Intro
1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.
2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.
For some people, cleanliness is essential. They can’t handle even the smallest amount of clutter or mess. For others, a little messiness isn’t a big deal. They’re happy to go on with their lives, even if things are out of place, or a little bit dirty.
In our office, we have both kinds of people. Sometimes those that are concerned about everything being clean get frustrated with those that aren’t.
Zach and John recently discussed an office mess. Listen in to their conversation to hear all about it.
Dialog
1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.
2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.
![]() |
![]() |
Zach: Hey John, you notice how that, that one corner of the office has a lot of stuff getting piled up.
John: Yeah, that’s looking nasty. We gotta do something about that.
Zach: What do you think we should do? Should we all get together and clean up?
John: I think we should bring a big dumpster in here and just throw everything over there in it – ‘cause I haven’t been over there. I don’t think anything is important there.
Zach: Yeah, I think the last time I went over there I got lost. There’s so much stuff.
John: And then let’s douse it with some of that new air freshener that Dave brought in to the office.
Zach: Oh, that stuff smells great.
John: Yeah, what does he have? Grapefruit, lemon and lime?
Zach: Yeah, I think he’s got tea tree also.
John: Tea tree? What does that smell like?
Zach: Kinda like mint, or menthol.
John: I think I’ll go with the grapefruit myself.
Zach: I like lime.
Quizzes
Lesson MP3
The iTEP® test
-
Sponsored by
Discussion
It sounds like Zach and John are both unhappy about the stuff that’s accumulated in the corner of the office. They’re ready to spend some time to take care of it and get it straightened up. I’m glad they are, because the mess was starting to bother me as well.
Whether you’re obsessed with cleanliness or totally oblivious to dirt and mess, you should always consider other’s feelings and concerns. Thinking about other people is always an important part of getting along.
Have a great week!
Beth