Learning Objectives
Apply listening behaviors to improve comprehension of spoken English
Summarize content of spoken English conversations and speeches
Idioms are phrases that have a meaning established by usage rather than by literal definition of the words in the phrase. They are expressions that take on a figurative meaning different from the literal definition of the individual words. Idioms are closely connected to culture, and understanding idioms promotes oral and reading comprehension. Using idioms in speech is an excellent way to build fluency.
Key vocabulary
Establish Expression Figurative Intend Literal
Message Promote Routine Usage Worthwhile
Video and Audio Content
Listen to Sasheer Zamata and Caitlin McGee translate idioms from around the world. (NPR)
Listen to Julia Furland and Andee Tagle explain how to dedicate yourself to active listening. (NPR)
Examples of idioms
She’s pulling my leg. She’s kidding.
Keep an eye out for… Be watching for…
Keep your head above water. Don’t let something be too much for you.
Raining cats and dogs Raining really hard
Feeling blue Feeling sad
It’s not rocket science. This is not very hard.
