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Conversational / EVERYDAY ENGLISH
Lesson 39
Comparing Sleep Patterns Around the World
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Discuss and compare sleep habits in different countries.
2. Use vocabulary and phrasal verbs related to sleep and daily routines.
3. Share opinions about cultural differences in sleep and rest.
Exercise 1
News Words & Expressions
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
idiom
Early bird
Similar:
similarvocab1.1
similarvocab1.2
similarvocab1.3
similarvocab1.4
/ˈɜr.li bɜrd/
Meaning:
Someone who wakes up early in the morning
- I’m an early bird, so I usually wake up at 6 a.m.
Real Life Tip:
In the U.S., early risers are often seen as productive and motivated.
idiom
Night owl
Similar:
similarvocab2.1
similarvocab2.2
similarvocab2.3
similarvocab2.4
/naɪt aʊl/
Meaning:
Someone who stays up late at night
- My brother is a night owl and works best after midnight.
Real Life Tip:
Many students and creative workers are considered night owls worldwide.
Catch up on
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab3.1
similarvocab3.2
similarvocab3.3
similarvocab3.4
/kætʃ ʌp ɒn/
Meaning:
To do something you missed, like sleep or work
- On weekends, I like to catch up on sleep.
Real Life Tip:
Catching up on sleep is common in countries with busy work schedules.
Turn in
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab4.1
similarvocab4.2
similarvocab4.3
similarvocab4.4
/tɜrn ɪn/
Meaning:
To go to bed
- I usually turn in around 10 p.m.
Real Life Tip:
Turn in” is commonly used in American English for bedtime routines.
Exercise 2
Conversation
Direction: First, read the conversation aloud. Then, practice by role-playing it with your tutor.
Situation: Two friends discuss sleep habits in different countries.
Did you know that in Spain, people often take a siesta after lunch?
Lily
Really? I’m more of an early bird, so I wake up at 6 a.m. every day.
Tom
I’m a night owl, so I usually stay up until midnight.
Lily
That must be hard if you need to get up early.
Tom
Yes, I try to catch up on sleep on weekends.
Lily
I usually turn in at 10 p.m., so I don’t feel tired in the morning.
Tom
It’s interesting how different cultures manage sleep differently.
Lily
Yeah, some countries value afternoon naps, while others focus on early mornings.
Tom
Exercise 2.1
Questions.
1. What is a siesta, and where is it common?
2. Who is an early bird in the conversation?
3. How does Lily catch up on sleep?
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
1. I usually ______ (turn / turns / turn) in at 11 p.m.
2. Lily ______ (catch / catches / catching) up on sleep on weekends.
3. Tom ______ (wake / wakes / waking) up at 6 a.m. every day.
4. Many people in Spain ______ (take / takes / taking) a siesta.
5. I am a night owl and usually ______ (stay / stays / staying) up late.
Exercise 4
Ask Your Tutor
Direction: Ask your tutor these questions. Listen carefully and learn
1. How do sleep patterns differ between countries?
2. Are siestas still common in Spain today?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a night owl versus an early bird?
Exercise 5
Discussion
Direction: Use the new words and expression you learnt in this lesson to have a conversation with your tutor.
1. Are you an early bird or a night owl?
2. Do people in your country take naps during the day?
3. How much sleep do you usually get on weekdays?
4. Have you ever tried to catch up on sleep on weekends?
5. What time do you usually turn in at night?
6. How do cultural differences affect sleep habits?
7. Do you think sleeping patterns affect productivity? How?
8. Would you like to take a daily siesta if you could? Why or why not?
9. How does your sleep schedule change on weekends?
10. Have you noticed differences in sleep patterns between children, adults, and elderly people?
