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.
It’s sometimes said that ‘Two heads are better than one.’ When a problem needs solving or a project needs doing, it’s helpful to have two or more people thinking about how to be successful. One person can certainly do the job, but more than one means more ideas and more ways to get it done.
Likewise, when we put our heads together with others, we have a better chance of making a plan or fixing a problem than if we’re trying to do it alone. When two people are serious about working something out, they even move closer to each other. That ‘body language’ not only shows that they are truly interested in hearing what the other person is saying, but also that they understand how useful another person’s ideas can be.
Brian wants Gary and Marni to put their heads together with him to make a plan about Oscar the ghost. Will they say yes? Read on in today’s English lesson about working with others.
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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Brian: OK. We all know why we’re here. Let’s put our heads together and make a plan to get rid of Oscar.
Gary: Do we have to get rid of him? Can we try to be friends with him?
Marni: I’m OK with that. No need to start a war or anything.
Brian: Fine. Let’s make nice. Gary, do you know the grocery store down the street?
Gary: Sure. Why?
Brian: I want you to go there and buy some food in bulk.
Marni: Wait. How can you even think about food at a time like this?
Brian: For Oscar. We’re going to leave some food out for him.
Gary: This is a ghost, Brian, not Santa Claus.
Brian: I know. But he might be hungry. Gary, do you know how to buy in bulk?
Gary: Of course I do. I guess not, actually.
Marni: It’s easy. Everything you want will be in big plastic bins. Just get a scoop, put whatever you want in the plastic bags…
Brian: And then on the label you put the name of the food. The clerk will weigh it, and then they’ll tell you how much to pay.
Gary: Is everything the same price?
Marni: No. It’ll depend on what you’re buying. For example, rice is very cheap, but nuts in general are pretty expensive.
Gary: So, what am I buying?
Brian: Nuts, dried fruit, and beans.
Gary: You’re the boss.
Marni: What do you want me to do?
Brian: I need a pillow, a blanket, and some books.
Marni: Because Oscar is sleepy?
Gary: He needs a nap.
Brian: Listen, guys. Listen. I know what I’m doing.
Marni: OK. I’m really glad we put our heads together to come up with this plan.
Gary: Seriously. This better work.
Brian: It’s going to work, all right.
Grammar Point
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Discussion
Brian believes that he knows how to stop Oscar from making trouble. He wants to leave food for Oscar… nuts, fruit, and beans… and he also wants a pillow, blanket and some books. It’s not clear if the pillow, blanket and books are for Oscar or for Brian. He hasn’t shared his plan yet!
Brian asks Gary to buy the food in bulk, and he asks Marni to bring the other items to the office. Gary and Marni aren’t sure that Brian knows what he’s doing, but they agree to do what he asks because they have no other ideas for how to stop the ghost. The problem with Oscar has been going on long enough, and they’ll try anything.
What do you think of Brian’s plan? Are you more successful when you put your head together with other people?
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