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.
The body isn’t a machine, but it’s not that different from one. When the body is functioning well, all its parts work together. The circulatory system keeps the heart going, and the digestive system makes sure that you digest your food properly. And the most complex machine of all, the brain, keeps control over your nervous system.
But what happens if a part of that machine breaks? Even a small part, like a screw that holds other parts together? Something is bound to become a little bit off. To have a screw loose is to be a little bit off in your brain. It means you’re acting kind of crazy. All you can hope is that you find some way to tighten that screw and get back to normal!
Find out why Devan thinks someone has a screw loose in this 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.
2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.
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Devan: Hey, Amanda. Could I talk to you for a second?
Amanda: About what? I’m pretty busy over here.
Lily: Yeah, she’s really busy right now.
Devan: Actually, maybe we could talk out in the hallway?
Amanda: I guess. If it’s really super-duper important.
Devan: No, Lily. You get to stay here.
Amanda: Lily, I’ll be back in a minute. OK? So, what’s up?
Devan: I don’t want to sound rude or anything, but what’s up with that Lily chick?
Amanda: Lily? Lily’s great.
Devan: You haven’t noticed anything strange about her behavior?
Amanda: Like what?
Devan: Well, she’s constantly kissing up to you, which I totally get because employees want to impress their boss. But she’s also starting to act just like you.
Amanda: I don’t know what you’re talking about. Are you jealous because I bought the company from you? I really thought we’d worked through all of this.
Devan: No, believe me. I don’t want the company. But I really think that Lily might have a screw loose. I mean, look at what she’s wearing today.
Amanda: OK, I will.
Lily: If it’s really super-duper important. If it’s really…
Amanda: Yikes, that’s weird.
Devan: Right?
Amanda: She does have a screw loose. And she has been acting crazy. What could have happened?
Devan: Do you think she’s having some sort of breakdown?
Amanda: I don’t know. But quite frankly, I don’t have time for this. I have so much to do. Can you do me a favor? Can you keep an eye on her and let me know if you see anything else strange?
Devan: Sure thing.
Amanda: I’ve got to go. I’ve got to ask Mason to look at this doorknob. There must be a screw loose or something!
Grammar Point
Go Super to learn "Present Perfect Tense" from this lesson
Quizzes
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Discussion
Devan has started noticing some strange behavior around the office. She needs to speak to Amanda about it privately. She tells Amanda that she’s noticed Lily doing some very odd things. At first, Amanda doesn’t believe her. Then Devan points out that Lily has been dressing identically to Amanda, and imitating her, too. They both agree that Lily seems to have a screw loose.
Amanda doesn’t know what to do about it, though. She’s so busy that she just doesn’t think she has the time. She asks Devan to help her out by watching to notice if Lily keeps acting weird.
Have you ever known anyone who acted as if he or she had a screw loose? What did you do about it?
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