English through Music

Dua Lipa: New Rules

Rules that help you keep a decision

B1Approximately 31 minutesAdults

Created by Denis M., British English teacher.

01 Watch 02 Useful English 03 Quick quiz 04 Speaking

Your goal: Understand self-imposed rules and give clear advice about everyday boundaries.

Romantic relationships, alcohol references and suggestive bedroom imagery. Use ordinary non-romantic situations for speaking when preferred.

01 · 7 minutes

Watch

Watch the complete video once without pausing. Focus on the overall meaning and mood; you do not need to catch every word.

Listen for why the speaker needs rules and what temptation the rules are intended to manage.

If the player cannot load or reports an error, open the video on YouTube.

Open on YouTube

Dua Lipa – New Rules (Official Music Video)

Choose one word for your first reaction. There is no correct answer.

02 · 5 minutes

Useful English

Four useful items connected with the song. Definitions and examples are original; not every item is claimed to appear in the recording.

British English vocabulary audio

Open the full MP3

Choose an item to hear its word, meaning and example.

boundary

noun

A limit on what behaviour you accept in a relationship or situation.

She set a boundary about answering work messages at night.

temptation

noun

A strong wish to do something that may not be a good idea.

I resisted the temptation to check my phone during dinner.

stick to

phrasal verb

To continue following a plan, rule or decision.

We agreed to stick to our study schedule.

let someone in

phrasal verb

To allow someone to enter a place or become emotionally close.

It takes him time to let new people in.

The phrase can refer to physical entry or emotional closeness.

03 · 9 minutes

Quick quiz

Choose one answer for each question. Questions 1–2 focus on the song; questions 3–6 practise useful vocabulary.

Open the six-question quiz

1. Why does the speaker create rules?

To arrange a first meeting with someone she knows nothing about.To avoid returning to a relationship she is trying to leave behind.To teach someone how to perform a dance routine.

2. Which form of contact is explicitly addressed by a rule?

Sending a formal job application.Giving a public speech at a wedding.Answering a phone call.

3. Which statement sets a boundary?

I do not answer work messages after nine in the evening.I expect to be available every second without exception.I have absolutely no preferences about anything.

4. You resist a temptation. What do you do?

Follow every impulse immediately.Avoid an attractive action you have reasons not to take.Forget how to make any decision.

5. A student sticks to a plan. What does the student do?

Uses glue to attach it to their hand.Changes it every few seconds without reason.Continues following it.

6. Someone finds it hard to let people in emotionally. What is difficult?

Allowing others to become close.Remembering the price of a door.Keeping a room at a comfortable temperature.

1–2 minGrammar in a minuteA2–B1 · Negative imperatives: don’t + base verb

Make a rule clear without adding unnecessary verb forms.

Don’t check your messages during the meeting.

Original practice model, not a song lyric

A negative imperative uses don’t or do not followed by the base verb. The listener is normally understood, so a subject pronoun is not needed. Tone and context affect how direct a rule sounds.

Choose the correct negative instruction.Don’t interrupt the speaker.Don’t to interrupt the speaker.Doesn’t interrupt the speaker.

Grammar support

A2–B1Imperatives: Instructions with Do and Don’t

04 · 10 minutes

Speaking

Give your opinion and explain it. Different reactions are welcome. You may use invented examples instead of personal experiences.

Open the three speaking questions

1. Why is knowing a sensible rule sometimes easier than following it?

Use a situation involving study, sleep or phone use.

The difficulty is not knowing…, but…

2. Create three practical rules for protecting concentration.

Use at least one positive and one negative imperative.

Start by…; don’t…

3. How can a friend help someone stick to a decision without controlling them?

Give an example of supportive wording.

Would it help if I…?

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