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Talking About Needs
Sometimes there may be situations in which you or someone will ask about what is needed to complete a task or get something done. For example, your child may want to know what is needed in order to get a driver’s license or a colleague may ask about the documents needed to get a passport. Job applicants always need to know the specific requirements of a job before applying for it. There are several expressions that can be used when asking about needs and requirements. Look at these examples.
English Expressions- Talking About Needs
Expression: What do you need for a (…driver’s license?)
Response: You need a birth certificate.
Expression: What is needed to get a (…visa to a foreign country)?
Response: The first thing you need is a passport.
Expression: Do I need (…a bank guarantee card to cash a check)?
Response: Yes.
Expression: What documents are
required (… before applying for college)?
Response: You should have a copy of your high school diploma or GED.
Expression: What are the
requirements (…for the job)?
Response: You need a B.S. in education.
Expression: Is it necessary to (…have immunization documentation before entering the
country)?
Response: Yes it is.
Dialogue- Talking About Needs
Janice: Hi James, what’s new?
James: Nothing, same old, same old. What’s new with you?
Janice: A couple of my friends have decided to go camping this weekend.
James: That sounds like fun. I hope you have a good time.
Janice: Me too, except we’ve never been camping. We have no idea of what
to take. Do you know?
James: First you will need a tent and a sleeping bag.
Janice: A tent? I only have a sleeping bag. Do I really need a tent?
James: No, if you don’t mind critters crawling on you at night and if it
doesn’t rain. You can borrow mine if you want.
Janice: Thanks, I appreciate it. What else should I take?
James: You should probably take some warm clothes. It gets pretty chilly
at night in the mountains. And you will need pots and pans to cook with and
dishes and silverware to eat with.
Janice: Okay, I think my mom will let me take some old dishes. Anything
else?
James: It might be a good idea to take an ax or a saw to cut firewood
with. And lots of matches to start fires with. Also take a shovel to smother
the fire. You wouldn’t want to start a forest fire.
Janice: That hadn’t occurred to me, thanks. Is that it?
James: You might consider a small first aid kit, with a large bottle of
insect repellent. The mosquitoes can be murder this time of year.
Janis: Is that all we need?
James: A portable toilet is always handy. It’s much more convenience
than the nearest bush.
Janice: How much will that cost?
James: About $50.00. I happen to have one if you want to borrow that
too.
Janis: Well, Okay… since you offered. By the way, would you like to come
with us.
James: Who’s all going?
Janis: Just me and my three cheerleader friends.
James: You’re friends are cheerleaders? What time do we leave?
Conversation Activities- Talking About Needs
1. Pair work- discussion
What do you think you would need or like to take
on a bicycle tour of Europe? Imagine that a group of four friends are
planning a 30 day road tour. Since money will be tight, you will have to camp
out and not stay in hotels.
Everything you take must fit on a bicycle. Decide as a group what would be needed (or wanted) and who would carry what items. Plan well to ensure that the trip is memorable and that you have a great time. Don’t forget the camera!
2. Group work- discussion
Work in groups of three or four and discuss what items
a person would need or the skills that may be needed to do the following. Make
your list as comprehensive as possible and provide justification for why those
items or skills are needed. Be prepared to orally present your items to the
rest of the class.
The teacher may ask you to do so.
1. Survive on a deserted island
alone
2. Take a journey to Mars with six other astronauts
3. Go on safari in Africa
4. Take a vacation to Disneyland
5. Break out of prison
6. Climb the Himalayas
7. Make a movie
8. Make a successful business
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Solution to Problems
Problems abound in life and many concerned people are constantly looking for solutions to these problems. You may find yourself in a very serious discussion about some the more pressing problems facing the world today. Many times in these kinds of discussions, the answers proposed are just possibilities or suggestions. There are certain structures that can be used when talking in possibilities. Look at these examples.
English Expressions- Solution to Problems
Asking about solutions
Expression: What should we do about
(… high rate of absenteeism in public schools)?
Response: Maybe we should
( … hire truant officers to visit the student’s home or contact the parents
when students are absent).
Expression: What can be done to (… get more people to vote during national elections)?
Response: How about (…passing a law that taxes them if they don’t vote).
Expression: What is a solution for ( … reducing the hearing lose of employees at this plant?
The machines are so loud they are effecting peoples hearing).
Response: Why don’t we ( … make it mandatory that all employees wear ear
plugs).
Expression: How do we ( … get traffic to slow down on 5th Street? There have been
7 accidents on that
street in the last month because drivers are going to fast).
Response: The city needs to ( … install speed bumps along that stretch
of road. That will slow people down).
Dialogue- Solution to Problems
Professor: One of the biggest problems facing this country today is
illegal drug use. What are some of your suggestions for solving this grave
social plight?
Student A: Put all the drug users in jail. If they are in jail, they
can’t get or use the drugs.
Professor: That’s a little naive. Illegal drugs are fairly easy to get
in prison, if you know the right people. Another solution.
Student B: I think rehabilitating drug users is the best solution.
Professor: Possible, for some individuals it would work, but, I suspect,
not all.
Student C: The schools need better education programs to warn and
instruct kids about the dangers and consequences of drugs. If kids never start
taking drugs, there is no problem.
Professor: That’s true, but children get much of their education of life
on the streets, not in the classroom.
Student D: Attack it at its source. Bust all the dealers and suppliers
of drugs.
Professor: That might work, if it weren’t impossible to do. I think that
we would all agree, that arresting all dealers and suppliers would be virtually
impossible and prohibitively expensive in terms of money and manpower.
Student E: In my opinion, one of the reasons that drug use is so
attractive to kids is because of its mystique. Their parents say they can’t or
shouldn’t use them, which of course tempts kids to want to try it even more. People always want what they can’t have.
If you eliminate the mystique, you eliminate the problem.
Professor: I’m sure that’s true of a small percentage of people, but not
all.
Student F: How about monetary incentives. The government could give
people money- cash, not tax breaks or other such things, but cold hard cash,
for not taking drugs.
Professor: Now that is a solution I have never heard of or contemplated
before. It might have merit, but it would be very, very expensive.
Student G: I don’t think there is any one solution. All the suggestions
offered so far have merits and faults. It seems to me that using a combination
of all those solutions could be effective.
Professor: I think you’re right. There are no easy answers and it will take
multifaceted approach to eliminate the problem.
Conversation Activities- Solution to Problems
1. Group or Pair Work- debate
Get into two groups of four or six each for a debate.
One group take the pro side and the other group the con side. If working in
pairs one person take the pro side and the other the con side.
The teams will be debating the
merits and faults of the given solutions to the problems
below. Use the suggestions listed, in addition to your own thoughts, for
possible
points to cover in the debate.
|
1. Problem: Littering Solution:Moderate fines for people that litter |
|
|
Pro |
Con |
|
? will generate income for the government |
? doesn’t educate people about the problem |
|
? will focus peoples attention to the problem |
? cost more to implement than income it would |
|
? it will serve as just punishment |
? could create ill will among the populace |
|
|
|
|
2. Problem: Pollution caused by
power plants using fossil fuels |
|
|
Pro ? eliminates major source of pollution |
Con ? too expensive to replace existing fossil fuel plants |
|
? generates more electricity for less cost |
? would have world wide economic
impact (if fossil |
|
? benefits non-oil producing countries |
? fear and danger of nuclear accident |
|
? conserves natural resources |
? fear and danger of terrorist attacks |
|
? creates higher educated and technologically advanced workers |
|
|
? is relatively safe |
|
|
? there are less health related concerns |
|
|
|
|
|
3. Problem: Use of hand guns in crimes Solution: Mandatory 20 year prison sentence for any violation, 30 years prison if the weapon is fired |
|
|
Pro |
Con |
|
? is easy to verify and implement |
? would increase already unmanageable prison populations |
|
? offers greater assurance to potential victims |
? would not really act as a deterrent |
2. Group or Pair Work- discussion
Get into groups of three or four people. You are members of the U. N. addressing world wide issues. Select one of the topics below (or choose your own) and discuss and present your solutions to them. Cover each of the areas under the identification and solution of the problem.
Identify
why it is a problem
the people who it is a problem for
its effect on those people
Problem
Illiteracy Water pollution
Population explosion World hungry
Drug use AIDS epidemic
Nuclear proliferation Terrorist groups
Fair and equal access to medical treatment and medicine
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Shopping
Shopping! Everyone loves shopping, right? Well, maybe not everyone. But everyone has to do it from time to time to buy the necessities of life- like food and clothes. Whether you enjoy shopping and spend a considerable amount of time at it or you hate it and get it over with as quickly and painlessly as possible, there are standard expressions that are used. Look at these examples.
English Expressions- Shopping
Expression By a Clerk
May (can) I be of assistance?
Yes please, I’m looking for kitchen utensils.
How can (may) I help you?
Could you tell me where children’s wear is?
May I assist you?
No thanks, I’m just browsing.
Could I help you find something?
Yes please, I’m looking for a pair of gloves.
Will there be anything else?
No, that will do it.
What size of pants do you need?
I wear a 32 inch waist and a 34 inch length.
Expressions by a customer
How much are (… the blue jeans)?
They are $39.99.
Could you tell me ( … the price of
that camera)?
Of course, it $249.59.
Do you have this in another color?
Yes, it also comes in green, red, and blue.
Do you have ( … this in a larger
size)?
I’m sorry, that’s the largest size we carry.
Dialogue- Shopping
Clerk: Good afternoon. Can I help you?
Connie: Yes, I’m looking for a birthday gift for my mother-in-law.
Clerk: Did you have anything in particular in mind?
Connie: Not really, she’s kind of picky. Maybe something in a
porcelain knick knack for her living room.
Clerk: We have some nice, very artful, butterflies that can brighten up
any room.
Connie: I don’t think so; she’s not a bug person. What are those things
over there?
Clerk: Those are shifting sand paintings. You can change the look of the
picture by turning the picture upside down. You see, the sand shifts to
make another picture.
Connie: Well that’s interesting. How much is it?
Clerk: It’s $69.95.
Connie: That’s a little more than I planned to spend.
Clerk: You could always get a gift certificate. That way she can get
exactly what she wants.
Connie: That’s a good idea. I’ll do that. Can I get one for $50?
Clerk: Certainly.
Conversation Activities- Shopping
1. Pair work- discussion
When was the last time you went shopping? Tell
your partner about it using some of the ideas for discussion below. Your
partner should ask questions to get more information.
where did you go
what did you buy
how long did you spend shopping
who did you go with
do you like shopping- why or why not
2. Pair work- Role Play
Working with a partner, role play the situation,
using the information below.
The situation: At a store
The roles: a clerk, a customer
The clerk should ask questions about the size, color, brand name, etc. of the items preferred by the customer.
The customer should ask questions
about the price, materials, warranties, rebates, discounts, etc.
Be creative and use your imagination. For example the clerk may be out of some
items or the customer
hates black. Improvise and have fun.
Suit Kitchen knives Frying pan Evening gown
Sofa Ear rings Tread mill Fountain pen
Calculator Pet dog Car Computer scanner
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Lesson Plan- Schedules and Routines
People frequently talk about their daily or weekly routines and schedules, especially with family or friends. They may do so just out of curiosity or because they want to plan for some event.
When talking about daily schedules and routines adverbs of frequency are used to indicate how frequently you do things. Look at these common adverbs of frequency.
|
100% |
80% |
50% |
20% |
0% |
|
always |
usually |
sometimes |
seldom |
never |
|
all the time |
most of the time |
occasionally |
rarely |
not at all |
Everyone has some kind of schedule or daily routine. They get up at a certain time, eat at a certain time, go to work at a certain time. For some people, schedules are very fixed and regimented. For others, schedules may be very flexible and varying. Most people have things on their schedules that have to be done, no matter what- like go to work, feed the baby, or taking medicine. Sometimes these things happen daily, sometimes weekly, and sometimes less frequently. No matter when or how often things are done, there are several expressions that can be used to ask or talk about about schedules, routines, and expressing obligations. Look at the examples below.
Expressions when asking about schedules
Expression: What time (… do you go to work)?
Response: I usually leave the house around 7:30.
Expression: What time (… you usually do laundry)?
Response: I usually do it on Saturday afternoons.
Expression: Where do ( … you exercise)?
Response: I go to a gym in my neighborhood.
Expressing Obligation
Expression: I must go to ( … class this morning).
Response: Why? Do you have a test?
Expression: He has to ( … be at work by 8:00 AM)
Response: What happens if he is a little late?
Expression: I’m expected to ( … visit my grandmother every Sunday afternoon).
Response: Does she get upset if you don’t show up?
Expression: On Friday afternoons, I am supposed to ( … deposit
the stores weekly sales income in the bank).
Response: Will you get fired if you don’t?
Expression: All applicants are required to ( … have an eye vision test
before getting a drivers license).
Response: If your vision is poor, will they deny you a driver’s license?
** Expected to and supposed to are primarily used to express intentions, not absolutes. Use have to to express something definite.
Students should work together in pairs and read the following dialogue, one student reading one part, the other student reading the other. Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have similar conversations.
Dialogue- Schedules and Routines
Claudia: What time do you usually wake up Bridgette?
Bridgette: Usually I’m up by 6:00, even on weekends.
Claudia: Why do you get up so early?
Bridgette: I always exercise for an hour before getting ready for work.
Claudia: When do you go to work?
Bridgette: I leave my house at 8:30 and arrive at the office a little
before 9:00.
Claudia: When do you eat lunch?
Bridgette: It depends on my schedule, anywhere from 11:30 to 2:00.
Claudia: Where do you eat?
Bridgette: Usually at my desk, I’m too busy to take a full hour for
lunch. I either bring my lunch from home or order food and have it delivered.
Claudia: What time do you leave the office for the day?
Bridgette: I try to get out of there by 6:00, but sometimes I work until
6:30 or 7:00.
Claudia: What do you do after work?
Bridgette: I go home and cook dinner, feed my cat, and watch TV or
listen to music until I go to bed. On weekends I usually go out with friends.
Claudia: What time do you go to bed?
Bridgette: I go to bed by 10:30, but I read for at least a half an hour
before I fall asleep.
Conversation Activities- Schedules and Routines
1. Pair work- discussion
Tell your partner what your daily schedule is
like. Be specific and detailed. Discuss what you do from the time you wake
up until you go to bed, on weekdays and weekends.
2. Pair work-discussion
Tell your
partner some of the things that you have to do or are expected or supposed to
do during the week. Your partner should continue the conversation by
asking questions about when, why, and what happens if you do not do
the thing.
3. Pair Work- discussion
Do you
ever play tennis? Ask your partner if they ever do any of the activities listed
below. Ask other questions to get more information about when and, what time,
where, how often, with who, cost, etc.
|
Swim in the ocean |
Go on double dates |
Write poetry |
|
Go camping |
Study all night |
Ride a motorcycle |
|
Sing karaoke |
Wake up late |
Argue with parents |
|
Sky or scuba dive |
Ride the subway |
Go bowling |
|
Watch foreign movies |
Play board games |
Lift weights |
|
Cook pizza |
Buy expensive clothes |
Ride a roller coaster |
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Policemen and Firemen
Hopefully you will never have to experience having to talk to a policeman or fireman in an official capacity. As we all know, if the a policeman or fireman is talking to you as part of their job, something bad has happened- either a fire or a crime. But these situation could occur and you should be prepared for them.
Dialogue- Policemen and Firemen
Fire
119: You have reached the police and fire emergency. What is the
nature of your call?
Caller: Hurry! I need the fire department. My neighbor’s house is
on fire.
119: Please remain calm, sir. Could I have the address?
Caller: Yes, OK, it’s 715 N. Fillmore. Hurry!
119: A fire truck is on its way sir. Now, could I have your name
and telephone?
Caller: My name is Jack Thomas and the number is 993-7787.
119: Are you calling from your house?
Caller: Yes, I live across the street.
119: Do you know if anyone is in the burning house?
Caller: No, there isn’t; they got out safely. The owner, is trying
to put out the fire with a garden hose by spraying water through a broken
window.
119: I see. As I said, a fire truck is on the way and it should
be there in a minute or two.
Caller: Yeah, I hear the sirens now.
119: Could you stay on the line until they arrive?
Caller: Sure.
Police
Police: Could I have your driver’s license and registration please?
Driver: Is there a problem officer.
Police: Your drivers license and registration please
Driver: OK . . . here you go
Police: The speed limit along this road is 45 kilometers per hour. You
were clocked in excess of 65
Driver: Really? It’s a new car. You know how they are, they drive so
smoothly you don’t realize how fast going you’re .
Police: Yes sir, but that’s still no excuse.
Driver: Sounded good.
Police: Sir, could you please step out of the car?
Driver: Can’t I just sit here while you write the ticket?
Police: No sir. According to the dispatcher, you have four outstanding
traffic tickets and a failure to appear citation. I’m
afraid I have to take you in. Please put your hands behind your back so I can
handcuff you.
Driver: I don’t suppose a bribe would help
Police: Not unless you want another charge against you
Driver: Forget I mentioned it.
Conversation Activities- Policemen and firemen
1. Pair work- discussion
Have you ever reported a fire or been in a house fire?
Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas for discussion below.
Your partner should ask questions to get more information.
when did it occur
where did it occur
what did you do
did firemen arrive to put out the fire
was everyone safe
2. Pair work- Role Play
Working with a partner, role play the situations,
using the information below
The situation: Talking with the police
The roles:a policeman, a citizen
|
1. The citizen is pulled over for speeding |
Policemanshould: |
|
you were driving 45 miles an hour in a 25 mile |
ask the driver for his license and registration |
|
you do not have a driver’s license -you lost it earlier in the day) |
tell the driver he was speeding |
|
you try to talk your way out of the ticket |
give the driver a ticket for speeding and having |
|
|
|
|
2. The citizen is pulled over for suspected |
Policeman should: |
|
ask the officer what the problem
is, |
tell driver why he was pulled over
(weaving
|
|
tell officer why you were drinking (celebrating
|
have driver step out of car and give him/her a |
|
try to talk your way out of the situation |
arrest the driver |
|
|
|
|
3. The citizen witnessed a mugging |
Policeman should ask: |
|
you saw two young boys knock down an elderly man and steal his wallet and watch |
ask the witness for a description of the |
|
Use you imagination and give a
description of the |
ask where he was when he saw the mugging |
|
|
how long the mugging lasted |
|
|
which direction the suspects went |
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Paying Bills
Unfortunately every body pays bills. Just like taxes and death, no one can avoid them. Bills are the money one spends each month to live. They include regular monthly payments for things like water, gas, electricity, and rent. They may also include periodic payments for insurance premiums, unexpected medical bills, taxes, credit card payments, and food.
Dialogue- Paying Bills
Wife: What are you doing honey?
Husband: I’m paying bills.
Wife: Need any help?
Husband: No help needed, but maybe some explanations about some of these
bills.
Wife: Which ones?
Husband: The phone bill for one. Why is it over $300 dollars. Have you
been talking to your brother in Peru again?
Wife: No, we’ve been e-mailing. But didn’t you say you charged a lot of
overseas business calls to our home phone instead of the office phone when you
where in Seattle last month?
Husband: Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Well, what about the credit card.
What did you buy for $800 from Nelson’s Fine Apparel?
Wife: Nothing, but as I recall, you bought a new business suit from
there, didn’t you?
Husband: Right. Okay, the electric bill seems a little high too.
Wife: It shouldn’t be; we haven’t ran the A/C that much. Wait a minute…
when the kids and I went to my mother’s for that four day weekend, didn’t you
say you sat around all day with the air con on full blast because of the
heat wave?
Husband: Was that just last month? Okay, okay.
Wife: How are the water and gas bills?
Husband: They’re average, but why do we have a bill from Penny’s Pet
Groomers? We don’t have a pet.
Wife: Oh that, I forgot to tell you. It was a birthday present for my
sister. I paid for a shampoo, cut, and styling for her pet poodle Fifi.
Husband: $150 for a washing dog
Wife: Don’t forget the hair styling, and Fifi looks so cute now.
Husband: For $150 dollars, who cares!
Wife: That’s what my sister wanted, honey. I could have spent more than
that on clothes or jewelry for her. Consider yourself lucky.
Husband: Right. We kind of over-extended ourselves last month, so no
more credit card use for a few months, unless its an emergency. Agreed?
Wife: Ah… agreed.
Conversation Activities- Paying Bills
1. Pair work- discussion
What kinds of monthly expenses do you have? Tell your
partner about it, covering the topics listed below. Your partner should ask
questions to get more information.
utilities
insurance
medical
recreation/entertainment
food
car payments
2. Group work
Get into groups of three or four. The group will be a
family unit who must decide on how much money to spend for their monthly bills
or expenses. The total amount due for the month exceeds your income. Decide
which bills (or parts of bills) you will pay and which you will not pay. You
may have to eliminate non-essential expenses. Provide justification for you
decisions.
Situation 1
Family of four: mother, father, son, and daughter. The son requires expensive
injections
at a clinic for a medical condition. The daughter is a child prodigy on the
piano who
dreams of being a concert pianist.
Income: $2200
Bills: Fixed expenses
electricity- $55.00 gas- $45
water- $35 phone- $85
cable TV- $35 newspaper- $15
rent- $850 car payment- $550
medical insurance- $125 clinic bill- $350
piano lessons- $75 car insurance- $75
Variable expenses
credit card (minimum payment $200)
food- (you decide based on income)
entertainment- (you decide based on income)
school clothes for kids (you decide based on income)
Situation 2
Family of 6: mother, father, 2 sons, 1 daughter, and a grandmother. The sons
are taking
karate lessons, but just for fun. Father is self-employed and requires car,
telephone,
newspaper, and cable TV for his work.
Income: $1800
Bills: Fixed expenses
electricity- $55 gas- $45
water- $35 phone- $85
cable TV- $35 newspaper- $15
rent- $650 car payment- $350
medical insurance- $125 dental bill- $250
karate lessons- $55 car insurance- $65
Variable expenses
credit card (minimum payment $100)
food- (you decide based on income)
entertainment- (you decide based on income)
dress for prom for daughter (you decide based on income)
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Numbers
Many foreigners seem to have trouble using big numbers (over 10 thousand) in
English. It is really quite easy once you get the hang of it. The secret is to
look at the comma separators and place divisions in large numbers. Numbers
below 1000 are easy.
5= five 73= seventy three 129= one hundred and twenty nine
In using large numbers, you are basically repeating this simple process, but between the comma separators you include additional words for the place divisions. These words are thousand, million, billion, trillion, and zillion.
|
|
Trillion |
Billion |
Million |
Thousand |
hundred |
tens & ones |
|
1,344 |
|
|
|
1 |
3 |
|
|
16,798 |
|
|
|
16 |
7 |
98 |
|
123,787 |
|
|
|
123 |
7 |
87 |
|
3,655,102 |
|
|
3 |
655 |
1 |
02 |
|
77,503,911 |
|
|
77 |
503 |
9 |
11 |
|
1,689,237,705 |
|
1 |
689 |
237 |
7 |
05 |
|
99,237,008,478,208 |
99 |
237 |
8 |
478 |
2 |
99 |
77,503,911=
seventy seven million, five hundred and three thousand, nine hundred and eleven
In this digit,
1- say the basic number before the first comma (77),
2- add the place division word (million),
3- say the basic number before the second comma (503)
4- say the place division word (thousand),
5- then say the small number (911)
Practice saying these numbers with your partner.
12,567 343,756 24,457, 800
458,903,111 123,456,789 6,840,678,236
45,693,777,043 543,867,903,040
111,222,333,444,555 56,583,694,784,223,275
In very, very large (or small) numbers scientific notation is used.
The number 15 X 104 is
read as: 15 times 10 to the fourth.
The small number 22 X 10–5 is read as 22 times 10 to the negative
fifth.
Dialogue- Numbers
Rex: Do you know the population of the earth?
Tex: Yes, it’s approximately 6,100,000,000.
Rex: Do you know the speed of light?
Tex: Yes, it’s 186,000 miles per second.
Rex: Do you know the number of neurons a human brain has?
Tex: Yes, a human brain contains 100,000,000,000 neurons.
Rex: Do you know how many miles Pluto is from the Sun?
Tex: Yes, Pluto is 5,913,520,000 miles from the sun.
Rex: Do you know how many dollar bills, stacked end on end, it would
take to reach the moon?
Tex: Actually no, I know it’s a whole lot more than I have.
Rex: What is the average number of hairs on the human head?
Tex: The average number of hairs is 200,000.
Rex: Do you know how many stars are in the sky?
Tex: Not exactly, but to quote Carl Sagan “Billions and billions.”
Rex: Do you know how many atoms are in an ounce of gold?
Tex: Yes, there are 9.5 X 102 atoms in an ounce of gold.
Rex: Do you know how many seconds are in a year?
Tex: Yes, there are 3.2 X 107 seconds in a year.
Rex: Do you know how many holes it would take to fill the Albert Hall?
Tex: Uh? What are you talking about?
Rex: It’s a line from a Beatles song, ‘Now I know how many holes it
would take to fill the Albert Hall. I’d love
to turn you on. ’It’s from their song “A day in the life”.
Tex: Do you know you are strange?
Rex: Yes, I know.
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Making Comparisons
At times you will need to compare one thing to another. A friend may ask you to compare two movies that you have seen to decide which one he should watch, a colleague may want a comparison between two vacation spots you have visited, or a stranger may ask for a comparison between two restaurants. When you compare two or more things you are indicating which is better or worse between two things. When the superlative is used, you are indicating which is the best or the worst.
Forming Comparatives
For one and two syllable words comparatives are formed by either adding -er or -ier to the end of a word
(Add -er if the word ends in
a consonant.
Add -ier if the word ends in a y (change the y to i and
add -er)
For three or more syllable words add more or less before the word to form the comparative.
|
big |
bigger |
small |
smaller |
|
heavy |
heavier |
busy |
busier |
|
beautiful |
more beautiful |
common |
more common |
Forming Superlatives
Superlatives are formed by adding -est to the end of the word or by using most or least before the word. The same syllable rule applies here in deciding to use -est or most or least.
|
wise |
the wisest |
fast |
the fastest |
|
quiet |
the quietest |
simple |
the simplest |
|
anxious |
the most anxious |
diligent |
the most diligent |
Dialogue- Comparisons
Jasper: Where do you think is the best place to go on a vacation?
Randy: Hawaii, without a doubt.
Jasper: Why Hawaii?
Randy: Because it has the most beautiful beaches and the largest number
of girls in bikinis in the world.
Jasper: That may be true, but it is also one of the most expensive
places to vacation. It also gets a lot of rain.
Randy: What place do you think is best?
Jasper: Miami. Miami also has some great beaches, has lots of girls,
gets much less rain than Hawaii, and it is less expensive.
Randy: True, but Hawaii has better golf courses and they are cheaper
than the golf courses in Miami.
Randy: I wouldn’t say they are better, they are just more difficult to
play.
Jasper: What about the setting? Hawaii is a tropical island with more
lush vegetation than Miami, not to mention the most amazing sunsets
anywhere.
Randy: Maybe, but it takes less time to get to Miami than Hawaii. I can
be on the beach soaking in the sun, while you’re still in the airplane.
Jasper: Maybe, but once I get there I would have cleaner, fresher air to
breath, unlike Miami, which has a little too much smog if you ask me. And
the streets are safer to walk on in Hawaii.
Randy: I’ll admit that’s true. Miami does have a higher crime rate.
Jasper: So where are you going on vacation this year?
Randy: Alaska. I want to see a polar bear.
Conversation Activities- Comparisons
1. Pair Work- discussion
What is your favorite vacation spot? Tell your
partner about it using some of the ideas for discussion below. Your
partner should ask questions to get more information.
where is it
how often have you been there
why do you like it
why is it better than other places
2. Pair work- discussion
Which things are better? Discuss and compare the
following items, stating the advantages of one over the other, using
comparatives and superlatives. The notes in parentheses are possible ideas
for comparison. Feel free to add to the list.
Going to San Francisco or Seoul for
vacation
(weather, pollution, tourist attractions, expense, entertainment, people)
Buying a house or apartment
(price, spaciousness, maintenance, convenience, parking, safety)
Traveling by bus or train
(price, comfort, speed, the view, people you meet, services)
CD’s or tapes
(price, availability, quality, storage space)
Family cars or sports cars
(price, number of passengers, speed, appearance, gas mileage, maintenance)
Jogging or bike riding for exercise
(health benefits, exertion required, calories burned, cost)
Watching baseball or basketball on
TV
(level of excitement, speed of the game)
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On the Telephone
The telephone- one of the greatest inventions of all time! The telephone is a fast, easy, and efficient way to keep in touch. And these days, with the technology of the cell phone, you can contact just about anyone, anytime, anywhere in the world. Whether you consider the telephone as an absolute necessity, a handy device in an emergency, or just a plain nuisance, there are a number of standard expressions that are used when talking on the phone. Look at some of the examples below.
English Expressions- On the Telephone
Expression: Hello.
Response: Good bye.
Expression: May I speak to (… John)?
Response: Hold on please. (Hold the line, please).
Expression: Is (… Amy) there?
Response: Speaking.
Expression: (… Jamie’s Interiors), may I help you?
Response: Yes, I’m calling for Mr. Flanders.
Expression: Hi, (… Mrs. Murphy, is Allan) in?
Response: Not at the moment, he just went to the store.
Expression: I would like to speak to (… Miss Parkins)?
Response: May I ask who’s calling?
Expression: Who’s calling please?
Response: This is Ralph Edison, from Barry’s
Bakery.
Expression: I’ll put you through.
Response: Thanks.
Expression: I got your message.
Response: Thanks for calling back.
Expression: I’ll transfer you.
Response: OK.
Expression: I’ll call back.
Response: OK, but make it soon, it’s
important.
Expression: I’m returning your call.
Response: That was quick, thanks.
Dialogue- On the Telephone
Conversation 1
Donna: Hello.
Becky: Is Karen there?
Donna: Not at the moment. She just went to the store.
Becky: Do you know when she will return?
Donna: It shouldn’t be to long, maybe an hour or so. Can I take a
message?
Becky: Yes, thanks. This is Becky.
Donna: And what is the message?
Becky: Could you have her call me at my office, ASAP. It’s about the
Quiggly account.
Donna: Call her at your office in regards to the Quiggly account. Does
she have your number?
Becky: I’m not sure. Let me give it to you just in case. It’s 745-8895.
Donna: 745-8895. OK, I’ll give her the message.
Becky: Thanks a lot. Good bye.
Donna: Good bye.
Conversation 2
Callee: Hello.
Caller: Yo, let me talk to Janine.
Callee: Janine? There is no one here by that name.
Caller: You sure? This is the number she gave me.
Callee: Quite sure. This is the Marple residence.
Caller: What number did I call?
Callee: What number where you trying to call?
Caller: 602-2928.
Callee: You must have misdialed. That is not this number. Hang up and
try again.
Caller: OK, thanks man. Sorry for the trouble.
Callee: Quite all right. Good bye.
Caller: Bye.
Conversation Activities- On the telephone
1. Pair work- discussion
Do you use
the phone often? Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas for
discussion below.
Your partner should ask questions to get more
information.
how often do you use it
who do you talk to
do you use it for business or pleasure mostly
do others call you frequently- about what
do you text message also- how often, to who and what for
2. Pair work- role play
Working with a partner, role play the
situations, using the information below
The situation: On the Phone
The roles: a caller, a callee
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1. Calling for information: |
||
|
Movie |
Days |
Times |
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Gone With The Wind |
M, T, W, Th |
1:00, 5:00, 9:00 |
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The Ant That Ate Chicago |
M, T, W, Th, F |
1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00. 9:00 |
|
Titanic |
S, M, T, W, Th, F |
11:00 AM, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00 |
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Buddy Buddy |
S,M, T, W |
12:00, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00. 8:00, |
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The patient should: |
The receptionist should: |
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? request a time for the appointment |
? ask what the appointment is for |
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? state reason for appointment (cleaning,tooth |
? suggest a day and time of appointment |
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? refuse first appointment time (you are busy) |
? suggest an alternate day and time for the |
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? thank the patient for calling |
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3. Wrong number: |
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4.Leave message on answering
machine: |
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5.Call information: |
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The operator should: |
The caller should: |
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? ask the caller what number he wants |
? request number and address of Pizza King Pizza Parlor |
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? give the caller the information |
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6.Calling for pizza delivery: The callee is an employee of the pizza parlor. |
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The caller should: |
The employee should: |
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? place order, including something to drink |
? ask the caller for size and kind of pizza, the toppings |
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? give name, address, and telephone number |
? ask for the callers name, address, and number |
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Likes and Dislikes
During the course of many conversations discussing your likes and dislikes may come up. With someone you don’t know well you may want to find out the kind of food they like or their favorite kind of movies, or what genre of music they like least. There are several expressions that can be used to ask these things. Look at these examples.
English Expressions- Likes and Dislikes
Expression: What do you think of (… jazz)?
Response: I can’t stand it.
Response: It’s so-so.
Expression: How do you like (… soccer)?
Response: I’m crazy about watching it, but not playing.
Response: I think it’s a boring game.
Expression: Which do you prefer (… ice cream or candy)?
Response: I prefer ice cream.
Response: Actually, I don’t like either, I prefer yogurt.
Expression: Do you like ( … apples)?
Response: Yes, I love them.
Response: No, not really.
Expression: What is your favorite ( … food)?
Response: My favorite food is Korean food.
Dialogue- Like and Dislikes
James: What kinds of music do you like, Susan?
Susan: I’m partial to classical music. What about you?
James: I like jazz and 50’s and 60’s rock and roll.
Susan: What is your favorite kind of food?
James: Mexican food, without a doubt. What’s yours?
Susan: I don’t really have a favorite. I like all kinds of food, except
Thai food. It’s too spicy for me.
James: Who is your favorite movie star?
Susan: Brad Pitt, he’s so handsome. Who do you like?
James: My favorite actor is Sean Connery and my favorite actress is Jody
Foster.
Susan: What sport do you like to play best?
James: I really like to play golf, but I’m not very good at it. What
about you?
Susan: I don’t really like sports and have never played them. I like
games though.
James: What’s you favorite game?
Susan: Don’t laugh, but it’s tiddlywinks.
James: Tiddlywinks! That’s a kid’s game.
Susan: I know, but I’m very good at it. I play with my nephews and
nieces and I beat them every time.
James: Don’t you ever let them win?
Susan: Never.
Conversation Activities- Likes and Dislikes
1. Pair work- discussion
What are your favorite things? Discuss with your
partner whether you like or dislike the items below (and
why or why not). Your partner should ask
questions to get more information.
|
Basketball |
Reading |
TV soaps |
Eating Pizza |
|
Exercise |
Watching news |
Blind dates |
Going to class |
|
Romance movies |
French food |
R & B music |
Watching boxing |
|
Traveling |
Studying |
Ping Pong |
Playing chess |
2. Pair Work- Roll Play
Working with a partner, role play the situations,
using the information below.
The situation: See the situations below
The roles: you, your partner
1. At a movie and you can’t stand
the violence. Try to convince your partner to leave the movie
because don’t like it.
2. At a restaurant and the food is
terrible. You are eating a hamburger, French fries, and chocolate
ice cream. The waiter (your partner) comes
by and asks how the food is. Tell him/her why you
dislike it.
3. In English class and the teacher
is lecturing about grammar. Tell your partner why you dislike
lectures on grammar.
4. At home and you just opened a
birthday present that you really hate. Your partner is the family
member who gave you the present. Tell him/her why
you like the present even though you don’t.
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Lending and Borrowing
Everyone has family, friends, or colleagues who at one time or another will want to borrow something that you have. It may just be a pen to write a note, or money for lunch, or something more substantial like your truck for a day so they can move or the use of your lake-side cabin for a weekend getaway. Whatever it is, there are standard expressions that can be used. Look at these examples.
English Expressions- Lending and Borrowing
Expression Response
Could you lend me (…a dollar)? Of course, my pleasure.
Sorry, I’m broke.
May I borrow ( … your text book)? Sure, go ahead.
Yes, but only after I’m finished with it.
Do you mind if I use ( …your pen)? Not at all, help yourself.
I’m sorry, but this is my lucky pen and I never
let anyone use it.
Will you lend me ( … your car)? Maybe, where are you going and when
will you be returning?
No way.
Lend and borrow are frequently used incorrectly by non-native speakers. They are very similar in meaning, but can not be used interchangeably. It may help if you think of borrow to mean receive or take something. When using borrow, the subject of the sentence is receiving something. Think of lend to mean give something. When using lend, the subject of the sentence is giving something.
Can you borrow me your book? Incorrect
Can I borrow your book? Correct
Can you lend me your book? Correct
Dialogue- Lending and Borrowing
Alfred: Olive, can I borrow your new Stone’s CD?
Olive: No.
Alfred: Why not, I’ll give it back. I just want to make a copy.
Olive: I know; I trust you. It’s just that I only got it this morning
and haven’t listened to that much yet. I’ll
lend it to you in a couple of days.
Alfred: Ok, that will work.
Olive: Will you lend me your truck on Saturday morning. I have to take a
load to the dump.
Alfred: Sure, as long as you return it by noon and put a few gallons of
gas in it before you return it. My sister
wants to borrow it to help her friend move.
Olive: No problem. Do you want me to return it to your place or your
sister’s?
Alfred: Better make it my place. She could change her mind, you know how
she is.
Conversation Activities- Lending and Borrowing
1. Pair work- discussion
Do you lend or borrow things often? Tell your
partner about it using some of the ideas for discussion
below. Your partner should ask
questions to get more information.
what do you lend/borrow
how long are things borrowed or lent for
how often does it happen
have you every had problems getting it back or returning it
2. Pair work- discussion
Ask your partner if you can borrow some of the
items below, using the expressions above. Your partner
should ask how long you intend to have the item
and when you plan to return it. If your partner refuses to
lend the item, find out why and try to persuade
him to lend it anyway.
Cell
phone Clock
Dictionary
Cassette player
Bicycle
Truck
Computer
Lawn mower Money
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Job Interviews
One of the things that people talk about is their jobs. People who have the
same or related jobs may have a lot to talk about. They may want to share
information, give each other tips about performing well on the job, or complain
about the stress and frustrations of the job
When you meet someone new, it is only natural to wonder what line of work they are in. If you are in the same line of work you have a basis for a lengthy conversation. If you are not in the same line of work, you still have the opportunity for a lengthy conversation. You have the opportunity to learn all about their job. Look at the expressions below used when asking about some ones job.
Expression Response
What line of work are you
in?
I’m in engineering.
What do you
do?
I’m a housewife.
What do you do for a
living? I’m
a civil servant.
What’s your
occupation? I’m
a lawyer.
How do you earn your bread and
butter? I
manage a grocery store.
Of course, before you can talk about your job you have to have one. And before you get a job, you have to experience the ordeal of a job interview (unless you are very, very fortunate and know important people in high places).
Job interviews can be very stressful and nerve wracking. However, if you are prepared for the interview things can go much smoother. One way to prepare is to anticipate the questions that may be asked and develop and practice giving coherent responses. There are several questions that are fairly standard in job interviews. Look at these examples.
Tell me about your past work
experience, specifically related to this job?
Tell me about your educational background? (where you went college and your
major)
What would you like to be doing in 10 years?
Why did you apply for this job?
What kind of computer experience do you have? (kinds of programs you can use,
how long you have been using them, and in what capacity)?
Why do you think you would be good at this job?
Why should we hire you?
What do you like to do when you are not working?
Dialogue- Job Interview
Interviewer: Good afternoon, please have a seat.
Interviewee:Thank you.
Interviewer: How are you doing today? Did you have any trouble finding
the office?
Interviewee: I’m fine thank you, and I had no trouble at all getting
here.
Interviewer: Great. Well let’s get started. Could you tell me a little about
your educational background?
Interviewee: Yes, I graduated from UCLA in 1995, with a Bachelors degree
in journalism. NYU’s master’s
program for journalism, graduating in 1998.
Interviewer: I see. Now, how about your work experience?
Interviewee: After I left NYU, I worked for a year at the Cincinnati
Daily.
Interviewer: And after that?
Interviewee : From there I moved to San Francisco and was employed by
the Bay Area Chronicle, covering
state politics.
Interviewer: What was the biggest story you covered while you were
there?
Interviewee: I covered several that I thought were important, but I
would have to say the investigative piece
I did on the cover-up of the governor’s staff
involvement in the embezzlement of education funds
was the biggest.
Interviewer: How did you like it at the Chronicle?
Interviewee: Overall, I liked it a lot. The people were great and my
boss was supportive and understanding.
However, I was a little disappointed with the editor. He was
a bit too liberal for my thinking, and I had to
adjust my pieces accordingly, or they wouldn’t be
approved for publication.
Interviewer: Did that create unmanageable problems?
Interviewee: It created more than a few lively discussions that could
have ended better for both sides, but
nothing unmanageable. We were generally able to resolve our
conflicts through compromise.
Interviewer: According to you resume, you left there three months ago.
What have you been doing since
then?
Interviewee: Mainly taking care of our baby, she just turned three
months old. But now I’m ready to go
back to work.
Intervewer: What brought you to Denver?
Interviewee: My husband’s company transferred him here last month.
Interviewer: One final question. Why did you apply here? Denver has three
daily newspapers to
choose from.
Interviewee: I felt that this paper is better suited for my conservative
thinking, my unique writing style, and
areas of interest when covering political news.
Interviewer: Well, thank you for your time. We’ll be making a selection
in a couple of days and will call you
one way or the other.
Interviewee: Thank you for seeing me. Have a pleasant day.
Conversation Activities- Job Interviews
1. Pair work- discussion
Do you have a job? Tell your partner about it using
some of the ideas for discussion below. Your partner
should ask questions to get more information.
Where do you work
What is the job title
How long have you worked there
Do you like the job- why or why not
What other job would you like
2. Pair work- discussion
When was the last time you interviewed for a job? Tell
your partner about it using some of the ideas for
discussion below. Your partner should ask questions to get
more information.
Where did you interview
What was the job for
How long was the interview
How many people interviewed you
Were you prepared
Did you get the job
3. Pair work- Role Play
|
Job 1 |
|
|
Employer: City Hospital |
Position applying for: nurse |
|
Education: Nursing program from City College |
Experience: 2 years at Dr. Albert’s (GP) clinic, 5 years at Dr. Lee’s Podiatry Clinic |
|
Current status: Unemployed |
Reason applying: Better hours |
|
Hobbies: Fishing and baking |
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Job 2 |
|
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Employer: Big Ed’s Tires |
Position applying for: Sales person |
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Education: 2 years at Community College, emphasis on businesscourses |
Experience: 6 months at Burger King, 1 year at K-Mart automotive center |
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Current status: Employed |
Reason applying: Better pay |
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Hobbies: Computer games,rebuilding cars |
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Job 3 |
|
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Employer: Anderson & Anderson, Attorney’s Law |
Position applying for: lawyer |
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Education: Harvard Law school |
Experience: 12 years with Benson andHodges, specializing inforeign corporate takeovers |
|
Current status: Employed |
Reason applying: Life style change |
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Hobbies: Reading, canoeing |
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Inviations
When friends get together, they usually do so by an invitation from one person to another. An invitation may be very casual, such as asking a friend to go out for a drink or dinner after work or more formal, such as a wedding invitation. More formal invitations are usually written and may require an RSVP (French abbreviation répondez s’il vous plaît meaning please reply). There are several expressions that can be used when extending the more common and causal oral invitation. Look at the samples below.
English Expressions- Invitations
Expression: Are you free on (… Friday night)?
Accept: Sure, what did you have in mind?
Decline: No, I’m going to my grandmother’s 80th birthday party.
Expression: Would you like to go to ( … a picnic on Sunday afternoon)?
Accept: That would be great, thanks.
Decline: No can do, I have a soccer game.
Expression: How about going to ( … the movies with me this Saturday)?
Accept: That sounds great. What time?
Decline: Sorry, but I’ve already made other plans.
Expression: I’d like to invite you to ( … the dance this weekend)?
Accept: How kind of you to ask, I’d be delighted.
Decline: I’m sorry, but I have a previous engagement.
Expression: Do you want to go to ( … the rock concert with me)?
Accept: Sure. When?
Decline: No thanks, loud concerts give me an earache.
Dialogue- Invitations
Bob: Alice, what are you doing Sunday afternoon?
Alice: Not much, what did you have in mind?
Bob: The Fourth Avenue Street Fair is going on downtown. Would you like
to go?
Alice: Sure, sounds like fun. What is it anyway?
Bob: Just a bunch of vendors selling food, clothes, and what not, kind
of like a carnival. There are also
street musicians and performers. It’s interesting to just walk around
looking at the people and the sights.
Alice: What time and where do we meet?
Bob: The fair opens at 9:00, but I’m busy in the morning. How about
1:00?
Alice: OK, should I meet you somewhere there?
Bob: Why don’t I pick you up at your house?
Alice: Sounds good, see you then.
Conversation Activities- Invitations
1. Pair work- discussion
When was the last time you invited someone
someplace or were invited someplace by someone? Tell
your partner about it using some of the ideas for
the discussion below. Your partner should ask
questions to get more information.
where was the invitation to
when was the invitation extended
what was the occasion of the invitation
did you/they accept or decline the invitation
if accepted, was it fun
2. Pair work- practice
Invite your partner to the activities below. Your
partner should accept some of the invitations, but
decline others. If they decline, they should
offer polite reasons for rejecting the invitation. If they
accept the invitation, both partners should
continue the conversation to get ore information
about the event, such as:
the day and
time
where they should meet
how much money it will
cost
what kind of dress is required
how long the event will
last
if anything special is needed to participate in the event
To a natural history museum
To a lecture about finance
To an amusement park
To ball room dancing lessons
To a formal dinner
To a friend’s birthday party
To the Russian Ballet
To a horror movie
To go ice fishing on the lake
To go window shopping
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In a Restaurant
Eating out is fun and exciting. It allows one to experience new taste sensations. It allows one to see unique dining settings and ambiances. It allows one to save time and effort since someone else does the cooking and cleaning up. There are any number of expression you are likely to encounter at a restaurant. Below are just a few of them.
English Expressions- In a Restaurant
Expression-By a waiter
Expression: May I take your order?
Response: Could I have a few minutes, please?
Expression: Are you ready to order
sir?
Response: Yes, I’ll have the salmon.
Expression: How would you like ( … your steak)?
Response: Medium rare, please.
Expression: You have a choice of ( …baked or mashed potatoes).
Response: I’ll have the mashed.
Expression: Would you care ( …for something to drink)?
Response: Yes, I’ll have an iced tea.
Expression: May I get you (…anything else).
Response: No, I’m fine thanks.
Expressions- By a customer
Expression: Could I get another ( … roll, please)?
Response: Certainly, I will bring it right away.
Expression: Could I see (the…menu)?
Response: One moment, please.
Expression: This steak is (… still bloody. Could you have the chef cook it a little
more)?
Response: Right away, ma’am.
Expression: This isn’t what I
ordered, (… I wanted a BLT and you gave me
meat loaf)?
Response: I’m so sorry sir. It’s my first day and I’m still a little
confused.
Expression: Can I get (… the check, please)?
Response: Right away, sir
Once you have eaten, or maybe before you order you may describe the food just eaten to your dining companion. You may also want to know how something may taste before ordering it. There are a number of words that can be used to describe food. Look at these examples.
Words used to describe food
Bland
Rich
Spicy Salty
Sweet
Sour Bitter
Hot
Ways to prepare food
Pickled
Baked Boiled
Broiled
Fried
Sautéed
Words to describe the taste of food
Yummy Yucky
Delicious Awful
Tasty
Disgusting
Good
Dialogue- In a Restaurant
Waiter: Welcome to Kasey’s Kitchen. Do you have a reservation?
Customer: Yes, the name is Johnson, Paul.
Waiter: Ah, yes, here you are. That was a party for one, correct?
Customer: Yes.
Waiter: Right this way. Here’s the menu. I’ll return in a moment to take
your order.
Customer: I’ll have the baked potato.
Waiter: Would you like that with butter or sour cream or both?
Customer: I’m on a diet, so only butter.
Waiter: The vegetables today are corn on the cob, peas and carrots, or
broccoli.
Customer: I’ll take the corn on the cob.
Waiter: And what would you like for dessert?
Customer: What do you have?
Waiter: We have apple, cherry, and lemon meringue pie, chocolate and vanilla
ake peach cobbler, and
chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream.
Customer: I’ll take the cherry pie, a la mode, please.
Waiter: Would you care for something to drink?
Customer: I’ll take a large ice tea with my meal and a cup of black
coffee with dessert.
Waiter: Very good sir. Enjoy you meal.
Customer: Thanks.
Conversation Activities- In a Restaurant
1. Pair work- discussion
When did you go to a restaurant last? Tell your
partner about it using some of the ideas for
discussion below. Your partner should ask
questions to get more information.
when did you go
where did you go
what did you eat
who did you go with
how was the food
2. Pair work- Role Play
Working with a partner, role play the situation,
using the information below. Use the menu below to
order a meal.
The situation: At a restaurant
The roles: a waiter, a customer
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Lesson Plan- Greeting and Introductions
Almost all conversations start with a greeting. There are several expressions that are commonly used as greeting, some formal and some informal. Which to use, of course depends on the situation.
When you meet and greet someone for the first time introductions are needed. There are a number of standard expressions that can be used for introductions. Take a look at some of them.
English Expressions- Greeting/Introductions
Greeting: Hello, I’m ( … Ms. Jaines).
Response: Hello, Ms. Jaines, I’m Susan Appleton.
Greeting: My name is ( … John Grey).
Response: Nice to meet you Mr. Grey, I’m Mrs. Sukjoy.
Greeting: I’m (… George Franks). What’s your name?
Response: My name is Sopida, Sopida Hakam. It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr.
Franks.
Greeting: Allow me to introduce myself. My name is ( … Frank Jeffers).
Response: I’m delighted to meet you Mr.Jeffers. My name is Pornpan
Orasa.
Expressions for Introducing Others
On occasion, you may find yourself in a situation where you have to introduce one person to another. Look at these possible expressions that are used for this.
Sam: Peter, I would like to introduce (… Miss Helen Cranston).
Peter: Hello Miss Cranston, nice to meet you.
Helen: Nice to meet you too Mr. Kellogg.
Bob: Min Ju, this is ( … my friend Betty Watson).
Min Ju: Hi Ms. Watson, a pleasure to meet you.
Betty: Same here.
Alice: Harry, let me introduce ( …my supervisor, Mr. Lee).
Harry: Mr. Lee, it’s good to meet you.
Mr. Lee: Good to meet you too. But please, call me Sammy.
Point to remember
Many beginning learners use the expression “Nice to meet you” even when they
interact with a person they have already been introduced to. This expression
(Nice to meet you) is only used at a first meeting, not after that. Instead, if
greeting a person for the second time, use “Nice to see you again”
Expressions for Farewells
Just as there are several standard expressions for greetings, there are also expressions of farewell. The farewell itself is generally very short- one or two words. However, many times people add something to the expressions, depending on what they want to happen in the future or the situation.
Expressions
Goodbye
Bye
So
long
Catch you later
I have to
run
I have to be going now
So
long
Later
Good day
Extensions to farewells
See you
again
I hope to see you again
See you later
(soon) Call
me
Point to remember
Bye Bye is an expression that very
young children use when they are first beginning
to learn to talk or on very rare occasions by women, but almost never by most
adults.
Expressions for Asking about Well Being
After the greeting are finished the
conversation should be continued in some way. One of the most common
ways is to ask about the other persons well being. Again, there are
several expressions that can be used for this.
The responses to such inquiries will, of course, depend on how one actually feels. Lets take a look at these.
Expressions Responses
IF GOOD
How are
you? Great.
How’s it
going?
Couldn’t be better.
How are
things?
Fantastic.
IF SO-SO
How are things going?
Could be worse.
How have you been?
I can’t complain.
How do you
feel?
Not bad
IF BAD
How goes
it?
I’ve had better days.
How are you
doing?
Not too good.
How’s life treating you?
Lousy.
Dialogue- Greetings/Introductions
Sam: Hello, you look lost. Can I be of assistance?
Mary: Oh, thanks. You’re right, I am lost. I’m looking for the Student
Union building?
Sam: You’re close; it’s just across the lawn. It’s the three story brick
building over there.
Mary: I see, well thanks a lot. You’ve been a big help.
Sam: Excuse me for saying so, but you’re not from around here, are you?
Are you British or what?
Mary: Actually I’m Australian. I’m a new transfer student. You’re an
American, I assume?
Sam: Yes, by the way I’m Sam, Sam Jones.
Mary: I’m Mary Donald. Pleased to meet you.
Sam: So how long have you been in the States, Mary?
Mary: I’ve been here about three weeks now. So, what’s your major Sam?
Sam: I’m a pre-med student. What’s yours?
Mary I’m not sure yet, but I’m kind of interested in sociology.
Sam: So, do you live in the dorm?
Mary: Actually no, I have a small apartment about five blocks from here.
Well, I have to run. Thanks for
your help. Maybe we’ll bump into each other again
sometime.
Sam: Could be, it’s a pretty small campus. Nice to meet you, Mary. See
you later.
Mary: So long.
Conversation Activities- Greetings/Introductions
1. Pair work- Role Play
Working with a partner, role play the situation,
using the information below
The situation: Meeting new people
The roles: See items below
1. One partner is a new student at a university meeting his/her major professor for the first time.
2. One partner has recently moved to
a new neighborhood and is meeting their next door neighbor
for the first time.
3. On partner is a new employee at a company meeting a coworker for the first time.
4. Both partners are strangers at a mutual friend’s party meeting for the first time.
5. One partner is a frightened earthling who is meeting a very friendly ET, who is here on earth forvacation. The ET knows English.
6. Both partners are meeting blind dates.
2. Pair work
Interview someone in the class you do not know
well. After the interview is over, the interviewer
could give a short introduction
of the person to the whole class or to small groups of 4 to 6 people.
Questions you may want to ask during the
interview include:
*
name
* age
* where they are from
* job or
major
*
hobbies * religion
* marital
status
*number of people in their family
* his or her goal in life
* what their family members do
* why they want to learn English
* favorite kinds of music (or food, movies, etc)
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Giving Instructions
Every now and then someone may ask you instructions on how to do something. It
may be something simple like how to operate a coin operated washing machine at
a laundry mat or it may be something more difficult, like programming a remote
control for a TV. Giving instructions may sound difficult, (especially detailed
instructions) but if the instructions are broken into small steps and the steps
are clearly identified, it becomes a more manageable task.
To do this use sequence markers. These are words which guide the listener or reader through the instructions, by giving them the order of steps to follow. Common sequence markers are:
first second
third
forth
after that
next
before that then
you begin by the last step
is
now
finish
There are several standard expressions that can be used when asking for instructions. Look at these examples.
Expression- Giving Instructions
Question: How do you operate (…this can opener)?
Instruction: First, put the can under that sharp wheel and push that
lever down.
Question: Can you show me how to (…use this copier)?
Instruction: After putting the paper under the cover, enter the number
of copies needed and then press start.
Question: Do you know how to (… use this rice cooker)?
Instruction: Sure, put 3 cups of dried rice in, add 2 cups of water, and
hit the start button.
Question: How do I go about (… baking a cake)?
Instruction: Buy a box of cake mix and follow the instructions on the
back.
It’s likely to happen that when giving instructions the listener may become confused and need to have things repeated. This could also happen in any normal conversation between people- one person will not hear or understand what the other has said. Of course, there are other things that hinder communication besides not hearing someone. Examples include unknown vocabulary words, or idiomatic expressions that the listener does not understand, or the speaker is just talking way too fast for the listener to comprehend. Fortunately there are expressions that can be used to cover these situations as well.
English Expressions- Asking for Repeats
Expression: I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.
Responce: First, fill in this form and take it to window 3.
Expression: Could you repeat that, please?
Response: Certainly, the answer is no.
Expression: What did you say?
Response: I said the answer is the planet Pluto.
Expression: One more time.
Response: What is the chemical symbol for zinc?
Expression: Once more.
Response: I said put the book in the refrigerator.
Expression: Come again.
Response: The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.
Expression: Could you run that by me again?
Response: After mixing the ingredients, stir vigorously until well
blended, let it sit for one hour, and then put it in the oven.
Expression: Huh?
Response: Do you have any money?
Expression: Please speak more slowly.
Response: Of course, I’m sorry.
Expression: I’m sorry; I don’t understand the expression (… fill in
this form).
Response: It means to answer all the questions or supply the information
on that piece of paper.
Expression: What does (… ingredient) mean ?
Response: A ingredient is one thing of many that is in a dish or food.
For example, flour is an ingredient in cakes.
Expression: I’m sorry, I don’t know what you mean.
Response: I mean you should be very careful.
Expression: Can you give me an example?
Response: Things like necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc.
If someone is in the middle of something, say giving instructions, and you become confused, you may need to interrupt them so they can repeat what they said or make it clearer. Interruptions in a conversation can be made for different reasons, not only to have instructions repeated. For example, you may interrupt someone who is working at a desk and you enter the office to talk to them, or you may interrupt someone who has said something that you disagree with. There are several expressions that can be used to interrupt someone. Look at the examples below.
English Expressions- Interrupting
During a conversation
Expression: Wait a second, (… could you repeat that)?
Response: I said a half past three.
Expression: Excuse me, ( … I didn’t catch that).
Response: I baked an apple pie.
Expression: Now hold on, (… I totally disagree).
Response: You have that right.
Expression: If I may interrupt?
Response: Yes.
While someone is working
Expression: I hate to bother you but ( ,,, could I speak to you for a
minute)?
Response: Yes, what is it?
Expression: Sorry for bothering you.
Response: No problem, what can I do for you?
Expression: Sorry for interrupting, ( …I just need a second).
Response: I’ll be with you in a moment.
Expression: Excuse me, (… but could I have a minute of your time)?
Response: I’m really busy now. How about in 30 minutes in my office?
Dialogue- Giving Instruction
Tommy: Hi David. You look busy? What are you doing?
David: I’m trying to figure out how to make these cookies, but I lost
the instructions that came with the box.
Tommy: Making cookies from a box is easy. Want me to tell you?
David: Yes, these have to be done in an hour.
Tommy: Okay, first, pour the cookie mix from that bag into a large bowl.
David: Is this bowl big enough?
Tommy: No, you need a bigger one. You’re going to be adding more
ingredients. Use that one.
David: Okay, now what?
Tommy: Next, add two eggs and a cup of milk to the bowl and beat until
very creamy, with no lumps.
David: Won’t the egg shells be hard to eat?
Tommy: You have to break the eggs first, and just put in the whites and
yolks. You throw the shells away.
You’ve never cooked anything, have you?
David: No, this is my first time. What should I mix it with, a fork or
spoon?
Tommy: You could use either, but if I were you, I’d use an electric
mixer.
David: You mean this? No wonder mom put it out. That’s done, what next?
Tommy: Now, grease the cookie sheet with butter. Then put one tablespoon
of cookie dough per cookie on
the cookie sheet. You should space the dough
evenly around the cookie sheet, leaving at least
an inch between each cookie.
David: Got it. Now they go in the oven, right?
Tommy: Yes.
David: Okay, they’re in. How long will it take before they’re done?
Tommy: The way you did it, forever. You didn’t turn the oven on.
David: Oh yea, I forgot. What temperature and for how long?
Tommy: Cook them at 3250 and for about 35 minutes.
Conversation Activities- Giving Instruction
1. Pair work- discussion
When was the last time you gave instructions to
someone? Tell your partner about it using some of the
ideas for discussion below. Your partner should
ask questions to get more information.
when was it
what were the instructions for
did the listener understand you
did the listener follow the instructions correctly
was it difficult
2. Pair work- practice
Work with a partner and give instructions on how to do or
make the following items. Be sure to use
sequence markers in your instructions and to
use complete sentences. Also try out some of the
expressions for asking for repeats listed on
the previous page, even if you don’t need them.
Making an
omelet Change
oil in a car
Video taping a movie on TV
Playing Tic Tac Toe
Saving a file on a computer
Setting an alarm clock
Use a washing
machine
Getting a visa to a foreign country
Using a camera
Converting Fahrenheit degrees to Centigrade
(Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature, then multiply by
5/9)
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Giving Directions
Not everyone knows where they are going and may need help with directions from time to time. Directions may be needed to get to a near by town, or directions to the newest mall in town or directions to the nearest rest room in a large building. Where ever you are going the expression below can be used when asking for directions.
English Expressions- Giving Directions
Expression: Could you tell me how to get to ( …the library)?
Response: Go to the next light and turn right. Go two blocks, it’s on
the left.
Expression: How do I find ( … city hall)?
Response: Just go straight, it’s on this street, on the right, about a
mile and a half.
Expression: Which way do I go to get to ( … the post office)?
Response: Drive to Jackson Street and turn right. The post office is in
the middle of the block, across
from the park.
Expression: Pardon me, I’m lost, how do I get to the ( … museum)?
Response: Go to the second light and turn left. Then go the third stop
sign. The museum is on that corner.
Expression: Could you direct me to ( … I-10)?
Response: Take Pinal Avenue north about 8 miles You’ll run into it.
Expression: Which is the best route to ( …the stadium)?
Response: Take Washington Street north to the Papago freeway and Head
west. You can’t miss it.
Suggestions for giving directions
Giving street directions is really
very easy when you remember to follow these
points. When giving directions you are actually giving two sets of
instructions.
In the first set- “Go To” – you are
telling the listener what street to go to or how far to go.
In the second set- “Then”, you are telling the listener what to do when they
get there. (turn right/left, go straight, on the left, etc.)
Giving even very complicated directions is just a repetition of these two basic steps.
Another good idea is to use easily identifiable landmarks; instead of the amount of time to get someplace (time is relative, after all). Easily identifiable landmarks are street lights, stop signs, parks, tall building standing alone, etc.
Prepositions of location most commonly used when giving directions:
go
straight
go
to….
turn right
turn left
cross
on your right on your
left beside
next
to
behind
across from in front of
caddy corner
on the corner of (to be very specific NE, SE, NW, SW corners)
Dialogue- Giving Directions
Wally: Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the city
hospital?
Sally: Sure, the hospital is on Tenth Street, about 20 minutes away by
foot. Go south on this street two
blocks until you come to the stop light.
Wally: Go south two blocks to the stop light.
Sally: Correct, then, turn left and go three more blocks, until you come
to the end of the road. A park will be
in front of you.
Wally: Turn left and go for three blocks to the park.
Sally: Right, then turn right again and go seven blocks, to Lipton
Avenue.
Wally: Turn right and go seven blocks to Lipton Avenue.
Sally: Next, turn left on Lipton Avenue and go two blocks. The hospital
is on your left, across from the
baseball stadium.
Wally: OK, let me see if I’ve got this straight. Go south on this street
for two blocks to the stop light. Turn
left at the light and go three blocks to the park.
Turn right at the park and go seven blocks to
Lipton Avenue. At Lipton Avenue turn right and…
Sally: No, turn left on Lipton Avenue.
Wally: OK, turn left on Lipton Avenue, the hospital is two blocks down,
on my left.
Sally: You got it.
Wally: Thanks.
Conversation Activities- Giving Directions
1. Pair work- discussion
Have you given directions to anyone lately? Tell your
partner about it using some of the ideas for
discussion below. Your partner should ask questions
to get more information.
who did you give directions to
where did you give directions to
how often do you give directions
have you ever not known the directions to a place asked about
2. Pair work- discussionWork with a partner and ask for and give directions to the
following places in town.
Decide between you on a starting point. Use some
of the expressions for asking directions and the
prepositions of location listed above.
Movie theater Bus station
City Hall Park
Hospital Bus station
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Expresssing Opinions
Just about everyone has an opinion about most things. We seek people’s opinions all the time. You may want to know a friend’s opinion of a movie that you are thinking of seeing. A teacher may ask you your opinion of a homework assignment. A co-worker may want to know what you think of a job related suggestion to improve sales. An acquaintance may seek your opinion on a political candidate. There are several expressions that can be used when asking someone’s opinion. Look at the examples below.
English Expressions- Expressing Opinions
Expression: What did you think of ( … the movie)?
Response: I thought it was boring.
Expression: Do you concur with ( …the board’s recommendations)?
Response: Yes, but with minor reservations.
Expression: What is your opinion of ( … the president’s proposed economic package)?
Response: I don’t think it will help the economy too much.
Expression: Do you agree with ( … Pam’s proposal)?
Response: I can’t say that I do, I think it will be ineffective.
After an opinion is given, either you agree with it or not. Look at the expressions below to indicate agreement or disagreement.
Expressions for Agreeing/Disagreeing
Statement: I think classical music is boring to listen to.
Agree: You said it.
Disagree: I couldn’t disagree more.
Statement: The president needs to raise taxes to solve the problem.
Agree: I think you’re right.
Disagree: I don’t think that’s the answer at all.
Statement: Abortion is nothing less than murder.
Agree: I believe so too.
Disagree: In my opinion, ( .. abortion is nothing more than freedom of
choice).
Statement: I think the president’s economic policies are good?
Agree: I’ll go along with that.
Disagree: Well, we don’t see eye to eye on that.
Statement: I think studying English is a waste of time.
Agree: I’m with you.
Disagree: I beg to differ.
Statement: I like this red dress. How about you?
Agree: It work’s for me.
Disagree: I don’t really think (… that red is your color).
Statement: GONE WITH THE WIND is
the best movie ever made.
Agree: I’ll buy that.
Disagree: I disagree, (… STARS WARS was much better).
Dialogue- Expressing Opinions
Alice: What did you think of the movie, Peter?
Peter: I thought it was boring.
Alice: Really? I loved it. Why did you think it was boring?
Peter: It was too predictable. You knew what would happen in the end.
The same old thing- boy meets
girl, boy fights with girl, boy marries girl.
Peter: Did you like the sound track of the movie?
Alice: No, I hated it. It was too loud and too hard rock for me. What
did you think of it?
Peter: I thought it was great, but then, I like hard rock.
Conversation Activities- Expressing Opinions
1. Pair work- discussion
Do you agree or disagree with your partner about the
following topics? Discuss these topics with partner
and give reasons why you agree or disagree.
watching golf is exciting
governments should spend less money on social services
tests are a poor method of assessing students acquired
watching too much TV is bad for a child’s mind
children should be seen and not heard
2. Pair work- discussion
What are you and your partner’s opinions about these
topics? Discuss them. Give detailed reasons for
your opinions.
The acting skills of Tom
Hanks
The movie Titanic
Your partner’s hair
style
The WWF
Madonna
Plays by Shakespeare
Punk rock
music
Your partner’s attire
Using cell phones while driving
Euthanasia (mercy
killings
The death
penalty
Your English teacher(don’t be rude)
The honesty of politicians in your country
Exploration of space– worth while or not
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Describing Things
Sometimes you may be asked to describe something, what it looks like, and it’s
function or purpose. For example, you may to talking to a person not up on the
latest technological devises or telling someone about the newest time saving kitchen
gadget.
When you are describing objects you use adjectives, (words that describe nouns) such as the size, color, shape, material made from, thickness, texture, etc. Look at the expressions below that can be used when asking for descriptions of things.
English Expressions- Describing Things
Expression: What does it look like?
Response: It’s big, with eight hairy arms.
Expression: How big is it?
Response: It’s 3 feet, by 4 feet, by 5 feet.
Expression: How much does it weigh?
Response: It weighs 75 pounds.
Expression: What color is it?
Response: It’s bright yellow, brighter than a banana.
Expression: What’s it made out of?
Response: It’s made of plastic and aluminum.
Expression: What is it?
Response: It’s a garlic press.
Expression: What does it do?
Response: It puts a sharp point on wooden pencils.
Expression: What the purpose of a refrigerator?
Response: The purpose of a refrigerator is to keep food cold so it does
not spoil.
Expression: What do you use a (… cheese grater) for?
Response: A cheese grater is used to make small strips of cheese from a
larger block.
Expression: How does a (… water heater) work?
Response: Water is collected in a large tank and heated by either gas or
electricity.
Dialogue- Describing Things
Randall: Do you know what a grandfather clock is?
Horace: Yes, of course.
Randall: I assume it is a kind of clock, but what does it look like?
Horace: Well, they’re usually big, about an average person’s height, and
maybe 20 to 24 inches wide.
Randall: And.
Horace: The clock face is at the top, usually a round face, and many
have Roman Numerals.
Randall: Go on.
Horace: Below the face is a pendulum which hangs from a chain, or
something similar, which swings back
and forth as the clock ticks.
Randall: I’m sorry, what’s a pendulum?
Horace: A weight hanging from a chain, cable, or string.
Randall: I see.
Horace: In all the grandfather clocks I have ever seen, the cabinets
were made out of wood, usually stained
brown.
Randall: Why are they called grandfather clocks?
Horace: I don’t know. Maybe because they are an old style of clock that
was common in our grandfathers’
days.
Randall: The clock in your father’s office is a grandfather clock, isn’t
it?
Horace: Yes, but he calls it his grandmother’s clock.
Randall: Why?
Horace: Because his grandmother gave it to him.
Conversation Activities- Describing Things
1. Pair work- discussion
Do you or your family have a grandfather clock or any other
antique items that has been handed down
from one generation to the next? Tell your partner
about it using some of the ideas for discussion below.
Your partner should ask questions to get more
information.
what is it
its age and its history
why it is significant or important to your family
who in your family will the item be handed down to next
why that person will get the item
2. Pair work- discussion
Work with a partner and describe the following items are and
how they work. The listening partner should
ask questions to get more detail or clarification.
Obviouslymost (if not all) people already know what these
things are and how they work, but the purpose of the
exercise is to practice using the language. So… the
partner asking about the items should pretend to
be very, very stupid or from a very remote, uncivilized
location that has never been exposed to these
modern conveniences.
Pencil sharpener Bicycle
Toaster Clock
Calculator Camera
Stethoscope Bow and arrow
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Describing people
When you want to know what someone looks you, you are going to ask for a description. Descriptions can be very simple (he’s ugly) or very descriptive and detailed. (She’s 5 feet 4 inches tall, with straight flaming red shoulder length hair, sparkling dark green eyes, a dazzling pearly white smile, with a cute dimple on her left cheek, and lightly tanned facial skin as smooth as a baby’s behind, with a body like Marilynn Monroe). Just remember- when giving descriptions, people liked to flattered, not insulted!
English Expressions: Describing People
What does (… she)
look like?
She looks like a model.
What color is her hair?
It’s black?
What color are his eyes?
They’re blue.
How tall is she?
She is five feet, four inches tall.
How much do you weight?
I weight 75 kilos.
Does he have any distinguishing
characteristics?
He has a scar on his left cheek.
How old is your mother?
She’s 45 years old.
Does the professor wear glasses?
No, but he wears contacts.
What is she wearing?
She is wearing a red T-shirt, tight blue jeans, and sandals.
Below are adjectives that can be used when describing people’s physical characteristics.
Hair: long, short, straight, curly, permed, ponytail, bangs, crew
cut, shoulder length, bald,
receding hairline, salt and pepper, blond, gray, bald, wavy
Body build: Skinny, thin, slender, average weight, muscular, fat,
chubby, plump, obese,
overweight, beer belly, average build, stocky, medium height, tall, short
Facial features: mustache, beard, side burns, pimples, dimples, round eyes,
square chin,
big nose, wears glasses, round face
When giving descriptions, it is also sometimes useful to talk about what the person is wearing. There are many words that can be used to describe and identify apparel.
Types of Clothing
Tops:casual shirt, dress shirt, tee-shirt, top, sweat shirt
Bottoms: jeans, pants, trousers, shorts, cut offs
Under Garments: for men- underwear), briefs, socks
For women- panties, bra, stocking (nylons), socks
Women’s Wear: skirt, dress, pant suit, blouse
Outer Wear: jacket, coat, wind breaker, sweater
Shoes: dress shoes, loafers, sandals, tennis shoes, high heels, sports
shoes
Accessories: hat/cap, tie, belt, scarf, gloves, glasses, jewelry
Clothing Material: wool, polyester, cotton, denim, plastic, leather,
silk
Dialogue- Describing People
Matt: What does your girl friend look like?
John: She’s very beautiful, with dark brown eyes and shoulder length
blond hair.
Matt: How tall is she?
John: She’s my height: five feet, four inches.
Matt: And is she slim, plump, average weight, obese?
John: She’s slim, like a model. And she has a great figure.
Matt: And she’s in her early twenty’s, right?
John: Yes, she’s the same age as me. Why all the questions about my girl
friend?
Matt: Just curious. Besides, I think that’s her over there across the
street.
John: Where? I don’t see her.
Matt: Under that big tree. Isn’t she the one kissing the sailor?
John: What! Gloria!
English Expressions- Describing personality
Descriptions of people are not limited to physical descriptions but also to their character and personality. There are a number of expressions that can be used when asking about someone’s personality or character.
What’s (… your room mate) like?
She’s very friendly, but shy.
What kind of ( … boss) do you have?
He’s very intelligent, but very demanding and somewhat of a perfectionist.
What kind of personality do ( … you look for in a spouse)?
Someone who is assertive, but not aggressive; outgoing, but not dominating;
confident, but not insecure.
There are also countless words that can be used to describe a persons personality and character. Look at some of them below.
shy
outgoing
demanding
easy going
confident
insecure
pushy
laid back
domineering
meek
intelligent
stupid
attentive
neglectful
concerned
carefree
passionate
indifferent
hot blooded
mellow
strict
lenient
tolerant
intolerant
Conversation Activities
1. Pair Work
Working with a partner, describe people (family,
friends, classmates, teachers, well known
personalities in your country) you know to your
partner. Your partner should ask questions
to get more details or information. Include in
your description the persons:
* height and weight
* eye and hair color
* hair style
* approximate age
* any distinguishing features (beard, scars, dimples, freckles, tattoos,
etc.)
* type of clothes they normally wear
2. Group work- A fashion show
Get into groups of 6-8 students. Select one
person from each group as moderator. As a group, write
descriptions of the people in the group. Include
in the descriptions the items below.
The
moderator should introduce and give a physical description of the models. The
models should
describe in detail
what they are wearing as they walk down the runway. Use as many adjectives as
possible in your
descriptions. Once the descriptions are complete, have a fashion show in
the
the classroom. Have
fun.
* approximate height
* approximate weight
* eye color
* hair color and style
* distinguishing marks (scar, beard, dimples, etc.)
* if they have glasses (describe the glasses)
* also describe what the people are wearing, including the color, style, and
brand of clothing
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Describing Emotions
When you meet family and friends, even strangers at times, they will ask about your well being. It’s a polite thing to do. When talking about your well being, you may not only discuss your physical condition, but also your emotional state of mind. There are hundreds of words that are used to describe or identify emotional states. Look at some of the more common ones below.
|
happy |
elated |
sad |
gloomy |
depressed |
|
down |
angry |
peeved |
embarrassed |
excited |
|
anxious |
bored |
content |
unsatisfied |
satisfied |
|
shocked |
nervous |
scared |
frightened |
over-whelmed |
|
flustered |
quiet |
shy |
demure |
moody |
|
cheerful |
bold |
passive |
offensive |
aggressive |
At times we all get upset or angry at someone or something. It’s only human. If you happen to interact with someone that appears upset there are a number of expressions that can be used to ask the person what the problem is. Look at the examples below.
English Expressions- Describing Emotions
Expression: What’s wrong with you?
Response: I’m very upset with you for not telling me mom was sick.
Expression: Are you OK?
Response: No, I’m really ticked off that you dated my girlfriend.
Expression: What’s the problem?
Response: I’m fit to be tied. How could you approve the Jameson account
without my approval?
Expression: You look upset. Is any thing wrong?
Response: Yes, I’m really annoyed that you did not come to my party.
Sometimes when people are upset they say and do things that they later regret. The polite thing to do in those situations is to apologize for your behavior. Apologies are appropriate not only for things you may have said or done to offend others, but also for things that may happen that are out of your control or things that happened by accident. Look at the expressions below that can be used in those situations.
English Expressions- Apologies
Expression: Please forgive me, ( … I didn’t mean to imply that you were
stupid).
Response: No problem.
Expression: I apologize for ( …calling your father fat).
Response: That’s OK, I forgive you
Expression: Will you ever forgive me?
Response: Of course I forgive you.
Expression: I’m so sorry ( … I spilt the milk on your new carpet).
Response: Don’t worry about it.
Expression: I’m sorry for ( … being late).
Response: Think nothing of it.
Dialogue- Describing Emotions
Kevin: How is you new job Gertrude?
Gertrude: Well, it could be better.
Kevin: Why, what’s the problem?
Gertrude: One of my subordinates isn’t very nice. He seems to think that
he should have got the job instead
of me so he has a big chip on his shoulder. How are
things in your life?
Kevin: Couldn’t be better. My wife Mary just got a promotion, our
daughter was accepted into Harvard, and
I just made a killing in the stock market.
Gertrude: That’s great.
Conversation Activities- Describing Emotions
1. Pair work- discussion
When did you last experience some of the
emotions listed above? Tell your partner about it,
using some of the ideas for discussion below. Your
partner should ask questions to get more information.
when it was
where it was
who you were with
what caused you to feel that way
what you did to overcome that feeling (if it was a negative feeling)
2. Pair work- discussion
Have you done something recently that you
regretted and later apologized for? Tell your partner about it,
using some of the ideas for discussion below. Your
partner should ask questions to get more information.
when and where it was
what did you do
who was involved
why you regretted it
what you did or said to apologize
was your apology accepted
3. Pair Work- Role Play
Working with a partner, role play the situation,
using the information below
The situation: The three emotions below
The roles: See below
|
A. Anger You are a college student and your partner is your parent. You want to go to the beach for a one week vacation with some classmates.Your parents are adamant that you stay home and study English. |
|
|
Student’s ideas |
Parent’s ideas |
|
? need a break |
? need to be fluent if going to study abroad |
|
? have not had a vacation in 5 years |
? need to get very high scores on English proficiency tests |
|
? got A’s in English last semester so don’t need to study |
? afraid you might get in trouble if |
|
? your friend will pay for everything |
? don’t like the people you are going with (they are bad influences) |
|
? need to recharge your batteries so you will not burn out |
? you can’t swim and are afraid you will drown |
|
? have worked hard all semester and deserve a reward |
|
|
|
|
|
B. Fear You are afraid of heights and your partner is trying to convince you to look over the edge of the Grand Canyon. |
|
|
Person 1 ideas |
Person 2 ideas |
|
? you will fall over the edge and die |
? the railing will protect you |
|
? you can see well enough where you are |
? you should over come your phobia |
|
? you will have nightmares if you look |
? you will regret it forever if you don’t look |
|
? you will buy a post card for the memory |
? young children will laugh at you and make fun of you |
|
? you will get sick and throw up if you look over the edge |
? don’t be a chicken |
|
|
|
|
C. Greed You are an eight year old child and your partner is your friend. You are at a candy store and you have lots of money, but your friend has none. You buy a big bag of candy, but refuse to share with your friend |
|
|
Child 1 ideas |
Child 2 ideas |
|
? you bought it, so you will eat it all |
? if he/she doesn’t share, you won’t like your friend anymore |
|
? you are very hungry |
? you are very hungry too |
|
? if you share, your friend will get fat |
? your friend will get fat |
|
? if you share, it will ruin your friend’s teeth |
? will ruin your friend’s teeth |
|
? your friend didn’t share her ice cream the day before |
? you will tell his or her mommy |
|
|
? will tell all their friends that she or he is greedy and mean |
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At the Grocery Store
Unless you eat out in restaurants
every day of the week, you will find yourself at a grocery store at some
time to load up on goodies. As most people know, large supermarkets sell
more than just food. They can
sell everything from aspirin to zippers. There are several vocabulary
terms that are commonly used with
food and food containers. Look at these examples.
Containers
cans- of tuna,
peaches
packages- of sausage, gravy mix
bottles- of milk,
soda
box- of cereal, cake mix
jars- of jelly,
olives
cartons- of milk, eggs
bags- of chips,
cookies tubes-
of toothpaste
tubs- of butter
Amount
pound- of hamburger,
potatoes bunch-
of grapes, bananas
head- of lettuce,
cabbage
gallon- (quart/pint/liter) of milk
loaf of- bread
Sections in a Grocery Store
check out line
produce- vegetables, fruit
bakery- bread, pastry, rolls,
canned goods- beans, tomato sauce, tuna fish
dairy- milk, cheese, yogurt
meat/fish/poultry- steaks, salmon, chicken
frozen foods- ice cream, pizza, TV dinners
health and beauty aides- shampoo, toothpaste, lip stick
dry goods- toilet paper, paper napkins, laundry soap
Dialogue- At a grocery Store
Husband: Do you have the shopping list?
Wife: Me? I thought you brought it?
Husband: No. I thought you did. Oh, well, we’ll have to rely on our
memories.
Wife: We need some refried beans for tostados. I think it’s on aisle 3.
Husband: Here it is. Oh look, do you want to get some jalapeño’s?
Wife: Are you nuts? Those things will set my mouth on fire. Let’s go to
the produce section, we need fruit
for the kids’ lunches.
Husband: How about these apples?
Wife: I don’t think they want apples. Last time we bought them they were
mealy, and they refused to eat
them. These grapes look good. How many should I
get?
Husband: Get two bunches, no three. I’ll eat some for a snack.
Wife: OK, on to the meat section. You wanted some hamburger, right?
Husband: Yes, get about three pounds. Be sure it’s lean. Do we still
have plenty of bacon and sausage
for breakfast.
Wife: Yes, but that reminds me, we have no eggs. We should get 2
cartons.
Wife: We need milk, right?
Husband: Yes, on to the dairy section. Here’s the milk. Get a gallon
jug.
Husband: Do we need any cheese?
Wife: Yes, we’ll need some for the pizza on Tuesday. Get two large
packages. Do we have everything?
Husband: I need some shaving cream and razor blades. Which way to the
health and beauty section?
Wife: It’s to the right, three aisles down.
Husband: I just thought of something else. We need some bread and
pastry.
Wife: The bakery is that way. How many loaves should we get?
Husband: One loaf of whole wheat and one loaf of sour dough. And a dozen
croissants.
Wife: That’s everything. Let’s go to the checkout.
Conversation Activities- At a Grocery Store
1. Pair work- discussion
Do you go to the grocery store often? Tell your
partner about it using some of the ideas for discussion
below. Your partner should ask questions to get
more information.
when do you go
where do you go- a supermarket or local mom and pop store
what kind of food do you usually buy
how often do you go
2. Pair Work- role play
Working with a partner, role play the situation,
using the information below
The situation: At a grocery store
The roles: A husband and wife or two roommates
laundry
soap
corn chips
eggs
can of
tomatoes salt
pepper
oranges
face
soap
bacon
onion
garlic
bell pepper
cereal
rice
chicken
12 pack of beer
milk
salsa
bread
tissue
cooking oil
flour
brown sugar
honey
grape
jelly
toilet paper
Q-tips
basil
leaves
water melon
can of pork and beans
blue berry yogurt kitchen
cleanser canned apricots
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At the Doctor
Everyone has to go the the doctors
at one time or another. Hopefully it is always for something minor. No
matter what the problem is there will be a number of common expressions that
doctors use. Look at
some of these examples.
English Expressions- At the Doctor
Expression: What seems to be the problem?
Response: My left knee hurts when I bend it.
Expression: Where does it hurt?
Response: My right ear.
Expression: How long has it hurt?
Response: It started to hurt three days ago?
Expression: Have you done or eaten anything unusual in the last few
days?
Response: No, just the normal stuff.
Expression: Let’s check you blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
Response: OK.
Expression: You need an injection of penicillin and I’ll give you a prescription
for pain pills.
Response: Can’t I have a pill instead, I hate shots.
Many people, when hearing you are
sick, are likely to express their sympathy. Sympathy can be given for any
number of reasons, not just illness, but for any bad news- such as a death in
the family, a lost promotion, or
other disappointment. Look at these examples.
English Expressions- Expressing Sympathy
Expression: I’m so sorry to hear about (… your father’s illness).
Response: Thanks, that’s kind of you.
Expression: I want to express my condolences ( …on your mother’s death).
Response: Thanks, I appreciate your kindness.
Expression: It’s too bad that ( … you didn’t get that promotion).
Response: Yes, well maybe next time.
Expression: It’s a shame (pity) that ( …your son didn’t get accepted
into Harvard).
Response: How kind of you to say so.
Dialogue- At the Doctor
Doctor: What seems to be the problem today Jake.
Jake: I’m not sure Doctor, I just feel lousy all over. I have a
splitting headache, my stomach is upset, all I
want to do is sleep, and my right elbow is
hurting.
Doctor: How long has this been going on?
Jake: It just started today. Yesterday I felt great, but when I woke up
this morning …oh.
Doctor: Well let’s take your temperature and blood pressure and see how
they are.
Doctor: (Later). You don’t have a fever, and your blood pressure and
pulse are normal. There is a flu
going around, but that wouldn’t explain your elbow
hurting. Tell me, have you done anything or
eaten anything unusual in the last couple of
days?
Jake: Not really, I did go to a party last night and drank a little.
Doctor: What did you drink and how much?
Jake: Not much, 7 or 8 cans of beer and a bottle of tequila.
Doctor: Do you usually drink that much?
Jake: No, it was the first time drinking anything. I was celebrating my
21st birthday.
Doctor: Well, no wonder you feel lousy, you have a major hangover. Do
you happen to remember if you
fell down or hit your elbow
against something?
Jake: Now that you mention it, I seem to recall I fell down when I was
getting out of my car.
Doctor: Well your elbow seems OK, just a bad bruise. It’ll be OK in a
few days.
Jake: What can I do to feel better?
Doctor: For your elbow, you might want to put on a cold pack. For your
hangover, I suggest taking some
aspirin, drinking lots of water, eating something
light and going back to bed. You’ll feel good as new
tomorrow.
Jake: Thanks doctor. You’re a life saver.
Conversation Activities- At the Doctor
1. Pair work- discussion
Have you been to the doctor recently? Tell your
partner about it using some of the ideas for discussion
below. Your partner should ask questions to
get more information.
when did you go
why did you go
where did you go
what kind of treatment did you receive
did you have a follow-up visit
2. Pair work- discussion
Use your imaginations and express sympathy to
your partner for the following situations. Your partner
should tell you about the situations listed
below. Continue the conversation by asking questions to get
more details of the situation
parents divorce
death of a friend
getting fired from a job
parents serious illness
being dumped by your lover
failing an important test
3. Pair work- Role Play
Working with a partner, role play the situation,
using the information below
The situation: At a doctor’s office
The roles: A doctor, a patient
The patient has the following
symptoms or problems.
The doctor should:
* ask what the problem is
* ask how long it has lasted
* ask if the patient has done or eaten anything
unusual lately
* make a recommendation for treatment
Patients problem: Cold: runny nose, cough, muscle aches
Doctor’s treatment: Bed rest, drink fluids (orange juice), prescription
cold medicine
Patients problem: Fever: hot forehead, headache, shivering
Doctor’s treatment: Bed rest, alcohol rub, aspirin
Patients problem: Upset stomach: vomiting, stomach pain, nausea
Doctor’s treatment: Take antacid
Patients problem: Back pain: pain in lower lumbar region
Doctor’s treatment: Bed rest, massage, heating pad, take, analgesic
(pain pill)
Patients problem: Head ache: Ppin in head, at temples
Doctor’s treatment: Bed rest, aspirin
Patients problem: Skin burn (from hot water): pain at site of burn, red skin,
blisters
Doctor’s treatment: Cool site with cold water, apply aloe or other skin,
burn ointment
Patients problem: Broken finger: extreme pain, lack of mobility
Doctor’s treatment: Set finger in cast, pain pill
Patients problem: Sore throat: pain in throat, difficulty swallowing
Doctor’s treatment: Gargle with salt water, take throat lozenges
Patients problem: Allergies: runny noose, sneezing, watery, itchy eyes
Doctor’s treatment:Take allergy pills
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At the Airport
Traveling by air can be a lot of fun. It can also be very confusing dealing with travel agents and airline personnel. If traveling to a foreign country, a traveler has to interact with customs and immigration officials. There are several common expressions that are used when dealing with airlines, travel agencies and customs. Look at the examples below.
English Expressions- At the Airport
Expression Response
Would you like economy or first
class tickets? Economy class.
When would you like to
depart? On
Friday the 14th of next month.
Will that be round trip or one
way? Round
trip please.
Do you have any luggage to check
in? I
have two suit cases.
May I have your ticket
please?
Here you go.
Do you have anything to
declare?
No, I don’t
Dialogue- At the Airport
At a travel agency
Agent: May I help you?
Nancy: Yes, I need a ticket to Paris.
Agent: One way or round trip?
Nancy: Round trip.
Agent: When will you be leaving?
Nancy: Next month, the 2nd. I prefer a morning flight.
Agent: Do you want any particular airline?
Nancy: No, but I do want to go business class and have a direct flight.
Agent: When will you be returning?
Nancy: I want to return on the 15th of next month.
Agent: Let me check the computer. Yes, there is a flight available on
Blue Skies Air Ways. The tickets are
$1645.
Nancy: Sounds good, book it.
Agent: Thank you. You can pick up your tickets at this office on the
28th.
Nancy: Thanks.
At the airport check-in
Nancy: Hello
Agent: Hello. May I have your ticket and passport?
Nancy: Yes, here they are.
Agent: How many pieces of luggage will you be checking in?
Nancy: Just one, I also have one carry on bag.
Agent: Your luggage is two kilos over the limit. You will have to pay an
extra charge of $100.
Nancy: No problem. Is cash OK?
Agent: Certainly.
Nancy: Here you go.
Agent: Thank you, have a nice flight.
Nancy: Thanks.
At Customs
Agent: Welcome to Paris. Do you have anything to declare?
Nancy: No.
Agent: Could you open your bag please?
Nancy: Sure, is everything OK?
Agent: Yes ma’am, enjoy you stay in Paris.
Nancy: Thanks.
Conversation Activities- At the Airport
1. Pair Work- discussion
Have you
ever flown on a plane? Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas
for discussion below. Your partner should ask questions
to get more information.
when and where you went
how long the flight took
the quality of the service from the flight attendants
how the flight was: (smooth or turbulent, relaxing or nerve-wracking)
did you enjoy it
do you like to fly
2. Pair work- role play
Working with a partner, role play the situation, using
the information below
The situation: At a travel agency asking for information for a flight.
The roles: A travel agent, a customer
|
Destination: Seoul |
Destination: San Francisco |
|
Airline: Blue Skies Skies |
Airline: World Wide Airlines |
|
Departure time: Saturday 1:30 AM |
Departure time: Saturday 9:00 am |
|
Flight length: 16 hours |
Flight length: 12 hours |
|
Layover: San Francisco , Tokyo |
Layover: Direct flight |
|
Price: Coach- $950 |
Price: Coach- $1050 |
|
Preferred seating Aisle Window |
Preferred seating Aisle Window |
|
|
|
|
Destination: Chicago |
Destination: Moscow |
|
Airline: National Airways |
Airline: Great Northern Airline |
|
Departure time: Sunday 8:30 am |
Departure time: Sunday 1:45 pm |
|
Flight length: 24 hours |
Flight length: 18 hours |
|
Layover: London, New York |
Layover: Paris |
|
Price: Coach- $1150 |
Price: Coach- $1250 |
|
Preferred seating Aisle Window |
Preferred seating Aisle Window |
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At a Pharmacy
Everyone gets sick at one time or
another and needs to go to drug store or pharmacy to get some medicine.
If it’s a minor condition, you can get over-the-counter medication. If
not, you may need to get a prescription
from a doctor first. Maybe you just need some allergy medication for hay
fever, or aspirin for a head ache,
or antacid for an upset stomach. In these cases you may have to talk to
the pharmacist. Using the
expressions below can be helpful.
English Expressions- At a Pharmacy
Expression: What do you recommend for ( …a cold)?
Response: You could try these COLD BE GONE tablets. They work wonders.
Expression: Do you have anything for a ( … sore throat)?
Response: Yes, these throat lozenges should work.
Expression: What do you suggest for ( … an upset stomach)?
Response: You could try these antacid tablets.
Expression: I need something for a ( … headache)?
Response: Why don’t you try aspirin?
What are over-the-counter medications?
Over-the-counter medication is
medication that does not require a doctor’s prescription in order to be
purchased. In many countries prescription drugs require a doctor’s orders
before they can be purchased
at a pharmacy. These drugs are usually very potent, may be addictive if
not used properly, and may have
numerous adverse side effects. Over-the-counter drugs, however, do not
need a doctor’s orders to be
purchased. There are a multitude of over-the-counter drugs that are used for
the treatment of a wide
variety of ailments and illnesses, including the following:
upset stomachs headaches
muscle aches and pain allergies
stuffy noses persistent itching
minor burns and scalds runny noses
disinfectants (for cleaning cuts and other minor wounds),
ointments or liquids (to remove warts and corns)
It is also helpful to know
over-the-counter medication comes in variety of packages and forms.
Look at the examples below.
Antacid tablets Allergy pills
Cough drop lozenges Cold capsules
Bottle of cough syrup Tube of muscle relaxant ointment
Dialogue- At a Pharmacy
Pharmacist: Good morning, may I help you?
Customer: Yes, I need this prescription filled.
Pharmacist: OK, it’ll be ready in a few minutes.
Customer: I’ve also had a runny nose for a couple of days, can you
recommend something?
Pharmacist: This decongestant is very effective, but be careful using
it. It causes drowsiness and you
shouldn’t drink any alcohol when taking this it.
Customer: OK, I’ll try it. I also need some band-aides and sun screen.
Where are those?
Pharmacist: The band-aides are on aisle 3, on the left and the sun
screen is on aisle 2, on the top shelf.
Customer: Thanks
Pharmacist: Will that be all?
Customer: That should do it.
Pharmacist: That comes to $34.56
Customer: That expensive! Why so much?
Pharmacist: The prescription medication is expensive. It cost $25.99. I
may be able to get you a
generic drug for about half that price, but I would
have to consult your doctor first.
Customer: No, that’s OK. Don’t bother.
Pharmacist: Here’s your change. Have a good day.
Conversation Activities-At a Pharmacy
1. Pair work- discussion
When was the last time you when to a pharmacy?
Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas for
discussion below. Your partner should ask
questions to get more information.
when did you go
what was the problem
what medication did you get
did you talk to the pharmacists
did the medication help
2. Pair work- Role Play
Working with a partner, role play the situations,
using the information below
The situation: At a pharmacy
The roles: a pharmacy, a customer
The customer should ask for a
recommendation for the problems below.
The pharmacist should ask the following:
how long the symptoms have been
present
if the customer is allergic to any medicines
why they have the symptoms (if known)
the severity of the problem
The problem
Sore
muscles
Headache
Diarrhea
Constipation
Insomnia
Severe Itching
Upset
stomach
Dandruff
Stuffy/runny nose Fever
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At a Hotel
At some time or another you may find yourself at an English speaking hotel. Whether at an economy hotel or a 5 star resort, you will encounter the same kinds of expressions, be asked the same kinds of questions, and respond to these questions in the same way. Look at these common expressions.
English Expressions- At a Hotel
Expression: Do you have a reservation?
Response: Yes, the name is Smothers, Jamie.
Expression: How long will you be staying?
Response: I’ll be checking out on Friday.
Expression: Do you prefer a smoking or non -smoking room?
Response: Non-smoking if you please.
Expression: How many guests are in your party?
Response: Two, my wife and I.
Expression: Will you be paying by cash or credit card?
Response: Credit card, if you accept Visa.
Expression: Did you have anything from the mini- bar?
Response: Yes, I had one soda and an orange juice.
Expression: Fill out this registration form please.
Response: Do you need to see my driver’s license or passport?
Expression: I would like to leave a wake up call for 7:30.
Response: Certainly sir, what’s your name and room number?
Dialogue- At a Hotel
Checking In
Clerk: Welcome to the Sheraton. May I help
you?
Guest: I’d like to check in. I have a reservation.
Clerk: What’s your name, please?
Guest: Phillip Marlow.
Clerk: Yes Mr. Marlow. You requested a single room for three nights, is
that correct?
Guest: Yes, could I have a room on the upper floors, away from the ice
machine?
Clerk: No problem. Do you prefer a smoking or non-smoking floor?
Guest: Non-smoking please.
Clerk: Could you fill out the registration form, please. Thank you. And
will you be paying by cash or credit
card?
Guest: Cash, if you accept American dollars.
Clerk: Of course, sir. If you require local currencies we can also exchange
money for you.
Guest: That’s great, I do need some cash.
Clerk: Your room number is 1109. Here’s your key. Enjoy your stay at the
Sheraton. If you require anything
further, feel free to call the front desk. Would you
like assistance with your bags?
Guest: No thanks, I only have one. I can manage.
Room service
Room Service: Room service, may I help you?
Guest: Yes, this is Mr. Marlow in room 1109. Could you send up a tuna
fish sandwich and a bag of potato
chips?
Room Service: Certainly sir, that will be about ten minutes.
Guest: Thank you.
Wake up call
Front desk: Front desk, may I help you?
Guest: This is Mr. Marlow in room 1109. I would like to leave a wake up
call for 7:00 AM.
Front desk: Certainly sir.
Guest: Thanks.
House Keeping
House keeping: House keeping, may I help you?
Guest: This is Mr. Marlow in room 1109. Could I get a couple of more
towels and another blanket?
House keeping: Yes sir, we will get them to you right away.
Guest: Thank you.
Conversation Activities- At a Hotel
1. Pair work- discussion
When was the last time you stayed at a hotel?
Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas for
discussion below. Your partner should ask
questions to get more information.
when were you there
what hotel did you stay at
where was the hotel
what kind of hotel was it (economy, 5 star, etc)
how long did you stay
did you like the hotel- why or why not
2. Pair work- Role Play
Working with a partner, role play the situation,
using the information below
The situation: At a hotel
The roles: guest, hotel employee mployee
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A. Making reservation |
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The clerk should get the following information: |
The guest should ask about the following: |
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? name |
? price |
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? kind of room |
? services available |
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? number of beds required |
? whether shuttle bus is available to/from airport |
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? credit card number |
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? length of stay |
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? number of guests |
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? date of arrival |
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B. Checking-in, with reservation |
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The clerk should: |
The guest should: |
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? have guest complete the registration form |
? ask about check out time |
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? ask if guest needs assistance with luggage |
? request non-smoking floor |
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? get credit card or cash |
? request room with view of pool |
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? give key to guest |
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C. Room service- ordering meals |
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The clerk should: |
The guest should: |
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? ask name and room number |
? place the order |
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? ask what the order is |
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? ask when to deliver |
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? say thank you |
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D. Wake up call |
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The guest should: |
The clerk should: |
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? call to leave a wake up call |
? say hello |
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? give name and room number |
? ask the time of the wake up call |
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E. Check out |
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The guest should: |
The clerk should: |
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? inform the clerk you want to check out |
? inform guest of additional charges for room service- mini-bar, etc. |
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? give the clerk the key |
? get final payment |
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? get the key from the guest |
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? ask guest if he needs any help with his luggage |
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|
At a Bank
Most people, at one time or another, have dealings with banks. Individuals may have savings or checking accounts, need loans for the purchase of autos or homes, or seek advice and assistance with investment options. Companies and entrepreneurs need banking services to conduct their businesses. Tourist may need banks to cash travelers checks or get cash against credit cards. Below are some common expressions heard at a bank.
English Expressions- At a Bank
Expression Response
Customer: I want to (… cash a check)?
Teller: Certainly, do you have an ID.
Customer: I would like to (… make a
deposit into my checking account).
Teller: Please complete this deposit slip.
Costumer: I need to withdrawal $500
from my savings.
Teller: Of course. Do you have your account. passbook?
Customer: I would like to apply for
(… a bank huarantee card).
Teller: Please see the woman at the accounts desk over there.
Customer: Who would I talk to (
… about a car loan)?
Teller: You will have to see Mr. Ellison in the loan department.
Banking Vocabulary
Automatic deposit- A bank service that allows employers to deposit employees
wages directly into
the employees bank accounts.
Saving account- Money put in the bank for long term saving
Checking account- Money put in the bank to be taken out periodically for
purchases or bills
Loans- Money given to you by the bank which you pay back over time
Collateral- Something of value as a guarantee for a loan
Interest- Charges for using the banks money or money given to depositors
for the use of their money by
the bank
Check- An instrument issued by banks to its customers that allow them to
make purchases instead of
using cash.
Mortgage- A loan for a house
Deposit- Put money into the bank account
Withdrawal- Money taken out of the bank account
Teller- A bank clerk
Deposit/withdrawal slips- Forms that are filled out when depositing or
withdrawing money
Bank guarantee card- A bank card that assures payees that a check is
good
Monthly statement- A financial listing of your banking activities (money
deposited and withdrawn and
interest charged or accrued)
Open an account- To start a bank account
Close an account- To end an account
Travelers check- A prepaid check used by tourists issued by a bank that
can be cashed in banks or
businesses world wide.
Not all countries use checks.
However, checks are a common method that Americans use to purchase
things and pay bills, instead of using cash or a credit or debit card. Below is
a typical check used by
millions of American consumers. Usually a store will also require that the
customer to have a picture
ID card (such as a driver’s license or passport) and a bank guarantee card
before they will accept the check.
Dialogue- At a Bank
Teller: Next please. How may I help you?
Customer: Yes, I’d like to make a withdrawal from my saving account and
cash a check.
Teller: Certainly sir. Please complete this withdrawal slip, with your
name, account number and amount
of withdrawal.
Customer: There you go.
Teller: Thank you. How would you like that?
Customer: Could I have two hundreds, two fifties, and the rest in
twenties.
Teller: Here you are. I need you to endorse the back of the check you
want to cash and I’ll need to see
an ID.
Customer: No problem.
Teller: Here you are. Will that be all today?
Customer: Yes, that will do it. Thanks.
Teller: Thank you. Have a pleasant day.
Conversation Activities- At a Bank
1. Pair Work- discussion
Do you have an account at a bank? Tell your
partner about it using some of the ideas for
discussion below. Your partner should ask
questions to get more information.
what is the name of the bank
how often do you go
what kind of account do you have
what do you like or dislike about dealing with the bank
do you have any problems with banks (other than not enough money)
do you do a lot of transactions at the ATM
have you ever taken out a loan from the bank- what for
2. Pair work- role play
Working with a partner, role play the situation,
using the information below
The roles: A bank teller, a customer
The situations: At a bank making the transactions below
A. Deposit money into a savings
account
Teller should fill in the deposit
slip
Customer should supply the following
information:
• name
• account number
• amount to deposit
B. Cash a personal check
Teller should ask for an ID card and
a bank guarantee card
Customer should tell the clerk how
he wants the money (in $5’s, $10’s, $20’s etc.).
C. Withdraw money from a savings
account
Teller should fill in the withdrawal
slip
Customer should supply the following
information:
• name account number
• amount to withdraw
D. Open a savings account
Teller should inform the customer of
the minimum amount for an initial deposit, complete the
paperwork
Customer should provide the
following information
• address
• place of employment
• an ID
• amount of initial deposit
E. Apply for a loan for a new car
Teller should complete the paperwork
and ask the customer for the following information:
Customer should supply the requested
information
• name
• address
• place of employment
• length of time at present job
• average monthly salary
• average monthly expenses
• an ID name of person for reference
• name of a person to act as co-signer
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Asking for Help
Help! I need somebody Help! Not just anybody.
Everyone needs help from time to time and most people are willing to give it in a time of need. Most of the time of course the help needed is for something minor. But sometimes the help may be a matter of life or death. The expressions below are generally used for minor assistance. For anything really, really major- the need for help is usually readily apparent and would not require someone to ask- such as in a fire or a serious car accident. Look at these expressions that can be used for asking for minor assistance.
English Expressions- Asking for Help
Expression Response
To offer help
Would you like some
help?
Yes, that would be great.
Can I give you a
hand? Thanks,
much obliged
Do you need a
hand? No
thanks, I’ve got it.
May I offer my
assistance?
That would be so kind, thank you.
To ask for help
Could you give me a
hand?
Certainly.
Would you mind helping me out?
Not at all.
Could you help me
please?
My pleasure
As with help, people need advice from time to time. Your family or friends may need advice about relationships, financial investments, or how to deal with an irritating co-worker. Look at the expressions can be used when asking for advice.
Expression : What do you think I should do?
Response: Why don’t you (…. take a taxi).
Response: That’s a good idea.
Expression : What would you do in my shoes?
Response: Have you thought about (…. getting some medicine at the
pharmacy)?
Response: Maybe you’re right.
Expression : Do you have any ideas about what to do?
Response: I think you should ( …. see a doctor).
Response: Thanks for the advice.
Expression : What would you suggest?
Response: Have you considered ( …. the local markets? They have great
deals).
Response: That might work. I hadn’t thought of that.
Expression : Can you think of anything that might help?
Response: One option may be to (…. call your embassy).
Response: Thanks, I’ll try that.
Dialogue- Asking for Help
Barry: Could you give me a hand this weekend?
Larry: Doing what?
Barry: Landscaping my yard.
Larry: That sounds like a big job.
Barry: It might be, it depends on how I decide to do it.
Larry: You don’t know yet?
Barry: I can’t make up my mind. I’m vacillating between desert landscape
with cacti or
plush green grass with lots of flowers. What do
you think it should be?
Larry: Well, a desert landscape has a lot less maintenance, but nothing
beats a nice green lawn.
Barry: Thus my dilemma. What would you do?
Larry: Let me ask you this- how much time will you spend out there.
Barry: With my schedule, probably not much.
Larry: Then I would go with the desert. Keeping up a grass lawn is a lot
of work.
Barry: Yea, I think you’re right.
Conversation Activities- Asking for Help
1. Pair work- discussion
When was
the last time you helped someone or someone helped you? Tell your partner about
it using
some of the ideas for discussion below. Your
partner should ask questions to get more
information.
what was the help for
where did it happen
when did it happen
how often do you offer assistance
2. Pair work- discussion
When was the last time you gave someone advice or
asked for advice? Tell your partner about it using
some of the ideas for discussion below. Your
partner should ask questions to get more information.
what was the advice for
was it good advice
who did you ask/who asked you
did you follow the advice- why or why not
3. Pair work- role play
Working with a partner, role play the situation,
using the information below
The situation: Seeking help on the street. Be sure to express your
gratitude.
The roles: you, your partner
Moving a heavy
box
Directions to the subway
Where the jeans are in a
store
Using a cell phone
Fixing a flat
Using an ATM (instructions are in a foreign language)
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|
من به شما انگلیسی یاد میدهم . رضا متین
آرشیو موضوعی
- درباره من / about me
- start here
- Please visit my linked-in profile
- my timetable
- Language functions in English conversation
- Asking for help
- At a bank
- At a hotel
- At a pharmacy
- At the airport
- At the doctor's
- At the crocery store
- describing emotions
- describing people
- describing things
- expressing opinions
- giving directions
- giving instructions
- greeting
- in a restaurant
- invitations
- job interviews
- lending & borrowing
- likes and dislikes
- making comparisons
- numbers
- onthe teleohone
- paying bills
- policemen and firemen
- Schedules and Routines
- shopping
- solutions and routines
- talking about needs