Blogger Widgets Blogger Widgets ¡Mira que luna......! Look at that moon....! Resources for learning English: THE ENGLISH WE SPEAK: Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed

!Mira que luna! Look at that moon! Resources for learning English

!Mira que luna! Look at that moon! Resources for learning English
Fernando Olivera: El rapto.- TEXT FROM THE NOVEL The goldfinch by Donna Tartt (...) One night we were in San Antonio, and I was having a bit of a melt-down, wanting my own room, you know, my dog, my own bed, and Daddy lifted me up on the fairgrounds and told me to look at the moon. When "you feel homesick", he said, just look up. Because the moon is the same wherever you go". So after he died, and I had to go to Aunt Bess -I mean, even now, in the city, when I see a full moon, it's like he's telling me not to look back or feel sad about things, that home is wherever I am. She kissed me on the nose. Or where you are, puppy. The center of my earth is you". The goldfinch Donna Tartt 4441 English edition

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

THE ENGLISH WE SPEAK: Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed


Listen

William is very puzzled to see Li arriving at the office with glitter around her eyes and a bushy tail like a squirrel. Find out more in this week's programme.
a squirrel

The script for this programme

Will: Hi! I'm William. And here's... er well, something that looks a bit like Li, but kind of half-Li half-animal. Are you okay Li?

Li: Yes, I am very well, thank you.

Will: I don't mean to be rude, but... why have you got a large, bushy tail today?

Li: Well, it was an order from the boss.

Will: The boss told you to come in with a tail?

Li: Yes.

Will: Right. But what about the bright, sparkling glitter around your eyes?

Li: Oh, that too. Don't you think it makes my eyes look lovely and bright?

Will: Well, yes, they are kind of... dazzling.

Li: I think he will be pleased. Yesterday he wasn't pleased with me. He said I looked bored and tired. It's true I didn't get much work done, I'd had a late night.

Will: Right. So what will the tail and sparkly eyes do - make you work harder?

Li: Yes! Apparently!

Will: Li, I'm not sure that the rest of the team will be able to concentrate with all of that fur and glitter in the office!

Li: Well, it was the boss's idea - not mine.

Will: Li, what did he actually say when he asked you to do this?

Li: He said: 'Li, tomorrow I expect you to come in bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.'

Will: Right. I hate to say this, but it's just an expression.

Li: What? Just an expression? Why does this keep happening to me?

Will: Well, if you're bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, you're full of energy and enthusiasm. The boss didn't expect you to come in looking like some kind of squirrel on its way to the Oscars.

Li: Oh.

Will: He just wanted you to be a bit more motivated and energetic.

Li: Oh no, I'm never going to be able to get this tail off - I put so much glue on it. Everyone will laugh at me!

Will: Maybe. Here are some examples:
  • Wow, look at you, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed! It looks like you're ready for action!
  • After the summer holidays, the children returned to school bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
Li: Oh Will, what will people say when they look at my tail?

Will: They'll probably just start feeding you nuts.

Li: Oh! This is terrible!

Will: Or maybe acorns.

Li: What shall I do?

Will: Well I wouldn't eat the acorns, but there's nothing wrong with nuts.

Li: Will, help me! Pull this tail, please, pull!

Will: Okay. Come on! Come on, silly tail!

Li: It's all the boss's fault!

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