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Scientology
Scientology

Learn English meaning of ‘waffle’

Date: Jul 06 2018

Themes: Alternative, Hobbies, Pop Culture

Grammar: Gerunds vs. Infinitives

Intro

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2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

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The US has an interesting history of wacky and fascinating cults. Some are harmless, others are scary. There is one psychological cult where they insult you until you cry. There are peace and love cults from the 60s where people dance, sing, and love freely. They usually have two things in common: a philosophy and one charismatic, attractive leader. One of the most popular cults in the U.S. today is Scientology.

Many different kinds of people are attracted to Scientology. It was founded by L. Ron Hubbard, who wanted to mix Eastern religion and his science fiction writing. They practice Dianetics. Dianetics is when someone talks to you and tries to get rid of your emotions. They might also follow you during your free time and offer you a free Sunday brunch to sign you up!

Marni thinks a Scientology brunch sounds exciting. Listen as she and Romeo talk it out in today’s English lesson.

Dialog

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Marni

Marni

Romeo

Romeo

Marni:  So, the other day, I was passing by a Scientology center, and I noticed that they offer free waffle and mimosa brunch on Sunday. And I was thinking, you know, I really like waffles and mimosas….

Romeo:  Wow.

Marni:  It’s free.

Romeo:  Tell me you didn’t. Please, Marni.

Marni:  Well, no, I was wondering if you wanted to go with me. I mean, it’s kind of fascinating. I don’t really know anything about Scientology. I mean, you know, it seems like it’s a wacky religion.

Romeo:  Sure, but I mean, they’re giving away waffles! So…

Marni:  Right! That’s fun, right? It’s got to be a fun religion if they’re giving away waffles!

Romeo:  Sure. As long as you know what those waffles are made out of.

Marni:  Well, what are they made of? No, but I suspect it’s more like a cult, right, than like a religion?

Romeo:  Creepy. Uh, I… I definitely agree with you. I do feel that way, too. I don’t like to, you know, judge other people’s beliefs but…

Marni:  Sure, neither do I.

Romeo:  I do feel like it’s kind of like a cult… like, there’s no way out.

Marni:  Like once you’re in, you’re in.

Romeo:  Blood in, blood out.

Marni:  Oh, wow.

Romeo:  Get it? Blood in, blood out. Nevermind.

Marni:  I, um… you know, I just know a lot of celebrities are attracted to this religion, and so I figure it’s…

Romeo:  Because of the waffles.

Marni:  Right! Good for celebrities.

Romeo:  Sure, sure. Well, uh, I mean, what the heck?

Marni:  What… what is the… do you know any of the philosophy?

Romeo:  I don’t.

Marni:  So, that’s why we should go to the brunch and find out!

Romeo:  OK, I’d love to, you know, get inside their mentality, and see what it is that’s…

Marni:  Really? OK, well let’s do it. Let’s go on Sunday. Let’s go get some waffles.

Romeo:  All right. Brunch on Scientology.

Marni:  I’ll wear my flip-flop heels.

Romeo:  You better.

 

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Discussion

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The other day, Marni walked by the Scientology center and noticed they offer free mimosas and waffles for Sunday brunch. She loves mimosas and waffles, and wonders if Romeo would join her. She doesn’t know too much about Scientology. It seems a little wacky, but she’s still curious. Romeo feels a little scared. Who knows what those waffles are made of?

Marni suspects that Scientology is probably more of a cult than a real religion. Romeo agrees. They don’t let people quit, and they follow you around. There’s no way out. Many celebrities like John Travolta and Tom Cruise follow Scientology, but why? Do they do it just for the waffles? Marni and Romeo think those must be good waffles, so they agree to go to the brunch together.

Do you think Marni and Romeo will return safely from the brunch? What do you think of Scientology?

 

Comments

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ahmadnadri

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

They will return safely I think it is more like cult than religion.

06:52 PM Jul 06 2018 |

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