UNIT 01
Interview 1
A: I’m talking to people on the corner of Langdon Avenue and State Street, here in Chicago. We’re standing in front of a language school. These people are here from all over the world to learn English. Let’s ask them why they’re in Chicago at this school to learn English. First up is Gloria Ochoa. Ms. Ochoa, where is your hometown?
B: Well, I am from Puebla, in Mexico, originally. But I live and work in the Dominican Republic right now, in the capital, Santo Domingo.
A: And you’re here to improve your English, right?
B: Yes, that’s right.
A: So why is it important for you to speak English well?
B: Well, I need English for my career.
A: For your career? What do you do?
B: I’m the manager of a small beach hotel in the Dominican Republic. We’re pretty near the U.S., and of course a lot of our hotel visitors are American. I speak English with them.
A: Right . . .
B: But many, many tourists come from places where they speak other languages: Portuguese, Japanese, German, Italian—you name it. My staff and I don’t speak those languages.
A: Probably not. But what about Spanish? How many of the tourists who come to your hotel speak Spanish?
B: Not many! But they almost all speak English. And you know what? English makes it easy for tourists to meet people from those other countries. They make new friends and have fun.
A: That makes perfect sense. It’s one of the great things about travel. Thanks so much, Ms. Ochoa. Good luck with your English studies. You speak very well already!
B: Thanks. But I still have a lot to learn.
Interview 2
A: Next up, we have Mr. Fan Lu. Quick question: I’m sorry to ask. Is Fan your family name or your given name?
B: No problem! My family name is Fan. People from China use their family name first, after the title. But please call me Lu—or call me by the nickname I use here in the U.S.: Louie.
A: Thanks for explaining that to our listeners! And one more question: What city are you from?
B: Well, my birthplace is Wuhan, so I’m originally from there. But Shanghai is my hometown now.
A: OK. So, Louie, why are you studying English?
B: Well, I work in the information technology department of an international company in Shanghai. Our company has offices in seventeen countries. We have video conferences three times a week. We use English to communicate with our colleagues all over the world.
A: So you don’t usually travel outside of China for your work, but you need English. That’s so interesting.
B: Yes. But there’s a second reason why I’m learning English.
A: Really? What’s that?
B: Actually, I love to travel when I’m not working! If I travel to other countries, I absolutely need English. For example, I love South America, but I don’t speak Spanish or Portuguese. With my English, I have no problems in any South American country.
A: Well, good luck with your studies. And enjoy Chicago!
B: Thanks so much!
Interview 3
A: Next, let’s talk to Adriana Vilela. Hi, Adriana! Please tell us where you’re from.
B: Sure! From Fortaleza, Brazil.
A: Are you here with your family?
B: Actually, no. I’m staying with my aunt and uncle. They live here in Chicago. I’m here to learn English.
A: And your first language is Portuguese, right?
B: That’s right.
A: And why are you studying English here in Chicago?
B: Why? Because my mom and dad say it’s important! They say everyone needs English.
A: Do you agree?
B: I guess so. But actually, I do need English for my studies, too. Well, not for my studies now, but for later. My uncle is an engineering professor in Turkey, and I want to study engineering at his university. But at his university all the classes are in English!
A: No way!
B: Yes, it’s true.
A: What about when you’re in Fortaleza—do you use English there?
B: Not really. I use it in school. I’m a student at a great school in Fortaleza. I have a great teacher! We speak a lot of English in class.
A: And outside of school?
B: Well, I often use English on the Internet—for Facebook, Instagram, all the social media. And I love YouTube in English. And I like American movies.
A: That’s great. So, Adriana, I wish you the best in Chicago and in your studies in the future. Good luck with your engineering career. And say hello to Fortaleza for me!
B: Will do!
UNIT 02
Conversation 1
A: Grant Park Tourist Information. May I help you?
B: Hi. My husband and I are in Chicago for a few days with our kids, and we’re looking for something to do tomorrow. Any suggestions?
A: Well, kids always love the Shedd Aquarium.
B: That sounds nice, but we’ve just visited the aquarium back home in Vancouver. Any other ideas?
A: Then I’d recommend the Field Museum of Natural History. It’s right next to the Shedd Aquarium. And it’s a great place for kids.
B: Do you know the hours?
A: The museum’s open every day from 9:00 to 5:00.
B: Can we take the subway to get there?
A: Actually, no. You should take a taxi. Tell the driver you want to go to the entrance on McFetridge Drive.
B: Could you spell that for me?
A: Sure. It’s M-C… F-E-T… R-I-D-G-E. McFetridge.
B: McFetridge Drive. Got it. Thanks for your help!
A: My pleasure.
Conversation 2
A: Grant Park Tourist Information. How can I help you?
B: Good morning, ma’am. I’m visiting Chicago for my work, but I’m free this coming weekend. I wonder if there are any games at Soldier Field on Saturday or Sunday.
A: Actually, BTS is performing on Saturday night.
B: BTS?
A: The Korean pop group. You know . . . K-pop.
B: K-pop? I don’t think that’s for me. I’m thinking more like the Chicago Bears. You know, football.
A: Football? You’re in luck! There’s a Bears game on Sunday at 3:00.
B: Now that’s more my style. Tell me, where exactly is Soldier Field located?
A: It’s right across from the Field Museum, on McFetridge Drive.
B: Ah, OK. I see it on the map.
A: Would you like me to transfer you to the ticket office?
B: Yes, please. Thanks.
A: You’re very welcome. Enjoy the game!
Conversation 3
A: Grant Park Tourist Information. Can I help you?
B: Good afternoon. They tell me there are several places in Grant Park where I can see a concert. Is that right?
A: Yes, it is. There are sometimes rock and pop concerts at Soldier Field. And the Harris Theater in Millennium Park has a variety of performers: classical, jazz, even dance.
B: Is there anything happening on Wednesday or Thursday evening?
A: As a matter of fact, the jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker is playing on Thursday at 9:00 P.M.
B: Jazz? I’m afraid that’s not for me.
A: Well, then on Wednesday, the folk group Abraska is performing at 8:30.
B: Really? I’m a huge fan! Are there still tickets available?
A: I can transfer you to the ticket office. Would you like me to do that?
B: Great. Where’s the . . . what’s the name of the theater again?
A: The Harris Theater. Millennium Park is on Michigan Avenue between Randolph and Monroe. The Harris Theater is on Randolph.
B: Can I get there by subway?
A: Absolutely. If you take the Red Line to Washington Street, just walk to Michigan Avenue and turn left. Go one block to Randolph and turn right. The theater is down the street on the right.
B: That sounds great. Thanks a million!
Conversation 4
A: Grant Park Tourist Information. May I help you?
B: Hi. I wonder if you could recommend something to do on a rainy day like today.
A: Well, the Art Institute of Chicago is perfect for that.
B: What’s the Art Institute?
A: It’s a world-famous museum that includes work by some of the world’s most famous artists like Picasso, Monet, Matisse . . .
B: Well, I’m a huge Picasso fan. That sounds good. You think I could spend the whole afternoon in there?
A: Definitely. It’s a huge museum.
B: Can you give me directions? I’m staying at the Marriot Hotel on Adams Street.
A: The Marriot? That’s easy. It’s just a few blocks down Adams to Michigan Avenue. The Art Institute is between Monroe Street and Jackson.
B: Cool. Thanks a lot.
A: No problem. Enjoy your visit.
Conversation 5
A: Grant Park Tourist Information. May I help you?
B: I understand there’s a dance performance at the Pritzker Pavilion on Friday evening.
A: That’s right. Friday at 8:30. Giordano Dance Chicago.
B: Are they good?
A: They’re a jazz dance group. I think they’re awesome.
B: Well, I like jazz, and my wife likes dance.
A: Sounds perfect for you!
B: Where’s the pavilion located?
A: It’s in Millennium Park, between the Harris Theater and the Lurie Garden.
B: What street is that near?
A: Well, the Harris Theater is on Randolph Street, and the park is between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive. By the way, the pavilion is outdoors. So if it rains, that’s a problem.
B: Thanks.
A: You’re welcome!
UNIT 03
A: Welcome to Today’s Education podcast. Our topic this morning is an interesting one—our abilities. I’m your host, Angela Reilly, in New York City. Today we’re talking to Brazilian psychologist Sonia Meyer, who joins us from Porto Alegre, Brazil. Good morning, Dr. Meyer. What’s the weather like in Porto Alegre today?
B: Good morning, Angela. The weather is beautiful here today! I’m so happy to talk to you again.
A: Dr. Meyer, let’s get right to it: Is it true that people can’t develop new abilities after a certain age? In other words, can we be just too old to learn certain things? You know how people say, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”?
B: So it’s true that it’s pretty easy to learn certain things when we’re young. But it’s not true that there’s an age when we can’t learn new things—such as a new language, for example.
A: Really? People say that after the age of 10 or 15, it’s hard to become fluent in a new language. Are you saying that’s not true?
B: Well, it’s not completely true. People are different. For some people it’s very, very hard. For others, it’s not so hard. Some people learn to speak a new language such as English well. Others do not.
A: Why is that?
B: We don’t have all the answers. But we know there are certain factors that can help us learn a language. But just to be clear, when I say “learn a language,” I don’t mean learn a new language so well that you sound like a native speaker. I mean learn to communicate pretty well, even if you have an accent or make errors.
A: OK. What are some of the factors that can help people learn a new language?
B: Well, let’s discuss three important ones: motivation, practice, and natural ability. Let’s start with motivation—whether you really want to learn. Some students don’t care if they learn or don’t learn. They are bored in class and they don’t pay attention.
A: So if a person is motivated, that means he or she really wants to learn. Is that right?
B: Yes. Motivation is a very important factor. If you don’t care if you learn or don’t learn, you probably don’t learn. On the other hand, there are other students who are motivated. They really want to learn. They aren’t bored in class. They know that if they want to learn English, they should pay attention in class. So they listen. They study their textbooks. They go on social media and notice how people say things in English.
A: Yes, of course. But why are some students motivated while others are not? In other words, what makes a student want to learn?
B: Well, it’s possible that a student is planning a visit to the U.S. and is excited about the visit. That student knows that he or she can use English in the U.S. So the student pays attention in class and remembers new words, grammar, and social language.
A: OK. What about the second factor: practice?
B: That one’s simple. If you want to learn a language—or if you want to develop other abilities, such as playing a musical instrument or even playing a sport—practice is very helpful. Without practice, people really can’t develop those abilities well. For language learning, that means speaking often, in class of course, and outside of class when possible.
A: Finally, Dr. Meyer, what about natural ability? As you say, “people are different.” If, for example, there are two students of English, and they both pay attention in class, they both read and listen to English whenever they can, and they both practice the same amount, can they both learn to speak English in the same amount of time?
B: Well, the short answer to your question is we don’t know. Many people believe that there are some differences in natural ability and that people don’t learn the same. In other words, some people just learn fast and other people don’t. But we aren’t sure. We don’t have enough information.
A: Interesting. Well, unfortunately we’re out of time for today. Many thanks, Dr. Meyer, for a thought-provoking discussion. We should continue this conversation at another time.
UNIT 04
A: Welcome to People Focus. I’m Sarah Newman. In the United States and Canada, when we think of the meaning of the word “family,” we tend to think of the traditional household—that is, the members of the typical immediate family—two parents and their growing children, living together. Well, today we’re going to look at some recent trends that are changing the way we think of the typical North American household. For example, traditionally children leave home at around the ages 18 to 20. But in recent years, more and more adult children are coming back home to live with their parents. They often stay there until they are 30 years old or more. This is Tommy.
B: Hi. So I’m Tommy O’Brien. I live in Boston, and I’m 28. I work as an administrative assistant in a doctor’s office. I’m single, and I live with my parents. I really want to get my own apartment, but I can’t right now. It’s just too expensive for me at this time. So I help out with household chores, such as cleaning and doing the laundry. And I’m looking for a better job, so I can get my own apartment.
A: Around the world, 80 to 90 percent of the world’s children live with both parents in the home. However, with an increase in divorces in North America, this is changing. For example, in the U.S. today, the percentage of children who are living with two parents is only about 70 percent. In other words, almost one third of all U.S. children live with only one parent at home. Listen to Helena.
C: My name is Helena Wu, and I’m from San Diego. I’m divorced, and I’m a single mom. I have three kids—two boys . . . Darin is 12 and Casey is 10—and one girl. Marcy is only 6. They stay with their dad only one weekend out of every month, but he keeps in touch with the kids every day by phone. He’s a good dad and very hard-working, but we have very different lives.
A: Another trend is an increase in multi-generational households—that is, households in which one or more grandparents live with their adult children and their grandchildren. Twenty percent of American households today are multi-generational, and the number is growing. Here’s Deepti.
D: My name is Deepti Prakash, and I’m from India. I live in Miami with my daughter, Priya, and her husband, Anish, in their third floor apartment. Priya is a bank manager, and my son-in-law is a doctor. During the day, I take care of my granddaughters, Anika and Neysa. Anika is 4, and she loves to talk. She’s so friendly and outgoing, and we have great conversations. Neysa is just 2 years old, and she’s incredibly cute. But her favorite word right now is “no,” so she keeps me very busy. I’m widowed, so it’s really nice to be able to live with family. And since both my daughter and son-in-law work, I help out with some of the household chores, such as shopping and cooking.
A: So we can see that recent social trends are changing the traditional North American household. Tomorrow, we look at some trends in other parts of the world. I’m Sarah Newman.
UNIT 05
Conversation 1
A: No way! Caroline, are you eating cookies this early in the morning?
B: Yeah. What’s wrong with that? Cookies taste sweet. I love things that taste sweet.
A: Me, too! Caroline, there’s nothing wrong with cookies, but they just aren’t a meal, especially early in the morning.
B: Why not?
A: Well, cookies have a lot of sugar. You shouldn’t eat so much sugar first thing in the morning. Put something healthy in your stomach, like yogurt or fruit. Those are good for you. You can eat cookies and other sweets later in the day—after lunch or after dinner as a dessert.
B: I guess you’re right.
Conversation 2
A: So, what should I order? I don’t want to eat a lot of calories. Oh, this looks good.
B: What?
A: Look on the menu. At the Big Smack Burger. It doesn’t look too big in the picture.
B: Oh, Harry, don’t believe that picture. I don’t think they call it a Big Smack Burger because it’s small, right?
A: Hmm. You’re probably right. But it really looks good.
B: It does. Harry? No offense, but I don’t think the Big Smack Burger‘s a great choice. You say you want something that doesn’t have a lot of calories.
A: Well, does the Big Smack Burger have a lot of calories?
B: Look. The menu says it has 1200 calories.
A: No way. One Big Smack has 1200 calories? I’m trying to eat 2000 calories for the entire day. If I eat the Big Smack, I can’t eat anything for dinner!
B: Here’s an idea: What about the steamed fish with brown rice and a salad? I’ll bet it’s delicious, and it’s low calorie and low fat. I’m ordering that.
A: I’m actually not a steamed-fish fan. Let’s see. What else? Oh. Here’s something that looks good: pasta with clam sauce. I love clams, and I love pasta. That’s more my style.
B: Good. Here comes the server. Should we order?
A: Yes, but I just want to ask the server if the clam sauce has a lot of salt. I shouldn’t eat a lot of salty foods.
B: Good idea.
Conversation 3
A: Wow, Lisa! Look at the time! It’s 8:00! No wonder I’m so hungry. I usually eat dinner at 6:00.
B: Me, too! Let’s see what they have. Ooh. You know what looks good to me?
A: No, what?
B: The fried German sausages with fried potatoes and sautéed onions. Yum.
A: That looks good because you’re so hungry.
B: You’re right. I’ll bet it’s pretty unhealthy.
A: Pretty fatty, right?
B: Definitely. Restaurants always use a lot of oil when they fry things. But, I don’t eat fried foods at home. They’re bad for you.
A: Me neither. When I’m home, I eat tons of fruits and veggies and low-fat meats, like chicken, and seafood, like shrimp.
B: Me, too. And I don’t eat out very often. Do you?
A: Not really. Maybe twice a month.
B: So, should we order the sausages?
A: Totally. Excuse me! We’re ready to order.
