Paris Scene 2

Ashlie and Stephen do some shopping in Paris - and improve their French!

Preparation

Before you watch

Think about the following questions:

  • What do you think is the most important thing when learning a language?
  • Have you ever heard of Paris's Left Bank?

Now watch Ashlie and Stephen explore Paris some more!

Transcript

Ashlie: Well, that was a nice hotel. I slept really well.

Stephen: Me too. OK, time to see more of Paris. Is there anything especially you want to see?

Ashlie: Everywhere! I’d love to see Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. Let’s go. This way, I think.

.....


Stephen: C’est combien, s’il vous plaît? Merci. See, Ashlie, I told you I can make myself understood. It’s all about confidence. I’m going to keep practising and I’m not going to worry about making a few mistakes. People understand me and that’s the main thing.

Ashlie: Yeah, right, and you’re confident, OK. Now listen, we’ve done some touristy places. Now it’s time to do some shopping!

Stephen: I read on the internet about a great area. It’s where you can meet artists. It’s near the river. I think it’s called the Left Bank?

Ashlie: Hey, why don’t you ask someone for directions? Remember, it’s all about confidence.

.....


Stephen: Excusez-moi. Bonjour.

Woman: Bonjour.

Stephen: Combien le portrait?

Woman: Cent cinquante.

Stephen: Cent cinquante… ah, a hundred and fifty euros.

Woman: That’s right. One hundred and fifty euros. Your French is pretty good.

Stephen: Thank you. Well, I’m trying my best. Your English is very good.

Woman: Well, I'm French but I use English a lot. English is a really useful language. Around here there are a lot of tourists so they often speak to me in English.

Stephen: Yes, I guess we’re lucky that some people speak English but today I’m hoping to improve my French. I need to speak more and not worry too much about making mistakes.

Woman: Ah yes, you can always improve. You never stop learning. I always pick up new words talking to tourists and learning a language is so important, I think.

Stephen: I know what you mean.

Woman: So would you like to buy a painting? I mean, voudriez-vous …

Stephen: Thanks, but it’s a bit expensive.

Ashlie: Hi, Stephen.

Stephen: Oh, hi, Ash. Good luck with your practice!

Woman: You too.

Ashlie: Right, I’m almost done with my shopping.

Stephen: Wow, you have been busy.

Ashlie: Yes, and my French is really improving. I bought all of these using your phrase book. I just need to get something else. I need to get something from that shop over there. Look, you wait here and I’ll be back in a moment.

.....


Ashlie: OK, Stephen, I wanted to get you something special, something to remind you of our trip to Paris.

Stephen: Oh, that’s nice, Ash. What’s that?

Ashlie: Oh, you look great, Stephen!

Stephen: Merci beaucoup.

Ashlie: And now I know that that means 'Thank you very much' in French.

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

We can use expressions with '-ing' to explain how we do things. For example, the picture seller says:

  • I always pick up new words talking to tourists.

The expression 'talking to tourists' explains how she learns new words.

Exercise

Topics

Average: 5 (1 vote)
Do you need to improve your English?
Join thousands of learners from around the world who are making great progress with their English level with our online courses.

Submitted by arashjahanbakht on Sun, 18/09/2022 - 16:07

Permalink

Task 1 looked a bit vague to me. Because Stephene and Ash met each other twice. The first time happened when Stephen was talking to the girl, and the second time happened when Ash wanted to give Stephene a souvenir.

Submitted by nikoslado on Tue, 10/03/2020 - 20:14

Permalink
Dear Team, could you correct, please, the Task 2,( line 4 and 7) so it be possible to accept either''a hundred and fifty'' in the fourth line, and ''a bit expensive.'', in the seventh one, according to the text above. Thanks in advance, nikoslado
Profile picture for user Kirk Moore

Submitted by Kirk Moore on Wed, 11/03/2020 - 07:23

In reply to by nikoslado

Permalink

Hello nikoslado

Yes, good idea. I've added those as possible answers.

Thanks and best wishes

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Profile picture for user Brenoabarbosa

Submitted by Brenoabarbosa on Wed, 06/03/2019 - 10:48

Permalink
I have difficulty in task 2 and 3. I need better more.

Hello Brenoabarbosa

You might want to look for listening materials at the A2 or B1 levels if you found this difficult. You can find these materials on our Find out your English level page -- see part 2 (below the test). In any case, don't give up! Listening is a skill that most people need time and lots of practice to improve.

Also, I wanted to tell you to check our Listening section. In the next few weeks we will be publishing more than 50 new pages there. I'm sure you will be able to use them to improve your listening skills!

All the best

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Profile picture for user Kostya B

Submitted by Kostya B on Wed, 28/11/2018 - 18:54

Permalink
The most important thing when you study other language is do not be lazy and try to think every time in this language.