Lesson 49: Operation Spy!

Summary

Ms. Weaver has asked Anna to help with Operation Spy. Her mission is to learn all she can about spying. She learns by going to the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.

Speaking

In this video, learn how to say the new words. Then compare the present perfect, present, and past verb tenses.

Let's Learn English Lesson 49 Speaking Practice

 

 

Direct link

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Pronunciation

Use this video to learn about how Americans pronounce the reduced forms of "has" and "have' in the present perfect verb tense.

Let's Learn English Lesson 49 Pronunciation Practice

 

 

 

Conversation

Let's Learn English Lesson 4: Operation Spy!

  

Anna: It is no secret that Washington, D.C. has spies. Well, it should be a secret because spying is secret. But it’s not a secret. There’s even a spy museum! The International Spy Museum has created an amazing collection of spy things! And today, we will see them! My boss, Ms. Weaver, has sent me here … on a mission!

Ms. Weaver: Hello, Anna, are you there?

Anna: That’s her. Yes, Agent Peacock. This is Agent Flamingo, reporting for duty.

Ms. Weaver: Agent what? Look, Anna … I mean, Agent Flamingo, I want you to learn all you can about spying.

Anna: You mean, collect intelligence?

Ms. Weaver: Yeah, it’s for our new show -- “D.C. Secrets.”

Anna: You've got it, Agent Peacock. The mission is safe with me.

Ms. Weaver: Oh, okay, great. Just be back by noon.

Anna: Agent Peacock, I’m at an air duct!

Ms. Weaver: Yes, spies sometimes sneak down air ducts.

Anna: I have never snuck down an air duct. It’s dark and small. I’m afraid of dark, small places.

Ms. Weaver: You can do it, Agent Flamingo. You know, spies aren’t afraid of a little darkness.

Anna: Right. It’s just an air duct -- a dark, small air duct. Okay. I’m doing it, Agent Peacock! I am sneaking down a long, dark, small air duct. I’m having a little trouble breathing.

Ms. Weaver: Just keep going, Agent Flamingo. Think of the team!

Anna: Okay, I will think of the team. I’m thinking of the team, Agent Peacock! I did it! I did it! I sneaked down an air duct. That was a little uncomfortable.

Ms. Weaver: Good!

Anna: What's the next mission?

Ms. Weaver: Umm … have you ever cracked a code?

Anna: No.

Ms. Weaver: Well, go learn. Spies use their brains.

Anna: Got it! I’ve never cracked a code before. Let’s try, Agent Flamingo! This is really hard. I'm still trying to crack the code. I've cracked the code! I've cracked the code, Agent Peacock! My brain really hurts.

Ms. Weaver: Great. Umm, Agent Flamingo, now answer this question: Do spies have to be in good shape?

Anna: “Yes,” Agent Peacock! Spies have to be in really good shape! Can you hear me?

Ms. Weaver: You’re breaking up, Flamingo.

Anna: The International Spy Museum is awesome! Agent Peacock, I completed the mission!

Ms. Weaver: Great. Great. Now, I have another very important mission for you.

Anna: Got it. See you back at H.Q.!

Ms. Weaver: Yummy! You brought my lunch! Thanks, Agent Flamingo!

Anna: Mission completed. Agent Peacock!

(Amelia makes a face.)

Ms. Weaver: Don't ask.

Special thanks go out to the International Spy Museum for letting us film in the museum!

Writing

In this lesson, Anna learns about a job that many people think is exciting. Have you ever thought about doing a job that is different from the one you have now, or the one you think you will have when you finish school? Would it be more fun or more exciting? Tell us about the job. Write to us by email or in the Comments section.
Click on the image below to download the Activity Sheet to practice three verb tenses and learn about how your friends practice speaking English. Please note, our activity sheets now can be completed on the computer.​

Lesson 49 Activity Sheet

Learning Strategy

Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective.
The learning strategy for this lesson is Find Practice Opportunities. This strategy is what we use when we look for any chance we can get to practice speaking, listening to, reading, or writing English.
In this lesson, Anna is learning about being a spy. She practices some of the things that spies do - sneaking down an air duct, cracking a code, and staying in good shape. She found a good opportunity to practice spy skills. These experiences will help her to write a good story for her children's show.
What do you do to find opportunities to practice English? Maybe you meet another English learner for coffee and speak English when you are together. Maybe you write emails or texts to a friend in English. Or you could read in English for fun: novels, comics, blogs, tweets, and so on. Write to us about how you look for ways to practice in the Comments section or send us an email. Teachers, see the Lesson Plan for more details on teaching this strategy.

Lesson 48: Have You Ever ...?

Summary

Anna helps a tourist find interesting museums in Washington, D.C. She gets some help herself, too.

Speaking

In this video, learn how to say the new words. Then learn about using the present perfect verb tense.

Let's Learn English Lesson 48 Speaking Practice

 

 

 

Pronunciation

Use this video to learn about how Americans pronounce "been," the present perfect form of BE.

Let's Learn English Lesson 48 Pronunciation Practice

 

 

 

 

Conversation

Let's Learn English Lesson 48: Have You Ever...?

Anna: Hello! I have lived in Washington, D.C. for a long time now. And I have done a lot. I feel that I know this city pretty well. (walks off and comes back) That's the wrong way. Where is it again?

Anna: (sees a tourist at a sign) Excuse me, can I help you? Have we met before?

Jean: I don’t think so. I’ve just flown in from Boston. My name is Jean.

Anna: Hi, Jean! I'm Anna. I really feel like we’ve met before. Anyway, how can I help?

Jean: I want to see an interesting museum but I don’t know which one.

Anna: I can help with that. I’ve lived in Washington, D.C. a long time. I think I’ve seen all the museums.

Jean: Wow, thanks. So, tell me, which museums are good?

Anna: Well, they are all good. But they’re all different. There are science museums and history museums and art and culture museums.

Jean: I want to see an unusual museum.

Anna: I like the Sculpture Garden. Have you ever seen sculptures in a garden? It is really artistic!

Jean: I have never seen a garden of sculptures! I’ll write that on my list!

Anna: Have you been to the Museum of the American Indian? I’ve visited that museum many times. It is very peaceful.

Jean: I have always liked American Indian culture.

Jean: I’ll put that on my list. (writes on list) Do you have any other suggestions?

Anna: Well, if you like plants, you can visit the U.S. Botanic Gardens. It's very organic.

Jean: I have always loved plants. I’ll write that on my list, too! Wow, you know so much about D.C.’s museums.

Anna: Well, I have lived here for over a year.

Jean: You’re so lucky to live in such a beautiful city filled with so many museums and a zoo!

Anna: What? D.C. has a zoo?

Jean: Yes, and it’s beautiful. You’ve lived here for so long and you haven’t been to the zoo?

Anna: I've never been to D.C.’s zoo. I've never been to any zoos!

Jean: You have never seen zoo animals?

Anna: I grew up on a farm, Jean. I've known farm animals my whole life.

Jean: But the zoo has lions (makes sound of lion roaring) and elephants (makes sound of elephant trumpeting) and zebras (makes no sound)! If you have never seen a real, live elephant, you must. They are so majestic.

Anna: I will. I will! (writes list) There. I’ve written my own must-see zoo animal list!

Jean: Have fun at the zoo and thanks, Anna!

Anna: Have fun at the museums, Jean! And thank YOU!

Anna: This has been awesome! And I have seen every animal on my list! Jean, the tourist, helped me see more of my city. But where have I seen her before?

Oh well. Until next time …

Writing

In this lesson, Anna helps Jean learn about places to see in Washington, D.C. Have you ever visited a museum, a zoo, or a public garden? Where was it? What did you see there? If you have not, what would you tell a tourist to see in your home town? Write to us by email or in the Comments section.
Click on the image below to download the Activity Sheet and practice talking about things you have seen or done. Please note, our activity sheets now can be completed on the computer.

Activity Sheet - Lesson 48

Learning Strategy

Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective.
The learning strategy for this lesson is Focus Attention. This strategy is what we use when we want to finish a job and make sure we do all of the things we want to do.
In this lesson, Jean is a tourist in Washington, D.C. Anna tells Jean about the interesting museums in the city. Jean makes a list so she can remember to visit all of the interesting museums. When Jean makes at her list, then looks at it later, she is focusing attention on what she wants to do. As she sees each museum, she can check each museum off on the list.
What do you do to focus your attention on the things you are learning in English? Write to us about it in the Comments section or send us an email. Teachers, see the Lesson Plan for more details on teaching this strategy.

Lesson 47: How Can I help?

Summary

Pete is fixing his car. Can Anna help him? She was fixing cars when she was a teenager.

Speaking

In this video, learn how to say the new words. Then learn about how to offer and accept help.

Let's Learn English Lesson 47 Speaking Practice

 

 

 

Pronunciation

Use this video to learn about the reduced form of "I will" in the future tense.

Let's Learn English Lesson 47 Pronunciation Practice

 

 

 

 

Conversation

Let's Learn English Lesson 47: How Can I Help?

Anna: Hi, Pete. What are you doing?

Pete: Oh! Hi, Anna. Right now, I am fixing my car.

Anna: How’s it going?

Pete: It’s going … not so good.

Anna: How can I help? I was planning to visit some friends. But if you need help, I can help. I like helping.

Pete: Anna, I can fix it myself. But thanks.

Anna: Pete, I think I found your problem. These are spark plugs. (holds them up)

Anna: They start the engine.

Pete: I know that, Anna. But there were too many spark plugs … in there. So I took out the extra ones.

Anna: There are no extras, Pete. You need all of them. Pete, can you fix a car yourself?

Pete: Well, Anna, last night I was watching the online video course, “You CAN Fix a Car Yourself!”

Dan: Yes, you CAN fix your car yourself!

Pete: And I watched the first 10 lessons. So, I think I know what I’m doing.

Anna: How many lessons are there?

Pete: Four hundred and fifty.

Anna: 450! That'll take too long! If I fix your car, I'll have it running in 10 to 15 minutes.

Anna: Where’re your tools?

Pete: I have this. (puts a useless tool in her hand). And this. (hands her another useless tool)

Anna: Great. Um, I’ll get my tools. I’ll be back in a flash!

Pete: But, Anna, I don’t need your ...

(She goes and quickly comes back with tools.)

Pete: … help.

Anna: Pete, when I was a teenager, I was fixing cars -- myself. I learned from a master.

Anna: You can trust me.

Pete: Okay.

Anna: Great! But we need teamwork. You sit in the car. When I say “go,” you start the engine.

Anna: Okay, go! ​

Anna: Stop!

Anna: Okay, go! Huh.

Pete: It's not starting! It’s not starting!

Anna: What’s wrong?

Pete: This car is stupid … stupid, stupid!

Anna: Pete, kicking the tires will not help.

Pete: Well, you did not help, Anna. You did not help!!

Anna: Pete, Pete! Pull yourself together, man. Give me the keys. I must feel the key in the ignition and turn it myself.

Master: Use the key, Anna. Turn the key, Anna. What are you forgetting, Anna?

Anna: Pete. Pete.

Pete: What?

Anna: You are out of gas.

Pete: I can’t be out of gas. (looks at gauge) I’m out of gas. Sorry, Anna. I’ll go get some.

Anna: Pete. You relax. Clean your face. You can watch the rest of your online video course. It’ll be faster if I go … in a flash. Until next time …

Dan (in the online video course): “Lesson 11. Always make sure you have a full tank of gas!”

Writing

In this lesson, Anna helps Pete fix his car. When was the last time you helped a friend or family member? What were they doing when you helped? What were you doing to help them? Write to us by email or in the Comments section.
Click on the image below to download the Activity Sheet and practice talking about common household problems and offering help. Please note, our activity sheets now can be completed on the computer.

LLE 47 Activity Sheet

Learning Strategy

Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective.
The learning strategy for this lesson is Access Information Sources. In today's computer age, it is easy to learn online. But you can also learn from people who have experience.
In this lesson, Pete learns to fix his car by watching an online video course. Anna tells Pete that she learned to fix cars from someone who had many years of experience. She calls her teacher "a master," and she remembers her master's words when she helps Pete with his car. Both Pete and Anna are accessing information sources to learn.
What sources of information do you use, or access, as you are learning English? Write to us about it in the Comments section or send us an email. Teachers, see the Lesson Plan for more details on teaching this strategy.