Listen UP! Talking about Being Grumpy– Pre Intermediate, Intermediate

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/real-easy-english/260814

Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4iasQ0clhU55HxvOTsYFT9

Vocabulary

Practical english

Useful idioms and expressions

Wake up on the wrong side of the bed  – to wake up in a bad mood
I don't know what's wrong with Peter today. He must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed.
Be in high spirits – to be very happy and excited
Everyone was in high spirits after the team won the match.
Be down in the dumps – to feel sad or unhappy
She's been down in the dumps since the end of her holiday.
Blow off steam – to do something to release stress or anger
After a difficult day at work, I go to the gym to blow off steam.
Get something off your chest – to talk about something that has been worrying or upsetting you
Can I talk to you? I need to get something off my chest.

Create your own sentences with the following words:
grumpy, cheerful, negativity, spending time, hide something well

Questions and Answers

Q: Is it easy for you to hide your emotions?
A: Sometimes it is, but not always. If I'm only a little annoyed, I can usually hide it. 

Q: When you're in a bad mood, do you prefer to be alone or with other people?
A: It depends on the situation. Sometimes I need some time alone to relax and think.

Q: What are the best ways to deal with stress and irritability?
A: I think getting enough sleep, exercising, taking breaks, and talking about your problems can help.

Q: Do you think social media can affect people's moods? In what way?
A: Yes, it can. Seeing other people's apparently perfect lives can sometimes make people feel unhappy or dissatisfied with their own lives.

Q: Can the weather change your mood? Give examples.
A: Yes, it can. A sunny day can make me feel more energetic and positive, while several dark and rainy days can sometimes make me feel less motivated.

Q: What should you do if someone close to you is always negative?
A: I would try to understand why they feel that way and listen to them

Q:  Do you think people today have more reasons to feel stressed than in the past?
A:  Possibly. Modern life can be very busy, and people often have to deal with work, money, and technology. However, people in the past also had many different kinds of problems and stress.

Q: What activities always help you relax?
A: Going for a walk, listening to music, reading, watching a good film.

Q: Is it possible to choose to be cheerful, or is mood something we cannot control?
A: I think we cannot completely control our emotions, but we can choose how we react to them. We can also do things that improve our mood.

Q: What does a perfect day look like for you, and why would it put you in a good mood?
A: A perfect day would start with a good breakfast and nice weather. I would spend time outside, meet friends or family, eat good food, and have time to relax. This would put me in a good mood because I would feel relaxed and free from stress.

Challenge question
Describe a time when you were in a really bad mood. What happened, why did you feel that way, and what did you do to cheer yourself up?