English at University Episode 6 - Lectures begin

Episode 6 - Lectures begin Mary's a new student who has just arrived at the University of Studies and now after settling in, her studying can finally begin but she's feeling a bit nervous. Language focus Learn phrases about saying you don't understand and need something explained Could you say that again please? Sorry, I don't understand what you mean. Could you explain that in a different way please? Here are some other phrases you could use: Would you mind going over that again please? I'm not sure what you mean, could you explain it again please? You've lost me - could you start again please? Vocabulary Words and phrases to do with being nervous a bundle of nerves feeling a bit nervous (somebody is) a nervous wreck he's got a nerve nervous energy Transcript Narrator Hello and welcome to English at University - the series that teaches some English phrases to help you through your first year of study abroad. Mary's a new student who has just arrived at the University of Studies and now after settling in, her studying can finally begin. Mary, it's time for your first lecture - but you look like a bundle of nerves... Mary ...well I am a bit nervous, I couldn't sleep last night. Narrator Don't worry, you're not alone - everyone's in the same position. Everything will be fine - good luck! Mary OK, well it's time to go in... Prof. Not Ah Mary - we meet again. How's your head today? Mary Better thanks - I see you managed to err... clean your shoes. Prof. Not Yes, I did - they still smell a bit but I'll survive. Shall we get down to business - Business Studies - now that most of us are here? Mary Yes, of course. Daniel Oh... err... sorry I'm late. I went to the wrong room. Prof. Not Hmmm... the first rule of business is punctuality. As T.C. Haliburton once said "Punctuality is the soul of business." Now, what is business and why do we study it? Business is an economic system... A company transacts business activities... Mary Daniel, what's he talking about? Daniel Haven't a clue... have you got a spare pen by the way? Look, you're going to have to ask him to explain. Mary Me!? Prof. Not What was that Mary? Mary Oh, nothing. Sorry. Narrator I think Daniel's a nervous wreck - he's not going to help you so I will! If something doesn't make sense, put your hand up and say 'excuse me, could you say that again please?' or 'I don't understand, can you explain that again please?' - or maybe 'could you explain that in a different way please?' Mary OK. Prof. Not Errr, yes Mary, what is it? Mary Prof. Not... it's all very interesting but could you say that again please? Sorry, I don't understand what you mean... Prof. Not Oh! Mary I'd appreciate it if you could explain it in a different way... please? Daniel I think what Professor Not means is you have to have a soul to be in business. Prof. Not No... Daniel isn't it? What I mean is... Narrator Daniel's got a nerve, pretending he knows it all - perhaps it's just nervous energy that makes him such an idiot! Anyway, well done Mary - you spoke up and asked for clarification. It's a good idea to ask if you don't understand something. Don't pretend you know something when you don't - like Daniel did! Here's a reminder of the questions Mary asked... Could you say that again please? Sorry, I don't understand what you mean. Could you explain that in a different way please? You can practise these phrases, pick up a few more plus learn some top tips for studying in the UK on our website at bbclearningenglish.com. Now, the lecture is over, I wonder if things are a bit clearer for Mary? Mary Thanks Professor. Everything's much clearer now. Prof. Not Well I recommend you get my book from the library - 'Mind Your Own Business' - oh and Mary... I hold a seminar every Monday at the local pub should you wish to join us sometime? Mary Yes Professor... thanks, I will. Prof. Not You can call me Robert. Daniel Ok Robert! It's a date! Prof. Not Oh, it's you. Well, don't forget to bring your notes. Daniel Oh no, my notes! I left them in the classroom. More If you're struggling to understand what is being said in a lecture, these programmes from our BBC Learning English archive about academic listening might help you. Read this interesting article about the end of boring lectures! Next In the next episode, Mary goes to Professor Not's evening seminar to discuss what she's learnt so far. But the problem is there's always a chatterbox – you know, someone who likes to do all the talking and you can probably guess who that is!