Learn English meaning of 'start off on the right foot'

Intro

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

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• nocturnal
• start off on the right foot
• anxious
• practice

• natural
• cut out for
• take notes
• mammal

• herbivore
• pet

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

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Imagine you are meeting your boyfriend or girlfriend’s parents for the first time. What do you do so that you can be sure they will like you? You probably take a shower and wear some nice clothes. It’s also a good idea to bring something for dinner, like a bottle of wine.

It’s important to start off on the right foot the first time you meet people like this. Before meeting them, it’s normal to be a little anxious, but after some practice, you realize it isn’t so hard. Before too long, you can be a natural at making good first impressions.

Marni is worried about becoming a teacher. Find out how Gary helps her in today’s English lesson about making a good beginning.

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.

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

Gary

Marni

Gary:  What’s going on, Marni?

Marni:  Oh, nothing.

Gary:  Come on. I can tell when you’re anxious. What’s up?

Marni:  It’s just… what if I’m not cut out to be a teacher?

Gary:  You just need to start off on the right foot. Why don’t you practice on me?

Marni:  How?

Gary:  Teach me something. Teach me how to take notes. It will be good practice for you since you’re going back to school.

Marni:  Well, OK. To take notes, you’ll need a pen and paper.

Gary:  Got it!

Marni:  Taking notes is writing down the most important information that your teacher is giving you.

Gary:  Taking… notes…

Marni:  You don’t need to write down every word, just the most important ideas. For example, if I said, “Mice are mammals. They are herbivores that are often kept as pets. They are nocturnal.” You would write down mice, herbivore, nocturnal. The most important ideas.

Gary:  See? You’re starting off on the right foot to become a teacher.

Marni:  Do you really think so?

Gary:  Yes, I do. You’re a natural.

Marni:  Thanks.

 

Grammar Point

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Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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