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.
Have you ever had a tooth pulled out by a dentist? Dentists often have to pull teeth out because they aren’t falling out on their own, or sometimes to make room for other teeth. Usually the teeth being pulled are really, truly stuck in your mouth, doing everything possible to stay there. It takes a whole lot of effort for a dentist to get them out.
When you try to get a friend to do something and they’re being stubborn, it can feel a lot like trying to get that stuck tooth out. Teeth are supposed to be attached to our mouths, of course, but people should be a little more flexible. It can get truly frustrating when you want someone to agree with you and they simply refuse to see your point of view.
Learn about who’s making Marni feel like she’s pulling teeth in this English lesson about a surprise party.
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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Jeff: So, what did you want to talk to us about, Marni? I kind of have a lot of work to do.
Lily: Yeah, I’ve got a lot to catch up on, too, since I got back.
Jeff: And I have to leave early for a dentist’s appointment. I’ve got a really bad toothache.
Marni: OK, you guys. I just wanted to come in and talk to you about this idea that I have. While Amanda and Mason are gone to the baby doctor, I think that we should throw them a surprise baby shower! Oh, come on, you guys. It’s such a great idea!
Lily: I don’t know, Marni. I’m excited for them and everything, but I’m really trying not to take on too much right now. My therapist told me that I needed to really take it easy.
Jeff: Yeah, me too. It’s great for them, but it’s hard to get excited about babies at the moment when Greta’s doing that baby movie with that Dustin Holt.
Marni: Oh, yeah. Did you ever hear back from her?
Jeff: No.
Lily: Ouch.
Marni: OK. Well, maybe this is just what the two of you guys need to take your mind off your troubles. It won’t be stressful. Right? We’ll just be easy. We’ll just have some cake and open presents. Gosh, you guys, I just want to do something nice for our friends, but it’s like pulling teeth to get you guys to agree to anything!
Jeff: You know what I hate?
Lily: What?
Jeff: Those stupid baby shower games they make you play at those things. Have you been through that?
Lily: Oh, yeah. Oh, man! Like the one where they melt chocolate and then put it in diapers? It’s so gross!
Jeff: Don’t mention chocolate. It makes my tooth hurt.
Marni: OK. We don’t have to do any of those things. It can just be casual. Just a little snack, open some presents, let them know we’re happy for them. Do you think you can handle that?
Lily: If it’s that simple, why didn’t you tell us that in the first place?
Jeff: You know what? It’s like pulling teeth to get her to tell us what she actually wants to do. You ever notice that?
Grammar Point
Go Super to learn "Modal Verbs" from this lesson 
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Discussion
Marni has a great idea. She wants to host a baby shower for Amanda and Mason with the help of Jeff and Lily. She’s really happy for her friends and wants to show them by surprising Amanda and Mason with snacks, cake, and presents. It’s the perfect plan.
Unfortunately, Jeff and Lily are being very difficult. Lily doesn’t want to take on too much responsibility because her therapist told her to take it easy. The new baby makes Jeff think about Greta, who’s away filming a movie about babies with a famous, good-looking actor. He also has a toothache, which is putting him in a bad mood.
Finally, Marni convinces Jeff and Lily to participate in the party, but it’s like pulling teeth to get them to agree.
Would anyone say it’s like pulling teeth to get you to do something? What is it, and why is it so hard for them to change your mind?
Comments
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United Arab Emirates |
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Argentina |
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Brazil |
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Iran, Islamic Republic Of |
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Congo, Democratic Republic Of The |
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Germany |
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China |
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India |
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Indonesia |
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Japan |
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Iran, Islamic Republic Of |
Nothing is impossible Ola!! |
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Japan |
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Iran, Islamic Republic Of |
“At a baby shower, friends and family members of the parents-to-be show their love and support by throwing them a party and bringing them baby gifts. It’s also a chance for those who have already had children to share what they know with the new parents.” It seems to be nice traditional party, in Iran we have kind of this ceremony too, of course in some regions not in whole; in the past it was done only to inform relatives about a pregnant woman, then all try to take care of her and her baby to prevent her being in charge of a heavy load. About me, YES!! it was mostly when i refuse to visit somewhere or someone, then my mother always says, “its like pulling teeth to persuade you to take part in those places.” in fact, in some cases i’d rather be alone than see some people i dont like, some people just know how to annoy others by their words and how to give unpleasant points and negative energy to them during a day, so if i have to choose between going to get together or being on my own, staying at home and feeling lonely would be the best choice then, at least i can do whatever i like and take my time to achieve my desires. |
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