Intro
1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.
2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.
Sometimes, the best things in life come in small amounts. In fact, having a large amount might not be a good idea. For example, when there is someone you really like, such as a friend or partner, you probably enjoy being with him or her. It’s fun to spend time with a compatible person. However, a little time will go a long way in this type of friendship. If you were together all the time, you might not like this person as much.
We use the expression a little goes a long way to describe situations when just a little bit of something can have a big effect. For example, investing a small amount of money in the right place can give you a lot of potential money in the future. When a little goes a long way, it is important to have a small amount of this thing or experience. But it might also be important not to have too much of it.
Sara has been interviewing people and looking for a new roommate. Brian has some ideas for vetting this person. Learn about these ideas in today’s English lesson.
3. Watch - Watch the video without reading the dialog.
Dialog
1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.
2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.
Brian: Are you having any luck finding a new roommate?
Sara_R: Not really. And I hate all the interviewing. It takes so long.
Brian: That’s true. But a little vetting goes a long way.
Sara_R: Can’t we just chat?
Brian: Sure, but you’ll want to make sure you ask the right questions. For example, you’ll want to make sure that your schedules are compatible.
Sara_R: That’s true. And I’m definitely a morning person, so I don’t want to live with a night owl.
Brian: And find out if your new roommate is going to want to have friends over all the time. Or a boyfriend! That can be challenging.
Sara_R: Yeah, I’m only looking for one roommate, not a roommate plus a boyfriend.
Brian: Find out if she’s tidy or messy. If you’re tidy and she’s a slob, that can cause problems.
Sara_R: I once had a roommate who would get upset with me about little things, but she would never talk to me about them. It ended so badly. And now we’re not friends anymore.
Brian: Personally, I think it’s important to ask a potential roommate how she communicates. And if she answers honestly, you’ll know if living together is going to work.
Sara_R: You’re right. Investing a little time will go a long way in finding a good roommate.
Brian: Don’t worry. You’ll find the right person!
Grammar Point
Go Super to learn "Adverbs" from this lesson
Quizzes
Lesson MP3
The iTEP® test
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Discussion
Sara is looking for a new roommate, but she doesn’t like the vetting process. She thinks that it takes too much time to interview potential roommates. Brian explains that a little effort will go a long way toward finding a compatible roommate. He gives Sara some suggestions.
Brian tells Sara that she should ask possible roommates about their schedules, their social lives, and their lifestyles. These are good suggestions because Sara doesn’t want to live with a night owl or a slob. Communication is also important to her. She remembers a past situation that ended badly, and she doesn’t want to have that experience again.
Did you ever have a bad roommate situation? Who was the most compatible person you ever lived with?