614 - Experiencing an Earthquake

Do you feel the earth move under your feet? You may be experiencing an earthquake. Learn how to talk about it in English before it’s too late.

Slow dialogue: 1:28
Explanations: 3:34
Fast dialogue: 19:24
Jamal: Did you feel that?
Keisha: Was that an earthquake?
Jamal: Yes, I think so. Turn on the news.
Newscaster: “Reports are coming in about an earthquake that occurred at 4:35 p.m. in the downtown area. We spoke with a seismologist at the Earthquake Center and learned that the earthquake had a magnitude of 3.2 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was near downtown, along one of the major faults, and the seismologist warns that there will be some aftershocks.”
Keisha: Phew! I’m glad the earthquake wasn’t a high-intensity one. I wish they could predict more accurately when those earthquakes are going to happen.
Jamal: Yeah, me, too. I’ve looked around the house and don’t see any damage, though. I guess our house won’t be declared a disaster area.
Keisha: Don’t be too sure. Considering the mess you’ve made in kitchen, it could easily be called a disaster area.
Jamal: In that case, will you be sending aid? I think I’m too tired to do the dishes.
Keisha: You won’t be getting any aid from me. If you’re hoping for a relief effort, you’d better ask the UN.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse