The document contains examples of conversations in different situations such as making introductions, making plans, going to the store, giving directions, and more. The conversations demonstrate common greetings, questions, and expressions used in informal and formal situations between friends, family members, customers and workers.

1. 1. Greetings 2. Introductions
(informal) William: Great party, don’t you think? Are you
Wendy: Hey, Dave! friends of the host?
Dave: Oh, hi, Wendy. What’s up? Ophelia: Yes, actually. Michael and I are friends
Wendy: Not a whole lot. How are things with from school. I’m Ophelia, and this is my
you? friend Lucas.
Dave: Pretty good. Hey, I’ve got to run, but I’ll William: Pleased to meet you. My name is
talk to you later. William. I’m a friend of Michael’s from
Wendy: Alright, good to see you. work.
Dave: Good to see you, too. Ophelia: Nice to meet you, too. Enjoy the party!
Wendy: Bye. William: You, too.
(formal)
Ricky: Good morning, Lucy.
Lucy: Good morning, Ricky. How are you?
Ricky: Fine, thanks, and you?
Lucy: I’m fine, thank you. Good to see you,
Ricky. Have a good day.
Ricky: Thanks, you too. Goodbye.
Lucy: Goodbye.
how are things – how is life, how are you host – person who invites guests
pretty good – not bad actually – truly, in fact
I’ve got to run – I’m busy now. I have no time to talk. pleased to meet you – I’m happy we met
Good morning – depending on the time of day, people also greet one
another with “good afternoon” and “good evening”

2. 3. Making Plans 4. Talking on the Phone
Brad: Hey, Jennifer, what are you up to tonight? Dustin: Hello?
Jennifer: I have to work until six o’clock, but after Mrs. Robinson: Hi, there. May I please speak with
that I’m free. Why, what’s up? Dustin?
Brad: There’s a new movie out I’d like to see. Dustin: Speaking.
Do you want to go? Mrs. Robinson: This is Mrs. Robinson down the
Jennifer: Sure, what are the show times? street. I was wondering if you
Brad: It’s playing at the downtown cinema at could cut my grass on Saturday. I’d
7:00 and 10:30. pay you twenty dollars.
Jennifer: Well, 7:00 might be cutting it close. Let’s Dustin: I would like to, but I may go to the
go to the late show. lake on Saturday with my dad. Can
Brad: Sounds good. I’ll pick you up at 9:00. I call you back?
Mrs. Robinson: Certainly. Talk to you soon.
Dustin: Goodbye.
Mrs. Robinson: Goodbye.
what are you up to – what are you doing?
out – in the theaters
show times – time which movies start
playing – showing
cutting it close – not having enough time down the street – living on the same street, in a different building
late show – the later time, here 10:30 may – might, maybe
I’ll pick you up – I’ll come to your house and then we’ll go together.

3. 5. Giving Directions 6. Going to the Supermarket
Charlie: Excuse me, I seem to be lost. Can you tell Customer: Excuse me, I’m looking for red
me how to get to the History Museum? cabbage. Can you tell me where to find
Farrah: Sure. First go straight down this street it?
until you reach Angel Street. Take a right Worker: Red cabbage is in the produce section.
and go past the Barrymore Hotel. You’ll That’s aisle two.
see a bus stop on your left. Take the Customer: I looked, but there didn’t seem to be
number three bus to the Cameron Park any.
stop. It will let you off in front of the Worker: Let me ask the produce manager and
museum. check in the back for you.
Charlie: Thanks for your help. Do you know how Customer: I’d appreciate it. Thanks.
much the bus fare is? Worker: No problem.
Farrah: It’s only a dollar. Good luck!
Charlie: Thanks again.
I seem to be lost – I don’t know where I am produce – fruits and vegetables
reach – come to aisle – row of goods in a supermarket
bus stop – place where buses stop to let people on and off there didn’t seem to be any – I couldn’t find any
fare – cost to ride in the back – in storage, where supermarkets keep extra goods
appreciate – be thankful for

4. 7. At the Clothing Store 8. Going to the Bank
Clerk: Can I help you, sir? Teller: Good afternoon, can I help you,
Customer: Yes, I’m looking for a dress shirt and a ma’am?
pair of jeans. Customer: Yes, I’d like to withdraw some money
Clerk: Our menswear section is this way. from my account.
Please follow me. What size are you Teller: Certainly. What is your account
looking for? number?
Customer: Medium shirt and for the jeans, 34 long Customer: 8-6-7-5-3-0-9.
34 waist. Teller: Is that checking or savings?
Clerk: Here you are. Why don’t you try these Customer: Savings.
on? Teller: How much would you like to withdraw?
(five minutes later) Customer: One hundred fifty dollars, please.
Clerk: Does everything fit? Teller: Alright, ma’am. I need to see some
Customer: The shirt fits, but the jeans are too big. I identification. Please sign here. And
must have lost some weight. here is your cash. Thank you, and have
a nice day.
Customer: Thanks, you, too.
sir – polite (formal) greeting for a man ma’am – polite (formal) greeting for a woman
dress shirt – formal shirt, usually worn with a suit withdraw – to take money out of a bank account
pair – with pants or trousers, we say pair; also, pair of socks, pair of checking – account from which you can write checks
shoes, pair of glasses savings – account where you save money
menswear section – part of a clothing store where men’s clothing is identification – ID – passport, driver’s license, or a card with a person’s
34 long, 34 waist – in American sizes, 34 inches long and 34 inches picture and personal information
around the waist

5. 9. At a Flea Market 10. At the Gas Station
Buyer: How much for these skis? Attendant: What will it be today, sir?
Vendor: I’ll sell you those for fifty dollars. Customer: Fill her up with unleaded.
Buyer: That’s awfully expensive. Will you take Attendant: Regular or premium?
thirty? Customer: Regular is fine.
Vendor: I can’t just give them away! How about Attendant: That will be 25 dollars. Cash or
we meet in the middle? Forty dollars. I’ll credit?
even throw in the poles. Customer: Here’s my credit card.
Buyer: Sounds good. You have yourself a deal. Attendant: Alright. All set, sir. Thanks, and come
again.
Customer: Thank you.
Flea Market – large market where used items are sold or traded What will it be – What would you like? What will you buy?
awfully – very much Fill her up – fill my car’s gas tank with gasoline
give them away – sell them for too low a price unleaded – a type of gasoline (different than diesel fuel)
how about – said when making a suggestion, similar to let’s Cash or credit? – Will you pay in paper money or use a credit card?
throw in – give in addition, give as extra All set – finished
You have yourself a deal – Okay, I agree.

6. 11. At the Coffee Shop 12. At a Restaurant
Cashier: Can I help you, ma’am? Waiter: Are you ready to order?
Customer: Yes, I’d like two cups of coffee. Diner: Yes, I’d like to start off with a cup of
Cashier: Small, medium, or large? soup. What is the soup of the day?
Customer: Small, please. Waiter: Tomato.
Cashier: Regular or decaf? Diner: That sounds good. Then I’ll have a
Customer: One regular, one decaf, please. chicken sandwich. Please hold the
Cashier: Okay, that will be $3.79. Out of five? pickles.
Your change is $1.21. Here’s your Waiter: Would you like fries and salad with that?
coffee, and this is the decaf. Thank you. Diner: Yes, please.
Customer: Thank you. Waiter: And to drink?
Diner: Water is fine, thanks.
Waiter: Okay. Your lunch will be out shortly.
order – say what food you want to eat in a restaurant
decaf – without caffeine start off – begin
out of five – the customer gave the cashier $5.00 to pay soup of the day – often, restaurants have a different soup every day
change – when the customer pays more than the price, this money is hold the pickles – do not put pickles on my sandwich
returned to the customer fries – French fried potatoes
out – out of the kitchen and ready for you to eat

7. 13. Table Manners 14. Describing a Good Friend
Mom: What did you make for dinner, honey? Gwen: Have you ever met my friend George?
Dad: Well, we have roast beef, mashed potatoes, Gavin: No, I don’t think so. What does he look
salad, and corn on the cob. like again?
Brother: Smells good, Dad. Let’s eat. Gwen: He has short, curly, black hair. He’s tall
Sister: Can you please pass the potatoes? and thin and always wears a jean jacket.
Mom: Sure, here you go, sweetie. Gavin: Doesn’t ring a bell. I don’t think I’ve met
Dad: Can I cut you a slice of roast beef, son? him. What is he like?
Brother: That’d be great, Dad. Gwen: He’s really talkative, friendly, and smart.
Sister: Oops! I forgot to wash my hands. Excuse He’s a journalist, and he likes to write.
me, I’ll be right back. Gavin: Sounds like a nice guy.
Mom: Everything tastes great, honey. Thanks for Gwen: Yeah, he’s a good friend of mine.
making dinner.
honey – word for a loved person
corn on the cob – whole corn, not from a can
pass – to give or to hand over
sweetie – word for a loved person again – remind me
Oops! – word of forgetfulness or for when a person makes a mistake Doesn’t ring a bell – I don’t remember anyone/anything like that.
I’ll be right back – I’m going but will return very soon. Yeah – yes

8. 15. Someone is Sad 16. Someone is Excited
Belle: What’s wrong? Why are you crying? Alvin: What happened? Why are you so happy
Sebastian: I just got a call from my uncle. My today?
grandmother has passed away. Simon: I just came from the hospital. My wife just
Belle: Oh no! That’s horrible! I’m so sorry. gave birth to our first child. It’s a boy! I’m
Sebastian: Thanks for your sympathy. Although she a father!
was old, it was very unexpected. Alvin: That’s great news. Congratulations!
Belle: Well, if you need anything, please let me What’s his name?
know. Simon: Theodore David.
Sebastian: I will, thanks. Alvin: Wonderful. Give my best to the new
mom.
Simon: Will do.
call – to talk on the telephone
passed away – died Give my best – send my greetings
let me know – tell me Will do – I will do that.

9. 17. Someone is Angry 18. Fixing Dinner
Wife: What’s wrong, honey? Son: Hey, Mom, what’s for dinner?
Husband: I’m so angry! Today at work, that brown- Mom: Chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and
noser Atkins got a promotion, while I’ve carrots. Can you give me a hand?
been working hard for seven years and am Son: Sure, how can I help?
yet to see even a raise. Mom: Well, start peeling carrots. When you finish,
Wife: That’s crazy! You must be so frustrated. mash the potatoes in the big pot.
Husband: Believe me, I am. Son: No problem. Should I chop the carrots after I
Wife: Oh, dear. Try not to let it get you down peel them?
too much. Mom: That would be great, dear.
Husband: It just upsets me.
brown-noser – person who is very nice to the boss so the boss will like
him or her
promotion – increase in job level
raise – an increase in job pay, or salary give me a hand – help me
crazy – unbelievable, strange, or difficult that would be great – yes, please
get you down – make you sad

10. 19. A Family Squabble 20. At the Doctor’s Office
Marcia: Mom! Peter took my new notebook, and Receptionist: Can I help you?
he won’t give it back! Patient: Yes, I have a terrible headache and a
Peter: Did not! stomachache. I would like to see the
Marcia: Did too! doctor.
Mom: Now, Peter, it isn’t nice to take your Receptionist: Do you have an appointment,
sister’s belongings without asking. Please ma’am?
give it back and apologize. Patient: No, I’m afraid I don’t.
Peter: But she started it! Receptionist: Let me speak with the doctor. Maybe
Marcia: Did not! we can squeeze you in before lunch.
Peter: Did too! Patient: Thank you, that would be great.
Squabble – argument appointment – time for a meeting with someone
give it back – return it to me I’m afraid – I’m sorry, but it appears
started it – began the argument squeeze you in – change the schedule to find a time for an appointment

11. 21. At the Dentist 22. At the Pharmacy
Smith: Good morning, I have a 9:30 Pharmacist: Hi, can I help you?
appointment with Dr. Morrisey. Ted: Yes, I’m here to pick up a
Receptionist: And your name, sir? prescription.
Smith: John Smith. Pharmacist: And your name is?
Receptionist: Alright, and you’re here to have a Ted: Ted Leo. I believe my doctor’s office
cavity filled, correct? called it in.
Smith: That’s right. Pharmacist: Mmmhmmm, here it is. Your total is
Receptionist: Has your insurance information $15.52. Please pay at the cashier’s
changed since your last visit? desk.
Smith: No, I’m still with Vicar Insurance. Ted: Thanks.
Receptionist: Okay, please fill out this form, and the
doctor will be with you shortly.
Dr. – doctor pick up – get, take
cavity filled – to fix and fill a hole in a person’s tooth And your name is? – What is your name?
visit – appointment called it in – telephoned the pharmacy to prepare the medicine
shortly – soon

12. 23. At the Post Office 24. Ordering the Newspaper
Postal worker: Hi, how can I help you? (ring ring ring)
Ben: I’d like to send this package. Receptionist: Good morning, Metropolis Daily
Postal worker: Air mail or surface? News, how can I help you?
Ben: Air mail. I would like it to get there Lois: Hello, I’d like to subscribe to the
as soon as possible. newspaper.
Postal worker: Our fastest is two to three day air Receptionist: May I have your name and address,
mail. ma’am?
Ben: That’s fine. Lois: Of course. Lois Lane, 77 Kent
Postal worker: Okay, that comes to $27.55. Street, Apartment C, Metropolis
Anything else, sir? 54321.
Ben: Yes, can you add a roll of stamps to Receptionist: An annual subscription is $40.00.
that? How would you like to pay?
Lois: Can you please bill me?
Receptionist: Certainly. Thank you, and have a
nice day.
subscribe – order, buy
Lois Lane – person’s name
77 Kent Street – building number and street name
Apartment C – apartment/flat number
surface – by land or water (car, truck, train, or boat) Metropolis – town or city name (usually followed by a state name)
get there – arrive 54321 – zip code, postal code; every US town or neighborhood has a
comes to – total cost is different five-number code
roll of stamps – many stamps annual – yearly, for one year
bill me – send me the price by mail and I will pay

13. 25. Buying a Cellular Phone 26. Watching Television
Salesperson: Good afternoon, can I help you? DJ: Let’s watch the nature channel. Maybe that
Simon: Yes, I’d like to buy a cell phone. What show Amazing Animals is on.
is your least expensive model? Jesse: Nah, I’d rather watch the basketball game.
Salesperson: That would be the Fokia 22. It is DJ: Well, you have the remote control. You
$89.90. choose.
Simon: I’ll take it. I’ll also be needing a year Jesse: I can’t find any basketball. After I watch the
of service and 100 minutes a month. news, you can watch whatever you want.
Salesperson: That plan costs $26.99 per month. DJ: Sounds fair. My favorite shows don’t come
Your total for today, with tax, comes on until later anyway.
to $123.90. Cash or credit?
Simon: Credit. Here’s my card.
Salesperson: Alright, thank you. We will activate
your phone right away.
cell – mobile, wireless show – program on television
a year of service – service for one full year on – now showing
a month – every month, also per month nah – no
activate – begin service Sounds fair. – I agree. No problem.
right away – without delay, very soon

14. 27. The Internet 28. Getting Something Repaired
Steve: Hey, Kate, did you check out my webpage? Technician: Hi, can I help you?
Kate: Yeah, it was great. I loved your blogs about Carrie: Yes, my laptop is broken. I’m not sure
traveling through Europe. if there’s a problem with the battery or
Steve: If you ever need to get ahold of me, just send if it’s something more serious.
me an email. My address is Technician: Uh huh, and when did you first have
SteveO@mail.com. problems with it?
Kate: Okay, I will. Do you know of any good Carrie: Last week when I was at work, the
shopping websites? screen went blank and the computer
Steve: Yeah, you can try buystuff.com or shut down.
superdeal.com. They’re both pretty good. Technician: Interesting. Well, we’ll have a look at
it. Is there a number at which we can
reach you?
Carrie: Sure. 555-7879.
Technician: Okay, we’ll call you when we find the
problem.
check out – look at, inspect laptop – small computer you can carry
blogs – diary or journal on the internet uh huh – okay
get ahold of – contact shut down – turned off
SteveO@mail.com – spoken as “Steve O at mail dot com” have a look at – check, inspect

15. 29. Going on a Hike 30. At the Airport
Alexia: Beautiful day for a hike, don’t you think? Clerk: Good afternoon, sir. What is your
Roberto: Yeah, the weather is just perfect. Not too destination today?
hot and not a cloud in the sky. Traveler: I will be flying into Denver.
Alexia: I can’t believe how gorgeous the flowers Clerk: Alright, and what is your name, please?
are this spring. They’re everywhere – Traveler: My name is Lance Bass.
sunflowers, roses, marigolds … Clerk: Yes, here you are. You are scheduled to
Roberto: Hey, Alexia, hurry up and come check out fly from Miami to Denver with a two-hour
this view! layover in Houston. Is that correct?
Alexia: Wow! The mountains are so beautiful, and Traveler: Yes, that’s correct.
the trees are full of buds and leaves. Clerk: Any luggage to check?
Roberto: I wish I had brought my camera to take a Traveler: Nope.
picture of this. Clerk: Can I please see a piece of identification so
Alexia: Me too. I’m glad we decided to take a hike I can issue your ticket?
today. Traveler: Here’s my driver’s license.
Clerk: Thank you. Here is your boarding pass,
sir. Your flight will be leaving from Gate
A3 in Terminal 2. Just follow the signs.
Have a good flight.
Traveler: Thanks.
here you are – I found your name in the computer
layover – time waiting for the next flight out of an airport
check – give luggage to put in the storage part of the plane
nope – no
driver’s license – example of identification
check out – look at boarding pass – ticket to get on the plane
Wow! – word of surprise or wonder Gate A3, Terminal 2 – gate, where the plane waits; terminal, large part
of the airport

16. 31. Discussing Travel 32. At the Train Station
Jake: Hey, Elizabeth, I was thinking about Cashier: Can I help you, ma’am?
going to Europe this summer. Have you Traveler: Yes, I’d like to go to Philadelphia today.
ever been to Europe? Cashier: Okay. There are three trains – morning,
Elizabeth: I’ve only been to France. It was great. afternoon, and night. The 8:00 AM train
Have you seen pictures of the Eiffel has already departed, so would you like to
Tower? take the afternoon or night train?
Jake: Of course I’ve seen pictures of it! Traveler: The afternoon train. What time does it
Elizabeth: Well, pictures don’t do it justice, it’s so leave?
beautiful. Have you ever eaten French Cashier: It leaves at 3:30 PM from Track #9.
bread and cheese while overlooking the Traveler: How much for a ticket ?
Seine? Cashier: $20.00 for coach, $45.00 for first class.
Jake: No, I haven’t. I’ve never been to Europe. Traveler: I’ll take one coach ticket, please. Here is
Elizabeth: Well, if you go, you should definitely do $20.00.
that. And eat a crepe. Have you ever Cashier: And here’s your ticket. Again, your train
ridden in a plane before? departs from Track #9 at 3:30. You are in
Jake: No, I haven’t. This will be my first time. Car #5, Seat 2B. Enjoy your trip.
Elizabeth: It’s a long flight, but it’s worth it. Traveler: Thanks.
Jake: Sounds great. I’m really looking
forward to it. France, here I come!
don’t do it justice – don’t really describe how nice/beautiful it is Philadelphia – a US city in the state of Pennsylvania
the Seine – river in Paris coach – cheaper seats
should definitely do that – I recommend or advise you to do it first class – expensive seats
crepe – flat pastry car – trains have many cars
worth it – valuable, enjoyable although it takes a long time to get there seat – chair number
looking forward to – excited about

17. 33. Rumors 34. Holiday Plans
Mary: Hey, John, did you hear that Nick and Jessica Ruth: Winter break starts tomorrow. What are
broke up? you going to do for the holidays?
John: No, I didn’t hear that. But I did see Jessica at Andrew: I am going to my grandparents’ for
a club dancing with some guy who definitely Christmas. We are going Christmas tree
wasn’t Nick. shopping this weekend. What about you?
Mary: Really? I guess she’s already dating other What are you going to do for the holidays?
people. Ruth: I’ll stay at home with my family and
John: Why did they break up? celebrate Hanukkah.
Mary: I heard that Nick wanted to get married and Andrew: Are you going to buy a Christmas tree?
Jessica didn’t. Ruth: No, we don’t use trees to celebrate
John: Oh, man. He must be heartbroken. Hanukkah. We light a candle every night
Mary: There are plenty of fish in the sea. for eight days. We also exchange gifts
Including me! every night and eat lots of food.
John: Now I seem to remember hearing you had a Andrew: We exchange gifts, too, but only on
crush on Nick at one point. Christmas Day. We will have a big dinner
Mary: Maybe … with all my family.
Ruth: Gifts, food, and family – Hanukkah and
Christmas don’t sound that different.
Andrew: No, they don’t. Well, enjoy your holiday!
Ruth: Thanks, you too.
broke up – they quit being boyfriend and girlfriend
some guy – a man
heartbroken – sad, depressed
There are plenty of fish in the sea. – There are many other boyfriends Winter break – winter holiday
or girlfriends for a person in the world. Christmas – Christian holiday celebrated on December 25th
crush – to like a person Hanukkah – Jewish holiday celebrated for a week in the winter
at one point – one time in the past exchange – give and receive

18. 35. Studying Abroad
Connie: Phil! I just got a letter of acceptance to
the University of Ulaanbaatar! I’m going
to study abroad next year in Mongolia!
Phil: Congratulations! How long will you be
there for?
Connie: An entire schoolyear.
Phil: Where will you live?
Connie: I’ll live in the student dorms.
Phil: What made you decide to study abroad?
Connie: Well, I love to travel and I really want to
learn about Mongolian culture. Plus, I’ll
get to learn a new language.
Phil: Yeah, I hope you come back speaking
Mongolian fluently. Are you scared?
Won’t you miss your family?
Connie: No, I’m not scared. It’ll be an adventure. I
can always keep in touch with my family
via email and phone calls. Maybe they
will come visit me. You should, too!
Phil: Maybe I will. Good luck next year in
Mongolia. Stay warm.
letter of acceptance – letter inviting a person to study in a university
abroad – in a different country
dorms – dormitory, student housing
fluently – very well, without mistakes
keep in touch – to speak or write, remain in contact
via – through, by