Dialouge: Move to the City

Dialouge: Move to the City

Dion: How do you like living in the big city?
Rini: There are many things that are better than living in the country!

Dion: Can you give me some examples?
Rini: Well, it certainly is more interesting than the country. There is so much more to do and see!

Dion: Yes, but the city is more dangerous than the country.
Rini: That's true. People in the city aren't as open and friendly as those in the countryside.

Dion: I'm sure that the country is more relaxed, too!
Rini: Yes, the city is busier than the country. However, the country is much slower than the city.

Dion: I think that's a good thing!
Rini: Oh, I don't. The country is so slow and boring! It's much more boring than the city.

Dion: How about the cost of living? Is the country cheaper than the city?
Rini: Oh, yes. The city is more expensive than the country.

Dion: Life in the country is also much healthier than in the city.
Rini: Yes, it's cleaner and less dangerous in the country. But, the city is so much more exciting. It's faster, crazier and more fun than the country.

Dion: I think YOU are crazy for moving to the city.
Rini: Well, I'm young now. Maybe when I'm married and have children I'll move back to the country.

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Introductions

There are a number of phrases that are commonly used to introduce strangers.

(name), I don't think you've met (name).
I don't think you know (name)
May I introduce you to (name)
(name), do you know (name)?
(name), I'd like you to meet (name)

When you meet someone the first time, it is common to greet the person with "How do you do?" the correct response is "How do you do." Here is a short introductory conversation:

Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter: How do you do?
Mary: How do you do.
Ken: Mary works for ...

A variation is also "It's a pleasure to meet you." or "Pleased to meet you."

Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter: It's a pleasure to meet you.
Mary: How do you do.
Ken: Mary works for ...

Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter: How do you do?
Mary: Pleased to meet you.
Ken: Mary works for ...

In informal situations, especially in North America, introductions are also made simply saying: "This is (name)." It is also common to just say "Hi" or "Hello" as a response in this informal setting.

Ken: Peter, this is Mary.
Peter: How do you do?
Mary: Pleased to meet you.
Ken: Mary works for ...

It is also quite common to shake hands when you are introduced. After the initial introduction, hand shaking generally takes place in more formal, business situations. Otherwise, people just say "Hi."

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Dialouge: Sports

Dialouge: Sports

(in the Traditional Restaurant, two friends speaking)

Dini: Oh, this is lovely. Would you like to try some?
Naomi: No thanks, Dini. I'm really enjoying my Sate!

Dini: So, do you want to play badminton this weekend?
Naomi: I'm afraid I can't play badminton.

Dini: NO, are you joking me? I'm sure you can play badminton. EVERYBODY can play badminton.
Naomi: Well, I can't. BUT I can play golf.

Dini: Really, I can play golf, too. - but not very well.
Naomi: I have an idea. Why don't we play badminton this weekend and then next weekend golf?

Dini: OK, that's a good idea. You don't play badminton - I don't play golf. We both can learn a new sport!
Naomi: That's it. I think it's a brilliant idea!

Dini: Now, tell me about your new job. When do you start?
Naomi: Next week. I'm in the accounting department. I make telephone calls to the banks, check the accounts, keep records... that sort of thing.

Susan: It sounds like an excellent job.
Naomi: How is your job?

Dini: Oh, it's OK. It's boring. I work at the computer all day long, each and every day at the computer.
Naomi: I'm sure it isn't so bad!

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Travel Greetings

Here are a number of phrases used when saying goodbye to friends or family as the depart on trips, both short and long.

Long Trips, Vacations, etc. American English

Have a good trip.
Enjoy your vacation.
Have a good time in (destination)

Long Trips, Vacations, etc. British English

Have a good journey.
Enjoy your holidays.
Have a good time in (destination)

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Special Days

It is common to use a special greeting used just for that occasion on special days, holidays and other special occasions. Here are some of the most common:

Birthdays

Happy birthday!
Best wishes / Good luck on your thirtieth (age - use an ordinal number) birthday!
Many happy returns!

Wedding / Anniversary

Congratulations!
Best wishes / good luck on your tenth (number - use an ordinal number) anniversary!
Here's to many more happy years together (used when making a toast)

Special Holidays

Happy Ied!

Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year / Easter / Hanukkah / Ramadan etc.
All the best for a happy New Year / Easter / Hanukkah / Ramadan etc.

When making special greetings to children on their birthday and at Christmas, it is also common to ask them what they received:

Happy Ied!
Happy Birthday! What did your Daddy get for you?

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Dialouge: What a Busy Day

Dialouge: What a Busy Day

(two friends speaking in a park when they meet each other jogging)

Aisyah: Hi, Risty, how are you today?
Risty: I'm great and you?

Aisyah: Very busy! I'm jogging now, but later I have to do a lot!
Risty: What do you have to do?

Aisyah: Well, first of all, I have to do the shopping. We don't have anything to eat at home.
Risty: ... and then?

Aisyah: Little Johnny has a soccer game this afternoon. I'm driving him to the game.
Risty: Oh, how is his team doing?

Aisyah: They're doing very well. Next week, they're travelling to Bali for a tournament.
Risty: That's impressive.

Aisyah: Well, Johnny likes playing soccer. I'm happy he's enjoying it. What are you doing today?
Risty: I'm not doing much. I'm meeting some friends for lunch, but, other than that, I don't have much to do today.

Aisyah: You're so lucky!
Risty: No, you're the lucky one. I'd like to have so many things to do.

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Greetings

Once you have been introduced to someone, the next time you see that person it is important to greet them. We also greet people as we leave people. In English (as in all languages), there are different ways to greet people in formal and informal situations.

Formal Greetings: Arriving

Good morning / afternoon / evening.
Hello (name), how are you?
Good day Sir / Madam (very formal)

Informal Greetings: Arriving

Hi / Hello
How are you?
What's up? (very informal)
How are you doing? (very informal)

It's important to note that the question "How are you?" or "What's up?" doesn't necessary need a response. If you do respond, these phrases are generally expected:

Very well, thank you. And you? (formal)
Fine / Great (informal)

Formal Greetings: Departing

Good morning / afternoon / evening.
It was a pleasure seeing you.
Goodbye.
Note: After 8 p.m. - Good night.

Informal Greetings: Departing

Goodbye / Bye.
See you (later).
Later (very informal)

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Beginner's Dialogues

There are a number of phrases that are commonly used to introduce strangers.

(name), I don't think you've met (name).
I don't think you know (name)
May I introduce you to (name)
(name), do you know (name)?
(name), I'd like you to meet (name)

When you meet someone the first time, it is common to greet the person with "How do you do?" the correct response is "How do you do." Here is a short introductory conversation:

Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter: How do you do?
Mary: How do you do.
Ken: Mary works for ...

A variation is also "It's a pleasure to meet you." or "Pleased to meet you."

Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter: It's a pleasure to meet you.
Mary: How do you do.
Ken: Mary works for ...

Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter: How do you do?
Mary: Pleased to meet you.
Ken: Mary works for ...

In informal situations, especially in North America, introductions are also made simply saying: "This is (name)." It is also common to just say "Hi" or "Hello" as a response in this informal setting.

Ken: Peter, this is Mary.
Peter: How do you do?
Mary: Pleased to meet you.
Ken: Mary works for ...

It is also quite common to shake hands when you are introduced. After the initial introduction, hand shaking generally takes place in more formal, business situations. Otherwise, people just say "Hi."

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Dialogue: Great Workout

Dialouge: Great Workout

(Two friends at the gym)

Rini: Wow, this gym is great! What a fantastic workout!
Susi: Yes, I like coming here very much. What other sports can you do?

Rini: Well, I can play tennis, I can do a little karate and I go windsurfing in the summer.
Susi: You're very fit! I can't do many sports. I like coming to the gym because the exercises are easy.

Rini: Listen, I have an idea. Why don't you come to karate class with me?
Susi: No, I can't do karate...

Rini: ... but you can learn! Karate is a great sport. How about coming with me on Saturday?
Susi: well, .... OK.

Rini: Great, why don't we meet at my house at 10 in the morning?
Susi: Sure, that's a good idea. (changing subjects) By the way, what other hobbies do you have?

Rini: I like going to the cinema, and reading a little.
Susan: Do you like cooking, or baking?

Rini: No, I can't cook. I'm a horrible cook!
Susan: Oh, I love cooking. I tell you what. Why don't I cook lunch after karate class?

Rini: Now that's a great idea!
Susi: OK, karate and lunch on Saturday. It's a date!

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Small Talk

What is small talk?

Small talk is pleasant conversation about common interests.

Why is small talk difficult for some English learners?

First of all, making small talk is not difficult only for English learners, but also for many native speakers of English.

How to Improve Small Talk Skills

• Do some research

• Ask yourself about your culture

• Find common interests

• Listen

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Common Mistake

As a beginner make some mistakes is a natural thing. This is some example of common mistake.

Has gone to vs. Has been to

... has/have gone to ... refers to someone who has gone to a place but has not yet returned.

Examples:

He's gone to the market. He should be back soon.
Where has Ben gone?

... has/have been to ... refers to a place which someone has visited sometime in his life. In other words, "has been to" refers to an experience.

Examples:

He's been to Pontianak many times.
I've been to Bali twice.

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Paragraph Writing

There are four sentence types used to construct a paragraph:

1. Topic sentence

   One sentence which states your idea, point, or opinion. This sentence should use a strong verb and make a bold statement.

   For example: Students require more recreational time in order to better focus on lessons in class.

   NOTE: Notice the strong verb 'require' which is a call to action. A weaker form of this sentence might be: I think students probably need more recreational time ... This weaker form is inappropriate for a topic sentence.

2. Supporting sentences

   Supporting sentences (notice the plural) provide explanations and support for the topic sentence (main idea) of your paragraph.

   For example: In fact, studies have shown that students who enjoy a recess of more than 45 minutes consistently score better on tests immediately following the recess period. Clinical analysis further suggests that physical exercise greatly improves the ability to focus on academic materials.

   NOTE: Supporting sentences provide the evidence for your topic sentence. Supporting sentences that include facts, statistics and logical reasoning are much more convincing that simple statements of opinion.

3. Concluding sentence

   The concluding sentence restates the main idea (found in your topic sentence) and reinforces the point or opinion.

   For example: Longer periods of recess are clearly required to allow students the best possible chances of success in their studies.

   NOTE: Concluding sentences repeat the main idea of your paragraph in different words.

4. Transitional sentence

   The transitional sentence prepares the reader for the following paragraph.

   For example: Clearly, physical exercise is just one of the necessary ingredients for improving student scores on standardized tests.

   NOTE: Transitional sentences should help readers logically understand the connection between your current main idea, point or opinion and the main idea of your next paragraph. In this instance, the phrase 'just one of the necessary ingredients ...' prepares the reader for the next paragraph which will discuss another necessary ingredient for success.

   
   

   
   

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How to Understand Newspaper Headlines

Many students have difficulty understanding newspaper headlines. This is because newspaper headlines are often incomplete sentences (i.e. Difficult Times Ahead). Here is a guide to the most common exceptions found in newspaper headlines.

Noun Phrases

Headlines often contain a noun phrase with no verb. Here are some examples of noun phrase headlines:

Under Pressure from Boss
Unexpected Visit
Overwhelming Response of Voters

It's useful to ask yourself questions such as: From what?, About what?, From whom?, To whom? etc. By asking yourself these questions, you can begin preparing yourself for the article.

Various Verb Changes

There are a number of verb changes made to headlines. The most common are:

• Simple tenses used instead of continuous or perfect forms. For example:

  Forgotten Brother Appears = A forgotten brother has appeared (after a long period of time).
  Professors Protest Pay Cuts = Professors are protesting pay cuts (at the university).
  

• The infinitive form refers to the future. For example:

  Mayor to Open Shopping Mall = The mayor is going to open a new shopping mall.
  James Wood to Visit Portland = (Famous actor) James Wood is going to visit Portland soon.

• Auxiliary verbs are dropped in the passive form. For example:

  Man Killed in Accident = A Man has been killed in an accident.
  Tommy the Dog Named Hero = Tommy the Dog has been named a hero (by the mayor).

Drop Articles

Perhaps you have noticed in the examples above that both definite and indefinite articles are also dropped in newspaper headlines (i.e. Mayor to Choose Candidate). Here are some more examples:

President Declares Celebration = The president has declared a celebration.
Passerby Sees Woman Jump = A passerby has seen a woman jump (into the river).

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How to Start a Conversation

For some beginners, start a conversation maybe really tough. As a beginner you need to know the basic of conversation, and here are I provide some basic question to help you start speaking English. Each of these questions help to begin or continue a conversation.

Five Basic Facts

These five questions will help you get to know people. They are simple questions with simple answers and provide information so you can ask more questions.

What is your name?
Where do you live?
What do you do?
Are you married?
Where are you from?

More questions for ...

These questions help to continue the conversation after your first question.

"What is your name?"

It's a pleasure to meet you. Where are you from?
That's an interesting name. Is it Chinese / French / Indian, etc.?

"Where do you live?"

How long have you lived there?
Do you like that neighborhood?
Do you live in an apartment or house?

"What do you do?"

Which company do you work for?
How long have you had that job?
Do you like your job?
What's the best / worst thing about your job?
What do you like best / least about your job?

"Are you married?"

How long have been married?
Where did you get married?
What does your husband / wife do?
Do you have any children?

"Where are you from?"

Where is ....?
How long did you live there?
What is XYZ like?
Do you like living here?

Hobbies / Free Time

These questions will help you continue conversations and find out more about people's likes and dislikes.

What do you like doing in your free time?
Can you play tennis / golf / soccer / etc.?
What kind of films / food / vacations do you enjoy?
What do you do on weekends / Saturdays?

More questions for ...

These questions will help you ask for more detail.

"What do you like doing in your free time?"

How often do you (listen to music, eat out in restaurants, etc.)?
Where do you (listen to music, eat out in restaurants, etc.) in this town?
Why do you like (listening to music, eating out in restaurants, etc.) so much?

"Can you play tennis / golf / soccer / etc.?"

Do you enjoy playing tennis /golf /soccer /etc.?
How long have you played tennis /golf /soccer /etc.?
Who do you play tennis /golf /soccer /etc. with?

"What kind of films / food / vacations do you enjoy?"

What's the best place to see /eat / go on vacations?
What's the best type of film /food / vacation, etc. in your opinion?
How often do you watch films / eat out / go on vacation?

"What do you do on weekends / Saturdays?"

Where do you go to ...?
Could you recommend a good place to (go shopping / take my children swimming / etc.)?
How long have you done that?

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How to learn English effectively

It can be difficult to learn English as an adult – unless you have the right teacher or course. Most times, adults who want to learn English want to learn it very quickly. In order to help you do this, read on for some tips on learning English quickly and easily as possible.

Choose the Right Vocabulary
One of the most important things to keep in mind when you’re learning the English language is to focus your attention on understanding a good variety of English vocabulary words. The better your vocabulary, the better you’ll be at using conversational English when speaking. You’ll also sound much more fluent when your vocabulary is strong. You don’t always need to use words that mean exactly what you want to say – understanding what you need to say is much more important.

Proper Grammar
This is very similar to vocabulary. The rules of grammar are not that hard to learn and if you practice certain things, such as the proper tenses of verbs, you’ll be able to express yourself much more clearly. When speaking English, using correct grammar is one of the most important elements in sounding fluent. During a conversation, you need to understand when to use adjectives, nouns, and pronouns. To practice, make a list of each type of word and write out different grammatically-correct phrases, as well as the spellings for common words.

Proper Pronunciation
Once you understand the proper grammar and vocabulary of the English language, there’s still another thing to learn. Pronunciation is vital to communicating effectively. This doesn’t mean that you need to speak as though you’re a native, but using the correct sounds and emphasis is important in communicating what you want to say.
Phonetic charts can be great learning tools because they show you how to move your mouth. The sounds that normally give people the most difficult time are the sounds that are not used in your own native language. It can be very helpful to look at a dictionary for help in pronouncing different words. Stress and intonation are also important when speaking a word – listen to native speakers in conversation and you’ll quickly pick up on the nuances of pronunciation.

Some Advice
I will give you some advice if you’re just beginning to learn the English language, try to find lessons that are interesting and easy for you to get through. You also can find a course to help your English. A beginning English class is most helpful for a lot of students, as you’ll hear other students learning to speak English as well – there’s a lot to learn from listening to how others speak.

There are also some great English programs available online or through mail-order. One of the best available is Rosetta Stone. Many people have used this program to learn English in the first place, and to improve their skills as well.

Another great source of learning can be find in public library. You can find an excellent assortment of books and videos that you can check out to learn English at your own pace. However, it can be difficult to learn if you don’t have someone to carry on a conversation with. If you know someone who’s fluent, ask them to help you practice your conversation skills and see what suggestions they have to help you improve your English. Ask them to help you in your home or your office.

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