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

Set 52 - All my troubles and concerns faded away

Jane : It was great just sitting in the sunshine and enjoying the feel of the place, wasn’t it?

Suzie: Yes, it was nice to just sit there soaking up the atmosphere. All my troubles and concerns faded away.

Jane: I think we should both rearrange our tight schedule and try to free up some time so we can go away together.

Suzie: The point is I still have difficulty keeping up with my classes. Nonetheless, I won’t miss this opportunity. Ouch! this long walk has made me hungry.

Jane: Yes, it certainly helps to work up an appetite. What time are you available today?

Suzie: It’d suit my arrangements if we could meet up at lunchtime.

Jane: Yep, that would fit in perfectly with my plans too.

Vocabulary

soak up: to enjoy feeling or experiencing (something pleasant) in usually a slow or relaxed way

fade away: to slowly disappear, lose importance, or become weaker.

tight schedule: a small amount of time to do something.

free up: to make something available to be used.

go away: to leave your home in order to spend time somewhere else, usually for a holiday.

have difficulty/trouble (doing something): unable to do something as a result of lack of knowledge or ability.

nonetheless: despite what has just been said or referred to.

work up an appetite: gradually become hungry, develop an appetite.

fit in with: to be correct, suitable, or sensible in relation to something else.

Exercise;

Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases or words;

1. The sight of nuts and fruits in the upper cabinet will .......... your appetite.

2. There are possible risks, but .........., we feel it's a sound investment.

3. Whew, having that meeting canceled .......... the rest of my afternoon.

4. I didn’t take Mike at his word because his explanation didn't .......... with what I saw.

5. He is in a miserable condition as his .......... allows for only four hours of sleep a night.

6. Steven .......... communicating with his staff which causes lots of delays.

7. I sat at my table for an hour .......... the atmosphere of the cafe.

8. I really didn't want to .......... this weekend but, oh well, it can't be helped.

9. The voices became louder and closer and then .......... again.

1. work up 2. nonetheless 3. frees up 4. fit in 5. tight schedule 6. has difficulty 7. soaking up 8. go away 9. faded away