1. English for Real Life
Everyday English for conversations, errands, and important moments
Speaker notes: Explain that the lesson introduces phrases for common everyday situations. Emphasize that clear communication matters more than perfect English. Ask: Which everyday situation would you most like to feel more confident handling in English?
2. Transportation & Directions
- Vocabulary: bus, subway, train, taxi, station, street, corner, map
- “How do I get to the train station?” — ¿Cómo llego a la estación de tren?
- “Where is the bus stop?” — ¿Dónde está la parada del autobús?
- “Can you show me on the map?” — ¿Me puedes mostrar en el mapa?
Speaker notes: Explain that “How do I get to…?” is a way to ask for directions to a place. For example, someone might ask, “How do I get to the train station?” while showing a map. Which phrase could you use to ask about a bus stop?
3. Starting a Conversation
- “Hi! How are you?” — ¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?
- “I’m fine, thank you. And you?” — Estoy bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?
- “Nice to meet you.” — Mucho gusto.
- “Where are you from?” — ¿De dónde eres?
Speaker notes: Explain that greetings and simple questions can help start a friendly conversation. Model a brief exchange: “Hi! How are you?” followed by “I’m fine, thank you. And you?” Which phrase would you use when meeting someone for the first time?
4. Shopping & Everyday Errands
- “How much is this?” — ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
- “Do you have this in another size?” — ¿Lo tienen en otra talla?
- “Can I try it on?” — ¿Me lo puedo probar?
- “Do you accept cards?” — ¿Aceptan tarjetas?
- “Can I get a receipt, please?” — ¿Me puede dar un recibo?
Speaker notes: Explain that these questions can help a customer ask about an item's price, size, payment, or receipt. For example, a customer might ask, “Do you accept cards?” before paying. What could you ask if you wanted to check the price?
5. Phone Calls & Appointments
- “Hello, I’d like to make an appointment.” — Hola, me gustaría hacer una cita.
- “What times are available?” — ¿Qué horarios tienen disponibles?
- “I’m available on Thursday.” — Estoy disponible el jueves.
- “Can you repeat that, please?” — ¿Puede repetirlo, por favor?
Speaker notes: Explain that these phrases help callers request an appointment, ask about available times, and confirm a day. For example: “What times are available?” followed by “I’m available on Thursday.” What could you say if you did not hear the time clearly?
6. Short Phone Conversations
- “Hello? Who is this?” — ¿Hola? ¿Quién habla?
- “Can I call you back?” — ¿Te puedo llamar más tarde?
- “I’m on my way.” — Ya voy.
- “I’ll be there in ten minutes.” — Llegaré en diez minutos.
- “Talk to you later!” — ¡Hablamos luego!
Speaker notes: Explain that these short phrases can help people share information and end a call politely. For example, someone who is busy might say, “Can I call you back?” Which phrase could you use to tell someone you expect to arrive soon?
7. Time, Dates & Schedules
- Time words: today, tomorrow, yesterday, week, month, hour, minute
- Parts of the day: morning, afternoon, evening
- “What time is it?” — ¿Qué hora es?
- “I’m available at 10 AM.” — Estoy disponible a las 10 de la mañana.
- “See you next week.” — Nos vemos la próxima semana.
Speaker notes: Explain that time words help people discuss schedules and make plans. For example, “I’m available at 10 AM” tells someone when you are free. How could you say when you are available to meet?
8. Health & Emergencies
- “I’m not feeling well.” — No me siento bien.
- “I have a headache.” — Tengo dolor de cabeza.
- “I need a doctor.” — Necesito un médico.
- “I’m allergic to…” / “I need my medication.”
- Emergency words: 911, ambulance, hospital, pharmacy
Speaker notes: Explain that these phrases help someone describe a health concern or ask for help. For example, a person with a headache can say, “I have a headache.” In the United States, call 911 for a life-threatening emergency. Which phrase could you use to explain that you need medical help?
9. Useful Words for Everyday Situations
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Transportation: bus, train, taxi, subway, station
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Shopping: store, price, receipt, cart, cash, card
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Time: today, tomorrow, week, month, AM, PM
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Health: doctor, hospital, medicine, pharmacy, emergency
Speaker notes: Explain that grouping vocabulary by topic can make words easier to remember and use. For example, “station” belongs with transportation, while “receipt” belongs with shopping. Which category includes the word “pharmacy”?
10. Review & Reflection
- How do you ask the price of something?
- What can you say if you do not feel well?
- How can you ask someone to repeat information?
- How do you say when you are available?
- Small steps make big dreams. Practice builds confidence!
Speaker notes: Review the questions as a chance to recall useful phrases from the lesson. For example, “How much is this?” asks about a price, and “Can you repeat that?” asks someone to say information again. Which phrase from the lesson do you feel ready to use in a real-life situation?