Learn English meaning of 'the half of it'

Intro

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

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• check up on
• the half of it
• hospital
• schedule

• overwhelmed
• website
• operational
• glitch

• roommate
• delegate

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

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There are many reasons to become a doctor. Doctors typically make a lot of money, help people who are sick, and are generally respected by society. It’s definitely a great job, but not everyone can do it. It takes a lot of skill and extra school. And medical school can be really expensive.

But paying for medical school isn’t even the half of it. It normally takes about five more years of school than a normal job. And when you finally start working, you often spend long nights in the hospital. If you don’t like having a busy work schedule, then being a doctor would probably leave you overwhelmed.

Sara is feeling a little too busy these days. Find out how Gary helps 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.

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

Gary

Sara_R

Gary:  Oh, hey! How’s it going, Sara?

Sara_R:  It’s OK. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed.

Gary:  Oh, no. Really?

Sara_R:  You don’t know the half of it.

Gary:  Tell me what’s going on.

Sara_R:  Work is really busy right now. Usually I like that, but I’m trying to get my website operational, and there have been so many glitches. Plus, I’m still trying to find a new roommate.

Gary:  Wow. Do you remember your first job?

Sara_R:  Not really. Why do you ask?

Gary:  I was given a big project at my first job. I was staying at work late every night for months.

Sara_R:  That sounds awful.

Gary:  You don’t know the half of it. My best friend Joe was in the hospital, and I was going to see him every chance I could get.

Sara_R:  What did you do?

Gary:  I asked for help! I delegated some of the tasks to my co-workers at work. I set up a schedule with Joe’s family and friends so that we could take responsibility to check on him.

Sara_R:  I hear what you’re saying, Gary, and I appreciate it. But how can I delegate any of this?

Gary:  Just ask. I can help you with your website. And I’m sure that Marni can help you find a roommate through the university.

Sara_R:  I guess you’re right. Thank you, Gary. You’re a really good friend!

 

Grammar Point

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Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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