Unit 29: Future Plans & Dreams
Warm-up and Vocabulary
What do you want to be in the future? Do you want to be a doctor? A gamer? An artist? Today, we will talk about your dreams and plans.
| Word | Definition (in simple English) |
| future | The time that is coming; not now, not past. |
| dream | A big hope or wish for the future. |
| university | A school you go to after high school. |
| study | To read and learn things, usually for school. |
| job / career | The work you do to make money. |
| advice | An idea you give to help someone. |
| plan | An idea about what you will do in the future. |
Activity 1: Vocabulary Match
Activity 2: Check Your Vocabulary
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
Why Are They Talking?
Think about all the conversations you have in a day. You don’t just talk for no reason, right? There’s always a “why” behind it. Maybe you need to figure out weekend plans, or you’re lost and need directions, or you just need to complain about a bad day.
When we listen to a conversation, especially in a test, one of our first jobs is to figure out that “why.” We call this the “gist” or the “main purpose” of the conversation. It’s the #1 reason the conversation is happening.
Let’s listen to a few common scenarios.
Scenario 1: Looking for Guidance
Sometimes, the “why” is that someone feels lost and needs help figuring out what to do.
Why are they talking? The student isn’t just stating a fact; she’s there to ask for advice.
Scenario 2: Making Things Happen
Another common reason is just to get organized with someone else.
Why are they talking? They are working together to make a plan.
Scenario 3: Just the Facts
Often, the purpose is simple: someone is missing a piece of information.
Why are they talking? The student’s goal is simply to ask for information.
Tip:
In many listening tests, the very first question you’re asked is often about the main purpose. This is a big hint! It means the answer is almost always hiding in the first few sentences. As soon as you hit play, your main goal is to ask yourself, “What does the first speaker want?”
Skill Practice
Activity 1: What is the purpose?
Listen to the short conversations. What is the main purpose?
Activity 2: Find the Word