58. Barking Dogs Seldom Bite

This proverb means: _____________________________________________________________

Names: Frank, Mr. Tucker

Words:

to misbehave

to threaten

to follow through

ruckus

Answer the following questions:

1. Why is Frank’s friend surprised to see Frank in class?

2. Why did Mr. Tucker get angry with Frank and what did he do?

3. What did Frank do?

4. How did he know that Mr. Tucker wouldn’t follow through?

5. What kind of person is Mr. Tucker?

Retell the dialog using the words above and perform it in the classroom.

59. Better a Live Coward Than a Dead Hero

This proverb means: ________________________________________________________________

Names: Mathieu

Words:

to distinguish oneself

life-threatening

philosophy

Answer the following questions:

1. What career had Mathieu made?

2. Had he ever taken part in any battles?

3. How are situations, in which he found himself, described?

4. What had his attitude towards heroism been?

5. How did he manage to survive?

Retell the story using the words above and perform it in the classroom.

60. A Fool and His Money Are Soon Parted

This proverb means: ________________________________________________________________

Names: Rick

Words:

carelessly

shopping spree

fancy

worthless

Explain what is meant:

1. Rick has always thrown caution to the winds when it came to money.

2. Rick went on a shopping spree.

3. It was not long before he went through every cent he had won.

4. To put some of the money away for a rainy day.

Answer the following questions:

1. How would you describe Rick’s attitude towards money?

2. How does Rick spend money?

3. How did Rick feel when he won in the lottery?

4. What did Rick spend money that he had won?

5. What should Rick have done?

Retell the story using the words above and perform it in the classroom.

61. He Who Laughs Last Laughs Best

This proverb means: _____________________________________________________________

Names: Sue Carlson, Caleb, Al

Words:

prom

bookworm

to take smb/smth for granted

to woo

cocky

Explain what is meant:

1. That is one for the books!

2. What does she see in him?

3. Al was taking Sue for granted.

4. When Al found out, he hit the ceiling!

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the event that the speakers discuss?

2. How do the speakers characterize Caleb?

3. According to the speakers, why did Sue prefer Caleb to Al?

4. What was Al’s reaction when he knew that Sue would go with Caleb?

Learn the dialog by heart and perform it in class with your partner.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs for the toefl Mini-Lesson 1.1

About to – almost ready to

Above all – most importantly

Add up – make sense, be logical

All at once – suddenly, without warning

All of a sudden – all at once, suddenly

As a matter of fact – in reality, actually

As a rule – generally, customarily

At ease – not nervous, calm

At the drop of a hat – quickly, without any preparation time