Learn English quickly with podcast | English learning Conversation | Episode 14

Key Concepts

• Rushing, giving directions in a car, "step on it," "speed up," "having a fit," "cut through," "shortcut," "make a left/right/U-turn," "are you nuts," "let's take a side street."

Language Takeaway

• Step on it: Means to drive faster. Equivalent to "speed up."
• Speed up: Also means to go faster. The opposite is "slow down."
• Having a fit: Means getting really angry and losing control of emotions. Examples:
  • "Jeez, you don't need to have a fit, nothing is going to happen if we're 5 minutes late."
  • "My boss is going to have a fit if I don't finish this on time."
  • "I almost had a fit when my boss told me I had to work this weekend."
• Cut through: Means to go through something quickly. Example: "Let's cut through the park."
• Shortcut: A shorter way to get somewhere. Cutting through the park is a shortcut.

Putting It Together

• Make a: Used to give directions.
  • "Make a left here" (turn left).
  • "Make a right" (turn right).
  • "Make a U-turn" (turn the car 180 degrees).
• Are you nuts: Means "are you crazy/insane/mad?" Used when someone has a bad idea. Examples:
  • "You want to get married now? Are you nuts? You only met her 3 weeks ago."
  • "Are you nuts? I'm not going to cheat on the exam, what if I get caught?"
• Let's take a side street: Suggesting a route or direction. Can be extended:
  • "Let's take Wilson Avenue."
  • "Let's take the freeway."

Dialogue Context and Cultural Notes

• The dialogue revolves around two people rushing to the library before it closes.
• Driving is very common in North America, where many people get their driver's licenses at 16 due to the distances and limited public transportation.

Audio Review Vocabulary

The audio review section reinforces the vocabulary from the lesson with definitions and example sentences. Additional vocabulary includes:

• Back street: A small street away from the main streets.
• U-turn: A 180-degree turn in the car.
• Back up: To move backwards.
• Pass: To drive past another car on the road.
• Park: To stop the car and turn off the engine.
• Road rage: To be very angry at other drivers while driving.
• Packed: Full.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The lesson focuses on practical English phrases related to driving and being in a hurry. It covers vocabulary for giving directions, expressing frustration, and suggesting alternative routes. The dialogue provides a realistic context for these phrases, and the "Putting It Together" section offers clear examples of how to use them in conversation. The audio review reinforces the vocabulary and provides additional related terms.