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.
Modesty is very important in countries and cultures around the world. Millions of people believe that it’s not OK to bring attention to yourself with clothing that is revealing. But in some cultures, attitudes about what’s OK and what’s not OK are quite different. Some people believe in the saying, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it.” Others commend modesty and feel that bragging about your body is wrong.
So, how do you choose what to wear? In a country where modesty is important, most people would probably agree that you should be respectful of that belief. In a country where feelings on the subject are different from person to person, your choice of clothing is up to you. The opinions and feelings of your family and friends are likely to affect your choices as well.
Brian and Rafael do not agree on what is OK to wear in public. Find out how they feel by reading today’s English lesson about modesty.
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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Brian: Hey, Rafa.
Rafael: Yes?
Brian: I saw a guy at the beach the other day in just a Speedo.
Rafael: Inappropriate, man.
Brian: Inappropriate?
Rafael: Yeah. Just save that for the bedroom. You know what I’m talking about?
Brian: I’m not a firm believer that, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it,” but I do think that people should be comfortable and proud of their bodies.
Rafael: Call me prudish, but I just don’t see the point in bragging.
Brian: I think as long as they’re being respectful to other people and not throwing their clothes off in front of people, that a little bit of revealing clothing doesn’t necessarily hurt anybody.
Rafael: And I’m not going to lie. Maybe eating that cupcake makes me less prone to wanting to be seen on the beach with my shirt off. You know what I mean?
Brian: Yeah. But that’s where I think people, if they can be comfortable with who they are, they don’t have to have those rock-hard abs. This guy was not in the best shape, but he was certainly acting like it, and I’ve got to give him major props for that.
Rafael: You seem like you’re comfortable in your own skin, so I commend you for that.
Brian: Thank you.
Grammar Point
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Discussion
Brian and Rafael disagree about what is OK and what is inappropriate when it comes to clothing. Brian feels that people should be comfortable with their bodies and wear whatever they want. Rafael is more modest, and prefers that people cover their bodies in public.
While they may not agree, the friends are respectful of each other’s opinions. Rafael tells Brian that he thinks it’s great that Brian is comfortable with his body. Brian questions Rafael’s opinions but doesn’t make fun of him for how he feels.
Is modesty important in your culture? How do you feel about it?
Comments
China |
Aruba |
Iran, Islamic Republic Of |
Afghanistan |
Serbia and Montenegro |
Germany |
South Korea |
Russian Federation |
Indonesia |
Iran, Islamic Republic Of |
Argentina |
Turkey |
Iran, Islamic Republic Of |
Japan |
Iran, Islamic Republic Of |
Turkey |
Turkey |
Somalia |
Germany |