By Ayman Barghash

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Functional English

Learning English Through Situations

Giving Personal Information

1. Introducing Yourself :

A- Hi, My name is ________________________

B- Hello. May name is _________________________

.

Getting the name right :

A- Sorry (Pardon), what’s your first name again?

B- It is ____________________

Asking someone’s occupation :

A- What do you do?

B- I’m a ________________________________

A- What about you?

B- I work for __________________

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Asking for more information :

A- Really? What company do you go to?

B- I go to ____________________ work for____________

A- What are you studying?

A= What do you do there exactly?

B I’m a secretary in Human Resources in Sales

In an interview “Getting information”

The Discussion that takes place between employer & Interviewee

1. Q. & A. about Name

A- Could I have your name, please?

B- It’s Ali, Ali Hamed.

A- It’s A.L.I.E?!

B- It’s A.L.I.

2. Q. & A. about Address

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A- Where do you live?

A= Could I have your address?

B- I live at 50 Km King Ramses Road.

A- Is that in Riyadh?

B- Yes, That’s right.

Or = No, It isn’t.

3. Q. & A. about, Telephone Number

A- What’s your telephone number?

A= Could I have your phone number?

B- It’s 0 5 6 7 2 9 3 6 2 3

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Describing your family

A Tell me about your family.

A= Do you have any brother or sisters?

A= Have you got any brothers or sisters?

B I have a brother but no sister.

B= I have got a brother and a sister.

Describing Marital status:

A Are you married?

A= Is he / she married?

B Yes, I am No. I am not

B= Yes, He /she is No, he/she isn’t.

Or = I am Single He/She is

Separated. Separated.

Divorced Divorced.

Widowed Widowed.

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Talking about your childrenA Do you have any children?

Or Have you got any children

B No, I don’t.

Or No I haven’t.

*No, I don’t. *Yes, I have 3 children, two * boys and a girl.

*No, I haven’t. *I have got a daughter.

*How old are they? *How old is she /he?

The oldest is ______________________

The Second oldest is ______________________

And the youngest is _______________________

My sons are ______________ and my daughter is -___________________

Do you have any Children?Have you got any Children?

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YESNO

Asking about age:

Q: How old is he / she?

A: Pretty Young Fairly Old Kind of

A= He is in his (mid) teens She is in her (early) seventies.

(Late) forties,

Asking for Description

Q: What does he look like? She

A: He’s fairly Tall/short She’s Pretty Thin. Heavy

Kind of tall and thin

Q: What colour is his /her hair?A: It’s black A: He brown hair

Gray She has blackgrey

Q: What’s his / her hair like?A: It’s long /short / medium length

Straight / wary / curly.

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Describing People:-

Q: What’s he/she wearing?A: He is wearing jeans and blue sweat shirt.

. a grey suit. . Black pants and a grey sport shirt.

A: She is wearing a white skirt and a pink blouse. .a tan uniform. purple summer dress.

Q: What does he / she have on?

A: He has a brown jacket on She a yellow hat on .a red raincoat on a pink shorts and a white T-Shirt.

Describing Things (1):-

Q: What size is it? A: It’s big / small. Long/ short Narrow/wide

Q: What shape is it? A: It's round / a circle Square / a square Rectangular / a rectangle Triangular / a triangle Oval / an oval

Flat

Q: What does it look like? A: It’s a long, narrow, flat thing.

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Describing Things (2):-

Q: What’s it made of? What are they

A: It’s made of wood They’ve plastic

Metal

Describing Uses:-

Q: What is it used for ?are they

A: A knife is used for cutting. Scissors are .

Days and Dates:-

Q: When is your birthday?. is the anniversary?

is the party?

A: It’s on Monday. October 13.

A: It’s in October.

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Starting and Finishing times:-

Q: When does the concert start? What time end?

A: It starts at 8:00 (sharp) It Ends about 10:15

Operating and closing times:-

Q: Could you (please) tell me when the concert opens? Can you what time it closes?

A: Sure! It starts at 10:00 (sharp) It Ends about 12:15

Describing Locations:- Q: Excuse me do you know where the hardware store is? Could you tell me where the hardware store is?

A: Sure. It’s on Elm Street across from the post office. between the 11th and 12th .A: Sorry. I am not sure.

B: Thank you. Or: Thank you anyway.

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Giving Directions:-

Q: Excuse me, which way is the Camera store? how do I get to the Camera store from here ?

A: It’s down this street on the right. Just past the parties' restaurant.

A: Go up two blocks, and turn right.

A: Go up this street, and take the second left.

Talking about likes and dislikes:-

Q: How do you like the city? What do you think of the people?

Q: Do you like the city? Riyadh?

A: I love it. I really like

A: It’s ok .all right.

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Agreeing and Disagreeing with likes and dislikes :-

OPINION AGREE DISAGREE

I love it. I like them.I hate it.

Really? So do I. me, too.

You do? I don’t. Really? I don’t.

I don’t like them (No) neither do I. Me neither.

You don’t? I do.

I can’t stand it (No) Neither can I.Me neither.

You can’t! I Like it. Really? I like it.

Stating Preferences :-

I like swimming, but I don’t like diving He likes classical music, but he can’t stand opera.

Accepting Invitations :-

Q: Do you feel like going out for dinner Saturday? What about tonight? How about

A: Sure I’d love to. OK that’s a great idea.

Why not? That’s a good idea.

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Declining Invitations:-

Q: Do you want to have lunch tomorrow? Would like to

A: Oh I am sorry, I can’t I have to meet a friend. I am afraid I’ve got to

Q: That’s too bad. May be next time.

Getting more information: Q: Would you like to go to a party this Saturday? Do you want to tomorrow?

A: Sounds good, what kind of party?Where is it?Who’s going?

Q: It’s a birthday party pot luck dinner. It’s at my place / Dave’s

Some people from work.

Suggesting Another Day :

A: I'm really sorry. I can’t make it.

Q: OK. May be we can do it Well, how about Friday, then Some other time then.

A: Yes, I’d really like to Great? That sounds good.

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Setting the time and place:-.

Q: Where do you want to meet? How about meeting in front of the club? Why don’t we meet at the restaurant? Let’s meet at the restaurant. Great, what time?A: How about meeting at 7:15? Why don’t we meet at Is 7:15 OK? Let’s meet at 7:15.Q: Fine ! A: OK see you at 7:15 Then.

Changing plans:-

Q: Could we meet . at the subway instead? .at 7:00?

. a little letter?

. earlier?A: Sure That’s no problem.

Adding to plans:-

Q: We could go for coffee after the show. Let’s go out dancing after dinner.

A: Do you want to have dinner before the movie? Why don’t we go swimming after we play tennis?

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At A Dress (Clothes) Shop

Getting and Giving help:

Q: Excuse me could you help me? can

A: Certainly what can I help you with? Sure what can I do for you?

Giving Help : - Q: Can I help you with something? Is there something I can help you with?

A: No, thanks. I’m just looking. Yes, please. I’m looking for the men’s wear.

Getting information:

Q: Do you have this in size 10? Carry these in green

Q: Does this come in Medium? Do these Beige? Size 8? a larger size? smaller

A: Yes, we do No, I am sorry, we don’t. Yes, it does. No I am sorry, it doesn’t. They do they don’t.

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Asking prices:.

Q: How much is this (radio) it? . are (these speakers) they?

Q: Could you tell me the price of this radio? these speakers?

A: It’s $ 59.98 They’re $ 299.00

Comparing things(1):

Q: Which hat do you like better? boots

A: I like the green hat better than the yellow one. This hat that one.

A: I like the red boots better than the white ones. this hat those.

Comparing things(2):

Q: Why do you like the green hat better?A: (I like it) because it is fancier than the yellow one.

Q: Why do you like the red boots better?A: (I like them) because they’re more stylish than the white ones.

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Returning things:-

Q: I’d like a refund. Please. . to get a refund. . to return this ( sweater)

. to exchange this blouse

A: What’s the reason? the problem with it?

Q: It’s too big / small the wrong colour

Q: It doesn’t fit. It was a gift. I already have one. I don’t really like it.

A-: Of course, we can exchange it. give you a refund.

A+:I’m sorry. There are no refunds or exchanges.

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At A Restaurant

Discussing the menu:-

Q: What are you goin to have Julie? Having

A: (I think) I’ll have the spaghetti and a salad.

Ordering:-

Q: What would you like, ma’am? will have, sir?

Q: Are you ready to order miss? Have you delivered yet?

A: I’d like a steak, medium – rare, please? I’ll have A: Could we have a few more minutes, please?

|Specifying Wants:

Q: What kind of dressing would you like?

A: I’ll have creamy garlic (please). Take

Q: Would you like soup or salad?A: I’d like soup, please.

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Asking about wants:

Q: Would you care for anything to drink? like something

Q: Can I get you something?

A: Do you have any iced tea?

Waiter Q: I'm sorry we don’t . afraid we’re all out .we’ve run out Q: Yes, certainly

A: (I’ll have) a coke, thenA: I’d like some, please! I’ll have that

Offering Service:

Q: Shall I bring your coffee (now)? Would you like me to get Would you like (to have)

Q: Would you like some more coffee?

A1: Yes, please.A2: No. thanks.

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Asking about other wants.

Q; Would you like anything else? care for some dessert?

A1: No, thank you. Not right now, thank you.

A2: Yes, could you bring me some more rolls? some chocolate cheese cake?

A3: Just the bill please. . check

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Making Requests

Making small requests

Q: Do you have an extra . pencil? Could I borrow a . piece of papers?

. tissues?. quarters?

A1: Sure, there you are.Go.

A2: I’m sorry. I don’t have one. any.

Making Larger Requests

Q: Do you think I could borrow $25 until Tuesday? Would you mind lending me your watch for a few hours?

A1: Sure. OK.

A2: I'm sorry I don’t have $ 25. I need it right now.

A3: Can I let you know later?

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Asking for Favors

Q: Would you (Please) get the door? Could you Lights?

Hold my coat for a minute?A1: Sure (no problem). Of course. I’d be glad to.A2: I’m sorry. I can’t right now.

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At A Hotel

Complaining Politely

Q: Excuse me. Sorry to bother you, but I have a problem with my room. Could you help me?

A: What’s the problem? What seems to be the problem?

Q: I asked for a non-smoking room. I requested the non smoking section.

Requesting Action or a Changer

Q: Could you change my room, please?

A1: I can change your room tomorrow.A2: I’m sorry, I can’t. I’d be glad to, but I can’t.

Accepting an Apology

Q: I’m very sorry about this.

A: That’s OK thanks for your help. It’s it wasn’t your fault.

don’t worry about it.

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Giving and getting personal information

QUESTION RESPONSEWhere are you from? I'm from Yemen, originally.Where were you born? I was born in Sana’a.Were you born in Libya? No, I was born in Yemen.

Or I’m from Algeria..

Discussing length of Time:-

Q: How long did you stay in California? there?

A: I started there between ’1992 and 1994. was from 1992 to 1994.

for two years.

Asking “What Next?

Q: What did you do after you left Riyadh? after leaving Riyadh?

after that ?then?

A: Well, then I came back here.

Describing Changes

I used to hate cooking, but now I love it.

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I used to cook really boring things but now I don’t

Asking about Past experience

Q: Have you ever been to Japan?

A1: Yes, I’ve been there twice. Yes, I was there last summerA2: No, I’ve never been there (before).

Asking for a Description or Opinion

Q1: What did you think of Tokyo? . do

Q2: How was Tokyo like? it

Q3: What was Tokyo like? . is

A: It was very big and exciting, but it was very crowded. It’s quite old, but it has a lot of modern building.

Q1: What was the weather like? is

Q2: How was the weather ? is .

A: It was really hot and humid.

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Comparing Places(1)

Q: What’s Montreal like? Cairo

A: It’s more exciting than Riyadh It’s prettier than Montreal.

Comparing Places(2)

Q: Which city has more interesting sightseeing? better shopping?

A: Cairo. There are more museums Montreal. The stores are more interesting.

Comparing Places(3)

Q: Which city is the most exciting?A: Montreal is the most exciting city in Canada.

Q: Which city has the best scenery?A: Vancouver. It has the most beautiful views in Canada.

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Discussing Future Plans (1)Q: What do you plan to do after you graduate? What are you going to in the fall? planning to next year?

A1: I’m going to go to college. planning to take it easy.

A2: I don’t know yet. I haven’t decided yet .

Discussing Future Plans (2)Q: What are you doing after that?

A1: I’m going to back to school after that. working for my father next after.

A2: I’m not sure yet. I’m still not sure.

Discussing Future Plans (3)Q: How long will you be there?A: I’ll be there for about six months.

Q: When will you be in Chicago?A: I’ll be there a week from today.

on the sixteenth.

Q: Where will you be at six O’clock? on Sunday after noon?

A: I’ll be at home.

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Discussing the Future

Q: What do you want to do? What would you like to do? What are you going to do?

I’d like to lose some weight.I want to start getting more exercise.

Discussing the Hopes

What do you hope will happen? you’ll do? to do?

I hope I’ll get a promotion. I get a promotion. to get a promotion.

Discussing the Possibilities

Where do you think you’ll go?Where are you going to go?

I might go to Mexico. Go finishing in Canada.

I haven’t made up my mind yet.

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