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Conversation Advance · Module 23 · Unit 112

Balancing Work, Study, and Leisure

C2 Proficient Upper

Learning Objectives

In today"s class, you will talk about cultural differences in time perception and improve your everyday vocabulary.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. Is being punctual important in your culture?
  2. How do you feel when someone is late for an appointment?
  3. Have you ever experienced a different attitude toward time abroad?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Punctuality

    noun

    /ˌpʌŋktʃuˈæləti/

    Meaning:The fact or quality of being on time.

    Punctuality is expected at this company.

    Real Life Tip:

    Highly valued in American professional settings.

  • Monochronic

    adjective

    /ˌmɒnəˈkrɒnɪk/

    Meaning:Systems where things are done one at a time.

    The American culture is largely monochronic.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used in social science to explain time views.

  • Run over

    phrasal verb

    /rʌn ˈoʊvər/

    Meaning:To exceed an allocated time limit.

    I hope this meeting does not run over.

    Real Life Tip:

    Very common for meetings.

  • On the dot

    idiom

    /ɒn ðə dɒt/

    Meaning:Exactly at the stated time.

    He arrived at nine on the dot.

    Real Life Tip:

    Stresses extreme punctuality.

  • Flake

    slang

    /fleɪk/

    Meaning:A person who is unreliable, especially regarding plans.

    Do not be a flake; show up.

    Real Life Tip:

    A very common insult for someone who is late or cancels.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
Kevin and Jennifer are discussing how different cultures view time.
  • Kevin
    It is interesting how punctuality varies by culture.
  • Jennifer
    True. Our society is very monochronic.
  • Kevin
    Exactly. We like to arrive at nine on the dot.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. What does Jennifer say about their society?
  2. When does Kevin say they like to arrive?
  3. What do they think about flakes?

Exercise

Direction: Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence, then read it aloud. Each question gives you 5 Points.

  1. What is punctuality?

  2. What is monochronic?

  3. I hope the meeting does not run ____.

  4. Do not be a ____.

  5. on / the / dot / arrive

  6. culture / punctuality / affects

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. Is your home culture monochronic or flexible?
  2. What is the standard of punctuality in your country?
  3. Have you ever been called a flake?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. How do I deal with cultures that are not punctual?
  2. Why is punctuality so important in the US?
  3. What should I do if a meeting is running over?
  4. Is being monochronic always better?
  5. How do I avoid being seen as a flake?
  6. What if I cannot arrive on the dot?
  7. How do I explain my culture"s view on time?
  8. Are there other ways to view time?
  9. How do I adjust to new cultural time norms?
  10. Why do some people not care about being late?
Jennifer
And we hate when a meeting starts to run over.
  • Kevin
    Nobody likes a flake who cancels last minute.
  • Jennifer
    That is for sure. It is rude.
  • Kevin
    I guess it depends on what you are used to.
  • Jennifer
    Definitely. Culture shapes everything.