Level 1. Lesson 15: I Love People-Watching!

 

Anna: Hello! People from all over the world come to Washington, D.C. When I’m at work, I love eating lunch outside. I like to watch people walking by. They all look very different. Today, my friend Ashley is eating lunch with me.

Anna: Ashley, today the weather is beautiful, isn’t it?

Ashley: Yes, it is. Ahh. Ooh, we have to return to work!

Anna: No, we have time! Let’s people-watch a little more.

Ashley: Okay.

Anna: Oh, I know her. She works in my office! Keyana, hi! Come and join us!

Keyana: Hi Anna, how are you?

Anna: I’m doing great! Keyana, this is my friend Ashley.

Keyana: Hi, Ashley!

Anna: We need to return to work. But the weather is beautiful and people-watching is fun!

Keyana: I love people-watching too!

Anna: Well, have a seat! It is fun to see how people are different or the same.

Keyana: It is. For example, Anna, you are tall. But Ashley and I are short.

Anna: And Keyana, you and Ashley have brown eyes; I have blue eyes.

Keyana: You two have light skin and I have dark skin.

Anna: Ashley, you have straight hair. Keyana and I have curly hair.

Ashley: You have very curly hair, Anna.

Keyana: I need to return to work. See you, Anna! Nice to meet you Ashley!

Ashley: Bye, Keyana!

Ashley: Anna, I have to go, too. Are you returning to work?

Anna: I still have time. And this sun feels so good!

Ashley: Um, Anna, what does your boss look like?

Anna: She is short. She has straight, light hair.

Ashley: Does she wear glasses?

Anna: Yes. Yes, she does.

Ashley: Is she wearing a blue sweater today?

Anna: How do you know that?

Ashley: She’s coming this way.

Anna: Oh no! Hide me!

Ashley: Um, bye, Anna. Call me later.

Anna: Bye, Ashley! Talk to you later!

Caty: Anna? Is that you?

Anna: Ms. Weaver! Hi!

Caty: What are you doing behind that bench?

Anna: I am looking for my, my … stick. Here it is.

Anna: I am people-watching. Oh! But it’s time to return to work!

Caty: No need to hurry. I love people-watching too! Let’s sit!

Anna: Sure! Ahh.

Caty: It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?

Anna: Yes. Yes, it is, Ms. Weaver.

Anna: People-watching in D.C. is fun. It makes me forget the time!

Anna: Until next time! Ahh.

Speaking Practice

Pronunciation

https://tinyurl.com/ye27cue9

Level 1. Lesson 14: How About This?

 

Anna: Hi, there! In Washington, D.C. people do many things in the evening. They go listen to music. They eat at a restaurant. They go to the theater.

Anna: Tonight I am going to the theater with my friends. But I don’t know what clothes to wear. Maybe this magazine can help.

Anna: Her clothes are beautiful! I really want a friend like her to help me.

Anna: Who are you?

Genie: I am Genie! You want help. I am here to help you find the right clothes!

Anna: Awesome! How about jeans and a t-shirt?

Genie: No! Jeans and a t-shirt are too casual. How about something more formal?

Anna: Sure!

Anna: Wow! Genie, this dress is beautiful. But it’s not the right size. It’s too small.

Genie: Yes, it is too small. But green looks great on you.

Anna: Thanks.

Genie: Take off the green dress. Let’s try a green shirt and a skirt.

Anna: Oh, Genie! This green shirt is too large and this orange skirt is too orange.

Genie: Yes, the right size for you is medium. Let’s try again.

Anna: Oh, I don’t like this outfit.

Genie: No. That does not match.

Anna: Nothing.

Anna: These clothes are formal: a suit jacket, a dress shirt and a tie! They look great!

Genie: Those clothes look great … for a man! Something is wrong.

Anna: Let me see.

Anna: There. Now try.

Genie: Oh. Thanks! Now these clothes look great on you!

Anna: They do! Um, Genie, can you put on a gold belt?

Genie: Sure!

Genie: That looks great.

Anna: Can you put on a jacket?

Genie: Why not?

Anna: I love the jacket! How about a hat?

Genie: Why not?

Genie: Mm, take off the hat. That’s better.

Anna: Genie, these clothes look and feel great! Let’s go to the theater!

Genie: Sorry, Anna. I have to help other friends. Go to the magazine if you want me to help again.

Anna: Thanks, Genie. Sure thing. Goodbye!

Genie: Goodbye!

Anna: There are many places in DC to go for a great evening out! And it’s nice to have a friend to help me look my best. Until next time! Bye!

Speaking Practice

Pronunciation

https://tinyurl.com/3n4vccuv

Level 1. Lesson 13: Happy Birthday, William Shakespeare!

 

Anna: Hello! In Washington D.C. there are many things to do on a Sunday afternoon. I like to exercise. I like to shop. I like to garden. But today I feel bored. When I feel bored I always look for something unusual to do! I hear music. Let’s go see! What is going on here?

Rebecca: It’s a big birthday party for the writer William Shakespeare.

Anna: This is a party for William Shakespeare?

Rebecca: Yes!

Anna: Awesome!

Rebecca: Awesome!

Anna: This is a drum band. I never listen to a drum band. But today I am listening to a drum band because it’s Shakespeare’s birthday!

Anna: This is a puppet show. I never watch puppet shows. But today I am watching a puppet show because it’s Shakespeare’s birthday!

Anna: My clothes are usual. His clothes are unusual.

Anna: In Washington, D.C. seeing a politician or even the President is usual. Seeing the Queen of England is very unusual! Your majesty!

Anna: This is sword fighting. I never sword fight. But today I am sword fighting because it’s Shakespeare’s birthday!

Anna: There are many things to do in Washington, D.C. -- some usual, some unusual.

Anna: Today, I am not bored because … it is William Shakespeare’s birthday!

Speaking Practice

Pronunciation

https://tinyurl.com/3yfdaz2b

Level 1. Lesson 12: Meet My Family

 

Anna: Hello! Washington, D.C. has many beautiful parks. In fact, this park reminds me of my home very far away.

Marsha: Anna, here's your coffee.

Anna: Thanks, Marsha.

Marsha: What's wrong?

Anna: I'm thinking about my family. I'm feeling homesick.

Marsha: Do you want to talk about it?

Anna: Sure! I have some photos.

Marsha: Yes. Yes, you do!

Anna: Photos really help.

Anna: This is my mother and this is my father. They are rodeo clowns.

Marsha: What do rodeo clowns do?

Anna: They make jokes at a rodeo. They make people laugh.

Marsha: That-That';s very different.

Marsha: Who is that woman in the picture?

Anna: That is my Aunt Lavender. She is my mom's sister. She loves gardening and makes spoons.

Marsha: She makes spoons?

Anna: Of course.

Marsha: That, too, is very different.

Anna: Oh! This is my Uncle John. He is my father's brother.

Marsha: What does Uncle John do?

Anna: He's a chicken farmer. And makes guitars. He's awesome, and I'm his favorite niece.

Marsha: Who are they?

Anna: They are my cousins. They are my Uncle John's daughter and son.

Marsha: What do they do?

Anna: They raise sheep and make sweaters.

Marsha: Yeah, that's not a surprise.

Marsha: Thanks for showing me your family photos. Your family is very different.

Anna: I do feel better. Thanks for listening. I have many more photos!

Marsha: Yeah. Yeah, you do.

Anna: Washington, DC is my new home. But I like remembering my old home, too.

Anna's Family Tree

This is a family tree. Anna tells Marsha about her parents.

Her mother and father are rodeo clowns.

Her father's parents are from Italy. These grandparents speak Italian.

Anna's mother's parents live in California. These grandparents have a farm and raise horses.

Anna's mother's sister is Aunt Lavender. She loves gardening.

Anna's father has a brother. His name is John. Uncle John makes guitars.

Uncle John has a daughter and a son. They are Anna's cousins. They raise sheep.

Anna's brother has two children. They are Anna's niece and nephew.

Speaking Practice

Pronunciation

https://tinyurl.com/mr4bm8bm

Level 1. Lesson 11: This Is My Neighborhood

 

Anna: Hello! DC is a city for walking. In our neighborhood, I can do all my errands. Marsha, before we get ice cream, I need to return three books to the library. Where is the library?

Marsha: It is on this street on the corner.

Anna: Awesome!

Marsha: Let's go!

Anna: Marsha, I can return the books here.

Marsha: Anna, what are those in the books?

Anna: Marsha, these are letters to my family and friends back home … four letters! Is there a post office near here?

Marsha: Um, no. The post office is far from here. But there is a mailbox across from the store.

Anna: Awesome! Let’s go!

(At the mailbox)

Anna: Marsha, now I need to buy stamps.

Marsha: Do you have cash?

Anna: No. Is there a bank near here?

Marsha: There is a bank behind you.

Anna: Thanks, Marsha. You know our neighborhood so well.

Anna: Now I have cash. I can buy stamps.

Marsha: That store sells stamps.

Anna: Wait here.

Anna: I have stamps.

Marsha: Wow, you’re fast.

Anna: Thank you, thank you letters, for sending my words… my love … to my family and friends -

Marsha: Do you have more cash?

Anna: I do!

Marsh and Anna: Ice cream!!

Anna: I love my new neighborhood! Everything is near our apartment! Even hair salons*, and ice cream!

Anna: Until next time!

*salon - n. a business that gives customers beauty treatments (such as haircuts)

Speaking Practice

Pronunciation

https://tinyurl.com/2phev534

Level 1. Lesson 10: Come Over to My Place

 

Conversation

Anna: Hi! Today, my friend Ashley, is coming over. I am showing her my new apartment! Oh! That’s Ashley calling.

Anna: Hi Ashley!

Ashley: Hi Anna! I’m coming to your apartment. Where is your apartment?

Anna: My apartment is near the Columbia Heights Metro.

Ashley: It is near the Columbia Heights Metro?

Anna: Yes. Exit the Metro and turn right. Then at the bus station turn left. Then walk straight ahead.

Ashley: Okay. Exit Metro, turn right, turn left, then go straight ahead?

Anna: Yes. My apartment is near a coffee shop.

Ashley: Okay. See you soon!

Anna: Hi, Ashley.

Ashley: Anna, Which coffee shop? There are three coffee shops.

Anna: Okay, my apartment is across from a big department store.

Ashley: A big department store? Ah, I see it!

Anna: Okay! Bye, Ashley. See you soon!

Ashley: Okay. See you soon.

Anna: Ashley! Ashley! Ashley! Over here! It’s Anna! It’s Anna! Hi!

Anna: I love having my friends over. Come on!

Ashley: Great!

Speaking Practice

Pronunciation

https://tinyurl.com/ydy95ers

Level 1. Lesson 9: Is It Cold?

 

Conversation

Anna: Oh, hi, everyone! Here in Washington, DC, the weather changes often. One day is cold and windy. But the next day is warm and sunny! So, every day I check the forecast. Hello, Phone? What is today’s temperature?

Phone: Today it is 18 degrees ...

Anna: Eighteen degrees! That is cold!

Phone: … eighteen degrees Celsius.

Anna: Oh, Celsius. That is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s warm.

Phone: Yes, Anna. It is warm.

Anna: Excuse me, Phone. Is it windy today?

Phone: No, it is not windy today.

Anna: Is it sunny today?

Phone: Yes, Anna. It is sunny.

Anna: Excuse me, Phone?

Phone: Yes, Anna.

Anna: Is it snowy today?

Phone: No, Anna. It is not snowy.

Anna: Thank you, Phone!

Anna: Today the weather is warm and sunny -- great for seeing Washington, D.C.

Anna: Phone! It is not warm and sunny! It is cold and windy and snowy!

Phone: Anna, it is not cold, windy, or snowy. It is warm and sunny … in Mexico City, Mexico.

Anna: Oh. I see. Mexico.

Anna: Washington weather changes often. Remember to check the forecast -- the right forecast.

Phone: Yes, Anna. Next time remember to check the right fore…

Anna: Okay, thank you Phone. Goodbye, Phone.

Anna: Until next time!

Speaking Practice

Pronunciation

https://tinyurl.com/49ppscdf

Level 1. Lesson 8: Are You Busy?

 

Conversation

Anna: Hello, everyone. Here I am at my new job! Yesterday at my first day of work … Well, let’s not talk about yesterday. Today is a new day! Today I want to apologize to my co-workers.

Anna: Hi, Anne. Are you busy?

Anne: Hi, Anna. Yes. At 10 a.m. I am writing. Every day I do my morning show. Sorry!

Anna: Okay. See you later, maybe.

Anne: Maybe I’ll see you later.

Anna: Hi, Jonathan. Are you busy?

Jonathan: Yes, I’m busy. When the studio light is on, I am recording my evening show.

Anna: Right. Sorry about yesterday.

Jonathan: No worries.

Anna: May I see the studio?

Jonathan: Um, maybe another time? Right now I am busy.

Anna: Sure. Okay, ’bye.

Jonathan: ‘Bye.

Anna: Hi, Amelia! Are you busy?

Amelia: I’m a little busy.

Anna: I want to say I’m sorry for yesterday.

Amelia: It’s okay, Anna.

Anna: Well, I am sorry.

Amelia: It’s okay, Anna. Come by this afternoon.

Anna: Okay.

Caty: Anna.

Anna: Yes, Ms. Weaver.

Caty: Are you busy?

Anna: Yes, Ms. Weaver. I am busy.

Caty: My office. 5:00 p.m.

Anna: 5:00 p.m.

Caty: Come in.

Co-Workers: Surprise!

Anna: A party! Awesome! And I still have my job! Phew!* Until next time!

* Phew! is a sound used to show that you are relieved, tired, or hot

Speaking Practice

Pronunciation

https://tinyurl.com/yfum5sfy

Level 1. Lesson 7: What Are You Doing?

 

Conversation

Caty: Come in.

Caty: Well, Anna, welcome.

Anna: Thank you.

Caty: I am your boss, Caty Weaver. But, please call me Caty.

Anna: Thank you, Ms. Weaver.

Caty: Just Caty.

Anna: Sure thing, Ms. Weaver.

Caty: Okay then. Are you excited?

Anna: Yes, I am excited!

Caty: So sorry, but I am busy. Please meet your co-workers. But remember, they are busy working.

Anna: Sure. Thanks, Ms. Weaver.

Anna: Hi there! I’m Anna.

Anne: Hi, Anna. I’m Anne.

Anna: Nice to meet you. What are you doing?

Anne: Um, I’m writing.

Anna: You are writing! You are writing a lot!

Anna: (Spills papers) Oh! Oh dear.

Anne: No! No! That's okay.

Anna: I am sorry!

Anne: That’s okay. Really.

Anna: I am sorry!

Anne: Please. Please. Please stop. Please.

Anna: Sorry. Sorry.

Jonathan: (in the studio) “and people all around the world are waiting to hear news about the next president…”

Anna: Jonathan, hi! Remember me? I live in your building.

Jonathan: Oh. Uh. Hi, Anna.

Anna: What are you doing?

Jonathan: I am doing my show!

Anna: Oh, sorry. Are you recording?

Jonathan: Yes! And, now I have to record again!

Anna: Sorry. Have a good show.

Jonathan: Thank you.

Anna: Sorry.

Amelia: The word of the day is social. Social -

Anna: Oh! Hi!

Amelia: - is an adjective.

Anna: Hi! I’m Anna!

Amelia: Hi. I’m Amelia.

Anna: Nice to meet you!

Anna: What are you doing?

Amelia: I’m reading.

Anna: Are you reading the news? Hi!

Amelia: No, I’m reading for my show.

Amelia: (to camera person) Can I read again?

Anna: Sorry.

Anna: This day is not going well.

Caty: Anna! Hi! What’re you doing?

Anna: I am bothering people, Ms. Weaver.

Caty: Let’s go to my office and talk.

Anna: I like to talk with you, Ms. Weaver.

Caty: It’s Caty.

Anna: Right. Thanks ... Ms. Weaver

Speaking Practice

Pronunciation

https://tinyurl.com/z4xwebm9