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Have a Mind to Do Something

Learn English meaning of ‘have a mind to do something’

Date: Feb 07 2017

Themes: Hobbies, Music, Soap Opera

Grammar: Tag Questions

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Intro

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

Go Super to Listen

take
present

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

Go Super to Listen

We can all do amazing things when we focus. Of course, some people have a great ability to focus, and they do amazing things all the time. These people know that taking the first step is the most important part of the process. For example, you might want to sing in front of an audience, but you don’t know how. However, if you have a mind to do this, you will be able to find a way.

When you have a mind to do something, you are determined to do it. In other words, you have a strong want to do this thing, so you will find a way to do it. If you have a mind to sing in front of an audience, then you might begin by singing for your friends. After some practice, you can find a good place to sing for an audience. When you have a mind to do something like this, you will probably be successful.

Kelsey has a mind to make a music video, but she’s nervous. Watch today’s English lesson to hear Jordin’s advice.

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.

Jordin

Kelsey

Jordin: Kelsey! Kesley! Woo-hoo! Kelsey! Kelsey!

Kelsey: Oh, my gosh. Jordan, I’m sorry!

Jordin: You doing OK, Kelsey?

Kelsey: Yeah. I mean, no. I mean, I’m just super excited about today.

Jordin: You should be! It’s going to be such a fun day.

Kelsey: Did I say excited? I mean, nervous. I’m super nervous about today.

Jordin: Well, you’ve done this before, right?

Kelsey: No. Actually, this is the first music video.

Jordin: Oh. Well… it’s probably easier than playing in front of an audience, right? It’s just us and the director, and you can do as many takes as you want.

Kelsey: I don’t really play in front of audiences.

Jordin: Well, you play in front of us. What are you the most nervous about?

Kelsey: I don’t know. I guess it’s just… OK, remember when I wanted to make the last music video, right?

Jordin: The 80s music video?

Kelsey: Yeah, and I got writer’s block and couldn’t finish writing the song.

Jordin: Well, you already have the song, right?

Kelsey: I do. But what if I get some sort of performer’s block and can’t sing the song?

Jordin: I think this is a really great first step for you. You are super inspiring! When you have a mind to do something, you do it! You make it happen. The 80s song didn’t work out, so you found a new song. And now here you are… your first music video. I think you should just relax and enjoy the day. We’ll have fun.

Kelsey: OK. You’re right. You’re right. I’m going to be present and enjoy the process. I have a mind to do this, and I’m going to do it. The key is to be present, be in the now. Here and now.

Jordin: Kelsey… I think it’s in here.

Kelsey: Oh, right. Yep.

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Discussion

Go Super to Listen

Jordin sees Kelsey walking to the studio. She says hello, but Kelsey is so nervous that she doesn’t hear. Finally, Jordin meets her. Kelsey tells her why she is nervous about the music video. She hasn’t made one before. Jordin tells her not to worry, making a music video is probably easier than playing for a live audience. However, Kelsey hasn’t played in front of an audience, either.

Kelsey explains that she is worried because she has had many problems planning for this music video, and she’s worried that she might get performer’s block. Jordin tells Kelsey that she believes in her, and she thinks this is a good first step. Kelsey takes a deep breath and walks down the hall. She tells herself that she has a mind to do this. However, she has walked past the studio door. Jordin smiles and shows her where to go.

What do you have a mind to do? Have you ever performed in front of an audience?

Comments

julito1

Argentina

I have had to give a talk in front of a large audience,the previous moments were horrible; my inner thoughts was that I wanted to disappear into thin air, so scare i was that i would start to forget the subject and people would laugh at me . But things worked out right. Now, should I have to speak in public i feel cool as a cucumber and not like a fish out of water. hahahaha