why?

2 How much do you think peoples personalities are affected by experiences and how much are affected by genetics? Give reasons for your answer.

3 How accurately can you judge a persons personality by your first impression of them? Say why you think so.

4 Do you think that it is possible for people to change their personality? Why or why not? Have you ever tried to change your personality? Which parts? Why?

5 Do you usually prefer to be around people with similar or different personality traits from you? Explain your choice.

appear g, they can efore thinkin b speak or act they are d. Even so, ve and unkin insensiti r They know shows his or he d generous. y age, an Aries om an earl m-hearted an Fr war leave others ership. This is a sorry and to courage and lead how to say bravery, exactly orld. , in their art of their w curve. However r for being p steep learning feeling bette ividuals as thusiastic, ent these ind venturous and en t easy to par ess to be ad eagern It is no experience arn through often fall at the to need to le initiative, they and to show they seem o and how to -prone and ld what to d may be accident sist being to rdle. They first hu and re deed, , however. In all sorts of learn quickly n get then into risk-taking ca do it. They n ickly and ca dlessly ost tasks qu find yourself en carry out m e. You may they troubl shments. A they act. They eir accompli to think before thers with th amaze o asking them resent. They to thrive. ak is often p physical activity petitive stre fresh air and com need s and very s and target given well to goal d well to being respond They respon es. uraged to for themselv t need to be enco sibility bu en set these oft respon their tendency to r actions. Given analyze thei

21-April 20 Aries: March

6 Of all the people youve met, whose personality do you admire the most? Why?

7 Do you think that having certain personality traits can help you be more successful in life? If so, say which five characteristics are most important and why you think so.

w Comprehension & Discussion

1 Is an Aries usually cautious? Explain your answer.

8 How accurate is it to judge a persons character according to astrology, blood type, or other such methods? Say why you think so.

2 Does an Aries usually consider his or her actions carefully? 3 Why might it be difficult to parent an Aries child? Explain.

9 Do you think a couple with exactly the same personality are a good match? Why or why not?

4 What strong and weak points does an Aries have? Do you have similar strengths and weaknesses? 5 Does the description above accurately describe the Aries people you know? Do you believe that

0 Have you heard the expression, The more people I meet, the more I like my dog? What do you think this means? Would you ever use this expression? Why or why not?

astrological signs are accurate in describing ones personality? Why or why not?

w Writing
Above is an astrological personality description for someone born under the Aries sign. Write a short paragraph of about eight to ten sentences describing your own personality.

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L E S S O N

13
Lesson Focus

Dealing with Difficult People

Made to Order
Listen to the following dialogue between a waiter and a difficult customer in a restaurant.

The emphasis of this lesson is on personal relationships and dealing with various types of people. After learning the target expressions presented here, students will have a chance to practice using these in simulated contexts. Having done this, students should feel more confident communicating with various types of people in English.

Useful expressions for dealing with difficult people and situations:

Dealing with angry / critical people: I understand how you feel. Im sorry you feel that way. Im sorry but it was the best I could do.
(give an excuse)

Dealing with lazy people: Id really appreciate it if you could Itll be much easier / fairer / better if everyone works together. (offer a suggestion) Everyone needs to work together as a team.

What do you think needs to be done? How about we sit down and talk about this?
(make a suggestion)

Dealing with bossy people: Okay, and now lets see what other people think. Youve got a point, but I think we should try it another way. (offer an alternative)

Dealing with unfriendly people: I was hoping we could be friends. Is there anything I can do to help?

w Comprehension & Discussion

Listen again and discuss the following questions with your partner.
1 Why does the customer get upset? Do you think the customer overreacted? Explain. 2 How would you describe the waiters reaction to the customers complaint? How would you have reacted if you were the waiter? 3 What solution does the waiter offer the customer to deal with the mistake? Can you think of any

Have you ever had to deal with difficult people? Discuss these situations with your partner. Practice using the expressions you learned in the Language Point. Be creative with your conversations and ask follow-up questions.

alternatives to this solution? 4 Have you ever experienced a similar situation or know someone who has? What happened? 5 Imagine you are the manager of the restaurant and witnessed the exchange between the customer

a difficult boss a difficult sibling a difficult classmate

a difficult neighbor a difficult co-worker a difficult store clerk

and waiter. What would you have said to the customer and the waiter?

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It Takes One To Know One

Role-play the following situations with a partner. Read your part quietly first. Then cover up the page and role-play the situation with your partner as realistically as possible. Try to use some expressions from the Language Point.

4 One of your co-workers often makes mistakes and you feel that the quality of his/her work is not good enough. Criticize your co-worker about the mistakes he / she made in a recent sales report. 5 The secretary in the department where you work is cold and unfriendly. Youve tried to be friendly to him / her, but he / she still acts the same way towards you. Politely try to find out why he / she is unfriendly to you and see if you can solve the problem.

Counseling
1 You gave a presentation at work this morning but you made a few mistakes. Your boss is very angry. Try to calm your boss down. 2 One of your friends is very bossy. He / she is continuously trying to tell you and other friends what you should do. He starts telling you his / her plans for your trip together this weekend but doesnt ask for you and your friends opinions. 3 You share a room with another person who thinks you are very messy. 4 One of the people you work with has a habit of criticizing you in front of other co-workers. Ask your co-worker firmly, but politely, to stop criticizing you. 5 You are a company secretary, but you dont really like your job. You especially dont like having to deal with other employees. Whenever other employees approach you, you dont feel like being helpful or friendly.
Characteristics of Difficult People
A: One of my colleagues is always in a bad mood. He is impatient and gets angry really easily. He is

Take turns with a partner describing a difficult person you know. The person could be angry, critical, bossy, lazy, unfriendly, etc. Try to use some of the related words below to help you describe that person. Your partner can then try to give you some advice about how to deal with that person more effectively.

really difficult to work with because of his bad attitude.

B: Have you thought about politely asking him what his problem is? Maybe there is a legitimate

reason for why he is moody. Maybe he just needs a friendly person to help him snap out of it.
A: Thanks. Ill try talking to him.

An angry person: bad/quick tempered moody abrupt

1 One of your employees gave a presentation in front of an important client this morning, but he/she made some embarrassing mistakes. You are very angry with him / her. 2 You meet your friend to tell him / her about your ideas for this weekends trip together. Say where you want to go and what time you want to go and return. Also say what kinds of things you want to do when you get there. Do not ask for your friends opinion. 3 You share a room with another person who is very messy. This person never helps clean and always leaves his/her things on the floor. Tell your roommate to stop being lazy and clean up his/her mess.

A critical person: perfectionist unfair fussy impatient unforgiving inflexible

A bossy person: controlling forceful interfering orders people around domineering overbearing

irritated impatient bad attitude

A lazy person: disorganized unmotivated messy slow cant be bothered

An unfriendly person: cold grouchy abrupt narrow-minded distant

An arrogant person: pompous condescending patronizing bragging egotistical

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Difficult People at Work

Discuss the following questions with a partner. Be creative with your responses and ask follow-up questions. Most importantly, have fun! Read the following passage and discuss the questions that follow with your partner.

1 How do you usually deal with difficult people? Do you forgive their behavior or do you get angry with them?

Usually, a difficult person is someone who is working from the negative side of his or her personality rather than from a conscious desire to be difficult. The person is often unaware of how they affect others. They also

2 Do you think that other people might see you as a difficult person? (Be honest!) If so, in what ways do you think you can be difficult?

dont realize how harmful their actions are to their own career success. In the business world, we are constantly faced with people who challenge our ability to get things

3 Who is the most difficult person you know? Describe that person.

done. Failure to deal with difficult people at work may worsen the problem and ultimately affect our own careers. For example, if we complain about a difficult person to co-workers, they may label us as whiners. Unless we take action, the negativity can build up and we may become frustrated,

4 Have you ever met a difficult person who you later became friends with? If so, describe what happened.

depressed and irritable. In other words, we will become difficult ourselves! There is great value in taking the time to try to understand another persons viewpoint. Approach

5 What kinds of people really annoy you? Describe them and then explain why they annoy you.

the difficult person to explain the impact his or her actions are having on you. Seeing the situation from his or her perspective may help you to better understand his or her behavior and deal with

6 Can being a difficult person sometimes have advantages? If so, when? Give some examples.

him or her more effectively. By changing our viewpoint on what makes difficult people wrong, we can find a wealth of knowledge to improve our working relationships and get our jobs done!

7 Do you think that it is possible for people to change their negative personality traits? Why or why not?

8 Do you know any good ways of dealing with angry, critical, bossy, lazy or unfriendly people? If so, please explain.

w Comprehension & Discussion

1 According to the article, do difficult people usually intend to be difficult? Explain.

9 Except for the kinds of difficult people mentioned in question eight above, what are some other ways a person can be difficult? Is it easier to confront them or to ignore them? Explain why you think so.

2 What affect can difficult people have on us at work? Do you think your personality affects the people you work with? If so, how? 3 What are the benefits of trying to understand a difficult person? Explain.

0 If someone is as hard as nails, what kind of personality do you think they have? How would you deal with someone like this?

4 How can changing our own viewpoint help? Why? 5 Do you consider yourself to be a flexible person? Why or why not?

w Writing
Write eight to ten sentences about a difficult person you know. Explain why the person is difficult and how you could try to change your attitude to better deal with that person.
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L E S S O N

14
Lesson Focus

Its Already Been Done

Im Having My Hair Done

Listen to the conversation between two women discussing their plans.

This lesson is centered on the use of the passive voice, particularly in relation to receiving services and having things done for us. Students will engage in activities which will get them using the passive in a variety of ways. Afterwards, students should have a clearer understanding of how and when to use the passive voice.

Use: We use the passive when the subject receives the action.
Active:

The man painted the living room. (The man is doing the action.)
subject action

Passive: The house was painted by the man. (The house is receiving the action.)
subject action

Form: The passive voice is formed by the verb be + the participle form of the main verb.
Past:

The couple was visited by their friends.

Present: Her taxi fare is paid by the company. Future: Your dry cleaning will be dropped off tomorrow.

Note: Informal uses of the passive can be formed with get and have. These are typically used in spoken
rather than written English.
Informal Passive Formal Passive

w Comprehension & Discussion

Listen again and discuss the following questions with your partner.
1 What kind of relationship do you think Rachel and Trish have? Explain why you think so. 2 Can Trish go with Rachel to the salon? How do you think Rachel feels about Trishs response to the invitation? How would you feel if you were Rachel? 3 How does Rachel suggest overcoming the problem?

She got hired yesterday. He has his car washed at the garage

She was hired yesterday. His car is washed at the garage.

Take turns with a partner making the following sentences into the passive form.

4 How important is it that Trish get her washing machine fixed? Why do you think so? 5 What are Trishs plans like for the rest of the week? What is Rachels reaction to Trishs plans?

Active: The stylist cut my hair.

Passive: My hair was cut by the stylist.

A decorator painted my kitchen. Someone will deliver a bed today. The repairman will fix my TV today. My brother took the picture in Spain.

A manicurist does my nails once a month. The drycleaners usually clean my suits. The boss told Randy to come in on time. My mum ironed my shirts.

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Whats Happening Here?

Look at the pictures below. Use the verbs below to explain what is happening and make up a story about what happened. Try to use as many verbs as you can in each story. Remember to use the passive voice and ask follow-up questions.

Where Do You Get Your Hair Done?

Take turns with your partner asking each other about the following things (use the passive form of the verb in brackets). Then remember to keep the conversation going by asking follow-up questions!

A: How often do you get a dental checkup done?

break

A: The womans leg is broken. B: How do you think it happened? A: She may have been in an accident, or perhaps her leg was broken

B: About every six months. How about you? A: About the same, actually. Have you even gotten any major dental work done? B: Yeah, I have had two teeth crowned and my wisdom taken teeth out. What about you?

while she was playing a sport. Have you ever broken your leg?
A: Yes, I have. When I was younger...

dental checkup (do) medical checkup (do) photo (develop) dinner (cook)

passport photo (take) manicure (do) car (service) dry cleaning (do)

eyesight (check) hair (do, cut) parcel (deliver) massage (do)

spill rob catch

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sting fall ruin

throw out cut step on

smash chase knock over

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Things To Be Done
Discuss the following questions with your partner. Be creative with your responses and ask follow-up questions. Most importantly, have fun! Read the following passage and discuss the questions below with your partner.

Hi Honey,
1 Have you ever had clothes made for you? What did you have made and for what occasion? If not, what would you like to have made?

I decided to jot down a few reminders for you while I am away on the business trip. Now, Rusty was given his medication this morning, but another two tablets will need to be given to him tonight. Dont forget, he also needs to be walked after dinner. T kids lunches were he

2 If you could have a movie made about your life, which actor would you choose to play you? Give reasons.

made this morning, but they will need to be made by you for the rest of week. Dont give them junk food they are going to ask you for junk because I am away - dont give in to them! Hadens piano teacher was paid yesterday, and his lessons were rescheduled for 6 pm on Wednesday nights. Lauras soccer coach told me her re-registration form for this

3 Do you have any jobs that you need to have done by someone? What are they and who will you get to do those jobs?

season was sent in the mail yesterday. Make sure you fill it in when you get it as it will need to be mailed back by Friday. T dry cleaning was dropped off two he days ago and can be picked up anytime. Your mother called AGAIN Justin,

4 Where do you usually go to have your hair cut? Why do you prefer that place to others?

she needs to be called back she is your mother! Your dinners are made and they are in the freezer re-heating instructions are on the fridge. My

5 When was the last time you had your photo taken professionally? What was the occasion?

return flight is booked for 5 pm on Friday night, so I will need to be picked up at the airport around 8 pm. T hanks Honey, Ill see you in 5 days I miss you already. Hug the kids for me!

6 If you could have any one of the following services provided for you free of charge for a year, which one would you choose and why? chauffeuring hairstyling house cleaning cooking (by a chef) professional massage personal fitness training

Colleen

w Comprehension & Discussion

7 What are some of the things you expect to have done for you by close family (parents, spouse, etc)? Why dont you do these things yourself? 1 Who is the message intended for? What kind of relationship do you think the reader and writer have? Why do you think so? 2 What is expected of Justin while Colleen is away? Do you think Justin is accustomed to performing these tasks? Why do you think so? 8 Have you ever had your fortune told? Do you believe in fortune tellers? Why or why not? 3 What kind of relationship do you think Justin has with his mother? Why do you think so? 9 If you had a robot that could perform various household chores and run errands, what would you have it do? Explain your reasons. 4 What does Colleen mean when she says, Dont give in to them. Why do you think she says this? Explain. 5 How is Colleen and Justins family situation the same or different from yours in terms of who runs errands and looks after the familys affairs? 0 Have you ever played a trick on someone or had a trick played on you? What happened? What is the worst kind of trick a person could play on another? Explain why?

w Writing
Using the reading section as an example, write about some of the things you have done for you. Remember to write in the passive voice as much as possible. Try to think of at least five things.

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L E S S O N

15
Lesson Focus

Becoming an Adult

On the Move
Listen to the conversation between Amy and her friend Paul, who is moving out on his own.

The focus of this lesson is on the expression of reflexive pronouns and their use in discussing a variety of topics including adjusting to becoming an adult. At the end of the lesson, students should be able to use reflexive pronouns correctly and use them appropriately to express changes in their own lives.

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object refer to the same person or thing.
u

After he went for a swim, he dried himself off. The first time I tried to cook, I burned myself. He is going to the mall to get himself some new clothes.

Reflexives are also used for emphasis.

u

I painted my bedroom myself. (No one helped me). I complained about the leaky faucet and the landlord took care of it himself. (He did not send a plumber.) The dorms themselves are quite roomy.

Reflexives can also be used to express alone, without company, or without help.
u

They like to spend a lot of time by themselves. When she asked if she could help him, he said he could do it by himself. I have never liked traveling by myself.

w Comprehension & Discussion

Listen again and discuss the following questions with your partner.

Note: on ones own is commonly used in the same way as by oneself.

u

My best friend lives on her own. a My best friend lives by herself.

1 How would you feel if you were Paul? Why? 2 Are you able to cook for yourself? If so, what do you like to cook? If not, why not? 3 Are you any good at home improvements? If so, what are you good at? If not, what would you like to be able to do?

Discuss the following questions with your partner. Try to use reflexive pronouns in your responses and ask follow-up questions.
What sorts of things do you like to do by yourself? Who do you get along well with? Why do you get along so well with each other? Do you think people generally like to be by themselves or around others? Why do you think so?
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4 Do you think household responsibilities should be shared by all household members? Explain. 5 If you could, would you like to live at home with your parents for your whole life? Explain.

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All By Myself
Work with a partner to fill in the blanks with the correct reflexive pronouns. Then use the statements to interview your partner. Be sure to ask your partner follow-up questions.

Pardon me?
In groups of at least three, practice changing the sentences below to include reflexive pronouns. Then ask each other to repeat what was said. Ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going.
Shopping alone

A: Do you like to go to the movies by yourself? B: No, I dont like going to movies by myself. A: Why not? B: I find it more enjoyable when I have company. I also like to go out for coffee or a meal after and A B

talk about the movie.

I went shopping by myself.

Pardon me? I didnt catch that.

1 going out alone at night

You Yes No Your partner Yes No

2 waiting alone for a friend 3 eating at a restaurant alone 4 working alone in an office

She said she went shopping by herself. What did you buy?

1 You like to go to the movies __________________________________________. 2 Your best friend is able to cook _______________________________________. 3 You can lift 100lbs __________________________________________________. 4 We can learn English well by studying ______________________________ __. _ 5 You can fix everything around the house ____________________________ __. 6 Its boring to eat out _________________________________________________. 7 Some people think its dangerous to walk home ______________________ __. 8 Homebodies like to spend a lot of time ________________________________. 9 Married couples like to spend quiet evenings in together _____________ ___. 0 Two heads are better than one, so it is not efficient to work __________ __.

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5 living alone

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6 driving alone

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7 traveling alone

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8 looking at art alone

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9 spending the holidays alone

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0 studying alone

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Credit Tips for Foreign Students

Discuss the following questions with your partner. Be creative with your responses and ask follow-up questions. Most importantly, have fun! Read the following passage regarding tips for foreign students on establishing their credit in the United States. Then discuss the questions below with your partner.

1 What are a couple of things that you insist on doing on your own?

When living on your own in the United States, building a solid credit rating could be very helpful
2 What do / would you like about living on your own? What skills do those living on their own need to learn? 3 What piece of advice would you give to your friend who is planning to live alone for the first time? 4 At what age do adults in your country move out of their parents houses and start living on their own? Do you think it should happen earlier? Later? Why? 5 Can you do any household repairs on your own? If not, what would you like to be able to do on your own? 6 Some university students prefer to use their parents money to pay for necessities while others prefer to get a job to pay for themselves? Which is better? Why? 7 It is better to go on vacation by yourself. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why? 8 When was the last time you really enjoyed yourself? When do you think you will enjoy yourself like that again? 9 If you were given one million dollars with the condition that you could only spend it on yourself, what would you do with the money? 0 What is your opinion of young students who are home schooled? What are the advantages and disadvantages of students of any age studying by themselves? Explain.

to you. A credit rating is a system that evaluates the ability of an individual or company to repay loans by themselves. However, it also has more important day-to-day uses. Credit ratings are needed if someone wants to rent an apartment, buy a car or major appliance, or even get a cell phone. The easiest way to accrue credit rating points is to get an American credit card and pay it off regularly. If you are doing this by yourself, here is what you have to do: first, establish both a checking and savings account in a U.S. bank. This will help you start a U.S. financial history. Next, stop by student services as your university itself may offer special student credit cards. Many of these can be obtained by foreign students themselves. Although you may have a MasterCard or Visa from your own country, the transactions on these cards will not be assigned to your U.S. credit rating. Also, if you use a U.S. credit card issued to your parents, the points will only be accumulated by your parents themselves. Therefore, getting your own credit card is your best bet. Use this credit card for any purchase that you make on your own. After a few months of using the credit card, other offers for higher-limit cards will ensue. You will also have more freedom to rent a place of your own, pay for pricier items by yourself and apply for such necessities as cells phones, Internet hookup, student loans and so on. Just remember to pay your credit card bill!

w Comprehension & Discussion

1 What is a credit rating? 2 Why is having a good credit rating important? 3 What are some of the things that foreign students must do by themselves in order to gain good credit? 4 What kind of card can a student get from student services and how is it useful? 5 How is obtaining a good credit rating in the U.S. the same or different from getting a good credit rating in your own country?

w Writing
Pretend it is New Years Day. Make New Years resolutions for you and your family. Try to use as many reflexive pronouns as you can and be creative with your answers.
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