Learn English with this claustrophobia English lesson

Intro

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

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• phobia
• sweaty
• breathe
• feel like the walls are closing in

• elevator
• short of breath
• clammy
• panic

• lucky
• claustrophobic

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

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Try to remember the last time you were in a small elevator. Did you become short of breath? Were your hands clammy? Did you panic? If you answered yes to all of these questions, you are probably claustrophobic. People with this phobia can become sweaty, find it difficult to breathe, and want to get out right away.

If you’re afraid of small spaces, like elevators, you can always use the stairs. Most of the time, there are choices available to you that will keep you out of tight places. But not always! When there simply is no other option, staying calm is what’s most important. Remember to breathe slowly, think about relaxing things, and tell yourself that it will be over soon. It feels scary, but you will live through it.

Jessica and Marni are talking about riding in an elevator. Find out who’s claustrophobic in today’s English lesson about a common fear.

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.

Marni

Jessica

Marni:  Oh god!

Jessica:  Marni, are you OK? Why are you short of breath?

Marni:  Oh my goodness. I was just in this really small elevator to get up here. And there were so many people. I felt like the walls were closing in on me.

Jessica:  Don’t panic. Don’t panic. It’s OK. We’re in a big space now.

Marni:  I am so claustrophobic.

Jessica:  Look at you. You’re clammy and you’re sweaty. Just breathe. It’s OK.

Marni:  Thank you.

Jessica:  Small spaces don’t worry me or scare me at all.

Marni:  You’re so lucky.

Jessica:  I know.

Marni:  I just have this phobia of small spaces. And I always have, ever since I was small. I can’t take it. You know? I just feel like I can’t breathe whenever I get in a small space.

Jessica:  Oh my goodness. Does anything help? Is there anything I can do?

Marni:  Just talking me through it.

Jessica:  OK.

Marni:  Yeah.

Jessica:  Well, we’re in a very big space now.

Marni:  Thank you.

Jessica:  I’m so glad I’m not claustrophobic.

Marni:  You’re lucky. It’s not fun.

Grammar Point

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Lesson MP3

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