Level 5: Advanced English Audio Lessons
Level 5: Advanced English Audio Lessons
What will I learn at Level 5?
With DailyStep English Advanced Level Audio Lessons, you will learn:
- Advanced English Listening at fast, natural pace
- How to become more fluent in English
- English Conversation Skills at Advanced Level
- Advanced English Business skills for meetings
- How to use humour, understatement, sarcasm and other techniques
- How to make and develop business contacts
- Advanced English phrasal verbs and their more formal equivalents
- Advanced English Idioms and colloquial language
- … and much more!
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Eva: So, was your friend a qualified sailor?
John: Well, he assured me that he knew what he was doing and I didn’t press him on it too much although I should have done because I know from experience that you have to take anything that Tarquin says with a pinch of salt. (Click to show/hide text) %[%So, we set off from the quay and I must admit to a certain trepidation and a slight nagging doubt in the back of my mind about Tarquin’s seamanship.%]% %[%But he deftly negotiated his way past the harbour enclosure and through the maze of buoys that led out to the open sea.%]% %[%He seemed quite at home behind the wheel with his captain’s hat set on his head at a rakish angle.%]% %[%If he had had a big, bushy beard he would have even looked the part.%]%
Eva: So, %[%you were lulled into a false sense of security%]%?
John: %[%You could say that! Though outright conned would be more accurate! %]% %[%But the sun was out and the sea was calm as a mill pond. I stretched out on the deck and thought to myself “This is the life!”, and then dozed off. And so did Tarquin.%]%
.
Situation: John explains how he was quite impressed with Tarquin’s sailing skills as he manoeuvred his yacht out of the harbour.
Style: informal conversation, quite dramatic
.
Functions:
- Referring to a promise: Well, he assured me that he knew what he was doing and I didn’t press him on it too much… (note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
- Expressing regret: … although I should have done because I know from experience that you have to take anything that Tarquin says with a pinch of salt.(note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
- Emphasising a negative opinion: and I must admit to a certain trepidation
- Hypothetical sentence: If he had had a big bushy beard he would have even looked the part.
- Agreeing partially or doubtfully: You could say that! (note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
- Correcting someone in their choice of words: Though outright conned would be more accurate! (note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
.
Notes:
- a qualified sailor = an experienced sailor who has passed sailing examinations
- he assured me that = he promised me that
- I didn’t press him on it too much = I didn’t ask him too much about it / I didn’t push for too much information about it
- to take anything that Tarquin says with a pinch of salt (idiom: to take something someone says with a pinch of salt = to be doubtful about the veracity of someone’s statement) = to not always accept as the truth everything that Tarquin says
- we set off (phrasal verb) = we left / we sailed away / we started our journey
- the quay = the harbour side
- I must admit to a certain trepidation = I must admit, I had a certain trepidation
- trepidation = fear or worry that something might happen
- a slight nagging doubt in the back of my mind about (idiom) = a persistent worry that it was difficult for me to stop thinking about
- seamanship = ability and knowledge of sailing
- he deftly negotiated his way past the harbour enclosure = he expertly and efficiently sailed past the harbour wall
- the maze of buoys = the confusing pattern of buoys
- a maze = labyrinth / paths or walkways laid out (phrasal verb) in a confusing pattern
- buoys = plastic ball-shape floats that are tied to the seabed and used to guide boats and ships along the deep channels and prevent them from running aground
- He seemed quite at home (idiom) = He seemed relaxed and capable, as if he knew what he was doing
- the wheel = the ship’s wheel, which controls the rudder
- with his captain’s hat set on his head at a rakish angle = wearing his captain’s hat in a way that made him look interesting or enigmatic
- rakish = displaying a dashing, cheeky or slightly disreputable quality or appearance (You might describe Casanova or Don Juan as being rakish.)
- a big, bushy beard = a very full, hairy beard
- he would have even looked the part (idiom) = he would have even looked like a ship’s captain
- you were lulled into a false sense of security (idiom: to lull somebody into a false sense of security = to falsely make someone feel relaxed. For example, a boxer might pretend that he is not a good fighter in order to lull his opponent into a false sense of security, therefore making his opponent vulnerable) = you were deceived into feeling confident about his abilities
- You could say that! = Yes, that is one way of describing the situation (note: the phrase ‘you could say that’ is usually followed by a more accurate choice of words.)
- Though outright conned would be more accurate = But completely deceived might be a better way to describe it
- the sun was out (phrasal verb) = the sun was shining
- the sea was (as) calm as a mill pond (simile – sometimes we omit the first ‘as’) = the sea was very flat and calm, just like the water in a mill pond
- I stretched out on (phrasal verb) the deck = I lay on the deck
- the deck = the floor of a ship or boat
- This is the life! = Life is very good! / This is how I want to live my life! (note: we often use this phrase when we are in a lovely situation, feeling happy and relaxed. )
- then dozed off (phrasal verb: to doze off = to fall asleep unexpectedly or suddenly. We often use the phrasal verb ‘doze off’ if you are sitting in a chair and you fall asleep, or if you fall asleep after a meal.) = then fell asleep because I was feeling relaxed
- And so did Tarquin (using only the auxiliary) = And Tarquin also dozed off
- The sound that you can hear at the end is a gasp. When she hears that Tarquin also dozed off, Eva gasps in horror or shock at the thought of what might have happened next!
.
Audio file name: DailyStep-5_story–boat-002_GB-03
Functions:
- Referring to a promise: Well, he assured me that he knew what he was doing and I didn’t press him on it too much… (note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
- Expressing regret: … although I should have done because I know from experience that you have to take anything that Tarquin says with a pinch of salt.(note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
- Emphasising a negative opinion: and I must admit to a certain trepidation
- Hypothetical sentence: If he had had a big bushy beard he would have even looked the part.
- Agreeing partially or doubtfully: You could say that! (note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
- Correcting someone in their choice of words: Though outright conned would be more accurate! (note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
Notes:
- a qualified sailor = an experienced sailor who has passed sailing examinations
- he assured me that = he promised me that
- I didn’t press him on it too much = I didn’t ask him too much about it / I didn’t push for too much information about it
- to take anything that Tarquin says with a pinch of salt (idiom: to take something someone says with a pinch of salt = to be doubtful about the veracity of someone’s statement) = to not always accept as the truth everything that Tarquin says
- we set off (phrasal verb) = we left / we sailed away / we started our journey
- the quay = the harbour side
- I must admit to a certain trepidation = I must admit, I had a certain trepidation
- trepidation = fear or worry that something might happen
- a slight nagging doubt in the back of my mind about (idiom) = a persistent worry that it was difficult for me to stop thinking about
- seamanship = ability and knowledge of sailing
- he deftly negotiated his way past the harbour enclosure = he expertly and efficiently sailed past the harbour wall
- the maze of buoys = the confusing pattern of buoys
- a maze = labyrinth / paths or walkways laid out (phrasal verb) in a confusing pattern
- buoys = plastic ball-shape floats that are tied to the seabed and used to guide boats and ships along the deep channels and prevent them from running aground
- He seemed quite at home (idiom) = He seemed relaxed and capable, as if he knew what he was doing
- the wheel = the ship’s wheel, which controls the rudder
- with his captain’s hat set on his head at a rakish angle = wearing his captain’s hat in a way that made him look interesting or enigmatic
- rakish = displaying a dashing, cheeky or slightly disreputable quality or appearance (You might describe Casanova or Don Juan as being rakish.)
- a big, bushy beard = a very full, hairy beard
- he would have even looked the part (idiom) = he would have even looked like a ship’s captain
- you were lulled into a false sense of security (idiom: to lull somebody into a false sense of security = to falsely make someone feel relaxed. For example, a boxer might pretend that he is not a good fighter in order to lull his opponent into a false sense of security, therefore making his opponent vulnerable) = you were deceived into feeling confident about his abilities
- You could say that! = Yes, that is one way of describing the situation (note: the phrase ‘you could say that’ is usually followed by a more accurate choice of words.)
- Though outright conned would be more accurate = But completely deceived might be a better way to describe it
- the sun was out (phrasal verb) = the sun was shining
- the sea was (as) calm as a mill pond (simile – sometimes we omit the first ‘as’) = the sea was very flat and calm, just like the water in a mill pond
- I stretched out on (phrasal verb) the deck = I lay on the deck
- the deck = the floor of a ship or boat
- This is the life! = Life is very good! / This is how I want to live my life! (note: we often use this phrase when we are in a lovely situation, feeling happy and relaxed. )
- then dozed off (phrasal verb: to doze off = to fall asleep unexpectedly or suddenly. We often use the phrasal verb ‘doze off’ if you are sitting in a chair and you fall asleep, or if you fall asleep after a meal.) = then fell asleep because I was feeling relaxed
- And so did Tarquin (using only the auxiliary) = And Tarquin also dozed off
- The sound that you can hear at the end is a gasp. When she hears that Tarquin also dozed off, Eva gasps in horror or shock at the thought of what might have happened next!
.
Eva: So, was your friend a qualified sailor?
John: Well, he assured me that he knew what he was doing and I didn’t press him on it too much although I should have done because I know from experience that you have to take anything that Tarquin says with a pinch of salt. (Click to show/hide text) %[%So, we set off from the quay and I must admit to a certain trepidation and a slight nagging doubt in the back of my mind about Tarquin’s seamanship.%]% %[%But he deftly negotiated his way past the harbour enclosure and through the maze of buoys that led out to the open sea.%]% %[%He seemed quite at home behind the wheel with his captain’s hat set on his head at a rakish angle.%]% %[%If he’d had a big, bushy beard he would have even looked the part.%]%
Eva: So, %[%you were dragged into a false sense of security%]%?
John: %[%You could say that! Though outright tricked would be more accurate! %]% %[%But the sun was out and the sea was calm as a mill pond. I stretched out on the deck and thought to myself “This is the life!”, and then dozed off. And so did Tarquin.%]%
.
Situation: John explains how he was quite impressed with Tarquin’s sailing skills as he maneuvered his yacht out of the harbor.
Style: informal conversation, quite dramatic
.
Functions:
- Referring to a promise: Well, he assured me that he knew what he was doing and I didn’t press him on it too much… (note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
- Expressing regret: … although I should have done because I know from experience that you have to take anything that Tarquin says with a pinch of salt.(note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
- Emphasizing a negative opinion: and I gotta admit to a certain trepidation
- Hypothetical sentence: If he’d had a big bushy beard he would have even looked the part.
- Agreeing partially or doubtfully: You could say that! (note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
- Correcting someone in their choice of words: Though outright tricked would be more accurate! (note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
.
Notes:
- a qualified sailor = an experienced sailor who has passed sailing examinations
- he assured me that = he promised me that
- I didn’t press him on it too much = I didn’t ask him too much about it / I didn’t push for too much information about it
- to take anything that Tarquin says with a pinch of salt (idiom: to take something someone says with a pinch of salt = to be doubtful about the veracity of someone’s statement) = to not always accept as the truth everything that Tarquin says
- we set off (phrasal verb) = we left / we sailed away / we started our journey
- the jetty = the dock at the harbor side
- I gotta admit to a certain trepidation (informal: gotta = have got to) = I have to admit, I had a certain trepidation
- trepidation = fear or worry that something might happen
- a slight nagging doubt in the back of my mind about(idiom) = a persistent worry that it was difficult for me to stop thinking about
- seamanship = ability and knowledge of sailing
- he deftly negotiated his way past the harbor enclosure = he expertly and efficiently sailed past the harbor wall
- the maze of buoys = the confusing pattern of buoys
- a maze = labyrinth / paths or walkways laid out (phrasal verb) in a confusing pattern
- buoys = plastic ball-shape floats that are tied to the seabed and used to guide boats and ships along the deep channels and prevent them from running aground
- He seemed quite at home (idiom) = He seemed relaxed and capable, as if he knew what he was doing
- the wheel = the ship’s wheel, which controls the rudder
- with his captain’s hat set on his head at a rakish angle = wearing his captain’s hat in a way that made him look interesting or enigmatic
- rakish = displaying a dashing, cheeky or slightly disreputable quality or appearance (You might describe Casanova or Don Juan as being rakish.)
- a big, bushy beard = a very full, hairy beard
- he would have even looked the part (idiom) = he would have even looked like a ship’s captain
- you were dragged into a false sense of security (idiom: to drag somebody into a false sense of security = to falsely make someone feel relaxed. For example, a boxer might pretend that he is not a good fighter in order to drag his opponent into a false sense of security, therefore making his opponent vulnerable) = you were deceived into feeling confident about his abilities
- You could say that! = = Yes, that is one way of describing the situation (note: the phrase ‘you could say that’ is usually followed by a more accurate choice of words.)
- Though outright tricked would be more accurate = But completely deceived might be a better way to describe it
- the sun was out (phrasal verb) = the sun was shining
- the sea was (as) calm as a mill pond (simile – sometimes we omit the first ‘as’) = the sea was very flat and calm, just like the water in a mill pond
- I stretched out on (phrasal verb) the deck = I lay on the deck
- the deck = the floor of a ship or boat
- This is the life! = Life is very good! / This is how I want to live my life! (note: we often use this phrase when we are in a lovely situation, feeling happy and relaxed. )
- then dozed off (phrasal verb: to doze off = to fall asleep unexpectedly or suddenly. We often use the phrasal verb ‘doze off’ if you are sitting in a chair and you fall asleep, or if you fall asleep after a meal.) = then fell asleep because I was feeling relaxed
- And so did Tarquin (using only the auxiliary) = And Tarquin also dozed off
- The sound that you can hear at the end is a gasp. When she hears that Tarquin also dozed off, Eva gasps in horror or shock at the thought of what might have happened next!
.
Audio file name: DailyStep-5_story–boat-002_US-03
Functions:
- Referring to a promise: Well, he assured me that he knew what he was doing and I didn’t press him on it too much… (note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
- Expressing regret: … although I should have done because I know from experience that you have to take anything that Tarquin says with a pinch of salt.(note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
- Emphasizing a negative opinion: and I gotta admit to a certain trepidation
- Hypothetical sentence: If he’d had a big bushy beard he would have even looked the part.
- Agreeing partially or doubtfully: You could say that! (note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
- Correcting someone in their choice of words: Though outright tricked would be more accurate! (note: please copy the tone and emphasis carefully here.)
Notes:
- a qualified sailor = an experienced sailor who has passed sailing examinations
- he assured me that = he promised me that
- I didn’t press him on it too much = I didn’t ask him too much about it / I didn’t push for too much information about it
- to take anything that Tarquin says with a pinch of salt (idiom: to take something someone says with a pinch of salt = to be doubtful about the veracity of someone’s statement) = to not always accept as the truth everything that Tarquin says
- we set off (phrasal verb) = we left / we sailed away / we started our journey
- the jetty = the dock at the harbor side
- I gotta admit to a certain trepidation (informal: gotta = have got to) = I have to admit, I had a certain trepidation
- trepidation = fear or worry that something might happen
- a slight nagging doubt in the back of my mind about(idiom) = a persistent worry that it was difficult for me to stop thinking about
- seamanship = ability and knowledge of sailing
- he deftly negotiated his way past the harbor enclosure = he expertly and efficiently sailed past the harbor wall
- the maze of buoys = the confusing pattern of buoys
- a maze = labyrinth / paths or walkways laid out (phrasal verb) in a confusing pattern
- buoys = plastic ball-shape floats that are tied to the seabed and used to guide boats and ships along the deep channels and prevent them from running aground
- He seemed quite at home (idiom) = He seemed relaxed and capable, as if he knew what he was doing
- the wheel = the ship’s wheel, which controls the rudder
- with his captain’s hat set on his head at a rakish angle = wearing his captain’s hat in a way that made him look interesting or enigmatic
- rakish = displaying a dashing, cheeky or slightly disreputable quality or appearance (You might describe Casanova or Don Juan as being rakish.)
- a big, bushy beard = a very full, hairy beard
- he would have even looked the part (idiom) = he would have even looked like a ship’s captain
- you were dragged into a false sense of security (idiom: to drag somebody into a false sense of security = to falsely make someone feel relaxed. For example, a boxer might pretend that he is not a good fighter in order to drag his opponent into a false sense of security, therefore making his opponent vulnerable) = you were deceived into feeling confident about his abilities
- You could say that! = = Yes, that is one way of describing the situation (note: the phrase ‘you could say that’ is usually followed by a more accurate choice of words.)
- Though outright tricked would be more accurate = But completely deceived might be a better way to describe it
- the sun was out (phrasal verb) = the sun was shining
- the sea was (as) calm as a mill pond (simile – sometimes we omit the first ‘as’) = the sea was very flat and calm, just like the water in a mill pond
- I stretched out on (phrasal verb) the deck = I lay on the deck
- the deck = the floor of a ship or boat
- This is the life! = Life is very good! / This is how I want to live my life! (note: we often use this phrase when we are in a lovely situation, feeling happy and relaxed. )
- then dozed off (phrasal verb: to doze off = to fall asleep unexpectedly or suddenly. We often use the phrasal verb ‘doze off’ if you are sitting in a chair and you fall asleep, or if you fall asleep after a meal.) = then fell asleep because I was feeling relaxed
- And so did Tarquin (using only the auxiliary) = And Tarquin also dozed off
- The sound that you can hear at the end is a gasp. When she hears that Tarquin also dozed off, Eva gasps in horror or shock at the thought of what might have happened next!
.
Audio file name: DailyStep-5_story–boat-002_US-03