Series Two Episode One: Fingers Crossed - We learn that Sarah and Magda have moved in together.  The story says they’ve moved into Harry’s old place. (I wonder if this may be a mistake by the author.  Johnny has left for China, and Harry is still here, so I believe the story should say they’re in Johnny’s old place)  Harry is still looking for a job, and we learn a couple of their friends aren’t in London.  We also learn that Tony’s cafe may be torn down.

  1. Listening/Reading
    1. Prelistening:
      1. Review some vocabulary you’ll hear in the audio, click on the Preparation tab http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/big-city-small-world/series-2-episode-1-fingers-crossed-0
    2. First time listening to the audio
      1. This episode does some review from season one.  What news do we have about each character?
        1. Magda and Sarah
        2. Harry
        3. Johnny
        4. Fadi
          1. http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/big-city-small-world/series-2-episode-1-fingers-crossed-0
      2. Listen to the episode again.  This time, use the transcript provided below.  With the transcript, you should be able to summarize the episode. Neither Fadi nor Johnny is in London, but who is just visiting their family?  Do you think Magda is teasing Olivia about Fadi?  Why is Olivia worried at the end of the episode?
        1. http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/big-city-small-world/series-2-episode-1-fingers-crossed-0
      3. Listen to the episode a third time.  Try not to use the transcript.  
    3. Comprehension
      1. Complete the quizzes by clicking on the tabs marked as task.
        1. http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/big-city-small-world/series-2-episode-1-fingers-crossed-0
      2. Task three is about phrasal verbs such as ‘give up’ or ‘hand out’.
        1. http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/english-grammar/verbs/phrasal-verbs
  1. Speaking
    1. Prepare for a conversation with your language partner by writing some questions.  Ask them if they live alone or with other people.  If they don’t live alone, ask them with whom they live and what it is like.  Who washes the dishes?  Who uses the radio, tv, or computer the most?  Would they like to live alone?  You can also ask about buildings in cities if you would like a more advanced topic.  How does it work in their country if someone wants to build a new building?  Can the government force someone to sell their old building?  Are there permits?  Do the courts get involved?
    2. Meet with your language partner.  Try your best to only speak in English for 30 minutes.  Of course, be sure to then provide your partner with an equal amount of time to practice your native language as well.
  2. Writing
    1. Write a summary of your exchange with your partner on the Mixxer blog.  Write about either their living situation or about building regulations and rules in their country.