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Dialogues

Beginner & Lower Intermediate


These reading comprehension / dialogues provide an opportunity for both reading and speaking
practice. Each dialogue is also followed by a multiple choice quiz for comprehension practice. Each
dialogue is listed under the appropriate level with a short introduction regarding target areas for
speaking practice.
Getting a Driver's License - Filling out a form.
The City and the Country - Comparative form, as ... as
Interview with a Famous Actor - Daily routines, present simple
What's in Your Office? - Use of there is / there are, prepositions and office furniture vocabulary
What Were You Doing? - Use of the past continuous in combination with the past simple
A Business Traveler - Speaking about likes and dislikes with like, enjoy
An Interview - Superlative Forms
Introductions - Basic questions used when meeting someone for the first time.
Filling in a Form - Basic personal information questions (name, address, etc.)
The Meeting - Schedules, future plans.
A New Office - This, that, some and any with objects.
Cooking - Daily routines and hobbies.
A Great Workout - Abilities with 'can', making suggestions.
A Busy Day - Plans for the day, responsibilities with 'have to'.
Today's Special - Ordering food in a restaurant.
Planning a Party - Future with 'will' and 'going to'

Getting a Driver's License


Customer Service Representative: How may I help you today?
Mr. Anderson: I'd like to apply for a driver's license.
Customer Service Representative: Fine. Can you fill in this form, please.
Mr. Anderson: Certainly.
Mr. Anderson: Peter can you help me with this form?
Peter: Sure, what's your last name?
Mr. Anderson: Anderson.
Peter: Could you spell that please?
Mr. Anderson: Certainly, A - N - D - E - R - S - O - N.
Peter: What's your first name?
Mr. Anderson: You know that! It's Jack.
Customer Service Representative: Are you married?
Mr. Anderson: No, I'm single.
Peter: OK. Now, what's your address?
Mr. Anderson: It's 2926 NW 2nd Ave.
Customer Service Representative: and what's your zipcode?
Mr. Anderson: 87665
Peter: Right. Are you an American citizen?
Mr. Anderson: Good question. Yes, I am.
Peter: ... and what's your date of birth?
Mr. Anderson: I was born on 19th April 1961
Peter: Ha, ha! You certainly don't look your age! You look older!
Mr. Anderson: Very funny, Peter. Let's continue, ok?
Peter: Yes, OK, Are you disabled?
Mr. Anderson: Well, my legs sometimes hurt, but I'm not disabled. How many more questions are
there?
Peter: Just a few. Do you wear glasses?
Mr. Anderson: Yes, I need glasses to drive.
Peter: OK, last question. Do you currently have a driver's license?
Mr. Anderson: Yes, I do.
Peter: Where's it from?
Mr. Anderson: It's from California.

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.

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.

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.

What's in Your Office?


David: I've got a new office now
Maria: That's great! Congratulations.
David: I'll need a desk and some cabinets. How many cabinets are there in your office?
Maria: I think there are four cabinets in my office.
David: And do you have any furniture in your office? I mean other than the chair at your desk.
Maria: Oh yes, I've got a sofa and two comfortable armchairs.
David: Are there any tables in your office?
Maria: Yes, I've got a table in front of the sofa.
David: Is there a computer in your office?
Maria: Oh yes, I keep a laptop on my desk next to the phone.
David: Are there any flowers or plants in your office?
Maria: Yes, there are a few plants near the window.
David: Where's your sofa?
Maria: The sofa is in front of the window, between the two armchairs.
David: Thanks a lot for your help Janet. This gives me a good idea of how to arrange my office.
Maria: My pleasure. Good luck with your decorating!

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!

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.

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.

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.

A New Office (In an office)


Jennifer: (speaking to Bob who is outside the office) Hi Bob, come in. This is my new office!
Bob: Wow, it's great. There's so much furniture. A sofa, armchair ...
Jennifer: How about my desk. Isn't it beautiful?
Bob: Yes, look at that. Is that a new computer?
Jennifer: Yes, it is. The latest model!
Bob: ... but there aren't any windows in here.
Jennifer: No, no, there are some windows. They're over there.
Bob: Is that New Times magazine on your desk?
Jennifer: Yes, it is. There are some more copies in the cupboard.
Bob: It's a great magazine. I love it.
Jennifer: Yes, lots of good information. Would you like a cup of coffee?
Bob: Sure, is there a coffee maker here, too?
Jennifer: Yes, there is. There's everything in THIS office.
Bob: You're lucky!
Jennifer: Yes, I am. You're welcome anytime, now let's make that coffee...

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 ...

A Great Workout (Two friends at the gym)


Janet: Wow, this gym is great! What a fantastic workout!
Susan: Yes, I like coming here very much. What other sports can you do?
Janet: Well, I can play tennis, I can do a little karate and I go windsurfing in the summer.
Susan: You're very fit! I can't do many sports. I like coming to the gym because the exercises are easy.
Janet: Listen, I have an idea. Why don't you come to karate class with me?
Susan: No, I can't do karate...
Janet: ... but you can learn! Karate is a great sport. How about coming with me on Saturday?
Susan: well, .... OK.
Janet: Great, why don't we meet at my house at 10 in the morning?
Susan: Sure, that's a good idea. (changing subjects) By the way, what other hobbies do you have?
Janet: I like going to the cinema, and reading a little.
Susan: Do you like cooking, or baking?
Janet: No, I can't cook. I'm a horrible cook!
Susan: Oh, I love cooking. I tell you what. Why don't I cook lunch after karate class?
Janet: Now that's a great idea!
Susan: OK, karate and lunch on Saturday. It's a date!

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.

Where are you from Janet?

2.

I'm from Seattle. Where are you from?

1.

I'm from Madrid.

2.

Are you American?

1.

Yes, I am. Are you Spanish?

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.

Hello, Peter. How are you?


Fine, thanks. How are you?

1.

I'm fine, thank you.

Goodbye
1.
2.

Goodbye, Janet. See you tomorrow!


Bye bye, Peter. Have a nice evening.

1.

Thanks, you too!

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

Telling the Time


1.
2.

What time is it? - I


Excuse me. Can you tell me the time, please?
Yes, of course. It's seven o'clock.

1.

Thank you.

2.

No problem.
What time is it? - II

1.
2.

What time is it?


It's half past three.

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.

What's your first name?

2.

Fred

1.

Where are you from?

2.

Atlanta, Georgia

1.

What's your job?

2.

I'm a teacher.

1.

What's your address?

2.

34 White Street

1.

What is your phone number?

2.

308-6730

1.

How old are you?

2.

54

1.

Are you married?

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.

Can I help you?


Yes, I'm looking for a sweater.

1.

What size are you?

2.

I'm an extra large.

1.

How about this one?

2.

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

1.

Certainly, there's the changing rooms over there.

2.

Thank you.

1.

How does it fit?

2.

It's too large. Do you have a large?

1.

Yes, here you are.

2.

Thank you. I'll have it, please.

1.

OK, how would you like to pay?

2.

Do you take credit cards?

1.

Yes, we do. Visa, Master Card and American Express.

2.

OK, here's my Visa.

1.

Thank you. Have a nice day!

2.

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
1.
2.

Checking In
Good morning. Can I have your ticket, please?
Here you are.

1.

Thank you. Would you like smoking or non-smoking?

2.

Non-smoking, please.

1.

Would you like a window or an aisle seat?

2.

An aisle seat, please.

1.

Do you have any baggage?

2.

Yes, this suitcase and this carry-on bag.

1.

Here's your boarding pass. Have a nice flight.

2.

Thank you.

1.
2.

Passport Control
Good morning. Can I see your passport?
Here you are.

1.

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

2.

I'm a tourist.

1.

That's fine. Have a pleasant stay.

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

Asking for Directions


1.
2.

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.

How do I get there?

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.

Don't mention it.

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.

Getting a Room for the Night


Good evening. Can I help you?
Yes, please. I'd like a room for the night.

1.

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

2.

A single room, please. How much is the room?

1.

It's $55 per night.

2.

Can I pay by credit card?

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.

(fills out the form) Here you are.

2.

Here's your key. Your room number is 212.

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.

Certainly, here you are.

2.

Thank you. What's today's special?

1.

Grilled tuna and cheese on rye.

2.

That sounds good. I'll have that.

1.

Would you like something to drink?

2.

Yes, I'd like a coke.

1.

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

2.

Thank you.

1.

Can I get you anything else?

2.

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

1.

That'll be $6.75.

2.

Here you are. Keep the change!

1.

Thank you! Have a good day!

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!

50 Basic English Questions


Personal Information
What's your name?
Peter.
Where are you from? / Where do you come from?
I'm from ... I come from ...
What's your surname / family name?
Smith.
What's your first name?
Tom.
What's your address?
7865 NW Sweet Street
Where do you live?
I live in San Diego.
What's your (tele)phone number?
209-786-9845
How old are you?
Twenty-five. I'm twenty-five years old.
When / Where were you born?
I was born in 1961 / Seattle.

Are you married? / What's your marital status?


I'm single.
What do you do? / What's your job?
I'm a librarian.
Where did you go?
I went to a friend's house.
What did you do?
We played video games.
Where were you?
I was in New York for the weekend.
Have you got a car / job / house / etc.?
Yes, I've got a good job.
Have you got any children / friends / books / etc.?
Yes, I've got three children - two boys and a daughter.
Can you play tennis / golf / football / etc.?
Yes, I can play golf.
Can you speak English / French / Japanese / etc.?
No, I can't speak Japanese.
Could you speak English / French / Japanese / etc.?
when you were five / two / fifteen / etc. years old?
Yes, I could speak English when I was five years old.
Introducing Yourself / Saying Hello
How do you do?
How do you do. Pleased to meet you.
How are you?
Fine, thanks. And you?
Shopping
How can I help you? / May I help you?
Yes. I'm looking for a sweater.
Can I try it on?
Sure, the changing rooms are over there.
How much does it cost? / How much is it?
It's $45.

How would you like to pay?


By credit card.
Can I pay by credit card / check / debit card?
Certainly. We accept all major cards.
Have you got something bigger / smaller / lighter / etc.?
Certainly, we've got a smaller sizes as well.

Asking Something Specific


What's that?
It's a cat!
What time is it?
It's three o'clock.
Can / May I open the window?
Certainly. It's hot in here!
Is there a bank / supermarket / pharmacy / etc. near here?
Yes. There is a bank on the next corner next to the post office.
Where is the nearest bank / supermarket / pharmacy / etc.?
The nearest pharmacy is on 15th street.
Who wrote / invented / painted / etc. the ...?
Hemingway wrote "The Sun Also Rises".
Is there any water / sugar / rice / etc.?
Yes, there's a lot of sugar left.
Are there any apples / sandwiches / books / etc.?
No, there aren't any apples left.
Is this your / his / her / etc. book / ball / house / etc.?
No, I think it's his ball.
Whose is this / that?
It's Jack's.

Questions with 'Like'


What do you like?
I like playing tennis, reading and listening to music.
What does he look like?
He's tall and slim.
What would you like?
I'd like a steak and chips.
What is it like?
It's an interesting country.
What's the weather like?
It's raining at the moment.
Would you like some coffee / tea / food?
Yes, thank you. I'd like some coffee.
Would you like something to drink / eat?
Thank you. Could I have a cup of tea?
Asking for an Opinion
What's it about?
It's about a young boy who encounters adventures.
What do you think about your job / that book / Tim / etc.?
I thought the book was very interesting.
How big / far / difficult / easy is it?
The test was very difficult!
How big / far / difficult / easy are they?
The questions were very easy.
How was it?
It was very interesting.
What are you going to do tomorrow / this evening / next week / etc.?
I'm going to visit some friends next weekend.
Suggestions What shall we do this evening?
Let's go see a film.
Why don't we go out / play tennis / visit friends / etc. this evening?
Yes, that sounds like a good idea.

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.

I'd like to have my annual check-up.

2.

Fine. When would you be available to come in to see Dr. Habi?

1.

Any day next week in the morning would be great.

2.

How about next Thursday at 10 o'clock?

1.

That sounds fine. Thank you.

2.

We'll see you next Thursday Mr. Brown. Goodbye.

1.
2.

Seeing the Doctor


Hello, what's the matter?
Good morning. I have a terrible ache in my lower back.

1.

How long has your back been bothering you?

2.

I've been having pain for about the last two weeks.

1.

Do you have any history of back problems?

2.

No, this is the first time.

1.

Are you taking any medicine at the moment?

2.

No, just an aspirin from time to time to kill the pain.

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.

He's kind of crazy, but a great guy.

2.

Yeah, why do you say so? What's he like?

1.

He's really hard working, but very much a loner. He's pretty talented and can do just about
anything.

2.

Sounds interesting. Is he married?

1.

No, he isn't.

2.

What does he look like?

1.

He's tall, slim and quite good looking.

Key Vocabulary
to be like (character description)
to like doing (general preferences)
would like to do (specific wish)
look like (physical appearance)
loner

Telephone English - Important Phrases


There are a number of phrases and idioms that are only used when telephoning. Let's first take a look
at an example dialogue: Here are the most common:

Operator: Hello, Frank and Brothers, How can I help you?


Peter: This is Peter Jackson. Can I have extension 3421?

Operator: Certainly, hold on a minute, I'll put you through...

Frank: Bob Peterson's office, Frank speaking.

Peter: This is Peter Jackson calling, is Bob in?

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: Could you repeat the number please?

Peter: Yes, that's , and this is Peter Jackson.

Frank: Thank you Mr Jackson, I'll make sure Bob gets this asap.

Peter: Thanks, bye.

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.

Finish - - - - Thanks a lot, bye. / I'll talk to you later, bye.

Here's an example of message


Telephone: (Ring... Ring... Ring...) Hello, this is Tom. I'm afraid I'm not in at the moment. Please leave
a message after the beep..... (beep)

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

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