B1 Dialog #74 Talking about Harry Potter

Today we are going to talk about Harry Potter. As always you can read the text in the PDF which you can find in the description. Follow our podcasts on iTunes and Yandex Music. For more new dialogs subscribe to our channel.

How to work with the dialog?

1. Listen to the dialog and read the PDF transcript. Turn on subtitles if necessary.
2. Listen to the dialog again, repeating the questions and answers aloud (!!!).
3. Come up with your own answers to the questions. Use PDF vocabulary if needed.
4. Listen to the questions and answer them aloud (!!!), with a correct intonation, pronunciation and rhythm.
5. Go back to the video from time to time and repeat the exercise.

Talking about Harry Potter in English.

(1) Are you into Harry Potter?

I’m not a big fan of Harry Potter, but I definitely like this story. I’ve read all the books and watched all parts of the movie.

(2) Do you think the Harry Potter series is a literary classic?

No, I don’t think so. It’s not a literary classic yet. Maybe it will become a literary classic in the future. We will see.

(3) Have you read any of the Harry Potter books in English?

No, I haven’t. When I read these books I was a child and didn’t speak English very well. It was difficult for me. But now I think it would be a good idea.

(4) Are you surprised that the Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling is the highest-earning novelist in history?

I have never thought about it before. But I’m not surprised. It’s obvious. Harry Potter is one of the most widely read novels ever written. As I know Harry Potter has sold out about 500 million copies in the span of about 12 years!

(5) What would you do if you were a witch or wizard?

I would go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 

(6) Religious groups say the Harry Potter books are dangerous as they promote witchcraft among children. What do you think of this?

I don’t think so. The magic in Harry Potter is not dangerous, because it’s a fairy tale as well as Cinderela, Snow White, The Lord of the Rings and others.

(7) Do you think J.K. Rowling should write an eighth Potter book?

No, I don’t think so, because the whole story is over. The enemy is destroyed. Life is good. Children go to school and so on.

(8) What impact has Potter made in your country?

I think it’s like in other countries. Potter has made a lot of fans among children and adults. We like watching Harry Potter on Christmas holidays. Only good impact, nothing bad.

(9) The Harry Potter books took 17 years to write. Can you imagine spending so long on a creative project?

If I really enjoy it and it brings me money, why not? 

(10) What questions would you like to ask J.K. Rowling, the Harry Potter creator?

I would ask: “Have you ever thought that Daniel Radklief, the actor who played Harry Potter, didn’t fit this role? In my opinion he acted sometimes so ridiculous, especially in the first parts. 

Anya —> Rinat

(1) Why do you think the Harry Potter books are so popular?

Children like stories like this. It’s interesting to read about wizards and magic. Especially when they are around plain people like us. 

(2) What do you know about the author of Harry Potter?

Joanne Rowling is a British writer. On a delayed train from Manchester to London’s King’s Cross station, Rowling came up with the idea for “Harry Potter.” 

(3) Which is better, the Harry Potter books or the movies?

Honestly, I have read only one part of the novel in my childhood and didn’t find it so interesting. But anyway books are always better than movies, I think. 

(4) Have you ever been caught up in Pottermania?

No, I haven’t. I’ve always supported materialism and real things. Magicians and spells never attracted me. 

(5) Did you buy the Harry Potter books the day they went on sale?

I didn’t. But many people did. It’s not a bad thing. If you like a book, you always want to have the next part as soon as possible. 

(6) Who is your favourite Harry Potter character?

I think it’s Hermione Granger. She did a lot to help Harry. I also like Severus Snape. He is a real hero. 

(7) What is the best book?

I like “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. I haven’t read the book, but it’s my favourite part of the movie.

(8) Would you like to study at Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?

No, I like being a Muggle!

(9) Have you ever bought any Potter merchandise?

No I haven’t. Is it possible to buy some Potter’s stuff? 

(10) British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said, “I think JK Rowling has done more for literacy around the world than any single human being.” What do you think of this?

I think she just wrote a good book for children, which became popular. Not more.