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Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials
Release Date:
19 Jun, 1000
Simplified Speech #197 – The rat race (Ad free)
Episode description
Have you ever heard of the “rat race”? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about their own experiences with the rat race. They explain what this term means to them and discuss different ways to escape it. If you want to learn about competitiveness in the business world and find out how to have a happier and more balanced life, this episode is perfect for you!
Fun fact
Many other languages have their own versions of “rat race.” For example, in German, it’s called “Hamsterrad,” which means “hamster wheel,” conveying the same idea of running without getting anywhere. Is there a fun, idiomatic term for “rat race” in your mother tongue?
Expressions included in the study guide
- Rat race
- Midlife crisis
- To taper off
- To shine a light on
- To be in the thick of (something)
- To be cut out for (something)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
~15 minutes
Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials
Release Date:
19 Jun, 1000
~15 minutes
Simplified Speech #197 – The rat race (Ad free)
Episode description
Have you ever heard of the "rat race"? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about their own experiences with the rat race. They explain what this term means to them and discuss different ways to escape it. If you want to learn about competitiveness in the business world and find out how to have a happier and more balanced life, this episode is perfect for you!Fun fact
Many other languages have their own versions of "rat race." For example, in German, it's called "Hamsterrad," which means "hamster wheel," conveying the same idea of running without getting anywhere. Is there a fun, idiomatic term for “rat race” in your mother tongue?Expressions included in the study guide
- Rat race
- Midlife crisis
- To taper off
- To shine a light on
- To be in the thick of (something)
- To be cut out for (something)
Sign in to access Quiz
Sign in- How many books does Kassy usually read a year?
- What does Kassy say happens to the character Minjun in the book “Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop”?
- What did Andrew major in at university and what does he think about that decision in retrospect?
- What are some of the business ideas Kassy and Andrew discuss for escaping the rat race?
- Why was Yeonju Andrew’s favorite character in the book?
Comprehension Quiz Answers:
- 100
- In the book, Minjun is a college student who excels academically and graduates from a top university in Seoul. Despite his excellent grades and connections, he struggles to find a job, spending two years going to numerous interviews without success.
- Andrew said he chose to study English literature and history at university. This was because he was interested in getting educated and learning, not making a lot of money, although he now thinks maybe he should have chosen a more technical subject.
- Kassy discusses opening a small bakery and English library or a mini golf course and ice cream parlor. Andrew talks about having a café where he could DJ and play music or opening a concert venue.
- Yeonju is Andrew’s favorite character because she’s really passionate about book curation, finding the right books for her customers, organizing lectures and study groups, etc. Her way of leaving the rat race was very appealing to Andrew and therefore he connected with her.
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Culips is podcast for English language learners who want to get awesome at English. We think it is important to learn English how it is really spoken and that’s why our lessons are always focused on real, current English. Learn to speak like a native and understand everything with Culips!
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Culips is really different than other English courses and podcasts. Our hosts are kind, funny, and professional. Our podcasts and lessons are designed to help you become fluent in conversational, North American English. Here are some things you might not know about our hosts:
- They are Canadian and American
- Have master’s degrees and work in professions related to English education (Andrew is a university English professor, Suzanne is a pronunciation coach and voice actor, and Morag is a writer).
- Actively study second languages as adults. Our team understands the ups and downs of studying foreign languages as adults who live busy lives.
At Culips, we make English understandable through our five different series:
Chatterbox
Listen to real English conversations between native speakers as we talk about current events, share funny stories, or interview fascinating guests. Become a fluent listener, get exposure to Western culture, and learn the ins and outs of natural English conversations all at the same time.
Catch Word
Learn natural English expressions, idioms, and phrasal verbs. We teach you everyday English vocabulary that native speakers actually use. Sound like a native speaker with Catch Word.
Simplified Speech
Do you get stressed out by English? Do native speakers talk too fast? Don’t worry! We’re here to help. In Simplified Speech, we use 100% natural English, but we speak more slowly than we do in our everyday lives.
This series is great for all levels of learners but is specifically designed with high beginner-intermediate students in mind.
Real Talk
In our In our Real Talk series we teach you the practical English you need know when visiting or living in an English speaking country. Each episode examines a specific situation such as ordering at a restaurant, renting an apartment, or getting a refund.
Speak Easy
Speak Easy is the show that teaches you how to pronounce English the way native speakers do. Learn tips and tricks that will make your English pronunciation clear and understandable with Speak Easy.
The best way to study with Culips is with our study guides.
