Learn English with this courage English lesson

Intro

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

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• static
• frustrating
• right this minute
• dabble

• go out on a limb
• preoccupied
• dissatisfied
• challenging

• brilliant
• plateau

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

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When is the last time you climbed a tree? When you were a little kid, or more recently? As children, we do a lot of things that seem dangerous or risky to our parents, but not to us. We jump from high places, ride our bikes super fast, or climb along the limbs of trees. We don’t think we’re going to fall and break an arm, but our parents know better. They teach us not to go out on a limb.

If a person tells you that you’re going out on a limb, they’re warning you that you’re going to do or say something dangerous or unpopular. It’s also used in a more casual way, meaning that a person is making a guess about something that might seem a little crazy. In both situations, no one is actually talking about the limbs of a tree. But hearing the expression might remind you of those brave little girls and boys playing above you.

Rafael is going to go out on a limb and say something to Jeff. What could he be talking about? Find out in today’s English lesson about courage.

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.

Rafael

Jeff

Rafael:  You’ve seemed preoccupied since we got back from LA.

Jeff:  I do?

Rafael:  Yeah. I might be going out on a limb here, but something’s up. Am I right?

Jeff:  Well, I’ve just been feeling dissatisfied with life lately, especially with work.

Rafael:  I thought you like your job.

Jeff:  I do. And I really like working with Lily and Marni. It’s just not challenging anymore. I feel like I’ve reached a plateau.

Rafael:  Maybe you feel like everything is getting kind of static. I definitely know how that feels. That’s frustrating.

Jeff:  The thing is there are really no other positions for me to move on or up to, so if I continue not to like it, I’m going to have to move on. You know?

Rafael:  Well, you don’t have to decide right this minute. Have you thought of going back to school, maybe?

Jeff:  Here and there.

Rafael:  What kind of classes would you take?

Jeff:  I’ve dabbled in photography for years. I’d really love to take a course with a professional instructor.

Rafael:  I’ve actually seen some of your photos, and they’re really, really good.

Jeff:  Really?

Rafael:  Yeah.

Jeff:  Cool. Thanks.

Rafael:  You know what? I think you should talk to Marni. If you took a class while you were working, as long as you got everything done, I don’t think she’d mind.

Jeff:  Really?

Rafael:  Yeah.

Jeff:  You know, that’s a good idea.

Rafael:  I think it’s time to go out on a limb and ask her. Set up a meeting with her and let her know you’re serious.

Jeff:  You know what? I’m going to do that. Thank you so much. That’s brilliant, Rafael. Brilliant.

Rafael:  I know how important it is to do what makes you happy. That’s why I’m doing the yoga class.

Jeff:  So true. It is. Thank you.

Grammar Point

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Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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