INTRODUCE
It can be fun to find out what has changed in someone’s life.
PRESENT
STEP A EXPRESSIONS
Go over the expressions with your tutor and answer the questions.
1. If you catch up with someone, it means that you update each other about what happened while you were apart.
It’s so great to catch up with you after all these years!
Q: What’s the best way to catch up with someone? Why?
a. meeting in person |
b. talking on the phone or through video chat |
2. You can use the phrase I’m all ears when you want to tell someone that you’re listening and that he/she has your full attention.
You want to talk about Derek? I’m all ears!
Q: Which person would you say “I’m all ears!” to? Why?
a. “Do you want to hear about this new book I bought?” |
b. “A new cat café opened in my city! I want to tell you all about it.” |
3. The phrase give me all the details is used to encourage someone to tell you the whole story about something.
You went on a month-long tour of Europe, right? Give me all the details!
Q: If your friend went on a date yesterday and wanted to tell you about it, which reaction would you have? Why?
a. “Nice! Give me all the details!” |
b. “Sorry, I’ll pass.” |
STEP B PRONUNCIATION
| Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
give me / gimme / |
/ Gimme / all the details! |
UNDERSTAND
SPEAKING
Naoki is catching up with an old coworker who moved to Germany several years earlier.
 |
- Naoki:
I can’t believe it’s been five years. I’m so glad I have a chance to catch up with you!
- Shouta:
Me too. You’ve changed a lot! And wow, your suit looks really expensive.
- Naoki:
Ah, this. (laughs) Well, you know, I need to look presentable for potential contacts. I’m actually aiming for a promotion, so I’m taking every opportunity to build my network in Japan and abroad.
- Shouta:
Wow! A promotion? Give me all the details!
- Naoki:
Well, the company’s looking for someone to send to California. The competition’s pretty tough, which is why I’m really doing all I can to get chosen. I’ve even started taking online English lessons twice a week to improve my speaking skills!
- Shouta:
Ah… You’re as hardworking as ever.
- Naoki:
That’s not all. I’m also trying to get on my boss’s good side. I go drinking with him almost every week. I also play golf with him every weekend.
- Shouta:
Interesting! I’m sure your boss has shared a lot of stories with you.
- Naoki:
Yeah. He spends hours talking about his adventures when he was young. During the weekends, I’m always busy playing golf and listening to his stories that I don’t have time to catch up on my favorite TV show. Anyway, enough about me; tell me what’s new with you! I’m all ears!
TRIVIA
Do you know the difference between catch up with someone and catch up on something? They look very similar, but be careful – they mean very different things! Catch up on something means to do an activity that you were not able to finish or do earlier.
O I did a lot of overtime this month, so I didn’t see my friends much. I’m going to catch up with them this weekend.
O I did a lot of overtime this month, so I didn’t sleep much. I’m going to catch up on sleep this weekend.
PRACTICE
STEP A EXERCISE
Replace the underlined parts with expressions from the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.
- I haven’t seen you since we graduated! We really need to see each other again soon.
- What did Mr. Pembroke say? Tell me all about it, please!
- If you need to say something, you have my attention.
STEP B EXERCISE
Complete the conversation using the expressions in the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.
- Tutor:
Hey, I’ll be visiting next week from the States! I’d love to meet up with you.
- Student:
Absolutely! Can you believe it’s been seven years since we last saw each other? I can’t wait to __________!
- Tutor:
Same here! Actually, I have some news that can’t wait until next week…
- Student:
What is it? __________!
- Tutor:
I’m getting married soon!
- Student:
Oh my gosh, really? Congratulations!
- Tutor:
Thank you! I’m so excited. My fiancé and I are planning the most amazing honeymoon. We were actually inspired by that trip to Europe you and I took that time.
- Student:
Wow, really? __________.
- Tutor:
Sure! I’ll tell you more when we meet next week. See you soon!
CHALLENGE
Challenge 1
While on vacation in Germany, you’re meeting up with an old friend from university who moved to Germany years ago. Talk about what’s changed with you and find out what’s new with your friend as well.
Today's Expressions
- catch up with someone
- I’m all ears!
- Give me all the details!
 |
Challenge 2
Discuss your ideas.
If TimeAllows
1 CATCHING UP |
2 CHANGES |
3 STAYING THE SAME |
|---|---|---|
|
1 CATCHING UP
|
2CHANGES
|
3STAYING THE SAME
|
FEEDBACK
I can enthusiastically get information from someone I haven't seen in a while.
LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT
-
4
Very GoodCould complete the task with ease
-
3
GoodCould complete the task with some clarifications
-
2
FairCould complete the task with additional instructions
-
1
PoorCould somehow complete the task with difficulty
PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK
- RANGE
the ability to use a wide variety of vocabulary - ACCURACY
the ability to speak correctly - FLUENCY
the ability to speak smoothly without pauses or fillers - INTERACTION
the ability to manage a conversation
