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.
Triple axel, backspin, sow cow. These words sound like another language, but actually, they’re all names used in ice skating routines. One of the more popular Olympic events, ice skating is also a fun hobby for many people.
In the winter, frozen lakes offer a great spot for people to skate. More serious skaters spend time practicing daily on an indoor rink. Successful ice skaters have amazing balance. They are confident and dedicated to learning their sport well.
People who only skate once in a while might have to admit that they’re terrified to try a move like a jump. If you haven’t had someone to show you the ropes, it’s probably best to simply skate in circles around the ice.
Find out who loves ice skating (and who is scared of it) in this English lesson about winter sports.
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.
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Rafael: I’m so nervous right now. This really cute girl asked me out on a date. But she wanted to go ice skating, and I didn’t want to admit it to her, but I am terrified of ice skating.
Marni: I’m sorry that you’re terrified of ice skating. I think it’s such a wonderful activity. I mean, I love it. I love the nostalgia of it. I’ve ice skated ever since I was little, and whenever the Olympics are on, it’s my favorite thing to watch. All the jumps, and the amount of balance it takes… it’s so impressive.
Rafael: Well, Marni, maybe you can show me some stuff. I’m terrible at all those things like balance. And, I don’t know, I feel like you have to be really dedicated to be an ice skater. Do you feel that’s true?
Marni: Well, absolutely. I mean, I think it’s a huge learning curve. And there are so many different levels of proficiency.
Rafael: Can you do jumps?
Marni: I used to be able to do jumps, but I haven’t been practicing so much, and it really does take a lot of practice.
Rafael: Like the triple twirl and things like that?
Marni: Triple axel, I think you’re trying to say.
Rafael: Oh wow, OK. So you really are an expert.
Marni: Well, no, I wouldn’t say I’m an expert. But I really do enjoy ice skating. So I would be happy to take you out and show you the ropes.
Rafael: Well, don’t be modest. You’re really impressive.
Grammar Point
Go Super to learn "Used to Do vs Be Used to" from this lesson
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Discussion
Rafael is excited to go on a date with a cute girl he just met. However, she wants to go ice skating, and Rafael is terrified of stepping onto the rink.
It turns out that Marni is just the person to help Rafael. She’s skated ever since she was little, and she loves everything about the sport. She obviously has great balance and wants to show Rafael how ice skating is done.
Rafael asks Marni about how well she can skate. Although Marni doesn’t practice as much now, she’s still pretty good. She even used to be able to do some jumps!
Have you ever gone ice skating? Would you prefer to skate outdoors or on an indoor rink?
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