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, a project or activity can drive you crazy. Maybe, you are trying to write an essay for school, but you have writer’s block. You can’t think of any good ideas, and you just aren’t feeling it. Or perhaps, you are trying to concentrate on a project for work, but you just can’t come up with any new thoughts. What do you do in situations like this? Do you keep working, or do you throw in the towel?
When someone throws in the towel, they stop trying. They give up. Sometimes, this is a good idea. Taking it easy and getting your mind off of your work can be healthy for your mind. Often, people will spontaneously think of new ideas while they are relaxing. However, you might throw in the towel and never return to your work. This is dangerous because you may never finish your project.
Kelsey has been working so hard to remember her song. Is it time for her to throw in the towel? Find out in today’s English video 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.
Kelsey: I had a dream that I couldn’t remember, in the dream, what I was singing about. I had a dream it was the 1980s…. This is driving me crazy!
Jordin: What’s wrong, Kelsey?
Kelsey: I don’t know, I just can’t write this song. I think I’m going to throw in the towel.
Jordin: I’m sorry, is there anything I can do to help?
Kelsey: I don’t know. I think I have writer’s block. It was such a great song in my dream, and I just couldn’t remember it. Then, I thought I’d write a song about not being able to write a song, and I still can’t come up with anything!
Jordin: How do you usually write songs?
Kelsey: Well, they just sort-of come to me.
Jordin: Hmm… Maybe, it’s because you’re trying too hard.
Kelsey: Yeah, maybe. I still think I’m going to give up. I’m not feeling it.
Jordin: Ah, Kelsey, don’t throw in the towel, yet.
Kelsey: I don’t know, I don’t think I can do it this time. I think it has to come spontaneously. I think I’m trying too hard.
Jordin: Maybe that’s true, but I still don’t think it’s a good idea for you to give up. Maybe, you can just take it easy for a little while and forget about it.
Kelsey: Forget about it?
Jordin: For a little while. And then maybe, if you concentrate on something else, you’ll come back to it, and it’ll just come to you!
Kelsey: OK, that makes sense.
Jordin: You’re thinking about the song again, aren’t you?
Kelsey: No! I mean… yeah, kind-of…. OK, how do I get my mind off the song?
Jordin: Movie?
Kelsey: Perfect!
Grammar Point
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Quizzes
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Discussion
Kelsey has been trying to remember the song from her dream for a long time. She tries to play it on her guitar, but it isn’t working. In fact, it’s driving her crazy. Jordin asks if she can help. She asks Kelsey how she usually writes songs. Kelsey tells her that her songs are usually spontaneous. She doesn’t try very hard to write them.
Maybe, that’s why Kelsey has writer’s block. She’s trying too hard. Jordin suggests that she relax and take it easy. Maybe, if she stops concentrating on the song, it will come back to her later. Kelsey agrees, but now she doesn’t know how to get her mind off of the song. Jordin suggests that they go watch a movie. It’s the perfect idea!
Did you ever have writer’s block? What do you do to get your mind off of something?
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