Dating Scene 1

It’s Valentine’s Day and Stephen convinces Ashlie to try speed dating. Does she meet someone special?

Watch the video. Then go to Task and do the activities. If you need help, you can read the Transcript at any time.

Preparation

Think about the following questions:

  • Is Valentine’s Day a popular tradition in your country?
  • How do people usually meet in your country?

Watch Stephen and Ashlie go to a speed dating night at the local club.

Transcript

Stephen: Dear Valentine, I want the world to know I love you… Roses are red, violets are blue... I love you more than I can say…

It’s Valentine’s Day next week and I’m writing the cards I’m going to send. Aren’t you going to send any?

Ashlie: Oh, what’s the point? I never get any back. I’m just so unlucky in love.

Stephen: Oh, you’re just not meeting the right people. You should send more. The more cards you send, the more you receive.

Ashlie: I don’t think it works like that, Stephen.

Stephen: That’s it, Ash. You need to join a dating agency. You know, where they find the perfect partner for you.

Ashlie: Hmm… I don’t know, Stephen. I think they just take your money and match you up with the first person who comes along. And besides, I don’t want a computer to make decisions for me.

Stephen: Well, what about speed dating?

Ashlie: What?

Stephen: You know, speed dating. Where you meet lots of different people in one night. Like lots of little dates. Like an interview for a boyfriend. And...

Ashlie: And?

Stephen: You get to choose someone. Or they get to choose you. I’m sure there’s a speed dating night down at the club. It’s a great chance to meet new people. And anyway it’ll be a lot of fun.

Ashlie: Well, OK then. But will you come with me?

Stephen: Of course I will. If you meet the man of your dreams, I need to check him out.

Ashlie: Oh, Stephen!

 

Ashlie: Wow, Stephen! There are a lot of people here. It seems really popular.

Stephen: Good. Lots of choice for you then.

Ashlie: What’s this bell for?

Stephen: You ring the bell when you don’t want to speak to someone any more. Then they move on. Now, come on, Ashlie – sit up straight, smile.

Ashlie: Stop it, Stephen!

Stephen: Don’t forget, you have to make a good impression. Make some jokes, try and be nice. And if you get bored of them, just ring the bell.

Stephen: Ashlie, the lady’s about to talk.

Lady: Welcome to speed dating, the place where you will find love and romance and passion. Or perhaps just a new friend. Now, you ladies know what to do. You remain seated and these handsome gentlemen will come to your table. If he’s not Mr Right, you can always ring the bell. Are you ready? Begin!

First Date: Yes, so, I really like computers. Don’t you? My favourite is the Wakefield CPC four six four nine hundred. I’ve got some photos here somewhere...

Second Date: Well, I’m really looking for a girl who likes doing housework. Someone who’d like to wash my clothes, do my ironing...

Third Date: Your hair’s too dark. I like blonde hair. Have you ever thought about changing your hair colour?

Stephen: So Ashlie? How’s it going?

Ashlie: Terrible! So far they’ve been either totally boring or just weird!

Stephen: Hmm, well, I think you should keep trying. It’s supposed to be fun, remember!

Ashlie: Look, Stephen! He’s very handsome. And tall. Go on, Stephen. Go, go, shoo. He’s coming over...

Ted: Hi!

Ashlie: Hi.

Ted: I’m Ted.

Ashlie: I’m Ashlie.... or, or Ashlyn, in Irish. Or Ash, actually. My brother calls me Ash so that would be fine. But, well, my full name is Ashlie Bridget Alice Walker but you can call me...

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Language level

Average: 4.7 (6 votes)
Profile picture for user RubyYay

Submitted by RubyYay on Sat, 13/04/2024 - 14:43

Permalink

Can you explain clearer this phrase? "And besides, I don’t want a computer to make decisions for me." I do not really understand. Thank you!

Hi RubyYay,

The phrase is "(don't) want X to do Y for me", which means "(don't) want X to do Y instead of me doing it". 

Ashlie means that she prefers to make the dating decisions herself, instead of a computer doing it. (She thinks the the dating agency will just use computer software to match people together.)

I hope that helps to clarify it!

Jonathan

LearnEnglish team

Profile picture for user dariowins

Submitted by dariowins on Wed, 02/06/2021 - 08:23

Permalink
In my homecountry Dominican Republic, we usually meet people on the street, in the park or in the night club, but now we use social media too. Currently I live in Spain and here is more difficult to know people, but we usually use social media. 4 years ago I went to a tv program called First Date, they find a partner for you and you have to meet with that person in a restaurant, have a dinner with him or her. Intead, the pay money for going to the TV program.

Submitted by NibrasBM on Tue, 21/05/2019 - 06:48

Permalink
Dear support team and teachers, At first, I could not create my account here because it said Sri Lanka not supported but I have seen many people commenting from Sri Lanka. Why did it show me like that?
Hello NibrasBM I'm sorry, but at this time we're unable to sign up subscribers from Sri Lanka. You're still welcome to use all of the other resources available on our site. All the best Kirk The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by NibrasBM on Mon, 20/05/2019 - 12:28

Permalink
It's really useful with real life expressions.

Submitted by NibrasBM on Mon, 20/05/2019 - 07:04

Permalink
Ash was over excited when she saw that good-looking guy. I was laughing at the way she talked, and finally that guy rejected her, poor girl!

Submitted by xu711 on Tue, 01/01/2019 - 14:57

Permalink
Wow! It was funny,wasn't it?Ash was totally became a bit ...crazy when she saw the handsome man.But actually, do you think that would happen?Not for me,anway.In my country,I've never seen speed dating.Bye!
Profile picture for user Leo Liu

Submitted by Leo Liu on Mon, 19/11/2018 - 08:54

Permalink
Hello, in task 1. The answer is Ashlie thinks that sending cards is a waste of time. But I can't find the reason in the transcript. Could you tell me the reason? Thanks.

Hello Leo Liu,

When Stephen asks Ash if she's going to send any cards she answers 'What's the point?' This tells us that she sees no point in doing this, which means that she thinks it is a waste of time (a pointless activity).

 

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team