London, my hometown, is a multi-cultural world city. However, there are some problems. For students who live in S.E. Asia, the weather will be awful; grey skies, bitter wind, freezing, depressing rain.
A second factor is money. Unless one has a good job and a good income, London can be a hard place to live.
How does she link her ideas together and keep talking ?
REMEMBER: listening to native speakers in a great way to improve your English. I suggest you only listen to SHORT pieces … maybe just ten or twenty seconds. Write down any new words or phrases. Listen again, then repeat. Speak along with her. Listen to how native-speakers link words and use intonations. Notice how often we use expressions.
Quick thinking
What famous buildings or attractions can you think of in London ?
To help you, here’s a video about Top 10 London Attractions
Which ones appeal to you ? Expand your sentences. Explain why you are interested. Conversely, say which ones don’t appeal to you, again giving your reasons. Try to incorporate these idioms:
Not my cup of tea – a polite way of saying you don’t like something
Right up my street – something that you really like or enjoy
EXAMPLE: I don’t want to go to the ballet, it’s not my cup of tea. However, watching a football game is right up my street.
London, naturally, is a big city and you will probably have to use buses or the Tube (underground trains) at some point. So how to get around ?
Watch the video then explain how someone can travel on public transport in London.
Now, this video is chockablock (full) of new words and expressions. I’ve selected a sample:
about which more later / bank fees on transactions / hang around
get in everybody’s way / money put onto / top-up / cap
pay-as-you-go / stick (as verb) / as long as it’s nice and fresh / escalator
as far as …. concerned / obvious /on no account swipe
you’ve got to / the thing about …… is / particularly weirdos
get charged / get skinned / reasonable / Routemaster
Now, by listening to the video, and using a dictionary, you try to make some sentences using these new words or phrases.
Here are some examples foryou:
On no account tell anybody your PIN number for your bank card.
Prices are so high in central London, you can easily get skinned (pay TOO much).
The thing about the British Museum is that is can get so crowded.
Don’t stand in front of the escalators or you will get in everyone’s way.
Give a summary of ‘getting around’ London by public transport.
What are the ‘dos and don’ts’ ?
How many different kinds of transport is the Oyster valid on ?
Famous Londonders – real and fictional
Who is the most famous detective in literature ? Most of you would probably say Sherlock Holmes … but have you read him ? This is a great site for English learners – literature but in simple, everyday English
I am an English man, so I always drink damn fine tea. In order to make tea I naturally need boiling water. In my house I have an appliance which boils water. It plugs in to the electric and can boil water in just a few minutes. However, it has no other purpose.
Think of something you use everyday – but don’t make it too obvious.
The Tuareg are a large group of Berber people from many different ethnic groups who live in the Sahara region of northern Africa. No one really knows where they first came from …
Conversation practice: New person at work // past-time expressions
Photo description
What is happening here ?
Never start a story with a pronoun (he, she, they, it). Tell what the subject is, or tell what the people are doing.
NOT ‘They are laughing.”
I can see two ladies (add adjectives – their age, their background), what they are wearing, where they are and what do you think they are doing … how do they know each other … are they close friends ?
Warm up game:
Show these pictures. One student sits facing away from the image, and the others have to describe it. See how accurate the student can be.
Work in pairs. One is new to your company and the other has to show him / her the ropes (show the new staff what to do, how the job works, where things are).
Make conversation:
First – small talk (general questions, where did he work before, where does she live)
Next – explain about the subsidised lunch (lunch is not free but is much cheaper than a normal restaurant).
New staff can ask about the food at local coffee bar or restaurant.
Older staff can offer suggestions to eat somewhere or a great local cafe.
New staff can ask about shopping, coffee shops, watching football in cafes.
Bonding – seeing what you have in common.
What (films, books, music) are you into ?
Would you like a coffee / tea / water ?
Pronunciation Quiz
What words are being said ? Teacher, or a student, reads out these pairs of words. Students must decide which is being said.
Cheese or cheers // Ship or sheep // close (the door) or close (near) //
work or walk // heard or hurt // house or ours // open or a pen
Past time expressions
Not for a long time / not recently / oh, I can’t recall it was so long ago
quite recently / fairly recently / about a month or so ago
last week / last month / last year / yesterday / just this morning
the day before yesterday / a fortnight ago / ages ago / I’ve never done that
What could these two friends be saying to each other ?
Put class into two teams (or more depending on size). They have to write and then act out a conversation using FIVE of the above time expressions.
Example: Let’s call them Yen and Haamida
Yen: Have you seen Anthony ?
Haamida:Not for a long time. How about you ?
Yen: Yes, I saw him the day before yesterday.
Haamida: Didn’t he go to Scotland last month ?
Yen: No, that was ages ago. Oh, did you finish your essay ?
Haamida: Yes, just this morning.
Do not use any of the examples !
Now try this situation. The two people are not so amicable (friendly).
To help: what is the relationships between the two ? Boyfriend / girlfriend ? Husband & wife ? Brother & sister ? Neighbours ? Actors rehearsing or actors in a play ?
Word bomb– what do you think of when I say ‘hotel’ ?
Checking in to a hotel
Vocabulary:
reception / lift or elevator / single or double room / king size bed or twins /
first floor / complimentary breakfast / key deposit / luggage storage / safe / mini bar
What would the conversation be ?
Reception: How may I help you / May I ask your name ? / Can I see your reservation code ? / That’s fine. You stay for three nights ? / May I have your passport, please ? / You’re in room 237. That’s on the second floor / Thank you. Sign here, please / Yes, the lift is just over there. / Naturally, as well as a hair dryer, coffee machine and mini bar. / Enjoy your stay.
Guest: Hello, we have a reservation / We booked a room online / My name’s ….. / Certainly, it’s on my phone. / Yes, that’s right. / Absolutely. / Correct. / Just a second; here you are./ Is there a lift ? / The second floor ? / Is there a safe in the room ? / Perfect. Thanks very much
Make a conversation. One student will be the reception, the other(s) a guest or guests.
Write your own conversation
You are in a hotel bar and you meet another guest. Start a polite conversation, but you have to use your English.
Greet each other
Why are you in this city ? (holiday or on business)
Offer to buy a drink (accept or decline – maybe you don’t drink alcohol)
How long are they staying ? What do they think of the hotel ? What can they do in the area around the hotel ?
Small group work
You are two married couples who meet on a tour and are staying at the same hotel OR you are on a business trip and meet some other business people.
Use the following sentences, as well as your own, to make a conversation. try to keep speaking for as long as possible by using small talk techniques (oh, really / that’s interesting / tell me more / what do you do exactly ? / where is that ? / Sounds interesting)
My wife and I are delighted to meet you
Shall we go to the bar or cafe ?
Can offer name first (I’m Simon, what’s your name ?)
Would you fancy a drink … ?
Is there anywhere special to do here ?
Sorry, I have to get my head down, it’s been a long flight (I need to sleep).
My colleague and I were going out to eat.
I fancy a beer or something alcoholic
Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t ask where you are from.
Reasonable (cheaper)
Would you like to join us ?
Peckish (little hungry)
What do you think of these hotel rooms ?
What do you think of the design ?
Would you like to stay in any of these ? Why, or why not ?
Warm up: Ask students about problems at work. Encourage them to share their own stories.
Computers
The network is down (LAN or WAN)
My computer has crashed
The wifi is slow
I forgot my password
The printer is jammed / the ink has run out
I can’t access the file
Staff
We get on well together
We’re on the same wavelength (think the same thing)
He doesn’t pull his weight (doesn’t do his share of work)
My boss is a slave-driver (ironic / irony)
You’re not the boss of me !
He gets on my nerves ! (He annoys me)
General conditions
We need a pay-rise ! (we need more money for this job)
The air-con is too high / too low
It’s a great atmosphere here (it’s a nice place to work, people are friendly).
It’s not the friendliest place in the world ! (it’s not a happy or friendly office).
The commute is too long (time travelling to/from work).
Create a scenario:
What could the problems be ? Work in pairs or small groups. What would you do in these situations ? How would you feel ?
It is 11.55 am, just five minutes before lunch. You missed breakfast and are very hungry but then your supervisor comes to YOU and demands that you write some emails and check some files.
It is 16.00, you are tired and want to go home. You have to send some emails to Germany but … what could go wrong ?
The air con is on 18 degrees. You are very cold and only have a thin shirt.
You need to print out a file but the printer has jammed.
You try to send an important file to a college’s computer but the wifi is slow … and then your computer crashed.
You have some angry costumers … very angry !
An incident at work
Your colleague, John Harris, had an accident in the workplace.
Watch the first clip (0.00 – 0.40)
You have to report to your manager.
What was the task ?
What happened exactly ?
Were all safety procedures followed ?
What should have happened ?
Vocabulary
Idioms and expressions:
Very busy:
I’m snowed under / I’m up to my eyes in work / I’m working flat out /
Very quiet, not much work:
We are having some down time / It’s a quiet period / The place is deserted /
Time phrases– think of sentences using:
recently / nowadays / once in a while / in the long term / a few years ago
Talk about your work-day using a time phrase and an idiom.
Talk about some problems at work. How did you solve them ?
Have you ever had an angry costumer ? How did you deal with them or handle the situation ?
As drunk as a ….. // As dead as a ….. // As brave as a ……
As free as a ….. // As gentle as a …… // As quiet as a ……
If you need some help with the ‘drunk as a ……’ question.
Conversation Practice
Make sentences with these words or expressions:
In a class, write out the words on paper and distribute to the students, either individually or in groups. Give them a time limit and award points for each word used, plus bonuses for interesting or creative sentences.
spectacular / visually stunning / you get what you pay for / mouth-watering / a waste of money / significantly / according to / how can I put it ? / Somewhat / incredibly / as good as gold / as drunk as a skunk /
Reported Speech
Also known as ‘indirect speech’, reported speech is used to tell what someone has said.
Example:
Three Japanese students, Keiko, Rina & Mei are looking at their new university. Keiko, in the black cardigan says:
Keiko: Now I feel as wise as an owl.
However, with all the street noise, Mei didn’t hear so she asks Rina (who wears a pink and white striped top).
Mei: The building is stunning, but what did Keiko say ?
Rina: She said that she felt as wise as an owl.
Rina uses the past tense to tell Mei what Keiko said – she said she felt as wise as an owl.
Look at these:
Susan: “Mary works in an office.” This is Susan speaking directly.
→Susan said (that) Mary worked in an office. This is someone telling what Susan said.
Notice how the verb changes from present to past tense (‘works’ to ‘worked’).
Susan: “I work in an office.”
→Susan said (that) she worked in an office.
Notice how the pronoun changes from first to third person (‘I’ to ‘she’).
Exercises:
Rewrite the sentences using reported speech
1 ‘Ellie can use my phone,’ said my brother.
1 My brother said that Ellie could use his phone.
2 Benjamin: “I often have a big hamburger.”
2 Benjamin said (that) he often has a big hamburger.
(Pronoun changes from ‘I’ to ‘he’). Here Benjamin is talking about an event that happens frequently, so we keep the present tense ‘have’ but change it to the third-person form ‘has’.
Benjamin frequently eats big hamburgers. Because this is a repeated action, we always use present tense, even in reported speech.
3 ‘I don’t want to sit next to Sam,’ said Jenny.
4 Hannah: “They live in Boston.” Again, this is a present tense situation.
5 Tyler: “Ian doesn’t invite girls to his parties.”
6 Linda: “Did Max fly to London two weeks ago?”
7 Robert: “Dennis often downloads the latest tunes.”
Free speaking exercise
There is a work party and the managers want to know which food to serve.
The options are:
vegetarian / Korean / sea-food / western fast-food / traditional German cuisine
Korean foodBurgers, french fries, fried chickenTraditional German food … and beer.
Discuss which food to choose. Run through the pros and cons of each one. Also think about entertainment. Use recently acquired vocabulary:
Expressions:
I adore / I really enjoy / I’m into
I don’t mind … I quite like …. I can take it or leave it
I’m not keen on …. It’s not my cup of tea (idiom, means I don’t like it)
I can’t stand (noun or pronoun) ……. (seafood) / I can’t stand it !
Spicy / bland / hard to eat / unhealthy / fatty
not used to it / doesn’t appeal
you can’t please everyone / each to their own / fussy eater
Listening practice: A non-native speaker talks about a crime.
Reading exercise: Sherlock Holmes
Vocabulary: exercises
Warm up game: Eyewitness
Crime and detection.Being an eyewitness.
Crime and Punishment
This is a famous book by the Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky. Give students five to ten minutes to research information about him, then present it to the class. This practises extracting relevant information. Reading verbatim from Wiki or other sites is forbidden !
Warm up game:
Eyewitness: Show students a slide or picture of three people for two minutes. Tell them that today some computers were stolen from the office and these people were seen. Ask them to describe the people they just saw. Prompt for as much detail as possible. This will test the students’ ability to use adjectives and learn new vocabulary from each other:
Do you like detective shows ? Which are your favourites ?
The above shows are from USA, UK & South Korea. Detective shows are popular all over the world. Even famous film directors can write detective novels:
I was walking with a friend along Main Street, around 4 in the morning. The street was ………….quiet, just some tourists and a little traffic.
I was wearing a small bag, strung across my shoulder. A security guard was behind me, talking to a person in a car. …….., a motorbike came towards me on the pavement. He stopped, …………..my strap, then drove away.
Naturally, I shouted but it was too late; he was gone. My friend was worried but I told her it was OK, nobody was hurt. The ………of the bag were really worthless: pens, some medicine, a book, but also my designer glasses.
The security guard was comical in his incompetence. He shook his head, mouth open wide, and said, “It all ………. so quickly, there was nothing I could do.”
I should, …….. , have reported it to the police, that was the ……….. but people told me the thief would never be found. What I learnt from this unfortunate experience was to be very careful and never walk around with valuables.
The greatest of all fictional detectives, Sherlock Holmes, along with his loyal companion Dr. Watson, made his first appearance in Arthur (later Sir Arthur) Conan Doyle’s novel A Study in Scarlet (1887) and continued into the 20th century in such collections of stories as The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1894) and the longer Hound of the Baskervilles (1902).
Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes
New Vocabulary Practice:
What is the ……… for reporting a crime. (noun)
Most of what we learnt on the first day was ………… (adj)
His wife ……….. (verb) him of eating the cake but the real ….. (noun) was the dog !
Jet Mart had two cases of Tiger beer boosted (stolen). In Mr Wall’s house, there were two cases of Tiger beer but, his lawyer defended, this is not proof, merely ……….. …………….
A: My laptop is so slow. B: Buy a new one. A: I would if I had the money. B: Why is it so slow? A: That’s a good question. B: Did you take it to a computer shop? A: I would if I had the money. B: Well, I guess you have to live with it. A: Sometimes I want to throw it out the window. wanna B: You don’t want to do that. A: Why not? B: You might hit someone on the head.
Re-write but with smart phone instead of ‘laptop.’
Being a bit short – not having much or enough money.
A:Can I borrow £5? quid B: Sure. Why do you need it? A: I want to buy lunch. B: Where’s your money? [Pronunciation: Wheres yah monnnee ?] A: It’s not in my wallet. B: Your wallet is empty? A: I don’t have even one quid in it. B: Being broke is no fun. [Broke = having no money] A: Even if it’s only for a short while. B: It’s always good to have friends. A: Friends will lend you money when you’re broke. B: As long as you pay them back.
Write a similar dialogue but with different situations.
Vocabulary practice:
Look up the meaning of these words and expressions, then see how they’re used in the following dialogue.
truly / rather / somewhat/ quid / broke/ you what ?
Let me shuffle through my memory
run into / put up with / fun-filled / throughout the city
that’s a good question / this is the worst ….. in the world !
A You’ll never guess who I ran into last night.
B Who ? I was up to my eyes in work.
A Ms Cam. It was rather a surprise. I haven’t seen her for ages.
B Ms Cam ? Let me shuffle through my memory… oh, yes.
A Remember ? She was somewhat laconic at work, but after beer …
B Absolutely ! She doesn’t shut up ! I had to put up with her stories.
A Same thing last night. Nothing changes. But it was a fun-filled night
B Where’d you take her ? Anywhere fancy ?
A We started at a street bar but it was malodorous, so we took off.
B She drinks like a fish, I recall. What happened ?
A Hmmm … that’s a good question ! I had a few too many.
B That explains it – you look a bit sick. Did you drink cocktails ?
A Oh, did we ! This is the worst hangover in the world !
TRY to make your own conversation using some of the new vocabulary and expressions.
Ideas: buying something / wanting to go someone / having a bad day
Activity: Plan a day out for my friends.
I have two friends arriving in HCM( or your city). They want a typical, authentic experience. Plan a day for them. It must include:
Breakfast
A museum
Somewhere for a snack
An interesting building or location
Lunch
Souvenir shopping
Something to do in the evening
Give tips and advice.
How do they travel around ?
What are their options and estimate the prices.
Try to use as much new vocabulary as possible, words and expressions.
Directions to Pham Ngo Lao Street District 1 // Directions to a city centre street.
Ask for help. Other must offer as much help – how to get there, the best way, the price, the dangers. Body language – distance, expression, intonation, eye contact etc
Also back channelling. Nod your head, say, “Sure,” “Right.” “Oh, really ?”
Small talk …. Try to talk for as long as possible – then change subjects:
your home town / your favourite holiday / a great place to visit in your city / some great things about children / some terrible things about your city / family / favourite hobby.
Past simple/ past continuous
Look at the house map – say where you were last night and what you were doing
EXAMPLE: I was on the balcony, watering my plants.
I was in the bedroom, …………………
Famous for 15 minutes
Pretend you are famous – your partner will interview you on:
Sai Gon Today ! A live chat show from your work or school !
FIRST – why are YOU famous – what do you like doing best ?
Think of 6 questions. Examples:
When did you start ? When did you win your first award ? What was it like travelling to USA ? What are your plans for the future.
Who else works in a TV studio ? What equipment do we need to make a show ?
Adverbs of degree
very / so / extremely / = high, a lot
quite / somewhat = moderate / medium
Tokyo is ……….. expensive, while for Vietnamese people, Thailand can be ……………. expensive.
The test was …………….. (medium) difficult.
I ……… liked the film, but the book was better, it was …………….. good.
Free Speaking
Have you ever thought about trying or learning something new ?
Do you want to take up a new sport ? Start up a new business ?
Join up for a club ? Learn a new skill ?
Try to use some of the following phrases:
The job is repetitive ? It can be somewhat tedious.
Working everyday can have a negative effect on our health.
I feel it is not suitable for me. I am not suited to it.
My background is in engineering; I have no experience in business.
I may regret it if I don’t try – but it is a risk. Always a risk because it may be unsuccessful – it may fail.
Please Note: All photos are taken from Google Images or free photo sites, and are used for educational purposes only. No copyright infringement or offense is intended. If I have used your photo or image, and you wish me to remove it, just ask. This site is not monetized, I run it on my own dollar. Thank you.
Do you exercise ? How regularly ? What do you do ? Do you go to a gym ?
Can people stay fit without going to a gym ? How … what can they do ?
What are some common ailments ? What keeps you off work ?
Exercise machines
Vocabulary:
cardiovascular / About the heart and blood vessels
abdominal / Stomach or belly
upper-body / Torso or chest
muscles / Tissues in body for movement
Coordination / Using different parts of the body together
quadriceps / Large muscle at front of thigh
1. The Treadmill
The treadmill burns the most calories of any of the cardiovascular machines available at most gyms. You can expect to burn about 100 calories per mile, walking briskly.
A treadmill can be adapted to many different fitness levels by increasing the speed from walking to running or by adjusting the incline.
2. Rowing Machines
Don’t be fooled into thinking this machine gives you only an upper-body workout. Rowers are more advanced cardiovascular machines.
Because you must push with the legs while you pull with the arms, rowers require coordination. They also you require you to engage your core abdominal muscles to support and protect your back.
3 Leg-extension machine
Pushing weights up with your legs, exerting your quadriceps in the process.
You can do this every day as a post-workout routine or 3 times a week when you are concentrating on lower body/legs
Andy: Very well, thank youhowever,I need to keep fit. Can you help me ?
Gina: Sure, how can I help ?
Andy: What exercise is good for the heart ?
Gina: Any cardiovascular machine.
Andy: Can you give me an example ?
Gina: A treadmill for example. That is very good for the heart.
Andy: Do you use one ?
Gina: Sometimes, but I prefer to walk or jog in the park.
Andy: Great idea ! What can I do for upper-body strength ?
Gina: Rowing machines are very good. They help with the abs, as well.
Andy: “Abs” ?
Gina: Abdominal muscles … stomach or belly. { muss-cells }
Andy: Yes, I admit, I really need that. Is the gym far ?
Gina: No, it’s here in District 3, about 10 minutes away.
Andy: How do we get there? By taxi ?
Gina: No, we jog ! Shall we go tomorrow ?
Andy: Absolutely ! Oh, wait … I am busy. Can we reschedule?
Gina: Ok. When ?
Andy: Maybe next week. I’ll post a messageonline when I’m free.
Gina: Good idea, but remember … once you pay the gym, they don’t give refunds.
Collocations: post a message / give refunds / get there
Linking words: however / for example
Vocabulary:
pulled a muscle / sprain / torn a ligament / strain / took a knock
I need to get in shape / I’ve let myself go / I’m taking up a new sport
warm up / stretch / set my own pace / beat my own record
You want to get fit. Work in small groups to suggest ways and possible sports.
Is any equipment needed ?
What advise can you offer ?
What are the pitfalls (dangers) ?
Football– boots – football kit (shirt and shorts and, naturally, socks) gloves if you play in goal (goal-keeper / goalie). Not forgetting a ball and maybe a spare.
A referee (ref) needs a loud whistle, special kit, a stop watch, yellow and red card, also a small notebook and pen.
Professional referees nowadays require a headset and ear-piece. A new innovation is the spray-can.
Linesmen– referee’s assistants ( who carry flags) and the fourth referee.
Cigarette Advertisement
What do these two adverts show ?
Are these adverts positive or negative ?
What are the pros and cons of smoking ?
How do they affect health / finances / appearance / other people ?
Talk about the effects of smoking, using as many words or phrases as you can:
wrinkles / passive-smoking / save money / anxiety / asthma / lungs cancer / heart disease / second hand smoke / bad breath / yellow stains / pregnant / blood pressure / expensive / addiction / colds and flu
Asking questions about an issue
What do you feel about … ?
How do you feel about passive smoking ? (what do you think about passive smoking ?)
What can be done to address this issue ? (What can people do to stop this problem ?)
What’s your take on …. ? (more informal: ‘take’ means view, opinion or experience). What’s your take on pregnant women who smoke ?
Vocabulary builder
World Health Organisation No Tobacco Day 31stMay
raise awareness – to make people know more about something
health risks – dangers to health
Please Note: All photos are taken from Google Images or free photo sites, and are used for educational purposes only. No copyright infringement or offense is intended. If I have used your photo or image, and you wish me to remove it, just ask. This site is not monetized, I run it on my own dollar. Thank you.
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Thay Paul's Notes 