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Conversational / EVERYDAY ENGLISH
Lesson 34
Trying New Things
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Talk about experiences with trying new activities or hobbies.
2. Express excitement, fear, or hesitation using descriptive vocabulary.
3. Use phrasal verbs and discussion phrases to share personal experiences.
Exercise 1
News Words & Expressions
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
noun
Challenge
Similar:
similarvocab1.1
similarvocab1.2
similarvocab1.3
similarvocab1.4
/ˈtʃæl.ɪndʒ/
Meaning:
Something difficult that tests your skills or abilities
- Learning to surf was a big challenge for me.
Real Life Tip:
Trying new challenges is common in U.S. culture, from sports to hobbies.
adjective
Excited
Similar:
wild
agitated
frantic
aroused
/ɪkˈsaɪ.tɪd/
Meaning:
Feeling happy and eager about something
- I’m really excited to try the new restaurant in town.
Real Life Tip:
Expressing excitement is common in daily American conversations.
Give something a try
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab3.1
similarvocab3.2
similarvocab3.3
similarvocab3.4
/ɡɪv ˈsʌm.θɪŋ ə traɪ/
Meaning:
To attempt or try something new
- I’ve never painted before, but I want to give it a try.
Real Life Tip:
Often used when encouraging friends or oneself to try new hobbies or activities.
Get over
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab4.1
similarvocab4.2
similarvocab4.3
similarvocab4.4
/ɡɛt ˈoʊ.vər/
Meaning:
To overcome a fear, difficulty, or problem
- I was scared of swimming in the ocean, but I got over it.
Real Life Tip:
Commonly used in American English to talk about overcoming challenges or fears.
Exercise 2
Conversation
Direction: First, read the conversation aloud. Then, practice by role-playing it with your tutor.
Situation: Two friends are talking about trying new activities at a local adventure park in California.
Hey Mark, have you ever tried zip-lining?
Lily
No, but I’ve always wanted to. I’m a little scared, though.
Mark
Don’t worry! You should give it a try. It’s really fun.
Lily
Okay, maybe I will. Have you tried bungee jumping?
Mark
Yes! At first, I was nervous, but I got over it quickly.
Lily
That sounds amazing. I think trying new things is exciting.
Mark
Absolutely! Every experience teaches you something.
Lily
I agree. Let’s sign up for an adventure this weekend!
Mark
Exercise 2.1
Questions.
1. What new activity does Lily suggest Mark try?
2. How does Lily describe overcoming her fear of bungee jumping?
3. What do they decide to do at the end of the conversation?
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
1. I _______ zip-lining last weekend and loved it.
a) tried
b) try
c) trying
2. She is really _______ about starting her new hobby.
a) excited
b) excite
c) excitement
3. Don’t worry, you will _______ your fear quickly.
a) get over
b) give a try
c) catch up on
4. Every new _______ helps you learn something new.
a) experience
b) challenge
c) hobby
5. I want to _______ painting this weekend.
a) give a try
b) get over
c) put off
Exercise 4
Ask Your Tutor
Direction: Ask your tutor these questions. Listen carefully and learn
1. What’s the most exciting new thing you’ve tried recently?
2. Do you usually give new activities a try, or are you hesitant?
3. What is a challenge you want to get over this year?
Exercise 5
Discussion
Direction: Use the new words and expression you learnt in this lesson to have a conversation with your tutor.
1. What is a new food you’ve tried and liked?
2. Have you ever tried an extreme sport? Which one?
3. What hobby would you like to start this year?
4. Do you prefer trying things alone or with friends?
5. What’s the most challenging experience you’ve had?
6. Do you enjoy trying new restaurants or sticking to favorites?
7. How do you feel when you try something for the first time?
8. Have you ever been scared to try something but did it anyway?
9. What experience has taught you the most?
10. If you could try anything in the world, what would it be?
