English Conversations

Waiter: Would you like a starter?. Waiter: Would you like anything to drink?. name, I'd like you to meet name When you meet someone the first time, it is common to greet the person with

PRACTICAL ENGLISH CONVERSATIONS

Most teachers of English as a foreign language often face a dilemma when building some conversations for their class Here are some that I have collected from the Net and would be expectedly of any use to your work.

Ngo Bao Thoa

Directions I

Excuse me Is there a bank near here?

Yes There's a bank on the corner

Thank you

You're welcome

Directions II

Excuse me Is there a supermarket near here?

Yes There's one near here

How do I get there?

At the traffic lights, take the first left and go straight on It's on the left

Is there a _ near here?

on the corner, on the left, on the right

straight on, straight ahead

Where are you from Janet?

I'm from Seattle Where are you from?

I'm from Madrid

Are you American?

Yes, I am Are you Spanish?

Yes I am

Key Vocabulary

My name is

What's (is) your name

Where are you from?

I'm from Are you (Spanish, American, German, etc.)

surname, family name, first name

Where are you from?

What's your job? address? phone (telephone) number?

How old are you?

Are you married?

married, single, divorced, separated

Hello and Goodbye - Three Short Conversations

Hello

Hello, Peter How are you?

Fine, thanks How are you?

I'm fine, thank you

Goodbye

Goodbye, Janet See you tomorrow!

Bye bye, Peter Have a nice evening

Thanks, you too!

Thanks

Key Vocabulary

Hello How are you?

I'm fine, - OK, - well, thank you

Goodbye, - bye bye

See you tomorrow

Have a nice evening, - day

Telling the Time

What time is it? - I

Excuse me Can you tell me the time, please?

Yes, of course It's seven o'clock

Thank you.

No problem

What time is it? - II

What time is it?

It's half past three

Thanks

You're welcome

Key Vocabulary

Excuse me.

Can you tell me the time, please?

What time is it?

It's half past

It's quarter past

It's ten to

It's quarter to

o'clock

On the Telephone Calling Someone at Work

Hello This is Kenneth Beare May I speak to Ms Sunshine, please?

Hold the line a moment, I'll check if she is in her office

Thank you

(after a moment) Yes, Ms Sunshine is in I'll put you through

Hello, this is Ms Sunshine How can I help you?

Hello, my name is Kenneth Beare and I'm calling to enquire about the position advertised in Sunday's Times.Yes, the position is still open Could I have your name and number please?

Certainly, My name is Kenneth Beare

Leaving a Message

Hello Could I speak to Jack Parkins, please?

Who's calling, please?

This is Fred Blinkingham I'm a friend of Jack's

Hold the line, please I'll put your call through (after a moment) - I'm afraid he's out at the moment Can I take

a message?

Yes Can you ask him to give me a call? My number is 345-8965

Could you repeat that, please?

Certainly That's 345-8965

OK I'll make sure Mr Parkins gets your message

Thank you Goodbye

Hold the line a moment

put someone through

Who's calling ?

take a message

call, ring, phone

Note On the telephone, use 'this is ' instead of 'I am'.

In a Shop Shopping for a Sweater

Can I help you?

Yes, I'm looking for a sweater

What size are you?

I'm an extra large

How about this one?

Yes, that's nice Can I try it on?

Certainly, there's the changing rooms over there

Thank you

How does it fit?

It's too large Do you have a large?

Yes, here you are

Thank you I'll have it, please

OK, how would you like to pay?

Do you take credit cards?

Yes, we do Visa, Master Card and American Express

OK, here's my Visa

Thank you Have a nice day!

Thank you, goodbye

Key Vocabulary

Can I help you?

Can I try it (them) on?

size - extra small, small, medium, large, extra large

How does it fit?

changing rooms

How would you like to pay?

credit cards

At the Airport Checking In

Good morning Can I have your ticket, please?

Here you are

Thank you Would you like smoking or non-smoking?

Non-smoking, please

Would you like a window or an aisle seat?

An aisle seat, please

Do you have any baggage?

Yes, this suitcase and this carry-on bag

Here's your boarding pass Have a nice flight

Thank you

Passport Control

Good morning Can I see your passport?

Here you are

Thank you very much Are you a tourist or on business?

I'm a tourist

That's fine Have a pleasant stay

Thank you

Key Vocabulary

Can I have your ticket?

smoking, non-smoking

window, aisle seat

baggage, suitcase, carry-on bag

Good evening Can I help you?

Yes, please I'd like a room for the night

Would you like a single room, or a double room?

A single room, please How much is the room?

It's $55 per night

Can I pay by credit card?

Certainly We take Visa, Master Card and American Express Could you fill in this form, please?

Do you need my passport number? No, just an address and your signature

(fills out the form) Here you are

Here's your key Your room number is 212

Thank you

Thank you If you need anything, dial 0 for the reception area Have a good stay!

Key Vocabulary

Can I help you?

I'd like a room

single, double room

Can I pay by credit card?

fill in this form

passport number

room number

reception

At a Restaurant Ordering a Meal

Hi How are you doing this afternoon?

Fine, thank you Can I see a menu, please?

Certainly, here you are

Thank you What's today's special?

Grilled tuna and cheese on rye

That sounds good I'll have that

Would you like something to drink?

Yes, I'd like a coke

Thank you (returning with the food) Here you are Enjoy your meal!

Thank you

Can I get you anything else?

No thanks I'd like the check (bill - UK English), please

That'll be $6.75

Here you are Keep the change!

Thank you! Have a good day!

Bye

Key Vocabulary

Can I see a menu?

here you are

Enjoy your meal!

Would you like

Can I get you anything else?

I'd like the check (bill - UK English), please.

That'll be $6.75.

Have a good day!

Ordering Food in a Restaurant

Waiter: Hello, Can I help you?

Kim: Yes, I'd like to have some lunch

Waiter: Would you like a starter?

Kim: Yes, I'd like a bowl of chicken soup, please

Waiter: And what would you like for a main course?

Kim: I'd like a grilled cheese sandwich

Waiter: Would you like anything to drink?

Kim: Yes, I'd like a glass of Coke, please

Waiter After Kim has her lunch.: Can I bring you anything else?

Kim: No thank you Just the bill

Waiter: Certainly

Kim:I don't have my glasses How much is the lunch?

Waiter: That's $6.75

Kim: Here you are Thank you very much

Waiter: You're welcome Have a good day

Kim: Thank you, the same to you

Use this menu to practise ordering food in a restaurant.

Starters

Sandwiches - Main Course

There are a number of phrases that are commonly used to introduce strangers

(name), I don't think you've met (name).

I don't think you know (name)

May I introduce you to (name)

(name), do you know (name)?

(name), I'd like you to meet (name)

When you meet someone the first time, it is common to greet the person with "How do you do?" the correct response is "How do you do." Here is a short introductory conversation:

Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary

Peter: How do you do?

Mary: How do you do

Ken: Mary works for

A variation is also "It's a pleasure to meet you." or "Pleased to meet you."

Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary

Peter: It's a pleasure to meet you

Mary: How do you do

Ken: Mary works for

Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary

Peter: How do you do?

Mary: Pleased to meet you

Ken: Mary works for

In informal situations, especially in North America, introductions are also made simply saying: "This is (name)." It is also common to just say "Hi" or "Hello" as a response in this informal setting

Ken: Peter, this is Mary

Peter: How do you do?

Mary: Pleased to meet you

Ken: Mary works for

It is also quite common to shake hands when you are introduced After the initial introduction, hand shaking generally takes place in more formal, business situations Otherwise, people just say "Hi."

Here are a number of polite phrases used when trying to get the attention or help from people The use of more formal language is common when speaking to someone you do not know:

Interrupting

It is common to first apologize before interrupting another person, or asking for help if you do not know the person

Excuse me, could I

Sorry, do you think I could

Excuse me, do you know

I beg your pardon, could you help me? (formal)

Asking Someone to Repeat

When asking for information you may have a hard time understanding in public places which can be very noisy (train stations, restaurants, stores, etc.) Here are phrases commonly used to ask someone to repeat what he has said:

Excuse me, I'm afraid I didn't understand Could you repeat that? (formal)

I'm sorry, I didn't catch that (informal)

What? (very informal!)

I beg your pardon

Introductions

(At a party) Peter: Hello

Jane: Hi!

Peter: My name is Peter What's your name?

Jane: My name is Jane Nice to meet you

Peter: It's a pleasure This is a great party!

Jane: Yes, it is Where are you from?

Peter: I'm from Amsterdam

Jane: Amsterdam? Really, are you German?

Peter: NO, I'm not German I'm Dutch

Jane: Oh, you're Dutch Sorry about that

Peter: That's OK Where are you from?

Jane: I'm from London, but I'm not British

Peter: No, what are you?

Jane: Well, my parents were Spanish, so I'm Spanish, too

Peter: That's very interesting Spain is a beautiful country

Jane: Thank you It IS a wonderful place.

Personal Information

(Two friends filling in a form together)

Jim: Your painting is fantastic Roger!

Roger: I'm happy you like it It's for a competition Here's the form

Jim: Right OK, here are the questions Your hands are dirty

Roger: from painting! What are the questions? Here's a pen (gives him a pen to fill the form in)

Jim: What's your name?

Roger: oh, that's difficult Roger!

Jim: Ha, ha What's your surname?

Roger: I'm not sure

Jim: Very funny! OK, surname - Tailor

Roger: Yes, that's it!

Jim: Next question please Are you married or single?

Roger: Single I'm sure about that!

Jim: What's your address?

Roger: 72 London Road

Jim: and what are your hobbies?

Roger: hmmm painting, going windsurfing and watching TV

Jim: OK, last question What's your telephone number?

Roger: 0343 897 6514

Jim: 0343 897 6514 - Got it Where's an envelope?

Roger: Over there

Interview with a Famous Actor

Interviewer: Thank you for taking some time off from your busy schedule to answer a few questions about your life!

Brad: It's my pleasure

Interviewer: Could you tell us about an average day in your life?

Brad: Sure, I get up early - at 7 in the morning Then I have breakfast After breakfast, I go to the gym

Interviewer: Are you studying anything now?

Brad: Yes, I'm learning a new film called "The Man About Town"

Interviewer: What do you do in the afternoon?

Brad: First I have lunch, then I go to the studio and shoot some scenes

Interviewer: Which scene are you acting today?

Brad: I'm acting a scene about an angry lover

Interviewer: That's very interesting What do you do in the evening?

Brad: In the evening, I go home and have dinner and study my scripts

Interviewer: Do you go out at night?

Brad: Not always, I like going out at weekends

The City and the Country

David: How do you like living in the big city?

Maria: There are many things that are better than living in the country!

David: Can you give me some examples?

Maria: Well, it certainly is more interesting than the country There is so much more to do and see!

David: Yes, but the city is more dangerous than the country

Maria: That's true People in the city aren't as open and friendly as those in the countryside

David: I'm sure that the country is more relaxed, too!

Maria: Yes, the city is busier than the country However, the country is much slower than the city

David: I think that's a good thing!

Maria: Oh, I don't The country is so slow and boring! It's much more boring than the city

David: How about the cost of living? Is the country cheaper than the city?

Maria: Oh, yes The city is more expensive than the country

David: Life in the country is also much healthier than in the city

Maria: Yes, it's cleaner and less dangerous in the country But, the city is so much more exciting It's faster, crazier and more fun than the country

David: I think YOU are crazy for moving to the city

Maria: Well, I'm young now Maybe when I'm married and have children I'll move back to the country

What Were You Doing?

Betsy: I telephoned you yesterday afternoon but you didn't answer? Where were you?

Brian: I was in another room when you called I didn't hear the phone ringing until it was too late

Betsy: What were you working on?

Brian: I was photocopying a report that I needed to send to a client What were you doing when you telephoned?

Betsy: I was looking for Tom and couldn't find him Do you know where he was?

Brian: Tom was driving to a meeting

Betsy: Oh, I see What did you do yesterday?

Brian: I met the representatives from Driver's in the morning In the afternoon, I worked on the report and was just finishing when you telephoned What did you do?

Betsy: Well, at 9 I had a meeting with Ms Anderson After that, I did some research

Brian: Sounds like a boring day!

Betsy: Yes, I don't really like doing research But it needs to be done

Brian: I agree with you on that, no research - no business!

Betsy: Tell me about the report What do you think of it?

Brian: I think the report is a good Tom believes it's good, too

Betsy: I know that every report you write is excellent

Brian: Thank you Betsy, you are always a good friend!

An Interview at the Shopping Mall

Interviewer: Good evening, I hope you don't mind answering a few questions

Alice: How long will it take?

Interviewer: Just a few questions

Alice: I guess I can manage to answer a few questions Go ahead

Interviewer: I'd like to ask your opinion about consumer electronics As far as consumer electronics is concerned, which is the most reliable brand?

Alice: I'd say that Samsung is the most reliable brand

Interviewer: Which brand is the most expensive?

Alice: Well, Samsung is also the most expensive brand I guess that's why it's the best

Interviewer: Which brand do you think is the worst?

Alice: I think LG is the worst I really can't remember using any of their products that I liked

Interviewer: And which brand is the most popular with young people?

Alice: That's a difficult one to answer for me I think that Sony is probably the most popular with young people Interviewer: One last question, Have you tried using any HP products?

Alice: No, I haven't Are they good?

Interviewer: I enjoy using them But I didn't stop you to tell you what I think Thank you for your time

Alice: Not at all

A Busy Day

(two friends speaking in a park when they meet each other jogging)Barbara: Hi, Katherine, how are you today?

Katherine: I'm great and you?

Barbara: VERY busy! I'm jogging now, but later I have to do a lot!

Katherine: What do you have to do?

Barbara: Well, first of all, I have to do the shopping We don't have anything to eat at home

Katherine: and then?

Barbara: Little Johnny has a basketball game this afternoon I'm driving him to the game

Katherine: Oh, how is his team doing?

Barbara: They're doing very well Next week, they're travelling to Toronto for a tournament

Katherine: That's impressive

Barbara: Well, Johnny likes playing basketball I'm happy he's enjoying it What are you doing today?

Katherine: I'm not doing much I'm meeting some friends for lunch, but, other than that, I don't have much to

do today

Barbara: You're so lucky!

Katherine: No, you're the lucky one I'd like to have so many things to do

Check your understanding with this multiple choice comprehension quiz

Planning a Party

(two neighbors talking)

Martha: What horrible weather today I'd love to go out, but I think it will just continue raining

Jane:Oh, I don't know Perhaps the sun will come out later this afternoon

Martha:I hope you're right Listen, I'm going to have a party this Saturday Would you like to come?

Jane:Oh, I'd love to come Thank you for inviting me Who's going to come to the party?

Martha:Well, a number of people haven't told me yet But, Peter and Mark are going to help out with the cooking!

Jane:Hey, I'll help, too!

Martha:Would you? That would be great!

Jane:I'll make lasagna!

Martha:That sounds delicious! I know my Italian cousins are going to be there I'm sure they'll love it.

Jane:Italians? Maybe I'll bake a cake

Martha:No, no They're not like that They'll love it

Jane:Well, if you say so Is there going be a theme for the party?

Martha:No, I don't think so Just a chance to get together and have fun

Jane:I'm sure it'll be lots of fun

Martha:But I'm going to hire a clown!

Jane:A clown! You're kidding me

Martha:No, no As I child, I always wanted a clown Now, I'm going to have my clown at my own party

Jane:I'm sure everyone will have a good laugh

Martha:That's the plan!

Cooking

(At a friend's house)Carol: This is a lovely house!

Martha: Thank you Carol, we call it home

Carol: It's very close to work, isn't it?

Martha: Yes, it is I always walk to work - even when it rains!

Carol: I usually take the bus It takes so long!

Martha: How long does it take?

Carol: Oh, it takes about 20 minutes

Martha: That is a long time Well, have some cake

Carol: (taking a bite of some cake) this is delicious! Do you bake all of your own cakes?

Martha: Yes, I usually bake something at the weekend I like having sweets in the house

Carol: You're a wonderful cook!

Martha: Thank you, it's nothing really

Carol: I never cook I'm just hopeless My husband, David, usually does all the cooking

Martha: Do you often go out to eat?

Carol: Yes, when he doesn't have time to cook, we go out to eat somewhere

Martha: There are some wonderful restaurants in the city

Carol: Too many! You can eat at a different restaurant every day Monday - Chinese, Tuesday - Italian, Wednesday - Mexican, on and on

Today's Special

(in a restaurant)

Waiter: Good afternoon, how can I help you today?

Jennifer: I'd like a table for one, please

Waiter: Right this way (walks to table) Here you are

Jennifer: Thank you Can I have a menu?

Waiter: (hands a menu) Here you are My name's Alan and I'm your waiter today Would you like to hear today's specials?

Jennifer: Certainly

Waiter: Well, we have a wonderful mushroom soup to start off with Today's main course is fish and chips.Jennifer: Fish and chips? Is the fish fresh?

Waiter: Certainly, madam Fresh off the docks this morning

Jennifer: Alright, I'd like the fish and chips

Waiter: Would you like to have a starter?

Jennifer: hmmm, I'm not sure

Waiter: Our salads are excellent, madam

Jennifer: I'd like a green salad