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COVID English Conversations: Advanced English Listening Lesson

Stay home with us as we talk about COVID together. Thanks so much to Emma, Gabby, Jack, and Lucy for joining me today!

Read the full lesson summary

This long listening lesson features conversations about lockdown and quarantine experiences during the COVID period. The speakers discuss how routines changed, what people did at home, and how they responded to uncertainty. The historical context matters: the conversation reflects a particular period and should not be treated as current health guidance. Its learning value is the natural English used to describe changing plans, personal reactions, and everyday adjustments.

At the beginning, Vanessa asks whether viewers are experiencing a lockdown or quarantine in their country. “Let’s talk about it” is a friendly transition that invites discussion. Speakers use phrases such as “I have no idea” and “we’ll see” when they cannot predict what will happen. These expressions are common in everyday conversations about uncertain plans. “It’s not as simple as…” can introduce a complication, while “at this point” locates a statement in the current situation.

Because the episode is long and conversational, learners can focus on complete chunks instead of trying to memorize every detail. Listen for how a speaker introduces an opinion, adds a reason, and responds to a different experience. A phrase may sound more certain or tentative depending on the words around it. For example, “I have no idea” communicates stronger uncertainty than “I’m not sure.” “We’ll see” leaves the outcome open without making a promise.

For practice, describe a low-stakes change in your routine, such as a delayed trip or a shifted work schedule. Use one phrase to explain what you do not know and another to say what may happen next. Avoid presenting personal opinions from the video as medical advice; consult reliable local public-health information for current decisions. The page focuses on language and listening, not on advising learners about disease, treatment, or public policy. Treat this episode as a historical conversation sample and focus on the English, not on copying old restrictions or personal choices.

S2.1
Speak English With VanessaAmerican English79:17

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Transcript

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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00

Introduces lockdown experiences and changes to everyday routines.

Vanessa Hi I'm Vanessa from SpeakEnglishWithVanessa com Are you experiencing a lockdown or quarantine in your country Let's talk about it Vanessa It's true that we are living in very unusual times right now It doesn't matter where you're from what your native language is what your background is you are most likely experiencing the same lockdown and quarantine type situation that everyone else in the world is experiencing right now For me I live in the US in the state of North Carolina and we're experiencing this in some ways but also in a different

Try it: Describe a routine that changed during an unexpected event. Use one phrase for adapting and one phrase for explaining what you are unsure about; keep the example general and respectful.

Phrase cheat sheet

All phrases at a glance

Review each expression, hear it, save it, or jump to where it appears in the video.

6 phrases

let’s talk about it

Introduces lockdown experiences and changes to everyday routines. · expression

A friendly invitation to discuss a topic.

Tone and use: Common and conversational. Use it to move from an introduction into a discussion.

May not fit: It opens a discussion but does not promise agreement.

Example“There are a few ways to solve this—let’s talk about it.”

we’ll see

Discusses restrictions, work, and staying connected. · expression

The outcome is uncertain and will become clear later.

Tone and use: Common and conversational. Use it when you cannot yet say what will happen.

May not fit: It is not a firm promise or a definite plan.

Example“We may go hiking this weekend, but we’ll see.”

taking care of ourselves

Discusses restrictions, work, and staying connected. · expression

Looking after our own health or well-being.

Tone and use: Common and neutral. Use it when talking about actions that support personal well-being.

May not fit: In the source, this refers to health precautions during the COVID period, not current medical advice.

Example“We are taking care of ourselves by getting enough rest.”

it's been a challenge

Shares examples of adapting to uncertainty and public guidance. · expression

It has been difficult or demanding.

Tone and use: Common conversational expression. Use it to acknowledge that a situation has required effort.

May not fit: It names difficulty without saying the situation is impossible.

Example“Learning to work remotely has been a challenge.”

claim back the money later

Continues conversations about community and personal choices. · expression

Request reimbursement of money at a later time.

Tone and use: Common, especially in British English; “claim the money back” is another order. Use it when someone pays first and later asks an organization to reimburse them.

May not fit: The process and eligibility depend on the organization and rules.

Example“You can claim back the fee after submitting the receipt.”

I have no idea

Reflects on experiences and reviews useful conversational language. · expression

I do not know the answer or have information about something.

Tone and use: Common and direct. Use it when you genuinely do not know.

May not fit: It is stronger than “I’m not sure”; use a softer phrase if you have a partial guess.

Example“I have no idea when the store will reopen.”

Knowledge check

Practice the phrases you heard

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Use it in a sentence · “let’s talk about it”

You want to invite a friend to discuss a plan. What can you say?