Have you ever wanted to go to the library but didn’t know how to communicate like a native speaker?
Today, we’re going to the library to learn short, natural conversations, including some interesting idioms.

 

 

 

In this section, you will learn some important phrases and idioms.

1. You’re in luck /jʊr ɪn lʌk/ (You are lucky)

2. Right up your alley /raɪt ʌp jʊr ˈæli/ (Perfect for you / just your taste)

3. Don’t hesitate to ask! /doʊnt ˈhezɪteɪt tu: æsk/ (Don’t be shy to ask!)

4. Knowledge is power /ˈnɑ:lɪdʒ ɪz ˈpaʊər/ (Knowledge is power)

5. Where is the library? /wer ɪz ðə ˈlaɪbreri/ (Where is the library?)

6. Follow me! /ˈfɑ:loʊ mi:/ (Follow me!)

7. I need books to improve English /aɪ ni:d bʊks tu: ɪmˈpru:v ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/ (I need books to improve my English)

8. Enjoy! /ɪnˈʤɔɪ/ (Have fun!)

9. Got it! /ɡɑ:t ɪt/ (Got it!)

 

In this section, the first time, the conversation is slow with phonetics and translation. The second time, the conversation is still slow, but without phonetics or translation. The third time, the conversation is very fast, without phonetics or translation.

John: Hi! Where is the library? /haɪ wer ɪz ðə ˈlaɪbreri/ (Hi! Where is the library?)

 

Mary: It’s around the corner, near the coffee shop. /ɪts əˈraʊnd ðə ˈkɔ:rnər nɪr ðə ˈkɑ:fi ʃɑ:p/ (It’s right around the corner, near the coffee shop)

 

John: Thanks! I need books to improve English. /θæŋks aɪ ni:d bʊks tu: ɪmˈpru:v ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/ (Thanks! I need books to improve my English)

 

Mary: You’re in luck. We just got new ones. /jʊr ɪn lʌk wi: ʤʌst ɡɑ:t nu: wʌnz/ (You’re lucky. We just got new books)

 

John: That’s great! Can you show me? /ðæts ɡreɪt kæn ju: ʃoʊ mi:/ (That’s great! Can you show me?)

Mary: Of course. Follow me! /ʌv kɔ:rs ˈfɑ:loʊ mi:/ (Of course. Follow me!)

 

John: I always get lost in big libraries. /aɪ ˈɔ:lweɪz ɡet lɑ:st ɪn bɪɡ ˈlaɪbreriz/ (I always get lost in big libraries)

 

Mary: Don’t worry! You’ll find your way. /doʊnt ˈwɜ:ri ju:l faɪnd jʊr weɪ/ (Don’t worry! You’ll find your way)

 

Mary: This section is right up your alley. /ðɪs ˈsekʃn ɪz raɪt ʌp jʊr ˈæli/ (This section is perfect for you)

 

John: Thanks! I’ll start here. /θæŋks aɪl stɑ:rt hɪr/ (Thanks! I’ll start here)

 

Mary: Enjoy! And ask me if you need help. /ɪnˈʤɔɪ ænd æsk mi: ɪf ju: ni:d help/ (Have fun! If you need help, just ask me)

 

John: Got it! /ɡɑ:t ɪt/ (Got it!)

Question 1: Repeat the sentence: "You’re in luck. We just got new ones. What do you think You’re in luck means?”
• A. You are lucky 
• B. You are going the wrong way
• C. You need help
Correct answer: A

Question 2: Mary says: "This section is right up your alley". What does Right up your alley mean?
• A. Perfect for you 
• B. You are lost
• C. You need to ask someone else
Correct answer: A

Question 3: What does the sentence "Don’t hesitate to ask" mean?
• A. Don’t be shy to ask  • B. Follow me  • C. Have fun