Anna: Ms. Weaver is giving new assignments out. I am ready to take on anything she gives me. Well, except reporting traffic from a helicopter. Wish me luck.

Professor Bot: I wonder what Anna’s new assignment will be? Professor Bot here! While you are watching, look for phrasal, or two-word verbs. Some stay together, like “go back” and some can come apart, like “give [assignments] out.” Good luck, Anna!

Ms. Weaver: So, as I said at the meeting last week, I have new assignments for everyone at The Studio. Anna, you're good at asking questions. So, I want you to go back to hosting and reporting.

Anna: That sounds great.

Ms. Weaver: You're also a team player. So, I want you team up with someone ...

Anna: That sounds even better!

Ms. Weaver: ... someone who is very "different" from you.

Anna: That sounds ... what do you mean "different"?

Ms. Weaver: Well, you are very cheerful, you're a people person. I want you to team up with someone who ... isn't.

Anna: Ms. Weaver, I will find that person.

Mimi: Excuse me. Are you using this chair?

Pete: Yes.

Anna: Pete, hi! Thanks for meeting me.

Pete: Sure. But I don’t have lots of time, Anna. I’m busy looking for work.

Anna: Pete, you can tear these want ads up and throw them away! I have good news!

Pete: Anna, I was working on that crossword puzzle.

Anna: Oh. Sorry. Sorry. Pete, forget about the crossword puzzle. I have a job offer for you!

Pete: I'm listening.

Anna: My boss wants me to team up with someone to host a talk show. But the person must be different from me. So, I thought of you.

Pete: Different from you? What do you mean?

Anna: I'm sorry, Pete, I don't have time right now. Here's my boss's address. Your interview is tomorrow morning at 10 am.

Pete: But what do you mean “different”?

Anna: Just be yourself, Pete. Just be yourself.

Professor Bot: Did you find any two-word verbs? Here’s one example. Pete can throw the want ads away! Throw away is a two-word verb.

Ms. Weaver: Thanks for coming in, Pete.

Pete: Thanks for the opportunity, Ms. Weaver.

Ms. Weaver: I need to find out if you have the skills for this job. And I want you to be completely honest.

Pete: Okay.

Ms. Weaver: First, let's talk about your personal skills. Pete, are you a people person?

Pete: Well, okay, sometimes I think people talk too much.

Ms. Weaver: Pete, what work of yours are you most proud of?

Pete: Last year, I locked myself in a cabin and wrote a book. I didn't speak to anybody the entire time! It was the best two months of my life.

Ms. Weaver: Okay. I think I’ve heard enough.

Anna: Hey! Hey, Pete, how was the interview with Ms. Weaver?

Pete: Well, she said I was grumpy and not good with people.

Anna: And … ?

Pete: And, I got the job!

Anna: I knew it! Congratulations! Let's go celebrate.

Pete: Okay!

Professor Bot: Did you find more two-word verbs? Here is the list.

give out

find out

take on

tear up

go back

throw away

team up

come in

 

Listening Quiz