STEP 3

Listening and Checking with transcription

In this last step, listen to the conversation again while you read the transcription. Finally, read the glossary information and notes at the bottom. This step also means good practice for your reading comprehension skills.

HUSBAND

I'm proud of you.

WIFE

It sure wasn't easy, but I feel good about it.

HUSBAND

It'll make it a lot easier next time, too.

WIFE

I hope so. It was just about the hardest thing I ever did.

HUSBAND

I think it was really better that I wasn't there to do it for you, though.

WIFE

I know. But I wish you had been. It's all so much easier for you... it just doesn't bother you at all.

HUSBAND

You just have to realize that it doesn't matter what they think. The worst they can do is say "No." And once you realize that you don't have to take it personally...

WIFE

That's just it. I don’t see how people can be so unfeeling...

HUSBAND

Well, they're not going to change. So you've got to look at it the same way they do...

WIFE

Oh, I don't think I ever could.

HUSBAND

... as a game... and that's just part of the game. It doesn't have anything to do with persons, or how they feel about one another.

WIFE

A game? Yes, I think I could do that. Maybe I've been taking it all too seriously...

HUSBAND

Now you're catching on.

WIFE

I don't know. It still seems hard. But I'll think about what you said and give it a try.

GLOSSARY & NOTES

appearance: the act of appearing in public view

overcome = deal with, get over

I'm proud of = I feel respect for

sure = surely; certainly (informal usage).

though = although, however

bother = annoy

unfeeling = hardhearted, stonyhearted

you’ve got to = you have to; you must.

catching on = beginning to understand (informal).

give it a try = try it

Source: English Teaching Forum - Authors: Kathleen Seley & Lewis Barnett