Learn English with this poor choices English lesson

Intro

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

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• cheesy
• expert
• site
• rent

• in the middle of
• bark up the wrong tree
• in charge of
• conference call

• my type
• guarantee

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

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You’re at the park, sitting on a blanket, and in the middle of reading a great book. It’s peaceful and quiet. All of a sudden, a dog comes running past you, barking and acting crazy. She chases a squirrel up into a tree, and stands at the bottom, jumping up and down and making a lot of noise. But when you look closer, you see that the squirrel ran down the back of the tree and climbed up another one. The dog is barking up the wrong tree!

Like dogs, when people try to be successful at something that isn’t right for them or doesn’t make sense, we say that they’re barking up the wrong tree. For example, if a guy tries asking out a girl who’s about to get married, he’s barking up the wrong tree. Or if a dad is angry with his son for getting paint all over the floor when it was actually the family cat, the dad is barking up the wrong tree. You can spend a lot of time barking up the wrong tree if you’re not paying attention.

There’s someone new at the office, and he’s telling Lily that he thinks he’s barking up the wrong tree. What is he talking about? Find out in today’s English lesson and meet our new character!

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.

Brian

Marni

Lily

Brian:  Who’s in charge here?

Marni:  I’m in the middle of a conference call, but I’m sure that Lily here can help you.

Lily:  I’m Lily. What can I help you with today?

Brian:  Well, I’ve had a profile on AmericanDreamD8.com for two months now, and I’m beginning to think I’m barking up the wrong tree.

Lily:  Why do you say that?

Brian:  I’m not getting any dates.

Lily:  Well, have you been reaching out to people?

Brian:  Yes! But no one ever replies.

Lily:  OK. Do you mind if I look at your profile?

Brian:  I guess not. Sure.

Lily:  OK. What’s your profile name?

Brian:  “Lovemonkey.”

Lily:  OK. Here it is. Where are your photos?

Brian:  I don’t have any.

Lily:  OK. And you’ve only answered a couple of our questions.

Brian:  I know. I’m really busy. I’m starting a new business.

Lily:  Look, Brian. If you add a half a dozen photos, and answer all of our questions, and maybe change your username, I guarantee you, you are going to get a lot more dates.

Brian:  Really? Change my username?

Lily:  Yeah. It’s just my personal opinion, but “lovemonkey” is a little cheesy.

Brian:  You’re the expert.

Lily:  You know?

Brian:  Say, you wouldn’t happen to want to go on a date with me, would you?

Lily:  Sorry, I actually can’t. I’m not allowed to date site members.

Brian:  Right. I had to try. Does anyone work back there?

Marni:  The conference room? No, not really. Why do you ask?

Brian:  My friend and I are looking for some office space to rent. Could I call you about it?

Marni:  I don’t see why not. Sure!

Brian:  All right, then. Thank you. And, Lily, it was a pleasure meeting you.

Lily:  Nice to meet you, too.

Brian:  Guess I’ll…

Marni:  Talk about barking up the wrong tree. That guy is totally not your type. Right?

Lily:  I don’t know.

 

Grammar Point

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Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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