Describing Emotions

from http://www.hotel-tefl.com/yadayadaenglish/describing-emotions/

Lesson Plan

When you meet family and friends, even strangers at times, they will ask about your well being. It’s a polite thing to do. When talking about your well being, you may not only discuss your physical condition, but also your emotional state of mind. There are hundreds of words that are used to describe or identify emotional states. Look at some of the more common ones below.

happy	elated	sad	gloomy	depressed
down	angry	peeved	embarrassed	excited
anxious	bored	content	unsatisfied	satisfied
shocked	nervous	scared	frightened	over-whelmed
flustered	quiet	shy	demure	moody
cheerful	bold	passive	offensive	aggressive

At times we all get upset or angry at someone or something. It’s only human. If you happen to interact with someone that appears upset there are a number of expressions that can be used to ask the person what the problem is. Look at the examples below.

English Expressions

Expression: What’s wrong with you?
Response: I’m very upset with you for not telling me mom was sick. 

Expression: Are you OK?
Response: No, I’m really ticked off that you dated my girlfriend. 

Expression: What’s the problem?
Response: I’m fit to be tied. How could you approve the Jameson account without my approval?

Expression: You look upset. Is any thing wrong?
Response: Yes, I’m really annoyed that you did not come to my  party.

Sometimes when people are upset they say and do things that they later regret. The polite thing to do in those situations is to apologize for your behavior. Apologies are appropriate not only for things you may have said or done to offend others, but also for things that may happen that are out of your control or things that happened by accident. Look at the expressions below that can be used in those situations.

English Expressions

Expression: Please forgive me, ( … I didn’t mean to imply that you were stupid).
Response: No problem. 

Expression: I apologize for ( …calling your father fat).
Response.That’s OK, I forgive you

Expression Will you ever forgive me?
Response Of course I forgive you.

ExpressionI’m so sorry ( … I spilt the milk on your new carpet).
ResponseDon’t worry about it.

ExpressionI’m sorry for ( … being late).
ResponseThink nothing of it.  

Dialogue

Students should work together in pairs and read the following dialogue, one student reading one part, the other student reading the other. Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have similar conversations.
Kevin: How is you new job Gertrude?
Gertrude: Well, it could be better.
Kevin: Why, what’s the problem?
Gertrude: One of my subordinates isn’t very nice. He seems to think that he should have      got the job instead of me so he has a big chip on his shoulder. How are things in your      life?
Kevin: Couldn’t be better. My wife Mary just got a promotion, our daughter was accepted      into Harvard, and I just made a killing in the stock market.

Gertrude:That’s great.

After reading, close your book and tell your partner a summary of the dialogue. Then switch and have your partner tell his or her summary. Start like this: This dialogue is about two people who meet…This may seem silly, since you both already know what the dialogue is about, but the purpose is to practice using your English, not to give information or test your reading skills.

Conversation Activities

1. Pair work- discussion
     When did you last experience some of the emotions listed above? Tell your partner
     about it, using some of the ideas for discussion below. Your partner should ask
     questions to get more information.

when it was            

where it was

who you were with 

what caused you to feel that way

what you did to overcome that feeling (if it was a negative feeling)

2. Pair work- discussion
      Have you done something recently that you regretted and later apologized for?
      Tell your partner about it, using some of the ideas for discussion below. Your
      partner should ask questions to get more information.

when and where it was         

what did you do

who was involved  

why you regretted it

what you did or said to apologize

was your apology accepted

3. Pair Work- Role Play
      Working with a partner, role play the situation, using the information below

The situation: The three emotions below

The roles: See below

A. Anger  You are a college student and your partner is your parent. You want to go to the beach for a one week vacation with some classmates.                  Your parents are adamant that you stay home and study English.
Student’s ideas	Parent’s ideas
● need a break	● need to be fluent if going to study abroad
● have not had a vacation in 5 years	● need to get very high scores on English proficiency tests
● got A’s in English last semester so don’t need to study	● afraid you might get in trouble if
● your friend will pay for everything	● don’t like the people you are going with (they are bad influences)
● need to recharge your batteries so you will not burn out	● you can’t swim and are afraid you will drown
● have worked hard all semester and deserve a reward
B. Fear  You are afraid of heights and your partner is trying to convince you to look over the edge of the Grand Canyon.
Person 1 ideas	Person 2 ideas
● you will fall over the edge and    die	● the railing will protect you
● you can see well enough  where you are	● you should over come your phobia
● you will have nightmares if you  look	● you will regret it forever if you don’t look
● you will buy a post card for the memory	● young children will laugh at you and make fun of you
● you will get sick and throw up if you look over  the edge	● don’t be a chicken
C. Greed  You are an eight year old child and your partner is your friend. You are at a candy store and you have lots of money, but your friend has none. You buy a big bag of candy, but refuse to share with your friend
Child 1 ideas	Child 2 ideas
● you bought it, so you will eat it all	● if he/she doesn’t share, you won’t like your friend anymore
● you are very hungry	● you are very hungry too
● if you share, your friend will get fat	● your friend will get fat
● if you share, it will ruin your friend’s teeth	● will ruin your friend’s teeth
● your friend didn’t share her ice cream the day before	● you will tell his or her mommy
	● will tell all their friends that she or he is greedy and mean

Describe Things

Lesson Plan

Sometimes you may be asked to describe something, what it looks like, and it’s function or purpose. For example, You may to talking to a person not up on the latest technological devises or telling someone about the newest time saving kitchen gadget.
When you are describing objects you use adjectives, (words that describe nouns) such as the size, color, shape, material made from, thickness, texture, etc. Look at the expressions below that can be used when asking for descriptions of things.

English Expressions

Expression: What does it look like?
Response: It’s big, with eight hairy arms.

Expression: How big is it?
Response: It’s 3 feet, by 4 feet, by 5 feet.

Expression: How much does it weigh?
Response: It weighs 75 pounds.

Expression: What color is it?
Response: It’s bright yellow, brighter than a banana. 

Expression: What’s it made out of?
Response: It’s made of plastic and aluminum.

Expression: What is it?
Response: It’s a garlic press.

Expression: What does it do?
Response: It puts a sharp point on wooden pencils.

Expression: What the purpose of a refrigerator?
Response: The purpose of a refrigerator is to keep food cold so it does not spoil.

Expression: What do you use a (… cheese grater) for?
Response: A cheese grater is used to make small strips of cheese from a larger block.

Expression: How does a (… water heater) work?
Response: Water is collected in a large tank and heated by either gas or electricity.

   

English Dialogue

Students should work together in pairs and read the following dialogue, one student reading one part, the other student reading the other. Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have similar conversations.

Randall: Do you know what a grandfather clock is?
Horace: Yes, of course.
Randall: I assume it is a kind of clock, but what does it look like?
Horace: Well, they’re usually big, about an average person’s height, and maybe 20 to      24 inches wide.
Randall: And.
Horace: The clock face is at the top, usually a round face, and many have Roman      Numerals.
Randall: Go on.
Horace: Below the face is a pendulum which hangs from a chain, or something similar,      which swings back and forth as the clock ticks.
Randall: I’m sorry, what’s a pendulum?
Horace: A weight hanging from a chain, cable, or string.
Randall: I see.
Horace: In all the grandfather clocks I have ever seen, the cabinets were made out of      wood, usually stained brown.
Randall: Why are they called grandfather clocks?
Horace: I don’t know. Maybe because they are an old style of clock that was common      in our grandfathers’ days.
Randall: The clock in your father’s office is a grandfather clock, isn’t it?
Horace: Yes, but he calls it his grandmother’s clock.
Randall: Why?
Horace: Because his grandmother gave it to him.

After reading, close your book and tell your partner a summary of the dialogue. Then switch and have your partner tell his or her summary. Start like this: This dialogue is one person describing a clock. It is … This may seem silly, since you both already know what the dialogue is about, but the purpose is to practice using your English, not to give information or test your reading skills.

Conversation Activities

1. Pair work- discussion
    Do you or your family have a grandfather clock or any other antique items that has been
    handed down from one generation to the next? Tell your partner about it using some of
    the ideas for discussion below. Your partner should ask questions to get more
    information.  

 what is it    
 its age and its history
 why it is significant or important to your family                          
 who in your family will the item be handed down to next
 why that person will get the item

2. Pair work- discussion
    Work with a partner and describe the following items are and how they work. The
    listening partner should ask questions to get more detail or clarification.  Obviously
    most (if not all) people already know what these things are and how they work, but the
    purpose of the exercise is to practice using the language. So… the partner
    asking about the items should pretend to be very, very stupid or from a very remote,
    uncivilized location that has never been exposed to these modern conveniences.

Pencil sharpener                          Bicycle
Toaster                                            Clock
Calculator                                      Camera
Stethoscope                                  Bow and arrow


from  http://www.hotel-tefl.com/yadayadaenglish/describe-things/

At the Doctor’s

 Lesson Plan

Everyone has to go the the doctors at one time or another. Hopefully it is always for something minor. No matter what the problem is there will be a number of common expressions that doctors use. Look at some of these examples.

English Expressions

Expression: What seems to be the problem?
Response: My left knee hurts when I bend it.

Expression: Where does it hurt?
Response: My right ear.

Expression: How long has it hurt? 
Response: It started to hurt three days ago?

Expression: Have you done or eaten anything unusual in the last few days?
Response: No, just the normal stuff.

Expression: Let’s check you blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
Response: OK.

Expression:  You need an injection of penicillin and I’ll give  you a prescription for pain pills.
Response: Can’t I have a pill instead, I hate shots.

Many people, when hearing you are sick, are likely to express their sympathy. Sympathy can be given for any number of reasons, not just illness, but for any bad news- such as a death in the family, a lost promotion, or other disappointment. Look at these examples.

English Expressions

Expression: I’m so sorry to hear about (… your father’s illness).
Response: Thanks, that’s kind of you.

Expression: I want to express my condolences ( …on your mother’s death).
Response: Thanks, I appreciate your kindness.

Expression: It’s too bad that ( … you didn’t get that promotion).
Response: Yes, well maybe next time.

Expression: It’s a shame (pity) that ( …your son didn’t  get accepted into Harvard).
Response: How kind of you to say so.

English Dialogue

Students should work together in pairs and read the following dialogue, one student reading one part, the other student reading the other. Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have similar conversations.

Doctor: What seems to be the problem today Jake.
Jake: I’m not sure Doctor, I just feel lousy all over. I have a splitting headache,
     my stomach is upset, all I want to do is sleep, and my right elbow is hurting.
Doctor: How long has this been going on?
Jake: It just started today. Yesterday I felt great, but when I woke up this
     morning …oh.
Doctor: Well let’s take your temperature and blood pressure and see how they are.
Doctor: (Later). You don’t have a fever, and your blood pressure and pulse are
     normal. There is a flu going around, but that wouldn’t explain your elbow hurting.
     Tell me, have you done anything or eaten anything unusual in the last couple
     of days?
Jake: Not really, I did go to a party last night and drank a little.
Doctor: What did you drink and how much?
Jake: Not much, 7 or 8 cans of beer and a bottle of tequila.
Doctor: Do you usually drink that much?
Jake: No, it was the first time drinking anything. I was celebrating my 21st
     birthday.
Doctor: Well, no wonder you feel lousy, you have a major hangover. Do you
    happen to remember if you fell down or hit your elbow against something?
Jake: Now that you mention it, I seem to recall I fell down when I was getting
     out of my car.
Doctor: Well your elbow seems OK, just a bad bruise. It’ll be OK in a few days.
Jake: What can I do to feel better?
Doctor: For your elbow, you might want to put on a cold pack. For your hangover,
     I suggest taking some aspirin, drinking lots of water, eating something light and
     going back to bed. You’ll feel good as new tomorrow.
Jake: Thanks doctor. You’re a life saver.

After reading, close your book and tell your partner a summary of the dialogue. Then switch and have your partner tell his or her summary. Start like this: This dialogue is about a man talking to a doctor. The man’s problem is …This may seem silly, since you both already know what the dialogue is about, but the purpose is to practice using your English, not to give information or test your reading skills.

Conversation Activities

1. Pair work- discussion
     Have you been to the doctor recently? Tell your partner about it using some of the
     ideas for discussion below. Your partner should ask questions to get more
     information.

when did you go
why did you go
where did you go
what kind of treatment did you receive
did you have a follow-up visit

2. Pair work- discussion  
     Use your imaginations and express sympathy to your partner for the following
     situations. Your partner should tell you about the situations listed below. Continue
     the conversation by asking questions to get more details of the situation.

parents divorce
death of a friend  
getting fired from a job
parents serious illness
being dumped by your lover
failing an important test

3. Pair work- Role Play
    Working with a partner, role play the situation, using the information below
    The situation: At a doctor’s office
    The roles: A doctor, a patient

The patient has the following symptoms or problems. The doctor should:

ask what the problem is
ask how long it has lasted
ask if the patient has done or eaten anything unusual lately
make a recommendation for treatment

Patients problem: Cold, Runny nose, cough, muscle aches                 
Doctor’s treatment: Bed rest, drink fluids (orange juice), prescription cold medicine   

Patients problem: Fever: Hot forehead, headache, shivering                  
Doctor’s treatment: Bed rest, alcohol rub, aspirin

Patients problem: Upset stomach: Vomiting, stomach pain, nausea               
Doctor’s treatment: Take antacid

Patients problem: Back pain, pain in lower lumbar region              
Doctor’s treatment: Bed rest, massage, heating  pad, take, analgesic (pain pill)    

Patients problem: Head ache: Pain in head, at temples                          
Doctor’s treatment: Bed rest, aspirin 

Patients problem:Skin burn (from hot water), pain at site of  burn, red skin, blisters                                    
Doctor’s treatment: Cool site with cold water, apply aloe or other skin, burn ointment       

Patients problem: Broken finger: Extreme pain, lack of mobility                  
Doctor’s treatment: Set finger in cast, pain pill

Patients problem: Sore throat, pain in throat, difficulty swallowing    
Doctor’s treatment: Gargle with salt water, take  throat lozenges

Patients problem: Allergies: runny noose, sneezing, watery,  itchy eyes             
Doctor’s treatment:Take allergy pills

from http://www.hotel-tefl.com/yadayadaenglish/doctors/

Comparisons

Lesson Plan 

At times you will need to compare one thing to another. A friend may ask you to compare two movies that you have seen to decide which one he should watch, a colleague may want a comparison between two vacation spots you have visited, or a stranger may ask for a comparison between two restaurants. When you compare two or more things you are indicating which is better or worse between two things. When the superlative is used, you are indicating which is the best or the worst.

Forming Comparatives

For one and two syllable words comparatives are formed by either adding -er or -ier to the end of a word

(Add -er if the word ends in a consonant.

Add -ier if the word ends in a y (change the y to i and add -er)

For three or more syllable words add more or less before the word to form the comparative.

big	bigger	small	smaller
heavy	heavier	busy	busier
beautiful	more beautiful	common	more common

Forming Superlatives

Superlatives are formed by adding -est to the end of the word or by using most or least before the word.

The  same syllable rule applies here in deciding to use -est or most  or least.

wise	the wisest	fast	the fastest
quiet	the quietest	simple	the simplest
anxious	the most anxious	diligent	the most diligent

                                                    

English Dialogue

Students should work together in pairs and read the following dialogue, one student reading one part, the other student reading the other. Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have similar conversations.

Jasper: Where do you think is the best place to go on a vacation?
Randy: Hawaii, without a doubt.
Jasper: Why Hawaii?
Randy: Because it has the most beautiful beaches and the largest number of girls in      bikinis in the world.
Jasper: That may be true, but it is also one of the most expensive places to vacation. It      also gets a lot of rain.
Randy: What place do you think is best?
Jasper: Miami. Miami also has some great beaches, has lots of girls, gets much less      rain than Hawaii, and it is less expensive.
Randy: True, but Hawaii has better golf courses and they are cheaper than the golf      courses in Miami.
Randy: I wouldn’t say they are better, they are just more difficult to play.
Jasper: What about the setting? Hawaii is a tropical island with more lush vegetation      than Miami, not to mention the most amazing sunsets anywhere.
Randy: Maybe, but it takes less time to get to Miami than Hawaii. I can be on the beach      soaking in the sun, while you’re still in the airplane.
Jasper: Maybe, but once I get there I would have cleaner, fresher air to breath,      unlike Miami, which has a little too much smog if you ask me. And the streets are      safer to walk on in Hawaii.
Randy: I’ll admit that’s true. Miami does have a higher crime rate.
Jasper: So where are you going on vacation this year?
Randy: Alaska. I want to see a polar bear.<

After reading, close your book and tell your partner a summary of the dialogue. Then switch and have your partner tell his or her summary. Start like this: This dialogue is about two people comparing vacation spots. One man thinks …This may seem silly, since you both already know what the dialogue is about, but the purpose is to practice using your English, not to give information or test your reading skills.
Conversation Activities
1. Pair Work- discussion
     What is your favorite vacation spot? Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas
     for discussion below. Your partner should ask questions to get more information.

where is it
how often have you been there
why do you like it
why is it better than other places

2. Pair work- discussion
     Which things are better? Discuss and compare the following items, stating the
     advantages of one over the other, using comparatives and superlatives. The
     notes in parentheses are possible ideas for comparison. Feel free to add to the list.
                Going to San Francisco or Seoul for vacation 
                        (weather, pollution, tourist attractions, expense, entertainment, people)   
                Buying a house or apartment    
                        (price, spaciousness, maintenance, convenience, parking, safety)
                Traveling by bus or train 
                        (price, comfort, speed, the view, people you meet, services)
                CD’s or tapes  
                        (price, availability, quality, storage space)
                Family cars or sports cars
                        (price, number of passengers, speed, appearance, gas mileage,
                          maintenance)
                 Jogging or bike riding for exercise
                        (health benefits, exertion required, calories burned, cost)   
                Watching baseball or basketball on TV
                       (level of excitement, speed of the game)

http://www.hotel-tefl.com/yadayadaenglish/comparisons/

At the Airport

 Lesson Plan

from http://www.hotel-tefl.com/yadayadaenglish/airport/

Traveling by air can be a lot of fun. It can also be very confusing dealing with travel agents and airline personnel. If traveling to a foreign country, a traveler has to interact with customs and immigration officials. There are several common expressions that are used when dealing with airlines, travel agencies and customs. Look at the examples below.

English Expressions

Expression                                                             Response
Would you like economy or first class tickets?         Economy class.
When would you like to depart?                               On Friday the 14th of next month.
Will that be round trip or one way?                           Round trip please.
Do you have any luggage to check in?                    I have two suit cases.
May I have your ticket please?                                 Here you go.
Do you have anything to declare?                           No, I don’t

English Dialogue

Students should work together in pairs and read the following dialogue, one student reading one part, the other student reading the other. Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have similar conversations.

At a travel agency

Agent: May I help you?
Nancy: Yes, I need a ticket to Paris.
Agent: One way or round trip?
Nancy: Round trip.
Agent: When will you be leaving?
Nancy: Next month, the 2nd. I prefer a morning flight.
Agent: Do you want any particular airline?
Nancy: No, but I do want to go business class and have a direct flight.
Agent: When will you be returning?
Nancy: I want to return on the 15th of next month.
Agent: Let me check the computer. Yes, there is a flight available on Blue Skies Air              Ways. The tickets are $1645.
Nancy: Sounds good, book it.
Agent: Thank you. You can pick up your tickets at this office on the 28th.
Nancy: Thanks.

At the airport check-in

Nancy: Hello
Agent: Hello. May I have your ticket and passport?
Nancy: Yes, here they are.
Agent: How many pieces of luggage will you be checking in?
Nancy: Just one, I also have one carry on bag.
Agent: Your luggage is two kilos over the limit. You will have to pay an extra charge of              $100.
Nancy: No problem. Is cash OK?
Agent: Certainly.
Nancy: Here you go.
Agent: Thank you, have a nice flight.
Nancy: Thanks.

At Customs

Agent: Welcome to Paris. Do you have anything to declare?
Nancy: No.
Agent: Could you open your bag please?
Nancy: Sure, is everything OK?
Agent: Yes ma’am, enjoy you stay in Paris.
Nancy: Thanks.

After reading, close your book and tell your partner a summary of the dialogue. Then switch and have your partner tell his or her summary. Start like this: These dialogues are about people traveling. At the travel agency Nancy…This may seem silly, since you both already know what the dialogue is about, but the purpose is to practice using your English, not to give information or test your reading skills.

Conversation Activities

1. Pair Work- discussion
     Have you ever flown on a plane? Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas
     for discussion below. Your partner should ask questions to get more information.

when and where you went
how long the flight took
the quality of the service from the flight attendants
how the flight was: (smooth or turbulent, relaxing or nerve-wracking)
did you enjoy it
do you like to fly

 2. Pair work- role play
   Working with a partner, role play the situation, using the information below

The situation: At a travel agency asking for information for a flight.

The roles: A travel agent, a customer

Destination: Seoul	Destination: San Francisco
Airline: Blue Skies Skies	Airline: World Wide Airlines
Departure time: Saturday 1:30 AM	Departure time: Saturday 9:00 am
Flight length: 16 hours	Flight length: 12 hours
Layover: San Francisco , Tokyo	Layover: Direct flight
Price: Coach- $950                               Business class- $1650                First class- $1900  P	Price: Coach- $1050                         Business class- $1650                First class- $2000
Preferred seating       Aisle     Window	Preferred seating        Aisle     Window
Destination: Chicago	Destination: Moscow
Airline: National Airways	Airline:  Great Northern Airline
Departure time: Sunday 8:30 am	Departure time: Sunday 1:45 pm
Flight length: 24 hours	Flight length: 18 hours
Layover: London, New York	Layover: Paris
Price: Coach- $1150                           Business class- $1550                First class- $2400	Price: Coach- $1250                            Business class- $1450                 First class- $2500
Preferred seating        Aisle     Window	Preferred seating      Aisle     Window

At a Pharmacy

Lesson Plan 

Everyone get sick at one time or another and needs to go to drug store or pharmacy to get some medicine. If it’s a minor condition, you can get over-the-counter medication. If not, you may need to get a prescription from a doctor first. Maybe you just need some allergy medication for hay fever, or aspirin for a head ache, or antacid for an upset stomach. In these case you may have to talk to the pharmacist. Using the expressions below can be helpful.

English Expressions

Expression: What do you recommend for ( …a cold)?
Response: You could try these COLD BE GONE tablets. They work wonders. 

Expression: Do you have anything for a ( … sore throat)?
Response: Yes, these throat lozenges should work. 

Expression: What do you suggest for ( … an upset  stomach)?
Response: You could try these antacid tablets. 

Expression: I need something for a ( … headache)?
Response: Why don’t you try aspirin? 

What are over-the-counter medications? 
Over-the-counter medication is medication that does not require a doctor’s prescription in order to be purchased. In many countries prescription drugs require a doctor’s orders before they can be purchased at a pharmacy. These drugs are usually very potent, may be addictive if not used properly, and may have numerous adverse side effects. Over-the-counter drugs, however, do not need a doctor’s orders to be
purchased.  There are a multitude of over-the-counter drugs that are used for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments and illnesses, including the following:

upset stomachs                             headaches
muscle aches and pain                  allergies
stuffy noses                                   persistent itching   
minor burns and scalds                 runny noses
disinfectants (for cleaning cuts and other minor wounds),
ointments or liquids (to remove warts and corns)  

It is also helpful to know over-the-counter medication comes in variety of packages and forms. Look at the examples below.

Antacid tablets                      Allergy pills   
Cough drop lozenges           Cold capsules                      
Bottle of cough syrup           Tube of muscle relaxant ointment  

English Dialogue

Students should work together in pairs and read the following dialogue, one student reading one part, the other student reading the other. Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have similar conversations.
Pharmacist:Good morning, may I help you?
Customer:Yes, I need this prescription filled.
Pharmacist:OK, it’ll be ready in a few minutes.
Customer: I’ve also had a runny nose for a couple of days, can you recommend
   something?
Pharmacist: This decongestant is very effective, but be careful using it. It causes
   drowsiness and you shouldn’t drink any alcohol when taking this it.
Customer: OK, I’ll try it. I also need some band-aides and sun screen. Where are
   those?
Pharmacist: The band-aides are on aisle 3, on the left and the sun screen is on aisle
  2, on the top shelf.
Customer: Thanks
Pharmacist: Will that be all?
Customer: That should do it.
Pharmacist: That comes to $34.56
Customer: That expensive! Why so much?
Pharmacist: The prescription medication is expensive. It cost $25.99. I may be able
   to get you a generic drug for about half that price, but I would have to consult your>
   doctor first.
Customer: No, that’s OK. Don’t bother.
Pharmacist: Here’s your change. Have a good day.
After reading, close your book and tell your partner a summary of the dialogue. Then switch and have your partner tell his or her summary. Start like this: This dialogue is about a man at a pharmacy. He is … This may seem silly, since you both already know what the dialogue is about, but the purpose is to practice using your English, not to give information or test your reading skills.

Conversation Activities

1. Pair work- discussion
     When was the last time you when to a pharmacy? Tell your partner about it using
     some of the ideas for discussion below. Your partner should ask questions to get
     more information.

when did you go
what was the problem
what medication did you get
did you talk to the pharmacists
did the medication help 

2. Pair work- Role Play

     Working with a partner, role play the situations, using the information below
     The situation:At a pharmacy
     The roles: a pharmacy, a customer
     The customer should ask for a recommendation for the problems below.
     The pharmacist should ask the following:

how long the symptoms have been present
if the customer is allergic to any medicines
why they have the symptoms (if known)
the severity of the problem          

The problem
Sore muscles                         Headache                                    
Diarrhea                                 Constipation    
Insomnia                                Severe Itching
Upset stomach                       Dandruff
Stuffy/runny nose                  Fever                       
Cold capsules                        Bottle of cough syrup
Tube of muscle relaxant ointment

from http://www.hotel-tefl.com/yadayadaenglish/pharmacy/

At a Hotel

   from http://www.hotel-tefl.com/yadayadaenglish/hotel/

Lesson Plan

At some time or another you may find yourself at an English speaking hotel. Whether at an economy hotel or a 5 star resort, you will encounter the same kinds of expressions, be asked the same kinds of questions, and respond to these questions in the same way. Look at these common expressions.

English Expressions

Expression: Do you have a reservation?
Response: Yes, the name is Smothers, Jamie. 

Expression: How long will you be staying?
Response: I’ll be checking out on Friday. 

Expression: Do you prefer a smoking or non -smoking room?
Response: Non-smoking if you please. 

Expression: How many guests are in your party?
Response: Two, my wife and I. 

Expression: Will you be paying by cash or credit card?
Response: Credit card, if you accept Visa. 

Expression: Did you have anything from the mini- bar?
Response: Yes, I had one soda and an orange juice. 

Expression: Fill out this registration form please.
Response: Do you need to see my driver’s license or passport? 

Expression: I would like to leave a wake up call for 7:30.
Response: Certainly sir, what’s your name and room number?

English Dialogue

Students should work together in pairs and read the following dialogue, one student reading one part, the other student reading the other. Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have similar conversations.

Checking In
Clerk: Welcome to the Sheraton. May I help you?
Guest: I’d like to check in. I have a reservation.
Clerk: What’s your name, please?
Guest: Phillip Marlow.
Clerk: Yes Mr. Marlow. You requested a single room for three nights, is that correct?
Guest: Yes, could I have a room on the upper floors, away from the ice machine?
Clerk: No problem. Do you prefer a smoking or non-smoking floor?
Guest: Non-smoking please.
Clerk: Could you fill out the registration form, please. Thank you. And will you be
   paying by cash or credit card?
Guest: Cash, if you accept American dollars.
Clerk: Of course, sir. If you require local currencies we can also exchange money for
   you.
Guest: That’s great, I do need some cash.
Clerk: Your room number is 1109. Here’s your key. Enjoy your stay at the Sheraton.
   If you require anything further, feel free to call the front desk. Would you like
     assistance with your bags?
Guest: No thanks, I only have one. I can manage.   
                                                     
Room service
Room Service: Room service, may I help you?
Guest: Yes, this is Mr. Marlow in room 1109. Could you send up a tuna fish sandwich
   and a bag of potato chips?
Room Service: Certainly sir, that will be about ten minutes.
Guest: Thank you.
Wake up call
Front desk: Front desk, may I help you?
Guest: This is Mr. Marlow in room 1109. I would like to leave a wake up call for
   7:00 AM.
Front desk: Certainly sir.
Guest: Thanks. 

House Keeping
House keeping: House keeping, may I help you?
Guest: This is Mr. Marlow in room 1109. Could I get a couple of more towels and
   another blanket?
House keeping: Yes sir, we will get them to you right away.
Guest: Thank you. 

After reading, close your book and tell your partner a summary of the dialogue. Then switch and have your partner tell his or her summary. Start like this: These dialogues are about a guest at a hotel. The guests are…This may seem silly, since you both already know what the dialogue is about, but the purpose is to practice using your English, not to give information or test your reading skills.

Conversation Activities

1. Pair work- discussion  
     When was the last time you stayed at a hotel? Tell your partner about it using some
     of the ideas for discussion below. Your partner should ask questions to get more
     information.

when were you there
what hotel did you stay at
where was the hotel
what kind of hotel was it (economy, 5 star, etc)
how long did you stay
did you like the hotel- why or why not  

2. Pair work- Role Play
     Working with a partner, role play the situation, using the information below
            The situation: At a hotel
            The roles: guest, hotel employee mployee     

A. Making reservation
The clerk should get the following information:	The guest should ask about the following:
● name	● price
● kind of room	● services available
● number of beds required	● whether shuttle bus is  available to/from      airport
● credit card number
● length of stay
● number of guests
● date of arrival
B. Checking-in, with reservation
The clerk should:	The guest should:
● have guest complete the registration form	● ask about check out time
● ask if guest needs assistance with luggage	● request non-smoking floor
● get credit card or cash	● request room with view of pool
● give key to guest
C. Room service- ordering meals
The clerk should:	The guest should:
● ask name and room number	● place the order
● ask what the order is
●  ask when to deliver
● say thank you
D. Wake up call
The guest should:	The clerk should:
● call to leave a wake up call	● say hello
● give name and room number	● ask the time of the wake up call
E. Check out
The guest should:	The clerk should:
● inform the clerk you want to check out	● inform guest of additional charges for room     service- mini-bar, etc.
● give the clerk the key	● get final payment
	● get the key from the guest
	● ask guest if he needs any help with his      luggage

At a Grocery Store

Lesson Plan

 Unless you eat out in restaurants every day of the week, you will find yourself at a grocery store at some time to load up on goodies. As most people know, large supermarkets sell more than just food. They can sell everything from aspirin to zippers. There are several vocabulary terms that are commonly used with food and food containers. Look at these examples.
    Items
    cans- of tuna, peaches                      packages- of sausage, gravy mix
     bottles- of milk, soda                        box- of cereal, cake mix
     jars- of jelly, olives                             cartons- of milk, eggs
     bags- of chips, cookies                     tubes- of toothpaste   
     tubs- of butter
    Amounts
    pound- of hamburger, potatoes               bunch- of grapes, bananas
    head- of lettuce, cabbage                        gallon- (quart/pint/liter) of milk       
    loaf of- bread        
    Sections in a grocery store  

    check out line                                    

     produce- vegetables, fruit

     bakery- bread, pastry, rolls,

     canned goods- beans, tomato sauce, tuna fish

     dairy- milk, cheese, yogurt

     meat/fish/poultry- steaks, salmon, chicken           

     frozen foods-  ice cream, pizza, TV dinners

     health and beauty aides- shampoo, toothpaste, lip stick

     dry goods- toilet paper, paper napkins, laundry soap       

English Dialogue

Students should work together in pairs and read the following dialogue, one student reading one part, the other student reading the other. Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have similar conversations.

Husband: Do you have the shopping list?
Wife: Me? I thought you brought it?
Husband: No. I thought you did. Oh, well, we’ll have to rely on our memories.
Wife: We need some refried beans for tostados. I think it’s on aisle 3.
Husband: Here it is. Oh look, do you want to get some jalapeño’s?
Wife: Are you nuts? Those things will set my mouth on fire. Let’s go to the produce
   section, we need fruit for the kids’ lunches.
Husband: How about these apples?
Wife: I don’t think they want apples. Last time we bought them they were mealy, and
   they refused to eat them. These grapes look good. How many should I get?
Husband: Get two bunches, no three. I’ll eat some for a snack.
Wife: OK, on to the meat section. You wanted some hamburger, right?
Husband: Yes, get about three pounds. Be sure it’s lean. Do we still have plenty of
   bacon and sausage for breakfast.
Wife: Yes, but that reminds me, we have no eggs. We should get 2 cartons.
Husband: What size carton- a dozen, a dozen and a half, or two dozen?
Wife: The two dozen carton. We need milk, right?
Husband: Yes, on to the dairy section. Here’s the milk. What kind should we get-
   whole,  2%, or skim? And how much?
Wife: Get 2%, the kids won’t drink skim milk. Get a gallon jug.
Husband: Do we need any cheese?
Wife: Yes, we’ll need some for the pizza on Tuesday. Get two large packages. Do we
   have everything?
Husband: We had better get Kool-Aid; if we don’t the kids will have a fit.
Wife: You’re right. I think Kool-Aid is on aisle 7. What flavor- cherry, orange, or grape?
Husband: Get all three. I need some shaving cream and razor blades. Which way to
   the health and beauty section?
Wife: It’s to the right, three aisles down. We also need deodorant.
Husband: Right, spray or roll on?
Wife: Roll on.
Husband: I just thought of something else. We need some bread and pastry.
Wife: The bakery is that way. How many loaves should we get?
Husband: One loaf of whole wheat and one loaf of sour dough. And a dozen    croissants.
Wife: That’s everything. Let’s go to the checkout.
Husband: Oops. I only have five dollars. Did you bring your checkbook?
Wife: No, but there’s an ATM near the front door. You go get the cash and I’ll get in
   line at the check out counter. 

After reading, close your book and tell your partner a summary of the dialogue. Then switch and have your partner tell his or her summary. Start like this: This dialogue is about a husband and wife at a grocery store. They bought …This may seem silly, since you both already know what the dialogue is about, but the purpose is to practice using your English, not to give information or test your reading skills.

Conversation Activities

1. Pair work- discussion
     Do you go to the grocery store often? Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas
      for discussion below. Your partner should ask questions to get more information.

 when do you go
where do you go- a supermarket or local mom and pop store
what kind of food do you usually buy
how often do you go 

  2. Pair work- role play
       Working with a partner, role play the situation, using the information below
             The situation: At a grocery store
            The roles: A husband and wife or two roommates

laundry soap                   corn chips                 eggs

can of tomatoes              salt                            pepper

oranges                           face soap                  bacon

onion                               garlic                         bell pepper

cereal                              rice                            chicken

12 pack of beer               milk                            salsap; salsa

bread                               tissue                        cooking oil

flour                                 brown sugar               honey

grape jelly                        toilet paper                Q-tips

basil leaves                      water melon               can of pork and beans

blue berry yogurt             kitchen cleanser         canned apricots

from http://www.hotel-tefl.com/yadayadaenglish/grocery/

Asking for Help

Lesson Plan

Help! I need somebody Help! Not just anybody.

Everyone needs help from time to time and most people are willing to give it in a time of need. Most of the time of course the help needed is for something minor. But sometimes the help may be a matter of life or death. The expressions below are generally used for minor assistance. For any thing really, really major- the need for help is usually readily apparent and would not require someone to ask- such as in a fire or a serious car accident. Look at these expressions that can be used for asking for minor assistance.

English Expressions

Expression                                         Response

To offer help
Would you like some help?                  Yes, that would be great.
Can I give you a hand?                        Thanks, much obliged
Do you need a hand?                          No thanks, I’ve got it.
May I offer my assistance?                  That would be so kind, thank you.

To ask for help
Could you give me a hand?                Certainly.
Would you mind helping me out?        Not at all.
Could you help me please?                My pleasure

As with help, people need advice from time to time. Your family or friends may need advice about relationships, financial investments, or how to deal with an irritating co-worker. Look at the expressions can be used when asking for advice.

Expression : What do you think I should do?     
Response: Why don’t you (…. take a taxi).                                               
Response: That’s a good idea.

Expression : What would you do in my shoes?
Response: Have you thought about (…. getting some medicine at the pharmacy)?
Response: Maybe you’re right. 

Expression : Do you have any ideas about what to do?
Response: I think you should ( …. see a doctor).
Response: Thanks for the advice.

Expression : What would you suggest?
Response: Have you considered ( …. the local markets? They have great deals).
Response: That might work. I hadn’t thought of that.

Expression :  Can you think of anything that might help?
Response: One option may be to (…. call you embassy).
Response: Thanks, I’ll try that.

English Dialogue

Students should work together in pairs and read the following dialogue, one student reading one part, the other student reading the other. Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have similar conversations.

Barry: Could you give me a hand this weekend?
Larry: Doing what?
Barry: Landscaping my yard.
Larry: That sounds like a big job.
Barry: It might be, it depends on how I decide to do it.
Larry: You don’t know yet?
Barry: I can’t make up my mind. I’m vacillating between desert landscape with cacti or
     plush green grass with lots of flowers. What do you think it should be?
Larry: Well, a desert landscape has a lot less maintenance, but nothing beats a nice
      green lawn.
Barry: Thus my dilemma. What would you do?
Larry: Let me ask you this- how much time will you spend out there.
Barry: With my schedule, probably not much.
Larry: Then I would go with the desert. Keeping up a grass lawn is a lot of work.
Barry: Yea, I think you’re right.

After reading, close your book and tell your partner a summary of the dialogue. Then switch and have your partner tell his or her summary. Start like this: This dialogue is about a man asking for help with …This may seem silly, since you both already know what the dialogue is about, but the purpose is to practice using your English, not to give information or test your reading skills.

Conversation Activities

1. Pair work- discussion
     When was the last time you helped someone or someone helped you? Tell your
     partner about it using some of the ideas for discussion below. Your partner should
     ask questions to get more information.

what was the help for
where did it happen
when did it happen
how often do you offer assistance

2. Pair work- discussion
      When was the last time you gave someone advice or asked for advice? Tell your
     partner about it using some of the ideas for discussion below. Your partner should
     ask questions to get more information.

what was the advice for
was it good advice
who did you ask/who asked you
did you follow the advice- why or why not

3. Pair work- role play
       Working with a partner, role play the situation, using the information below
     The situation: Seeking help on the street. Be sure to express your gratitude.
     The roles: you, your partner

Moving a heavy box                               Directions to the subway    
Where the jeans are in a store              Using a cell phone
Fixing a flat                                               
Using an ATM (instructions are in a foreign language)

from   http://www.hotel-tefl.com/yadayadaenglish/help/

At a Bank

 Lesson Plan

Most people, at one time or another, have dealings with banks. Individuals may have savings or checking accounts, need loans for the purchase of autos or homes, or seek advice and assistance with investment options. Companies and entrepreneurs need banking services to conduct their businesses. Tourist may need banks to cash travelers checks or get cash against credit cards. Below are some common expressions heard at a bank.

English Expressions

Expression                                                          Response
I want to (… cash a check)?                                  Certainly, do you have an ID.

I would like to (… make a deposit into my              Please complete this deposit slip.
  checking account).

I need to withdrawal $500 from my savings          Of course. Do you have your  account.                                                              passbook?

I would like to apply for                                        Please see the woman at the
  (… a bank huarantee card).                             accounts desk over there.             

Who would I talk to ( … about a car loan)?        You will have to see Mr. Ellison in the                                                                            loan department.

Banking Vocabulary

Automatic deposit- A bank service that allows employers to deposit employees wages    directly into the employees bank accounts.
Saving account- Money put in the bank for long term saving
Checking account- Money put in the bank to be taken out periodically for purchases    or bills
Loans- Money given to you by the bank which you pay back over time 
Collateral- Something of value as a guarantee for a loan
Interest- Charges for using the banks money or money given to depositors for the use    of their money by the bank
Check- An instrument issued by banks to its customers that allow them to make    purchases instead of using cash.
Mortgage- A loan for a house
Deposit- Put money into the bank account
Withdrawal- Money taken out of the bank account
Teller- A bank clerk     
Deposit/withdrawal slips- Forms that are filled out when depositing or withdrawing    money
Bank guarantee card- A bank card that assures payees that a check is good     
Monthly statement- A financial listing of your banking activities (money deposited    and withdrawn and interest charged or accrued)
Open an account- To start a bank account
Close an account- To end an account                
Travelers check- A prepaid check used by tourists issued by a bank that can be    cashed in banks or businesses world wide.

Not all countries use checks. However, checks are a common method that Americans
use to purchase things and pay bills, instead of using cash or a credit or debit card. Below
is a typical check used by millions of American consumers. Usually a store will also require
that the customer to have a picture ID card (such as a driver’s license or passport) and a
bank guarantee card before they will accept the check.

English Dialogue

 Students should work together in pairs and read the following dialogue, one student reading one part, the other student reading the other. Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have similar conversations.

Teller: Next please. How may I help you?
Customer: Yes, I’d like to make a withdrawal from my saving account and cash a    check.
Teller: Certainly sir. Please complete this withdrawal slip, with your name, account    number and amount of withdrawal.
Customer: There you go.
Teller: Thank you. How would you like that?
Customer: Could I have two hundreds, two fifties, and the rest in twenties.
Teller: Here you are. I need you to endorse the back of the check you want to cash    and I’ll need to see an ID.
Customer: No problem.
Teller: Here you are. Will that be all today?
Customer: Yes, that will do it. Thanks.
Teller: Thank you. Have a pleasant day.

After reading, close your book and tell your partner a summary of the dialogue. Then switch and have your partner tell his or her summary. Start like this: This dialogue is about a person at a bank that wants…This may seem silly, since you both already know what the dialogue is about, but the purpose is to practice using your English, not to give information or test your reading skills.

Conversation Activities

1.  Pair Work- discussion
Do you have an account at a bank? Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas for discussion below.
Your partner should ask questions to get more information.
what is the name of the bank
how often do you go
what kind of account do you have
what do you like or dislike about dealing with the bank
do you have any problems with banks (other than not enough money)
do you do a lot of transactions at the ATM
have you ever taken out a loan from the bank- what for

2. Pair work- role play
     Working with a partner, role play the situation, using the information below

The roles: A bank teller, a customer

The situations: At a bank making the transactions below 

A. Deposit money into a savings account

Teller should fill in the deposit slip
Customer should supply the following information:

• name    • account number    • amount to deposit

B. Cash a personal check

Teller should ask for an ID card and a bank guarantee card
Customer should tell the clerk how he wants the money
   (in $5’s, $10’s, $20’s etc.).   

 C. Withdraw money from a savings account            

Teller should fill in the withdrawal slip
  Customer should supply the following information:
       • name account number          • amount to withdraw

      D. Open a savings account

Teller should inform the customer of the minimum amount for an initial deposit,     complete the paperwork
Customer should tell the clerk how he wants the money and ask the customer for    the following information
       • address        • place of  employment
         • an ID            • amount of initial deposit
Customer should supply the requested information

E. Apply for a loan for a new car

Teller should complete the paperwork and ask the customer for
      the following information:
        • name                                    • address
        • place of employment            • length of time at present job          
        • average monthly salary         • average monthly expenses                      
        • an ID name of  person for reference    
        • name of a person to act as co-signer

Customer should supply the requested information

Retrieved on Dec 20, 2010

from http://www.hotel-tefl.com/yadayadaenglish/bank/