Here is Level 2, Lesson 30: “Dream a Little Dream” adapted from VOA Learning English.
- Listen, read, translate if needed, and practice along with the audio player and dialogue below.
Ashley: Anna, where are you going in such a hurry?
Anna: Hi, Ashley. The nurse’s office. Today I get the results from my blood test.
Ashley: I’m sure you’re fine. Don’t worry.
Anna: You know, I used to dream of being a nurse. It is such an honorable career. Is there something you’ve dreamed of doing?
Ashley: Sure! I would love to be a dog trainer. Actually, I’ve taught my dog, Dublin, lots of tricks!
Anna: Well, I’m off to the nurse. Bye, Ashley.
Ashley: Bye, Anna.
Anna: Bye, Dublin.
(Anna stands near the nurse’s office and listens to her phone call.)
Nurse: I’m looking at her test results and they’re not good. In fact, I’m afraid she’s not going to make it.
Anna: What?! I’m not going to make it? I’m dying??
Nurse: Anna, come in. How are you?
Anna: I guess..not so good. I’m dying!?
Nurse: What are you talking about?
Anna: I just heard you on the phone. Just tell me: How much longer do I have?
Nurse: I wasn’t talking about you. A student of mine didn’t do well on her science test. So, she won’t be able to make it … to graduation.
Anna: Whew. Thank goodness! For a minute, my whole life passed before my eyes. There are so many things I haven’t done yet.
Nurse Well, life is short. It’s important to do something you love every day.
Anna: I couldn’t agree more.
Nurse: Now, let’s talk about your blood test. Your cholesterol is really low.
Anna: Awesome!
(Next, Anna is sitting in a sound studio with Jonathan.)
Jonathan: Okay, Anna, say something and I’ll check your sound level.
Anna: Testing 1, 2, 3. Testing. Jonathan, I’ve been wondering something: What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Jonathan: That’s easy. I’d love to win the World Karaoke Contest.
Anna: This is so strange. I just saw on Twitter that they are having auditions in D.C. this weekend!
Jonathan: Are you serious? Can you read the story by yourself?
Anna: Sure, absolutely.
Jonathan: Thanks!
Anna: You go.
(Anna goes outside and talks to Penelope.)
Anna: Penelope, I was wondering if you still dream of being a dancer.
Penelope: Only every day!
Anna: Well, guess what: A famous dancer is having a flash mob around the corner! Hundreds of people are dancing together!
Penelope: No way!
Anna: Way! If you leave right now, you can join them! Bye!
(Anna then sits with Pete in the office kitchen.)
Anna: Pete, what’s one of your dreams?
Pete: Well, last night I dreamt I was in a spaceship. I was flying through outer space with these two beautiful…
Anna: Pete — not that kind of dream. I mean your hopes for the future.
Pete Oh. I plan on selling my book to Hollywood and becoming rich and famous.
Anna: That’s going to be difficult.
Pete: It’s my agent! Hello? Uh-huh. Sure! I can be in Los Angeles tomorrow!
Anna: Well, good job, Anna! My work here is done … almost.
(Music plays as Anna talks to many more coworkers)
MUSIC: You can search but you won’t find the answer without a dream. You can reach for the stars but you won’t get there without a dream…without a dream.
(Then, Anna is sitting at her work desk.)
Ms. Weaver: Anna, what’s going on? Where is everybody?
Anna: I don’t know. Maybe something is, uh, going around the office.
Ms. Weaver: You mean germs? Anna, you’d better use some of this hand cleaner. You don’t want to get sick, too.
Anna: Right. Okay, thanks. Not germs – dreams, Ms. Weaver. Dreams.
Ms. Weaver: What did you say, Anna?
Anna: Nothing. Nothing.
Prof. Bot: We hope you have enjoyed Level 2 of Let’s Learn English. Everyone is following their dreams, big and small.
Prof. Bot: What are your dreams? Our dream is for you to keep learning English! Thanks for watching.
2. Watch Lesson 30: “Dream a Little Dream” American English video lesson.
3. Take Lesson 30: “Dream a Little Dream” quiz to check your American English knowledge. Click here to take the quiz.
4. Answer the following question in the comments section below:
Think of this statement: When choosing a career, a person should seek self-fulfillment rather
than money. It is more important to ‘live one’s dream’ than to earn a good salary.
Begin by saying whether you agree or disagree. Then list the main factors that influence a
person’s choice of career. Consider whether some jobs are more worthwhile than others. Discuss the importance of a good salary when choosing a career.
Hello. I’m Danijela.
We should dream our dreams. We should hope and don’t give up. My dreams is get government job and my family to be healthy.
Ana was showing nobility and how people should treat themselves but unfortnately people often not noble but selfish and greedy.
Thank you very much Maestro Sersea.
Hello , hind from Iraq.
It’s more important to live one’s dream, than to earn a good salary .
It is important of achieving life requirement, and a balance between the income of the individual and profession and the realization of the dream
Greetings to all
I do not agree with this statement. I think we have to strike a balance between both factors.
If your career does not give you enough money, you have to find another source to get it, creating internal conflicts and frustrations.
Consequently, you must take into account all the factors that will influence your family future before making a decision.
In the quiz I scored 4/4
Thank you Maestro
Lesson 2.3o.4 Year 2
Answer the above question.
In my opinion, when choosing a career, personal fulfillment or satisfaction is more important than a salary. If I am happy at work with what I am doing, then I will want to go to work each day happily. On the other hand, those who do not enjoy their jobs, always feel insecure and uncomfortable. But it varies on one’s circumstances where a person needs money to run his family’s expenses, then obesely he will go for a such job who will pay him a smart amount.
Lesson 2.30.4 Year 2
Quiz,” Dream little Dream”
I got 75 %