Fast English Listening Practice

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Questions and Answers

What does the phrase 'backup plan' refer to?

  • A plan that is implemented at a later time.
  • A plan that is never used.
  • A plan that includes multiple alternatives.
  • A secondary plan to use if the original fails. (correct)

What does the informal expression 'pissed off' mean?

  • To make someone laugh.
  • To confuse someone severely.
  • To annoy someone mildly.
  • To make someone really angry. (correct)

In the sentence 'Her comment really pissed me off', what part of speech is 'pissed'?

  • Present tense verb.
  • Past participle verb. (correct)
  • Adjective.
  • Gerund.

What is the purpose of saying 'take what she says with a grain of salt'?

<p>To suggest skepticism about someone's truthfulness. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What verbal form is 'take' in the sentence 'Take what she says with a grain of salt'?

<p>Imperative form. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the sound 'should have' transformed in native speech?

<p>Shoulda. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context given, what would be an appropriate situation for using a 'backup plan'?

<p>When making a presentation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of the soft 't' sound in the word 'pissed'?

<p>It denotes the past tense but is often subtle. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might 'pissing someone off' be considered impolite in direct address?

<p>It implies a lack of respect. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker mean by ‘take a sentence three times’?

<p>Hearing it multiple times to understand. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'it's high time' suggest?

<p>It's an appropriate moment for an action. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of linking sounds like in 'back up’?

<p>To make speech flow more naturally. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might you need to write down what you hear during the exercises?

<p>It aids in understanding pronunciation changes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In conversational English, how do native speakers commonly alter the phrase 'should have'?

<p>Should've. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'it's high time' imply?

<p>Something should happen sooner rather than later. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to let someone go' mean in a workplace context?

<p>To terminate someone's employment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the word 'frazzled' used in context?

<p>To look tired and worried. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the verb 'to nitpick'?

<p>To find faults in unimportant details. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when someone 'nitpicks like crazy'?

<p>They obsessively point out minor faults. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the phrase 'it's okay to be picky', what is the connotation of 'picky'?

<p>An acceptable level of selectiveness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence correctly uses 'it's high time'?

<p>It's high time we decide where to go on vacation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'take what she says with a grain of salt' imply?

<p>Consider her words with skepticism. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when pronouncing 'little' in fast speech?

<p>It may sound like 'liddle'. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When someone 'looks frazzled', which of the following is least likely?

<p>They look well-groomed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a nitpicker described as?

<p>An individual who finds many faults. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates someone nitpicking?

<p>Complaining about the meal's temperature. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What tone does the phrase 'we should have had a backup plan' convey?

<p>Regret about a past decision. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might cause someone to look frazzled?

<p>Handling multiple stressful tasks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes someone who has very strong preferences about what they like and dislike?

<p>Picky (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is it considered acceptable to be picky, according to the content?

<p>When selecting a job or spouse (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'let's call it a day' imply?

<p>Let's stop working for the day (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'beat' mean in this context?

<p>To be exhausted or very tired (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason to say 'let's call it a day'?

<p>Because everyone is exhausted or unproductive (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to be 'nosy'?

<p>To be overly interested in others' private matters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'pet peeve'?

<p>Something that annoys someone particularly (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT mentioned as a common pet peeve?

<p>Frequent interruptions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'working like crazy' suggest?

<p>Working very hard or tirelessly (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which situation most accurately exemplifies being nosy?

<p>Checking a significant other's phone without permission (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might someone react to bad manners according to the content?

<p>By feeling annoyed (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the gerund form of the verb that describes being nosy?

<p>Being nosy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If someone is described as 'cluttered,' what does it mean?

<p>It is very messy and disorganized (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might be a reason to tell someone 'you shouldn't be so nosy'?

<p>They are invading someone's privacy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'got a little out of hand' imply?

<p>The situation became chaotic. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to stick up for someone' mean?

<p>To support or defend someone. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the word 'caught' pronounced in the phrase 'caught me off guard'?

<p>caught (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when someone is described as being 'nosy'?

<p>They are curious about others' affairs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the phrase 'his email really caught me off guard', what does 'caught off guard' indicate?

<p>I was surprised by the email. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'diet' refer to in this context?

<p>A meal plan. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When someone is said to be 'picky', what quality are they exhibiting?

<p>They are selective about their choices. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the phrase 'you shouldn't be so nosy' considered negative?

<p>It indicates a lack of personal boundaries. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'it's so hard sticking to this diet' emphasize?

<p>The difficulty of adhering to a diet plan. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the sentence 'thanks for sticking up for me', what is the speaker expressing?

<p>Support and appreciation for defense. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can the word 'little' be pronounced by native speakers?

<p>lit-tle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'pulling someone off guard' usually mean?

<p>To catch someone unprepared. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What grammatical structure is used in the sentence 'I was caught off guard by his email'?

<p>Passive voice. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of pronunciation is highlighted when saying 'thanks for sticking up for me'?

<p>Unstressed syllables. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'down the line' imply in a conversation?

<p>It indicates that something will happen eventually, but not immediately. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is in the present perfect tense?

<p>Have you edited it yet? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'have what it takes'?

<p>To have the necessary skills or qualities for success. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'all set' imply in a conversation?

<p>Checking if someone is prepared or ready (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences uses 'already' correctly in a present perfect statement?

<p>I have already finished my homework. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the expression 'to be all over the map'?

<p>To be in a disorganized or confused state (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to move up' in a business context usually refer to?

<p>To get a promotion or a higher position. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the phrase 'keep your eyes peeled for the turn', what does 'keep your eyes peeled' suggest?

<p>To watch carefully or be alert (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context provided, what does being 'caught up' mean?

<p>To have completed all previously assigned tasks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an informal way to ask for an estimated cost?

<p>Can you just ballpark the cost for me? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to ballpark' something refer to?

<p>To offer a vague idea or rough estimate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'let's revisit this down the line' mean?

<p>To talk about this in the future (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should the auxiliary verb 'does' be pronounced in a quick conversational context?

<p>Dus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the use of auxiliary verbs in conversational English?

<p>They can often be reduced in pronunciation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct form of the verb in: 'I ___ edited the document yet'?

<p>haven't (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is likely the most challenging aspect of saying 'have you edited it yet'?

<p>The pronunciation of 'edited'. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When someone suggests to 'keep your eyes peeled for any spelling or grammar mistakes', what are they implying?

<p>To check for mistakes carefully (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase would indicate a person is prepared for a meeting?

<p>I'm all caught up. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can 'all set' typically be used in a conversation?

<p>To ask if someone is ready to go (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible common outcome of using the phrase 'ballpark figure'?

<p>To understand the range of costs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ability is implied when someone says they might not have the fluency skills?

<p>They possess the qualities to succeed in learning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the sentence 'can you just ballpark the cost for me' imply?

<p>A rough estimate is being requested (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence illustrates a common use of the term 'yet' in questions?

<p>Have you finished the project yet? (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a disorganized report symbolize when described as 'all over the map'?

<p>It addresses too many topics incompletely (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following verbs is highlighted as imperative in the content?

<p>Keep (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does being asked to 'revisit this down the line' imply about the timing of a next discussion?

<p>It will happen at a future time that is not defined. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of going on a diet?

<p>To lose weight or body fat (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to stick to a diet?

<p>To continue with an eating plan despite challenges (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'stick it out' mean?

<p>To continue something until it is finished (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In spoken English, why might native speakers drop auxiliary verbs?

<p>They are not needed to understand the meaning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'I'm all caught up' imply?

<p>Having met all deadlines completely (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'bring someone up to speed' mean?

<p>To inform someone about the latest updates (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the phrase 'go on a diet'?

<p>It describes a permanent lifestyle change (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the T sound pronounced in the phrase 'stick it out'?

<p>Like a soft D sound (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied when someone asks, 'Do you have a sec?'

<p>They require a brief amount of time for a discussion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the phrase 'going out' best described?

<p>Participating in a social activity outside the home (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'are you all set' imply?

<p>You are ready for an upcoming situation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'healthy diet'?

<p>A balanced intake of nutritious food and drink (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which situation would you likely ask 'Are you going out tonight?'

<p>Inquiring about social plans for the evening (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What tense is used in the question 'Are you going out tonight?'

<p>Present continuous tense (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the words 'you all' in the southern U.S. dialect?

<p>They become 'y'all' (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by the phrase 'it's so hard sticking to this diet'?

<p>This eating plan presents challenges (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a synonym of 'caught up'?

<p>Behind (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'edited it' imply in the context mentioned?

<p>To have made changes to a document (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does continuing on a diet until a goal is achieved signify?

<p>Commitment to the eating plan (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of unstressed sounds in conversational speech?

<p>They speed up the conversation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When someone mentions they were on vacation and asks to be brought 'up to speed', what are they seeking?

<p>An update on work-related matters (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the word 'all' in the phrase 'I’m all caught up'?

<p>It is often omitted in casual conversation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'diet' imply in its general sense?

<p>Any food and drink consumed regularly (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If someone responds positively to 'Do you have a sec?', what may they be implying?

<p>They are available for a quick chat (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does dedicating oneself to a diet involve?

<p>Commitment and focus on the plan (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The combination of 'out' and 'tonight' in 'going out tonight' demonstrates what grammatical concept?

<p>Pronunciation reduction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following expressions suggests someone is ready to discuss a document?

<p>Do you have a sec to talk about this? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When someone says 'I've edited it', what task are they likely indicating they have completed?

<p>Modified it (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Picky

To have strong preferences about what you like and dislike.

It's okay

Something that is acceptable or allowed.

I'm beat

To be very tired or exhausted.

Let's call it a day

To stop working for the day, usually because you are tired or have finished what you need to do.

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Shouldn't

A contraction of 'should not'.

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Nosy

To be interested in what other people are doing or saying, even if it doesn't involve you.

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Gerund statement

A sentence that starts with a gerund verb (a verb ending in -ing).

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Pet peeve

Something that especially annoys you.

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Loud chewing

To chew loudly and obnoxiously.

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Bad manners

Lack of manners; being impolite.

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Clutter

A state of being disorganized or messy.

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It's high time...

It means something should happen immediately, and it's implied that it should have happened earlier.

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Linking

Combining sounds from adjacent words to make a single word sound. Eg. "back up" sounds like "backup" in fast English.

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Let someone go

To permanently end someone's employment with a company.

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Backup Plan

A plan that is used as an alternative when the original plan fails.

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Pronounce the "t" between vowels

To pronounce the "t" sound between two vowels with a very soft "d" sound, or omit it completely.

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To look frazzled

To look tired, worried, and stressed.

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To piss someone off

To make someone very angry. An informal and often impolite expression.

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Imitation exercise

To repeat a phrase or sentence exactly as someone else said it.

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Soft "ed"

The soft and nearly silent sound of "ed" at the end of a past simple verb like "pissed".

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To nitpick

To find small faults or criticisms in unimportant details.

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To be pissed off

Being very angry. An informal expression.

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Take something with a grain of salt

An expression used to suggest that you should not completely believe everything someone says.

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A nitpicker

Someone who constantly nitpicks.

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"Like crazy"

To do something excessively or quickly.

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Imperative

A grammatical structure that gives instructions, orders, or suggestions.

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High time

A phrase that expresses the idea that it's time to do something. Often used to express urgency.

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It's okay to be picky sometimes

It's alright to be selective or particular.

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It's

A contraction of "it is".

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Sound Linking

A combination of sounds from adjacent words, resulting in a shortened pronunciation. Eg. "Let Her Go" sounding like "Letter Go" in fast English.

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Silent "h"

The nearly silent pronunciation of "her" which sounds like "er" in fast English.

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Unstressed "to"

To pronounce a word with the vowel sound before the "t" connected to it.

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Fast English

The use of simplified sounds and contractions in fast English, which can make it challenging for learners.

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Have a backup plan

To have a backup plan.

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Reduced Sounds

Sounds or words that are not clearly pronounced in fast English.

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Pissed me off

To be extremely annoyed or angered by something.

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Take what she says with the grain of salt

To be skeptical and not completely believe what someone says.

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Contextual Pronunciation

The use of different pronunciations depending on the context of the sentence.

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Coming back to our...

A word or phrase used to provide a contrast or transition to a new point.

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Out of hand

To lose control of something, becoming chaotic or unmanageable. This is a negative connotation, implying lack of order or management.

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Catch someone off guard

To surprise someone unexpectedly, often with news or information. This is typically used in negative situations, where the surprise is unwelcome or shocking.

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Stick up for someone

To support or defend someone, especially when they are being criticized or attacked.

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Diet

A plan that specifies what foods to eat and in what quantities to manage weight or improve health.

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Elongated 'so'

A strong emphasis or feeling, expressed by lengthening the sound of the word.

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Connective

A word or phrase used to connect two or more ideas or sentences together.

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Contraction

A short and informal form of a word, formed by combining two words and leaving out letters.

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Native-like pronunciation

The pronunciation of a word or phrase in a way that is natural and typical for native speakers.

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Pronunciation practice

The act of repeating a word or phrase to practice pronunciation.

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Dramatic speech

A style of speaking that involves using a lot of emotion and emphasis to convey a point.

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To emphasize

To emphasize a word or phrase by making it louder and clearer.

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Saying out loud

The act of saying or repeating something out loud, typically for practice or to improve pronunciation.

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Elliptical sentence

A short word or phrase used to indicate that a sentence is incomplete.

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All caught up

To be completely finished with a task or collection of tasks.

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Bring someone up to speed

To provide someone with the latest information or news on a topic.

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Do you have a sec?

A short amount of time, often used to ask if someone has a moment.

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To go out

To do a social activity outside of your home, often for fun or entertainment.

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Tongue twister

An expression used to describe an activity or situation that is very difficult to say or comprehend.

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All set?

To be ready or prepared. Often used to ask if someone is ready to leave.

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All over the map

Describes something that is disorganized, confusing, or lacking clear direction.

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Keep your eyes peeled

To watch carefully or be on alert for something.

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Ballpark

To provide a rough estimate of something.

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Ballpark figure

A general idea of a number, not an exact figure.

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Revisit this down the line

To consider or discuss something again in the future, at an unspecified date.

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Are you all set?

A way to ask if someone is ready to leave.

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Your - reduced sound

To reduce the sound of 'your' to a shorter, less stressed sound.

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Give me a ballpark figure

To provide a rough estimate of something, not an exact figure.

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Imperative verb tense

To give an instruction or provide a suggestion.

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The information was all over the map

To be in a state of confusion or disorganization.

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Keep your eyes peeled for mistakes.

To be attentive to details.

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Ballpark the cost

To provide a rough estimate of the cost.

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Let's revisit this down the line

To consider something again at a later time.

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Are you all set to leave?

To be ready to leave.

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What is a diet?

A planned way of eating, usually for losing weight, and is often temporary.

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What does "diet" mean in a general sense?

Overall, the food and drink someone regularly consumes. It can describe general dietary patterns.

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What does "go on a diet" mean?

To begin a diet or eating plan.

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What does "stick to something" mean?

To continue doing something even though it's difficult. It emphasizes perseverance and commitment.

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What does "stick it out" mean?

To finish something completely. It implies reaching the end of a task or project.

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What does "sticking to a diet" mean?

To continue a diet or eating plan until the end, even if it's hard.

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What does "stick it out with a diet" mean?

To finish a diet or eating plan, completing it as planned.

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What is the main idea of "stick to something"?

To continue doing something despite challenges, usually with strong commitment and persistence.

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What is the main idea of "stick it out"?

To finish something completely, reaching the end of a task or project.

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What is pronunciation reduction?

A sound change in unstressed words, making them sound shorter and less distinct.

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What is the pronunciation change of 't' between two vowels?

The sound of the letter "t" between two vowels, changing to sound like a soft "d" sound.

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What is sound transfer in pronunciation?

A combination of sounds in spoken language where a sound from one word transfers to the next for smooth pronunciation.

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What is "y'all"?

The informal or slang term used in Southern US for "you all" (meaning more than one person).

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What is the auxiliary verb drop in spoken English?

The auxiliary verb "are" is often dropped in spoken English, especially when it's not needed for understanding the meaning.

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What is the rising intonation in questions?

A question in spoken English can be identified by a rising intonation at the end, even if it's grammatically incomplete.

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Down the line

To delay something until a later, unspecified time.

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Yet (in a question with the present perfect)

A common English phrase used in questions with the present perfect tense, like "Have you edited it yet?"

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Have what it takes

To have the necessary skills or qualities for success in a certain area.

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To move up (in a business context)

To get a more important position within a company. It is a promotion.

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To be caught up

To finish all the tasks you were assigned to do.

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Revisit (down the line)

To examine or discuss something again at a later time.

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Keep your eyes peeled for the turn

To look very carefully for something.

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Have you edited it yet?

A question form using the present perfect tense.

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Already (with the present perfect)

Used to emphasize that something has already been done.

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Does (in a question)

An auxiliary verb used to express a quick, unstressed pronunciation.

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Soft D sound

A sound combination that happens when a 't' is between two vowels.

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Combining sounds

To combine sounds together in spoken English, making them smoother.

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Study Notes

Fast English Listening Practice

  • Lesson Focus: Improving listening comprehension of fast English, including natural pronunciation, advanced expressions, phrasal verbs, and idioms.
  • Test Structure: The entire one-hour lesson acts as a test, requiring understanding of individual words and complex expressions.
  • Learning Method: The speaker will say a sentence three times, followed by a detailed explanation, enabling students to understand the pronunciation changes and advanced expressions.

Example Listening Exercises

  • Backup Plan:
    • Pronunciation: Combination of sounds; the "l" in "should have" is often silent; linking of "back up".
    • Meaning: An alternative plan in case the original plan fails. (e.g., using a USB drive for a presentation).
  • "Pissed Me Off":
    • Pronunciation: The "ed" ending is a soft "t" sound, often unpronounced.
    • Meaning: A very informal way of saying "made me very angry". Consider the context -- use in complaints.
  • "Take Something With a Grain of Salt":
    • Pronunciation: Clear, but understanding the idiom is key.
    • Meaning: Don't believe everything you're told; consider the reliability of the information.
  • "It's High Time":
    • Pronunciation: Linking sounds; "Her" sounds like "er".
    • Meaning: Suggesting something should happen now, rather than later. Suggesting that needed to happen earlier.
  • "Frazzled":
    • Pronunciation: Soft "d" sound in the past-tense ending.
    • Meaning: To look or feel very tired and worried/anxious, often visibly.

Vocabulary and Idioms

  • Nitpick: Find fault in minor details.
  • Picky: Having strong preferences.
  • Beat: Extremely tired
  • Ballpark: A rough estimate.
  • Down the Line: In the future, but unspecified.

Grammar

  • Imperative: Giving orders, instructions, or suggestions.
  • Present Perfect: Expressing actions completed in the past with relation to the present.

Additional Tips

  • Imitation Exercises: Repeating sentences to practice pronunciation and speed.
  • Contractions: Using contractions (e.g., "it's" for "it is") shows natural speech.
  • Auxiliary Verbs: Native speakers often omit auxiliary verbs.
  • Reduced Pronunciation: Words are frequently combined, and sounds are reduced for fluency.
  • Linking: The speaker emphasizes linking sounds to enhance fluency.

Other Expressions

  • "All Set": Ready or prepared.
  • "Out of Hand": Out of control.
  • "Caught Me Off Guard": Surprising someone with information.
  • "Sticking Up For Someone": Supporting or defending someone.
  • "Stick To A Diet": Staying committed to a diet plan.
  • "Stick It Out": Continuing with something until the end.
  • "Bring Someone Up To Speed": Providing the latest information on something.
  • "Have What It Takes": Having the skills or qualities to succeed.
  • "Edit": Review and/or revise a document, especially to correct changes.
  • "Going Out": Leaving home for social activities.
  • "Keep Your Eyes Peeled": Watching carefully.
  • "Pet Peeve": Something that extremely annoys you.

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