Can You Believe It 1
Can You Believe It 1
Can You Believe It 1
- . h language-United States-Idioms. 3.
00-021653
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Printed
•
a e leVe ?
•
stories an Idioms fro Ke ife
Boo 1
Jann Huizenga
OXFORD
UNIVERSITY PRESS
o he 5 u e
In t is bo k you wiU enJoy learning everyday idiomatic American English through amazing,
true torie from around the world.
When you tudy vocabulary. it i not enough to learn ind,ividual words. Everyday English is filled
with expre ions that are two or more words long, such as tum over, get along with someone,
and after a while. These expressions are essential to successful communication in English, and
they oe d to be learned as individual units, in the same v\'ay as individual words. In this book
you wiU find idioms fixed expressions, and phrasal verbs .
. i
idiom i a roup f words that has a meaning different from the meaning of its individual
part. In th . ample below, you probably know all the individual words, but you still may
n tu Land the meaning of the expres. ion. This is because the expressions are idiomatic.
. i u I is into computer games, but I can't stand them.
B,; i /0 mean. like very much and can't stand means dl:5like very much.
i
a racalion, again and again, and be at death :5 door are fixed expressions. You J11
cr tand the whole expression if you know the me ning of the parts. But the translation
- fixed expression into your language may not be word for word.
er '1
I verb is a verb followed by a particle such as in, at, on, for, etc. Look for and look
i to ar phrasal verbs that mean try to find and investigate. Phrasal verbs are usually
i I mati . You can learn more about phrasal verbs in Appendix D, page 87.
_. Listen several times to the story 'while you look at pictures to get used to the idioms.
. Talk about the story and then about yourself using the idioms.
Q. Fill in the blanks in a dialogue or story using the idioms. Then role-play the dialogue or
ell he story.
E. .: d. aids to use with this textbook include:
•. i . ning cassette
• p ·x A: An Answer Key (page 74)
• ix B: Dictation (page 77)
use, but it vvill also work \·vell for self-study when used with the audio program.
Thanks in part to Michael Lewis's influential work on lexical issues, TESOL professionals are
increasingly aware that idioms and fixed expressions form a significant part of the lexicon of
English and are central to natural language use. These prefabricated multi-word expressions
must be acquired as wholes in the same way as individual words. Can You Believe It? Book 1
teaches the following kinds of high-frequency fixed lexical expressions:
• traditional, graphic idioms, such as: easy as pie, see eye to eye, and be dirt poor;
• non-traditional idioms, such as: spend time with, Fall asleep, and can't stand;
• two- or three-word adverbial chunks, such as: on the way, af[er a while, and at once;
• two- or three-word phrasal verbs, such as: slow down. be Frightened by, and get over;
• common expressions consisting of de-Iexicalized verbs, such as make or get + a noun or
adjective (make a living, get better), word partnerships that are likely to produce translation
mistakes and need to be learned as chunks.
Can You Believe It? Book 1 is compatible with comprehension approaches such as The Natural
Approach. The picture sequences that correspond to the stories provide the basis for great
"comprehensible input." So the book can be used for listening comprehension and general language
acquisition at a beginning level as well as for the specific mastery of idioms and expressions. (Note
that the first ten stories use only present tense, while the last five use past tense.)
The approach thoroughly integrates the four skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Activities are sequenced so that input precedes output. The initial approach relies heavily on
listening, with picture sequences used as visual supports for comprehension. It is through this
richly contextualized (and repeated) listening that students begin to make hypotheses about
the new expressions and develop a feel for their use. Students then go on to read the story-an
essentia'i step that will provide welcome written reinforcement for visually-oriented learners
and will help all students with their literacy skills. After students' pumps have been primed,
to speak, with the listening and reading input, they are ready to begin producing the idioms in
speaking and writing. The output activities become progressively more demanding: th se
include story retelling, th ught-provoking personal questions, personalized sentence
completions, and dictation.
Researchers contend that w ac uire new lexical items by meeting them a numbd
(seven times, some say). Thu , in Can lou Believe Tt? Book 1, student "ill re tj
and expressions many times within a h unit as w II a in revie\' urn
from unit to unit. (The idioms that are ree)' 1 d between units ha 'e
the Table of Contents, as well as in the ~ 'e lill rw a d E.·pr io B
reading.)
Extra Features
Listening Cassette
The cassette features dramatic readings of all the stories in the text. and Dictations for each
unit (from Appendix B). The stories are read by different actors with varying voices and
styles so students are exposed to language variety.
v
Answer Key (Appendix A)
tudents who u e the book indepe d ntly will esp dally appreciate this feature, though
classroom teachers will al 0 find it handy,
Idiom Groups (Appendix C)
Thi appendix i a rich resour for tho e tud nts who would like a better sense of how the
idioms in Can }OU Be/iere It? Book 1 can be grouped together semantically.
Phrasal erbs (p ndix D)
Simple but deta') r mmar explanations of phrasal verbs are included here for students who
feel ready for i.:· rmation.
Lexica
The Lexica -fa information about each idiom and fixed expression in the book.
Additional '>"""'"'""Jl~;;: mar information, more collocations, and idiomatic synonyms and
anton,'Tru ar~' I ~d,
'ng Suggestions
u\'ities in each unit can be used in a variety of ways, and you are
c 'ment and adapt them as you see fit. The suggested sequence below can be
deJ~rJldi on ~our go Is and your specific class needs.
tory quickly to get the gist, have them do one of the following
Then ask s-ruae'n~, tory Quickly just to get the main idea or the basic story line. You
might gi\' t o r th ee minutes for this. (The details of the story will
bee m lear u they Ij ten to it repeatedly while looking at the picture
equence.I Pre "t'\ thi manner viII allow students, especially those who are
tronder vi ual as. to relax and better comprehend the story and the new
idioms in conteY,1r rf,,-;,nd ,th.. 'n "input" stage. It is best to have students read silently at
this stage ince th " e th text in their own way.
2. Listen
Ask students to over tht: • _ - .. tte or, if you prefer, read the story to the students.
If you are not using the c "''''','';''..A''.. • Y lhe numb r as you move from picture to
picture so students can foil during tb first Ii tening). Tell the story at a natural
speed, pausing some\<\'hat Ion er he end of breath groups and sentences. This
will give students important pr,xcssU1ig ~ goal of this activity is to provide students
with truly "comprehensible input -Juan stage in which a high degree of
contextualization will allow them' cI he e and discover meaning in language
that they are hearing for the fir t time, ,Mitliam! . r~nl.es and hypotheses about new language
in context is skill that all language Ie' •_ ;ee mfortable with; this exercise thus
develops good learning strategies while hi' i stlJll:!e.;nts- a quire new language. During the
third lelling of the story, you ma want lo \' i l ;om on the board, as reinforcement
for y ur vi ually-oriented students. (The ea51 - u b to write them on the board
prior to lhe retelling and point to hem they Uf.
As an as essment technique (to see howell stud n ha undrr_t d and internalized the
new expressions in the story), tell students you are going to talk about the pictures ut of
order, They should point to the picture you are describin ,Or, an altemati e, retell the story
\Ii
"Ilaking some major "mistakes." Have students signal somehow (by raising their hands, making
. f; e, or making a buzzing sound) when they hear a mistake.
d. The teacher calls a number at random. Student with that number raise their hands (or
stand up) and report on their team's answer. You will probably want to get each team's
vii
stronger students help weaker one: tu en in' lim 'an "reh ar al time in small
groups before they ha e t r spond in fr Ie cia . and a wrong response i not so
embarras'in ecaus it om fr han aT' indi 'id l.
t .. j r in whole- I ss setting or in small
springb1 - . r mini-paragraph writing. Allow students
hare th ir writing with partners.
OOIDn':etiions fila\' iLi.~ ,SOtnt'\'\·j~.Jt personal, so students may prefer to share them
~ .: a . You might ask volunteers, though, to put
'e shared. Be sure that the volunteers understand
.a ogue/Story
iduall , in pairs, or groups to fill in the blanks with the appropriate
. they can check their answers in Appendix A.
'ni . have a dialogue exercise. In this case students can practice the
Thap preparing for an expressive reading for the whole class.
i have a story exercise. After filling in the blanks, students can either
~ story to each other in pairs or paraphrase it to each other, being sure to
r~~U;I~ IU:IOUI:)- in th box in the retelling.
Acknowledgments
Many people contributed to Can You Belie e It? Book 1, and I'm grateful to them all. Susan
Lanzan at Oxford University Press was the guiding light from tart to finish. Lynne Barsky was
a generous and atient editor whose c re and xperti e made thi a much better book. Special
thanks t Ju tin H rtung a d Robyn Clemente, produc i n editors, who toiled with good
humor under tight deadlines. Cood friend and olleague Ke S eppard was crucial in getting
the project off the ground, contributi g key ideas during an utumnal troll down Fifth
venue. Lin a Huizenga's he! with ritin made the project fun, and husband Kim Crowley's
constant search for stories ielded orne of the best ones. Thanks also to Joel and Dolly for
feeding me stories from their I cal papers. My reviewers were a gold mine of wonderful
suggestions and c mm nts:
Lubie Alatriste, New York, NY
hri tel tonellis, Boston, MA
Vicki B aha, Lo Angeles, CA
Susan Burke, Atlanta, GA
GI ri Horton, Pasadena, CA
Tay Lesley, L s Angeles, CA
Ellen Pentkowski, Chicago, IL
Barbara Jane Pers, Brooklyn, NY
Barbara Smith-Palinkas, Tampa, FL
Stephanie Snider, Suffolk County, NY
Candice Ramirez, Moreno Valley, CA
Chri tine Tierney, Houston, TX
Barbara Webster, Phoenix, AZ
o
1. 2
9 on • get worse and worse • can't stand something •
r someone)? • take a look (at something) • lose it
2. 6
a b s, a train, a plane) • sit down. pick something up •
e something out (of a place)
Home 10
e • be horrified by something • run away • turn over •
me Fast Asleep 14
~ething • turn something off. get out (of something) • get on
• gr- oetter
s Out 18
~ • pay for something. head for a place • on the way (to a place) •
• - _ a: os on something
-5 22
life 26
• a"':r a while • listen to someone or something • be frightened by
9 • lots of • right away • just in time
s to Cheer You Up 30
• be into something. put something on • look like someone or
as • laugh at someone or something • be crazy about someone or
vacation 34
e a vacation. take a picture (of someone or something) • get in
9 • ook for someone or something. do one's best • not believe one's eyes
eo idioms: ge rid of (1), get out (4)
Units 6-10) 46
E pe is Easy as Pie 50
'C- • soend time (with someone) • be over. let someone out • later on • make a
e Day 54
e • have trouble doing something. be at death's door. llie
get in (8)
13. lazy Mailman Hides letters 58
What is going on? • smell a rat • look into something • drop in (at a place) • come across
something • at least • at once
recycled idiom: not believe one's eyes (8)
xi
ease -,-==1
1
1. Quick Reading
L nir:hlY,P,- on page 3.
ouf
o g t the main idea.
e rid of something * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
remove something
something on* . start a machine or the flow of electricity,
water, etc.
o e and worse become very bad
stand something dislike something very much
'\"'11at~s atter (with something or someone)'? What's wrong (with something or someone)?
something) .. look quickly (at something)
. • . . . .. • .•.••.. become too excited; lose one's self-control
nlhave to. *phrasal verb (see Lexicon, pp. 91-113 and Appendix D, pp. 87-90)
Book]
~ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three time.
ote: As the tape or te cher says a number, look at the corresponding picture.
About you .
h. What makes you lose it?
i. What things do you turn on in your house every day?
j. What are some smells or foods that you can't stand?
k. Think about the problems in your community, native country, or in the world.
Which ones are getting worse and worse? What can you do about them?
. Take a Dictation
I (2) it.
These programs
(4) _
Tum it off** now. It's time to
do your homework.
*" turn (something) 0((: stop a machine or the tlow o( electricity, water. et .
- - .
-i . -
-.
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-it?
t.
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e In
e
Quick Reading
Look at he pictures on page 7.
the next air icks up the candy bar and eats it.
e face .. . .. . be embarras ed
a bus, a train, a plane) go by ferry (bus, train, plane)
sit; be seated
take or lift something off the floor (or a chair, etc:)
walk away; walk in the other direction
I' turn (to a place)
place)-- remove something (from a place)
rasal 'erb (,ee Lexicon and Appendix 0)
-. . "..-
Rook I
.
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...
--~ ." - ~
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%,..
~ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
4. Match
Cover page 6. Match the definition in column A to the idiom in column B.
About you .
i. Do you often take a bus, a train, a taxi, or a ferry?
J. 11 about a time when you were red in the face.
k. Do you sit down or stand up most of the day?
I. What time do you usually go back to your house or apartment?
~ 8. Take a Dictation
Hair tyli t is
Red in h Fa e
O ...··D-
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 11.
make oneself at home ......•....• make yourself comfortable in someone else's home
at home' . . • . . . . . • ..••.... in your house or apartment
be horrified by something ..•..••. fe I hock and horror at something
run away* .....• . . .. . •.. ) ave ickl; es ape
turn over* .........•...•••..••.•.•.
urn t the other si e
e. in .'our hou e = at
About you .
h. Who make themselves at home at your house?
i. v\That do you like to do at home?
j. Do you like to take a nap?
§ 8. Take a Dictation
Book 1
9. Complete the Story
a. Read the true sto F' . • is horrified by
'd' ry. 111 In the blanks 'th • runs away
I IOms from the box. WI
• taking a nap
• turns over
• has fallen asleep
USA A woman
leaves her house
one Saturday
j
evening for a few hours. When she goes back
home, she finds her front door open, Then she
sees a broken window. In the house, her jewelry
boxes are on the floor. She
(1) the boxes and
sees they are empty.
rit 3
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 15.
_ •."....c;.. W .d . u.I:.u..o:lL-.4~.
be fast asleep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. be sleeping deeply
get over something* ....... . reco er from an illness
turn something off*· . . . . . . . . . . .. . stop a machine or the flow of water, electricity, etc.
get out (of something)* I a e (a bed, a car, a bath, work, class, school)
get on (something)* enter (an elevator, a plane, a train, a bus, or a ship)
be back . be again in a place you were before
get better improve; become healthier
*phrasal verb (see Lexicon and Appendix D)
About you .
g. Do you walk in your sleep?
h. Tell about a time when you were in the hospital.
i. What do you do when you want to get over a cold?
j. What do you turn off before you leave home?
k. Do you often get on a bus, train, or plane?
I§ 8. Take a Dictation
M. amirez, can I
(1) work early
today? I'd like to go home and go to bed.
I can't (2) _
Yes, luckily.
Sure. So long. **
rea
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 19.
When sort\eor'\e,calls,
Your pager rlngS'-1__
"
"
.. •
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:.-.,'
.: ':. ".,:i!""f.'--=' ,
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--&i:_~_
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. • .. -~ .... . .~
6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. Why does the bu inessman go shopping?
b. What does the businessman do after he pays for the pagers?
c. What happens on the way to the office?
d. How does the businessman react?
e. What is the message on the pagers?
f. Do you think the man likes the message?
About you .
g. Do you have a pager or a cellular phone? \Vhy? How much did you pay for it?
h. Do you like to go shopping? \\Jhere?
i. Do you usually head for home after class? If not, where do you go?
j. When do you congratulate people? What do you say?
~ 8. Take a Dictation
Book 1
9. Complete the story • calms down
• heads for
a. with'd'
Read the true sto ry and'fIll In
. the blanks
• pay for
I
IOms from the box. • freaks out
• goes shopping
• on the way
schoolteacher, (1)_ - at
a mall near her house. She leaves her blue Toyota in the big parking lot for a few
hours. When she goes back to the car, she (2) - - - - - - - - - -
the car.
When her husband takes a look at the car, he notices right away \hat it isn't their car.
Betty drove home in someone else's blue Toyola! (Even the keys were the same!!
Alter Betty (6)_ - , she calls the police to report the
problem.
* be ticked off: be angry
an's
1. Quick Reading
La k at the pictures on page 27.
drop by (a place)*
. visit (a place) for hOlt time
after a while . .
. later; at 'om tim in the future
listen to someone or something*
. . use your ear- arefully to hear someone or something
be frightened by someone or something
. be afraid of :omeone or something
lots of
. many
right away
. immediatd.
just in time
. ju t before the last minute; just soon enough
-, Tb I ( L xi on ami Appendix DJ
Book 1
§ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
4. Match
Cover page 26. Draw a line from the first word of each idiom to the econd.
Then match the definitions with the idioms.
a. drop ~ away 1. later
b. after by ? immediat Iy
c. listen a while 3. many
d. right to 4. just before the I -t minute
e. just of a 5. visit for a short time
f. lots in time 6. use your ear to hear somethin
About you .
h. Where do you like to drop by after work or school?
i. What kind of music do you listen to?
j. What are you frightened by?
k. Do you usually get to class early, just in time, or late?
~ 8. Take a Dictation
Book 1
9. Complete the Dialogue • right away
• after a while
a. Giorgio and his friend are talking about • drop by
homework. Fill in the blanks with idioms • listen to
• frightened by
from the box.
• lots of
You're (5) _
her easy tests? You must be joking.
Book I
~ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
About you .
h. What are you into?
i. Name three foods you are crazy about.
j. Who (or what) cheers you up when you're sad?
k. Who do you look like?
~ 8. Take a Dictation
- - - - - - - - - - ." Adults - - - - - - - - - -
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ her hats. What is her
poJl~uJar one? "People my
\ise.
Book 1
9. Complete the story • ~r~n't laughing at
• IS Into
a. R~~ .t~e true story. Fill in the blanks • cheer...up
WI IdIOms from the box. • as well as
• are crazy about
4. Match
Cover page 34. Match the definition in column A to the idiom in column B.
[!J [!]
a. try to find 1. get in
b. enter (a car, bed. etc.) 2. on vacation
c. be ery ur rised 3. do your best
d. awa from work or school 4. look for
e. perform as well as you can 5. not believe 'our eye
About you .
g. What do you know about Yellowstone Park? Would you like to take a vacation
there? Why or why not?
h. Tell about a great vacation you took.
1. Do you like to take pictures? If so, of what?
J. Do you always do your best?
because ~_
~ 8. Take a Dictation
Book 1
9. complete the Dialogue • get in
• won't believe your eyes
a. Marcella and Hyunwoo are neighbors. Marcella • taking a vacation
sees Hyunwoo putting suitcases in the car. Fill • on vacation
in the blanks with idioms from the box. • take pi ures
(1) _
You are?
Sure.
(3) _
drive
through two fences. Gardner hangs on for dear
life. sThe car gets on the highway. By this time, more than
the driver slows down. Police surround the car. The teens
i __
hang on for dear life hold something very tightl
rea into something* . . . . . . . . . .. . enter illegally by force
e off· leave (by car, on foot, by plane)
eel up* go faster
down* .. . go more slowly ,
big) trouble have big problems; be in a difficult situation
eone or something regarding or concerning someone or something
':'phrasal verb (see Lexicon and Appendix 0)
Book 1
-
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4. Match
Cover page 38. Match the definition in column A to the idiom in column B.
[[]
a. enter illegally by force 1. take off
b. go faster 2. han l1 on ror d :ar life
c. leave 3. e in big trouble
d. hold omethin \. ry tight}: -l. reak int
e. be in a difficult i uation 5. speed up
About you .
f. When you were a teen, were you ever in big trouble?
g. Are you a good driver? When do you speed up? When do you slow down?
h. Has anyone ever broken into your car, apartment, or house?
i. Is your life busy and fast? How do you slow down?
~ 8. Take a Dictation
Book 1
9. complete the Dialogue • be in big trouble
.slow own
a. Blanca and Julia are going to school. • as for
Blanca is giving Julia a ride on her bike. • speed up
Fill in the blanks with idioms from the box. • am hanging on for
d ar lif
We'll (2) if
1(5) _
Book 1
. " -
,. ",-"'" .'-' •."
"'-""'t'r- -
, "-,
. • -'. -
~"1}-....
1 ,. .
-...~.•· . . . . :j>:.
-6-
The police
should
90. after
. I I
crimina S....
About you .
h. Do you get along with your neighbors?
i. Do they do anything that you are fed up with?
j. Do you like loud music? If so, do people ask you to turn it down?
k. Are you steaming about something now? If so, what?
§ 8. Take a Dictation
Book 1
9. Complete the Story
a. Read the t rue story and fOIl • is st ming
bl' I In the • ag~in and again
0
One day Noland is practicing the piano. It's very hot and his
windows are open. Two police officers appear at his door. They
tell Noland that Mary Lou Dall has called them about his loud
music. "You have to stop playing or shut the windows," they say.
Noland ignores the warning. He keeps on* playing the piano with
the windows openo The police return and arrest him. Noland is
waiting to go to court, and he (4) . "Why
are the police (5) me? I'm not drunk in
the middle of the street. I'm only playing the piano!" he sayso
• keep on doing something: continue doing something
recycled idiom: at home
{,nit 10
the front gate for the visitors and let them out.
Book 1
: ~ -f . ,-.F!f'!' :~ .. , .'~'.
,. '~111 . {
. ~- ~
. .' '
...a .
.
'
I§ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
4. Match
Cover page 50. Draw a line from the first word of the idiom to the econd.
Then match the definitions with the idioms.
a. later pte _ 1. very simple
b. make a out _ 2. allow to go out
C. easy as over 3. end
d. be on 4. at some time in the future
e. let mistake _ 5. do something incorrectly
About you .
g. Tell about a time when you made a big mistake.
h. What things are easy as pie for you?
I. How do you spend your free time? \\Tho do you like to spend it with?
J. Do you have a pet? Do you let it out of the house alone?
k. What time is your English class over?
Book 1
9. Complete the Story
• Was over
a. ;~~d 'dt~e true story and fill in the blanks • later on
I Wms from the box. • easy as pie
• made a mistake
• spend time
• let out
Drama at McDonald's
BODENGRAVEN, THE NETHERLANDS People in Bodengraven
love to (1) at their local
McDonald's restaurant. It's quick, and getting a meal there
is (2) _
But one day, the fast-food restaurant didn't open on time. Customers wanted their Big
Macs. They called the police, and the police became worried. "McDonald's always
opens on time!·" they thought. The police were afraid there was a hostage situation
inside the restaurant. Soon there were more than 30 police cars around the restaurant.
(3) , police called a special team to storm the building. It
was time to (4) the hostages. Just then, the manager of
the restaurant arrived. "I'm sorry. I thought I was working the late shift," he said. The
drama (5) . The police (6) _
and they are red in the face .
['nit 11
Day
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 55.
day. The pig ran into the fenced-in yard. Somehow she
pushed the gate open. 4Then she walked into the middle
stopped and got out of his car. LuLu got up and led the
man into the house. He quickly called an ambulance.
6When the ambulance showed up, LuLu tried to get in
too. "She's very, very smart," the lucky owner said later.
save the day' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . produce excellent results vhen things are going badly
Book 1
~ 2. listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the t ry two or
three times.
",.:',
Cnit 12 Can You Believe It? 55
: -
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6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. Who does LuLu belong to?
b. \\Thy was LuLu's owner at death's door?
c. \-\That did she have trouble doing?
d. \Alhat did LuLu do to save the day?
e. When the motorist got out of his car, what did LuLu do?
f. What did LuLu try to do when the ambulance showed up? Why?
g. Would you like a pet like LuLu?
Book 1
fJI M'-
- -
A few
heard a loud crash. She
(2) and looked out the
window. A car had hit her house! But no one got out.
Instead, the car backed up* and drove away!
The next morning, Tracey looked at the damage to
her house. It was bad, and Tracy was steaming. But
then she noticed something. The car's license
plate was stuck in the house! The license plate
(3) for Tracey. When police
(4) they told her it
(5) a 23-year-old man. They
arr sted him right away.
nit 12
Book J
~ 2. listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
About you .
h. Are you sometimes too lazy to finish things?
i. Tell about a situation when you smelled a rat.
j. Have you ever come across something valuable on the street?
k. What is going on this week at your school or at your job?
~ 8. Take a Dictation
Hey, Gianni. 0) ?
Yes, I do.
Well. ..
Urn, Paco, the car... uh ... You don't want to see it.
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 63.
What is the story about?
Now read quickly to get the main idea.
she got a nose ring. Then she got her tongue pierced.
She couldn't stand to eat hot food for weeks after that.
3Next she got her cheeks, ears, chin, and the bridge of
be in be in fashion; be popular
see eye to eye agree completely
get mad (at someone) . become angry (at someone)
have second thoughts (about something) have doubts (about something)
at times .. . ., sometimes; occasionally
stare at someone or something* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . look at someone or something with wide eyes
think about someone or something* consider; anticipate; form a mental image of
someone or something
':'phrasal verb (see Lexicon and Appendix D)
Book 1
§ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
4. Match
Cover page 62. Match the definition in column A to the idiom in column B.
a. be popular 1. stare at
'nit 14
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Can You Believe It?
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6. Answer the Questions
About the story .
a. What do you think about Isabella's body art?
b. How does her mother react when Isabella wants another piercing?
c. Is Isabella always completely happy with her body art?
d. What do people do when she goes out?
e. What is Isabella thinking about now?
About you .
f. Is body art in with your group of friends?
g. What is in with teens in your country (music, dance, fashion, etc.)? What is in
with you and your friends?
h. Who do you get mad at? Why?
i. Do you have second thoughts about a decision you made when you were
younger?
~ 8. Take a Dictation
Book}
9. complete the Dialogue • get mad t
• is in
a. Ivanka is talking with her mother about • I'm thinking about
changing her hair color. Fill in the blanks • see ey to eye
with idioms from the box. • at times
Don't (4) _
me, mom. It'll look good.
Well, I do.
* not have a clue about something: not know anything about something
,
.
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a
1. Quick Reading
Look at the pictures on page 67.
in addition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. also
be well-off have a lot of money; be rich
give something away* give something as a gift
':'phrasal verb (see Lexicon and Appendix D)
.
-, - _
, .-.
-
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Boot
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§ 2. Listen
Cover the story and look only at these pictures. Listen to the story two or
three times.
About you .
h. Do you know someone (either famous or not) who is one in million? Tell why this
person is one in a million.
I. How do you make a living now? How do you hope to make a living in the future?
J'. In your opinion, is it necessary to be well-off to be happy?
k. In your opinion, why do children drop out of school?
~ 8. Take a Dictation
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ by shining shoes at a
tips to the hospital. Since 1985, he has given more than 40,000 to
a e humanitarian. He's _
Book 1
9. complete the story • makes a living
• o!'e in a million
a. Read
'd' the true sto ry, F'Iii In
, the blanks 'th
• dirt poor
I IOms from the box. WI
• gives away
• well-off
• in addition
hungry," he says. "t understand these people because I've been there...••
page 5: 9) 1. turn on 2. can't stand 3. Take a look at 4. are getting worse and worse 5. get rid of
Book J
6: Toy Saves Man's Life
page 27: 4) a. drop by (5) b. after a while (1) c. listen to (6) d. right away (2) e. just in time (4)
f. lots of (3)
page 28: 8) See Appendix B, page 77
page 29: 9) 1. drop by 2. lots of 3. listen to 4. right away 5. frightened by 6. after a while
72: F. 1. belong to 2. think about 3. give away 4. drop out of 5. stare at 6. look into 7. let out
. come across
G. 1. get up 2. drop in 3. lie down 4. show up
Book i
• _ • t .-,s.. . . .
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Norma Vise is into hats. She puts on a different unusual hat each day. One hat looks like a carrot.
Another looks like a pig. Vise wears crazy hats because "it's fun. I want to cheer people up." Adults
as well as children laugh at her hats. \Alhat is her most popular one? "People are crazy about my
An elderly couple is taking a vacation in Yellowstone Park. They stop their car to take a picture of
some bears. Ayoung bear gets in. He's looking for food. The man and woman do their best to get
rid of the bear, but he refuses to move. So they drive 17 miles to a ranger station with the bear in
the back seat. When the man gets out to report the problem, the bear gets in the front seat. The
rangers can not believe their eyes. They find a woman in the passenger seat and a bear behind the
wheel.
One day Charles Gardner, 35, sees two boys breaking into his car. They take off, and Gardner
jumps on the car. The driver speeds up. He hits a light pole. Then he drives through two fences.
Gardner hangs on for dear life. The car gets on the highway. By this time, more than hvo dozen
police cars are following it. After 20 minutes, the driver slows down and police surround the car.
e idents in slo, Norway, were not getting any mail. "What is going on?" they asked each
_. _'on 'egian Pos I Service smelled a rat and looked into the problem. They dropped in
~ mailman for that neighborhood. They couldn't believe their eyes. They came
;: n the man's house - at least 900 pounds! They fired him at once.
Book 1
14. Girl Wants More Body Art (page 64)
"Body art is in," says Isabella Ortega. She has nine piercings 011 her face. First she got a nose ring.
Then she got her tongue pierced. Next she got her cheeks, ears, chin, and the bridge of her nose
pierced. Isabella's mother doesn't see eye to eye with her about body art. She gets mad at Isabella
when she gets another piercing. At times, Isabella has second thoughts about her body art. She
hates when people stare at her. But she's thinking about getting rings in her lips.
Appendix B
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Can You Believe It? 79
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Ap endix C: ·om (iro 5
This appendix categorizes idioms and expressions in different ways to help you learn and remember.
Book 1
Idioms gro ped ac ording to orm
._--------l
one in a million 4
~3'il
®
L...
2J: .....J
"f I th i
hang n for dear life at times
make a living just in time
at de th's door spend time with
///--=--..
~
see eye to eye '-- --.---'
not belie on's ey s
be red in the face
head for
as for go back
a well s (to a place)
as easy as pie
u 1Down
sp up low down
--- ----- -
get up sit down
lie down
cheer up calm down
pick up turn down
show up
be fed up with
Verbs
worse and worse back to
ri of shopping
over
GO after
on
GET better
In
along with second thoughts about
up HAVE trouble doing something
mad at
a look at
_---r-- oneself at home a ferry (bus, train, plane)
MAKE a living
out (00
a nap
TAKE a vacation
a picture (of)
into off
LOOK ~----f- for away
like
by
red in the face DROP in
horrified by out of
fast asleep
back
frightened by
into on
crazy about off
BE
in big trouble TURN over
fed up with down
steaming
over
at death's door
In
dirt poor
well-off
C ge in mood
C an 0 inion
have second thoughts about speed up slow d wn
Ch eduaUon,'" ~"Q"'''~
get in (to a school or university
get worse and orse = be accepted
dro out of (school)
= leave befoy graduating
n 1 ctrical evice
turn up (-..)
Book 1
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dioms o pe acco
o 0
T- ee err."'ll"llr
Ho of
sometimes: at times
repeatedly: again and ag in
orman e
g ell: g poor .
do one's best make a mistake
save the day have trouble doing omethin
P 0 e ys
"Congratulations on th good work!" "You're in big trouble:'
"You're one in a million!" "What's going on?'
"What's the matt ?"
oney
be well-off go shopping
be dirt poor pay for
make a living
.....
."._
~ ~
Eyes,
///-=--..
ose,and ars
Eye
stare at
take a look at
Nose
smell a rat
6
~~
look for
Ear
look into
listen to
not believe one's yes
see eye to eye
h
get better get worse and worse
get over (an illness) be at death's door
Book I
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ppen ·x D: Phrasal Verbs
I. what is a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb is a verb + a particle.
Iljllzat time did you show up?
(verb) (particle)
(verb) (particle)
In English, many phrasal verbs are idiomatic; you cannot understand the meaning of the whole
from the parts. Show up means arrive and give away means give something as a gift.
giveaway
look for
He turned it off.
I'm looking for it.
When a phrasal verb is separable, you can put a noun etween the verb an the particle or after the
article. If you use a pron un (me, you it, him, he" them), the pronoun must go between the verb
and particle. If a phrasal verb is inseparable, the noun and pronoun alway come after the particle.
GET ON (transitive, inseparable): enter (an elevator, a plane. a train, a bus, or a ship)
They got on the train at Grand Central.
GET OUT (OF) (transitive, inseparable): leave (a bed, a car, a bath, work, class, school)
I got out of the bus quickly and fell.
I got out of it quickly and fell.
GET OVER (transitive, inseparable): recover from an illness
I hope you get over the flu soon.
I hop you get over it soon.
~ ~
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Book 1
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GET RID OF (transitive, inseparable): remove something
Will you plea e get rid ofthis junk?
Will you please get rid of it?
GET UP (intransitive): rise from a sitting or lying position
Erhan is very comfortable in bed; he doesn't want to get up.
GIVE AWAY (transitive, separable): ive as a gift
I'm going to give away my bicycle; I don't ride it anymore.
I'm going to give my bicycle away; J don't ride it anymore.
I'm going to give it away; I don't ride it anymore.
GO AFTER (transiti e, inseparable): try to get or catch
The police went after the bank robbet; but they didn't get him.
The police went after him, but they didn't get him.
GO BACK (intransitive): return
We've walked a long time; let's go back.
GO BACK TO (transitive insep rable): return to a place
After 30 years Eva went back to her birthplace.
After 30 years, Eva went back to it. (ALSO: Eva went back there.)
NOTE: The ve'b can only be separated by a phrase that tells how much:
PICK UP (transitive, separable): take or lift off the floor (or a chair, etc.)
Book 1
L
CO
A
again and again I read the story again and over and over
(10) again, but I still don't time after time
many times; understand it. time and time
repeatedly again
(as) easy as pie informal Mathematics may be easy The first as can be a piece of cake tough
(11) as pie for you, but I think omitted. The (informal) a bear (int rmal)
in your house or Why don't you call him simply followed out of town
Lexicon
.
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LEXICO
A B
at times (14) I'm usually happy, but at now and then (a) round the
sometimes; times I get sad and now and again clock
occasionally depressed. once in a while day and night
from time to all th time
time
off and on
every so often
be back (4) Selma went to Peru for a After you go back be away
be again in a month, but she s ba k t a place, you be gone
place you were now. are back.
before
be crazy about informal I'm crazy about mambo Use a noun or be mad/nuts/wild can't stand
someone or dancing. Do you like it? gerund after the about someone something
something (7) expression. or something be turned ffby
like someone or (informal) something
something very be into (informal)
much something be lukewarm
about
s mething
(informal)
Book J
LEXICO
be fast asleep (4) Five minutes after the be sound asleep be wide awake
be sleeping plane took off, Jimmy be sleeping like a be wired (sian )
deeply was fast asleep and baby
snoring. be sleeping like a
log (informal)
be dead to the
vvorld
(informal)
be fed up (with informal I'm fed up with cooking; Don't confuse be sick (and tired) can't get enough
someone or let's go to a restaurant. this expression of someone or of something
something) (10) with be full, something be rea y for more
be tired of; be at which means can't take it
the end of your unable to eat any (something)
patience with more food. anymore
someone or can't stand some
something one or some
thing anymore
be frightened by I was frightened by that You can also be be terrified of be comf rt ble
someone or loud noise. frightened of someone or with som one
something (6) someone or something or something
be afraid of something. be scared of be at ease with
someone or someone or omeone or
something something omethin
be horrified by The citizens of the small You can also be be shocked by be comfortable
something (3) town were horrified by horrified at someone or \dth 'om one
feel shock and the murder. something. something or omethmg
horror at feel at eas \'ith
something _om one or
omething
be red in the face informal The waiter spilled cola on have a red face be proud of
(2) me. I was sticky and he (informal) something
be embarrassed was red in the face! have egg on one's
face (informal)
be ashamed (of
something)
.' . -~. ~
- - - ~t ~.- ._~~
-. • .
.
- - ' : . : --..1'L. - s:-
" . ''!-J> '-fJ € .~J .
Lexicon Can You Believe It? 95
LEXICO
can't stand When I was younger I Sometimes the can't bear be crazy/wild/
something (1) liked to exercise, but now expressIOn IS something nuts about
dislike I can't stand it! expanded to can't something
something very stand the sight/ (informal)
much smell/sound/ be into
thought of something
something (informal)
cheer someone Seher was feeling bad Phrasal verb lift someone's dampen
up (7) about her exams, so I (transitive, spirits someone's
make a sad tried to cheer her up. separab e) give someone a spirits
person happier boost bum someone
make someone's out (slang)
day (informal) draglbringlget
someone down
(slang)
come across Did you come across my Phrasal verb happen upon look (high and
something (13) keys when you cleaned (transitive, something low) for
find something the house? inseparable) stumble upon something
by chance something
happen to find
something
freak out (5) slang! Jason lost a day's work Phrasal verb lose it calm down
lose one's self informal on his computer, and he (intransitive) lose one's cool cool off/down
control freaked out! flip out chill out
pull oneself
together
get along (with Celine loves her job and Phrasal verb get on (well) with be at odds with
someone) (l 0) gets along well with her (transitive, someone someone
have a good coworkers. inseparable) click with lock horns with
relationship with some ne someone
You can also use
someone see eye to eye be at loggerheads
the expression
with someone with someone
get along as
follows: Celine
and her
coworkers get
along.
get better (4) Solange had the flu last The expression is make progress get worse
improve; become week, but she's getting often used when get over go from bad to
healthier better. referring to something, get worse
health, but it can well, be on the get sick (when
also be used as mend (when referring to an
follows: Business referring to an illness)
is getting better illness)
or I'm getting
better at English.
get in When you get in the Phrasal verb hop in (informal) get out (of
(something) (8) boat, put on a life jacket. (transitive, something)
enter (a car, bed, inseparable)
bathtub shower,
Get in can also
or small boat)
mean arrive, as
in: What time
does the plane
get in?
Note that get on
is used to mean
enter when
referring to a
train, bus, plane,
or large boat.
Book
LEX CO
Ci
get out (of It's so cold that I don't Phrasal verb get up (=get out get in
something) (4) want to get out of the (transitive, of bed) (something)
leave (a bed, a car. inseparable)
car, a bath, work,
class, school) Don't confuse get
out of with get
off, which is used
with other forms
of transportation:
get offa bus, a
train, a plane, a
large ship.
get over I can't get over this cold; Get over can also shake an illness come do 'T1 with
something (4) I've had it for two weeks! mean recover get better an illn
recover from an from an cat h an illness
illness emotional shock. ! 'old, the flu)
You get over a
shock, a surprise,
grief, or a love
affair.
Ci
get up (12) I'm tired; I don't want to Phrasal verb get out of bed lie down
rise from a get up! (intransitive) go to bed
sitting or lying hit the hay/sack
position Get up usually sit down
refers to getting
out of bed, but
you also get up
from a chair, a
sofa, or the floor.
get worse and Another murder! Crime An illness, a go from bad to get better and
worse (1) is getting worse and problem (such as worse better
become very bad worse here. crime), or the
'.veather can get
worse and worse.
him. inseparable)
Book 1
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Lexicon Can You Believe It? 101
Book 1
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Book i
show up (12) I waited and waited for Phrasal verb turn up vanish into
appear; arnve John. Finally, he showed (intransitive) thin air
up three hours late. (=disappear)
go away, take off
(=Ieave)
sit down (2) My feet hurt. Can we sit Phrasal verb have a seat stand up
sit; be seated down for a few minutes? (intransitive) take a seat get up
Often used as a
welcoming
phrase when
someone enters a
room: Please sit
down! Don't
confuse the
expression with
set down, which
means put
something down.
EX CO
ST
take a ferry (a I usually walk to school, get on (a ferry, get off (a ferry,
bus, a train, or a but today I took a bus. bus, train, or bus, train. or
plane) (2) plane) plane
go by ferry (bus,
train, or plane)
take a nap (3) I didn't get much sleep take a siesta stay up
sleep for a short last night; I'm going to (informal) stay awake
time during the take a nap now. take a snooze
day (informal)
catch 40 winks
(informal)
catch some Zs
(slang)
get some shut
eye (slang)
take a picture (of I want to take a picture The expression is take a photo of
someone or of you; please smilel often followed by someone or
something) (8) of + person, as in something
use a camera to the example; snap a photo of
get a photograph however, take a someone or
(of someone or picture with something
something) someone means (informal)
be in the picture
with someone.
take something Please take these dishes Phrasal verb take out (of)
away (10) away. I want to work at (transitive, (=remove an
remove the table. separable) object that is
something inside
You take away an something)
object that is on
something.
Compare this
expression with
take out, which
means remove an
object that is
inside something.
take off (9) Mitsu took off right after Phrasal verb go away show up
leave (by car, on class. (intransitive)
foot, by plane)
You can indicate
how a person
took off: He took
offon his bike/in
his car/on foot.
Take off has
another common
meaning. As a
transitive,
separable phrasal
verb it means to
remove clothing;
in this sense it is
the opposite of
put on.
Book 1
LEX CO
T
down the
the temperature,
the air
conditioner, the
down has
another common
meaning: refuse
an invitation.
turn something a. I can't see. Will you Phrasal verb switch something turn something
on (I) turn on the light, (transitive, on off
start a machine please? separable)
or the flow of b. I can't see. Will you
electricity, water, turn the light on, In informal
etc. please? usage, turn
someone on
means interest or
excite, as in:
Chocolate
doesn't turn me
on. I don't like it.
Example b:
Phrasal verb
(transitive and
separable)
Here, turn over
refers to
someone turning
something over.
Book 1
What's the What's the matter with The expression is what's up (with nothing' the
matter (with Lily? She hasn't been in often followed by someone or matter (with
omeone or class for a week. with + person, as something) someon or
something)? (1) in the example. (informal) something)
What's wrong what's going on nothing's \ rong
(with someone or (with someone ( ith s meone
something)? or something) or something)
(informal)
walk off (2) When I told John the Phrasal verb take off
walk away; walk truth, he just walked off. (intransitive)
in the other
direction People often
walk off because
they're angry, as
in the example.
Don't confuse
walk offwith
walk out, which
means to
abandon or leave
someone. Note
that walk offwith
something
means to steal
something.
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