Advanced English Conversations (2) - Robert Allans, Matt Edie, A. Mustafaoglu 2020

Set 19 - Let’s make the most of it

James: I really don’t feel that I belonged in this town. Nothing ever happens here in the middle of nowhere. So dull, so boring and gloomy. Yet the neighborhood isn’t well-kept. I just feel out of my element.

Selena: Well; I do agree we have ended up in a place so unremarkable. But don’t let remorse get you down. We’re here to make a living so let’s make the most of it and figure out how we make it fun. Look around you; the weather is stunning and the views are incredible.

James: The point is I’m an outgoing person. I enjoy being surrounded by friends and hanging out all the time. I just feel constricted and stifled in here.

Selena: Oh; I see. But I feel that the hustle and bustle of the city life caused us to miss out on the chance to lead a healthier lifestyle. I suppose it’s time to slow down and take a rest. Also with fewer distractions, it is easier to devote time to learning and developing our talents.

James: Yeah; that makes sense. I’ll try to look at things from a different perspective.

Vocabulary;

belong: to be in the right place or a suitable place.

in the middle of nowhere: far away from any towns and cities and where few people live.

well-kept: (especially of property) kept clean, tidy, and in good condition.

out of one’s element: in a situation which is unsuitable, unfamiliar, or unenjoyable.

unremarkable: (adjective) not particularly interesting or surprising.

make the most of something: get the maximum use or advantage from it.

outgoing; (adjective) friendly and energetic and finding it easy and enjoyable to be with others.

constricted: (adjective) inhibited; restricted; without freedom.

stifled: (adjective) held in; suppressed; unable to breathe or move freely.

hustle and bustle: confusion and business.

miss out on: to lose the chance or opportunity to do or experience something.

devote: to give your time or effort completely to something.

look at things from a different perspective: to try to understand how things “look” from another person's point of view.

Exercise;

Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases or words;

1. Sales reps need to be .........., because they are constantly meeting customers.

2. The animals want you to look at things from a differen t.......... and realize that they do have intelligence and feelings and are able to communicate with humans.

3. Over half his speech was .......... to the issue of saving Social Security.

4. There is a lot of hustle and .......... in this office at the end of the fiscal year.

5. But opposition rallies this time are expected to be .......... by government measures.

6. Although she's new to the school, we'd like her to feel that she ..........

7. I'll never understand why they built this campus out here in the middle of ..........

8. He was astonished to find nice streets and well-.......... houses.

9. If you don't call the recruiter back right away, you're going to .......... out on the opportunity.

10. I know you're out of your .......... in this new school, but you'll make friends soon, and things will get better.

11. I feel .......... in this cafe. Let’s find another one that could be more inviting.

12. You might be a lot happier if you .......... the most of yourself, instead of just sitting here all day playing video games.

13. The village itself is ..........; its one great attribute being the nearby network of extensive caverns.

1. outgoing 2. perspective 3. devoted 4. bustle 5. stifled 6. belongs 7. nowhere 8. kept 9. miss 10. element 11. constricted 12. made 13. unremarkable