Learn conversational English with this Gengo English series! These 25-lessons will teach you basic English grammar, expressions and vocabulary. You will follow our main character Zo on his trip to the United States of America. Keith and Sadia give clear and easy to understand explanations of the proper usage of American-English words and phrases to help you on your next journey to the U.S!
|
Title |
Topic |
Function |
Conversation in target language |
Cultural Insight |
Vocabulary |
Expressions |
Grammar |
| 1 |
Where Did You Learn to Speak English like That?! |
Office visit |
basic greetings
asking about well-being
asking simple questions (to be) |
Zo: Good evening, Ms. Walsh. How are you?
Ms. Walsh: Good. And you? How are you, Zo?
Zo: I'm great! I just wanted to make sure you were in your office so I can stop by for the homework; I'm going on my big trip tomorrow!
Ms. Walsh: Ah, yes! Is tomorrow Wednesday?
Zo: Yep, tomorrow's Wednesday.
Ms. Walsh: How nice! Well, I'm going home now, but I'll leave the homework with the secretary. Have a great trip!
Zo: Thank you, Ms. Walsh! See you later! |
Please "stop by!" |
yes
you
how
great
good
tomorrow
Wednesday
trip
secretary
homework |
Good evening.
Good morning.
Good afternoon.
Hello!
Have a great trip! |
Affirmative sentences |
| 2 |
How to make a First Impression in English That Will Last a Lifetime |
Introduction |
Introducing oneself |
Michelle: (singing a pop song)
Zo: Excuse me. May I pass by you? My seat's next to yours.
Michelle: Oh, sorry! Go ahead, please.
Zo: Hello. How are you? I'm Zo.
Michelle: Hi! Nice to meet you. I'm Michelle.
Zo: I'm sorry. Your name again, please. Slowly.
Michelle: Michelle.
Zo: Michelle.
Michelle: That's it. But please call me Shelly.
Zo: Shelly. Nice to meet you.
Michelle: Nice to meet you too.
|
Meeting for the first time... |
seat
next
your
name
slowly
to call
me |
Excuse me.
Hello.
How are you?
Hi!
I'm sorry.
Go ahead.
That's it. |
Requests with "please" |
| 3 |
Do People Understand Where You're Coming From? |
Conversation |
Getting to know someone better, telling more about yourself |
Zo: So who's the singer?
Michelle: I'm sorry?
Zo: The song you were singing.
Michelle: Oh my gosh! I'm embarrassed! It's Beyoncé. [laughs]
Zo: Oh, of course! Good choice. So where are you from?
Michelle: I'm from Los Angeles.
Zo: Ah, yes, Los Angeles.
Michelle: And you? Where are you from? Are you South African?
Zo: Yes, I'm South African!
Michelle: Are you from Johannesburg?
Zo: No, I'm not. I'm from Cape Town.
Michelle: Oh, is that so?
|
More about asking where people are from! |
so
who
singer
embarrassed
where
you
from
yes
New Yorker
to live
not |
So...
I'm sorry?
Oh my gosh!
I see.
And you?
Oh, is that so? |
Asking "who" and "where" and answering questions about yourself |
| 4 |
A Conversation Mistake You Don't Want to Make |
Conversation |
Getting to know someone better, telling more about yourself |
Michelle: (to flight attendant) Excuse me, may I have some water, please?
Flight attendant: Oh, certainly, ma'am.
Michelle: Sorry. So, Cape Town's nice. It seems so…interesting!
Zo: (laughs) Los Angeles is nice, too! So, what do you do in Los Angeles?
Michelle: I'm a nutritionist and personal trainer.
Zo: Once again, slowly please.
Michelle: I'm a (enunciating) nu-tri-tion-ist, and a per-so-nal trai-ner.
Zo: Sorry, I don't understand.
Michelle: Nutritionist and personal trainer. I help people eat healthy foods and exercise the right way!
Zo: Oh, I see! |
The best ways to strike up a conversation in English |
water
please
ma'am
sir
everyone
be
also
happy
what
to do
you
in
understand |
Certainly, ma'am.
Yes, sir.
Sorry, I don't understand.
I see! |
Asking "What do you do?" and talking about jobs |
| 5 |
Welcome to New York! Avoid Instant Immersion Shock with this Lesson! |
Weather |
Talking about time, date, temperature, and possessions |
Pilot: Good afternoon, everyone. This is the pilot. Welcome to New York. The time now is three PM on Thursday, April 30th. The temperature's a cool fifty-three degrees Fahrenheit, which is about twelve degrees Celsius. Enjoy your stay in New York.
Zo: Fifty-three degrees? Wow. It's cold.
Michelle: Yep, I have a jacket.
Zo: [sounding forlorn] Oh. I don't. |
Be ready for the cold |
good
afternoon
pilot
everyone
this
time
weather
sunny
temperature
enjoy
stay
have
cold
jacket |
Good afternoon, everyone.
This is...
Welcome to...
The time is...
The temperature is...
Wow! |
Talking about the time, date, and temperature |
| 6 |
Don't Miss Your Chance! How to Close the Deal in English |
goodbyes |
exchanging personal information |
Airport Announcer: Foreign passport holders this way. Foreign passport holders this way.
Zo: Well, it was nice to meet you.
Michelle: Same here.
Zo: By the way, this is my business card. This is my email address, and this is my phone number.
Michelle: Oh, thanks! I have a business card too. This is my business card. Here you are. My email and my cell phone number are here. Email me!
Zo: Okay! Thank you!
Michelle: Bye-bye! Enjoy your stay!
Zo:Thanks Bye! |
Networking |
foreign
passport
meet
email
phone number
or
business card
stay
email address |
Foreign passport holders this way.
Well, ...
It was nice to meet you.
Same here.
By the way, ...
..., too. |
Possessive adjectives used with conjunction "and," demonstrative "this," informal imperatives |
| 7 |
Don't Answer the English Questions Incorrectly! |
Immigration |
Getting through immigration/customs |
Customs Agent: Next. Passport, please.
Zo: Hello. Here you are.
Customs Agent: How long will you stay?
Zo: Once again, please.
Customs Agent: How long will you stay?
Zo: For 2 weeks.
Customs Agent: Where will you stay?
Zo: At the L Hotel.
Customs Agent: What's the purpose of your stay?
Zo: Once again, please. Slowly please.
Customs Agent: [annoyed but slowly] What's the purpose of your stay?
Zo: I'm here on business, and to sightsee.
Customs Agent: Okay. Thank you. Welcome to the United States. |
Running the customs gauntlet |
next
passport
how long
to stay
for
week
purpose
business
personal
sightseeing |
How long will you stay?
For...
Where will you stay?
At...
What is the purpose of your stay?
On business.
To sightsee. |
Implied verbs, prepositions |
| 8 |
Get What You Want Using English |
Airport |
Leaving the airport |
Ticket seller: Next, please.
Zo: I'd like to go to Times Square. Please, what time's the shuttle bus?
Ticket seller: Four o'clock.
Zo: Okay. 1 ticket, please.
Ticket seller: $40. Cash or credit card?
Zo: Credit card.
Ticket seller: Sign, please.
: Here's the receipt and ticket. Stop number 3 at 4 p.m.
Zo: Thank you.
Ticket seller: Next. |
Getting from A to B |
next
please
go
what
time
bus
ticket
dollar
credit card
or
receipt
bus stop
seller |
Next, please.
One ticket, please.
$40.
Cash or credit card?
Sign, please.
A receipt, please.
Here is your...
Bus stop number 3 at 4 p.m. |
The infinitive "to go," asking about train or bus times, and the conjunction "or" |
| 9 |
The Most Important Place in America |
Picking up basic necessities |
Shopping at a convenience store |
Clerk #1: Good evening, sir!
Zo: Hello. [Places items on the counter]
Store clerk: Okay—so that's 3 bottles of water, 1 bottle of orange juice, 1 can of soda, a sandwich, a box of crackers, and a pack of gum. Is that all?
Zo: What's that?
Clerk #1: Oh—that's carrot cake. It's delicious!
Zo: Oh, yeah? One, please!
Clerk #1: That'll be $23.
Zo: Here's a fifty.
Clerk #1: All right. $27 is your change. Thank you. Come again!
Zo: Thank you. |
The land of convenience |
bottle
water
orange juice
soda
what
that
change
cracker |
Is that all?
One, please!
Here's...
A fifty
Thank you. Come again!
It's delicious!
|
Counters and the phrase, "What is that?" |
| 10 |
How to Stay in Style While in America |
Hotel |
Checking in at a hotel, asking for things |
Front Desk Worker: Welcome to the L Hotel!
Zo: Hello. I have a reservation.
Front Desk Worker: Your name, please.
Zo: Zo Viljoen.
Front Desk Worker: Spell it, please.
Zo: V-I-L-J-O-E-N.
Front Desk Worker: Ah, yes. Mr. Viljoen, you are in room number 515. Here's the key.
Zo: Is there Internet in the room?
Front Desk Worker: Yes, there's complimentary wireless Internet.
Zo: And are there toiletries?
Front Desk Worker: Yes, sir.
Zo: Thank you. Oh, and a wake up call, please.
Front Desk Worker: Of course. What time?
Zo: 7 a.m., please. What time's breakfast?
Front desk: From 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on the first floor in the dining room. |
Limitless hotel options |
have
reservation
your
name
to spell
room
number
key
there
internet
in
LAN cable
towel
wake-up call
a.m.
what
time
breakfast
from
to |
I have...
Name, please.
Spell it, please.
In the room
7 a.m., please.
Of course.
What time is...? |
Simple interrogative sentences using "Is/are there...?" and (more) prepositions |
| 11 |
Don't Be Left Out in the Cold in America |
Weather |
Talking about the weather |
Front Desk Worker: Good morning, sir!
Zo: Good morning! What's the weather like today?
Front Desk Worker: Well, it'll be sunny all morning, but it'll rain in the afternoon.
Zo: Ah, rainy days....
Front Desk Worker: Yes, bad weather later today, but you're lucky; spring's a beautiful season. Beautiful weather here in April.
Zo: Really?
Front Desk Worker: Sure! There's some rain, yes, but also lots of sunny days. Really great weather.
Zo: Thank you! Where can I find a taxi?
Front Desk Worker: Ah, yes—the taxis are in front of the hotel.
Zo: Thank you.
Front Desk Worker: Have a good day, sir! |
Everybody's talking about the weather |
what
weather
rainy
like
today
in
morning
afternoon
sunny
usually
warm
cool
careful
sometimes
to rain
lucky
beautiful
taxi
in front
hotel |
You're lucky.
Of course.
Have a good day! |
The conjunction "but," the future tense, and adjectives with nouns |
| 12 |
Get English Insider Information from the Locals |
Taxi |
Commuting to work, taking a taxi, making small talk |
Taxi driver: Good morning. Where to?
Zo: Good morning. To the Altman Building, please.
Taxi driver: What's the address?
Zo: Here it is.
Driver: Where are you from?
Zo: Oh—I'm from Cape Town—in South Africa.
Driver: Oh yeah? Are you visiting?
Zo: Yep.
Taxi driver: You speak English well!
Zo: No, not really. Just a little!
Taxi driver: No—you're pretty good!
Zo:[laughs] No, not yet. Where are you from? Your English is pretty good, too!
Taxi: [chuckles] Yeah, well, I've been here for 15 years now, so, you know. The Altman Building? There's a very good restaurant near there.
Zo: What's the name?
Taxi driver: Afroasia.
Zo: Can you write it down?
Taxi driver: Sure. Hold on/wait a minute.
Taxi driver: We're here. That'll be $8.50.
Zo: Here you are. Thank you.
Taxi driver: Thank you! Here's your change.
Zo: Receipt, please.
Taxi driver: Sure—here you are. |
A New York icon |
to
building
what
address
where
from
America
really
little
pretty
good
restaurant
near
there
name
we
arrive
here
change
receipt |
Where to?
To...
What's the address?
No, not really.
Just a little.
What's the name?
Sure.
Wait a minute.
We're here. |
The verb "to speak," questions with verbs, and adjectives with nouns |
| 13 |
The Proper Way to Do Business in America |
Business |
Entering an office, seeing an old friend/business associate |
Receptionist: Good morning, and welcome to Alta.
Zo: Good morning. I have a 9 A.M. appointment with Ms. Clarke.
Receptionist: Your name?
Zo: Viljoen.
Receptionist: Just a moment, Mr. Viljoen.
Receptionist: Sorry to keep you waiting. Right this way.
Ms. Clarke: Zo, long time, no see!
Zo: I know! It's good to see you again! Here's a little something from South Africa.
Ms. Clarke: Thanks, but you shouldn't have! You look great. How are you?
Zo: I'm good. And you? You're looking good, too!
Ms. Clarke: I'm doing very well. Busy, but good. Today we have a long day. A very long day. Are you ready?
Zo: Yes, ma'am! |
English formality levels |
appointment
day
long
today
busy
good
U.S.
something
to wait
to keep
apology
moment
name
with
ready
|
I have a [time] appointment with [name].
Your name?
Apologies for keeping you waiting.
Right this way.
Long time no see./It's been too long./A very long time./Way too long.
Here's a little something from [place].
Thank you, but you shouldn't have.
How are you?
Are you ready? |
Adverbs and the verb "to look" |
| 14 |
Making the Most of Your Time in America |
Agenda |
Talking about the day's activities |
Ms. Clarke: This is my executive assistant, Ms. Rosen. She has today's schedule.
Executive Assistant: Hello, Ms. Clarke. My name is Claire. It's very nice to meet you.
Zo: Pleased to meet you, too.
Executive Assistant: Here's today's schedule. Friday, May 23rd. You have a meeting with Mr. Jones of Schmalberg at the D&D building at 10:00 a.m.. At noon, you'll have lunch at Craft with Mrs. Kim of R&L Trimmings. After that, you'll meet Mrs. Parker of Vista Company at her office. Then, you'll visit Vista's factory at 4:30. Finally, there's a company dinner at 7:00 pm.
Zo: Wow, that's quite a day!
Ms. Clarke: And it starts now...
|
No time to spare |
manager
executive asisstant
today
schedule
meeting
building
a.m.
at
noon
to eat
lunch
with
to meet
factory
company
dinner
now |
This is...
She has today's schedule.
Friday, May 23rd.
To have a meeting [with someone]
To have lunch
To meet [someone]
To visit [place]
Wow, that is quite a [noun]! |
Sentence order for an agenda or schedule, more prepositions, adverbs of time |
| 15 |
Standing Out from the Crowd with These English Tricks and Tips |
Dinner party |
Talking about likes and dislikes,
asking for advice |
Ms. Clarke: Great job, everyone. This is Zo Viljoen, from South Africa.
Ms. Clarke: Zo, please introduce yourself.
Zo: Hello, everyone! My name's Zo. I'm from Cape Town, South Africa. I'm a manager at the Alta office in South Africa. And I really like New York.
Group (multiple voices): Nice to meet you.
Ms. Clarke: Thank you, Zo.
Colleague #1: Zo! Hi! My name's Tom. Nice to meet you!
Zo: Same here!
Colleague #1: Do you like steak?
Zo: No, I don't like it. [Pauses] I love it!
Group (multiple voices): [Laughter]
Colleague #1: Zo, you're funny. What about Long Island clams? Do you like Long Island clams?
Colleague #1: Hmm ... what is it?
Colleague #1: Ahh ... Long Island clams are delicious! You'll love it! It's very... Long Island!
Zo: [laughs] Okay! What else do you recommend?
Colleague #1: Okay, leave it to me! Oh, and to drink?
Zo: I'll leave it to you.
Colleague #1: Great! Waitress! I like you, Zo! |
Going out to dinner in America |
to love
funny
what
it
you
very
else
to recommend
waitress |
Great job!
Please sit.
You're funny.
What about [noun]?
It's very [place-derived adjective]!
Leave it to me.
I'll leave it to you.
And to drink?
Waitress! |
The verb "to like," the phrase "to leave to" |
| 16 |
Fitting in and Making Friends - Several Surefire Phrases to Help Your Social Life |
Cuisine and conversation |
Expressing opinions,
asking about things you see,
accepting invitations |
Waitress: Here you are—one filet mignon, two bleu cheese burgers, Kobe sliders, and Long Island Top Neck clams, and pork belly with coleslaw.
Ms. Clarke: Cheers!
Colleague #1: Cheers.
Zo: Cheers.
Ms. Clarke: Let's eat!
Colleague #1: Zo, try this!
Zo: Okay. What's this?
Colleague #2: Oh—that's pork belly! It's good!
Colleague #1: Well, what do you think?
Zo: I think it's great. It's very delicious!
Colleague #1: He likes it! Great! Now try this.
Zo: Hmm…. It's not bad.
Colleague #1: [laughs] He doesn't like it!
Colleague #1: Zo, you're funny! Are you free tomorrow?
Zo: Yes.
Colleague #1: Tomorrow, we're going to a basketball game! You should come! Let's go together.
Zo: Really?
Colleague #1: Of course!
Zo: Then sure!
Colleague #1: We'll meet at Penn Station at 11 a.m. tomorrow. Here's my phone number.
Zo: Great! See you tomorrow. |
Delicious American cuisine |
appointment
name
with
moment
apology
to keep
to wait
something
U.S.
good
busy
today
long
day
ready |
Cheers!
Let's eat!
Try this.
Great.
It's not bad.
Are you free tomorrow?
Really?
Is it OK/all right?
Of course.
Then sure.
We'll meet at [location] at [time].
See you at [time]. |
The verb "to think," inviting someone to join you |
| 17 |
Tame Talking on the Big Bad Telephone in English with These Tips |
Meeting up |
Finding the person you're looking for |
(Zo calls colleague #1)
Colleague #1: Hello. This is Tom.
Zo: Good morning, it's Zo.
Colleague #1: Zo, where are you?
Zo: I don't know.
Colleague #1: We don't see you.
Zo: Yes, and I don't see you! [laughs] Where are you?
Colleague #1: We're in front of Madison Square Garden.
Zo: Hm... I think I'm somewhere near there.
Colleague #1: Hm…. Okay, what do you see? What buildings, signs or landmarks?
Zo: I see Macy's, the department store. And an Old Navy store. There's an AT&T store.
Colleague #1: Oh! I know where you are. Wait there. We'll come to you.
Zo: Thank you...and so sorry!
Colleague #1: No problem! Don't move! [laughs]
Colleague #1: There you are! Ready?
Zo: I am! Sorry about that! |
Get along to a game |
where
we
to see
at
what
a
building
landmark
big
sign
place
to wait
there
to
go |
Hello. This is [name].
Where are you?
We're at [location].
What buildings, signs, or landmarks?
I know that place.
Please wait there.
We'll come to you. |
The verb "to know," negative statements |
| 18 |
Pickup Lines That Don't Work, and Ones that Do! |
Opposite sex |
Talking about frequency of actions |
Zo: Thanks again. How often do you do this?
Colleague #1: Usually 1 time per season. Hey, what's that?
Zo: This? Oh, it's just a book...
Colleague #1: "Pickup Lines that Work, Guaranteed! Meet American Girls!" Pass it over.
Zo: [nervously] Here you are.
Colleague #2: [clears throat and imitates Barry White] "So, do you come here often?" [laughing] Zo, you cheeky guy! You little devil!
Zo: Me? No!
Colleague #1: [laughs] Just kidding. "You must be tired, because you've been running through my mind all day!" [laughs]
Colleague #2: That will NOT work!
Zo: Then what do you say?
Colleague #1: I sometimes say, "Hi, there. Having a good time?" I won't say, "So, do you come here often?".
Colleague #2: I always say, "It's nice to see you here."
Zo: That works?
Colleague #1: It always works. 100 percent guaranteed. |
The American dating game |
to come
to do
how
often
usually
1 (one)time
per
season
what
to be
this
that
just
book
to pass
here
you
American
sometimes
always
to work
guaranteed |
This?
1 time per season.
Oh, it's just a...
Pickup lines
Pass it over.
So, do you come here often?
You must be tired, because you've been running through my mind all day!
You cheeky guy!
You little devil!
Just kidding.
That works?
100% guaranteed. |
The verb "to say," adverbs of frequency, "won't/will not" |
| 19 |
5 Places You Have to See When in New York |
Things to do in New York |
Expressing desire to do something (and the odds that you will) |
Zo: Thank you again!
Colleague #1: So Zo, what will you do this week?
Zo: I'm not sure. On Saturday and Sunday I'll do a homestay, so I have (3) days. I want to go to the MoMA.
Colleague #1: Oh, the MoMA's great! Will you go to the Guggenheim?
Zo: Probably. I really want to go.
Colleague #1: And what about the Hamptons?
Zo: Maybe, I want to go there, but I don't know. It's a little far.
Colleague #1: And Coney Island?
Zo: Probably, but I'm not sure
Colleague #3: Oh, St. John the Divine?
Zo: What's that?
Colleague #3: St. John the Divine—it's a really old, huge cathedral on Amsterdam Avenue in Morningside Heights. Uptown.
Zo: Can you please write down the name? |
A packed itinerary |
Faire
La semaine
Lundi et mardi
Les amis
de
Mes parents
les jours
Vouloir
Aller
Sûrement
Peut-être
Sûrement pas
|
I'm not sure.
I'll do a homestay.
What about the Hamptons?
And Coney Island?
Can you please write down the name?
Definitely!
Probably.
Maybe.
Probably not. |
"Will," "to want," "probably/probably not/maybe" |
| 20 |
You Better Ask Before You Do This in America |
Permission |
Asking for permission |
Zo: Excuse me, what time do you open?
Staff: At 10:00 a.m.
Zo: What time is it now?
Staff: 9:50 a.m.
Zo: Okay, I'll wait.
(10:00 a.m.)
Staff: Sorry to keep you waiting.
Zo: One, please.
Staff: That'll be $20.
Zo: Here you are.
Staff: That's $20, exactly. Enjoy the museum.
Zo: Excuse me, can I take a photo here?
Security: I'm sorry. No pictures.
Zo: How about video?
Security: Hmmm.... I guess that's all right. Go ahead.
|
No photography allowed |
what
time
to open
a.m.
now
to wait
1 (one)
dollar
exactly
to take
photo
here
video |
What time is it now?
One, please.
That's $20, exactly.
I'm sorry. No pictures.
How about video?
Hmmm...
I guess that's all right.
Go ahead./Yes, you may. |
"What time do you...?", "Excuse me..." |
| 21 |
Getting the Best Table and American Dish in Town |
Eating out |
Getting the table and food you want at a restaurant |
Clerk #1: Hello, sir, how many?
Zo: One, please.
Clerk #1: Right this way. Here you are.
Zo: Hmm…. Can I sit there instead?
Clerk #1: Sure! What would you like to drink?
Zo: Water, please.
Clerk #1: And what will you be having to eat?
Zo: What do you recommend?
Clerk #1: Definitely the patatak mentaiko—crispy fries with spicy cod roe mayo.
Zo: I'll have that. Also, what's that—what she's having?
Clerk #1: Those are our kroketas—crispy, creamy croquettes.
Zo: I'll have that, too.
Clerk #1: Yes, sir.
[moments later]
Clerk #1: Is everything all right?
Zo: Yes, very nice. Thank you. |
A melting pot |
how
many
smoking
non-smoking
to sit
there
to recommend
also
all right
very
nice |
How many?
Smoking or non-smoking?
What would you like to drink?
And what will you be having to eat?
I'll have that.
I'll also have that.
Is everything all right?
Very nice. |
Requesting something using the phrase "Can I...?" and asking, "What do you recommend?" |
| 22 |
You Paid What?! The Best Place to Shop in America |
Shopping |
Trying street food |
(Street festival ambience)
Clerk #1: I got popcorn here—get your popcorn!
Clerk #2: Cotton candy! Cotton candy here!
Zo: Excuse me, what are these?
Clerk #3: Oh—these are funnel cakes. Very delicious!
Zo: What's in it?
Clerk #3: There's some flour, a little egg, butter, and sugar—a lot of sugar!
Zo: How much are they?
Clerk #3: $3.
Zo: And those there...what are they?
Clerk #3: Those are corn dogs. They cost $2 each.
Zo: I'll take 1 of each.
Clerk #3: Here you are. That'll be $5.
Zo: Here's $20.
Clerk #3: Do you have a smaller bill?
Zo: Sorry, I don't.
Clerk #3: Okay. No problem. Here's your change.
Zo: Thanks! |
A fair day for a street fair |
in, each, credit card, popcorn, cotton candy, flour, change, bill |
I got popcorn here—get your popcorn!
Cotton candy! Cotton candy here!
What's in it?
I'll take/I'll have...
Something smaller
Big bills
Small bills
|
Plural demonstrative pronouns and asking for something using "Do you have...?" |
| 23 |
Take Charge of the Situation Using Your English |
Directions |
Asking for directions |
Train/bus Announcement: The next stop's 89th Street.
Zo: Excuse me, what stop's this?
Passenger: This is 89th Street.
Zo: What's the next stop?
Passenger: 82nd Street.
Zo: Thank you.
Passenger: You're welcome.
[train/bus announcement for stop]
[sound of bus closing door and pulling away]
Zo: Excuse me, where's the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
Helpful Person: Go straight and turn left at the first light. Then go straight and turn right at the second intersection. It's on the right.
Zo: Thank you.
Helpful Person: Oh, you're welcome! |
Getting around New York |
next, stop, where, to go, straight, to turn, left, at, first, second |
The next stop is...
What stop is this?
What's the next stop?
1st light.
At the light.
On the right.
2nd intersection.
A right at the intersection. |
Simple imperatives, ordinal numbers |
| 24 |
Make the Most of Your English Skills—Get in the Game with This Tactic |
Chance reunion |
Talking about ongoing actions |
Zo: [clears throat] "So, do you come here often?"
Michelle: Huh? Zo? What are you doing here?
Zo: [laughs] I'm sightseeing. What are you doing here?
Michelle: I'm working. I'm waiting for a client. So how's New York?
Zo: It's great. Really, it's unbelievable!
Michelle: Ah, that's my client over there. I really want to hear about your trip, but...
Zo: Do you have time this weekend?
Michelle: Yes, I do. How about tomorrow?
Zo: Tomorrow, I'm going to a barbecue with my homestay family.
Michelle: Aww, that's so American! How about Sunday?
Zo: Perfect.
Michelle: I'll send you an email.
Zo: Great. See you then...
Michelle: Bye! |
It's a small world even in the big city |
here
to sightsee
to work
to wait
for
client
how
really
unbelievably
over there
to here
about |
Really unbelievable!
To wait for [someone or something]
To hear about [something]
Do you have time this weekend?
I'm going to a barbecue with my homestay family.
That's so American!
Perfect. |
Present progressive tense, "here"/"there" |
| 25 |
The Best American Dish You'll Ever Have (1) |
Family |
Visiting a home, talking about family |
Host Mother: Welcome to our home! Please come in!
Zo: Thank you very much. I'm Zo. It's nice to meet you!
Host Mother: Nice to meet you, too! I'm Sandy, and this is my husband, Bob.
Host Father: Great to meet you, Zo.
Host Mother: Please come in, and make yourself at home. How about something to drink?
Zo: Oh...yes, please!
Host Mother: I'll bring you some lemonade.
Zo: This is a lovely house. Is this a picture of your family?
Host Father: Yes, this is my son, and these are my two daughters. They all live in Boston.
Host Mother: [wistfully] Ahh, our babies. Zo, how many people are there in your family?
Zo: There are 5 people in my family, including me: my mother, father, sister and brother. |
Visiting an American home |
our
home
husband
wife
to come in
to bring
lovely
house
apartment
picture
son
daughter
all
to live
baby
how many
people
family
mother
father
sister
brother |
Please come in.
Please make yourself at home.
I'll bring you some...
A lovely house
Is this a picture of your family?
This is my son.
These are my daughters.
They all live in... |
The phrase "How many people are there in your family?", the phrase "I'll bring you some..." |
| 26 |
The Best American Dish You'll Ever Have (2) |
At Bob and Sandy's |
Talking about the past |
Host Father: Let's eat!
Zo: This food's absolutely incredible! It's so delicious!
Host Father: Yes...outstanding, Sandy. I'm pretty lucky!
Zo: A beautiful home, a lovely family, and incredible food!
Host Mother: Oh, stop it! Thank you, Zo. So tell us, how's America?
Zo: Oh, America's great! The people are wonderful, and New York's exciting.
Host Mother: And how was the basketball game?
Zo: It was really great. We had a lot of fun. Also, the weather was great!
Host Mother: Ah, a game. Yes. So many nice memories, but that was many years ago. So much fun!
Host Father: Well, speaking of fun, wait for tomorrow! Tomorrow we'll go to that barbecue!
Zo: I'm really looking forward to it! |
Making small talk |
food
absolutely
incredible
so
delicious
beautiful
lovely
to tell
how
people
nice
country
quiet
relaxing
weather
many
memory
year
ago
tomorrow
to look forward
really
|
Absolutely, so
I'm pretty lucky.
A beautiful home, a lovely family, and incredible food!
Oh, stop it!
So many nice memories, but that was many years ago.
So much fun!
Speaking of [something]...
I'm really looking forward to it! |
The phrase "So tell us," the simple past tense of the verb "to be," and simple past tense adjectives
|
| 27 |
Your English is Getting Too Good! |
Going out with a friend |
Talking about the past |
Michelle: So how was the barbecue yesterday?
Zo: It was great. Really beautiful. We drove to Bear Mountain! We ate burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and salad—and we drank Coca-Cola [laughs].
Michelle: [laughs] Did you play badminton?
Zo: Yes, we did! It was great!
Michelle: Wow! [giggles] So American!
Zo: How about you? What did you do yesterday?
Michelle: (sounding regretful) I worked.
Zo: Poor you!
Michelle: [laughs] Your English is too good!
Zo: [laughs]
Waitress: Here you are. Heirloom tomato, fennel, and avocado salad, butternut squash soup, vegetable lasagna, and steamed vegetables.
Michelle: Oh my gosh, this is so good! Who told you about this place?
Zo: It's a secret!
Michelle: Too good! |
Get outside and grill |
yesterday
to go
to eat
to do
just
to work
too
good
who
to tell
aobut
place
secret
barbecue
to drive
burger
hot dog
sandwich
to play
badminton
Bear mountain
to drink |
So American!
Poor you.
Too good!
It's a secret!
|
Simple past tense, high-frequency verbs, question "Who told you about this place?" |
| 28 |
How to See All the Important Sites in the Shortest Amount of Time—Make the Most of Your Time |
Sightseeing |
Sightseeing in New York |
Ticket agent: Next!
Zo: What tours do you have?
Ticket agent: We have a half-day tour of downtown and we have a full-day All Around Town tour.
Zo: Where will the full-day tour go?
Ticket agent: The full-day tour is from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. It'll go to Central Park, St. John the Divine Cathedral, Grant's Tomb, and Harlem. Then you'll visit Museum Mile, Fifth Avenue, and Rockefeller Center.
Zo: Can the tour guide speak nice, slow, clear English? [laughs]
Ticket agent: [laughs] Of course. She can speak nice, slow, clear English, as well as French, and Spanish.
Zo: [laughs] Okay, great! The full-day tour, please.
Ticket agent: That'll be $35.
Zo: Is a credit card okay?
Ticket agent: Of course.
Zo: Here you are.
Ticket agent: Sign, please. Thank you. Here's your receipt. The tour starts at 9 a.m. Please be in front of this building at eight fifty a.m.
Zo: Thank you. |
So much to do, so little time |
tour
half-day tour
full-day tour
where
to go
from
to eat
to visit
lunch
at
can
tour guide
to speak
credit card
in front
to start |
What tours do you have?
We have a half-day tour of downtown, and we have a full-day All Around Town tour.
Where will the tours go?
Is a credit card OK?
Sign, please.
The tour starts at 9 a.m.
Please be in front of this building at 8:50 a.m. |
"can"/"to be able," tag questions |
| 29 |
Master Speaking on the Phone with your American Friends |
Phone conversations |
Leaving a voicemail |
Voice mailbox girl: I'm sorry. The person you are trying to reach is out of the service area.
(phone hangs up) (sound of phone dialing)
Voice mailbox girl: Connecting to the voice mailbox of
Colleague #1's Voicemail: Tom.
(music plays)
Voice mailbox girl: Please leave a message after the beep.
Zo: Hi, Tom! This is Zo. Thank you again for everything! Thanks to you, the trip was great. It was great to meet you! I'll send mail from Cape Town. Goodbye. Don't forget to email me!
(beep)
Voice mailbox girl: Press pound to send this message. Press 1 to re-record.
(sound of button pressed)
Voice mailbox girl: Thank you. Your message was sent.
(sound of phone dialing) |
- leaving messages (erasing, etc.)
- message from phone company |
to connect
voicemail
leave
message
beep
thanks
to met
to send
mail
U.S.
to press
pound
to rerecord
to reach
phone
outside
range
turned
off
|
Connecting to the voice mailbox of [name].
Please leave a message after the beep.
Thanks to you,
I'll send mail from [place].
Don't forget to email me!
Press 1 to re-record. |
Reviewing the present progressive and simple past tenses |
| 30 |
Where Does Your English Go From Here? |
Checkout/going home |
Giving a good reason for something |
Front desk worker: Good morning, Mr. Viljoen.
Zo: Good morning! Checkout, please!
Front desk worker: Yes, sir. Also, you have some messages.
Zo: Oh, thank you.
Front desk worker: What's wrong?
Zo: I don't want to leave.
Front desk worker: So why leave?
Zo: Well...because I have work. And because I live in South Africa.
Front desk worker: That's a good reason. Hmmm...can you work here in America? And live here?
Zo: That's a good idea, I'll have to think about it. Thanks for everything. |
Living the American dream |
maybe
reason
some
to want
wrong |
Checkout, please.
What's wrong?
To live in [place]
Maybe I can. |
Present simple negative form, giving reasons, questions using "can" |
