Stories for English Learners
09. Kate´s marks are slipping
Aprende expresiones idiomáticas y phasal verbs con la historia de Kate.
Kate’s first date with Jason is the focus of this episode. They discuss the difficulties of balancing schoolwork and a part-time job.
- Juan Carlos Martinez
- Everyday Idioms 2
- More stories
- Everyday Idioms 2
Preview
In the last episode, Kate goes on her first date with
Jason. They go out for coffee in his lemon of a car. Kate
tells Jason about the difficulty of balancing schoolwork
with working at the restaurant. In this episode, Kate
talks to a guidance counselor about her grades. What
suggestions will the counselor have?
Exercise A
Vocabulary for the story
Audio
Difficulty: Intermediate (B1)
Audio
Kate: Thanks for making time to see me so quickly. I’m really worried about my marks.
Guidance Counselor: As you should be. You’re close to failing three of your four courses, Kate.
Kate: I bombed my midterm exams. My parents are going to kill me if I fail those classes. What a waste of money.
Guidance Counselor: Not to mention time. At this rate, you’ll have to repeat your whole first year. That is, if you decide to come back next year.
Kate: I’m not going to drop out if that’s what you mean.
Guidance Counselor: Did you know that your failing grades will appear on your transcript? Your marks from first year could stand in the way of future jobs.
Kate: What if I take the courses again? Does the first grade still count?
Guidance Counselor: The best mark counts toward your grade point average. The lower one will still show up on your transcript, though.
Kate: Great. Speaking of programs, I’m wondering if I’m in the wrong program altogether. I’ve always liked reading, but I’m not that interested in the classics.
Guidance Counselor: Do you have any other subjects in mind? It’s not too late to change your major for next year.
Kate: I’m interested in taking some social media courses, if there is such a thing.
Guidance Counselor: We offer lots of marketing and communications programs. Maybe that’s more up your alley.
Kate: Is there a lot of reading and essay writing?
Guidance Counselor: Yes, Kate. Reading and essay writing are the bread and butter of most university courses.
Kate: It just feels like I don’t have enough time in the day. Maybe I could concentrate more if I was enjoying school.
Guidance Counselor: First and foremost, you need to work on pulling up your marks. Next year, you can focus on choosing courses that interest you.
Exercise B
Comprehension
- Does the counselor think Kate has a reason to be concerned? Why or why not?
- Why will Kate’s parents be upset if she fails her courses?
- True or False? Kate is thinking about dropping out next year.
- What type of course does Kate want to try?
- Why can’t Kate concentrate?
- What priority does Kate need to have?
Exercise C - Writing
Writing – MY LIFE
Discuss these questions with your class or write your responses in a journal entry.
1. What have you failed or come close to failing in the past? Why did you have trouble with this?
2. Have you ever wasted your money on something? Describe the experience.
3. What was the best mark you ever received in a course? Why did you succeed?
4. Which subjects are right up your alley? What do you like about them?
5. First and foremost, what do you need to do to learn English?
Do you have any comment or question? Let us Know!
Share story on facebook
• Take a free Spanish Lesson
Schedule a free private lesson with a professional Spanish teacher.
• Spanish Classes In Mexico City
We provide the best instructors and the perfect fusion of fun and learning.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get free online Spanish tips and resources delivered directly to your inbox.
More posts
Follow Us
Follow us on Instagram, send a DM, and get a free session.
Check out more stories…
Shopping Cart
