How to Use the Second Conditional

Intro

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

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• update
• focus
• human nature
• smart phone

• skeptical
• irresistible
• obsessed
• simultaneously

• halfhearted

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

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Right now, as you read this lesson, what else are you doing at the same time? You might be checking Facebook, chatting with a friend, shopping, and maybe even trying to get some work or studying done. In the 21st century, nearly everyone multitasks. But it’s hard to say if that means we actually get more done.

Amy is a proud multitasker who believes she can easily do many different things at the same time, and do them well. But Marni is more skeptical of multitasking, and the technology that makes it seem so easy and irresistible. Find out if either of them can convince the other to change her mind.

Dialog

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

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

Marni

Amy

Marni:  Hey Amy, I wanted you to look at this article that I’m reading. There’re some really fascinating points here. Would you take a look at it.

Amy:  Uh-huh. Uh…just…wha…Oh, sorry. I was sending a text.

Marni:  Yeah, I know. I see that. But I really need your attention.

Amy:  Well, I’m paying attention. I mean, I can listen and send a text at the same time. I know how to multitask.

Marni:  Yeah, that’s just it. You know, our society, we’re so obsessed with multitasking. We think we’re getting everything done simultaneously, when really we’re just doing everything in a halfhearted way.

Amy:  I don’t think that’s true. I mean, I just sent a text, I’m updating my relationship status on Facebook right now, and we’re having a pretty deep conversation.

Marni:  Are we? Are we having a deep conversation? Do I really have your attention, or are you more focused on your status update, and the response you’re gonna get?

Amy:  Well, I think that’s just human nature. I mean, even if there weren’t cell phones and smart phones and all that kind of stuff, we would still be thinking about different things at the same time. You know? I think that’s just how it is.

Marni:  Perhaps, but I think that technology is really causing this huge divide in our culture, I really think that what’s gonna help us is if we take some real intentional time to focus on what we’re doing in the present moment.

Amy:  Just don’t take my cell phone away.

Grammar Point

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Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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