Lesson 6: Dining in a Restaurant

Part 1: Making Reservation

It is better to reserve a table prior going to a restaurant so you don’t have to wait in the long line…..especially in good restaurants. Also, if you’re new to a place, you can find out some of the good restaurants in that area by asking people who are living there…..

· Could you recommend a good restaurant near here?
· Which restaurant do you recommend?
· I would like some _________________.
· Is there a ______________restaurant around here?
· Where is the closest _____________restaurant?
· Do I need a reservation?

Reserving a Table in a Restaurant:

Once you find the restaurant that you want to go, you can make reservation by calling the restaurant…..

· (Hello, this is ____________restaurant. May I help you?)
· I would like to reserve a table for _____________.
· I would like to reserve a table at ____________.
· (What time do you want the table?)
- At ____________.
- (I’ll check it for you…)
- OK, so that will be ________________
- Sorry, all the tables are booked tonight/ at _________.
- Sorry, we are quite full tonight.
· (How many in your group?/ How many in your party?)
· (Can I have the name on the reservation?)
· (May I have your phone number, please?)

Sometime you can say:

· I would like to make a reservation for ________at________.

If you have requested:

· Could we get a table ___________________. (in the corner/by the window/in the non-smoking area)

Other questions you might want to ask when making a reservation:

· How late are you open?
- Until ____________.
· How do I get there?
· Do you accept/ take credit cards?
· What is the price of a dinner/ lunch course?
· Do you have a breakfast / lunch / dinner special?
· What do I get for the __________special?
· Do you have a set menu?
· Do you have a dress code?
· What is your dress code?
· Do ________have to wear__________?
· How long do we have to wait?
· What’s the parking situation at the restaurant?/ Where do I park my car?

If you want to cancel a reservation:

· I’m sorry, I want to cancel my reservation.
· I call to cancel my reservation.


Listening Activity: Listen and answer the following questions?

1. What’s the reservation’s date and time?
2. What’s the name on the reservation?
3. What’s Randy’s request when he makes the reservation?


Hostess: Thank you for calling Sakia Restaurant. How may I help you?

Randy: I’d like to make a reservation.

Hostess: For which day and for what time?

Randy: It’s for Friday, the 24th, at 7 o’clock.

Hostess: How many will be in the party?

Randy: There will be seven of us.

Hostess: And the name on the reservation?

Randy: Johnson.

Hostess: And a phone number where we can reach you?

Randy: 310-555-9023.

Hostess: Okay. Let me repeat back to you the information I have. This is a reservation for the Friday after next for seven at 7 p.m. Is that correct?

Randy: Yes, that’s right. Can we have a table by the window in a non-smoking section? I want to be away from the kitchen, if possible.

Hostess: Our restaurant is all non-smoking. We can’t guarantee a window table, but I’ll note your preference.

Randy: Okay, that’s fine. What’s the parking situation at the restaurant?

Hostess: We have a parking lot behind the restaurant, and we also have valet parking. Do any of the guests have special needs?

Randy: I’m glad you asked. I’ll need two high chairs and four booster seats.

Hostess: I’m sorry, but did you say two high chairs and four booster seats?

Randy: Yes, I did. I’m taking all of my nieces and nephews out to dinner.

Hostess: That sounds nice. It should be lively evening.

Randy: You’re telling me!

Sample Dialogue:

Hostess: Hello, ________________.

Guest: I would like to reserve a table on _____________________.

Hostess: At what time?

Guest: __________________.

Hostess: For how many?

Guest: _________________. Oh, Can I get a table _______________________.

Hostess: Sure, can I have your name please?

Guest: It’s ______________________.

Hostess: May I have your phone number please?

Guest: Sure, it’s __________________.


Part 2: When you’re Seated….Ready to Order…….

• (Do you want anything to drink?/ What can I get you a drink?)
• Yes, I would like to have ____________________.
• Could I have the menu please?/ May I see the menu please?
• Do you have menu in ______________?/ Do you have a ___________menu?
• May I see the wine list?
• What do you recommend?/ What is your suggestions?
• Do you have any local specialities?
• I would like to order.
• (Are you ready to order?/ May I take your order?)
• No, can you come back a little later/ in a few minutes.
• Yes, I would like to have _______________________.
• Yes, I would like to start with _________ then I will have ____________next, etc.
• Can I have the same as that?
• I would like this one.
• I will take this and this.
• (How would you like __________?) Steak: rare, medium rare, medium, and well done. Coffee: with cream and sugar.
• That’s it for now.
• I will order more/ dessert later.
• Can we have separate checks/ bills please?

Listening Activity (1): Listen and answer the following questions:

1. How many people are in her party?
2. What’s his favourite appetizer?

Well, I love going out to restaurants to eat. One of the best experiences I've had recently was at a place here in Los Angeles called Il Fornaio. It's an Italian restaurant in a very nice part of Beverly Hills. I don't go there very often--I can't really afford it, but every once in a while I'll treat myself.

The last time I went, I walked in with a friend and I was greeted by the hostess. She asked how many people were in my party, and I said, "Just two." "Right this way! I'll show you to your table" she said. She was very polite. When we reached our table by the window, she asked us, "Is this all right?" We said, "Of course!," and then she handed us the menus, along with the wine list.

The place setting with the silverware was very complete. There were two forks (one for the salad course, one for the main course), a spoon, a knife, a dinner plate, a dessert spoon on top, a wine glass and a water glass, a cup and saucer for coffee, and a bread basket. I was already getting hungry! "Your waiter will be with you shortly," the hostess said.

So we looked over the menus‚ there are so many choices, especially for a lover of Italian food like me. The waiter came up to the table a few minutes later and said, "Good evening. My name is Giorgio, and I'll be your waiter this evening. Is there anything I can get you started with -a cocktail, a glass of wine?" Well, my friend and I are not exactly big drinkers, so we just ordered a couple of iced teas. "Would you like a few minutes to look at the menu?" he said. We nodded our heads, and he went off to get our drinks.

As I was looking at the appetizers, I spotted one of my favourite dishes-crab cakes! I told my friend that the crab cakes were a must. Just then the waiter returned to our table, with our drinks on a large tray. I was ready to order.

Listening Activity (2): Listen and answer the following questions:

1. What did he and his friend order?
2. What did he order for dessert?
3. Did they separate the bill?

I love coming to this Italian restaurant. The appetizers and desserts are to die for. When the waiter came to our table to take our order, my friend ordered a lobster ravioli dish, and I asked for my favourite, lasagna. The waiter then asked us, "Would you like a soup or salad with that?" My friend said yes; I passed on both.

The vibe in the restaurant is pretty laid back, not at all uptight like you find in some of the ritzier restaurants in Beverly Hills. The wait staff is courteous, although sometimes the hostesses can be a bit snooty .Anyway, when our meals arrived, everything was cooked to perfection.

Since I didn't order any appetizers, soup, or salad, I was starved. Even though I was really hungry, I tried not to gobble down my food too quickly. I didn't want my friend to think I was a pig! But even though I tried not to, I still overate. When the waiter asked if we wanted any dessert or after dinner drinks, I just couldn't resist getting the apple-filled crepes. They are the best.

When we got our check, my friend and I split the bill, as we're accustomed to do. I frankly prefer to go Dutch when I eat out with friends. So that was the end of a really great meal. Now I have to hit the gym if I'm going to lose any of this extra weight I gained from eating that lasagna!

Sample Dialogue:

After you’re seated……

Waitress: Would you like to get something to drink?

Guest: I would like to have ________________.

Waitress: Here is the menu. The chef special for today is ________________.

Guest: Thanks, I will look at the menu.

Moments later:

Waitress: Are you ready to order?

Guest: Yes, I would like to have ________________________.

Waitress: Would you like a soup and a salad to go with that?

Guest: I would like a soup. What’s do you have?

Waitress: Today, we have _________________________.

Guest: Then, I would have a ____________________.

Waitress: Sure, anything else?

Guest: No, that’s it for now.

Part 3: Host vs. Guest

If you treat someone to a dinner or if you’re going with your friends (friends from other countries) or if you are going to another country, you might want to ask some questions regarding that country’s cuisine:

• Have you tried _____________?
• Yes, I have.
• No, I haven’t.
• Would you like to try this?
• Yes, I would.
• No, thank you.
• What is this called?
• It’s called ______________.
• What are __________________?
• They are _______________.
• What does it/ do they taste like?
• It’s quite _____________.
• They are ___________________.
• How do you eat this?
• You eat it with _______________.
• You dip it in ______________________.
• What’s this dish made of?
• It’s made of _____________________.

Other useful phrases:

• I’m _______________. ((extremely)hungry, starving, thirsty, on a diet)
• It’s smell good/ nice/ bad.
• It’s great/ delicious.
• This looks great/ delicious.
• Can I eat this?/ Is this edible?
• Does it taste good?
• This taste ____________. (Strange, weird, good, great, delicious, bad)
• My mouth is burning.
• Can you pass me the _________________./ Could I have _____________, please.
• May I have some more / another ______________please?
• I would like some more ____________________.
• I dropped my ___________________.
• I’m (very) full/ I have had enough.
• My order hasn’t come yet.
• I didn't order this.

Part 4: Eating at a Fast Food Restaurant

• (May I take your order?)
• I would like to have __________________________.
• May I have _______________________(with/ without ______________,please).
• (Anything else?)
• (Will that be for her or to go?/ For here or to go?)
• For here, please.
• To go, please.
• (That comes to ______________./ The total is __________________.)

Sample Dialogue:

Cashier: May I help you?

Guest: Yes, May I have ___________________________.

Cashier: What kind of drink do you want?

Guest: I’d like _________________,please.

Cashier: Anything else?

Guest: No

Cashier: For here or to go?

Guest: For here.

Cashier: OK, that comes to _________________.

Part 5: Check, Please?

• I would like the check, please?
• Bill/ Check, please?
• Where do I pay?
• Do you take credit cards?/ Which credit cards do you take?
• Are tax and service charge included?
• It’s on me/ This is my treat/ I will treat you/ I will pay for it/ I will take care of it.
• What’s this for?/ What’s this amount for?/ What’s this charge for?
• I’m afraid there is a mistake here/ I don’t think the bill is right.
• Let’s split the bill/ let’s divide the cost.
• We will like to pay separately.
• May I have the receipt please?

Part 6: Dining Vocabularies

• Menu, wine list, dessert cart
• Appetizer / starter/ finger food/ hors dóeuvres
• Main Course/ Entree
• Dessert
• Appetizing/ unappetizing
• Spicy, sweet, tangy, salty, bitter, smooth, rich, light, mild crisp, crunchy, juicy, greasy, slimy, tender, tough, soggy, hard, tasty, filling

Role Play:

Making Reservation
Ordering in a restaurant
Ordering in a fast food restaurant

Part 7: Idioms for lesson 6

Out of this world
Eat like horse/ pig/ bird
Crash course
Mixed feelings

Lesson 5: At the Hotel

Usually prior to your trip, it is best to make a room reservation in the hotel that you want to stay in because depending on the seasons, sometimes, the rooms in the hotel may all be full.

Part 1: Making Hotel Reservation

· Do you have any vacancies/ rooms for ____________?
- (Yes, we do)
- (No, we don’t)
- (I’ll check for you)
· (Would you like a single room or a double room?)
- I would like _______________please.
· (For how many nights?)
- For _____________________.
· How much is the room?
- (It’s _____________ per night.)
· (May I have your name please?)
- It’s _________________.
· (Could you spell that please?)
- Yes, it’s _________________.
· (What time will you arrive?)
- Around _______________.

Sample Dialogue:

Clerk: Good morning, __________hotel. Can I help you?

Guest: Yes, please. Do you have any vacancies for _________, please?

Clerk: Yes, we do. Would you like a single or a double?

Guest: A _________please.

Clerk: And for how many nights?

Guest: For _____________please.

Clerk: Fine.

Guest: How much is it?

Clerk: It’s __________per night.

Guest: That’s fine.

Clerk: May I have your name please?

Guest: Yes, it’s ____________________.

Clerk: Could you spell that please?

Guest: Yes, it’s __________.

Clerk: Thank You. And can I have your phone number, please?

Guest: Oh sure, it’s _____________________.

Listening Activities: Listen and answer the following questions:

1. What date did Jeff want to check-in?

2. What’s Jeff’s last name?

3. Which credit card did Jeff use to guarantee the reservation?


I just finished a huge project at work and I needed some down time. I decided to take a short vacation. I liked the idea of a long weekend out of town.

My friend Sara offered to let me crash at her place in San Francisco, but I decided to stay at a hotel instead. Sara has a couple of roommates and I thought it might be too crowded.

I called the toll-free reservation number for a major hotel chain. The reservation agent was very helpful, after I got through the long phone tree.

Agent: Dutton Hotels. How may I help you today?

Jeff: I wanted to check rates and availability for your San Francisco location.

Agent: Certainly, I can help you with that. Will that be the downtown or waterfront location?

Jeff: The waterfront location.

Agent: What date do you plan to check in?

Jeff: I'd like to check in on October 12th and check out the 15th.

Agent: Okay, let me see what we have. For how many?

Jeff: One. And, if possible, I'm looking for a non-smoking room.

Agent: Sure, we have a non-smoking queen with an ocean view for $189 or a standard room with a courtyard view for $139 a night.

Jeff: I'd like to book the standard room.

Agent: Okay, your last name?

Jeff: Rama.

Agent: Could you spell that please?

Jeff: Sure, it's R-A-M-A.

Agent: And, your first name?

Jeff: It's Jeff.

Agent: Okay, I have you booked in a standard non-smoking queen, checking in on October 12th and departing the 15th. What major credit card would you like to use to guarantee the reservation?

Jeff: A Visa.

Agent: The number and expiration?

Jeff: It's 7388-2424-3535-1818 and the expiration is 05/08.

Agent: Your confirmation number is PD672. Is there anything else I help you with?

Jeff: No, that's all. Thanks.

Agent: Have a nice day and thanks you for calling Dutton Hotels.


Part 2: Checking-In the Hotel

So after you got off the plane, you want to check-in at the hotel. Be sure to have your reservation documents or information ready.

With Reservation:

· Hello, I’m checking in. I have a reservation.
· My name is _____________________.
· Here is my confirmation/ here is my reservation document.
- (Yes, _____________ you have reserve a
_____________________________________.
- (Please sign here and I will get you the keys?)
- (How many keys do you need?)
· (So, you’re all set. Your room is _________. Do you need help with your bags?)
- Yes, please.
- No, I’m fine. Thank You.
· Enjoy your stay.

Without Reservation:

· Hello, I would like a room please?
- (Would you like a single or a double?)
- ___________________please.
· (May I have your name please?)
- It’s ____________________.
· (Could you spell that please?)
- It’s ____________________.
· (Could you fill in the form, please?)
- Yes / certainly
· (How many are in your party?)
- _________________.
· (How many nights would you like to stay?)
- ____________________.
· (How will you be paying?)
- Is __________ OK? (Visa, Master card, cash, etc.)
- I will be paying by _________________.
· (Would you like a wakeup call?)
- Yes, I would a wakeup call at __________.
- No, thank you.
· (Here’s your key. That’s room _________ on the ____________floor.


Questions that you might want to ask during the check in:

· What time is check out?
· Do you accept visa/ MasterCard?
· Is there a _____________? (computer room, business room, pool, restaurant, game room, fitness room, etc.)
· Where is the __________________located?
· Do you have room service?


Part 3: Room Service

Sometimes during our stay in a hotel, we like room service for convenience…

· Hello, is this reception?
- (Yes, how may I help you?)
· This is _____________ from room _________.I would like to speak to _______________please.
- (Sure, I will put you through the line.)
- (I’m afraid he’s not here at the moment.)
· I want to ________________________. (send a fax, order food or drink, laundry service, housekeeping, reserve a table in a restaurant, etc.)
· How long will it take?
- (It will take ________________.)
· I would __________________ in my room. (an extra blanket, pillow, etc.)
- (Certainly sir/ madam. We’ll bring it to you as soon as possible.)
· There is a problem with _____________. (the shower, the mini bar, the light, etc.)
· The ___________in my room is broken.
- (I’ll send someone from the maintenance right away.)
- (We’ll fix it as soon as possible.)

Sample Dialogue:

Clerk: Hello, this is the reception/ room service/ restaurant/ housekeeping how may I help you?

Guest: This is ______________ from room _________. I would like to order _____________.

Clerk: Certainly.

Guest: Oh, and I need to leave a message to ____________. Can you put me through to the operator/ front desk, please?

Clerk: Sure, I am connecting you now.

Listening Activity: Listen to the dialogue and answer the following questions:

1. What things did Jeff order?

2. How long will Jeff’s order takes?

3. What’s the service charge for room service?

I was staying at a nice resort hotel in Arizona on a short vacation. I had been out on the golf course playing a round of golf. When I got back into the room, I was feeling pretty hungry.

I was meeting some friends for a late dinner around 8:30. I wanted a snack . I took a look at the room service menu and called their number.

Woman: Room service. What would you like to order?

Jeff: Hi, I'm in room 1201 and I'd like an order of the calamari and a slice of cheesecake.

Woman: Do you want the calamari appetizer or the entree?

Jeff: I'd like the appetizer.

Woman: Anything to drink?

Jeff: A diet Coke. About how long will that take?

Woman: It'll be about 30 minutes.

Jeff: Okay. Thanks.

There was a knock on my door about a half hour later.

Jeff: Who is it?

Woman: Room service...Hi, where would you like me to put the tray?

Jeff: On the desk would be fine.

Woman: The total is $16.75.

Jeff: Oh, that's higher than I'd expected.

Woman: There's a 12% service charge for room service and there's also the usual food tax.

Jeff: Oh, I see. Can I charge it to the room?

Woman: Sure. Just fill in the total here, write in your room number, and sign at the bottom.

Jeff: Okay, there you go. Thanks.

Woman: Thank you and have a nice day.The calamari and the cheesecake really hit the spot.


Part 4: Checking Out

Sometime it is better to notify the front desk the day before you’re checking out.

· I will to notify you that I will be checking out at _________tomorrow.
· Please have my bill ready by then.
· I would like to check out now please. I’m _____________in room _______________.
- (Certainly sir/ madam.)
- (Are you paying by credit card?)
- Yes, I paying by _________________.
- I don’t have much time. Can you hurry please?
· Would you send someone to send my luggage down?
· I would like to ask about the bill please.
· Does this include service charge and tax?
· What does this figure mean?
· What is this amount for?
- (That’s for ___________________.)
- (That’s your __________________bill).
· Excuse me, I think there is mistake here.
· There’s something wrong with my bill.
· There seems to be an error in my bill.
- (I’m very sorry. May I see?)
- (Perhaps I can help.)
· Can you keep my luggage until ________________.
· Could you get me a taxi?
- Yes, certainly.

Sample Dialogue:

Guest: I would like to check out please.

Clerk: Certainly, here is your print-out.

Guest: I would like to check my bill please.

Clerk: Of course, sir/ madam.

Guest: What is this figure for?

Clerk: That’s your __________________ sir/ madam. The symbols are explained on the other side of the bill.

Guest: Oh, I see. But I think there’s an error. You haven’t charged me for __________________.

Clerk: Oh, thank you. I’m sorry about that.


Part 5: Unexpected Situations

Sometimes unexpected situations may come up during your stay in the hotel, such as losing something…..such as suitcase, bag, camera, jacket, watch, etc.

· Excuse me, my __________is missing.
· Excuse me, I think I left _________________here.
· Excuse me, I have lost my ___________________.

Questions that the clerk may ask you:

· Where did you lose it?
· When did you last see it?
· What does it look like?
· How big is it?
· What color is it?
· What’s it made of?
· Was there anything inside it?

Sample dialogue:

Clerk: Can I help you?

Guest: Yes, please. My _________________is missing.

Clerk: I see. Where did you lose it?

Guest: At the ___________________.

Clerk: OK. When did you last see it?

Guest: _______________________.

Clerk: What does it look like?

Guest: It’s ____________________.

Clerk: I see. Any other details?

Guest: Yes. ___________________.

Clerk: OK. I will check if it’s here in lost and found.

Role Play:

Making a Reservation
Room Service
Checking Out
Unexpected Situation

Idioms for lesson 5:

Hang in there
Last resort
Easier said than done
Look on the bright side
Think big

Lesson 4: At the Airport

Part 1: Confirming your Flight

Usually the day before your flight, you should call the airline company to confirm the flight, making sure that you are on their list of passengers with the correct flight number, date and time.

· Would you confirm my flight, please?
· Can you check my flight details please?
· (Yes, certainly / Certainly sir/madam)
· (Could I have your flight details, please?)
-Yes, __________________________________.
· (Could I have the date of your flight, please?)
-It’s on _____________________.
· (What’s your flight number?)
-It’s ______________.

Part 2: Checking In

· (May I see your ticket and passport, please?)
-Yes, here you are.
· (Would you like a window seat or an aisle seat?)
-I would prefer a ________________.
· (How many bags are you checking in?)
-Just / Only _________________.
· (Could you place your bags on the scale, please?)
-Yes/ Certainly
· (Did you pack these bags yourself?)
-Yes, I did.
· (Do you have any carry-on luggage?)
-Yes, just this.

Questions that you may have:
· Is the flight on time?
· When will they call the flight?
· Can I take these bags as carry-on luggage?
· Which gate is it?

Sample Dialogue:

Passenger: Can I check in here for flight ______________.

Clerk: Yes, may I see your ticket and passport, please?

Passenger: Yes, here you go.

Clerk: Fine, would you like a aisle seat or a window seat?

Passenger:________________.

Clerk: Do you have any bags to check?

Passenger: Yes, I have ________________.

Clerk: Could you put them on the scales please?

Passenger: Yes/Certainly.

Clerk: Did you pack these bags yourself?

Passenger: Yes, I did.

Clerk: That’s fine. Here’s your boarding pass. Please go to gate _____ when the flight is called. Have a good flight.

Part 3: Airport Announcement

Sometimes, when we are waiting for the flight, airport announcement may come up saying the gate of some flights has been changed.

Listening Activity: What flight changes have been made due to the announcement?

I was walking through the airport to Gate 11 to catch my flight when I heard this announcement:

“Attention passengers on English Air flight 232 to Boise. The departure gate has been changed. The flight will now be leaving from Gate 26.”

That was my flight! I looked at the flight information monitors, turned around, and walked in the opposite direction. As I was approaching Gate 26, there was another announcement:

“This is an announcement for passengers on flight 232 to Boise. The flight has been delayed due to bad weather conditions. The flight crew has arrived at the gate, but the ground crew is still de-icing the wings of the aircraft. Our new departure time is 10:50 AM.”

I thought the gate agent was done, but she had another announcement to make:

“I’m afraid that flight 232 is overbooked. We’re looking for passengers who are willing to take a later flight in exchange for a travel voucher worth $300. Any passenger who is interested should see an agent at Gate 26.”

Oh, no, I thought. I hope I don’t get bumped from this flight. Fortunately, a few minutes later, I heard this. It was music to my ears.

“We are now ready for boarding.”

Part 4: Would you like Beef or Fish?

On an airplane, the flight attendants will you different items that will make your trip more comfortable…or you may request those items yourself…..
· Could I have ______________________,please?
· May I have _______________________, please?
· I would like ____________________, please?
(things you may ask for: newspapers, drinks, pillow, blanket, headset,etc.)

· (Would you like ______________________, sir/madam?)
-Yes, please.
-No, thank you.
-I’m sorry. I don’t understand.
-Sorry. Could you repeat that, please?
-Could you say that more slowly, please?
· (Would you like beef or fish?)
· Can I get you _________________?

Sample Dialogue:

Attendant: Would you like ______________?

Passenger: I would like ___________________ please.

Attendant: Here you are.

Passenger: Thank You.

Attendant: What would you like to drink?

Passenger: __________________________.

Attendant: Here you are.

Passenger: Thank you.

Part 5: Flight Connection

When you have a flight connection, make sure that you go to the correction section: domestic flight means flight destination within that country, international flight means flight destination outside that country.

Part 6: Going through the Immigrant

· (Can I have your passport, please?)
-Yes, here you are.
· (May I see your embarkation card, please?)
-Yes, here it is.
· (What’s the purpose of your visit?)
-I’m here on business/vacation/to study.
· (Where will you be staying?)
-I will be staying at _______________________.
· (How long will you be staying?)
-About _________________.
· (What’s your occupation in Japan?)
-I’m ____________________.
· (What do you do?)
-I __________________________.
· (How much money do you have?)
-___________________.
· (Do you have anything to declare?)
-Yes, I have _______________.
-No, I don’t have anything to declare.

Other questions they might ask:

· What’s your nationality?
· Are you travelling alone?

Questions you might ask:

· Do I have to pay duty?
· Where so I pay?
· Can I pay with ____dollars/ credit cards?

Sample Dialogue:

Officer: May I see your passport and embarkation card, please?

Passenger: Yes, here they are.

Officer: What’s your job in Japan?

Passenger: I’m _____________________.

Officer: What’s the purpose of your visit?

Passenger: I’m ______________________.

Officer: Are you travelling alone?

Passenger: _________________________.

Officer: Where will you be staying?

Passenger: I will be staying at ____________________.

Officer: How long are you intending to stay?

Passenger: For ___________________.

Officer: That’s fine, thank you. Next, please?

Part 7: Changing Money

· Can I change some money here?/ Where can I change money?
· I would like to change _________________ into __________please?
· What’s the exchange rate today?
· How much commission do you charge?

Part 8: Luggage Claim

· Where is the luggage claim?
· Where are the luggage trolleys?
· I can’t find my luggage?
· My luggage is lost.

Part 9: Getting Around From the Airport

· Where is the _____________?
· Do you have a street map?
· How do I get to ______________.
· Is there a ____________that goes into town.
· Where does it leave from?
· Where can I buy the ticket?
· Where can I get a taxi?


Activity: Airport Role-Play

· Check In
· Inside the Plane
· Immigrant Section

Idioms for Lesson 4:

Hang around
Hang out
Drop by
Help yourself

Lesson 3: Expressing Your Thoughts

Part 1: Express Your Feelings

Sometimes in conversation, it is important to learn how to express your feelings to a person or to a situation. Knowing how to express your feelings will let others know that you do care about them or about the situation…..which will eventually improve your relationship with that person.

• I feel ______________________ (today / [felt] yesterday).
• I understand how you feel: I feel ______________(too).
• You must feel ___________________.
• You must be feeling ______________.
  

Words you can use: delighted, relaxed, relieved, confident,
irritated, disappointed, uncertain, helpless, offended, etc.

For more feeling words, please visit:
http://www.cnvc.org/feelings.htm
or
http://www.psychpage.com/learning/library/assess/feelings.html

Activity: By the end of the class, I want everybody to give me one feeling word about how they feel at that moment and why.

Part 2: Breaking the News

In everyday conversation, we like to use the term “break the news” to make something known. They can be good or bad depending on the situation.

Breaking good news to someone:

• I (we) got some (a bit of) good news for you, ____________________________________.
• We would like to _______________________.
• I’m really pleased to tell you that _______________________________________.
• Congratulations (on _________________).
• That’s fantastic/ great/ wonderful (news).
• I’m really happy for you.
• I’m really happy about __________________.
• Wow!/ Really?

Sometimes, you may want to ask a follow-up question:

• Are you excited/ nervous?
• So when did you___________________?
• So are you going to _________________.

Breaking bad news to someone:

• I’m afraid __________________________.
• I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you: _____________________________________.
• Unfortunately, (I’m afraid) __________________.
• I’ve got some bad news for you __________________.
• I hate to break the news: _________________________.
• You must be feeling ________________.
• That must have been (absolutely) _____________.
• I’m so sorry to hear about _____________________.
• That’s terrible/ awful.

Sometimes, you may want to follow-up by lending your ear or offering help if that person needed.

• Any time you need/ want to talk just call me/ just come to me.
• If you ever need to talk to someone just call me/ just come to me.
• If there is anything I can do, just let me know.

Activity: Have someone ever break news to you? If so, is it good or bad? How do you respond?

Listening Activity: Listen for the bad news in this dialogue.
What is the bad news in this dialogue?

I was at the hospital at with my friend, Wendy. Her father was in an accident and she was waiting to talk to the doctor.

Doctor: Hello, I’m Dr. Johnson. How are you holding up?

Wendy: Oh, I’m fine. Is there any news?

Doctor: Yes. I have examined your father’s test results and I’m afraid the news isn’t good. His condition has deteriorated rapidly, and I want you to prepare for the worst.

Wendy: You’re not saying that he won’t recover, are you?

Doctor: We can hope for the best, but your father may only have a few days. I’m very sorry.

Wendy: Can I see my father?

Doctor: Yes, of course.

Part 3: Making Mistakes and Apologies

Sometimes when we make a mistake, the most simple thing to say immediately is "I’m sorry".

• I’m really sorry, (name), I didn’t mean to ______________.
• I’m so sorry _______________________________.
• Sorry about/ for ____________________________.
• I would like to apologize for ______________________.

Sometimes, instead of apologizing, you might be regret at doing something:

• I shouldn’t have ___________________.
• I wish I hadn’t ______________________.
• It’s thoughtless of me to do such a thing.
• It’s careless of me to do so.

Accepting apologies:

When accepting apologies, you can say:
That’s OK/ No problem/ Don’t worry about it/ No worries, etc.

Part 4: Making Complaints

Sometimes when you feel annoyed by someone or by someone’s action, you might want to make your feelings known by complaining.

• It’s unreasonable/ unfair/ ridiculous _________________.
• That’s (really/ absolutely)(unfair/ unreasonable/ ridiculous) __________________________.
• I would like you to ___________________.
• I think you should _______________________.
• I’m tired of ____________________.
• I’m sick of _____________________.
• I’m sick and tired of _________________.

Part 5: Asking a Favor

Asking a favor means asking somebody to do something for you…

• Can I ask (you) a favor?
• May I ask you a favour?
• Do you mind if I ask you a favor?
• Can you help me?
• Would you give me a hand?
• Would you please help me?

You can respond by saying:

• I’ll be glad to
• I’d be happy to
• It’s no bother
• With pleasure
• Love to
• Of course

Idioms of lesson 3:

Bonkers
Nuts
Get out of the wrong side of the bed
Grab a bite to eat

Lesson 2: Small Talk

Part 1: Starting a conversation

When meeting someone for the first time or seeing your friends, it is important to start with a small talk. A small talk is a small conversation that will help to keep or to move on to a bigger and deeper conversation.

Therefore, sometimes it is good to start off with weather…

• Beautiful weather, isn’t it? / Nice weather isn’t it?
• It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?
  - Yes, it is / It sure is
• Terrible day, isn’t it? / What a terrible day?
• Cold / hot isn’t it?
  - Yeah, I hope it would get warmer / cooler soon.
• It looks like it is going to rain / snow.
• It looks like it is going to be sunny / cloudy / foggy / windy.
  

Then, we can move on to greetings and then to deeper conversation…..

Part 2: Expressing Likes and Dislikes

When meeting someone for the first time, you might want to know about someone’s likes and dislike or self preference, such as favourite sports, hobbies, food, movies, etc.

Expressing Likes:

• I (really) like / love ____________________ (a lot).
• I (would) prefer _________(to)_____________.
• _____________________is/ are my favourite(s).
• I’ve developed a great liking (in/for/at) ________________________.
• I came to like __________________________.

Expressing Dislikes:

• I (really) don’t like / can’t stand ________________.
• I don’t care (much) for ________________________.
• I (really) hate ________________________.

Expressing no Preference:

• It’s OK / I can take it / I can stand it / I don’t mind / so-so

Activity: Answer the following questions.

What is your favourite food and why?

What food do you really hate eating?

What is your favourite movie and why?

Who are your favourite actors / actresses?

What are your favourite sports?


Part 3: Giving Compliments

Sometimes in a conversation, we like to give compliments to the person that we are speaking with. Compliments mean to say something nice about someone or something.

Listening Exercise: Underline the compliments while listening to the dialogue

A friend from work, Nia, asked a few of us over to her apartment to watch the game this Sunday and I was really nervous. I’ve always liked Nia and I was hoping we could be more than friends. My brother, Charlie, said that if I really liked her, I should be sure to give her plenty of compliments when I saw her.

I arrived on Sunday and knocked on her door.

Nia: Hi, I’m glad you could make it. You’re the first one here. Make yourself comfortable.

Sebastian: Thanks and you look great. Red looks great on you.

Nia: Oh, thanks. It’s nice to be out of work clothes. Can I get you something to drink?

Sebastian: Sure. What are you having?

Nia: I’m just having a beer. Want one?

Sebastian: Sure. What a cool place! This is a really nice apartment .

Nia: Here you go. Actually, I just moved in last month and I’m still decorating. But, that’s nice of you to say.

Sebastian: Wow, nice picture. Did you paint this?

Nia: No, I didn’t. Someone named Picasso did. It’s just a copy. You know, I really appreciate the compliments, but what’s up?

Sebastian: Up? Nothing. I’m just glad to be here.

Nia: Well, I’m glad you’re here, too. Now, drink up. The others should be here any minute.

Sebastian: Sure. Cheers!

Giving compliments about someone or something can improve your relationship with that person; in addition, it will give that person a good impression. If you receive a compliment, you may want to return by also giving a compliment.

Nice words that we can use: nice, beautiful, cool, good, great, etc.

• You look nice in ____________________.
• ___________________looks good on you.
• Nice __________________.
• This is a beautiful _________________________.
• Thank you, that’s very kind.
• Thank you, that’s very kind/ nice/ sweet of you (to say so)
• You look nice too

Sometime, if you receive compliments about your work, which is a group effort, you may say…

• Thanks, __________work on it too.
• It wasn’t all my work. ______________gave me a lot of help.
  

Idioms of Lesson 2:
Java
A cup of Joe
Brew
Bread
Couch potato
Small potato

Lesson 1: Greetings and Introductions

Part 1: Basic Greetings

· Hello / Hi
· How are you? / How’s it going? / How are you doing? / How do you
do?
- Fine, thank you / Pretty good
- Not so good / Not so great
- Nothing much / Nothing special
· Glad to meet you / Nice to meet you / Great meeting you / Pleased to
meet you

Sometimes, we may also say…..

· How’s everything? / How’s everything going?
- It’s going pretty well / Everything has gone well
- Same as always / Same as usual
- Not bad / So-so

In workplace settings:

· How’s business?
· How are things?
· How was your day?
· How was work today?
· How did it go today?


Part 2: Long Time No See

· Long time no see / It’s been a long time / I haven’t seen you for a long
time / I haven’t seen you for ages
· How have you been doing? / What have you been doing?
- I’ve been alright / Nothing much
· Glad to see you again / Great seeing you again

Part 3: Making a Self Introduction

Model: Business Setting

Hi, may I introduce myself. My name is _________________. (You can call me _____________________). I am the ______________in ___________________ at ___________________.
I’ve been working in this department for __________years. My job is to _________________________________________________________.


- When you introduce somebody to another person, remember
to change the pronouns or try to use the following phrases:

This is my friend ________________.

Can I introduce you to _________________________?


Model: Casual Setting

Hi, I’m ______________. I’m ________years old. I was born in _________ on _________________________. I’m ____________________.We live in _________________. In my spare time, I like to _______________________________.



Part 4: Saying Thanks and Good Bye

· Goodbye. Thank you for everything.
- Not at all. We’re glad you’re here.
· Please say goodbye to _______for me.
· Please say hello to _________for me.
· I’ll miss you.
· I hope to see you again sometime.
· This is for you. It’s from _____________.
- Oh, how kind! You shouldn’t have!
· Let’s keep in touch.
· Here is my contact information.


Bonus:

If there is anything that you don’t understand in class, please don’t hesitate to ask.

You can say:

· I’m sorry. I don’t understand.
· Could you speak more slowly?
· Can you repeat that?
· I beg your pardon.
· What does this / it mean?
· Can you write it down please?