1. To have a discussion that elicits expressions related to making the best of a bad situation;  

2. To increase the familiarity and use of such expressions;

3. To translate the visual information from the video clip into the apppropriate language; 

4. To use the audio information in the corresponding exercises;

5. To reinforce productively the language that has been learned. 

●  Think about the following questions and try to answer them.

1) Is it normal these days that life is full of frustrations?

2) What kind of things frustrate you in daily life? 

3) Do you know what to say in English when you know someone is in a bad situation and feeling frustrated?

* suggested answers:

1) Yes, it is. Actually, life is hard. It is full of frustrations. We always encounter frustrations at one time or another, especially when trying to take a step forward. But we have to admit that such frustrations actually make us stronger.

2) Failing to pass a test can be frustrating to me. Another example of what frustrates me is when I lose a game.

3) Probably I would say, “Hey, come on. It’s not the end of the world.”

●  When you listen to each of the expressions below, it will then be followed by one that is the same in function and meaning. Listen to them both and fill in the blank with the missing one of the pair.

1) That’s the way life is.

So it goes.

2) Keep your chin up!

Don’t let it get you down. 

3) Things could be worse.

It’s not as bad as all that. 

4) Make the best of it.

Look on the bright side. 

5) Don’t call it quits. (不要放弃。 ) 

Don’t throw in the sponge. 

6) What’s most important is that you tried.

You did the best you could. 

7) If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, and try again.

The important thing is to learn from your mistakes.

●  Watch the video and then complete the following passage based on your observations.

1) Where are Shelley and Michael now?

2) What can you tell from Michael’s look right at this moment? 

3) What can you tell from Shelley’s look at this moment?   

4) How is Michael feeling now while Shelley is helping him make the best of the lost chance?   

5) Who is going to use the ATM first? 

* suggested answers:

1) They have just happened to meet up at an ATM on campus. 

2) He is pretty upset about his last interview. 

3) She looks supportive, and is wearing an encouraging smile. 

4) We can tell from his words that he is feeling confident. 

5) Shelley.

A. Watch the video and then decide whether each of the following statements is true (T) or false (F).

1) Shelley and Michael happen to meet at a bank. (F)

2) Both Shelley and Michael want to withdraw some cash from an ATM. (F)

3) While they are waiting in line Michael tells Shelley the bad news that he lost his recent job opportunity. (F)

4) Shelley encourages Michael to make the best of the bad situation. (T)

5) Michael takes heart from Shelley’s words and believes that with persistence he’ll come through just fine. (T)

B. Now watch the video again and then complete the following conversation.

Shelley: Hi Michael, what a surprise to meet you here! How are you doing?

Michael: Good. How about yourself ? 

Shelley: Fine. I want to get some money. I need some cash.

Michael: Well, I just happen to know that this machine was just fixed — it was broken all last week. Lucky for me since I need to check the balance of my bank account.

Shelley: I haven’t seen you for a while. What have you been up to ? Oh yes, how are you getting along with your moonlighting plans?

Michael: Um, I wasn’t lucky enough.

Shelley: How come?

Michael: I thought I was the right person for the job. But I was wrong. They were looking for a person with hands-on experience.

Shelley: I see. Well, that’s the way it goes.

Michael: I know. But… 

Shelley: Don’t let it get you down. The important thing is that you tried. I’m sure you did the best you could.

Michael: Did I?

Shelley: Absolutely. Things can be frustrating at the beginning when you’re looking for work. 

Michael: But I didn’t expect there would be so many applicants for the position. The competition was so fierce. 

Shelley: Well, that’s the way it is. You can’t change that. Take it in stride.

Michael: I will. I won’t let myself be a failure. I’ll redouble my efforts.  

Shelley: That’s the spirit! It’s good you are making the best of it.

Michael: Oh yeah?

Shelley: Yes. Chances are everywhere. I’m sure you’ll come through just fine if you persist.

Michael: Thanks for your encouragement. 

Shelley: Oh, is it my turn to use the machine?

Michael: Yes, go ahead. Not my time yet.

Shelley: Thanks. 

Michael: Meanwhile, I’ll get my bank card ready.

C. After watching the video a third time, complete the following third-person account of the conversation.

      Shelley and Michael happen to meet at an ATM on campus. Shelley wants to get some money, and Michael needs to check the balance of his bank account. They haven’t met up with each other for quite a while. Shelley wonders how everything is going with Michael’s plans to moonlight. Actually, Michael did not get the part-time job he wanted. He tells Shelley that they were looking for a person with hands-on experience. This seems to have upset Michael. But in Shelley’s words, Michael surely did the best he could. She encourages Michael to take the loss in stride. Michael does not lose heart, and says he will redouble his efforts so he won’t be a failure. Shelley is happy that Michael is making the best of it and expects he’ll come through just fine.

1) Watch the video again, with a female student doing Shelley’s voice.

2) Watch the video once more, with a male student doing Michael’s voice.

3) Watch the video one last time, with a male student and a female student doing both of the voices for the whole conversation.

● 1. Familiarize yourself with the following clichés, which can be effective in dialogue when carefully chosen. With a classmate, dramatize a situation around  each cliché, one that makes the best of a bad time. Since clichés are best used sparingly and individually, make sure to use only the one most relevant to each separate dramatization.

1) There’s no point in crying over spilled milk. (cliché)

2) That’s the way the ball bounces. (cliché)

3) That’s the way the cookie crumbles. (cliché)

4) When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. (cliché)

5) When God closes a door, He opens a window. (cliché)

* suggested dialogue: 

A: They even lost the game! I just can’t believe it. 

B: You must be a big fan of Yaoming. Right? 

A: Everybody here is. The bad news has really upset me. I feel awful. 

B: Hey, come on. There’s no point in crying over spilt milk. Let’s look forward to his next match. 

* Cultural Tips

Cliché 在英语中是指某些用得过滥以致失去表现力的习语，故又被称为陈词滥调。但是，对英语学习者而言，却有必要理解这些语言，因为它们渗透着英语文化。不过，在此有必要强调的一点是，cliché不宜滥用，而应在特定的语境中使用，例如： “That’s the way the ball bounces” 和 “That’s the way the cookie crumbles” 往往用于指事情已成定局，无可变更，不必为此苦恼、抱怨的语境中； “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade” 应用于怎样将坏事变好事的语境中；“When God closes a door, he opens a window” 可与汉语中的“天无绝人之路” 相对应，两者的语境也相对应。

● 2. Discuss the following topics in groups.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

* suggested answer:

As I understand it, this means it’s wise that we not attempt something too large to handle. We have got to be practical. Each of us has limitations and we risk running into walls if we try to go beyond them. Taking on more than we can handle can even be dangerous.

A. You will continue to watch a video clip. Below are suggested steps for the learning activities:

• Go through the list of the useful words and expressions;

• Watch the video to catch the message for the first time;

• Watch it again to complete the guided note-taking;

• Make a short oral presentation on the three changes, respectively.

B. Complete the following guided note-taking based on the video information.

Three Ways to Stay Motivated

About motivation

• Sliding motivation → suffering effort 

A piece of advice

• Give 100 percent of yourself for 60 days. As a result, you’ll be proud of your work, and motivation will follow.

Three simple changes as a way to reenergize your current career:

1. Lose the attitude. 

• To stop complaining is to start to build motivation.

2. Exercise and eat well. 

• Stay physically active and you’ll be more productive and energized at work. 

3. Have a life that you like. 

• Make time for friendships, family, things that nourish you. 

C. Make a short oral presentation on the three changes, respectively, as indicated below.

* Script:

Three Ways to Stay Motivated

      Do you feel like you’ve hit a wall at work? Well, take my word for it, you’re not the only one. Hi, I’m Meredith Haberfeld, an executive career coach.

      Instead of taking your lack of motivation as a sign you need a new job, consider these simple changes as a way to reenergize your current career.

      Often, when our motivation slides, our effort suffers, which feels bad. So instead of waiting for something to change in your circumstances, just give 100 percent of yourself for 60 days. You’ll be proud of your work as a result, and motivation will follow.

      Lose the attitude. You can’t simultaneously be gossiping about your job and expect to be fulfilled in it. When you stop complaining, motivation can start to build.

      Exercise and eat well. If you feel well physically, you’ll be more productive and energized at work. You’ll be surprised at how good you can feel.

      Have a life that you like. Make time for friendships, family, things that nourish you. If your gas tank is empty, you have no fuel for your professional life.

      With these tips, not only will you enjoy your work more, but your boss will likely take notice.

      For great career tips and more, click on iMAG on foxnews.com.

      I’m Meredith Haberfeld. Thanks for watching.