Graduation

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

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• hassle
• degree
• next step
• build something up

• big deal
• diploma
• rite of passage
• hoopla

• workforce
• cap and gown

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

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In most American high schools and universities, graduation is a pretty big deal. It involves a long (some would say boring) ceremony in which all the graduating students receive their diplomas in front of their friends and families. The head of the school usually makes a speech, as does one of the top students of the graduating class. Then everyone takes off these funny-looking hats and throws them in the air. Seriously!

Many schools also have a commencement speaker, an important person who offers some words of wisdom to the students before they head out into the wide, wide world. The best and biggest schools get the best and biggest speakers. For example, President Obama recently spoke at the University of Notre Dame’s graduation ceremony.

Ella graduated from college last year. Listen to her and Marni share their feelings about this rite of passage.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Marni

Ella

Marni:  So, it is getting to be that time of the year, you’re about to graduate, aren’t you?

Ella:  Well actually last year.

Marni:  Oh, you did? I’m sorry, I was thinking it was this year. OK, so, how’s it been, you know?

Ella:  There was just so much hoopla about, you know, the cap and gown. It was just such a hassle. I mean, I did it for my family and friends, but I’m glad it’s over with.

Marni:  Well it’s a rite of passage, right? I mean it’s one of those moments in life that are pretty monumental.

Ella:  Yeah. Definitely.

Marni:  Do you still like look at your diploma…

Ella:  I can’t even find any pictures. I stare at my degree, I’m like wow, I just paid over a hundred grand for this sheet of paper.

Marni:  Well, I mean…is it because you haven’t reached that next step where you’re thriving in your career?

Ella:  It just feels like they build it up so much, but then when you’re out in the workforce and…I don’t know. It was just kind of depressing and cynical after you finished it, like, this is it? And I worked that hard? But I mean, it was a good thing. It was the last time you see your friends.

Marni:  Right. Well, it was a big moment in life and you took part in it.

 

Grammar Point

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Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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