Conversation
I got up at 11:00.
You didn't go out with your wife. You wanted to rest.
You both stayed at home.
Maybe I won't like this.
Canada and Australia are slow-paced countries.
I can't adapt to the slow pace.
Maybe you can adapt to the pace.
Germany. Why Germany?
30 annual holiday
Canada is too cold for me. I like Australia.
I'm too old to move now.
It's too expensive there
Housing is very expensive
But housing is expensive
300,000 RMB
60,000 Singapore dollars
pounds
US dollars, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars
2000=250 dollars
Young people leave for work
Old people can dance
American
native English speaker
He is a fraud if he is not a native English speaker.
I go and watch with my granddaughter
conflict about what
basketball court
field
conflict over the use of space
in a residential area
https://content.cambly.com/2016/08/08/lesson-28-making-excuses/
The same in Indonesia. Indonesians like loud music
Westerners usually don't like loud noises.
Because the subway is broken.
I want to go to the movie with my wife.
I slept so late and that is why I am late.
I would like to but I have to wash my hair
It takes a long time for some women to put on makeup
I'm sorry but I am busy
Lesson 28: Making Excuses
DIALOGUE
Kevin and Dorothy are talking about making excuses.
Kevin: Dorothy, the other day a student didn’t hand in his homework. He gave me a lame excuse.
Dorothy: What was his reason?
Kevin: He said his dog ate it. I prefer when people are honest.
Dorothy: I agree. Sometimes I mess up too, and then I start by saying, “I’m terribly sorry, but…”
Kevin: The other day, my son made an excuse for not cleaning his room. He said, “I ran out of time.”
Dorothy: I wanted to go to the movies the other day with my friend. But she said, “Sorry, I can’t afford to go.”
Kevin: I asked my boss for a pay raise. He said, “I wish I could, but I can’t now.”
Dorothy: I like when people give a good reason. For example, “I can’t go because I’m sick.”
Kevin: Someday I will stop making excuses.
Dorothy: I don’t think that’s possible.
VOCABULARY
| Expression | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| lame excuse | (adj) weak and unsatisfactory excuse | Saying you’re too tired to see me is a lame excuse. |
| reason | (n) the cause of an event or situation | I quit my job for a personal reason. |
| honest | (adj) truthful | Honest people don’t lie. |
| I’m terribly sorry, but | (expression) to start making an excuse | I’m terribly sorry, but I will finish it tomorrow. |
| ran out | (v – phrase) past tense form; not enough | He ran out of money. |
| Sorry, I can’t afford to go. | (complete sentence) when someone doesn’t have enough money to go somewhere | Do you want to go bowling with me? Sorry, I can’t afford to go. |
| I wish I could, but | (expression) to start making an excuse | I wish I could, but I’m sick. |
| because | (conj) to give a reason for something | She doesn’t like to read because it’s boring. |
| someday | (adv) at some time in the future | Someday he will buy a house. |
| possible | (adj) able to happen or be done | Is it possible to learn English in one month? |
EXERCISE
1. How would you give an excuse for being late for work?
I’m terribly sorry, but I missed the bus.
I was late because my car broke down.
Your answer:
2. How would you give an excuse for not being able to go to the movies with your friend?
I wish I could, but I’m busy studying for a test.
Is it possible for us to go another day?
Your answer:
3. What is an example of a lame excuse?
I forgot your birthday because I was on vacation.
I don’t want to go outside because it’s too cold.
Your answer:
4. How would you give an honest excuse?
I’m sorry, but I don’t feel well.
I wish I could go, but I’m busy cleaning the house.
Your answer:
5. How would you make an excuse for someone else?
She can’t afford to go on vacation because it’s too expensive.
He can’t go because he’s tired.
Your answer:
CONVERSATION
- Tell me about a time you made an excuse.
- Why do some people give lame excuses?
- What’s a good reason not to go to work?
- Are people always honest when they make excuses? Why or why not?
- Have you ever made an excuse for someone else? Why or why not?