BAE 3

Before Anyone Else

Audio Scripts
 Module 1 Part 1
Track 3 (P. 15)

Track 1 (P. 10) I hope to hear from you soon. I’ll be attentive to my email and
phone in case you need something. Please, do not hesitate
Grace: Come on, Josie, cheer up! What’s wrong with you? to contact me at any time.
You know you can count on me.
Part 2
Josie: I am not sure you can help me. Many things are
popping up in my mind so I don’t know where to Love, Simon
start. Part 3
Grace: I know where to begin. First, tell me what’s wrong so Dear Sophie, I hope you are doing great. I heard you had an
that I can understand you. accident and I just want to know if I can help you with
Then, we can talk it over and find a solution. You something while you get well.
see; it’s a piece of cake. Part 4
Josie: OK. Do you remember Cody? I know that it wasn’t that terrible, but after an accident people
Grace: Sure, he’s your boyfriend, right? should take a rest to see if there are any internal injuries. You
know, sometimes adrenaline doesn’t give us a chance to feel
Josie: Not anymore. We broke up yesterday. We had pain, but after a while, we start realizing that we are really
several arguments lately and I don’t think we can hurt.
go on like this any longer.
I know a great orthopedist in case you need a specialist to
Grace: I think I understand you. When you have a problem, look at you. He’s an old friend and I’m sure he could assess
and you don’t know how to deal with it, the best your physical condition at home, so you don’t have to leave
solution, is to have a break and calm down. You the house.
must analyze the situation and then make up your
mind. Track 4 (P. 17)
Josie: I guess you’re right. I might be overreacting. Maybe
Come in, chef. I was waiting for you; I’m concerned about this
he will call me up tomorrow to straighten out this
situation. I’m going to read this letter to you, it’s from a diner,
trouble. I need to settle down and wait for what
Mr. Blancarte, and it says:
may come.
Dear Sir,
Grace: I know you have to work out all this, but trust me,
everything will turn out well. I am writing to complain about a meal we had in your
restaurant yesterday.
Track 2 (P. 13) We had booked a table for six but when we arrived there
Children frequently dream of becoming a pilot, an engineer, were no free tables and we had to wait for more than 45
or a famous doctor. As they grow up, they have to face all the minutes for one.
hard work it takes to be what they want to become. They From a menu of twelve dishes, only four were available and
know that, by no means, they can’t give up. However, some their quality was poor.
of them drop out of school right in the middle of a course,
and we never see them again. They must know that, even The fish, in particular, tasted awful and the waiter was rude
when they feel stressed, anxious, or even frustrated, they when we told him about this.
have to calm down and analyze their situation carefully. When We have dined at your restaurant several times in the past,
students are relaxed, they can see things clearly, and it’s but this is the first time we have received such terrible
easier for them to come up with new ideas that help them service. I’m not asking for a refund, but I would like you to
deal with their situations or dilemmas. So, take things easy improve the quality of your dishes and services.
and never stop.
Yours faithfully,
Ron Blancarte.

2
 Track 5 (P. 18) Track 7 (P. 23)
Narrator: A phone rings, and Natasha answers. We all have bad habits we struggle with: nail-biting, going to
bed late, love for pizza, but have you thought if bad habits
Natasha: Hi Jacob, I’m driving to the restaurant right now. are holding you back to reach success? I remember I used to
Jacob: Oh wait, that’s why I’m calling. I can’t get to the delay everything I had to do until the last moment. I think I
restaurant on time. loved the adrenaline of rushing to finish work and submit it
just on time. Perhaps, I was doing a poor job; there was no
I’m finishing a project I need to hand in half an time for checking details. Now, I’m taking my time to plan
hour. and organize my tasks.
Natasha: Oh! Well. Traffic is horrible; Actually, I’m stuck Let me tell you, there are some bad habits preventing people
here and trying to be patient because people are from being successful. We will be discussing some of them,
getting mad, you know how it is. so try to identify which of them apply you and find out how
Jacob: Great! I mean, too bad you are stuck in traffic, but I to overcome them.
get to have more time to finish and meet you at Right, let’s start:
the restaurant later.
1. Perfectionism: This is a bad habit, in the sense that it
Natasha: I imagine your boss is driving you crazy, presuring can stop us, we are afraid of beginning or trying new
to get the project done faster, right? things because we don’t want to do something wrong.
2. Waiting on opportunities: Opportunities do not always
Jacob: You know him. He’s pushing everyone as usual, but
come and knock on your door. If you are sitting waiting
don’t worry.
for an opportunity, you could miss the real opportunities
I’m handling it. out there.
3. Driven to distraction: If you jump every time your
Natasha: Ok. Do you think you can make it to the restaurant
phone dings and start to feel itchy and unsettled if
in about 45 minutes?
you’re unable to check it right away, you might have a
Jacob: Yes, sounds perfect. I'm working on the final distraction problem. Checking social media, texts, and
details and that would be all for today. emails every five minutes takes us away from
concentration. You’ll find that many successful people
Natasha: Awesome, see you there. I’ll hang up now turn off notifications on their devices
because there is a lady trying to pass me by. Bye- 4. Procrastinating: If you tend to work on the important
bye. tasks after doing the ones you like, you are wasting your
productive moment. It has been proved that the most
Track 6 (P. 21) productive time is at the beginning of the workday.
5. Multitasking: How many opened windows or tabs do
Mother: Hi Aaron, how are things going there? Is you have on your computer at the same time? are they
everything ok? all related to the task you are carrying out? If you find
Aaron: Hi, mom! Everything is fantastic. We are having a yourself constantly switching between tasks you won’t
great time. ever be able to do your best.
Mother: Can I say hi to everyone else? The great news is that habits can be changed. It might be
challenging though, but not impossible. So, you can increase
Aaron: I’m afraid not, mom. Everyone is outside. Patty is your own odds of being successful by being creative to
swimming in the pool, you know she loves water. identify a way to eliminate or replace bad habits.
Mark met some girls that are here for a volleyball
competition, and he just joined them to practice. Track 8 (P. 25)
He is playing volleyball at the beach.
My grandmother loved to tell me stories. Perhaps, they were
Mother: And where is your sister? How has she been? I’m
not common bedtime stories. There was this story really
sure she is sleeping.
enjoyed, I don’t know the genre this story belongs to exactly;
Aaron: No, she is doing great, mom. She’s taking a bath it has a lot of fantasy but it also talks about death. Let me
because we are leaving for the movies in half an summarize it for you.
hour. There is this man whose time to die has come. He is living a
Mother: All right, I’m glad to hear everyone is ok and happy life, so he doesn’t want to die, and during the whole
having fun. Say hi to everyone and take care. See story, he is trying to fool death in many creative ways, and he
you soon. actually avoided death several times, and every time he
avoided death it gets angrier and desperate. After
Aaron: Will do, mom. See you. succeeding many times in hiding, in the end, he shaved his
head as a last resource. Death was resigned to losing that
soul and said “Well, I have no more option but to take this
poor bald man” so at the end, the man dies.

3
 Module 2 Track 10 (P. 33)
Shayla: What’s wrong, Mom? You look worried.
Track 9 (P. 31) Mother: I heard at the office that some people are too old
to continue at the job.
Fortune Teller: Come in, why did you come? What would
you like to know? Shayla: You think they’ll fire you?

Peter: Um… well, I would like to know about my Mother: I don’t know, I’m turning 55 next week, and I’m
future and, well, I was wondering if you one of the oldest at the office, and I’m having
problems with all the new technology the
could tell me something about my future
company is bringing in.
life.
Shayla: I think you’ll be working there for many years,
Fortune Teller: I see. What is your first question? Mom. You’re one of their best seller person,
Peter: My first question, mmm... will I get a good customers love you because you know all about
job? the business, and for this reason, you can give
assertive answers and solve their problems.
Fortune Teller: Let me see. I can see that… wow!… You will
get a very good job in a really important Mother: But what about technology?
enterprise. You will have a low position, Shayla: I can teach you how to use basic computer
but your courage and your honesty will programs. What else do you need to know?
help you grow and get promotions soon. Mother: Well, they’ll install a new copying machine and
Peter: That sounds fantastic! How much will I scanner; they want everything to be digital now.
earn? Shayla: That’s great! Here is what you’ll do. Go to the
Fortune Teller: Well, it says that you will have to work hard, office tomorrow earlier than anyone else, write
but in a few years, you will get an amazing the model of the copying machine and the
salary. scanner, I’ll search for them on the Internet to tell
you how to use it. What do you think?
Peter: Will I get married?
Mother: I think I have the best daughter in the world!
Fortune Teller: Let’s see… I can see that you will marry a
sweet woman who will love you very Track 11 (P. 35)
much.
Emma: Grace, what about going on a trip to Canada?
She will be with you your whole life.
Grace: Canada? That sounds wonderful, but don’t you have
Peter: What about kids? to work?
Fortune Teller: You will be together for four years and then, Emma: Yes… well… you know, I work for an important
kids will come. You will have two boys and company, do you remember?
one girl. You will name her Sandy. She will
Grace: Yes but what does that have to do with Canada?
be a smart girl.
Emma: Well, the thing is they asked me to do some work
Peter: Where will I live? there, and I’m going to be in Canada for a week.
Fortune Teller: You will live in the city for a few years, but I’m going to be really busy during the morning and
due to your enthusiasm, skills and until 2:00 p.m., but I’ll be free after 2:00, and I
achievements and, of course, your already have some plans for the two of us. What do
qualifications, they will ask you to move to you think?
a foreign country, where you will live for
Grace: That sounds awesome, but what am I going to do
many years.
during the morning?
Peter: Where? What will that country be? Emma: You can go sightseeing. You can visit parks or
Fortune Teller: It’s not very clear in this moment, but it is in museums near the hotel and meet me after 2:00.
Europe and you must be ready and work Grace: Excellent. You have everything under control. What
hard so that everything and every dream are we going to do?
will come true.
Emma: We’re going to go on a trip to Niagara Falls, visit
Peter: Will I live a long life? When will I die? churches and we’re going to visit St. Lawrence
Market and of course CN Tower, Toronto City Hall,
Fortune Teller: You will live a long life and you and your
and much more.
family will be happy forever, but don’t put
yourself at risk without reason. How do you like my plan?
Peter: Thank you so much. Phew! What a relief! Grace: Are you serious? Wow! It’ll be unforgettable.

4
 Teacher: You sound rather tense. Don’t worry! Writing is
Track 12 (P. 36)
not difficult. However, the more you practice,
Hello, everyone and thank you for choosing our agency. I the better your compositions will be.
promise you are going to have the most spectacular trip Student 3: Are we going to have enough practice? I really
you’ve ever had. Our tour is called “The Best of Two Cities”. want to be good. Actually, I want to excel.
First of all, I’d like to mention the places you’re going to visit
and the cost of the trip itself. You’re going to visit two places: Teacher: You will! I’m sure you will. But we must start
one, beautiful Moscow and second, wonderful Saint from scratch, step by step. We must learn what
Petersburg. the structure of a paragraph is, the sections it is
divided into, the supporting sentences you
You’re going to be in Russia for six days and I’d like to add must include when you give your opinion or
that the total cost of the tour is US $ 3,150. I think it’s a great explain your points and –there you are– the
price for all the joy and excitement you’re going to have. It is perfect mixture with the correct ingredients to
well worth it. have a wonderful composition.
Well, let me explain the whole plan. On the first day, you’re Student 2: Yay! I can’t wait to start! It sounds fabulous. I
going to arrive in Moscow, and of course, take a quick look already have lots of ideas in mind.
at this magnificent city which is the capital of Russia. There
will be a driver waiting for you at the airport. He is going to Teacher: All right. If there are no more questions, let’s
take you to your hotel for you to check-in. I know you’ll be begin, shall we?
tired, so you’re going to have the chance of having a good Students: Yes!
rest, and if you feel like it and have enough energy, you can
have something to eat at the hotel restaurant or drink Track 14 (P. 41)
something at the bar. On the second day, you’re going to
explore one of the most remarkable icons in Moscow: The Part 1
Kremlin and the heart of Moscow: the Red Square. Don’t
When it comes to self-improvement, we know a lot of
forget to take your mobiles, cameras, or any device you want,
methods. To get fit, you eat right and exercise. To increase
to have great shots of the places and record your visit. This is in physical strength, you train and lift weights. To improve
going to be a splendid day. Your guide is going to take you your memory, you get enough sleep and intentionally learn
to a nice restaurant where you’ll rest for a while, and have a new things. But what can you do to improve and grow in your
light meal so you can go on with the itinerary. On the third career? No matter if you already finished a degree, you could
day, you’re going to wake up early and have breakfast at the continue to grow and advance your career and professional
hotel before starting the activities planned for that day. Your goals. And higher education gives you the springboard to
guide is going to be waiting for you at the hotel lobby, and take that next step.
all of you are going to walk to the nearest subway station to
Part 2
take a short ride on the Moscow subway and experience the
taste of regional life. On the fourth day, you’re going to An article by Jacquelyn Smith states that many adults return
have… to school to improve their careers. The article cites author
Laura Vanderkamp in saying that many believe “additional
Track 13 (P. 38) education will help them achieve their career goals, like
making more money, advancing in their current occupation,
Teacher: Good morning, guys! How are you? or starting in a new one.”
Student 1: Good, Mr. Brown. What are we going to do Additionally, the article mentions from career coach Nancy
today? Collamer that "most return to school to add skills and
credentials that the workforce requires, which, in turn, makes
Teacher: The lesson of the day will be about writing a them more competitive. Both at their current employer and
paragraph. I believe that writing is really in the overall job market.” And, according to 2014 Pew
important as well as the rest of your skills. Research, college graduates ages 25-32 earn $17,000 more
each year than those with just a high school diploma.
Student 1: Is it difficult to write a paragraph? How can we
write one? Part 3
Teacher: Well, there are some points you must take into Education is an influential step in staying competitive and
account apart from the vocabulary you use, enhancing your skills. Whether you’re starting out in your
including words in your paragraph that make it career or returning to continue to build upon your years of
more attractive and interesting for the reader. experience, pursuing educational training helps you keep
moving forward.
Student 2: What kind of words are you talking about? Are
Adapted from
they special words? Do they have a special
name? Walburg, E. (2018, February 21). Cornerstone University.
Retrieved from https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/five-
reasons-why-education-helps-to-advance-your-career-at-
anylevel/

5
 Track 15 (P. 43) Track 18 (P. 52)
Jassiel: Hi Brenda! Do you know what you’re going to do Stop: To indicate that you are stopping or slowing down,
after you graduate?
you have to use your left arm, and bend it down at a 90-
Brenda: Well, not exactly. I mean, I know I want to get a degree angle, with your hand open.
job, but I’m not sure if I’m staying here or if I’ll
look for something abroad. Left turn: To signal a left turn, you have to fully extend your
Jassiel: Oh! And what does it depend on? left arm out to your side.
Brenda: For a start, it depends on the type of opportunities Right turn: To signal a right turn. You have to simply extend
I find here. You know, there are not many
opportunities for a good job in our town. We your right arm out to your side - just as you would for a left
have more chances in a bigger city. turn, on the opposite side.
Jassiel: At least there is a chance for you to stay. Anyway,
the important thing is that you are graduating the Track 19 (P. 54)
first in your class. That’s something to celebrate.
We are planning to have a great party at the If you book a tour with us, we will provide you with all the
beach with all your friends. necessary equipment, helmets, life jackets, and refreshments.
Brenda: Great! We can have a buffet, like the one Greg had What you need to bring is a change of clothes, footwear, hat,
on his last birthday. You know, with different sunscreen, and a sense of adventure.
dishes and drinks, and many, many desserts.
Right? If you decide to do it yourself, it is best to start with used
Jassiel: Okay, I think that’s a wonderful idea. We can talk equipment, so you don’t have to spend lots of money, check
about it later, I’m late for work. See you! bye. with experienced sport people about what you need. You
Brenda: Bye, bye. have to check the equipment thoroughly for damage and for
assembly. You probably need to learn how to fix it. When you

Module 3 are kilometers away it can save your life!

Track 20 (P. 57)

Track 16 (P. 45)
The Future of Exercise
I would like to start by stating I do not think recycling is as
good as people might think. First of all, people have The gym market is growing at an exponential rate. To combat
misconception as to what recycling really means. Recycling is this, fitness providers are looking for new ways to give
often confused with reusing. Second, there is no point on consumers the services they need, mostly centered on fitness
recycling if we do not improve our consumption habits; we
keep buying too much of everything, producing large technology solutions.
amount of waste. In addition, I strongly believe there should With the rise of 24/7 gyms, technology has already found
be better resources for people to learn what the three Rs
mean and implement them effectively. In conclusion, I think a way to make exercise and fitness more accessible. New
there is a lot to be learned and practice before it has a visible apps are created all the that may help you find a new gym or
effect in the environment. book your next class. Plus, online training programs are
continuing to give consumers the option to exercise
Track 17 (P. 51) remotely. The idea of the gym is changing too. In the future,
And here we are still talking about what it takes if you want it might be a place where your exercise routines are assessed,
to start rock climbing, and our listeners are being very active treated, and restored with the help of on-site exercise
today, let’s read some of their comments on our social media. physiologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and
Our friend Chris says, “To climb, you need to be able to hold dieticians.
on to what you’re climbing. There are many degrees when it Virtual technology and headsets may also become more
comes to climbing. Start small, go to the gym and begin rock
climbing. Be persistent and consistent.” popular. Some headsets allow wearers to enter different
We have another comment from our friend Tamara. She says realities while working out. There are even companies using
there isn’t any physical requirement, or there are very few virtual reality that might motivate people to exercise, having
physical limitations, but you need to be able to manage your built a system that blends exercise with video games.
mental limitations. Thank you, Tamara, love your comments!
And our friend James agrees with Chris, he says, “If you can
climb a ladder, you can start rock climbing. The easiest way
is to find a local gym. Take some beginner classes and really
help your confidence.”
And finally, we got Jeff’s comments, “Honestly simple
interest in doing so. If you’re active enough to get to the top
of a big wall safely you’re strong enough to start learning
some tricks and techniques and soon you’ll be able to rock
climb”
There you have it, you only need to be committed to it so
what are you waiting for? climb that mountain!

6
 Track 21 (P. 59) Track 23 (P. 62)
Conversation 1 Jair: Hey Brenda, how are you? You missed the party
last night, I was waiting for you.
Mike: Hello, Mike speaking.
Brenda: Oh, yesterday was a horrible day. Early in the
Bill: Um… hi, Mike, this is Bill, your neighbor. morning, I lost my car keys, and I got late to
Mike: Hi, Bill, how are you? work. I could have taken a taxi, but I needed my
car because I wanted to go to the party after
Bill: Um… Mike, I know you’re having a party, but could work.
you possibly turn down the volume of your stereo?
The music is too loud and my little daughter and wife Jair: So, I assume you found the keys. Where were
can’t sleep. they?
Mike: You can come down and have fun with us. Brenda: Well, you know I love keychains, so I got this
keychain with a tiny yellow, stuffed flower.
Bill: What?
Jair: Yes, I remembered you won it at the local fair last
Mike: I’m just kidding. I’m sorry. I’ll turn down the volume year. What about it?
right away. I didn’t know it was too loud.
Brenda: Well, it turns out that my dog loved it. I think my
Bill: Thanks, Mike. Good night. keys felt off my handbag when I got home last
night, and my dog took them. The keys were
Mike: Good night, Bill.
inside his doghouse. The point is that I was late
for a meeting at work, there were lots of people
waiting for me, I could have had a break at noon,
Conversation 2
but I knew I had to hurry so, I decided to keep
Joseph: Miss Sanders… mm… could I leave early working. At the end of the day, I was so tired that
today? My best friend is in hospital and I I decided to go home.
would like to visit him and see how he Jair: Don’t worry, I understand. But you could have
feels. called me.
Miss Sanders: You are going to visit your friend at the Brenda: Yes, I’m so sorry. I decided to call you from home
hospital? What happened to him? because I supposed you were driving by the time
Joseph: He had an accident. Uh, oh… it was no I finished work, but once I got home, I totally
serious, but he will have to stay in hospital forgot, and I went directly to my bed. Please for
for a few days. give me.
Miss Sanders: Okay, Joseph. You may leave as soon as you Jair: Sure, no problem. That’s what friends are for.
finish capturing the information.
Track 24 (P. 65)
Joseph: Thanks.
Strange accidents happen in everyday life. In sports, they are
Track 22 (P. 61) magnified. Athletes aren’t always injured the “traditional”
way. Sometimes bizarre things happen that change the
Benny: Are you ready, Carla? It’s getting late, and I want to course of history.
be on time for today’s test. We've done our research, gathered the 10 weirdest
Remember Mrs. White hates us being late. accidents in sports and brought them to you.
Carla: Can you give me a second? I just need a moment. New Orleans Saints head coach shredded his knee on the
sideline of a regular-season game. It was a strange, freakish
Benny: Is everything ok? You don’t sound ok. Do you need accident that actually was quite gruesome to watch. The
help? injury was so bad that Payton was forced to coach the rest of
Carla: I don’t know. Do you know anything about the season from the sidelines on crutches.
computers? I’m trying to download my homework How does one get hurt carrying around deer meat? There
because I haven’t printed it yet. are only a few men on Earth who can probably answer that
Benny: Let me see. Did you download it from your email? question. Colorado Rockies infielder Clint Barmes broke his
collarbone lugging a package of deer meat. Somehow, this
Carla: No, that’s the problem. I can’t find the email. I only enormous slab of deer meat caused him to fall down and
see old emails, but I sent that email yesterday, I’m shatter his clavicle.
one hundred percent sure. Video games are bad news. They rot your brain,
Benny: All right. Take it easy. Maybe you sorted your emails eviscerate your soul and cause tendinitis. Actually, only one
folders showing the oldest emails first by accident. of those things is true. Just ask Lionel Simmons. As a rookie
It happens to me all the time. in the NBA, he messed around with Game Boy so much that
he actually suffered tendonitis in his wrist, and he had to sit
Carla: Oh! that could have happened. Let’s see. You were out two games.
right! Here is my homework email. Thank you so
much! you’re a life saver. So, next time you ask yourself what might have
happened, keep in mind that anything is possible no matter
Benny: You´re very welcome! how bizarre you think some accidents are.

7
 Module 4 Track 27 (P. 75)
Between our career’s competitive world, our social life, and
Track 25 (P. 70) our love for the latest series it can be difficult to find time for
workouts, even though we know they’re vital to our health
Alice: What do you like to do in your free time? and well-being.
Brad: I like to watch series, read articles on different Because of this lack of time, it’s important to know when the
websites, as for sports, I like swimming and jogging best time is to make our workout maximize our fitness goal.
very early in the morning and doing some weight
lifting if I have some free time during the weekend. Working out in the morning has many pros: First, you will
What about you? begin your day with endorphins and a good feeling of
accomplishment before you even start the day. Science
Alice: Well, I love watching videos on You Tube. You know, supports training in the mornings, it’s been demonstrated
you can find many interesting videos about different
topics and you can learn from them. I also love that people training in the morning gets less attracted to
reading books about science fiction, new technology, eating junk food during the day. In addition, they increased
and at times, I like reading about supernatural stuff; their metabolism which means they will continue to burn
you know, ghosts, near-death and after life calories throughout the day. One more argument is that
experiences and so on. exercising on an empty stomach could burn more fat.
Brad: What do you dislike doing? I’m sure you dislike doing Exercisers can burn up to 20 percent more body fat when
many things. hitting the gym with an empty stomach. Now, let’s analyze
Alice: Well, not that many, but I do dislike, for instance, the case for sweating in the afternoon, or night: Not
studying one day before taking a test. I think it’s a surprisingly, it also has its proven perks; one study found that
bad habit to leave important things until the last your body temperature increases throughout the day,
minute. Another thing that I dislike doing is watching optimizing your muscle function and strength, enzyme
silly programs. There’s nothing worse than watching activity, and endurance for performance. Between 2 p.m. and
absurd programs just to kill time. 6 p.m., your body temperature is at its highest. This may
Brad: I agree with you. That’s why I prefer to listen to music. mean you’ll be exercising during the window of time your
Is there anything you really hate to do? body is most ready, potentially making it the most effective
Alice: I don’t think so. I just believe I don’t like doing certain time of day to work out. Additionally, oxygen uptake kinetics
things, but hate… ahmm… let me give it some are faster in the evening, which means you use your resources
thought… mm… I know, I hate to wait for people at more slowly and effectively than in the morning.
a place when we agreed to meet at a certain time
and not one hour later. I really hate waiting for In the afternoon and evening, your reaction time is at its
anything: people, service, anything. I do believe that quickest, Which is important for exercises like High-Intensity
if you are a formal person, it really makes a difference Interval Training (HIIT), or speed work on the treadmill. So,
for anyone. what do you think is the best time for workouts? What really
Brad: Absolutely. As for me, there is only one thing I really matters is that you find a time of day that works for you and
hate and that is to run out of money before we get that fits your schedule, and then stick to it. By keeping your
paid our next wage. workout regime consistent at the same time every day, you
Alice: Ha, ha, ha, who doesn’t? could be making greater training gains.

Track 26 (P. 73) And isn’t that what really matters?

Taken from: Kelly, E. (2018, April 3). Healthline. Retrieved
Lately, there have been many changes in my life, and many from https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-
things have happened at home. I am a young adult in college,
and I need to start reflecting on my choices for the future. My exercise/best-time-toworkout
parents and I agree that my priority now is to finish college. I
love learning about the latest technological advances and I
have chosen a technology major. However, my parents
hoped I would choose something business-related. I've
always listened to them, and their advice and I have great
respect for them, but I think that the major I have chosen will
be a great starting point for success. My parents and I agreed
to go over all the possibilities and scenarios and make an
informed decision. One thing we have all agreed on and I
have promised them to do is get a master's degree in another
country right after I finish university. They seem to be very
happy to some extent, but I know that my future worries them
as much as it does me. My father admitted that traveling to a
foreign country entails many responsibilities and he wants to
be sure that everything I have planned is fulfilled. On the
other hand, my mother dislikes, to a certain degree, the fact
that I can live alone because she thinks that there is nothing
better than living as a family.

8
 Track 28 (P. 77) Track 30 (P. 80)
Staying organized doesn’t have to be complicated. There are We all want to get stuff done, whether it’s the work we must
several simple things you can do to keep everything in your do so we can get on with what we want to do, or indeed, the
life in order. Being organized helps you to use your time projects we feel are our purpose in life. To that end, there’s a
better. Here are some practical rules: collection of tips that can help you work better.
Rule #1: Keep less stuff: Minimalists homes always look 1. Most Important Tasks (MITs): The night before, I
organized because it’s much easier to stay organized if you normally highlight the two or three most important
have less stuff. So, stop bringing new things into your house things I have to do the next day. This way, I make sure
so frequently.
I do what I must.
Rule #2: Group similar items: An organizational system is 2. Big Rocks: Set aside time every day to work a little on
easiest to maintain when it’s logical. Why don’t you try longer-term projects.
putting all your recreational books on one single shelf and 3. Wake up early: I add an extra free hour to my day
the school ones on another? before the time any other person asks me to do
Rule #3: Keep a junk drawer: Having a junk drawer can free something. This time is for my personal activities.
you from the pressure of organizing small miscellaneous 4. Eat the frog: It means you do the most unpleasant task
items. You can put rubber bands, batteries, twist ties, and first, so the day will only get better from then on. I
other small items into this drawer to have them in hand. normally read my office emails first, so I can get done
Rule #4: Have a staging area: Having a pile of temporary with the boring issues done.
items you don’t know where to store can add stress to your 5. Slow down: Make time for yourself. Eat slowly. Enjoy
home and ruin your organizing efforts. a lazy weekend day. Take the time to do things right
and keep a balance between the rush-rush world of
Such items can include a clothing donation bag, library books
work and life outside work.
that need returning, items to be recycled, or purchases that
need to be returned at a store. These are some little steps 6. Don’t Break the Chain: Use a calendar to track your
you can follow to start organizing your space. daily goals.
7. Write It Down: Don’t rely on your memory as your
Track 29 (P. 79) system. Write down the things you need to do, your
schedule, anything you might need to refer to, and
Aaron: What’s up Abraham? Are you ready for the end- every passing thought so you can relax, knowing you
of-semester speech? won’t forget.
Abraham: Hi, Aaron! I am definitely not ready for that 8. Gap Time: The short blocks of time we have during
speech. I don’t know why Mr. Brown asked me to the day while waiting for the bus, standing in line,
do it. I’m not good at speaking in front of people. waiting for a meeting to start, etc. I have a list of small,
5-minute tasks that I do in those moments or carry
Aaron: Oh, come on! It’s the best student’s honor to do
it, it’s been a tradition for years. something to read or work on to make the most of
these spare minutes.
Abraham: I can’t do it. I think I’m going to faint the minute I
get on the stage. I hope these tips and ideas can be of some help! See you next
time.
Aaron: I think you’re acting in a silly way. Of course, you
can do it! Adapted from: Wax, D. (2005). Lifehack. Retrieved from
Abraham: You say it because you’re almost an expert on it. https://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/11-ways-to-
motivate-yourselfto-complete-any-task-in-new-year.html
Aaron: Then, let the expert help you. The first thing you
have to do is to practice, and practice like your
life depends on it. Secondly, you have to be
yourself, don’t try to use someone else’s words or
ideas because you can forget those, but you can’t
forget your own ideas. A third important point is
to speak and not to read because reading forces
you to look down and then you lose eye contact.
In addition, when we speak, we use more than
our voice, we use gestures and other types of
body language, and these attract people’s
attention. Don’t forget this, and you’ll do it great.
Abraham: Those are great tips, but I am still not sure about
it.
Aaron: Don’t act like an insecure boy Abraham. You
deserve this honor, you’re the best student and
of course, you can do it. A confident attitude is
important, too. So, stop saying you can’t and
start working. Come on, let’s practice now.

9
 Track 31 (P. 83) Track 32 (P. 85)
Video games have become one of the most popular activities While most workers are responsible for their own retirement
practiced by people, and particularly by young generations. savings these days, high schools don’t have required classes
This can be attributed to the high quality of the graphics and on the topic of Individual Retirement Accounts (I.R.A.s). And
the excitement they provide to new and experienced gamers. colleges usually don’t teach anything about it. That’s where
However, there are those who blame video games for the we come in.
increase in violence, and society wonders if the mere fact of
Here is what you need to know about saving for life after you
showing weapons of a certain type has a direct connection
stop working and getting on the path toward a comfortable
with the ascending violence, or if this is merely a myth.
retirement, no matter your career or the size of your
Among the best-selling video games are the top five, which paycheck.
are games where someone shoots and kills their opponents,
Start Early; The best day to start saving is today, even if you
or at least this is the way they call their adversaries.
can save only a little bit. There are two reasons. The first
Is it true that video games induce minors to be more reason is the magic of compound interest. If two people put
aggressive? Nowadays, video games show more convincing the same amount of money away each year ($5,000), earn the
graphics, therefore a new question arises: Is it true that the same return on their investments (6 percent annually), and
more realistic the game is the more violence the players stop saving upon retirement at the same age (67), one will
present? Some research was done, and a test was given to end up with nearly twice as much money just by starting at 22
voluntary players. The participants were asked to play two instead of 32. Put another way: The investor who started
types of games in which they had to hold a fight. One of them saving 10 years earlier would have about $500,000 more at
was a game in which the simulation of the movements of the retirement. The second reason is that saving is a habit. It may
body was so real that you could literally see how the make rational, mathematical sense to start saving early, but it
wounded person collapsed. The second game also showed isn’t always easy. But the instinct to save grows as you do it.
scenes of death, but it was very unrealistic. Once the study It’ll start to feel good as you see that account balance grow.
was over, researchers decided to give a test to the players to
How Much Should You Save? The short answer is: As much
know if there was a significant change in behavior.
as you reasonably can. Sure, you’ll see articles telling you to
The result was that neither of the two cases reflected any save at least 15 percent of your income; that’s a fine
increase in aggressive conduct. The reported conclusion is benchmark, though the true number will depend on how long
that there is no relationship between video games and the you hope to work, what kind of inheritance you may get and
escalation of violence. In addition to this study, criminologists a bunch of other unknowable facts.
who have worked on hundreds of homicides expressed that
So, start with something, even if it’s just $25 per paycheck.
the relationship between violent video games and criminality
Then, try to save a little bit more each year. Do it early and
is a myth. However, the question remains in the air and
often enough so that saving becomes second nature.
everyone has their own explanation. Is it that the way the
study was prepared was only investigated from a specific Retrieved from:
perspective and it needed more analysis?
Lieber, R. (n.d.). The New York Times Business. Retrieved
The sale of video games is a remarkably lucrative activity, and from https://www.nytimes.com/guides/business/saving-
it continues to rise as well as the misbehavior of certain money-forretirement
individuals in specific societies. What is the truth? What can
people say about this irrefutable reality? Is it a fact that
escapes our view or is it a myth as experts declare? What’s
your experience on this?

10
Module 5 Track 34 (P. 93)
Podcast speaker: Welcome everyone! Today’s topic:
Track 33 (P. 91) How can I help the environment? Read the news on any given
day, there is always something telling us how we are
Luke: I’m going to ask you a few simple questions and you destroying our planet. New stories and reports regularly
will realize the truth about all this problem. Is that reveal all the ways humans are trashing the planet at an
all right? unprecedented rate.
Grace: Okay. Given the dismal reality, we might be tempted to throw up
Luke: What happens when you cut your finger? our hands and say there’s nothing we can do to fix the
problem. But defeatism won’t get us anywhere.
Grace: It bleeds. That’s obvious.
Governments and corporations shouldn’t bear all the
Luke: Great. Second question. What happens if you heat responsibility for making a positive environmental impact.
ice? Everyone can do things each day to reduce their carbon
Grace: That’s a silly question. Everyone knows if you heat footprint and make their routine eco-friendlier.
ice, it melts. Becoming an environmental warrior doesn’t require a
Luke: Good! But I’m not done yet. Finally, what happens if superhero-like effort. Something as simple as creating a
you drop an egg? grocery shopping list or using ceramic baking pans can make
a big difference.
Grace: Are you serious? Why are you asking me these silly
questions? Of course, it breaks. In fact, a healthy lifestyle and an eco-conscious one often go
hand in hand. Extra bonus: Being eco-friendly is often easier
Luke: Now you understand me, right? on the wallet.
Grace: What? What do you mean? If you put on your green thinking cap, you can come up with
Luke: Well, if we all do the same every day and we don’t lots of less obvious, but no less important, earthfriendly
modify our behavior, we will have the same result habits. For example, you can bike to work, walk to your
or worse. What happens when animals can’t find destiny whenever possible, share rides with co-workers, run
water in their natural habitat? multiple errands in the same outing, shop virtually, donate all
your surplus food instead of throwing it out when expired.
Grace: They leave the place and look for water.
Saving the planet seems like an impossible task. But if
Luke: What happens if we don’t drink enough water? everyone does just a little bit, bringing their own bags to the
Grace: We get dehydrated. store or walking to work, over time, these small changes will
add up to a big impact on the environment.
Luke: That’s correct. Climate change is here and we must
take action now to reverse it, or we will disappear. No effort is too trivial — so pick one of these new habits and
take action today!

11
 Track 35 (P. 94) Track 36 (P. 97)

News report Host: Good evening. Today, here in our studio, Doctor Miller
is going to talk about recreational activities. He has
Good afternoon. This is Taylor Brown, and welcome to your prepared two of the most common everyday leisure
MXN news. activities and he will share some advice and tips to
Global warming is becoming a very sensitive issue and one help us make the most of them. Thank you, Doctor
on which we must take serious action. For this reason, the and welcome.
United Nations calls on all the countries of the world to Doctor Miller: Thank you very much for having me here.
become aware of this situation and join efforts to combat
climate change, otherwise, the consequences will be Host: Well, let’s begin with something most people do all the
devastating and probably irreversible. time, and this is aerobic activity. How much do we
have to do? How long? And where? If there’s a specific
A study cited by a specialized agency shows us how floods place you recommend.
have affected millions of people, fires that took place in
different areas of the world took more victims last year than Doctor Miller: Well, as far as aerobic activity goes, you all
in previous years. As for droughts, nine million people were must know that if you are a beginner, you must take
affected in Africa and Central America. A special things easy and increase the amount of exercise all
representative for the reduction of natural risks commented along the weeks and months. It’s true that small
that the increase of the global temperature that goes from amounts of physical activity are beneficial, but you
1.5 degrees to 2 degrees, should be taken as a priority. The must be prudent because if you want to gain in a week
representative mentioned that if we make better use of land, what you haven’t worked for months or years, you
the risk of disasters in cities will be lower. In the same way, might hurt your back or any other part of your body. I
the representative said that we must reduce poverty and believe that 90 minutes of moderate aerobic activity
safeguard ecosystems. or 45 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity either in a
nearby park or a fitness center can provide health
In other news, but referring to the same subject, this is the benefit.
first time that a wildlife protection organization has set its
sights on marine life. It is well known that the development of Host: How interesting, Doctor Miller. This is something
coastal life has favored millions of families, but because of everyone must take into consideration. Now, what
this, new problems have arisen. This is the case of the over- about listening to music? I assume that most, if not all
exploitation of some species, the contamination of coastal the population in the world, listens to music. How
areas and the loss of the habitat of some species. If we don’t about time and places? Can you tell us something
do something to control the excess, sadly, we will see how about it?
species disappear. The specialist assured that if we do not Doctor Miller: Sure. Music is a very serious topic to discuss,
stop the trading of certain marine species, there will come a and interesting as well, but in general, people can
time when we will see them become extinct. If we do nothing listen to music at a moderate volume every day
against deforestation, climate change will be greater. On the without causing any damage to their health. There are
contrary, if we use resources such as water better, we will not studies which show that if you listen to certain types of
waste large quantities, as we’ve been doing so far. music, levels of stress go down and your positive
Biodiversity is being affected. mood goes up. Also, your night sleep quality
Animals such as bees, butterflies, bats and some birds, which improves. People listen to music everywhere, at
help in pollination, are under great threat. If we take care of home, at work, at school, on the bus. We could say
the water, the next generations will not have to suffer. If we music has become a life style. However, it is a fact that
plant trees, there will be more oxygen for everyone. If we all teenagers have always preferred loud music, and
unite as inhabitants of a planet, we will make the change we recent portable music devices are causing permanent
need. But if we don’t take strong actions in the short term, damage to their hearing, and they don’t notice it. I
we will all regret it. don’t mean it’s bad to listen to music, but if people
are not aware of how they listen to it, how long they
This is the news for the moment. This is Taylor Brown. do it and where, it can become a two-edged sword.
More in an hour. Host: Wow! I hope many people are listening to us right now.
Guys, before we go, remember that music and
exercise are the right combination for a healthy life.
Work out at home or dance slowly to the rhythm of
your favorite song. Whatever the place or activity, do
it responsibly. No matter if it is only on weekends or
during short periods of time, enjoy it to the fullest,
caring for you the best you can. Thank you very much,
Doctor Miller.
Doctor Miller: My pleasure.

12
 Track 37 (P. 99) Track 40 (P. 104)
Radio presenter: People around the world are concerned Bethany: So, have you decided when to travel to Canada?
about climate change. We talk so much about it that people
have created new idioms related to climate change adding a Mary: Well, I’m not so sure yet. But I’ve read summer
bit of sarcastic humor, trying to awaken people’s months are the most favored time to visit
consciousness. So, here I go with this idioms update for you Canada.
to catch up and be up to date when they come across in your
next friends chatting. Bethany: I heard it’s best from September through
• Vanished into oddly thick air! November because the weather has cooled down
• Stop and smell the flowers. but is still comfortable. There is no chance for
• One man’s trash is everybody’s trash. cold weather to demotivate visitors as might
• It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. (In June).
• You killed two birds with one stone! (Now they are occur in winter.
extinct). Mary: Yes, that happened to my mother last year. She
• When it rains, it acid-rains. went to Canada in January, and it was impossible
Adapted from: for her to see its beauty. She just wanted to be
Hogan, G. (2019, January 19). The New Yorker. inside her hotel room. She was really unhappy
Retrieved from and mad.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/01/21/idioms-
updated-for-climatechange Bethany: what a shame. Canada is an extraordinary country.
If you go in October, you can enjoy the changing
Track 38 (P. 101) fall foliage that provides a beautiful backdrop for
a vacation. Also, you could enjoy pleasant fall
Andrew: Hi Karen! I’m so sorry about you losing the celebrations such as pumpkin, apple, and wine
scholarship. Are you ok?
festivals.
Karen: Thanks, Andrew. I’m ok. I guess I paid through the
nose for not being on time for the admission Mary: I should take my mother with me this time, so she
exam. can give it another try and forget the unpleasant
Andrew: What did your parents say? Are they angry? experience she had.
Karen: Well, that’s a horse of another color; I haven’t told Bethany: That’s an incredible idea, Mary!
them because they are out of the city.
Andrew: Oh God! You must be terrified about talking to
them. I’m so sorry.
Karen: Well, I have to take the bull by the horns. I’m sure
they will jump down my throat, but I know they
are right. I’ll have to do much better to overcome
this.
Andrew: You’re so brave, Karen; I hope it all turns out the
best way possible.

Track 39 (P. 103)

We all know we've suffered several earthquakes around this
time of the year. So, this is the perfect time to remind
everyone of the actions you should do after an earthquake.
1. Expect aftershocks and remember to drop, cover, and
hold.
2. Look after yourself and get first aid if necessary. Help
others if you can.
3. Assess your home or workplace for damage. If the
building appears unsafe get everyone out. Use the
stairs, not an elevator, and when outside, watch out for
fallen power lines or broken gas lines. Stay out of
damaged areas.
4. Look for and extinguish small fires if it is safe to do so.
Fire is a significant hazard following earthquakes.
5. Listen to the radio for updated emergency information
and instructions.
6. Do not overload phone lines with non-emergency calls.
7. Help people who require special assistance: infants,
elderly people, those without transportation, families
who may need additional help, disabled people, and
the people who care for them.
Remember you need to take care of yourself and to be able
to care for others.

13
 Module 6 Track 42 (P. 112)
Abdalla: Did you read this article about being kind to yourself
Track 41 (P. 111) Faakhir?
Faakhir: I don’t think so. Is it good?
You’re undoubtedly familiar with the idea that it’s important
to stay positive! Studies consistently show that having a more Abdalla: It’s interesting. It says that Oscar Wilde once said,
optimistic mindset improves both physical and mental health, “To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long
and positivity boosts your internal vibration. So, you’re more romance.”
capable of manifesting the thing you want. But it’s not always
Faakhir: Well, I think it’s easy to take care of ourselves, right?
so easy to stay positive when you encounter unexpected
challenges or negative people. That’s why you need smart Abdalla: According to this article, I’m afraid it isn’t, and I
ways to train your brain to stay positive. Try these7 ideas to agree with this idea.
train your subconscious…
Faakhir: How come? How is it possible not to love yourself?
• Observe your thoughts: Even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
Abdalla: Think about it; as in any romance, it’s easy to love
Since we’re creatures of habits, you may notice that you
ourselves when we do a project, and everything
have the same negative thoughts repeating during the
goes as well as we want it to be, when we succeed,
day. Once you know what negative thoughts are
when we got good grades, etc. But what about
bothering you the most, you can have a plan and place to
those times when we are in trouble, having
resolve the problem.
difficulties coping with our classes. At that
• Scan for the 3 daily positives: Before you go to sleep,
moment, we usually go blaming ourselves for our
reflect on your day, and think about three specific good
pain. Then, loving ourselves is not that easy
things that happened to you that day. There are always
anymore.
good things, even the smallest things, like being paid a
compliment or having lunch with an old friend. Things that Faakhir: Now I see your point. Does the article say what we
make you happy. can do at that point?
• Show your gratitude: Gratitude is important; it helps you
to be more optimistic. A gratitude journal is a good place Abdalla: Yes. It says we can practice self-compassion; it
to start, but I’ve found that sharing your gratitude is far means treating ourselves with kindness and care
more beneficial. It could be anything from thanking an like we would treat a dear friend.
employee or colleague for all of their hard work, a quick Faakhir: So, you mean being nice to myself, right?
catching-up email with a friend, etc.
• Help others: Any small detail counts. It can be helping a Abdalla: That’s just the first part of it. It says that self-
colleague on a project, holding open a door, or compassion has three components: self-kindness,
volunteering. which means, as you said, being nice and not
• Surround yourself with positive people: Since emotions critical to ourselves. For example, if you didn’t get
are contagious, it only makes sense that you would want an excellent grade on your last test, instead of
to surround yourself with positive people who inspire, thinking, “I could never be better at math, I don’t
empower, and motivate you. understand.” You could be nice to you and think,
• Look after your body and mind: Research has found time “I did the best I could this time, but I’m going to
and time again that taking care of ourselves physically and work harder because I can do it.”
mentally can influence our happiness and train our brains Faakhir: What about the other two components?
over time to be more positive.
• Make time to do something that you love: This may be Abdalla: Common humanity means to be aware that
easier said than done, but one of the best ways to everyone makes mistakes; no one is perfect.
become more positive is by making specific time for Finally, mindfulness refers to looking beyond our
something that you absolutely love. The action doesn’t difficulties to avoid exaggerating the situation and
matter. Just make sure you love it. It may be reading, be able to see possible solutions.
cooking, playing a sport, going to the movies, etc. Faakhir: I guess if we practice self-compassion, we could be
Adapted from: happier because we have less stress without
pushing ourselves hard.
Ruth, A. (2022, January 16). DUE. Retrieved from
https://due.com/blog/train-your-brain-to-become-more- Abdalla: That’s the goal.
positive/ References
Pogosyan, M. (2018, February 2). Psychology Today.
Retrieved from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/between-
cultures/201802/be-kind-yourself

14
 Track 43 (P. 114) Track 44 (P. 117)
Kevin: Hello, Hannah, and thanks for your time. I know If you ask me what my life has been like, I can tell you that
you are a very busy woman, but I think this I’ve had ups and downs throughout my entire existence. I
interview will reveal many of the secrets you have have been to the most remote places and swum in the
discovered throughout your life. deepest oceans. I have been rich, but I have also lived in
Hannah: No problem. I’m glad someone wants to hear what poverty. I have learned what I have wanted: languages,
I have experienced in my short life. technology, business, and even about the human mind.
Kevin: Well, first of all, I know you have travelled to many Have I found the answers to everything? No. But, I can
countries. certainly tell you that, no matter how much you read and
Where have you been and what have you learn, there will always be much more than you could ever
learned? imagine. They say money is happiness; I’m not sure I agree
with this statement. It has made things easier for me in life,
Hannah: Yes, I consider myself a lucky person. I think I’ve but you will never be able to buy a loving heart or a loyal
been very fortunate. I have travelled to several friend with it. Have I felt like quitting? Yes, I have, but there
countries, but I think that the most representative has always been something that has lifted me and put me
are those where I have learned to live and back on track.
understand how to turn my life around.
Kevin: That sounds amazing. Can you tell me about these I have regretted things, but I have also thanked for many
places? more. I am an ordinary man who might be lucky, but I’ve
taken advantage of every single opportunity I’ve had. Have I
Hannah: Well, I’ll just mention two of them. One of these found the meaning of life? I believe so. Now you must find it
pearls is Bagan, Myanmar. It’s a place in Asia, for yourself. I will tell you one last thing: my life has been hard
near Thailand and India. It has lots of incredible at times, but I have never looked down at the ground. Look
Buddhist temples, and at sunset, locals have up and ahead! You might run into your destiny very soon, just
found the right way to take travelers to the same way I did decades ago.
contemplate the amazing view of thousands of
spires. It’s just an indescribable experience.
Kevin: What’s the second place? Where is it?
Hannah: The second one is the Great Barrier, in Australia. I
have been to many beaches, but nothing
compares to this marine beauty. You can dive or
snorkel, and if you ask me what I felt… well, I
have learned there is life everywhere; not only in
busy cities, but under water, hidden there,
waiting to be discovered. I have made a video
about this great experience.
Kevin: Have you ever done any extreme sport?
Hannah: Yes, I have. I have skydived, which is an
unimaginable experience. I have bungee jumped
from the Royal George Bridge in the United
States. You can feel the adrenaline, and literally,
you can feel how short life can be. I have found
out that life is like the blink of an eye, so I take a
lot of pictures to remember these wonderful
moments that help me understand that every
single thing has a purpose in life.
Kevin: Is there something you haven’t done? When do
you take a break?
Hannah: Well, I have also done some volunteer work in
Africa. I have learned to survive with very little,
giving people the most of you. I have
participated as an activist for human rights,
especially fighting for women’s rights… and I
have climbed up some mountains, but not the
highest ones. I think I’d love to do that, but that
will be in the future; who knows?
Kevin: Hannah, it’s been such a pleasure talking to you.
Thank you very much for sharing, and take care.

15
 Track 45 (P. 119) Track 46 (P. 121)
School counselor: Welcome Bianca, how have you been Blogger: Thanks for having me on today, I´m excited to be
doing lately? here to talk to you about “The Only Way to Become
Amazingly Great at Something.” Let me start by sharing this
Bianca: To be honest, I’ve been a little stressed.
quote: “Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his
I have not gotten much sleep these
whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason,
days.
mastery demands all of a person.” Albert Einstein
School counselor: Oh! that’s too bad. Lack of sleep can led
Very often you’ll see blog posts or books teaching you to
to concentration problems during class
“master” a skill in only 10 days, or 3 days… in fact, it used to
time.
be 30 days but the time frame to master something seems to
Bianca: It does. It’s already been hard to follow be reducing rapidly.
my teachers during their lessons.
I’ve even seen tutorials claiming to teach a skill in just a few
School counselor: There must be something bothering you. hours. Instant mastery of skills and knowledge!
Maybe not at a conscious level. I would Unfortunately, the reality is something a little less magical. Or
recommend looking for solace in an maybe that’s a fortunate thing.
enjoyable hobby. Maybe by taking an
artistic activity such as painting or There’s only one way to become good at something:
drawing. 1. First, you must learn it by reading or listening to others
Bianca: I don’t think that would help. I’m totally who know how to do it, but most especially by doing.
unskilled at any of those activities. 2. Then do some more. At this point, you’ll start to
understand it, but you’ll fail sometimes. This stage could
School counselor: What about writing? take months.
Bianca: I’m good at writing. Actually, I’ve already 3. Do some more. After a couple of years, you’ll get good
been writing for the last two days, I at it.
started a little story and now that you 4. Do some more. If you learn from mistakes and aren’t
mentioned it, it was a little easier to afraid to make mistakes in the first place, you’ll go from
soothe me after writing. good to great.
School counselor: That’s because creative writing, like It takes anywhere from 6-10 years to get great at something,
writing stories, stimulates our depending on how often and how much you do it. Some
imagination and helps our brain to estimate that it takes 10,000 hours to master something, but
discard hard thinking. I think it varies from person to person and depends on the
skill and other factors.
Bianca: Really? I didn’t know.
Want to be a great writer? It’s possible to be great within a
School counselor: Yes, Research featured in Harvard Medical few years if you have the God-given talent of Fitzgerald or
School’s “Harvard Health Publishing” Shakespeare, but most of us have had difficulties for over a
suggests that there is a connection decade and are still trying to get better. We’re still learning.
between creative writing and stress
relief. In fact, writing about emotions Want to be a great blogger? Same deal. I’ve been doing it
such as stress, trauma, and other life for almost three years, and I’m still only competent. My
experiences indirectly or directly can friend’s been doing it for, like, 7 years and he’s still only…
help one cope with negative emotions. well, he’s pretty great by now. You have to do it, make
mistakes, learn, really begin to understand it, and someday,
Bianca: But don’t you think I can get tired and if you stick with it, you’ll be great.
have problems during class time due to
the effort of writing? It takes desire, it takes drive, it takes lots and lots of doing.

School Counselor: Not if you do it as a hobby, without So, here’s the thing: don’t get discouraged if you’re just
pression, just when you need to or feel starting out. Have fun, like we all did in the beginning. If you
like doing it. have fun, you’ll learn to love it, and that's when it clicks.

Bianca: I think I can follow that advice. I feel Taken from:

comfortable writing. Thank you so Babauta, L. (n.d.). Zen Habits. Retrieved from
much, see you next Friday. https://zenhabits.net/theonly-way-to-become-amazingly-
School Counselor: My pleasure, Bianca. See you soon. great-at-something/

16
 Track 47 (P. 123)
Christine: Hey, let me see that book. Is it a Manga?
Module 7
Derek: Yes, I wanted to buy it since I heard they release Track 49 (P. 131)
it, and finally I got it.
Christine: I didn’t know you like reading Manga. When I was a teenager, I had a dream, and this was to live
Derek: Are you kidding? I love it. I bought about eight either in the USA or in Canada. I prefer colder climates, and
of them last December. At first, I was lost in my native country it got really hot during spring and
looking only at the pictures, they captured all summer, so I thought that could be a great change. Another
my attention. but now I’m trapped with the thing that made me want to leave my nation was the fact that
stories.
I thought Canadians and Americans were friendlier than my
Christine: I don’t know that much about the genre, but I’d compeers. I really wanted to get married before I turned 25,
love to read some. Is this a good one?
and in my naive perception, I thought that women could be
Derek: Yes, it is. But maybe you should start with much nicer than in my native country. I loved the idea that
something lighter. Canadians or Americans didn’t view themselves as number
Christine: Where did you buy it? one in everything.
Derek: I bought it in Barn’s bookstore. But I can lend However, I knew that the United States is better in many
you some if you want. aspects than most countries. I definitely found myself in a
Christine: That’s a great idea. Thanks! dilemma. Even so, I understood that I had to make a choice,
but where? I didn’t know where to go to live the rest of my
Track 48 (P. 125) life. Back then, I knew that the United States was more
conservative than many parts of the European world and I
School Psychologist: Good morning, everyone! Most of you
already know me. For those who do not, I’m Dr. Miranda liked that idea. Everybody knew life in the United States
Scott, and I’m here today to talk about the new support offered greater job opportunities, but I sensed that Canada
program we started last semester at this high school. This could offer a more peaceful way of life than the United States.
program is here for everyone struggling with depression,
anxiety, eating disorders, anger, or panic attacks. We are here Track 50 (P. 132)
for all of you.
We know that people your age could suffer any of these The United Nations recently published its annual Human
mental health problems. It is common due to all the changes Development Report, which ranks where people live long,
occurring at the same time in your body and mind. But you healthy lifes. In other words, the countries that are best to live
don’t have to face them alone. For this reason, we have in. The UN looked at nearly 200 countries across a number of
created this support program. No one else, besides you and categories, including life expectancy, education, gender
your support friend, would know about your situation. We equality, and financial wealth.
have a telephone number which you can call and talk about
your situation. Here are the countries that scored the highest:
We can help you to restore your mind, get destressed, and Hong Kong: Residents of this Chinese territory have a high
lead you to enjoy this beautiful time of your life. No one has average life expectancy at 84 years.
to struggle alone.
You have to know that no mental health problem is worse The United States: The US ranks high in financial wealth.
than another, and they’re not a sign of weakness. Mental Americans earn an average of 53,245 dollars per year.
health problems don›t have to be diagnosed by a doctor. But Canada: Tying with the United States, Canada ranks high in
some people find getting a diagnosis of their mental health education achievement. More than half of its residents
problem helpful. So, I’m going to give you some short
descriptions to help you identify them. graduate from college.
• Depression: Here you feel sad, low, or tearful for a long Iceland: People in Iceland have a high life expectancy, living
time, and stop enjoying your everyday life. an average of 82.7 years.
• Anxiety: Where you often feel worried or afraid and this
stops you from living your normal life. Ireland: Crime is low in Ireland. The homicide rate stands at
• Eating problems: When you eat much more or much less only 1.1 per 100,000 people, according to the most recent
food than you need or have a difficult relationship with data available.
food. e.g., anorexia or bulimia. The Netherlands: This country has one of the lowest rates of
• Anger: An emotion that’s healthy to feel sometimes but
can become a problem when it gets out of control, income ineqeuality in the world, 12.4% and it's been
aggressive or destructive. continually decreasing since the mid 1990s.
• Panic attacks: This becomes a problem when fear stops Singapore: People in this nation can expect to live long lifes
you from doing things you normally enjoy. You may feel too. The average life expectancy is over 83 years in
sick or dizzy, start sweating, notice your heart beating Singapore.
faster, or feel like you’re losing control.
If you find yourself experiencing any of these, please don’t Denmark: Denmark tied with Singapore in the UN's ranking
hesitate and reach out to any member of our team. when comparing median wages between men and women
Remember, we are here for you. If you know about a friend the gender wage gap is now at 7.8% for full time employees
in these situations you can ask for help. Thank you all for in Denmark. For comparison, the gap hovers at 17.9% in the
listening. US.

17
 Germany: As of October 2014, all universities are free for
residents and international students in Germany, where over Track 52 (P. 137)
96 per cent % of the population has at least
Teacher: Good morning, guys. I have a few questions I’d
Ssome secondary education. like to ask you, can I?
Switzerland: This country ranks high in overall health. On Students: Sure. Go ahead.
average, people live to age 83 and have a relatively low risk
for diseases like malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. Teacher: Do you think bus drivers drive well or badly in
this city?
Australia: Education is the most important in this country. The
United Nations found that most students go to school for Student 1: I think some bus drivers drive well, but taxi
around 20 years in Australia. drivers drive much better and more carefully
Norway: For the 13th consecutive year, Norway ranked than bus drivers. Well, that’s my view.
highest in standard of living, life expectancy, and education. Teacher: Thank you. Second question. Do you study hard
Thanks to the country's robust, publicly funded healthcare every day or only a couple of days before you
system, the average life expectancy is 82 years. take your test?
Student 2: Can I answer this one? I have something to say.
Track 51 (P. 136)
Teacher: Certainly!
Interviewer: Hello, welcome. Please come in.
Student 2: Well, I don’t mean to be pretentious or arrogant,
Candidate: Thank you. but I always study hard and even harder before
exams. Everyone should do the same, shouldn’t
Interviewer: So, I heard you are interested in joining our
we?
team. What position are you interested in?
Teacher: Yes, we should. I agree with you. Okay, last
Candidate: Well, I’m interested in two of them. question. What is something you can do easily?
Programming and animation.
Student 3: Um, I think I can speak English fluently although
Interviewer: Excellent! First, let me know a little bit more some of my classmates speak more fluently
about you. Please, describe yourself for me. than I can. But I reckon I do most things
For example, how do you get along with confidently, yet there’s always room for
people? How do you work under pressure? improvement, right?

Candidate: Ok, I consider myself as a friendly person, I Teacher: Definitely. Well, guys, thanks a lot for your
easily get along with people and I like answers.
making new friends. I know we are not
looking for friends at work, and we should Track 53 (P. 139)
focus on our duties, perhaps, it’s my opinion
The Elephant Rope
that we work better in a positive
environment so it’s better if we get along As a man was slowly walking past the elephants, he suddenly
with our coworkers. I can do my work stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were
correctly under pressure because I have the held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no
ability to concentrate. I grew up in a big cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at any time,
family, there were always people speaking break away easily from their bonds but for some reason, they
loudly by my side when I was studying, I did not.
think this helped me to develop my He saw the trainer nearby and asked inquisitively why these
concentration. I don’t consider I work slowly animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away.
but at the pace marked by the company. “Well,” the trainer said, “when they are very young and much
Interviewer: Thank you. Tell me, why are you interested in smaller, we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that
the animation area? age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are
conditioned to believe they cannot break away. Wistfully,
Candidate: I’ve been drawing since I was very young, I they believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to
can easily reflect emotion in my drawings break free.”
and give them life, they seem to move
The man was amazed. These animals could at any time break
naturally through a series of consecutive free from their bonds victoriously, but because they believed
drawings. they couldn’t, they were stuck right where they were.
Interviewer: I think you enjoy it. Let me tell you, we are Like the elephants, how many of us go sadly through life
looking for passionate contributors. I think hanging onto a belief that we cannot do something, simply
you could be a great candidate for our because we failed at it once before?
company.
Failure is part of learning; we should never give up the
Candidate: Thank you! struggle in life.

18
 Track 54 (P. 141) Track 57 (P. 145)
We know that buying a new car is always a unique experience. 1. The boy shouted happily.
It’s one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make after
buying a home. My mission is to help you find your perfect 2. His dad smiled proudly.
car; I’m going to answer any questions you have about the 3. The couple talk to the boy’s dad indignantly.
buying process; because the clearer your ideas, the better 4. The old man smiled contentedly.
choice you make.
Some aspects to consider when buying a car are:
How much you want to spend; some people think the more
expensive the car, the better it is, but that is not necessarily
Module 8
true. There are many affordable cars that are resistant and Track 58 (P. 151)
reliable.
So, this takes us to the second point; what are you going to School counselor: Welcome everyone; Thank you for
use it for? for example, the longer trips you are planning to
do, the more economical the car you need. How much space coming. I am so proud of each and everyone of you. You are
do you need? Maybe you need to carry lots of merchandise about to complete your local education. But before you do,
boxes or personal luggage whit you. What features do you you need to know that employers are looking for in new staff.
need or want? Are you looking for a new or used car? The answer is employability skills or soft skills. If you possess
Let’s think a little about this last question. A new or used car? these skills, you will stand out from the rest. You might think
Both have advantages and disadvantages. Can you think of you don’t have any of these employability skills but let me tell
some? you that you have them for sure; if you are dependable, easy
Track 55 (P. 142) to get along with, and open to learning new things then you
have them.
Modern technology is changing faster and faster; so is the
way we live our lives, and intelligent gadgets have arrived to Let's go over some others:
change the way we communicate with people or the way we 1. Communication: It means you need to be clear about
conduct our lives. The more we use them, the more we feel
tied to them, like creating a stronger bond which appears to what you mean and what you want to achieve when you
be less and less eradicable; they have come to stay. However, talk and write. It includes non-verbal communication
there’s no doubt that all this new technology is making our such as body language.
lives easier and easier. The more we use them, the more 2. Teamwork: It means being able to get along with
impressed we get to know how many wonderful possibilities people you work with.
these devices offer users in their daily activities. Regarding
mobile phones, it is amazing how fast teenagers can text and 3. Problem-solving: It’s related to finding solutions when
send messages. They text so quickly that anyone would find you face difficulties, to using a logical process to figure
it difficult to know when they finish a message and when they out things.
start another one. Smart devices are getting smaller and 4. Initiative: This means you look for things that need to be
smaller, but their storage capacity is getting bigger and done, and you do things without being asked.
bigger. Virtually, you can store your whole life there and there
would still be room for much more. 5. Planning and organization: It’s about working out what
you need to do, and how you’ll do it.
Track 56 (P. 142) 6. Self-management: It’s about being able to do your job
without being closely supervised.
Is it that we are becoming dependent on these little
machines? It’s no wonder that questions about this new 7. Learning: It is about wanting to understand new things
technology have arisen. Questions such as: are we merging and picking them up quickly.
with technology in such a way that we are unaware of where
real life begins and where the virtual world comes into The last one but not the least is Technology, of course, it’s
existence? Indubitably, technology enables us to achieve necessary for our time, to be able to use a computer.
goals faster and more accurately. And, while people are
busier and busier, technology helps them use their time more I knew many of you when you were very young, and you had
and more efficiently. But, is this leading us to be more and many of these skills, and I know you still have them. Don’t be
more solitary? It is important to consider how much we really afraid. I’m here to help you get to your dream job!
need these things and the impact that they have on our
health, the environment, society and future life.
Research shows that around 39% of female adolescents and
33% of male adolescents in Mexico are overweight or obese.
We must wonder if this situation is due to the long periods of
time young people spend online and not enough time
socializing with their friends face to face. Years ago, people
used to enjoy shopping at malls, or at least window-shop.
Nowadays, malls look helplessly on, as little by little, fewer
and fewer buyers meet at the shops because mobile apps
have made it easier to buy from any place; no crowds, no
need to stand in line to pay for goods, and everything can be
done easily with a finger click on the app. Do we have to get
used to giving way to a new world order or must we fight
back to have a place between two realities in society?

19
 Track 59 (P. 153) Track 60 (P. 154)
Benjamin: I think we should run our own company. What do Welcome dear listeners, today’s topic is worth staying with
you think, Emma? us. Hopefully, every single one of our actions, has an impact
on our world, so we all should be socially responsible, the
Emma: That would be great, Benjamin! We are definitely
smallest action counts. Sadly, big companies’ actions have a
capable, but we’ll need more than great skills.
stronger effect. And that’s exactly our topic for today. Are big
Benjamin: What do you mean? companies socially responsible?
Emma: Well, we need money to establish a company. First, we need to understand what we mean by socially
Besides, we also need to care about the legal responsible companies; well, it means that companies care
aspects. about having a positive impact by contributing to the well-
being of their communities and society through
Benjamin: Oh no, I forgot that part. It’s not that we already environmental and social measures.
have the money. But we can start doing the job
at home until we earn enough money to rent an A company can implement four types of socially responsible
office. efforts: environmental initiatives, charity work, ethical labor
practices, and volunteer projects.
Emma: You’re right. We can start small, and as soon as
we get enough customers, and have a constant Fortunately, nowadays, the definition of business success
income we could think about growing. We can goes beyond profitability, growth rate, and brand
even consider asking some of our friends to join recognition. In today’s world, customers, employees, and
our company. other stakeholders judge a company by how its activity
impacts the community, economy, environment, and society
Benjamin: Once we get there, we have to think about the in general.
perks we can offer to our employees.
Some ways that a company can embrace socially responsible
Emma: Yes. That’s an essential part to become a good actions include being environmentally friendly and eco-
company. Employees are the basis, if they are conscious; promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the
happy with what they receive for their work, workplace; treating employees with respect; giving back to
they will do their best for the company. the community; ensuring business decisions are ethical.
Benjamin: Wait a minute. We need also to think of ourselves There are many reasons for a company to embrace socially
as our first employees. First, I want to work just responsible practices…
on weekdays, remember I love camping and
hiking on weekends. What about you?
Emma: Yes, working from Monday to Friday sounds
perfect. I think we should also have flextime, for
example, somedays I need to help my mom at
the bakery, maybe I can work the night shift
those days.
Benjamin: Perfect. Why don’t we meet tonight to continue
planning?
Emma: All right, see you at my mom’s bakery!

20
 Track 61 (P. 157) Track 63 (P. 161)
Tanner: Hey Audrey, have you heard about Heather? Mrs. Davies: Welcome, Mr. Taylor. Please, have a seat.
Audrey: Yes, I heard she is the new principal at our old Mr. Taylor: Thank you.
school.
Mrs. Davis: Tell me, Mr. Taylor. Why are you interested in
Tanner: I couldn’t believe it at first. I had to go and see working with us?
myself. She says hi, by the way.
Mr. Taylor: Well, this is a reliable and well-established
Audrey: Why didn’t you invite me? I have so many company. Working here would be a great
questions. That's is unbelievable. I remember she opportunity to learn from its employees’
was the most disorganized person I’ve ever met. experience.
And now, to my amazement, she is a school
principal. What’s her secret? Mrs. Davies: Had you ever asked to work here before
Tanner: That was my question, too. today?

Audrey: Did she tell you? Mr. Taylor: No, this is the first time since I just graduated.

Tanner: She said she had to make a great effort to Mrs. Davies: I see. Could you please tell me about your
overcome those problems. She started by making previous experience?
short to-do lists daily and setting personal rules. Mr. Taylor: Excuse me?
The most important rule was not to leave
anything undone. Mrs. Davis: Who had you worked for?
Audrey: Is that all? Mr. Taylor: I had not had any formal employments. I’ve
been at the university for the last five years.
Tanner: That’s just the starting point. Once those actions
were habits, she started to set personal Mrs. Davis: Had you participated in any project related to
deadlines, so she could be sure of finishing her renewable energies by the time you
tasks on time. She also said, that when she graduated?
started working, she had to learn to break big
tasks into smaller ones and to delegate tasks to Mr. Taylor: Yes, I had coordinated a solar panel to collect
other people. solar energy for the school computers lab.
Audrey: I’m so glad she could make it! Mrs. David: That’s amazing! How did the project go?
Tanner: So, am I! Mr. Taylor: It worked better than we thought, and it still
works. It helps the school to save money,
Track 62 (P. 159) but the most important aspect is that we
contributed to helping our planet.
Today is Richard Ludlow’s turn. He is another one of our
successful young people. He saw the capability of the web Mrs. Davis: Yes, of course. What about languages? Have
turning into a learning place. By 2008, Richard Ludlow, Chris you learned a second language?
Bruner, and Liam Pisano had established Mr. Taylor: Yes. Actually, I speak French and Mandarin. I
Academic Earth with the mission of giving everybody on learned French at home, along with English
earth the possibility to get top-notch training. since my mother is French. So, I’m fluent.
And I had learned Mandarin at a language
The idea behind Academic Earth came to Ludlow when
watching a full video course lecture from MIT Mathematics school. I’d gotten a certification last year.
Professor Gilbert Strang. He did some more research on the Mrs. Davis: Ok, thank you, Mr. Taylor. I’ll pass on your
Internet and found out that there were various academic information, but I think you are a qualified
resources online although these resources were across candidate.
different websites and in different file formats, making them
difficult to find and browse. Mr. Taylor: Thank you, so much. I look forward to hearing
from you.
So, Ludlow launched Academic Earth with the goal of
building a user-friendly platform for educational videos that
would let anyone be able to freely access instruction from the
scholars and guest lecturers at the leading academic
universities.
The site offers 60 full courses and 2,395 total lectures (almost
1300 hours of video) from Yale, MIT, Harvard, Stanford, UC
Berkeley, and Princeton that can be browsed by subject,
university, or instructor through a userfriendly interface. What
are your thoughts on this?

21
 Track 64 (P. 163) Track 65 (P. 165)
Karim: I thought about my life last weekend. There are First of all, I want to congratulate each one of you for coming
some actions that didn’t work as I’d thought. today. You being here means you’re working on your future,
that’s a step I didn’t take back in the date. If I had done it, my
Jess: It happens to everyone, I guess. Don't cry over
pursuit of a scholarship would have been easier. But, you are
spilled milk.
and that’s fantastic!
Karim: Is there something you regret doing? You are in your first year of high school, so this is the perfect
Jess: How can you ask that? Don’t you remember? If I time to prepare the path to obtain a scholarship and why not?
had paid more attention during my last year of maybe a full-ride scholarship. Let’s fight tooth and nail for it.
class, I could have been graduating with you this
You need to keep in mind that most of the scholarships are
year. Now, I have to stay in high school one more
granted to the highest-achieving students, so this is the time
year, I will miss you all.
when you need to work hard to get excellent, or at least, very
Karim: Oh! sorry. I also made a big mistake. If I had good grades. Pushing yourself academically can be mentally
followed the counselor’s advice, I could have exhausting, try to stay motivated by keeping your goals in
gotten the scholarship for college. Now, I must mind, and give yourself a break every now and then to relax.
work to pay for it. It will be hard to cope with work
Make yourself stand out from other applicants, there is a lot
and studies.
of competition to get a scholarship, it’s crucial to stand out
Jess: I think we must be careful in the future. There are from the pool of applicants by demonstrating a real
always consequences for every action. commitment. This means having a few extracurricular
activities, demonstrating your passions and interests outside
Jess: But, we had done good things during high school,
the classroom, as well as examples of times you’ve got
too. We’d won the basketball championship last
involved with the local community. Universities are not just
year.
interested in good grades, but in a complete human being
If we hadn’t won it, the school couldn’t have had worried to make a difference in the world. So, try to get
government aid for the sports department. involved in some social activities that help you to develop
empathy and leadership.
Karim: Yes, you’re right. and remember the school journal,
if we hadn’t come up with the idea of selling As I said at the beginning, you are so lucky just knowing this
chocolates, they wouldn't have raised the needed in advance. If I had learned about it, I think I could have done
amount. things differently; like joining the recycling school team,
making a greater effort to get better grades, and paying
Jess: See, not everything is bad. We just need to find a
more attention to my writing classes so I could have written a
balance.
better essay. I had a hard time, and I promised myself to do
as much as possible to help others avoid that stressful
situation. So, welcome and let’s begin…

22