Dialog #48 Talking about fear (B1 English)

Today we are going to talk about fear. As always you can find the PDF transcript below 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 fear

(1) What is your biggest fear for yourself?

I’m afraid of heights. It’s called acrophobia. 

(2) What is your biggest fear for the world?

I’m afraid of the Third world war and of some big disaster like Tsunami or earthquakes.

(3) Why do we feel fear?

Because fear is a protective function of our body! It’s normal to feel fear sometimes.

(4) How often do you feel afraid?

Not so often. Most of the time I feel safe. 

(5) Why do people have different fears?

Because people are different and they have different life experiences.

(6) How do you react to fear?

It depends on what kind of fear it is. I’m afraid of heights and that is why I would never go skydiving. 

(7) How would you help someone to get over their fear?

At first I would recommend stop provoking fears. If it doesn’t help, it’s better to visit a psychologist.

(8) Have you ever panicked with fear?

I think I haven’t. 

(9) What happens to you physically and emotionally when fear takes hold of you / overcomes you?

My heart beats very fast. I feel it in my throat. It’s not a nice feeling. 

Rinat —-> Anya

(1) Do you have any form of phobia or paranoia?

I have some about driving. For example, I’m really afraid of a car accident when I’d hurt someone. So I am always trying to drive safely. 

(2) What were you afraid of as a child?

I used to be afraid of staying alone, when my parents went somewhere for a long time.

(3) What things are people commonly afraid of and why?

I think many people are afraid of snakes and other dangerous animals. I also know many people that are afraid of the dark. I think it’s quite common for people.

(4) What facial expressions accompany fear?

Big eyes and open mouth I think. If it’s a strong fear, many people get pale.

(5) Do you like putting yourself in situations where you can feel fear?

No I don’t. I think nobody likes situations like that.

(6) Are you ever afraid of other people?

When I was a kid, I was afraid of strangers. Especially when they started talking to me. Now I am not afraid of other people. 

(7) Do you think society lives in fear?

No, I don’t think so. We live in a good time and I hope we will never live in fear.

(8) “The fear of death is to be dreaded more than death itself.” What do you think about this quotation?

I think that sometimes people worry too much about death. As a result, they can’t focus on something that is more important at the moment. 

(9) What do you think having a fear of the 21st century would be like?

I think the biggest fear of 21 century is the fear of a new big war.