Monday, January 24, 2011

English Conversations #3 - At the Food Market

Here are some typical English conversations that take place at the food market.

A - Hello, I'd like five bananas, three apples and six oranges please.
B - No problem (pause), that'll be $4.89 please.
A - Here you are.
B - Thanks, have a nice day.

A - Hi, I'm looking for a turkey for thanksgiving.
B - What size are you looking for?
A - Well, there will be four of us.
B - OK, what about.. this one?
A - That looks great, I'll take it.

A - Hi, do you have any avocados that are good for today?
B - Yes. Try these ones.
A - They're perfect, I'll take three please.

A - Hello Dave, how are you?
B - Mrs Butterworth, hello! I'm good but things are very quiet today.
A - I know. It's good for me, I can take my time!
B - What are you looking for today?
A - Do you have any specials?
B - Yes, our tomatoes are half off.
A - Great, I'll take six tomatoes, a lettuce and a cucumber.
B - Sure... here you go.
A - Thanks, see you next week!
B - Bye.

A - Hello. I'm looking for some fresh fish, what would you recommend for today?
B - The salmon is very good. It's only $6 a pound.
A - That sounds perfect. I'd like two fillets please.
B - Coming right up.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

English Conversations #2 - At the Cinema

Here are some typical English conversations at the cinema.

The first conversation takes place on the phone.

A - Hello "New York Cinemas."
B - Hello, I'm calling to see what time Avatar is showing tonight.
A - It's on at 6.45 and 9 o'clock.
B - OK great, thanks for your help.

This conversation takes place at the ticket office

A - Hi, I'd like two tickets for Avatar please.
B - Would you prefer to sit at the front, middle or the back?
A - The back please. Oh, and do you offer a student discount?
B - Yes we do. Are you both students?
A - Yes, here are our student cards.
B - OK, that´ll be $18 please.
A - Here you are.
B - Thanks, here are your tickets, you need to go to screen five.
A - Thank you very much.

They then go to get some snacks

A - Hello, I'd like a medium popcorn and a small coke please.
B - OK, coming up... That's $7 please.
A - Here you are.
B - Thanks, enjoy your film.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

English Conversations #1 - Meeting New People

Here you will find a typical English conversation when people meet each other for the first time.

The first conversation takes place at a house party.

A - "Hello, I don't think we've met."
B - "Hi, I'm Rachael."
A - "I'm Paul. So, are you one of Mark's friends?"
B - "I know his girlfriend very well, I used to go to school with her."
A - "And what do you do?"
B - "I'm a photographer. I mainly photograph weddings and events. What about you?"
A - "I work at the local hospital, in administration. I'm trying to save up to go travelling to South America."
B - "I went there last year, it's fantastic. Wow, this is great. Where in South America do you want to visit?"
A - "Everywhere!"

The second conversation takes place on the first day of university in class in Leeds.

A - "Hello, what's your name?"
B - "Hi, I'm Sonita. And you are..?"
A - "I'm Paul. So, where are you from?"
B - "I'm from Sheffield, it's not too far from here. What about you?"
A - "I'm from London, things are a little different here!"
B - "Do you like it so far?"
A - "Yeah, I really like it. It's only been a week but I've met a lot of people. Did you go to the freshers party?"
B - "I did. It was a lot of fun. Are you excited about the new course?"
A - "Very much so. Although I feel it's going to be hard."

The third conversation is when Caroline meets her boyfriend's parents for the first time


A - "Mum, dad, this is Caroline."
B - "Very nice to meet you Caroline, I've heard a lot about you."
C - "Nice to meet you to."
B - "How was your trip?"
A - "It was fine."
B - "Well let me take your coat. Would you like something to drink?"
A - "That would be great. Thank you."


Now it's time for practise. Use these conversations for reading practice and use them in roleplays. Try and make some similar conversations.