Welcome to Year 1, Week 8, Lesson 1.8.2. Today we will work on your English listening and reading comprehension via 3 of our Conversation Topics for English Learners activities.
Part 1: Directions: Watch the video, read the text below, then translate the text in your primary language and read it again.
You can’t do everything yourself. If you need a car fixed, you go to a mechanic. If you need a vaccine, you go to a doctor. If you need food, you go to a grocer. Today’s conversation topic for English learners is “Having Things Done”. Imagine yourself in Los Angeles, California, speaking English, and participating in conversations in English about having things done. What would you say? What would others say? Here are a few suggestions:
— Your car breaks down on the highway. Since you have no phone, you walk to the nearest exit and find a car shop. What would you say? What would the mechanic say?
— You have a stain on your favorite shirt and want to take it out, so you go to the neighborhood dry cleaners. What would you talk about with the dry cleaners sales person?
— You’re organizing a party and you want to have a barbeque outside. You need lots of meat for grilling, so you go to the meat department at your favorite supermarket. What would you ask the butcher? What would the butcher tell you?
A lot of conversations in English are about getting things done. Think about these examples as well as make-up examples of your own. Practice makes perfect, when it comes to learning English.
Part 2: Directions: Watch the video, read the text below, then translate the text in your primary language and read it again.
Many people prefer to send e-mails or texts instead of letters. Yet, sometimes writing and sending a letter is important. Today’s conversation topic for English learners is “Mailing Letters”. Imagine you’re in the United States of America and you’re having conversations in English about mailing letters. What would you do and say? What would others say? Here are a few suggestions:
— You’re at a post office, waiting in line to send your letters because you don’t have any postage stamps available. What would you say? What would the postal employee say?
— You’ve just had an interview and your room mate suggests you send the employer a formal thank you letter. What would you tell your room mate? What would your room mate tell you?
— You’re talking with your family about Uncle Joe, who lives far away and has no e-mail or phone. You want to invite him to come for Thanksgiving. Your family suggests you write him a letter. What would you tell your family? What would your family tell you?
Writing letters is much more formal and personal than writing an e-mail or a text. People really appreciate when you put the effort of writing a letter.
Part 3: Directions: Watch the video, read the text below, then translate the text in your primary language and read it again. Finally, add a comment about what you learned from Parts 1, 2, and 3 in the comments section below.
Humans have a fascination with animals. Whether they’re pets or wild animals, people want to see them and understand them better. Today’s conversation topic for English Learners is “Animals”. What conversations would you have with others about animals? What would others say to you? Here are a few suggestions:
— You’re at a pet store with your parents since you’ve decided to get a pet. You’re looking at cats, dogs, and reptiles. What would you say to your parents? What would your parents say to you?
— You’re at the park with your dog when you see a dog trainer who’s conducting a class. You want to train your dog as well. What would you say to the dog trainer? What would the dog trainer say to you?
— You’re at an Animal Shelter and you’re looking at cats, hoping you could adopt one. What would you say to the animal shelter employee? What would the employee tell you?
Many Americans care about animals and are pet owners. You may want to think about and practice talking in English about animals.
Hello, good morning.
I can’t do everything myself. If my car breaks down, I go to the car shop to fix it. If I have a stain on my important clothe, I go to the dry cleaners to remove the stain. If I’m organizing a party and I want a barbeque, I go to the supermarket and buy lots of meat.
I prefer send e-mails or texts instead of letters, because this service (mailing letters) is not good in my country. If I had an interview I could send the employer a thank you e-mail for the opportunity. If I have an uncle who lives far away and he haven’t e-mail or phone, and I want to contact him, I couldn’t send a mail letter, instead I would travel to his house by car o bus.
My family have a fascination with dogs. If I’m at a pet store since my wife and I decided to buy a pet for our daughter, the animal very probably will be a little dog; because we don’t like cats or other animal inside the house. If we see a dog trainer working in a park, we would ask him about few tips to train our dog. The Animals Shelter is a good place to leave animals that wondering on the streets.
This was a good pratice, I hope without mistakes.
Nelson from Venezuela.
Good job here, Nelson. Corrections: “my family has a fascination with dogs” .. the next sentence is unclear, needs to be simple and clear…. “the Animal Shelter”. 🙂
Hello,
again: “My family have a fascination with dogs. When we go to a pet store my family always decide to buy a little dog, not a cat or another one”.
Thanks
“My family (it) has a fascination with dogs….”
Hello,
Mongi
Good afternoon
This lesson contains important topics needing some conversations
But I could say it briefly.
My car breaks down on the highway and I must fix it. I’m going to a car shop looking for a mechanic, but the gatekeeper told me there is no a mechanic near here. The best solution is to call a tow truck and if you like, use my phone, he said.
I thank him for helping me.
I asked my mother :
– Could you remove this stain from my shirt?
– It’s easy. She said
I mix one tablespoon vinager with half a cup rubbing alcohol and the bad stain will vanish quickly.
I’m going at the butcher and ask him:
– Could you help me to buy meat for grilling, please?
– Of course. He said.
– the beef meat is the best for grilling.
– Thanks so much for your help.
I went with my father to the pet store, he wants to buy me an animal.
What do you want to like to buy, cat or dog? He said.
I prefer it will be a dog. The cat is more evil than a dog.
At the post office :
Good morning. I would like stamps, please !
The employee – first or second class
Me – First class. How much will it cost to send this letter to California?
The employee – please put the envelope on the scale.
$6.5.
Me – Thanks so much.
Best wishes
Good job, Mongi! 🙂
Hello!
This is Albertine
Today, I made more practice about speaking, pronunciation and comprehension. I tried to formulate some conversations and repeat them in front of my children for correction, because, they are good in English.
Thank you
Great idea to practice with your family, Albertine. I’m glad you’re so serious about improving your English. 🙂
Hi. I listened to all the lessons that are very supportive to improve my English. Even though the lessons are short we can learn many things from them. Thank you very much for your dedication to improve our English knowledge. I hope for very fruitful lessons in future too.
Yes, GP, we’re focusing on Listening Comprehension during the first year of our program. I’m glad you’re paying attention to the videos. 🙂
Hello, you can’t do something alone, you need help from somebody.
I prefer to send message and text instead letters.
I love all animals, I like to get a dog or a cat because they’re very fun.
Good job, Med! 🙂
Hello.I’m Danijela from Serbia.
Part 1. Sorry, my car broke down not far from here.Please,can you help me?Off course miss. I going to with you to see what problem is.Oh,Thank you very much.
-Sorry,I have a stain on my favorite shirt.Can you take it out today? I would like to wear this shirt to the party tonight. Yes of course. Your shirt will be compltely clean,you can pick it up at 4 p.m.Thank you very much.
– Please. I’m organizing a party and I need lots of meat for griling.I can suggest you a beef,chicken,burgers,sausages. Ok. I would like two kilos of each type.
Part 2. Sorry.I would like to send a few letters. You dont have postage stamps.You have to pay $3.
Danijela you were at a job interview.It was polite to send a latter of thanks to the employer. Yes of course I aggre whit that.I going to send e-mail later.Thanks for reminding me.
-Danijela we need to invite Uncle Joe to come to us for Thanksgiving.Yes of course I’ll send him a letter by express mail.That’s a great idea. I’m looking forward to hosting uncle Joe.
Part 3. Mom,dad I want to buy this little dog.It is beautiful.I will have took him for a walk everyday.Please. Ok.We will buy this little dog.
-Sorry. I want to training dog.Do you want take my dog for training? Yes of course.When you want to get start with training? It can tomorrow.Yes, you bring him 9 a.m. tomorrow.Thank you very much.
-Please.I would like to adopt a cat.Yes we have beautiful cats.Take a look and choose the one you like most.
Good lesson that always makes me so happy.
Thank you very much Maestro Sersea.
Hi Danijela. Good job! Here are a few corrections: completely, grilling, letter, (remember to leave a space after each period), “I want to train my dog”…
I’m realized my mistakes.
Thank you very much Maestro Sersea.
Keep up the good work, Danijela. 🙂
*Inviting Uncle Joe*
Sis: – Mom, Thanksgiving is coming up. We need to do our shopping list.
Mom: – Yes dear, remember me that we need to buy for more people than usual.
Sis: Why? Did you invite anyone?
Me: -Yes, sis. We invited Uncle Joe.
Sis: Really? How did you contact him? He’s old-fashioned; he has no phone, no cell phone; no computer, no emails…
Me: – I wrote him a letter.
Sis: Has he replied already?
Me: Not yet. But I am pretty sure he’s coming. He doesn´t want to miss the grandma´s roast turkey and mashed potatoes. He loves them.
Sis: When did you send him the letter?
Me: – About three weeks ago.
Brother: – Look we got a letter from Uncle Joe. He says he really appreciates our letter and that he’s coming, because he wants to see us and he doesn´t want to miss the grandma’s roast turkey and mashed potatoes.
Wilber
Well done, Wilber. 🙂
Hello, teacher!
I/1 Hi, can you help me? I’m having a problem with my car . My car breaks down on the highway. I need to fixed my car.
-Yes, of course. Let ‘s get there.
_ Okay …
-How much is it going to cost?
-It’s only 60 $.
-How long will it take to repair my car?
_ It will take about one hours. -Em…, your car is ready .
-Thank you !’
-Here are cash.
-Can I receive a written record of the repairs you make?
– yes, of course. Here are you .
I\2- Hi, can you help me? I have a stain on my favorite shirt and want to take it out.- Yes, of course.
-How much does it cost?
_ it is only 4 $.
_How long will it take to clearing ? I want it take as soon as possible.
-It is ready for one hours. ‘
-Thank you
-You are welcome.
I\3 Hello, how are you?
-I’m great.How about you?
-I’m good. Em… I’ m organizing a party and want to have a barbeque outside. I need lots of meat.
-What kind do you need?
.-I need about a meat for grilling. How does a kilogram of meat cost ?
-it is 2.47 $.
-That sound good.
II/1 – Can I have a postage stamps please?
-Yes, sure. Here are you.
-Here are cash. Thank you!
II/2 My job interview went very good. My employer said me that I are a good candidant . -I suggest you send him a formal thank you letter.
_Yes,of course. That’s a goog idea. I ‘m writing it now. He really appreciate it.
II\3 Dear Uncle Joe. We want to invite you to come for thanksgiving . Please join us to being together this holiday season.
III\1 I want to get a pet.-What kind of pets do you like ?_ I would like to get a pit bull dog. That dog over there is beautiful.
III/2 Sorry, I want to train my dog. Can I to bring my dog to training to you.- Yes, of course. You bring him 17.OO PM tomorrow. Thank you. See you tomorrow.
III/3— Please, I want to adopt a cat.
-Yes, of course.
– I would like to adapt a cat to be all white color.
-Yes, of course . Thank you.
Thank you so much Maestro Sersea!
that’s a good idea ( that’s a goog idea.)
Here you are Instead Here are you
Hello everyone:
Part 1 Having things done.
1.1 At a car shop.
(me) Good afternoon. I was coming down the highway and my car broke down. Could you help me please?
(mechanic) Yes, of course I could. First of all, let’s go pick up the car and bring it here to repair it.
1.2 – At the dry cleaners
I would wonder how muchs does it costs to remove a stain from my shirt. May be it is better buy another.
1.3- (me) I’m going to make a grill for many people. What do you recommend me?
(Butcher) You could buy chicken, sauseges in addition to special meat for barbeque
Part 2 Mailing letters
2.1- At the post office.
(me) I want to send this letter and I need some postage stamps. How many do I need?
(Employee) That depends on where are you going to send it
2.2- After an interview…
(me) I think it’s good idea
(roommate) ok, then do it. But Just remember, it really slmust be a thankful letter.
2.3- Inviting my uncle…
(me) I would suggest you make a truly stimulating letter where all of us send him a message.
( family) yes, we are agree. Let’s do it.
Part 3. Animals.
3.1- At the pet store.
I’d tell them, that it’s better to get a dog, because as pets, they are more friendly, faithful and intelligents.
3.2- (me) Excuse me sir. I’d like to triain my dog. What sholud I do it?
( dog trainer) you can enroll it at my Dog Training School, where in addition, you will also receive orientation classes.
3.3- At the animal shelter.
(me) Hello, good afternoon. Wjat should I do to adpt a cat?
(emplyee) Please, fill out the form and we will call you for an interview.
Well done, Nelson. Corrections: 1.2: how much, maybe; 1.3: barbeque instead of make a grill, sausages; 2.2 slmust: spelling, a letter of thanks; 3.1 intelligent; 3.2 train, should; 3.3 adopt…
Part 1 Having Things Done
Situation 1 : Excuse me. I am a traveler to a countryside and my car has just stopped near here. I don’t know what to do but just found your workshop. I am not familiar with this area and my phone has been left at home. So could you please help me check my car? (me)
Ok, but just a minute, Sir. I will end up fixing this one. (The Mechanic)
Situation 2 : My uniform has been stained for I got mixed this white blouse with other color in the sink to wash. Please help me cleaning this. (Me)
It will be ok, if you give me a couple of days. I am ordering bleaching powder which takes a day to reach me. ( the sales person)
Ok, I’ll.
Situation 3 : I need to have 3 viss of meat grilled for I am having a big party tomorrow. How much time it would take? (me)
Yeah, this will be ready this evening. (the butcher)
Part 2 Mailing Letters
Situation 2 : Oh my goodness, I was very excited for my interview. At last, I did it well. I hope I will get good result of it. (me)
You should write a thank you letter to your boss to show your deep thanks so that he would remark you a thoughtful person. (my room mate)
What a good advise! I’ve forgot to do this. Thank you for your good idea. (me)
Situation 3 : We will need to write an invitation letter for thanksgiving day to Uncle Joe. As you know, he is far from us to contact with him on phone or online. Sending letter may take a week to reach him. So we have to get contact with him since now so that the letter can reach in time. (me)
Ok, please you take this duty of writing a letter to him. (Father)
Part 3 Animals
Keeping pets have many benefits on people. For me I like dogs. I love their nature and behaviors. We can teach our children for sharing and caring from dogs. Dogs are very faithful. So I suggest my mom to choose dog at the pet store.
Good evening,
Your car breaks down on the highway. Since you have no phone, you walk to the nearest exit and find a car shop. What would you say?
– I need your help, my car broke down, and I want you come with me to repair it.
What would the mechanic say?
_ ok. Let’s go to see what was damaged.
— You have a stain on your favorite shirt and want to take it out, so you go to the neighborhood dry cleaners. What would you talk about with the dry cleaners sales person?
Excuse me, could you help me, my shirt got stain and I need to wash it and remove it carefully.
— You’re organizing a party and you want to have a barbeque outside. You need lots of meat for grilling, so you go to the meat department at your favorite supermarket. What would you ask the butcher?
– Please, give me a good meat, especially for barbeque.
What would the butcher tell you?
– Of course, it is a pleasure to service you. We offer you good meat.
2nd. Part
You’re at a post office, waiting in line to send your letters because you don’t have any postage stamps available. What would you say?
– please, I need some postage stamps, I’m going to send a letter to my friend to The United States.
What would the postal employee say?
– It is a pleasure to help you.
— You’ve just had an interview and your room mate suggests you send the employer a formal thank you letter. What would you tell your room mate?
– That’s a great idea, I’ll send it. Thank you.
What would your room mate tell you?
– I’m happy to help you.
— You’re talking with your family about Uncle Joe, who lives far away and has no e-mail or phone. You want to invite him to come for Thanksgiving. Your family suggests you write him a letter. What would you tell your family?
– I think that’ not a good idea, I prefer to call him.
What would your family tell you? – OK. Call him.
3rd. Part
You’re at a pet store with your parents since you’ve decided to get a pet. You’re looking at cats, dogs, and reptiles. What would you say to your parents?
– I like all animals, but for pets I will take a puppy.
at would your parents say to you?
– That’s is a good decision, the dogs are good friends
— You’re at the park with your dog when you see a dog trainer who’s conducting a class. You want to train your dog as well. What would you say to the dog trainer?
– I would like you train my dog, it’s a little restless, and does not obey me.
What would the dog trainer say to you?
– Yes I would like to help you to train him, just tell me what time could you bring me to.
—
– You’re at an Animal Shelter and you’re looking at cats, hoping you could adopt one. What would you say to the animal shelter employee? What would the employee tell you?
😔 I don’t like cats.
Thank you Maestro Sersea,
as always the lessons were very helpful to improve my learning of the English language
bonsoir
nous ne pouvons pas tout faire toute seul, nous avons besoin des autres pour aider. La première leçon nous parle de la complémentarité, l’homme ne peut rien faire toute seul, il a toujours besoin de l’aide son semblable.
Avec l’avènement de la nouvelle technologie, à fait que les adresses électroniques ont remplacés les envoies des lettres manuscrites, réapprendre à écrire les lettres serait une bonne chose parce qu’elle contribue à rehausser le niveau des apprenants pusses qu’on n’abrège moins dans les lettres.
L’homme et l’animal sont des compagnons depuis la nuit de temps, les animaux font parties de la vie des humains. Les adoptés comme compagnon de la vie serai une bonne chose.
Good topics
I would like to improve these conversations with my Friends or my collegues
Good topics. Thanks for teaching us.
Thanks a lot Maestro Sersea,
the lessons were very helpful to improve my English!
Hi Master
This was very useful for me especially conversations about how to write a letter or buy a pet of what do we say in post office.
Hello!
Today, I was learnt by learning videos. I have learnt three topics conversations. Having things done, Mailing letters and Animals. For first conversation topic, I thought about examples as well as make up examples of my own.
Having Things Done…
Me: Hello! Excuse me, are you a mechanic?
mechanic: Yes, I am. What can I help for you?
Me: Yeah, my car breaks down on the highway.
mechanic: Okay, I will come and go with you. Don’t worries. It will soon be fixed after I have checked it.
Me: Thank you.
————————-
Me: Hi, I have a stain on my favorite shirt and want to take it out.
dry cleaners sales person: Ok, please give it to me and I check it now.
Me: Here you are…
dry cleaners sales person: great, I will call you as soon as I have fixed it. I already have your number.
Me: Thank you.
————————-
Me: Hello!, I am looking for lots of meat for grilling because I am organizing a party.
butcher: Okay, these are beef and those are pork. You can take whatever you want. The prices are shown on the labels.
Me: Ok. I will take them.
Thank you a lot for your learning videos.
Hello! This lesson was about having things done, I mean to ask someone to do something for you. For instance, to fix your car, to fetch you a meat, or to help you taking out a stain in your favourite shirt. Yet, I also read about writting a letter and I’m know aware about the preference of people to receiving a writting letter than e-mail. We also talked about animals , and It made me think of my dead animals, it’s name was Tommy. I got her between 2005-2011.
Thank you.