December 16, 2024 • 12 mins
In this English lesson, you're going to practice your listening skills with the story The Uninvited Guest. After the story, we'll explore seven key phrases that will help you understand how to convey suspense, tension, and emotional depth in English. Whether you're here to improve your vocabulary, comprehension, or overall fluency, this lesson will give you practical tools to use in everyday conversations.
Chapters: 00:00 intro to the story
01:00 the story
07:24 learn phrases from the story
RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ENGLISH
Affiliate Disclosure Some links in this description may be affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!
Fantastic courses from a teacher friend: https://www.tofluency.com/espresso/
Find a language teacher online here: https://go.italki.com/tofluency
Learn English through TV: https://www.tofluency.com/fluentu/
Learn English with AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cIvJsDPmXw
Speaking method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7PGRbvJBkQ
Writing method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDkiY1lcfgw
The first phrase: A knot form in her stomach 💬 Laura felt a knot form in her stomach when she saw David at the door. 💬 I felt a knot in my stomach before the exam. 💬 She had a knot in her stomach when she realized she'd made a mistake.
The second phrase: Good to see you again 💬 David said, "Good to see you again," to James in a neutral way. 💬 It's good to see you again after all these years. 💬 Good to see you again! How have you been?
The third phrase: Never one to miss an opportunity 💬 David was described as never one to miss an opportunity, meaning he always took advantage of chances. 💬 She's never one to miss an opportunity to help others. 💬 He's never one to miss an opportunity to show off his knowledge.
The fourth phrase: Stick with you 💬 David said some memories stick with you, meaning they remain in your mind for a long time. 💬 The kindness of strangers during my trip really stuck with me. 💬 That lesson stuck with him and shaped how he handled challenges.
The fifth phrase: Walking on a tightrope 💬 Laura felt like she was walking on a tightrope during the evening, navigating a delicate situation. 💬 Managing the team while avoiding conflicts felt like walking on a tightrope. 💬 She was walking on a tightrope trying not to upset anyone.
The sixth phrase: Lingering gaze 💬 David's lingering gaze added to the tension, suggesting deeper feelings or intentions. 💬 His lingering gaze told her everything he didn’t say. 💬 The lingering gaze between them hinted at something unspoken.
The seventh phrase: Let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding 💬 Laura let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding after David left, feeling relieved. 💬 When the test was over, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. 💬 She finally let out a breath as the situation resolved.
By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a deeper understanding of these phrases and how to use them effectively in your own conversations. Listen to the story again and focus on how these expressions are used in context. Don’t forget to share this video with friends who are learning English—it helps the podcast grow and reach more learners. Thank you for watching, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!
Chapters: 00:00 intro to the story
01:00 the story
07:24 learn phrases from the story
RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ENGLISH
Affiliate Disclosure Some links in this description may be affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!
Fantastic courses from a teacher friend: https://www.tofluency.com/espresso/
Find a language teacher online here: https://go.italki.com/tofluency
Learn English through TV: https://www.tofluency.com/fluentu/
Learn English with AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cIvJsDPmXw
Speaking method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7PGRbvJBkQ
Writing method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDkiY1lcfgw
The first phrase: A knot form in her stomach 💬 Laura felt a knot form in her stomach when she saw David at the door. 💬 I felt a knot in my stomach before the exam. 💬 She had a knot in her stomach when she realized she'd made a mistake.
The second phrase: Good to see you again 💬 David said, "Good to see you again," to James in a neutral way. 💬 It's good to see you again after all these years. 💬 Good to see you again! How have you been?
The third phrase: Never one to miss an opportunity 💬 David was described as never one to miss an opportunity, meaning he always took advantage of chances. 💬 She's never one to miss an opportunity to help others. 💬 He's never one to miss an opportunity to show off his knowledge.
The fourth phrase: Stick with you 💬 David said some memories stick with you, meaning they remain in your mind for a long time. 💬 The kindness of strangers during my trip really stuck with me. 💬 That lesson stuck with him and shaped how he handled challenges.
The fifth phrase: Walking on a tightrope 💬 Laura felt like she was walking on a tightrope during the evening, navigating a delicate situation. 💬 Managing the team while avoiding conflicts felt like walking on a tightrope. 💬 She was walking on a tightrope trying not to upset anyone.
The sixth phrase: Lingering gaze 💬 David's lingering gaze added to the tension, suggesting deeper feelings or intentions. 💬 His lingering gaze told her everything he didn’t say. 💬 The lingering gaze between them hinted at something unspoken.
The seventh phrase: Let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding 💬 Laura let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding after David left, feeling relieved. 💬 When the test was over, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. 💬 She finally let out a breath as the situation resolved.
By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a deeper understanding of these phrases and how to use them effectively in your own conversations. Listen to the story again and focus on how these expressions are used in context. Don’t forget to share this video with friends who are learning English—it helps the podcast grow and reach more learners. Thank you for watching, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
In this English lesson, you're going to listen to a
story called The Uninvited Guest, and this is to practice
your English listening schools. If you are watching on YouTube,
then turn on the captions so that you can listen
and read at the same time. And at the end
of the story, we're going to explore some key terms
that will help improve your English. My name is Jack
(00:23):
from to Fluency. I'm really excited to read this story
to you because I think it's a great way for
you to improve your English. Be sure to check the
description for the key terms from this story and listen
to the end because the story hopefully is going to
be very interesting to you. And also we're going to
(00:46):
explore those key terms so that you can learn new
words and phrases. So sit back or continue doing whatever
you're doing, relax and listen to The Uninvited Guest. Laura
had spent all day preparing for the dinner party. She
cleaned the apartment, arranged flowers on the table, and cooked
(01:08):
a meal she hoped everyone would enjoy. Tonight was supposed
to be a quiet, relaxing evening with close friends, a
break from the usual busyness of the week. Her husband, James,
was in the kitchen putting the final touches on dessert.
Together they made a great team when hosting. Their friends
(01:32):
always appreciated the effort they put into creating a welcoming atmosphere.
By seven point thirty, the guests began to arrive. Sarah
and Tom, a couple they had known for years, were
the first to step through the door. Then came Emily,
Lawa's best friend from university, who brought her new boyfriend Mark.
(01:52):
The group greeted each other warmly, filling the apartment with
chatter and laughter. Laura was just pouring the first round
of drinks when the doorbell rang again. She frowned and
looked at James. Are we expecting someone else? She asked.
James shook his head, No, maybe someone's at the wrong door. Curious,
(02:16):
Laura walked to the door and opened it. Her breath
caught as she saw the man standing there. It was David,
someone from her past she hadn't seen in years. His
face was familiar with the same confident smile she remembered,
but seeing him now felt completely unexpected. David, Laura said,
(02:41):
her voice uncertain, what are you doing here? David smiled
his eyes warm but unreadable. I was in the area
and thought I stopped by. Hope I'm not intruding. Laura hesitated,
feeling and not form in her stomach. Before she could respond,
(03:04):
James appeared behind her, his voice curious. Who is it.
It's David, Laura said, stepping aside. As James moved to
the doorway. David extended his hand with a friendly grin. James,
good to see you again, David said, his tone casual.
(03:26):
James hesitated briefly before shaking his hand. David, this is unexpected,
David laughed lightly. I know, sorry for the surprise. I
was hoping to catch up with you both. Before Laura
could gather her thoughts, Sarah and Tom appeared in the hallway,
curious about the new arrival. Who's this, Tom asked, smiling
(03:49):
as he stepped forward an old friend. David replied smoothly, David,
nice to meet you. Introductions were made, and soon enough
in the living room with the others. Laura make James
a glance with James, who shrugged slightly as if to say,
what can we do? As evening went on, David's charm
(04:11):
and humor filled the room. He shared stories from his
recent travels, making everyone laugh. But beneath the surface, Laura
felt tension. James kept glancing at her, and Emily seemed
to study David a little too closely. There was history here,
something only Laura and James fully understood. During dinner, the
(04:35):
conversation shifted to the past. David, never want to miss
an opportunity, brought up a trip he and Laura had
taken years ago. Do you remember that cafe by the river, Laura,
he asked, his tone light. We spent hours there just talking.
Laura felt her face flush. She knew James was listening carefully. Yes,
(04:57):
I remember, she replied, cautiously, trying to steer the conversation
in another direction. It was a long time ago. James
set his foot down, his tone calm but firm. That's right,
a very long time ago. David smiled, his gaze steady.
(05:17):
Funny how some memories stick with you, though, isn't it.
The room grew quiet for a moment. Emily, sensing the
shifting mood, quickly changed the subject, asking about everyone's holiday plans.
The tension eased slightly, but the atmosphere wasn't the same
as before. Later that evening, as the party wound down,
(05:40):
Laura excused herself to the kitchen to take a moment alone.
She leaned against the counter, taking a deep breath. The
evening had taken a turn she hadn't anticipated, and she
felt like she had been walking on a tight rope
all night. James soon joined her, his expression concerned you okay,
he asked quietly. Laura nodded. I didn't know he'd show up.
(06:05):
I'm sorry. It's not your fault, James said, his voice steady,
it's just surprising, that's all. Before the kids say more,
David appeared in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame.
Everything all right in here, Laura forced a smile. Yes,
(06:25):
we're just tidying up. David nodded, his gaze lingering for
a moment before he spoke, Thanks for letting me join tonight.
It was great seeing you both. James gave a polite nod.
Safe travels back. David looked at Laura one last time.
Take care, Laura, he said, his tone softer now. As
(06:47):
David walked out of the apartment and the door closed
behind him, Laura let out her breath. She didn't realize
she had been holding. She and James returned to the
living room, where their remaining friends were chatting and laughing
as if nothing had happened. Laura caught James eye from
across the room. He gave a small, reassuring smile. She
(07:09):
returned it feeling a sense of calm. The evening hadn't
gone as planned, but together they had handled it. The
paths might have walked through their door, but it was
a present and the people who mattered most that stayed.
In the story, we explaining several key phrases and words
that help convey suspense, tension, and emotional depth. So what
(07:33):
we're going to do now is break down, go through
seven of them to understand their meanings and how they
can be used in different contexts. And then once we
do this, it's a good idea to go back and
listen to the story again. The first phrase is are
not form in her stomach and not form in her stomach.
(07:57):
So Laura feels and not formed in her stomach when
she sees David at the door, meaning she experiences sudden
anxiety or unease. This phrase describes a physical reaction to
stress or nervousness. For example, I felt not in my
stomach before the exam, or she had not in a
(08:18):
stomach when she realized she'd made a mistake. The second
phrase is good to see you again. Good to see
you again, David says this to James apply to neutral
way of treating someone after some time apart. The phrase
is commonly used informal or informal contexts. For example, it's
(08:39):
good to see you again after all these years, or
good to see you again, how have you been. The
third phrase is never one to miss an opportunity, never
one to miss an opportunity. David is described as never
one to miss an opportunity, meaning he always takes advantage
of chances to say or do something. This phrase can
(09:00):
be used both positively and negatively. For example, she's never
want to miss an opportunity to help others, or he
never misses an opportunity to show off his knowledge. The
fourth phrase is stick with you, stick with you. David
mentions that some memories stick with you, meaning they remain
(09:22):
in your mind for a long time, and this is
often due to emotional impact. For example, the kindness of
strangers during my trip really stuck with me, or that
lesson stuck with him in shapes how he handled challenges.
The fifth phrase that I imagine a lot of you
don't know is walking on a tightrope. Walking on a tightrope.
(09:47):
Now you might have something similar in your own language,
because in the story, Laura feels like she's walking on
a tightrope throughout the evening, meaning she is in a
delicate situation where she has to be very ca because
David been there. This phrase is often used to describe
situations requiring balance in caution. For example, managing the team
(10:10):
while avoiding conflicts felt like walking on a tightrope, or
she was walking on a tightrope trying not to upset anyone.
We've got two more phrases to go, and the next
one is lingering gaze. Lingering gaze, So David's lingering gaze
adds to the tension, meaning his look his stare lasted
(10:36):
longer than usual, suggesting feelings or intentions. So this phrase
is often used to describe a look that implies deeper emotion.
For example, his lingering gaze told her everything he didn't say,
or the lingering gaze between them hinted at something unspoken.
(10:58):
And the last phrase is let out of breath. She
didn't realize she'd been holding. Let out of breath. She
didn't realize she'd been holding. So we've got the past
perfect here. But Laura let out of breath she didn't
realize she'd been holding after David left, meaning that she
felt relieved after being tense for so long. And it's
(11:23):
often used to describe a moment of release from stress
or anxiety. For example, when the test was over, I
let out of breath. I didn't realize I'd been holding,
or she'd finally let out of breath as a situation resolved.
So that's a story. Those are the seven phrases. Again,
(11:43):
go back to listen to the story a few more times,
or at least once so that you can really understand
and get the best listing practice. You can go to
the description to get key English learning resources, courses, my
recommended tools, etc. If you're listening to this as a podcast,
then go back to past episodes. If you're on YouTube,
(12:06):
explore the different videos we have made over the last
ten years. And one last thing, if you could share
this with a friend, I would greatly appreciate it. It
helps the podcast grow and it reaches more people. Thanks
again for listening, and we will speak to you soon
bye for now.
In this English lesson, you're going to listen to a
story called The Uninvited Guest, and this is to practice
your English listening schools. If you are watching on YouTube,
then turn on the captions so that you can listen
and read at the same time. And at the end
of the story, we're going to explore some key terms
that will help improve your English. My name is Jack
(00:23):
from to Fluency. I'm really excited to read this story
to you because I think it's a great way for
you to improve your English. Be sure to check the
description for the key terms from this story and listen
to the end because the story hopefully is going to
be very interesting to you. And also we're going to
(00:46):
explore those key terms so that you can learn new
words and phrases. So sit back or continue doing whatever
you're doing, relax and listen to The Uninvited Guest. Laura
had spent all day preparing for the dinner party. She
cleaned the apartment, arranged flowers on the table, and cooked
(01:08):
a meal she hoped everyone would enjoy. Tonight was supposed
to be a quiet, relaxing evening with close friends, a
break from the usual busyness of the week. Her husband, James,
was in the kitchen putting the final touches on dessert.
Together they made a great team when hosting. Their friends
(01:32):
always appreciated the effort they put into creating a welcoming atmosphere.
By seven point thirty, the guests began to arrive. Sarah
and Tom, a couple they had known for years, were
the first to step through the door. Then came Emily,
Lawa's best friend from university, who brought her new boyfriend Mark.
(01:52):
The group greeted each other warmly, filling the apartment with
chatter and laughter. Laura was just pouring the first round
of drinks when the doorbell rang again. She frowned and
looked at James. Are we expecting someone else? She asked.
James shook his head, No, maybe someone's at the wrong door. Curious,
(02:16):
Laura walked to the door and opened it. Her breath
caught as she saw the man standing there. It was David,
someone from her past she hadn't seen in years. His
face was familiar with the same confident smile she remembered,
but seeing him now felt completely unexpected. David, Laura said,
(02:41):
her voice uncertain, what are you doing here? David smiled
his eyes warm but unreadable. I was in the area
and thought I stopped by. Hope I'm not intruding. Laura hesitated,
feeling and not form in her stomach. Before she could respond,
(03:04):
James appeared behind her, his voice curious. Who is it.
It's David, Laura said, stepping aside. As James moved to
the doorway. David extended his hand with a friendly grin. James,
good to see you again, David said, his tone casual.
(03:26):
James hesitated briefly before shaking his hand. David, this is unexpected,
David laughed lightly. I know, sorry for the surprise. I
was hoping to catch up with you both. Before Laura
could gather her thoughts, Sarah and Tom appeared in the hallway,
curious about the new arrival. Who's this, Tom asked, smiling
(03:49):
as he stepped forward an old friend. David replied smoothly, David,
nice to meet you. Introductions were made, and soon enough
in the living room with the others. Laura make James
a glance with James, who shrugged slightly as if to say,
what can we do? As evening went on, David's charm
(04:11):
and humor filled the room. He shared stories from his
recent travels, making everyone laugh. But beneath the surface, Laura
felt tension. James kept glancing at her, and Emily seemed
to study David a little too closely. There was history here,
something only Laura and James fully understood. During dinner, the
(04:35):
conversation shifted to the past. David, never want to miss
an opportunity, brought up a trip he and Laura had
taken years ago. Do you remember that cafe by the river, Laura,
he asked, his tone light. We spent hours there just talking.
Laura felt her face flush. She knew James was listening carefully. Yes,
(04:57):
I remember, she replied, cautiously, trying to steer the conversation
in another direction. It was a long time ago. James
set his foot down, his tone calm but firm. That's right,
a very long time ago. David smiled, his gaze steady.
(05:17):
Funny how some memories stick with you, though, isn't it.
The room grew quiet for a moment. Emily, sensing the
shifting mood, quickly changed the subject, asking about everyone's holiday plans.
The tension eased slightly, but the atmosphere wasn't the same
as before. Later that evening, as the party wound down,
(05:40):
Laura excused herself to the kitchen to take a moment alone.
She leaned against the counter, taking a deep breath. The
evening had taken a turn she hadn't anticipated, and she
felt like she had been walking on a tight rope
all night. James soon joined her, his expression concerned you okay,
he asked quietly. Laura nodded. I didn't know he'd show up.
(06:05):
I'm sorry. It's not your fault, James said, his voice steady,
it's just surprising, that's all. Before the kids say more,
David appeared in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame.
Everything all right in here, Laura forced a smile. Yes,
(06:25):
we're just tidying up. David nodded, his gaze lingering for
a moment before he spoke, Thanks for letting me join tonight.
It was great seeing you both. James gave a polite nod.
Safe travels back. David looked at Laura one last time.
Take care, Laura, he said, his tone softer now. As
(06:47):
David walked out of the apartment and the door closed
behind him, Laura let out her breath. She didn't realize
she had been holding. She and James returned to the
living room, where their remaining friends were chatting and laughing
as if nothing had happened. Laura caught James eye from
across the room. He gave a small, reassuring smile. She
(07:09):
returned it feeling a sense of calm. The evening hadn't
gone as planned, but together they had handled it. The
paths might have walked through their door, but it was
a present and the people who mattered most that stayed.
In the story, we explaining several key phrases and words
that help convey suspense, tension, and emotional depth. So what
(07:33):
we're going to do now is break down, go through
seven of them to understand their meanings and how they
can be used in different contexts. And then once we
do this, it's a good idea to go back and
listen to the story again. The first phrase is are
not form in her stomach and not form in her stomach.
(07:57):
So Laura feels and not formed in her stomach when
she sees David at the door, meaning she experiences sudden
anxiety or unease. This phrase describes a physical reaction to
stress or nervousness. For example, I felt not in my
stomach before the exam, or she had not in a
(08:18):
stomach when she realized she'd made a mistake. The second
phrase is good to see you again. Good to see
you again, David says this to James apply to neutral
way of treating someone after some time apart. The phrase
is commonly used informal or informal contexts. For example, it's
(08:39):
good to see you again after all these years, or
good to see you again, how have you been. The
third phrase is never one to miss an opportunity, never
one to miss an opportunity. David is described as never
one to miss an opportunity, meaning he always takes advantage
of chances to say or do something. This phrase can
(09:00):
be used both positively and negatively. For example, she's never
want to miss an opportunity to help others, or he
never misses an opportunity to show off his knowledge. The
fourth phrase is stick with you, stick with you. David
mentions that some memories stick with you, meaning they remain
(09:22):
in your mind for a long time, and this is
often due to emotional impact. For example, the kindness of
strangers during my trip really stuck with me, or that
lesson stuck with him in shapes how he handled challenges.
The fifth phrase that I imagine a lot of you
don't know is walking on a tightrope. Walking on a tightrope.
(09:47):
Now you might have something similar in your own language,
because in the story, Laura feels like she's walking on
a tightrope throughout the evening, meaning she is in a
delicate situation where she has to be very ca because
David been there. This phrase is often used to describe
situations requiring balance in caution. For example, managing the team
(10:10):
while avoiding conflicts felt like walking on a tightrope, or
she was walking on a tightrope trying not to upset anyone.
We've got two more phrases to go, and the next
one is lingering gaze. Lingering gaze, So David's lingering gaze
adds to the tension, meaning his look his stare lasted
(10:36):
longer than usual, suggesting feelings or intentions. So this phrase
is often used to describe a look that implies deeper emotion.
For example, his lingering gaze told her everything he didn't say,
or the lingering gaze between them hinted at something unspoken.
(10:58):
And the last phrase is let out of breath. She
didn't realize she'd been holding. Let out of breath. She
didn't realize she'd been holding. So we've got the past
perfect here. But Laura let out of breath she didn't
realize she'd been holding after David left, meaning that she
felt relieved after being tense for so long. And it's
(11:23):
often used to describe a moment of release from stress
or anxiety. For example, when the test was over, I
let out of breath. I didn't realize I'd been holding,
or she'd finally let out of breath as a situation resolved.
So that's a story. Those are the seven phrases. Again,
(11:43):
go back to listen to the story a few more times,
or at least once so that you can really understand
and get the best listing practice. You can go to
the description to get key English learning resources, courses, my
recommended tools, etc. If you're listening to this as a podcast,
then go back to past episodes. If you're on YouTube,
(12:06):
explore the different videos we have made over the last
ten years. And one last thing, if you could share
this with a friend, I would greatly appreciate it. It
helps the podcast grow and it reaches more people. Thanks
again for listening, and we will speak to you soon
bye for now.
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