Welcome to our second episode of ListenUp! Our series dedicated to having fun conversations in English to help you, our dear English learner, improve your English comprehension and speaking skills!
Remember, with ListenUp!, you get to record yourself speaking in English and responding to the conversation you’ve just heard. Read the quick tutorial here so that you know how to record your reply. :)
Source: Pixabay
SCUBA DIVING & OUR FRIEND, MIKAEL!
Today, we will get to know my dear friend, Mikael who is at level A1 in his English learning journey. I met Mikael while exploring the southern regions of France and during our conversation, I became quite fascinated by his new career as a scuba diving instructor and the importance of using English in his work. I invited him to our English community to have a quick chat.
As you listen to our conversation, think about why English is important to you and how it will help your career or in other areas of your life. Later, you will have a chance to record yourself answering the same questions Mikael answered. Don’t be shy! It’s very important to me that all levels of English are represented in our English community, which is why we have Mikael, level A1 with us today. So be sure to join the conversation no matter your level!
Source: Pixabay
LET’S GET TO KNOW A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MIKAEL’S CHOSEN CAREER: SCUBA DIVING
According to PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, scuba diving is a water sport that involves breathing air from a tank while underwater. “Scuba” is an acronym for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.
PADI is the most recognized dive training organization worldwide with over 29 million certifications. PADI Dive Instructors undergo rigorous training to ensure scuba certification classes are fun and safe. And this, my friends, is what Mikael is training to do.
With his scuba diving certification, Mikael will train his clients how to scuba dive safely. He will also help with marine exploration projects and repairing coral reefs. With a scuba diving certification, your career possibilities are as vast as the ocean itself!
Source: Pixabay
THE INTERVIEW: MIKAEL
Now that we have a general idea of scuba diving, let’s get to know Mikael. Are you ready to join the party and laugh with us? Great! Let’s go!
Source: Pixabay
After listening to the next audio, tell us below why English is important for Mikael’s career.
In this next section, Mikael tells us what he enjoys about the
English language. Can you guess what it is before listening?
Now that you’ve listened, were you correct? Tell us what you guessed.
Like Mikael, when learning a language, you may find that some aspects of the target language are easier and some are difficult. Reflect on what you find easy or difficult about English.
Now, it’s your turn. Before moving on to the next audio clip, practice saying the words, “Three” and “Thoughts.” How did you do?
You’ve heard us practice, now you give it a try: “Than” and “That.”
We’ve said our goodbyes to Mikael, but we’re not done yet! Continue below to jump into the conversation with us. :D
OVER TO YOU!
Ok, now it’s your turn to answer a few simple questions just like
Mikael did. Click REPLY below to either write your answers or record yourself
answering the questions verbally.
Source: Pixabay
Task 1: The following questions are to test your listening comprehension and also to learn what you think about scuba diving.
1. Why is English important for Mikael?
2. What does Mikael enjoy about English?
3. Have you ever scuba-dived? If so, tell us where you were, what you saw, and who you were with. We want details!
4. If you haven’t scuba-dived before, would you like to try it? Why or why not?
Task 2: Now, you’re the one that’s being interviewed!
Type your answers below or record your answers with the OLS voice recorder.
Click this tutorial to see
how to record.
2. Where are you from and what’s your native language?
3. How long have you been learning English?
4. Why are you learning English?
5. What career would you like to have in which English will be useful?
6. What do you enjoy about the English language?
7. Are there any difficult words you would like help pronouncing? (Click here to add it our list so we can practice together.)
**REMINDER** - OLS VIDEO CONTEST
Now that you’ve answered these questions; why not take it a step further and enter the OLS Video Contest? Deadline is 4 February 2024 and you can find all the details here.
Thanks for being part of our English community!
Iya, OLS Community Manager - English