Listening 1. Mark and Jeff

Mark has just called in to see his friend Jeff on his way home from playing football. Mark suggests that Jeff should try to become more successful.

 

1. Read questions 1, 2 and 3. Then listen and answer them.

1) What sort of person is Mark?

a) rude

b) lazy

c) friendly

d) aggressive

2) What sort of person is Jeff?

a) dominant

b) assertive

c) pushy

d) a bit shy

3) How would you describe Jeff's life?

a) routine

b) varied

c) interesting

d) stressful

Listen again, then discuss these questions:

1) Do you think Mark should try to change Jeff's life? Yes/No

2) Do you think Jeff should be more assertive? Yes/No

 

2. Listen again to Mark and Jeff.

Rewrite the sentences, changing the phrases in italics for words or phrases with the same or similar meanings. Make all changes necessary to the word order and structure of the sentence.

1. Mark popped in to see Jeff.

2. Orange juice coming up.

3. The relationship fizzled out.

4. Don't just sit back.

5. People will walk all over you.

6. You have to be pushy to get on in this world.

 

3. Make a script of the dialogue.

4. Learn the dialogue by heart and act it out.

5. Situations

1) Work in pairs

Student A.

On your way back from the University you decided to call on a friend of yours whom you haven't seen for a long time.

You are rather bored and depressed with your life - you've just broken off with your girlfriend; your professor didn't appreciate the report you made today, though you've been searching information for it very carefully.

You need some encouragement.

 

Student B.

You are back from a very interesting and exciting weekend. You feel terrific, full of energy and enthusiasm.

A friend of yours drops into your place. He looks tired and disappointed. Find out what the matter is and try to soothe and encourage him.

 

2) Work in groups of two or three.

Student A.

You were shopping and you decided to call on your friend on your way back. You have seen her with a handsome young man recently and now you are eager to know who he is and what's going on between them.

 

Student B.

You've just broken off with your new boyfriend. He wanted you to spend a weekend with him, but you thought it's too early and refused. He didn't phone you any more.

Your life is boring and stressful. Nobody notices your efforts at work (you are an interpreter and recently you have been working with a delegation of American businessmen.

 

Student C.

You were shopping with your friend (Student A) and you decided to call on your common friend (Student B) to have a chat.

On coming you find out that Student B is very depressed with her private life and career. Student A tries to encourage Student B but you think that she sounds rather aggressive. Try to stop Student A from pressing Student B and soothe Student B.