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.
Hundreds of years ago, when certain people went hunting for food, they would bring others along to help. Their job was to hit (or beat) the ground around the plants and bushes to get the animals or birds to come out. When the animals or birds came out, the hunters would kill them and take them home. It was a system that worked well.
The people whose job it was to beat around the plants and bushes didn’t try to hit the animals or birds. It was too dangerous, and the hunters wanted to do it themselves, anyway. Today we say that someone is beating around the bush if they’re not saying or doing something directly. Much like the people who helped the hunters long ago, if you’re beating around the bush, you’re trying to say something but you’re not being clear. You’re hitting the plants around you, but not hitting the animals themselves.
Why is Lily beating around the bush? Why won’t she say what she wants to say? Find out in today’s English lesson.
3. Watch - Watch the video without reading the dialog.
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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Lily: So, did you hear that Gary and Brian are hiring Jessica on full time?
Rafael: Yeah. Yeah, not only that, but she’s getting a raise.
Lily: Oh, wow. That’s really great.
Rafael: You don’t sound like you think it’s really great.
Lily: No, I do! I think it’s really great for her, but… I don’t know. I just wish that my boss appreciated me as much as they appreciate Jessica.
Rafael: What do you mean? Marni loves you.
Lily: Maybe. But I’ve been working there for years now, and it just doesn’t seem like anything’s changed.
Rafael: I think you’re beating around the bush, Lily. What are you saying?
Lily: I’m saying I need a raise. I don’t get paid enough for everything that I do. I should probably talk to Marni, huh?
Rafael: Do it, Lily. Ask Marni for a raise. I’ve seen how hard you work. You deserve it.
Lily: You really think so?
Rafael: Absolutely.
Lily: OK… Hey, Marni. Can I talk to you for a minute?
Marni: Sure. Go ahead and sit down.
Lily: So, I’ve been working here for a long time now.
Marni: True.
Lily: And I’ve learned a lot.
Marni: Yes, you have.
Lily: And I feel like I’ve been very useful to the company, too.
Marni: Definitely.
Lily: And I look forward to working for AmericanDreamD8.com for a really long time.
Marni: OK. That’s nice, Lily, but you’re clearly beating around the bush here. What do you really want to talk to me about?
Lily: I’d like to ask for a raise.
Marni: A raise!
Lily: Yes.
Marni: Hmm. Well, it’s a reasonable request. But can we talk about this more tomorrow? I need to look over the budget first.
Lily: Of course! Thank you, Marni.
Marni: You’re welcome.
Grammar Point
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Discussion
Rafael and Lily are talking about Jessica’s new job. She’s going to work at StarScoop.com full time, and she’s getting a raise, too! Although Lily is definitely happy for her friend, she’s also a little jealous. She wants to earn more money as well. Rafael tells her to go in to the office and ask Marni.
Lily tries talking to Marni about being paid more for her work, but she doesn’t want to just ask. Lily isn’t comfortable telling Marni that she thinks she needs more money. When she finally asks, Lily is surprised at how Marni responds. It sounds like a raise may be in Lily’s future after all.
Do you beat around the bush, or are you able to ask for what you want? What kinds of things are difficult to talk about?
Comments
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ı found an interesting article about today lesson and ıwanted to share it, Think your breakup was painful? ” I’m Just Not Ready Yet “ We are all very familiar with this line, it is only a guy beating around the bush because he just can’t say “I don’t want you anymore”. This line might come in the forms of “It’s not you it’s me”, “You’re special to me But I need time”, “I can’t commit yet but if I had to, you’d be the one”. It’s only a way for a guy to tell you he wants to be with other women…. source : RR official. |
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