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.
There’s a game people play to show that they trust each other. One person stands with her arms crossed in front of her, and two or more people stand behind her, ready to catch her when she falls back towards the ground. It’s called a “trust fall.” Trust falls are used to show people that their friends are going to take care of them if they fall. People who participate in trust falls definitely have each other’s backs.
It’s not only when we can fall and get hurt that it’s important to have friends nearby that will have our backs. Sometimes the support we give each other is emotional. If someone loses a job, gets divorced, or a friend or family member dies, it’s incredibly important to have people around who will have his or her back. Even people who say they don’t need anyone usually feel better knowing a friend is available during an emergency.
Gary and Marni assure each other that they have each other’s backs. But why would they need to do that? Learn more by reading today’s English lesson about the supernatural.
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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Marni: Gee, Gary. You didn’t have to slam the door so hard.
Gary: I didn’t. It must have been the wind.
Marni: The wind? But it’s not even windy out. Plus all the windows are closed.
Gary: That’s weird.
Marni: Spooky.
Gary: Super spooky. Don’t worry. I have your back, Marni.
Marni: Thank goodness. OK. That was weird. Why don’t you work here next to me?
Gary: Yeah, I think so.
Marni: OK. Do you believe in the supernatural?
Gary: I think it’s a nice idea, and it’s fun, but I’ve never had a supernatural experience myself. How about yourself?
Marni: You know, my grandmother totally believed in ghosts. When we were little, she would tell me and my brother about this ghost that lived in her attic. It always scared the pants off of us.
Gary: That’s just cruel.
Marni: I know. But I actually think she really believed in the stuff herself.
Gary: Is it time to go home now?
Marni: Yes. Can we leave together?
Gary: I’m not leaving alone.
Marni: OK. Gary, I just want you to know… I have your back.
Gary: OK.
Marni: Let’s take the stairs. It’ll be faster.
Gary: Yes. Yes, agreed. Go, go, go, go, go, go, go!
Grammar Point
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Discussion
Marni and Gary are working in the office when the door slams shut. They blame each other, but neither Marni nor Gary was near the door. Next a box falls off the table, but nobody has touched the box. Marni asks Gary if he believes in ghosts or spirits, and he tells her that he doesn’t. Marni’s grandmother did, and she always told scary stories to Marni and her brother.
As they’re talking, a piece of paper falls to the floor. By now, Gary and Marni are truly frightened and decide to leave the office together… and quickly! They can’t explain what’s going on, but it definitely seems like something strange is happening. The two friends assure each other that they’ll take care of one another.
What’s happening at Marni and Gary’s office? Do you feel like your friends have your back? Do you have theirs?
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