Learning English Through Situations

1 Functional English Learning English Through Situations

By Ayman Barghash

Giving Personal Information 1 Introducing Yourself : . A B -

Hi, My name is ________________________ Hello. May name is _________________________

. Getting the name right : A B -

Sorry (Pardon), what’s your first name again? It is ____________________

Asking someone’s occupation : A B A B -

What do you do? I’m a ________________________________ What about you? I work for __________________

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Asking for more information : A B A A = B

Really? What company do you go to? I go to ____________________ work for____________ What are you studying? What do you do there exactly? I’m a secretary in Human Resources in Sales

In an interview “Getting information” The Discussion that takes place between employer & Interviewee 1.

A B A B -

Q. & A. about Name

Could I have your name, please? It’s Ali, Ali Hamed. It’s A.L.I.E?! It’s A.L.I.

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2.

A-

Q. & A. about Address Where do you live?

A= Could I have your address? B-

I live at 50 Km King Ramses Road.

A-

Is that in Riyadh?

B-

Yes, That’s right.

Or =

No, It isn’t.

3.

Q. & A. about, Telephone Number

A- What’s your telephone number? A =

Could I have your phone number?

B- It’s 0 5 6 7 2 9 3 6 2 3

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Describing your family A

Tell me about your family.

A Do you have any brother or sisters? = A Have you got any brothers or sisters? = B I have a brother but no sister. B =

I have got a brother and a sister.

Describing Marital status: A

Are you married?

A=

Is he / she married?

B

Yes, I am

No. I am not

B=

Yes, He /she is

No, he/she isn’t.

Or =

I am Single He/She is Separated. Separated. Divorced Divorced.

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Widowed Widowed.

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Talking about your children A

Do you have any children?

O Have you got any children r B No, I don’t. O No I haven’t. r

Do you have any Children? Have you got any Children? NO

YES

*No, I don’t.

*Yes, I have 3 children, two * boys and a girl. *I have got a daughter.

*No, I haven’t. *How old are they?

*How old is she /he?

The oldest is ______________________ The Second oldest is ______________________ And the youngest is _______________________ My sons are ______________ and my daughter is -___________________

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Asking about age: Q: How old is he / she? A: Pretty Fairly Kind of

Young Old

A= He is in his She is in her

(mid) teens (early) seventies. (Late) forties,

Asking for Description Q: What does he look like? She A: He’s She’s

fairly Pretty Kind of

Tall/short Thin. Heavy tall and thin

Q: What colour is his /her A: It’s black Gray

hair? A: He brown hair She has black grey

Q: What’s his / her hair like? A: It’s long /short / medium length Straight / wary / curly.

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Describing People:Q: What’s he/she wearing? A: He is wearing jeans and blue sweat shirt. . a grey suit. . Black pants and a grey sport shirt. A: She is wearing

a white skirt and a pink blouse. .a tan uniform. purple summer dress.

Q: What does he / she have on? A: He She

has

a brown jacket on a yellow hat on .a red raincoat on a pink shorts and a white T-Shirt.

Describing Things (1):Q: What size is it?

A: It’s big / small. Long/ short Narrow/wide

Q: What shape is it?

A: It's

Q: What does it look like?

A: It’s a long, narrow, flat thing.

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round / a circle Square / a square Rectangular / a rectangle Triangular / a triangle Oval / an oval Flat

Describing Things (2):Q: What’s it What are they

made of?

A: It’s made of They’ve

wood plastic Metal

Describing Uses:Q: What

is it are they

used for ?

A: A knife is used for cutting. Scissors are .

Days and Dates:Q: When is your birthday? . is the anniversary? is the party? A: It’s on Monday. October 13. A: It’s in October.

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Starting and Finishing times:Q: When does the concert What time

start? end?

A: It starts at 8:00 (sharp) It Ends about 10:15

Operating and closing times:Q: Could you (please) tell me when the concert opens? Can you what time it closes? A: Sure! It starts at 10:00 (sharp) It Ends about 12:15

Describing Locations:Q: Excuse me do you know where the hardware store is? Could you tell me where the hardware store is? A: Sure. It’s on Elm Street

across from the post office. between the 11th and 12th .

A: Sorry. I am not sure. B: Thank you.

Or: Thank you anyway.

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Giving Directions:Q: Excuse me,

which way is the how do I get to the

A: It’s down this street

Camera store? Camera store from here ?

on the right. Just past the parties' restaurant.

A: Go up two blocks, and turn right. A: Go up this street, and take the second left.

Talking about likes and dislikes:Q: How do you like What do you think of Q: Do you like

the city? Riyadh?

A: I love I really like

it.

A: It’s

the city? the people?

ok .all right.

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Agreeing and Disagreeing with likes and dislikes :OPINION

AGREE

DISAGREE

I love it. I like them. I hate it.

Really? So do I. me, too.

You do? I don’t. Really? I don’t.

I don’t like them

(No) neither do I. Me neither.

You don’t? I do.

I can’t stand it

(No) Neither can I. Me neither.

You can’t! I Like it. Really? I like it.

Stating Preferences :I like swimming, but I don’t like diving He likes classical music, but he can’t stand opera.

Accepting Invitations :Q: Do you feel like going out for dinner What about How about A: Sure OK

I’d love to. that’s a great idea. Why not? That’s a good idea. 13

Saturday? tonight?

Declining Invitations:Q: Do you want to Would like to A: Oh

have lunch tomorrow?

I am sorry, I can’t I am afraid

I have to meet a friend. I’ve got to

Q: That’s too bad. May be next time.

Getting more information: Q: Would you like to Do you want to A: Sounds good,

go to a party this Saturday? tomorrow? what kind of party? Where is it? Who’s going?

Q: It’s a birthday party

pot luck dinner. It’s at my place / Dave’s Some people from work.

Suggesting Another Day : A: I'm really sorry. I can’t make it. Q: OK. May be we can do it Some other time then.

Well, how about Friday, then

A: Yes, I’d really like to

Great? That sounds good. 14

Setting the time and place:-. Q: Where do you want to meet? How about meeting in front of the club? Why don’t we meet at the restaurant? Let’s meet at the restaurant. Great, what time? A: How about meeting at 7:15? Why don’t we meet at Is 7:15 OK? Let’s meet at 7:15. Q: Fine ! A: OK see you at 7:15 Then.

Changing plans:Q: Could we meet

. at the subway instead? .at 7:00? . a little letter? . earlier? A: Sure That’s no problem.

Adding to plans:Q: We could Let’s

go for coffee after the show. go out dancing after dinner.

A: Do you want to Why don’t we

have dinner before the movie? go swimming after we play tennis?

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At A Dress (Clothes) Shop Getting and Giving help: Q: Excuse me A: Certainly Sure

could can

you help me?

what can I help you with? what can I do for you?

Giving Help : -

Q: Can I help you with something? Is there something I can help you with? A: No, thanks. I’m just looking. Yes, please. I’m looking for the men’s wear.

Getting information: Q: Do you

Q: Does this Do these

have Carry

this in size 10? these in green

come in

A: Yes, we do Yes, it does. They do

Medium? Beige? Size 8? a larger smaller

size?

No, I am sorry, we don’t. No I am sorry, it doesn’t. they don’t. 16

Asking prices:. Q: How much .

is this (radio) it? are (these speakers) they?

Q: Could you tell me the price of

this radio? these speakers?

A: It’s $ 59.98 They’re $ 299.00

Comparing things(1): Q: Which

hat boots

do you like better?

A: I like the green hat This hat A: I like

better than

the yellow one. that one.

the red boots better than the white ones. this hat those.

Comparing things(2): Q: Why do you like the green hat better? A: (I like it) because it is fancier than the yellow one. Q: Why do you like the red boots better? A: (I like them) because they’re more stylish than the white ones. 17

Returning things:Q: I’d like a refund. Please. . to get a refund. . to return this ( sweater) . to exchange this blouse A: What’s Q: It’s

the reason? the problem with it?

too big / small the wrong colour

Q: It doesn’t fit. It was a gift. I already have one. I don’t really like it. A-: Of course, we can

exchange it. give you a refund.

A+:I’m sorry. There are no refunds or exchanges.

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At A Restaurant Discussing the menu:Q: What are

you goin to have Having

Julie?

A: (I think) I’ll have the spaghetti and a salad.

Ordering:Q: What

would you will

like, ma’am? have, sir?

Q: Are you ready to order miss? Have you delivered yet? A: I’d like a steak, medium – rare, please? I’ll have A: Could we have a few more minutes, please?

|Specifying Wants: Q: What kind of dressing would you like? A: I’ll

have Take

creamy garlic (please).

Q: Would you like soup or salad? A: I’d like soup, please. 19

Asking about wants: Q: Would you

care for anything like something

to drink?

Q: Can I get you something?

A: Do you have any iced tea? Waiter Q: I'm sorry afraid

we don’t we’re all out .we’ve run out Q: Yes, certainly

.

A: (I’ll have) a coke, then A: I’d like some, please! I’ll have that

Offering Service: Q: Shall I bring Would you like me to get Would you like (to have)

your coffee (now)?

Q: Would you like some more coffee? A1: Yes, please. A2: No. thanks.

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Asking about other wants. Q; Would you

like care for

anything else? some dessert?

A1: No, thank you. Not right now, thank you. A2: Yes, could you bring me A3: Just the .

bill check

some more rolls? some chocolate cheese cake?

please.

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Making Requests Making small requests Q: Do you have an extra . pencil? Could I borrow a . piece of papers? . tissues? . quarters? A1: Sure, there you

are. Go. A2: I’m sorry. I don’t have

one. any.

Making Larger Requests Q: Do you think I could borrow Would you mind lending me A1: Sure. OK. A2: I'm sorry

I don’t have $ 25. I need it right now.

A3: Can I let you know later?

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$25 until Tuesday? your watch for a few hours?

Asking for Favors Q: Would you (Please) Could you

get the

door? Lights? Hold my coat for a minute?

A1: Sure (no problem). Of course. I’d be glad to. A2: I’m sorry. I can’t right now.

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At A Hotel Complaining Politely Q: Excuse me. Sorry to bother you, but I have a problem with my room. Could you help me? A: What’s the problem? What seems to be the problem? Q: I asked for a non-smoking room. I requested the non smoking section.

Requesting Action or a Changer Q: Could you change my room, please? A1: I can change your room tomorrow. A2: I’m sorry, I can’t. I’d be glad to, but I can’t.

Accepting an Apology Q: I’m very sorry about this. A: That’s OK It’s

thanks for your help. it wasn’t your fault. don’t worry about it.

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Giving and getting personal information QUESTION

RESPONSE

Where are you from? Where were you born? Were you born in Libya?

I'm from Yemen, originally. I was born in Sana’a. No, I was born in Yemen. Or I’m from Algeria.

.

Discussing length of Time:Q: How long did you stay A: I started there was

in California? there?

between ’1992 and 1994. from 1992 to 1994. for two years.

Asking “What Next? Q: What did you do

after you left Riyadh? after leaving Riyadh? after that ? then?

A: Well, then I came back here.

Describing Changes I used to hate cooking, but now I love it. I used to cook really boring things but now I don’t

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Asking about Past experience Q: Have you ever been to Japan? A1: Yes, I’ve been there twice. Yes, I was there last summer A2: No, I’ve never been there (before).

Asking for a Description or Opinion Q1: What did you think of Tokyo? . do Q2: How was Tokyo it

like?

Q3: What was Tokyo like? . is A: It was very big and exciting, but it was very crowded. It’s quite old, but it has a lot of modern building. Q1: What

was is

Q2: How was is

the weather like? the weather ? .

A: It was really hot and humid.

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Comparing Places(1) Q: What’s

Montreal like? Cairo

A: It’s more exciting than Riyadh It’s prettier than Montreal.

Comparing Places(2) Q: Which city has more interesting better

sightseeing? shopping?

A: Cairo. There are more museums Montreal. The stores are more interesting.

Comparing Places(3) Q: Which city is the most exciting? A: Montreal is the most exciting city in Canada. Q: Which city has the best scenery? A: Vancouver. It has the most beautiful views in Canada.

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Discussing Future Plans (1) Q: What do you plan to What are you going to planning to A1: I’m

going to planning to

do

after you graduate? in the fall? next year?

go to college. take it easy.

A2: I don’t know yet. I haven’t decided yet .

Discussing Future Plans (2) Q: What are you doing after that? A1: I’m

going to back to school after that. working for my father next after.

A2: I’m not sure yet. I’m still not sure.

Discussing Future Plans (3) Q: How long will you be there? A: I’ll be there for about six months. Q: When will you be in Chicago? A: I’ll be there a week from today. on the sixteenth. Q: Where will you be

at six O’clock? on Sunday after noon?

A: I’ll be at home.

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Discussing the Future Q: What do you want to do? What would you like to do? What are you going to do? I’d like to lose some weight. I want to start getting more exercise.

Discussing the Hopes What do you hope will happen? you’ll do? to do? I hope

I’ll get a promotion. I get a promotion. to get a promotion.

Discussing the Possibilities Where do you think you’ll go? Where are you going to go? I might go to Mexico. Go finishing in Canada. I haven’t made up my mind yet.

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