Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Peter: Fine. Right. Here you go, your form is filled out.
Mr. Anderson: Thanks for your help Peter.
Mr. Anderson: Here's my completed form.
Customer Service Representative: Thank you, please take this completed form to the cashier with
your payment of $75.
Mr. Anderson: Certainly. What happens next?
Customer Service Representative: The cashier will help you with the next steps.
A Business Traveller
Interviewer: Good morning Sir. I'd like to ask you a few questions if I may.
Jack: Well, I'm waiting to catch my flight so I guess I can answer a few questions.
Interviewer: Thank you Sir. First of all, how often do you travel?
Jack: I travel about twice a month.
Interviewer: Where are you flying to on this trip?
Jack: I'm flying to Austin, Texas.
Interviewer: and where did you fly on your last trip?
Jack: I flew to Portland, Oregon. I've already been there three times!
Interviewer: Really! Do you enjoy travelling for business?
Jack: Yes, although I prefer staying in the office.
Interviewer: What do you like most about travelling? Jack: I like visiting new cities and trying out new
food.
Interviewer: Is there anywhere you would like to visit that you haven't visited yet? Jack: Yes, I'd like to
go to Hawaii! I love going to the beach!
Interviewer: Thank you very much for your time today.
Jack: You're welcome. My pleasure.
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.
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.
Waiter: Very good. Would you like something to drink?
Jennifer: Oh, I'd like some mineral water, please.
Waiter: OK. So that's a green salad, fish and chips and mineral water.
Jennifer: Yes, that's right.
Waiter: Thank you and enjoy your lunch.
Jennifer: Thank you.
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!
1.
2.
Introductions
Hello. My name's Peter. What's your name?
Janet.
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
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.)
Hello and Goodbye - Three Short Conversations
Hello
1.
2.
1.
Goodbye
1.
2.
1.
2.
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
1.
Thank you.
2.
No problem.
What time is it? - II
1.
2.
1.
Thanks.
2.
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
Giving and Requesting Personal Information
1.
2.
Personal Information
What's your surname (family name)?
Smith
1.
2.
Fred
1.
2.
Atlanta, Georgia
1.
2.
I'm a teacher.
1.
2.
34 White Street
1.
2.
308-6730
1.
2.
54
1.
2.
Yes, I am.
Key Vocabulary
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
In a Shop
Shopping for a Sweater
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
Thank you.
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
Key Vocabulary
Checking In
Good morning. Can I have your ticket, please?
Here you are.
1.
2.
Non-smoking, please.
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
Thank you.
1.
2.
Passport Control
Good morning. Can I see your passport?
Here you are.
1.
2.
I'm a tourist.
1.
2.
Thank you.
Key Vocabulary
Can I have your ticket?
smoking, non-smoking
window, aisle seat
baggage, suitcase, carry-on bag
boarding pass
flight
Can I see your passport?
tourist, business
Directions I
Excuse me. Is there a bank near here?
Yes. There's a bank on the corner.
1.
Thank you.
2.
You're welcome.
1.
2.
Directions II
Excuse me. Is there a supermarket near here?
Yes. There's one near here.
1.
2.
At the traffic lights, take the first left and go straight on. It's on the left.
1.
Is it far?
2.
Not really.
1.
Thank you.
2.
Key Vocabulary
Is there a _______ near here?
on the corner, on the left, on the right
straight on, straight ahead
traffic lights
Is it far?
In a Motel / Hotel
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
Certainly. We take Visa, Master Card and American Express. Could you fill in this form, please?
2.
Do you need my passport number? No, just an address and your signature.
1.
2.
1.
Thank you.
2.
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
1.
2.
Ordering a Meal
Hi. How are you doing this afternoon?
Fine, thank you. Can I see a menu, please?
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
Thank you. (returning with the food) Here you are. Enjoy your meal!
2.
Thank you.
1.
2.
1.
That'll be $6.75.
2.
1.
2.
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!
At the Doctor's
1.
2.
Making an Appointment
Hello. This is Richard Brown. I'd like to make an appointment to see Dr. Habi.
Certainly. What seems to be the problem?
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
I've been having pain for about the last two weeks.
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
OK. Let's have a look at your back. Please take off your shirt ....
Key Vocabulary
make an appointment
What (seems) is the problem...?
What's the matter ...?
check-up
ache
pain
history of ... problems
medicine
aspirin
Describing a Friend
1.
2.
My Friend
My friend Rich is coming to town next week. Have you ever met my him?
No, I haven't.
1.
2.
1.
He's really hard working, but very much a loner. He's pretty talented and can do just about
anything.
2.
1.
No, he isn't.
2.
1.
Key Vocabulary
to be like (character description)
to like doing (general preferences)
would like to do (specific wish)
look like (physical appearance)
loner
Frank: I'm afraid he's out at the moment. Can I take a message?
Peter: Yes, Could you ask him to call me at . I need to talk to him about the Nuovo line, it's
urgent.
Frank: Thank you Mr Jackson, I'll make sure Bob gets this asap.
Frank: Bye.
As you can see, the language is rather informal and there are some important differences to everyday
English. Look at the chart below for key language and phrases used in telephone English:
Introducing yourself
This is Ken.
Ken speaking
Asking who is on the telephone
Excuse me, who is this?
Can I ask who is calling, please?
Asking for Someone
Can I have extension 321? (extensions are internal numbers at a company)
Could I speak to...? (Can I - more informal / May I - more formal)
Is Jack in? (informal idiom meaning: Is Jack in the office?
Connecting Someone
I'll put you through (put through - phrasal verb meaning 'connect')
Can you hold the line? Can you hold on a moment?
How to reply when someone is not available
I'm afraid ... is not available at the moment
The line is busy... (when the extension requested is being used)
Mr Jackson isn't in... Mr Jackson is out at the moment...
Taking a Message
Could (Can, May) I take a message?
Could (Can, May) I tell him who is calling?
Would you like to leave a message?
Leaving a Message
Sometimes, there may not be anyone to answer the telephone and you will need to leave a message.
Follow this outline to make sure that the person who should receive your message has all the
information he/she needs.
1.
2.
Introduction - - - - Hello, this is Ken. OR Hello, My name is Ken Beare (more formal).
State the time of day and your reason for calling - - - - - It's ten in the morning. I'm phoning
(calling, ringing) to find out if ... / to see if ... / to let you know that ... / to tell you that ...
3.
Make a request - - - - Could you call (ring, telephone) me back? / Would you mind ... ? /
4.
Leave your telephone number - - - - My number is .... / You can reach me at .... / Call me at ...
5.
Ken: Hello Tom, this is Ken. It's about noon and I'm calling to see if you would like to go to the Mets
game on Friday. Could you call me back? You can reach me at 367-8925 until five this afternoon. I'll talk
to you later, bye.
As you can see, leaving a message is pretty simple. You only need to make sure that you have stated
all the most important information: Your Name, The Time, The Reason for Calling, Your Telephone
Number