DEVELOPING

COMMUNICATIVE
COMPETENCE
Interaction Activities in English as Second
Language

Judith Carl Keltering

 GREETINGS

Phrases

Formal Greetings Response

1. Hello, Dr./Mr./Ms fart Hello.
name, Good morning
2. Good morning, Dr./Mr./Ms Fine, thank you.
last name Not very well.
3. How are you?

Informal
1. Hi, fist name. Hi, fist name.
2. How’s it going? Fine
How are you doing? O.K.
How are you? Alright
Not bad
Not so well.

3. What’s up? Not much

What’s new? Nothing special
I got headache

Note: Usuall y when someone says "How are you?", they expect you to say,
"Fine.'' truthfully only to close friends if you don't feel well.

Dialogues

Formal
1. A Hello, Dr. Martin.
B Hello, Jose. How are you?
A Fine, thank you. How are you?
B Fine, thank you. By the way, how is your wife?
A Oh, she's a little homesick.
B That's too bad.

2. A Good Morning, Maria.

B Oh, good morning, Mr. Freeman. How are you?
A Not very good. I think I'm catching the flu.
B Oh, I'm so sorry. I hope you feel better soon

Informal
1 . A Hi, Joe.
B Hi Sam. How's it going?
A O.K. How about you?
 GREETINGS

Dialogues Informal continued

B Not bad. B y the way, how's your wife?

A Homesick.
B That's too bad.

2. A Hi. Linda
B Hi. Judy. How are you doing?
A Not so good. I think I'm catching the flu.
B That's too bad. 1 hope you feel better soon.

Situations

Structured
1. DR. FINEBURG: Good morning, Luis. How are you this morning?
LUIS: …………………………………………………………………………..
DR. FINEBURG: Not very well. I think I'm catching a cold again.
LUIS: …………………………………………………………………………..

2. DIEGO : Hi, Maria, how's it going?

MARIA : …………………………………………………………………..
DIEGO : O.K. Have you studied for your grammar test yet.
MARIA : …………………………………………………………………..

Semi-Structured
1. A Hello, John. I heard you weren't feeling very well.
B ………………………………………………………………………………...
A ………………………………………………………………………………...
B ………………………………………………………………………………...

2. A Hi, Elsa. What's new?

B ………………………………………………………………………………...
A ………………………………………………………………………………...
B ………………………………………………………………………………...

Unstructured
1. It's 9:00 a.m. Greet Mrs. Thomas who is going to give you a test today.
2. Greet your friend Hos sein and ask him about the part y you both went to
last night.
3. Greet Mona. Mona has been sick for several da ys.
 PARTINGS

Phrases

Formal
1. Goodbye Dr./Mr./Ms last name.
2. I hope to see you again sometime.
Weekend.
3. Have a nice vacation.
Evening.
4. I reall y must be going.

Informal
1. Bye.
So long.
later.
2. See you . tomorrow.
in class.
at 3:00.
weekend.
3. Have a nice vacation.
evening.
4. I’ve got to go.

Dialogues

Formal
1. A Goodb ye, Dr. Marvin.
B Goodb ye. Susan.
A Have a nice we ekend.
B Thank vou. the same to you.

2. A I reall y must be leaving. Thank you for the extra help on the
problems. B You're welcome, Rosa. A Goodbye. B Goodbye.

Informal
1. A Bye, Pete.
B So long, John.
A Have a nice weekend.
B Thanks. You too.

2. A I've got to go. Thanks for the extra help on the problems.
B Sure, anytime.
A See you in class tomorrow. Bye.
B See you.
 PARTINGS

Situations

Structured
1. A Goodb ye, Miss Brown.
B ………………………………………………………………………………...
A Have a nice weekend, and I'll see vou Monday.
B ………………………………………………………………………………...

2. A I reall y must be leaving. I've got a class at 11 :00. Goodbye.

B ………………………………………………………………………………...
A Oh. Good luck on your test tomorrow.
B …………………………………………………………………………… …...

Semi Structured
1. A Bob, I'd like to talk longer, but I've g ot to go.
B ………………………………………………………………………………...
A ………………………………………………………………………………...
B ………………………………………………………………………………...

2. A O.K., we'll meet at the coffee shop at 7:30 then.

B ………………………………………………………………………………...
A …………………….…………………………………………………………..
B ………………………………………………………………………………...

Unstructured
1. You are leaving the Universit y and may never come back. Say goodb ye
to the Department Chairman whom you don't know very well.
2. You are talking to Bob and suddenl y you remember you have an
appointment in five minutes.
3. You are in a hurry. You see Maria, your classmate. Maria is very
prett y and you want to talk with her but don't have much time.
4. Professor Davis is helping you with an assignment and it is late. Tell
him goodbye and thank him for his help.
5. Greet your good friend Maria. You haven't seen her for several weeks.
 INTRODUCTIONS

Note: For formal introductions, the woman is usuall y introduced to the man.
Where this rule is not applicable, the older person is introduced to the
younger person; or in other cases the person with the highest rank is
introduced to the person with lower rank. It is very common to shake hands
when you are introduced, if a woman is present, she should extend her hand
first.

Phrases

Formal
1. On meeting:
a. Dr./Mr./Ms last name (or first and last name), I would like to
introduce you to Dr./Mr./Ms last name [or first and List name)
b. Dr./Mr./Ms- km name (or first and last nam e?}, I'd like you to meet
Dr./Mr./Ms last name (or first and last name), He/ She is
a high school science teacher.
the Chief of Police.
a civil engineer.
a good friend of mine.
c. Let me introdu ce m yself.
d. How do you do? (No answer expected)
e. It is a pleasure to meet you.

2. On parting:
a. It was nice meeting you.
b. I hope to see you again.
c. Goodb ye.

Informal
1. On meeting:
1. First name this is first name.
First and last name first and last name
b. Hi, m y name is . . .

2. On parting:
a. Nice meeting you.
b. Bye.
So long.
See vou.
 INTRODUCTIONS

Dialogues

Formal
1. A Mr. Johnson. I would like you to meet Mr. Baker. He's the Chairman
of the Board of Directors.
MR. J: How do you do.
MR. B: It's a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.

2. A Oh, excuse me, let me introduce m yself. My name is Joseph Johnson.

B How do you do, Mr. Johnson. My name is George Harris.
A Please call me Joe.
B Call me George.

Informal
1. A : Dave, this is Tom, my roommate.
DAVE: Hi, Tom, how are
you doing?
TOM : Fine, Dave.
DAVE : We'll have to get together sometime.
TOM : Good. Nice meeting you.
A DAVE: Same here. So long.

Situations

Structured
1. A Mr. Katz, I would like you to meet Dr. Le wis, Associate Professor of
Economics
B ………………………………………………………………………………...
C It's a pleasure to meet you.

2. A Hi, m y name's Nancy.

B ………………………………………………………………………………...
A Do you think you'll like this class?
C ………………………………………………………………………………...

Semi-Structured
1. A Joe, this is Bill Adams, a good friend of mine.
B ………………………………………………………………………………...
C ………………………………………………………………………………...

2. A Let me introduce myself. My name is Robert Harms.

B ………………………………………………………………………………...
A ………………………………………………………………………………...
B ………………………………………………………………………………...
 INTRODUCTIONS

Unstructured
1. Introduce yourself to carol, a prett y, new girl in your class.
2. Introduce Ismail, a good friend of yours, to Mohammed . Tell Ismail
things about Mohammed.
3. Introduce yourself to Mr. Parson, the foreign student advisor. Ask him
how to find an apartment. Then tell him goodbye.
4. Greet Professor Davis at 9:00 a.m.
5. You have been talking with Joan. Excuse yourself politely and say
goodbye.
 TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS

Phrases

Formal Statement Response

1. Hello – Goodbye
2. Is Dr./Mr./Ms last name there? Just a minute please.
3. May I speak to him/her Who is it please?
Dr./Mr./Ms last name please? May I ask who is calling?
4. I'm afraid you have the wrong number.
5. Would you please speak a little louder?
6. I'm sorry, Dr./Mr./.Ms last name isn't home
7. Can you call again later?
Can I have her/him call you back?

Informal
1. Hello. (Always answer "hello" when you answer the telephone. )
2. Hi – Bye
See you later.
tomorrow.
3. Is first name there? Sure/ Yes
4. Can I talk to first name please? Hang on
Hold on

Request for using a telephone -

If you are in a public place, you should always ask for the nearest pay
phone. Don't ask to use a private phone .
1. Pardon me, could you tell me where the neatest pay teleph one is?
2. Is there a pay phone near here?

Dialogues

I Formal
1. A Hello.
B Hello. Is Dr. Half there?
A May I ask who's calling?
B This is Jose.
A Thank you. Just a minute, please.

2. A Good morning, Dr. Whitehall’s office.

B Hello. I would like to speak to Dr. Whitehall.
A I'm sorry. He's out of the office right now. Would you like to leave a
message or would you prefer to call back?
B When will he be back?
 TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS

Dialogues Formal continued

A In an hour or so.
B O.K. I'll call him back later. Thank you.
A Mm-hmm. Goodbye.
B Goodbye.
Note: if a student calls a professor who is out of the office, it is not
customary for the professor to return the call. The student can either
leave a message or call again later.

3. A Hello.
B May I speak to Linda, please?
A I'm afraid you must have the wrong number.
B I'm sorry. (Hang up.)

Informal
1. A Hello.
B Hi, Carol, this is Chen. Can I talk to John, please?
A Sure. Hang on.

2. A Hello.
B Hi, Ibrahim. This is Mohammed. How about going out to supper with
me tonight?
A I can't, I've got a paper due tomorrow. What about tomorrow night
instead?
B Fine. I'll stop b y your apartment at 6:00.
A Good. See you then.
B Bye.

Request for using a telephone —

1. A Pardon me, could you tell me where the nearest pay phone is?
B Just go out that door and turn to your left.
A Oh, thank you.
B You're welcome.

2. A Excuse me, is the re a pay phone near here?

B Are you making a local call?
A Yes.
B Why don't you use m y phone? It's over there on m y desk.
A Oh, thank you.
B. It's O.K.
 TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS

Situations

Structured
1. A ………………………………………………………………………………
B Hello, is Dr. Joseph there?
A Yes he is. May I ask who's calling?
B ………………………………………………………………………………
A Just a minute please.

2. A ……………………………………………………………………………..
B Hi. Nancy, is Linda there?
A ……………………………………………………………………………..
B O.K. Thanks.

Semi-Structured
1. A ……………………………………………………………………………..
B Hello. Is this 343-9430?
A ……………………………………………………………………………..
B ……………………………………………………………………………..

2. A Good morning. Linguistics Departmen t.

B ……………………………………………………………………………..
A ……………………………………………………………………………..

Unstructured
1. Call Louisa and ask her to give you the assignment for the economics
class which you missed.
2. Call the Police Department and report that you have robbed.
3. Call the Foreign student Of fice and ask Mr. Jones how to find a
doctor. You are very sick.
4. Call Susan. Nancy answers the phone. Ask to speak to Susan
5. You are in the Universit y Library. Ask a librarian if y ou may use the
telephone.
6. Introduce Ibrahim to your sister (your sister is very prett y).
 ASKING AND GIVING DIRECTIONS

Phrases
Asking and giving directions is usuall y form al because you are talking with
strangers
1. Questions:
how far it is to
how to get to
a. Excuse me, can you tell me the way to fifth avenue?
Pardon me, if this is the right way to
which bus goes to
the best way to

2. Responses:
a. Go straight ahead.
b. Turn left.
Take a left.
right hand side
c. It's on the left hand side
3 blocks
d. It's about a three minute walk from here
a mile
four stop lights
e. You can't miss it.
f. You'll run right/into it .

Dialogues
1. A Excuse me, can you tell me the way to Second Street?
B Sure. Go straight ahead for about three blocks. Turn right on
Sycamore Avenue, and walk until you get to the first stop light.
That's Second.
A Thank you very much.
B It's nothing.
2. A Pardon me, can you tell me if this is the right way to Schenley Park?
B I haven't the fai ntest idea, sorry. I'm new here m yself,
A O.K. Thank you anyway.
3. A Excuse me, can you tell me where the Count y Health Department is?
B It’s downtown. Take a number 71A bus from this corner toward town
and get off at Smith Road. Walk up the hill and you'll run right into
it. You can’t miss it.
A Thanks.
 ASKING AND GIVING DIRECTIONS

Situations

Structured
1. You are at the universit y.
A Pardon me, can you tell me how to get to the Post Office?
B Certainl y. Just follow this street two blocks. Then take a left and the
Post Office will be on your right.

2. You are at the Book Center.

A Excuse me, which bus goes downtown?
B I'm sorry. I'm afraid I can't help you.
A …………………………………………………………………………………
B ……………………………………………………………………………… …

Semi-Structured
1. You are at the language lab.
A Excuse me. can you tell me the way to the library?
B …………………………………………………………………………………
A …………………………………………………………………………………
B …………………………………………………………………………………

2. You are in the Foreign Student Office.

A Pardon me, how far is the library from here?
B …………………………………………………………………………………
A …………………………………………………………………………………
B …………………………………………………………………………………

Unstructured
1. Ask for directions to the nearest supermarket.
2. Ask for directions to the Foreign Student Office from your c lassroom.
3. Ask how far it is to the airport from the universit y.
4. Ask which bus to take to go downtown from the universit y.
5. Tell your classmate, Chen, goodb ye. You are returning home to
your country and will probabl y never meet Chen again.
 INVITATIONS

Phrases

Formal
1. The invitation:
a. I would like to invite you to . . .
b. Would you like to . . .

2. Accepting the invitation:

a. Thank you. I'll be glad to come.
I'd like to very much.
b. It's nice of you to invite me.

3. Refusing the invitation:

a. I'm very sorry but . . .
b. I would like very much to go but . . .
c. It's very kind of you to invite me but . . .
d. I hope you'll invite me again sometime.

Informal
1. The invitation:
a. Can you come to . . .
b. How about going to . . .

2. Accepting the invi tation: ;

a. Thanks. I'd love to.
I'd like to.

3. Refusing the invitation:

a. Thanks but . . .
b. I'm sorry but . . .
c. I'd love to but . . .
d. Can I take a raincheck?

Note: Concerning informal invitations, the person who does the inviting to
a movie, coffee, dinner, etc. is not necessaril y obligated to pay for
everything. If the invitation is stated: "Let's go out for coffee." or "How
about going out to lunch T hursday." usuall y both people pa y separatel y. If
the invitation is started: "Let me take/ treat you to have co ffee/ lunch/ etc,
then the inviter intends to pa y. Also if a man invites a woman, as a date,
the man is expected to pay.
 INVITATIONS

Dialogues

Formal
1. A I would like to invite you to a reception at m y house at 8:3.0 Friday
evening. Can you come?
B I'll be glad to come, but I might be a little late.
A Please don't worry, just come when you can.
B Thank vou. It's very nice of you to invite me.

2. A Would you like to join us for dinner tomorrow evening at the Steak
house'
B I'd love to but I'm afraid I'll have to say no. I'm going to Washington
D.C. for next weekend.
A Oh. I'm sorry. We'll make it another time.
B Good. Thank you very much for the invitation anyway.

Informal
1. A Can you come to a part y at m y place Friday evening ?
B Thanks. I'd love to. What time?
A About 8:00.
B I'll be a little late, is that O.K.?
A Sure. Come when you can.
B Thanks. See you there.

2. A How about going to at the Steal House?

B I'm sorry, but I'm going to D.C. for the weekend.
A What about next Friday instead ?
B Great. I'll count on it.
A Is 6:00 all right with you ?
B Fine.

Situations

Structured
1. A I would like to invite you to a small part y at m y house. Can you
come?
B I'd love to , but when is it?
A ………………………………………………………………………………...
B ………………………………………………………………………………...
 INVITATIONS

2. A I'm going home to visit m y famil y this weekend, would you like to
ride along?
B I'm awfull y sorry but ………………………………………………………
A ………………………………………………………………………………...
B ………………………………………………………………………………...

Semi-Structured
1. A Do you have time for coffee after class?
B ………………………………………………………………………………...
A ………………………………………………………………………………...

2. A Would you like to go on a picnic with us Saturday at 12:00?

B ………………………………………………………………………………...
A ………………………………………………………………………………...
B ………………………………………………………………………………...

Unstructured
1. Invite B to dinner —be sure to include the time and day.
2. Ricardo asks you to go to a movie tomorrow night. Refuse polit el y.
3. You are a department chairperson. Ask Rosa if she can attend a lectu re.
Be sure to include time and date.
4. Ask directions to the Registra r's office from your classroom.
5. Call Mohammed and ask him for the assignment for tomorrow in
pronunciation.
 MISSUNDERSTANDINGS

Phrases

Formal
1. beg your pardon?
Pardon me?
Excuse me?
2. Excuse me. what did you say?
3. I'm afraid I don't understand you.
4. Would you mind repeating what you said ?
5. Thank vou.
6. Oh. I see.
understand.

Informal
l. What?
Huh?
(I'm sorry,) what did you say?
What was that again?
2. Oh.

Dialogues

Formal
1. A Class, put awa y yo ur books and get out a piece of paper and a
pencil.
B Excuse me, Mr. Jones, what did you say?
A I said that we're going to have a QUIZ!
B Oh. I see.

2. A I'd like to pay for the dress by check if it's alright.

B Do you have identification?
A Pardon me?
B Do you have any identification with you?
A Oh. yes. Will a driver's license do?
B Certainl y.

Informal
1. A Joe, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine. Tom Brandenburg.
B Sorry, I didn't get your last name , Tom.
A Brandenburg.
B Oh, Brandenburg. Nice to meet you.
 MISSUNDERSTANDINGS

2. A Ahmed, have you studied for your sociology test yet?

B Huh? What'd you say?
A Have you studied your sociology yet?
B Are you kidding? I haven't even finished reading yet!

Situations

Structured
1. A Mr. Porta, I'd like you to meet Nancy Anderson.
B I'm sorry, I didn't get your last name.
C Oh.
B ………………………………………………………………………………

2. A Question number two i s, "Why was the soldier so sad?

B Excuse me?
A .……………………………………...………………………………………
B ………………………………………………………………………………

Semi-structured
1. A asks B what he is doing after class.
A .……………………………………...………………………………………
B What did you say?
A .……………………………………...………………………………………
B ………………………………………………………………………………
2. A is a clerk. She tells B that the books cost $5.84
A .……………………………………...………………………………………
B I'm sorr y, how much?
A .……………………………………...………………………………………
B ………………………………………………………………………………

Unstructured
1. Tell A your phone number. A doesn't remember it.
2. Ask B what time it is. 13 doesn't understand your question.
3. Ask B tor a date and tell her the time. B doesn't hear the time.
4. Greet Susan and ask her to go for co ffee with you.
5. Introduce yoursel f to Roberto, a new classmate.
 EATING AT A RESTAURANT

Phrases

Ordering at a restaurant is usuall y formal as you don't know the

waitress/waiter.
1. Waitress/ Waiter
a. May I help you?
b. Would you care for a drink before dinner?
c. May I take your order?
d. How would you like your meat?
Note: The waitress/waiter expects you to say either: rare, medium, or
well-done.
e. Potatoes?
f. Vegetable?
g. Salad Dressing?
Note: To these questions the waitress/waiter expects you to tell her
what hind of potatoes, dressing, etc. you want.
h. Anything to drink?
i. Is everything all right here?
j. Will there be anything else?
2. Customer
a. We haven't decided what we want yet.
b. We're ready to order now. I'd like . . .
c. Excuse me please, could we/I have some more . . . ?
d. Is tea/coffee/dessert included with the dinner?
e. May I have the bill please?

Dialogues

1. WAITRESS: May I take your order?

A: We're not quite ready yet, thank you.
WAITRESS: O.K. I'll come back in a few minutes.

2. WAITER: May I help you?

A: Yes, I'd like the New York Steak Dinner.
WAITER: How would you like your meat?
A: Medium.
WAITER: Potatoes?
A: Mashed.
WAITER: Vegetable?
A: I'll take the green beans.
WAITER: Salad?
A: The tossed salad with Italian dressing.
 EATING AT A RESTAURANT

Dialogues continued

WAITER: Anything to drink?

A: Yes. Coffee, please.

3. WAITRESS: Is everything all right here?

A: Yes, thank you. Everything is delicious. Oh, I would like some more
water.
WAITRESS: Just a minute.

4. WAITRESS: Will there be anything else? Dessert?

A: No, thank you. Could I have the bill please?
WAITRESS: Certainly.

Situations

Structured
1. WAITER: May I help you?
A: Yes, I'd like
WAITER: Anything to drink?
A: ………………………………………………………………………………

2. WAITER: May I get you anything else?

A: Could I have some m ore . . . ?
WAITER: Of course.
A: ………………………………………………………………………………

3. WAITRESS: May I take your order?

A: Yes, I'd like the White Fish Dinner.
WAITRESS: Vegetable or salad?
A: ………………………………………………………………………………
WAITRESS: Potatoes?
A: ………………………………………………………………………………
WAITRESS: Anything to drink?
A: ………………………………………………………………………………

Unstructured
For the unstructured situations, you will be asked to pretend you are in a
restaurant. You will order lunch and/or dinner from the menu. Your
instructor wi ll act as a waiter/waitress unless you are familiar with the
situation and can act out the waitress yourself.
 EATING AT A RESTAURANT

DINNERS
Baked Meat Loaf with Brown Gravy……………………………………………….. $1.9
Baby Beef Liver with Bacon ……………………………………………………….. $2.2
Grilled Pork Chop with Apple Sauce ……………………………………………… $2.1
Breaded Veal Cutlet with Tomato Sauce ………………………………………… $2.8
Broiled Ham Steak with Pineapple Ring ……………………………………….....
$1.9
Fried Fillet of White Fish …………………………………………………………… $1.7
Fried Shrimp …………………………………………………………………………. $2.3
Broiled Trout …………………………………………………………………………. $2.6
½ Fried Chicken ……………………………………………………………………… $2.4
Broiled Sirloin Steak…………………………… ……………………………………. $4.3
Broiled Fillet Mignon Steak with Mushrooms …………………………………….
$4.1

The above dinner? include a choice of potato and vegetable or salad.

Salads : Tossed Salad or Cole Slaw

Vegetables : Green Beans. Corn. Spinach. Peas
Potatoes : French Fried, Baked, Whipped
15
Beverages: Coffee ………………………….
12
Tea ………………………………..
12 and 25
Milk…………………………….
25
Soft. Drinks……………………

A LA CARTE
Sandwiches
Hamburger …………………………. 65 Fish …………………………………..
Cheeseburger ……………………….
75 Bacon ………………………….. ......
Baked Ham …………………………. 75 Club Sandwich ………………………
Ham and Cheese ……………………
90 Hot Roast Beef Sandwich ………….
Swiss Cheese ……………………….
60 (with Potatoes) . .......... …………
Corned Beef ………………………...
85 Steak Sandwich ……......................

Soups
Split Pea ………………………… 45 Soup of the Day……………………..

Salads
Tossed Salad …………………… 80 Fresh Fruit …………………………..
Italian Salad ………………… $1.00 Cole Slaw …………………………
Cottage Cheese & Fruit ………. 55
 EXCUSES AND APOLOGIES

Phrases
Formal Excuse/ Apology Response
1. Excuse me, please.
Pardon me. Of course.
I’m very sorry. Certainly.
I’m sorry.
I beg your pardon.
2. Excuse me for being late
I’m sorry I’m late That’s quite all right
Excuse me for a moment, please.
call.
I’m sorry I forgot to come.
I’m sorry I didn’t answer your letter. Think nothing of it.
Inform you.
I'm sorry, but I must leave earl y.
3. I apologize. That’s quite all right
I apologize for losing m y temper. . Think nothing of it.
Please excuse m y behavior yesterday. Don’t worry about it.
I'm sorr y. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.
Informal
1. Excuse me.
I'm sorry.
Sorry
2. Sorry I’m late It’s O.K.
call. Don’t worry.
Sorry I forgot to write. Sure.
come. It’s all right.
tell you.
Just a minute. I'll be right back.
3. Sorry about yesterday.
I’m sorry about what happened yesterday.

Note: Ask your instructor to discuss with you the different kinds o f situations
that require apologies or excuses, e.g., being late or forgetting to write which
require onl y a single statement as opposed to more serious situations, (e.g.,
losing your temper hurting: someone's feelings; which requires a more
extensive apology.
 EXCUSES AND APOLOGIES

Dialogues

Formal
1. A Good morning. Louisa.
B Good morning. Please excuse me tor being late. I overslept.
A Certainl y. Now. let's continue. Read your answer for number 3, John..

2. A Miss Larson?
B Yes?
A Please excuse m e for losing m y temper in cl ass yesterday
B That's quite al right. Was something troubling you?
A Yes. I had just gotten a letter from a friend of mine and I guess I was
more upset than I thought .

Informal
1. A How was your vacation. Maria?
B I had such a good time. 1 hated to come back.
A Did you get m y postcard?
B Yes, thanks. And I meant to write to you too but I was just so bus y.
I’m sorry
A That's O.K. ! knew you probabl y didn't have much time.

2. A Hey. John. I'm sorry about what happened yesterda y.

B That's O.K. It was my fault.
A No, I was just in a bad mood. That’s all

3. A I'm glad you're still here ! Sorr y I'm so late.

B Don't worry. The bus hasn't come yet.
A I was just walking out the door when the phone rang. I t was m y
mother. Well, you know how mother talks
B I'm surprised you weren't later!

Situations

Structured
1. A How was your vacation?
B Great. Hey, thanks for the postcards.
A Sure. But I didn't get any from you!
B …………………………………………………………………………………
 EXCUSES AND APOLOGIES

2. A Good morning, Carlos.

B Good morning, Mrs. Wilson.
A Class started fifteen minutes ago.
B …………………………………………………………………………………

Semi-Structured
1. A Hey, where were you last night?
B I was waiting for you to call to tell me what the address was.
B …………………………………………………………………………………

2. A Why did you get so angry at me this morning?

B …………………………………………………………………………………
A …………………………………………………………………………………
B …………………………………………………………………………………

Unstructured
1. You're in class and suddenl y you don’ t feel well.
2. Apologize to Pete for yelling at him.
3. You are at a friend's house for dinner. You must leave early to stud y
for a test for the next day.
4. You had an appointment with your advisor. Professor Johnson, at
10:30. You didn't get there until 10:50.
5. You told Fred you wou ld come over to study with him last night, b ut
you forgot. He sees you and asks you why you didn't come.
 HIDING FEELINGS

Phrases

Note: The following phrases (1-4) are used to avoid hurting someone's
feelings, (5) to avoid sounding like a complainer, and (6) to avoid an
argument or to politel y introduce an argument. Many of the phrases are
appropriate in both formal and informal situations. Ask your instructor for
further explanation.
cake not very hungry.
1. The dinner is very good, but I'm full.
soup not well.
dessert
dress interesting.
2. Your new coat is very unusual.
hat nice.
house
3. It’s nice, but I think I prefer . . .
nice
4. Jose seems like an interesting person but I don't know him very well yet.
like he's got a sense of humor
quite intelligent
5. I'm feeling all tigh t.
I can't complain.
I could be worse.
I have felt better.
I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow.
6. I can see your point.
I guess you're right.
I agree, but . . .

Dialogues

Formal
1. A How do you like my new dress?
B Oh, it's very unusual.
A Shall I wear it to dinner tomorrow night, or shal l I wear the blue
and white one?
B They are both nice, but I think I prefer the blue and white dress.

2. A That was quite a part y last night.

B It sure was . Did you have a chance to meet Bill Jameson?
A Just for a few minutes.
B What did you think of him?
A He seems quite intelligent, but I reall y onl y just met him.
 HIDING FEELINGS

3. A Bob, you don't look very w ell. Are you sick?

B Well. I have felt better.
A Take it easy.
B Thanks, I will. Don't worry. I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow.

Situations

Structured
1. A Carol. I need some help.
B What's the matter?
A I can't decide what dress to wear to the part y. What d o you think?
B …………………………………………………………………………………

2. A Don't I look different?

B No . . . Oh! You got your hair cut!
A I thought you'd never notice. Do you like it?
B …………………………………………………………………………………

Semi-Structured
1. A Who was that girl that talked so much at the part y"
B Oh, that was Susan D emian, an old friend of mine.
A …………………………………………………………………………………
B She's a sweet girl. Why didn't you like her?
A …………………………………………………………………………………

2. A Pier, you haven't eaten your cake!

B …………………………………………………………………………………
A Oh, but I made especiall y for you
B …………………………………………………………………………………

Unstructured
1. You are invited to an American home for d inner. You don't like the
salad but you eat it. They offer you some more.
2. Your good friend is wearing a horrible shirt. He just bought it and asks
you how you like it.
3. Your mother tells you that you don't look well. She asks you how you
feel. You feel terrible but you want to go to the ball game and don't
want her to know.
4. Your roommate, Wendy, is getting married to a man you reall y can't
stand, even for a few minutes. She asks you to go to dinner with them
to celebrate.
 COMPLIMENTS AND CONGRATULATIONS

Phrases

Formal statement Response

nice Note: "Thank you" is
1. You look very handsome today an appropriate
prett y response for all of the
lovel y. Phrases ("Thanks" is
2. Your apartment is beautiful. fine for informal
very nice. Situations .) "I'm glad
speech well-done. you enjoyed/ liked it."
3. Your presentation was excellent. is also acceptable. Ask
class good. your instructor for
lecture impressive. further explanation.
The dinner delicious.
4. The dessert was very good.
The salad very nice.
Everything
5. Your part y was very nice.
reception very enjoyable.
your new job.
your new baby.
6. Congratulations on your promotion.
your marriage.
your new car.
7. Congratulations

Informal
good
1. You reall y look sharp today.
nice
2. What a beautiful apartment.
nice house
Good
3. Great presentation
Nice speech.
Well done!
4. Good dinner!
dinner
5. The dessert was delicious.
food is very good.
salad
 COMPLIMENTS AND CONGRATULATIONS

Phases Informal continued

6. Nice
Great part y!
The part y was great.
picnic nice.
7. Congratulations on . . . !
8. Congratulations!

Dialogues

Formal
1. A Carlos, may I see you for a moment?
B Sure, Dr. Rosen.
A Your presentation was quite impressive today. You seemed to know
what you were talking about.
B Thank you, Sir. I did quite a lot of research on the topic.
A That was obvious. Keep up the good work.

2. A How about a piece of cake?

B Oh, thank vou. I believe I w ill. Everything has been so delicious!
A Thank you.
B The soup was especiall y good. Would you mind giving me the recipe?
A Of course. I’d be happ y to. I'm glad you liked it .

Informal
1. A Hi, Jan. How's your new job ?
B Fine. I'm sort of nervous, though.
A By the way, you reall y look nice today.
B Thanks. I have to dress up a lot more for this new job.

2. A Stan, I hear you bought a house. Congratulations !

B Thanks. I'll probably be paying for it the rest of m y life, but it's worth it.
A Is it one bedroom or two?
B One. Hey, why don't you come see for yourself? The address is 252
Cedar Drive.
A Thanks. I'll take you up on that.
 COMPLIMENTS AND CONGRATULATIONS

3. A Well, we'd better be going - I have to work tomorrow.

B Sorry you have to leave but thank you for coming.
A Thank you! The part y was great! Haven't had so much fun in weeks.
Let us know when you have another one.
B Another one . . . ?
A Another part y!

Situations

Structured
1. A Hi, Leon. Did you find a job yet?
B Yes, as a matter of fact! At the W estern Savings and Loan Company.
A ................................................................................................
B Thanks.

2. A I'm sorry, but we reall y must be going. I have an 8:00 class in the
morning.
B Well, thank you for coming. I hope you enjoyed the evening.
A ................................................................................................

Note: This last statement is known as "fishing (or asking) for a

compliment." You should always respond with an appropriate complim ent.
Otherwise, you will hurt the person's feelings and maybe insult them as
well.

Semi-Structured
1. A Maria, guess what! I'm getting married.
B ................................................................................................
A ................................................................................................
B ................................................................................................

2. A Thank you for inviting us to see your new apartment. It's . . .

B ................................................................................................
A ................................................................................................
B .................................................. ..............................................

Unstructured
1. Compliment Luis on his new suit.
2. You just found out that one of your former teachers is going to have a
baby.
3. You meet Sandra on the street and she looks even more attractive than
usual.
 COMPLIMENTS AND CONGRATULATIONS

4. You are leaving a dinner part y. What would you say to the host and
hostess?
5. Compliment Mrs. Kotsinis on her dessert.
6. Congratulate Dr. Sanders on the lecture that he gave in class yesterday.
 COMPLAINTS

Phrases

Formal
dress return it.
1. I bought this electric mixer and I would like to exchange it.
lamp have m y money back.
shirt
doesn't work well.
doesn't fit.
2. It is broken.
is torn.
is dirt y.
3. May 1 see the manager please?
4. (I'm sorry but) 1 think you overcharged me.
5. There must be some mistake.
6. I think you gave me the wrong bill.

Note: These t ypes of complaints are almost always formal.

Informal
always the same.
1.The food's horribl e.
terrible.
2. I hate rain.
What awful weather!
Is the weather usually this bad?
always
3. I have too much work to do.
feel rotten.
feel so sick.
4. I feel horrible.
have such a bad headache.
have a stomach ache.
feet
5. M y stomach hurt(s).
head
6. I can't believe he gave me a C on that test!
bad
7. He's such a boring teacher.
poor
hard
 COMPLAINTS

Dialogues

Formal
1. A May I help you?
B Yes. I bought this new dress here yesterday and I would like to
return it.
A What's the matter with it?
B There's a small hole in the material right here by the zipper.
A Yes, I believe you're right. Would you like to exchange it?
B I think I prefer to have m y money back.

2. A May I have m y bill, please?

B Certainl y. Here you are , sir. That will be $6.84 please.
A I'm sorry, but I think you've overcharged me.
B Excuse me?
A I had the chicken dinner for $4.20 plus coffee and dessert.
B Oh! I'm t erribl y sorry, sir! You o nl y owe me $4.90.

Informal
1. A Hi. Joe. How are classes?
B Oh. alright I guess except for Sociology.
A Who teaches it?
B Dr. Anderson. He's reall y a bad teacher.
A Why?
B He gave me a C on the last t e s t , and I even studied for it!

2. A How's it going, Hossein?

B Horrible! I feel rotten!
A What's wrong?
B I have such a bad headache! And m y eyes hurt.
A It's probabl y the weather.
B Yes, this humidit y is terrible!
A ………………………………………………………………………………………

Situations

Structured
1. A I bought this pair of shoes here two da ys ago, and I'd like to return them.
B What seems to be t he problem?
A ………………………………………………………………………………………
B Oh. you'll have to see the manager about that. Let me call him for you
 COMPLAINTS

2. A Hey Mike, what did you get on the chemistry exam ?

B I don't even want to talk about it!
A Why?
B That old Fool, he …………………………………………………………..
A Well, don't take it so hard, it's onl y a test!

Semi-Structured
1. A Bell Telephone Company, may I help you?
B Yes. I think you've billed me incorrectly.
A ………………………………………………………………………………………
B ………………………………………………………………………………………
A ………………………………………………………………………………………

2. A Hi, Sue.
B Hi. What do you think of this weather? Lousy, isn't it?
A ………………………………………………………………………………………
B ………………………………………………………………………………………

Unstructured
1. Complain to your roommate, John, about how you feel.
2. You went to Mac Donald's for a hamburger and a coke. You were
charged for a milkshake you didn’t order. Complain
3. You just bought a new pair of sandals at Wall y's Shoe Store and today
one of the straps broke. Complain.
4. You meet a friend in the student cafeteria and the food is bad, as
usual. Complain.
5. You just received your electricit y bill for last month and you are
certain it is too high. Call the company and complain
6. It has been raining for three days. You see Juanita. Begin a
conversation by complaining about the weather.
 GETTING SOMEONE’S ATTENTION

Phrases
Situation
Formal Statement To a stranger
1. Excuse me.
Pardon me.
2. Excuse me, To a teacher inside or outside
Pardon me, Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms of class
last name. To a clerk in a store.
3. Excuse me, could I have some help?
Pardon me, could you help me? In a restaurant to the waitress.
4. Excuse me, Miss. In a restaurant to the waiter – a
Excuse me. male waiter is not addressed.
Just say “excuse me.”

If the waiter or waitress is a distance away, try to catch her/his eye or

raise a hand slightl y. Do not whistle or clap your hands or snap your
fingers.

Note: If you go to see someone in an office, don't just walk in. If there is a
secretary, tell the secretary whom you wish to see. If there is no secretary,
knock on the o ffice door and wait until you are invited to go in.

Informal
1. Fis t name, (e.g., Joe. . . .)
2. Hey, first name (e.g.. Hey. Joe . .)

Nonlinguistic means of getting attention ,

1. Wave of a hand
2. Tap on the shoulder (onl y to people you know well)
3. Raise the hand (in class)

Note: Don't whistle: it is considered impolite and most girls don't like it.

Dialogues

Formal
1. A Excuse me, Dr. Grimes.
B Yes?
A Would you please repeat your last question?
B Certainl y. What are two major causes of World War II?

2. A Excuse me, Miss. Could we please have some more water?

B Of course.
 GETTING SOMEONE’S ATTENTION

3. A Mrs. Hemmerich!
B O h , hello.
A I haven't seen you for such a long time. How are you?
B I'm fine, just very busy.

Informal
1. A Hey, John!
B Hi, Ibrahim. How's it going?
A O.K. Are you going to the part y tonight?
B I don't know. I guess so.

Situations

Structured
1. A ………………………………………………………………………………..
B Yes?
A Could you tell me how to get to the post office from here?
B Sure. Just follow this street two blocks. Turn left and it will be
right, about h a l f w a y down the block.

2. A ………………………………………………………………………………...
B Yeah?
A Where are you going?
B To the supermarket. Do you want to co me along?
A Yeah. I need to buy some things for dinner tonight.

Semi-Structured
1. A Excuse me. Could you help me please?
B …………………………………………………………………………………
A …………………………………………………………………………………
B …………………………………………………………………………………

2. A Pardon me, Miss Jones.

B Oh, hello, Jose.
A …………………………………………………………………………………
B …………………………………………………………………………………
 GETTING SOMEONE’S ATTENTION

Unstructured
1. You are at a part y and see a girl you'd like to meet. Get her attention
and introduce yourself, ta lk to her a little bit and then invite her to a
movie on Saturday.
2. You are at a restaurant and you have finished eating and -you want to
order dessert. Get the attention of the waitress who is on the other side
of the room and make your order.
3. You promised to meet Jane in front of th e bookstore. You are fifteen
minutes late and when you arrive she has left You see her a half a block
away. Get her attention and apologize tor being late.
4. You are at a supermarke t and you are looking for toothpicks and can't
find any. Get the attention of a clerk and ask him where to find them.
5. You are in a strange cit y and you are lost. Get the attention of a
stranger and ask directions to the bus station.
 CLOSING A CONVERSATION

Phrases

Note: If you want to close a conversation, You usuall y need an excuse to do

so. These are a few of the most common ones.

Formal
1. On the telephone:
a. Thank you for calling.
b.It was nice of you to call.
2. I won't take any more of you r time
3. Thank you for your help.
4. I’ve enjoyed talking with you.
I have another appointment.
I must leave.
5. If you’ll excuse me, I have another call.
Please excuse me, I have a class.
someone is waiting tor me.
6. I'd like to talk about this some mo re, but . . .
7. Can we talk about this another time?

Informal
dinner.
1. I’ll let you get back to your work.
books.
company.
2. I've got to go.
I have a class.
3. I've got to go I have an appointment.
I have to meet someone.
4. On the telephone:
a. 1 have to hang up now.
b. Thanks for calling.

Dialogues

Formal
1. A I still don't understand what you mean. Could you explain it again?
B I'd like to talk about this more, but 1 reall y just don't have time
right now. Could you come back this afternoon ?
A Sure. What time?
B Is 3:00 O.K. for you?
A Yes.
 CLOSING A CONVERSATION

Dialogues Formal continued

B Good. Until this afternoon then.

A Goodbye.

2. A Are you sure there are no English classes offered in the evening ?
B Yes, I am.
A O.K. Well, thank you for your help.
B You're welcome.
A Goodbye.
B Goodbye.

Informal
1. A So your trip to New York was reall y fun last weekend.
B Yeah. I'll tell you more about it when I see you tomorrow. I've got to
hang up now. Someone is waiting to use the phone.
A O.K. Maybe I'll see you at lunch.
B Fine. See you then.
A Bye.

2. A That's reall y good news abou t your brother getting married.

B We’re all happy for him. Well, I'll let you get back to your books. I
know you have a lot to do.
A Yeah. I do.
B O.K. See you tomorrow.
A Bye.
B Bye.

Situations

Structured
1. A So, you see I need some help with this problem.
B Yes, I can understand that. I'll see what I can do and I'll call you
tomorrow.
A Oh, thank you.
B Now, if you'll excuse me . . .
A Certainl y. I'll wait until I hear from you tomorrow.
B Fine. Goodbye.
A Goodbye.
 CLOSING A CONVERSATION

2. A Yeah, the game was terrific last night.

B Did you notice Garcia scored two goals?
A Reall y? Oh, hey, I've got to hang up. My door bell is ringing.
B …………………………………………………………………………………
A …………………………………………………………………………………

Semi-Structured
1. A Yes, I understand what 1 need to do with the application.
B Good. Let me know if you have any more problems.
A (close the conversation)
B …………………………………………………………………………………
A …………………………………………………………………………………

2. A I don't know, Jose, I think Friday is a bad night for a patt y

B Why?
A Well, everybody’s always too tired to stay up all night. Saturday
would be better.
B Maybe.
A (close the conversation)
B …………………………………………………………………………………
A …………………………………………………………………………………

Unstructured
1. You are talking to your friend, just "shooting the breeze," and you
realize that you have an appointment in five minutes. Close the
conversation.
2. You are a professor and you have been talking with a student about his
last test which was very poor. You're getting t ired of talking to him
and you have lots of work to do. Close the conversation.
3. You are talking to your mother on the phone and you smell some thing
burning on the stove. Close the conversation.
4. You are discussing politics with a friend of your Lather's. Yo u would like
to talk with him further but you have to catch a bus. Close the
conversation.