Learn English with this selfies English lesson

Date: Nov 09 2018

Themes: Friend

Grammar: Gerunds vs. Infinitives

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Intro

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

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Selfies. Why the big fuss? They’re a fun way to show people where you’ve been and who you’ve been hanging out with. A selfie only takes a few seconds to complete, and then you have it… an instant memory. How can anyone have a problem with selfies?

It’s true that egotistical people might be obsessed with taking flattering selfies. They’re constantly taking photos of themselves, and that can become a little narcissistic. But most people don’t act that way. What’s important is finding a good balance between being spontaneous and living in the moment. A few selfies here and there are fun for everyone.

Marni and Gary think selfies are a little ridiculous. Learn why in today’s English lesson about photography.

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.

Gary

Marni

Gary: Hey, Marni.

Marni: Yes?

Gary: My cousins love taking selfies.

Marni: Oh. Yeah…

Gary: I’m with you.

Marni: I just never do it. I just think they’re a little ridiculous.

Gary: What’s funny for me is I know people describe it as a very egotistical thing. “Oh, me. Look at me! Look at me!” But there are some fun types of selfies that are really goofy.

Marni: Sure, yeah.

Gary: And it’s a really fun way to just waste your time. So, if you’re waiting in line somewhere and you’re just with friends, and you just hold the camera out, and you get six of you in the photo, and you’re like “Hey!”

Marni: Right.

Gary: It’s not flattering at all. Everyone looks ridiculous.

Marni: No, no, no.

Gary: But it’s kind of fun.

Marni: Sure. OK. I give you that. But people that are obsessed with constantly taking selfies everywhere they go… it seems like… God. Really? You could be…

Gary: It’s so narcissistic. Yeah.

Marni: Yeah, it is a little narcissistic. I guess I never thought about it that way, but I think you’re right. Yeah, I don’t do it. I don’t know. I like to experience the moment.

Gary: Same here!

Grammar Point

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Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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Discussion

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Selfies are the topic of conversation today between Gary and Marni. He thinks they’re a little goofy, but can be fun at the right time in the right place. She thinks they’re ridiculous and has no interest in taking any. Both agree that spending all one’s free time taking selfies is narcissistic.

Marni explains that what she doesn’t like about selfies is how they get in the way of being in the moment. She wants to experience life as it happens, not try to save all of her memories in photos. Gary understands Marni’s opinion, but he still thinks selfies can be fun.

Do you take selfies? Do you think that people spend too much time taking photos of themselves?