Count and Non-Count Nouns

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

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• shot of espresso
• ritual
• wired
• jittery

• pick-me-up
• addict
• crave
• perky

• worth it
• alert

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

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There are lots of ways to get your day started in the morning. You can take a refreshing shower, eat a healthy breakfast, or even go for a quick run. Or, you could do what many Americans do, and pump your body full of caffeine.

The favorite way for Americans to get their caffeine is by drinking big cups of coffee. But that isn’t the only way to get your daily pick-me-up. Tea, soda, and espresso drinks all help satisfy the caffeine-addict’s craving, too.

But not everybody loves caffeine. Some people don’t like the way it makes them feel, or don’t need it in order to be perky and alert. Mason is addicted to caffeine. Hear him talk about his addiction with Marni, who says caffeine isn’t for her.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

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

Mason

Marni

Mason:  I’m slowin’ down, Marni. Slowin’ down. It’s been a long day.

Marni:  You need a little pick-me-up?

Mason:  Yeah, I think, time for my third cup of coffee.

Marni:  Really? What about just like a shot of espresso instead, that’ll give you more of a perk.

Mason:  Well, technically, a cup of coffee has more caffeine than a shot of espresso.

Marni:  Really? That’s interesting. I guess I wouldn’t really know because I don’t do the caffeine.

Mason:  Really?

Marni:  I know. I’m one of those rare people that just kind of avoids it.

Mason:  How do you live like that?

Marni:  I try to eat really healthy, and I try to get my energy from more natural sources like B vitamins and, you know, lots of leafy greens, that kind of thing.

Mason:  I gotta be honest with you, when I get out of bed in the morning I need that pick-me-up. And it’s also kind of a ritual, like I make my French press, grind the beans. It’s not only the caffeine, but it’s the process that gets me ready for the day.

Marni:  Sure, and I think coffee is a really social drink. But I find when I drink it I just get way too wired and jittery. I just, I don’t like that feeling. It’s not worth it for me.

Grammar Point

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Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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