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Skateboarding

Skateboarding

Date: Nov 06 2009

Themes: Sports

Grammar: You're vs. Your

Intro

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2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

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Skateboarding can be an easy and convenient way to zip across campus or over to a friend’s house. But skateboarding is more than just a mode of transportation. It’s also a look, a sport, and a subculture. Skaters even have their own slang, some of which has become common outside of the skateboarding world as well. Know what I’m saying, dude?

Skaters are typically seen as reckless rebels and punks. But some skaters are serious athletes, who perform amazing tricks in major competitions like the X Games. Others are just ordinary guys and girls looking for a cheap, easy way way to get around. Ella thinks skaters are sexy. Find out if Jason will impress her with his moves.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Ella

Ella

Jason

Jason

Ella:  Skateboarders are pretty hot.

Jason:  Yeah?

Ella:  Yeah. Don’t know much about actual skateboarding, but the whole look is pretty attractive.

Jason:  Is it just the look, or is it the fact that they actually skateboard, get out there, do some 360s…

Ella:  Yeah, I mean the moves are impressive too, just by name. Ollie, that just sounds fun, you know? A half-pipe? Like, hello!

Jason:  Totally. I mean, I was a skater when I was like 15…

Ella:  Oh wow.

Jason:  I just didn’t think it would still be around. You know, like I had baggy pants and skate shoes and I could do a kickflip, but I kinda thought it was a fad.

Ella:  I don’t know. I still see people using it more as a sport, but also as a mode of transportation. It’s just easy to get around like on campus in college. It’s a little faster, but not quite the bike. You can just haul it right in your book bag.

Jason:  And you get to feel like you’re in your favorite video game, right?

Ella:  Exactly.

Jason:  I think that’s why it’s so huge right now.

Ella:  It’s really “bro” and “dude”-ish now, though.

Jason:  Yeah, the skateboarder lingo has totally infiltrated our normal speech, bro.

 

Grammar Point

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Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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Discussion

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Ella likes the skateboarding look, which usually includes shaggy hair and skate shoes. It sounds like she’s more impressed by guys who get the style right than guys who know how to land the tricks.

Jason used to be a skater in high school, and he thought it was just a passing fad. But it seems like skating is here to stay. It’s become more legitimate as a sport since the X Games started in the 1990s, and it’s also an easy and cheap mode of transportation for a lot of young people. Skating video games like the Tony Hawk series have also helped keep it popular.

Do you like to skateboard? Have you ever seen the X Games? Is skate culture big in your country?

 

Comments

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Zhen2hen

Zhen2hen

China

I LOVE SKATEBOARD,TOO

04:09 AM Jul 18 2014 |

DominikLi

DominikLi

China

Skateboarding is so coooooool,I love it.

03:08 PM Jan 19 2013 |

Zambuka

Zambuka

United States

all the things are fads, unless you’re really into it)

06:58 AM Jul 16 2012 |

Marcelolic

Marcelolic

Brazil

Once when I was teen I tried to skate,but I wasn't able to do it,I thought pretty hard :P So I experienced skate rollers hehe,it was pretty cool and easier ;) hehe

Here in Brazil skaboard is pretty broadcasted between teens,it is really a style life :)

01:37 PM Nov 14 2009 |

kukuka

kukuka

Ukraine

Yes, I've seen the X Games, and yeah, skate culture is pretty popular in my country, mostly among young people. In my opinion, this kind of sport  (activity) is dangerous. I've also seen many clips on youtube web site about how skaters get damaged and injured when accomplishing their cool tricks. The conseqences are sad, to tell the truth.

PS I have a question on the quiz, what's wrong with the "Sexy look is good for going to clubs "? Isn't it correct either? 

01:53 PM Nov 12 2009 |

Ayababy

Ayababy

Philippines

like eat kickflips !

07:43 AM Nov 12 2009 |

mel92

Argentina

I really like this game, but i never play it. In my country is not play skateboarding, is rare. :S 

02:45 PM Nov 11 2009 |

Mrbean29

Mrbean29

Viet Nam

i haven't ever played skateboarding but i can imagine how wonderful it is. you have something simple which at first seem to be used as a mere tranport mode, but in fact it can do something which is beyond your usual thought. it just out of words to say!

 

09:29 AM Nov 11 2009 |

coralie2.0

coralie2.0

Poland

it's amazing what real skater can do Laughing

03:20 PM Nov 10 2009 |

iwori

iwori

Japan

I've never played skateboad and don't think even try. because Ihave no athletic ability…

Sometimes I can see people who practice skateboard tricks which looks so difficult for me in the park. How respectable!

02:57 PM Nov 10 2009 |

303Kevin

303Kevin

China

Skateboarding’s cool..what’s a pity i’ve never try it before..

01:41 PM Nov 10 2009 |

Cool English Teacher

Brazil

I like skateboarding very much. I bought myself a ripstick about a month ago and I really enjoy it! Smile

06:42 PM Nov 09 2009 |

mickee85

mickee85

Philippines

I'm kind of scared to look to people doing this sports. It's too risky.

09:11 AM Nov 09 2009 |

E-learner

Saudi Arabia

I wish i could skate.Cool

01:12 AM Nov 09 2009 |

Yuriy_one

Yuriy_one

Russian Federation

for burakkorkmaz: look before you leap!

skateboarding is good way to spend time with friends and to shake your legs though it's a dangerous one.

08:12 PM Nov 08 2009 |

s id

Saudi Arabia

 i don`t know much about skate boarding .

 but it look like very attractive . in my country is very popular . 

 young guys often they play on the street near by coast .

  i always watch them . it look like very exciting  play.

04:26 PM Nov 08 2009 |

Natalie:D

Natalie:D

Poland

skateboarding – amazing show!

03:21 PM Nov 08 2009 |

Jan Luka

Jan Luka

Germany

Yes I like it. I often saw it and when I had enought time I enjoy watching their tricks.

11:49 AM Nov 08 2009 |

fosto

fosto

Egypt

i love this game…really..

i always palyed with my friendz anytime we want

11:15 AM Nov 08 2009 |

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