BBC LEARNING ENGLISH
English at University
6: Lectures begin
This is not a word-for-word transcript
LANGUAGE FOCUS: Learn phrases about saying you don't understand and need
something explained – and vocabulary about nerves
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 TCHaliburton 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 bbclearningenglishcom 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
