Private Language Tutor

Nick: Hi. Uh, are you Sarah?

The Big Sister: No, I'm not. I'm her older sister.
Nick: Well, I'm here to talk to her . . .
The Big Sister: I know why you here.
Nick: Good. Uh, Is Sarah here?
The Big Sister: Um, first I have a couple of questions, and youd better answer them. First
of all, what is your name?
Nick: Uh, my name? I'm Nick . . .
The Big Sister: I thought so. Where are you from?
Nick: Um. I'm from Brownsville. Why are you asking me . . .
The Big Sister: Okay. How old are you?
Nick: What!?
The Big Sister: How old are you?
Nick:

Does that matter?

The Big Sister: Of course, it matters. I wouldn't be asking otherwise.

Nick: Really?
The Big Sister: Really. Yeah. Sarah's only 19.
Nick: Okay, I'm 22. Now, is Sarah here?
The Big Sister: Where did you first meet Sarah and why do you like her so much?
Nick: Like her? What do you mean? I've only met her once in . . .
The Big Sister: Don't lie to me, Nick.
Nick: Are you sure you have the right guy? Listen. Are you sure?
The Big Sister: Yeah! I'm sure, I'm sure.
Nick: Listen. I'm leaving. I don't need the money THAT much.
The Big Sister: Money? Wait! What do you mean?
Nick: Listen. I'm a teaching assistant at the university, and I met Sarah in the
Spanish class last week. She asked me if I could teach her, you know, help
her with her class.
The Big Sister: So, you're not Nick Roberts, that guy that drives that crazy motorcycle?
[No!] The one with the large tattoo of a large snake across his back?
Nick: No! What? You've got the wrong guy. I'm leaving. This whole thing is
crazy.
Vocabulary
1. couple, n., a small number of people or things:

- We went there a couple of years ago.

2.

- I'll be with you in a minute. There are a couple of things I have to do first.
- We can do it in the next couple of weeks.
- The last couple of years have been difficult.
had better, modal of advice, have to, must, with a feeling of possible negative consequences:
- You had better find a private teacher and start studying more, or you will fail the class.
- You'd better go to the doctor about your cough.
- You'd better not do that again.
- If you think it is going to be easy, you'd best think again.

3.

matter, v., something is important and makes a difference:

- Good study habits matter in learning and passing classes.
- "What did you say?" "Oh, it doesn't matter."
- The children matter more to her than anything else in the world.
- What does it matter if I spent $100 on itit's my money!
- As long as you're happy, that's all that matters.
- It doesn't matter to me what you do.

4.

once, adv., one time; at some time in the past:

- I had a great teacher once, and she taught the subject very clearly.
- She only sees her parents once every six months.
- All right, I'll give you a lift - just this once.

5.

lie, v., not tell the truth:

- Brandon lied and said he took lessons from a private French teacher, but he can't even say
hello in the language.
- I suspect he lies about his age.

6.

7.

- You could see from his face that he was lying.

guy, n., informal for person, usually a man:
- That guy is a real good language tutor if you need help with your Chinese.
- Do you mean the guy with the blonde hair and glasses?
- Dave's a nice guy when you get to know him.
- Jake's a real tough guy.
whole, adj., full, complete, used to emphasize the noun,
- I did poorly on the whole test.
- There's still a whole month till my birthday.
- This whole thing (= situation) is ridiculous.
Matching Exercise
lie; whole; once; had better; matter

1.
2.
3.
4.

My father took a Spanish class _________, but he doesn't remember anything.

Do you have to read the ___________ book by next Monday?
Good grammar _____________ when you are trying to learn a new language.
Don't ____ to me. I know you don't take lessons from a tutor. Your grades are terrible.

5.

Jessica ______________ review for final test, or she will have to repeat the class.