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

 

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

 

 

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)

 

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)

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

  

 

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