Conversational English Practice

Basic Introductions and Small Talk

• Greetings and Introductions:

  • Exchange of greetings (Hi, hello, how are you? etc.)
  • Asking about nationality and origin (Are you American? Where are you from?)
  • Exchanging names (What’s your name? My name is...)

• Language Proficiency:

  • Asking if someone speaks English (Do you speak English? A little but not very well)
  • Complimenting language skills (You speak English very well)

• Time and Directions:

  • Asking and telling the time (Do you know what time it is? Sure, it’s 5:10 p.m.)
  • Asking for directions (Can you tell me how to get to the airport?)
  • Interaction about not understanding instructions and clarification (I don’t see it. Where? It’s across the street)

Specific Scenarios

• At the Restaurant:

  • Making food and drink orders (I’ll have a bottle of water, tuna fish sandwich, and a bowl of soup)
  • Interacting with wait staff (Would you like to order now? Yes, please. What do you have?)

• Making Plans:

  • Setting up a time to meet (Would you like to have lunch with me? When is 11:30 a.m. okay?)
  • Negotiating a time (Sorry, I’m busy then. How about 12:30 p.m.?)
  • Choosing a place to meet (How about Bill's seafood restaurant? Where is that? It’s on 7th Street.)

Preferences and Activities

• Choosing Food:

  • Discussing food preferences (I like spaghetti. Do you like spaghetti? No, but I like pizza.)
  • Deciding between restaurants (Where would you like to eat? I’d like to go to the Italian restaurant on Fifth Street. I don’t like that place. How about the Korean restaurant next to it?)

• General Plans and Availability:

  • Discussing daily plans (What are you planning to do today? I’m not sure yet.)
  • Finding mutually convenient times (When? Is today okay? Sorry, I can’t go today. How about tomorrow night?)

Common Phrases and Responses

• Common Questions:

  • What’s your name? What do you do for work?
  • Where are you from? How long have you been here?

• Expressing Thanks and Acknowledgments:

  • Thank you, you’re welcome, no problem
  • Please, sorry, excuse me

Examples of Simple Dialogues

• Basic Dialogue:

  • A: Hello, how are you?
  • B: I'm good, how are you?

• Complex Dialogue about Plans:

  • A: Would you like to have dinner with me?
  • B: Yes, that would be nice. When do you want to go?
  • A: Is today okay?
  • B: Sorry, I can’t go today. How about tomorrow night?