In this introduction to the series, students learn some background about the main character, Kate. Students also think about and discuss the ups and downs of life as a first-year student.



Introduction to the First Year

In this episode, Kate is packing for university. She talks to her best friend, Melanie. Melanie is worried about how things are going to change. Kate tells Melanie a secret. Students explore the idiom “to keep something from someone.”

Comfort Zone

It’s moving day! In this episode, Kate drops a bombshell on her dad when he drops her off at campus. Students discuss the pros and cons of living on and off campus.

What Do You Mean, Coed?

In this episode, Kate meets her new roommate. Yuki is a second-year student. The two girls are not a perfect match. Students discuss who their ideal roommate would be.

Rocky Start

In this episode, Kate approaches Alex, the dormitory “Don,” (supervisor) about her roommate issues. She thinks a single room would suit her better. Students discuss the pros and cons of living alone.

Roommate Issues

In this episode, Kate calls her mom to talk about her roommate situation. She needs more cash to be able to afford a single room. Her mom tells her to get a job. Students discuss the pros and cons of getting a job or taking out loans to pay for university. 

Short on Cash

Use this quiz after working through the first section of Everyday Idioms 2 (Intro – Episode 5). This quiz includes vocabulary questions, comprehension questions, and a short writing task.

Quiz 1

In this episode, Kate has an interview for a job at a restaurant and gets hired on the spot. The manager needs her to start right away. Students practice writing a comment card. 

Kate Lands a Job

In this episode, Melanie calls Kate. She wants to come and visit for the weekend. Kate isn’t sure she can fit Melanie into her busy schedule. Students learn to recognize sarcasm in English.

Making Time for Melanie

In this episode, Kate goes on a date with a guy from the restaurant. Jason picks her up in his beat-up car and they get to know each other. Students discuss health issues related to beverages.

Kate Gets the Call

In this episode, Kate talks to a guidance counselor about her grades. Trying to balance school, work, and a social life is more than Kate can handle. Students discuss priorities for post-secondary students.

Kate's Marks Are Slipping

In this episode, Kate talks about school with Jason. He says his parents will be happy to meet her because she is a student. Jason reminds Kate his parents are splitting up.

Living for the Moment

Use this quiz after working through the second section of Everyday Idioms 2 (Episodes 6–10). This quiz includes vocabulary questions, comprehension questions, and a short writing task.

Quiz 2

In this episode, Kate goes to Jason’s parents’ hometown and meets his mom. His father has already moved out. Mrs. Harris tells Kate about the weekend plans. Students discuss dos and don’ts for meeting one another’s parents.

Small-Town Charm

In this episode, Kate is happy to be home! She chats with her mom about Jason’s small town and confesses that her grades have slipped. Students discuss the pros and cons of small towns vs. big cities.

Home for the Holidays

In this episode, Kate tries to study with her friend Rick, but she has too much on her mind. What will Rick suggest? Students talk about study habits and pizza.

Cramming for Exams

In this episode, Jason calls Kate after finding out that she quit her job. He hangs up on her after an argument. Students discuss the pros and cons of traveling vs. attending college or university.

Trouble in Paradise 

In the final episode, Kate returns home after her first year of university. She reunites with Melanie and hears some good news. Her second year promises to be different. Students discuss what went wrong and the lessons Kate learned in her first year of university.

Just Squeaking By

Use this quiz after working through the final section of Everyday Idioms 2 (Episodes 11–15). This quiz includes vocabulary questions, comprehension questions, and a short writing task.

Quiz 3

In this serial, students follow 15 sequential conversations with Kate as she deals with the ups and downs of campus life during her first year at university. 