Does this sound natural? (fail an exam) The examiner failed him because he hadn't answered enough questions. His arguements were vague and open to interpretation.

Does this sound natural? (a new job) - How’s your new job? Are you settling in OK? - Well, I'm still finding my feet. As a matter of fact, it's not easy to be the new kid on the block. I just think that two weeks is not enough to get the hand of all these computer features.

Does this sound natural? (at the rink) - I’m a miserable failure at skating. The last time I was skating at the rink, I slipped and fell head over heels. My sprained ankle was swollen badly and I had to walk with a stick for a few days after. - I bet that was painful. But, it could have been worse. You might have torn the ligaments, falling on the ice like that.

Does this sound natural? (a choosy girl) - She is so indecisive, so fussy. She lays two dresses on the bed and spends hours trying to decide which one to wear, not to mention make-up! It’s no wonder we are always late. - Oh, man, what a drag! Girls are just spoilt for choice these days.

Does this sound natural? (a career in teaching) - What do you do for a living? I remember you were determined to pursue a career in science. - I had only limited success in research. It turned out a bit dull and unrewarding. I’ve made a good career in teaching, though.

Does it sound natural? Storm - What's the weather like? - Awful. It's pouring down and the wind is picking up now. A few blocks away the wind snapped a tree in two, missing a car by inches.

Does it sound natural? Changeable weather - The weather has been very changeable this summer, hasn’t it? - Absolutely! It’s sweltering heat one day and cold rain the next. I’ve been feeling under the weather all the time.

Does it sound natural? Things get easier A lot of people who have lost their loved ones go to the cemetery every year to lay flowers on the graves. The death of a close relative is a terrible trauma for everyone. Luckily, things get easier as time goes by.

Does it sound natural? As a teacher I try to make students think and probe deeper rather than just remember facts. It’s fascinating to see how an unexpected question, no matter how simple it is, takes my students by surprise and prompts them to learn more.