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

 

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

 

ادامه نوشته

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 zone	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 no license
2. The citizen is pulled over for suspected driving while under the influence	Policeman should:
ask the officer what the problem is, (remember you were drinking so slur your words)	tell driver why he was pulled over (weaving downthe road)
tell officer why you were drinking (celebrating birthday, just broke up with lover, got fired, etc.)	have driver step out of car and give him/her a drunk test (walk a straight line, close eyes and touch nose with index fingers)
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 suspects(age, weight, height, hair color, distinguishingmarks, clothing)
Use you imagination and give a description of the suspects to the police	ask where he was when he saw the mugging
	how long the mugging lasted
	which direction the suspects went

 

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)

 

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.

 

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)

 

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

1. Calling for information: The caller is talking to a theater employee to get information aboutthedates and times pictures will be showing. The callee should respond to the callers questions using the following information.
Movie	Days	Times
Gone With The Wind	M, T, W, Th	1:00, 5:00, 9:00
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
Buddy Buddy	S,M, T, W	12:00, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00. 8:00,
2. Calling to make an appointment: The caller is talking to a clerk at Dr. Wilson’s Dental Clinic to make an appointment. The callee should respond to the callers questions using the following information.
The patient should:		The receptionist should:
? request a time for the appointment		? ask what the appointment is for
? state reason for appointment (cleaning,tooth ache, etc.)		? suggest a day and time of appointment
? refuse first appointment time (you are busy)		? suggest an alternate day and time for the appointment
		? thank the patient for calling
3. Wrong number: The caller is calling his best friend but receives a wrong number.
4.Leave message on answering machine: The caller is calling his best friend, but he or she is out and the answering machine answers. The callee is the answering machine andshould play the recorded tape message. The caller should leave their message.
5.Call information: The caller is requesting information from an operator. The callee is the operator and should supply the necessary information.
The operator should:		The caller should:
? ask the caller what number he wants		? request number and address of Pizza King Pizza Parlor
? give the caller the information
6.Calling for pizza delivery: The caller is a hungry person calling Pizza King Pizza Parlorfor adelivery. The callee is an employee of the pizza parlor.
The caller should:		The employee should:
? place order, including something to drink		? ask the caller for size and kind of pizza, the toppings
? give name, address, and telephone number		? ask for the callers name, address, and number

 

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.

 

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

 

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
Job 2
Employer: Big Ed’s Tires	Position applying for: Sales person
Education: 2 years at Community College, emphasis on businesscourses	Experience: 6 months at Burger King, 1 year at K-Mart automotive center
Current status: Employed	Reason applying: Better pay
Hobbies: Computer games,rebuilding cars
Job 3
Employer: Anderson & Anderson, Attorney’s Law	Position applying for: lawyer
Education: Harvard Law school	Experience: 12 years with Benson andHodges, specializing inforeign corporate takeovers
Current status: Employed	Reason applying: Life style change
Hobbies: Reading, canoeing