Episode 2

Listening

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Comprehension Questions

Transcript

Listen again while reading the transcript.

Ruth: Hey Esther, how’s it going? Didn’t expect to see you here.

Esther: Hi Ruth! Yeah, long time no see. What’s up? How are you?

Hmm, I’m ok. I stayed up late last night watching a movie to relax after marking some tests, so I’m really feeling it today. How about you? Is your day off to a good start?

I got a lot of sleep last night, but there was a lot of traffic this morning on the 401, so I also need a little pick-me-up.

I hear you. Rush hour traffic in Toronto can be brutal. Even on the subway. We were delayed for 30 minutes, but since my students were late to class too, it wasn’t a problem. How’s work?

Well, it’s alright. I’m working long shifts at the hospital these days, so I don’t get home until 7, sometimes 8, but it’s not bad. Glad the weekend’s almost here.

Yeah, no kidding. And the weather is gorgeous these days, isn’t it?

Yeah, it’s lovely, but I’m glad it’s breezy since it’s over 30 degrees today.

Thank God for the breeze.

What are you up to these days besides work?

Nothing much. I’m just hanging out with friends. We’re going to see a movie on Saturday. Should be fun. How about you? Got plans this weekend?

Actually, yes. You texted me the name of some great Japanese restaurants I should try, so I’m going out for sushi with a friend from work. I’m excited! Then maybe we’ll head down to Queen West to find a cool bar to hang out at, like you said. Thanks for the suggestions.

That’s awesome! And you’re welcome. I’m glad I could help. Mmm, you’re making me jealous. I haven’t had sushi in a while. And I love the trendy shops on Queen West. If you get a chance, check out their vintage and second-hand shops. I mean, if you’re into that kind of fashion.

I am! I love treasure-hunting in thrift shops. I love the feeling when you find cool clothes for a bargain.

I know what you mean. Well, I hope you have a great time. My class is starting soon, so I need to go, but so glad I bumped into you.

Me too!

Hope the rest of your day goes well. We should make a coffee date soon, so we can really catch up.

Sounds like a plan. Alright, take care.

 

 

Find all the present simple questions in the transcript. Click below for the answers.

  • Hey Esther, how’s it going?
  • What’s up? How are you?
  • How about you? Is your day off to a good start?
  • How’s work?
  • And the weather is gorgeous these days, isn’t it?
  • What are you up to these days besides work?
  • How about you? Got plans this weekend?

Collocations for Fluency

Do you use these phrases when you talk in English? If you want to sound fluent like a native speaker, you should!

long time no seeoff to a good startIt’s not bad.
What are you up to?I know what you mean.So glad I bumped into you.
catch upSounds like a plan.If you get a chance…
no kiddingI hear you.Nothing much.
Language