Tommy and Emily discuss what is Christmas? What? are the presents for? Why do we give presents?

English My Way

The meaning of Christmas

Welcome English learners! Today we’re continuing the conversation between Jennifer and James. In the last episode, James had just met Jennifer while he was walking in the park. Her dog had fetched a ball and had come close to him. Jennifer was in the middle of telling him why she started dog sitting for her friend. Listen to the story in this episode to grow your vocabulary and listening skills. Enjoy!
“I was having coffee with my friend, Sarah, and we were talking about how difficult it is to live up to the standards of being a “modern woman.” Jennifer started her story.
“Oh, that sounds like an interesting conversation…” James responded. “I’ve always felt like it must be almost impossible for women to balance career and family. Especially single women.”
“Well, yeah, that’s what we were saying to each other. There’s a lot of pressure on women to be “independent,” as if they don’t need men in their lives. I think marriage and family are great and I hate the stigma that is sometimes given to housewives in our society.”
“That’s an interesting perspective to hear from a woman.” James replied. “You wouldn’t know that based on what you see in the media.”
“Exactly. Anyways, Sarah is married, so she and her husband are taking a trip this weekend. She works as an accountant, so she stays busy, but she wants to have kids, too. That’s why we were talking about “modern women.” Anyhow, I offered to watch their dog for the weekend, so here I am!” Jennifer explained.
“I see. That’s nice of you to do for her!” James appreciated this small act Jennifer was doing for her friend. He wanted to learn more about her, but she had a question for him.
“So, what brings you out to the park on a Saturday morning?” Jennifer inquired.
“I like to go for a walk when I’m thinking about something.” James told her.
“Ah, ok. So, can I ask what’s on your mind?” Sarah asked with an inquisitive look on her face. 
James was more than happy to tell her.


Stories in English

Why Jennifer is Dog Sitting

This is the first short episode in the story where two people meet. See the transcript below to help aid your comprehension.

Welcome English learners! Today we’re going to begin a story that will last for several episodes. You can listen to the story episode by episode and grow your vocabulary and listening skills. Enjoy!

James looked over his shoulder. He saw something running toward him very fast. His heart started beating rapidly. He thought it was a person, but when he turned to face them, he realized that it wasn’t a person. It was a large black dog. The dog was getting closer and closer, but it wasn’t barking at him. In fact, the dog looked happy. Then he saw why the dog was running. There was a tennis ball bouncing and rolling toward him and the dog was chasing it.

James looked up and saw a woman about one hundred yards away from him. She was short and blonde. The dog grabbed the ball with his mouth and started running back toward her.

“Good boy!” she said.

“That’s a beautiful dog you have,” James said to her.

“Thanks! Actually, he’s not my dog. I’m just watching him for a friend this weekend.” she replied.

“Oh, I see,” said James. “Well, how did your friend get you to dog-sit for them?” James asked.

“That’s actually along story,” she answered with a smile.

James liked her smile and he had time to spare. He walked casually toward her and the dog. 

“I’ve got time. What’s the story?” James asked. “My name’s James, by the way.”

“Jennifer. Nice to meet you. Well, it actually started a few months ago when I was hanging out with my friend…” she said.

Well, that’s the end of the story for this episode. Tune in to the next episode to hear more about what happens with Jennifer and James. Be sure to write down any new vocabulary and listen again to improve your comprehension. See you next time!
