Stories for English Learners
04. Roommate issues
Aprende expresiones idiomáticas y phasal verbs con la historia de Kate.
Kate’s new roommate, Yuki, and her “entourage” are causing problems. Kate approaches the campus “Don” for help. What will the Don do?
- Juan Carlos Martinez
- Everyday Idioms 2
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- Everyday Idioms 2
Preview
In the last episode, Kate met her new roommate, Yuki.
Even before Kate unpacked her bags, the roommates
seemed to be off to a rocky start. Just a few weeks
have passed, but Kate has already had enough of Yuki
and her “entourage.” In this episode, Kate approaches
the campus “Don” about her problems. What do you
think Kate’s Don will do about her roommate issues?
Exercise A
Vocabulary for the story
Audio
Difficulty: Intermediate (B1)
Audio
Kate: You’re Alex, right? I hear you are the go-to person about dorm room problems. I’ve been looking for you everywhere.
Alex: Whoa. First things first. What room are you in?
Kate: Sorry, I got ahead of myself. I’m Kate. Room 17 on the seventh floor.
Alex: Hi, Kate. Yes, I’m the don for floor 7. How have you enjoyed the first few weeks of school?
Kate: My classes are a bit dry, but I guess that is to be expected for first year. I’m having a major problem with my roommate, though.
Alex: Uh-oh. Already? School has barely even started, Kate. Is Yuki keeping you up too late or something?
Kate: It’s not about the late nights. She just always has someone over in our room. The room is barely big enough for the two of us, never mind her boyfriends.
Alex: Boyfriends? Oh, does she have more than one this year?
Kate: Well, I don’t think she’s really dating any of them, but she never comes to the room without an entourage. It’s impossible to study.
Alex: Have you tried using the study hall or the library? It’s only a ten-minute walk across campus.
Kate: I know, but I like studying on my bed. That’s what I always did in high school.
Alex: Look, I can talk to Yuki, but I have a few more serious issues on my plate right now. I suggest you take it up with her first. Come see me again if you two can’t work something out.
Kate: There’s one other thing. Yuki and her friends never talk in English. It feels like they’re talking behind my back.
Alex: It may be annoying, but it’s not exactly against the rules to speak your native language, Kate. This isn’t high school, remember?
Kate: I know, but I’m just wondering if I can request a room change. I think a single room would suit me better.
Exercise B
Comprehension
- Who is Alex?
- What small talk does Alex try to make before discussing the main issue?
- True or False? Kate is having a major problem with her classes in her first week
- Why can’t Kate study?
- What suggestion does Alex have for Kate in relation to studying?
- What does Alex want Kate to do before he looks further into the issue?
- What does the Don say is not against the rules?
- What request does Kate make at the end of the conversation?
Exercise C - Writing
Writing – MY LIFE
Discuss these questions with your class or write your responses in a journal entry.
1. Who is your “go-to person” for education-related issues? Who is your “go-to person” for personal issues?
2. If you were Kate, would you request a room change?
3. Where do you like to study and why?
4. Have you ever caught someone talking behind your back? How did you feel? What did you do?
5. Do you like to have your “alone time”?
Do you have any comment or question? Let us Know!
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