Episode 03

Episode 03

In episode 3, Milton tells his brother about Mei. Why do you think he is so impressed with her?

Do the preparation task first. Then listen to the audio and do the exercises.

Transcript

Milton: Hi, Alfredo. How's life for my big brother? Have you heard from Mum recently? Is she happy in Florida? I hope she's happy with Henry. She doesn't email or text – I must call her soon. But I did hear from Carolina yesterday. She says Emily's baby is beautiful and she's having a great time, so won't be back just yet. I really miss her, you know.

Still no luck with the work side of things here. I had two auditions last week. One was for a TV soap opera called All at Home and the other was for a film about dinosaurs ...

Audition manager: Thank you, Mr da Silva, but it's a no. I'm afraid you aren't quite what we're looking for for the part of Paul. Who's next?

Stage manager: OK, everybody back on stage, please. Philip Jones and Arthur Primpton come back tomorrow. The rest of you can go home. Thank you for your time.

Milton: But I'm not giving up yet. You know me – 'Mr Positive'. At least I've got my part-time job. OK, it's only delivering pizzas but it helps to pay the bills. I can't take any more money from Mum – or from you. This is the year when I have to stand on my own two feet. Like our new neighbour, Mei. She's amazing. She's never been outside China before, she's here all alone without any friends or family, she's got a really good job and she's incredibly independent ...

Mei: No lift. I have the only flat in London with no lift.

Milton: Hey, Mei. How's it going?

Mei: Going? What's going? I'm bringing boxes in, not out.

Milton: Ha ha! Funny! Oh. You're serious, aren't you? You didn't understand.

Mei: I'm moving heavy boxes and there's no lift – I'm not making jokes.

Milton: 'How's it going?' means 'How are things?', 'How are you?', 'Is everything OK with you?'

Mei: OK. Of course, I knew that – I just wasn't concentrating. I'm fine, thanks. When I get these boxes up the stairs.

Milton: What have you been buying? IKEA, huh?

Mei: Some things for the kitchen and some shelves. And a desk and chair. All in, uh, very heavy boxes.

Milton: Here, let me help. I'll go backwards ... Ow.

Mei: I'll go backwards. Move around – no, the other way – to the right – no, no, to your right – how do you say ... clockwise?

Milton: You need to lift your end higher ...

 

Mei: OK, that's all of it. Thank you for your help.

Milton: You're welcome. I owe you a favour for letting me climb out of your kitchen window.

Mei: When I thought you were a criminal. A burglar.

Milton: I'm laughing, but I'm sure burglars earn more money than I do. Perhaps I'll change my career. Do you want any help putting that furniture together?

Mei: No, thanks. I'm fine. I've got some things – tools. It's easy. We have IKEA in Beijing, you know.

Milton: Well, come and knock on the door if you need me. I'm going to work at seven thirty.

Mei: You said you work in the evenings. Are you in a play?

Milton: Well, no, not exactly. Not really a play.

Mei: You're an actor, aren't you?

Milton: Yes, yes, that's right. Anyway, I'll let you get on with putting your furniture together. See you later.

Milton: So, you see what I mean, Alfredo. She even knows how to put IKEA furniture together. What a neighbour! Anyway, time for work, so bye for now. Let me know how it's going with you ...

Discussion

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Average: 4.7 (6 votes)

Submitted by Myla Mya on Mon, 01/01/2024 - 13:27

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l live in a flat with my friends for nearly 8 years after finishing University. Sometimes I miss my parents. I need to stand on my own feet to support my parents.

Submitted by gregoquintero on Wed, 26/07/2023 - 03:43

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Currently i lived lonely in a new city for me, Santiago. I just started in a new job as a chef and i feel prety independent right now.

Submitted by Gilpires on Mon, 20/02/2023 - 19:06

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I'm an independent person, I and my husband have a good job and we contribute the equal way in the bills

Submitted by jyoti Chaudhary on Wed, 25/05/2022 - 12:11

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How independent are you?
when I completed my 12 class after that I started doing my first job and earning little money. and help my parents. after 2years I completed my master's degree from Delhi University and I move to Manali to earn money anyhow I build my new house in Delhi and finally, I did. still, I live here and learn English and also earn money. I'm alone no friends and family. I'm independent when I was 20years old.

Submitted by mariakhar343465 on Tue, 08/03/2022 - 08:27

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I don`t an independent person because I don`t earn money because I`m a teen. but I can take carry of myself and my dog and my brother. so I am partly independent.

Submitted by Aung Khant Min on Thu, 18/11/2021 - 04:52

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Hello!
I'm a bit lost what exactly 'the work side of things' means. Could someone please explains me?

Hello Aung Khant Min,

This just means 'work'. In other words, Milton still hasn't found an acting job.

The idea behind this expression is that there are many sides or aspects to our lives: work, leisure, family, etc. So the 'work side of things' refers to Milton's professional life.

All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by Mj2021 on Tue, 09/11/2021 - 14:51

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I`m not this independent, I meant, not like Mei. I do have a job, but I dont like it (it´s not my dream job). Plus, I can`t put fornitures together LOL .

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Submitted by Alexander Bladeck on Thu, 04/11/2021 - 21:32

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I don't understand this sentence: "But I did hear from Carolina yesterday", why does Milton use did in affirmative? I suppose that this phrase is: But I heard from Carolina yesterday... Actually