Learn English with English, baby!

Join for FREE!

Social_nav_masthead_logged_in
 
Selfies
Selfies

Learn English with this selfies English lesson

Date: Nov 09 2018

Themes: Friend

Grammar: Gerunds vs. Infinitives

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

Go Super to Listen Go Super!

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

Go Super to Listen Go Super!

Selfies. Why the big fuss? They’re a fun way to show people where you’ve been and who you’ve been hanging out with. A selfie only takes a few seconds to complete, and then you have it… an instant memory. How can anyone have a problem with selfies?

It’s true that egotistical people might be obsessed with taking flattering selfies. They’re constantly taking photos of themselves, and that can become a little narcissistic. But most people don’t act that way. What’s important is finding a good balance between being spontaneous and living in the moment. A few selfies here and there are fun for everyone.

Marni and Gary think selfies are a little ridiculous. Learn why in today’s English lesson about photography.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

Log in to Listen

2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Gary

Gary

Marni

Marni

Gary:  Hey, Marni.

Marni:  Yes?

Gary:  My cousins love taking selfies.

Marni:  Oh. Yeah…

Gary:  I’m with you.

Marni:  I just never do it. I just think they’re a little ridiculous.

Gary:  What’s funny for me is I know people describe it as a very egotistical thing. “Oh, me. Look at me! Look at me!” But there are some fun types of selfies that are really goofy.

Marni:  Sure, yeah.

Gary:  And it’s a really fun way to just waste your time. So, if you’re waiting in line somewhere and you’re just with friends, and you just hold the camera out, and you get six of you in the photo, and you’re like “Hey!”

Marni:  Right.

Gary:  It’s not flattering at all. Everyone looks ridiculous.

Marni:  No, no, no.

Gary:  But it’s kind of fun.

Marni:  Sure. OK. I give you that. But people that are obsessed with constantly taking selfies everywhere they go… it seems like… God. Really? You could be…

Gary:  It’s so narcissistic. Yeah.

Marni:  Yeah, it is a little narcissistic. I guess I never thought about it that way, but I think you’re right. Yeah, I don’t do it. I don’t know. I like to experience the moment.

Gary:  Same here!

 

Grammar Point

Go Super to learn "Gerunds vs. Infinitives" from this lesson Go Super!

Quizzes

Go Super to take Quiz Go Super!

 

Lesson MP3

Go Super to download full lesson MP3 Go Super!

The iTEP® test

  • Schedule an iTEP® test and take the official English Practice Test.

    Take Now >

Discussion

Go Super to Listen Go Super!

Selfies are the topic of conversation today between Gary and Marni. He thinks they’re a little goofy, but can be fun at the right time in the right place. She thinks they’re ridiculous and has no interest in taking any. Both agree that spending all one’s free time taking selfies is narcissistic.

Marni explains that what she doesn’t like about selfies is how they get in the way of being in the moment. She wants to experience life as it happens, not try to save all of her memories in photos. Gary understands Marni’s opinion, but he still thinks selfies can be fun.

Do you take selfies? Do you think that people spend too much time taking photos of themselves?

 

Comments

Log in to Comment

fcf515

fcf515

Taiwan

I like taking selfies for saving memories instead of posting them on social media. Photos are able to remind me of the places I’ve been to and the things I’ve done. They can make me relive the moments. Besides, selfies can remind me that this was how I looked at that time.

06:28 AM Nov 12 2018 |

1 person likes this

nadhaSuper Member!

Maldives

I like to take one selfie every day.

05:38 PM Nov 10 2018 |

1 person likes this

maryamnl

maryamnl

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

i dont like to take selfie constantly but sometimes taking selfie with family or friends is good when nobody is for taking photo and i dont think its a narcissistic because you can save a flattering memories

02:29 PM Nov 10 2018 |

1 person likes this

GWTA

GWTASuper Member!

Germany

I do it verry seldom. And when, only for close friends or familymembers.

09:31 AM Nov 09 2018 |

barth

barth

Mexico

selfies are nice for me.

12:28 AM Nov 06 2014 |

1 person likes this

barth

barth

Mexico

selfies are nice for me.

12:27 AM Nov 06 2014 |

maimostafa

maimostafa

Jordan

selfy is not good for the individual . Aperson should accept what is said about him by other people . 

11:05 AM Nov 05 2014 |

1 person likes this

hala18

hala18

Algeria

i take selfies but i love to keep them to me .

03:14 PM Nov 04 2014 |

ola33

ola33

Japan

I don’t have anything against selfies, but I’m afraid my face doesn’t fit into this little frame. Cheese! :))))

12:31 AM Nov 04 2014 |

 julito

julito

Argentina

Hi Sara


It ocurred to me that one may have in his/her mind an image  of  him/hersef  that doesn`t correspond with what other people see from the exterior , but what would happen with our ego  when what others are perceiving  from us is against our feelings .  hmmmm. 

07:45 PM Nov 03 2014 |

sara1234b

sara1234b

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

Hi guys !


People are wrestling with how they appear to the rest of the world, Taking a photograph is a way of trying to understand how people see you, who you are and what you look like, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

06:49 PM Nov 03 2014 |

EmErAlD

EmErAlD

Egypt

i don`t like to take photos unless i look good in them, Am i narcissistic.

06:48 PM Nov 03 2014 |

kotlesya

kotlesya

Belarus

Slowly but surely we gather on forums again :-) Good old times start in the new chapter of our lives on English, baby! 


Let’s refresh our tradition to be together here, friends.  I walked along and across the Internet Universe but all roads lead to the place where my friends meet together. 


Stay hand by hand. 


With friendly love <3

04:46 PM Nov 03 2014 |

 julito

julito

Argentina

Although it is so trendy  i haven`t so far taken a self-portrait or selfie  as is better known these days. I agree that selfies can be fun ,goofing in front of the camera  and so , i don`t see a reason  why should be considered ridiculous  to try to capture a moment on camera and sharing it on facebook and tweeter if you like. Also it is true that some people  do it  with a narcissistic attitude , uploading the selfies on the web, in the end by doing so they are seeking the approval of  friends and the public.  

02:59 PM Nov 03 2014 |

kotlesya

kotlesya

Belarus

Seiyf,  you are more than right telling “other’s thoughts arent important ”. It happens that thoughts of others become even more significant than our own thoughts what is absolutely illogical and wrong.  


Following thoughts of society we lose ourselves as a personality.  


Totally agree with your viewpoint, thanks for mentioning. :)

11:59 AM Nov 03 2014 |

Seiyf_khawas

Turkey

its so interesting topic about new trend and new fashion in the net world..


ı think ,taking yourself photo and sharing  are always nice showing for your families,relatives,friends..they can see ,where are you,what are you doing,with whom you are ,...


others can think its goofy,weird,strange,funny,narcissistic,ridiculous behavior..


believe me,others’s thoughts arent important ..


live your unique life  freely ..catch sweet moments and poses of life.


share your life with your beloved people…


put new colours into your life .


:)


10:03 AM Nov 03 2014 |

vik32

vik32

India

Recently i have noticed people have started taking selfies so much they dont need to be dependent upon anyone. moreover they have become more self obessesd and doesnot care about anyone else. according to me selfies is like a new fashion which has emerged out recently and not sure how long it will go.

06:38 AM Nov 03 2014 |

whipiry

whipiry

South Korea

about taking selfies….in the past…many people asked a favor to be taken picure of them…now…oh no…few people …just without interferring otherrs..they just want a picture of themselve…problem is that it goes too far these days..everywhere , favorite attractions and streets…people want to take selfies…alone or togetherr…making a kind cute pose or angles to be taken well .


i don’t know it is egotistical or ridiculous ..narcissistic..or whateverr.


it is up to them who can choose to do it.


06:07 AM Nov 03 2014 |

kotlesya

kotlesya

Belarus

You know,  having all possible devices for selfy I never tried to take  selfies up untill today :D but I must try it anyway. 


I never like my appearance on photos but I suppose that my impression from selfy will be just awful :-)


I am afraid of selfy :D

05:48 AM Nov 03 2014 |

Eric_

Eric_

China

Having dinner, selfies…


Go shopping, selfies…


Playing sports, selfies…


Sleeping, selfies…


Get up, selfies…


...


That’s funny…

02:52 AM Nov 03 2014 |

Likes (18):

See all >

Share this lesson:

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Bebo
  • Share on Myspace
  • Share on Twitter
  • Email this to a friend
  • Share on Sina

Post Ebaby! lessons on your blog:

Ebaby! Cast