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Quiz 1: Vocabulary Focus
couple of • no kidding • all through
events • slow down
  1. It isn't easy to work high school.
  2. The doctor told him to and give his heart a little rest.
  3. He had a different jobs before he got this one.
  4. ! When did you move here?
  5. She will be in about four different at the state tournament.
Quiz 2: Comprehension Q's
Answer the following questions about the interview.
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40 The Runner

Tim discusses running both as a sport and for recreation.

  • Transcript
  • Audio Notes
notes
Vocabulary notes (text only) explain key vocabulary and phrases from the interview. Learn more here.

couple of

We've been running the last couple of nights.

Specifically a 'couple of' means two, but we usually use it in a more general sense to mean two or three.  We use this phrase when we aren't giving exact information.  Notice the following:

  1. Can our dog stay with you for a couple of days?
  2. She has been on vacation the last couple of weeks.

no kidding

[I started running when I was six years old.] No kidding!

'No kidding' is used as a response to a statement we think is unbelievable.  Notice the following:

  1. "I have twelve brothers and sisters."  "No kidding!"
  2. No kidding! I didn't know you grew up here.

all through (university)

I ran all through university.

If you did something 'all through university' it means that you did it the entire time you were there, not constantly, but consistently.  Notice the following:

  1. They played tennis all through middle school and high school.
  2. She will be traveling all though March.

events

What events did you do?

When we are talking about 'events' like this it is a competition that you do in the sport 'track and field'.  Each event is a different distance or physical test.  Notice the following:

  1. The high jump is my favorite event to watch.
  2. You are only allowed to do three events at the next competition.

slow down

I've been slowing down, because I've been drinking beer.

If you 'slow down' it means you don't go as fast as you did before.  Notice the following:

  1. After a few speeding tickets I have learned to slow down when I drive
  2. He started running full speed and he didn't slow down until he got to his house.