Conversation Topics

Topic: Cooking Verbs

English 2utor ★★, Conversation Topics

verbs-mesenglish-69-728

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: cooking verbs. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

fry (v) to cook food in fat or oil
I will fry some fish tomorrow for dinner.
bake (v) food that is cooked in an oven
My mom likes to bake cakes.
grill (v) to cook food on a metal frame; under or over high heat
Let’s grill some steaks tonight.
boil (v) to cook in very hot water
She wants to boil some eggs.
simmer (v) to cook food in hot water but not boiling for a period of time
Simmer the beef stew for 40 minutes.
stir (v) to mix food with a spoon
Stir one cup of chicken into the soup.
chop (v) to cut food into pieces
Chop the almonds into small pieces.
grate (v) to shred food into smaller pieces; like cheese or carrots
You need to grate some cheese for the pizza.
peel (v) to remove the skin from a fruit or vegetable
Peel the carrots before you eat them.
spread (v) to apply on a surface of a food
He likes to spread butter on his toast.

Conversation

Use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  1. What do you like to cook?
  2. Are cooking shows on TV popular in your country? If yes, do you watch them?
  3. Who’s the best cook in your family? Why?
  4. Which forms of cooking do you use? (For example – grill)
  5. Would you like to be a famous chef? Why or why not?
  6. Do you like to cook outside using a BBQ grill? Why or why not?
  7. Tell me some foods that are baked. (For example – cupcakes)
  8. Tell me some foods that can be grilled. (For example – steak)
  9. Is it important for children to learn how to cook? Why or why not?
  10. What is your favorite cooked meal? Why?

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

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Topic: Computer Technology

English 2utor ★★, Conversation Topics

personal-computing

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: computer technology. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

desktop computer (n) a computer that designed to be used on a desk
I prefer to use a desktop computer at work.
laptop computer (n) a portable computer small enough to put on your lap
I take my laptop computer everywhere I go.
devices (n – plural) a machine or equipment that is made for a special purpose
You can buy electronic devices at the store.
gadget (n) a small useful device
A mobile phone is a gadget.
e-books (n – plural) a book that is read on a computer or other electronic devices
She likes to read e-books more than paperback books.
apps (n – plural) short for applications; a computer program that performs a special function
Travel apps are my favorite.
outdated (adj) no longer useful; not modern or current
After a couple of years, electronic devices are outdated.
state-of-the-art (adj) the most recent and modern like technology
He always buys the state-of-the-art computers.
computer virus (n) small programs that attack your computer and cause damage to software and files
It’s important to protect your computer from a computer virus.
hacker (n) a person who uses a computer to gain access to information on other computers; not authorized
A hacker wants to steal information from other computer systems.

Conversation

Use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  1. What apps do you use on your mobile phone?
  2. Name some electronic devices you use.
  3. Do you always buy state-of-the-art devices? Why or why not?
  4. Do you read e-books? Why or why not?
  5. Do you prefer a desktop or laptop computer? Why?
  6. Besides a mobile phone, do you own any other gadgets? If yes, tell me about them.
  7. Have you ever had a computer virus? If yes, explain what happened.
  8. Why do hackers try to steal information from people and companies?
  9. Do you own outdated electronic devices? If yes, tell me what they are.
  10. Should everyone have free internet? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

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Topic: The Environment

English 2utor ★★, Conversation Topics

environment-2_trigger

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: the environment. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

natural resources (n – plural) materials found in nature like water, trees, oil, etc
Everyone needs to protect our natural resources.
eco-friendly (adj) will not hurt the environment
Plastic bags used at supermarkets are not eco-friendly.
earth (n) the planet on which we live
Our earth is always changing.
pollution (n) things that hurt our environment
A lot of big cities have air pollution from cars.
litter (n) trash that’s thrown on the ground and roads
You can see a lot of litter alongside the roads.
recycle (v) to use again; make products from other products
Some companies recycle metal to make other products.
reuse (v) to use something again
She likes to reuse plastic water bottles.
landfill (n) a place where trash or rubbish is buried in the ground
The landfill is located outside the city. 
contaminate (v) to make something dirty or polluted
Don’t contaminate the environment with litter.
renewable energy (n) energy that comes from a natural resource that can be used again
Rain is renewable energy. I collect it to water my flowers.

Conversation

Use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  1. Are there litter laws in your country? If so, what is the penalty for littering?
  2. Why do people litter?
  3. What are some types of pollution? (For example – light pollution)
  4. Does your country have a recycling program? If so, tell me about it.
  5. What are some things that can be recycled? (For example – newspapers)
  6. What are some natural resources? (For example – oil)
  7. What are some renewable energy sources? (For example – rain)
  8. What are some eco-friendly products? (For example – reusable water bottle)
  9. Do you use eco-friendly products? Why or why not?
  10. What can you do to make the world a better place?

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

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Topic: Having a BBQ

English 2utor ★★, Conversation Topics

cookout-shutterstock-main

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: having a BBQ. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

cookout (n) a BBQ or party at which food is cooked and served outdoors
We invited our friends over for a cookout.
fire up (v – phrase) to start by lighting a fire
I’m hungry! Let’s fire up the grill.
BBQ grill (n) the equipment to cook food over a fire outside
My BBQ grill works with gas.
gas (n) a substance that is burned as fuel
We heat our house with gas.
charcoal (n) a hard black material that is made by burning wood with little air; used for BBQ grills
I need more charcoal for the grill.
cooler (n) a container for keeping food and drinks cold
The cooler is filled with ice, soda, and water.
beverages (n – plural) something you can drink; a liquid for drinking
The beverages are in the cooler.
patio (n) an area of ground with a hard material (brick, wood, or concrete); usually behind the house
The BBQ grill is on the patio.
deck (n) similar to a patio but usually made with wood
We need to buy new furniture for the deck.
patio umbrella (n) used for protection from the sun and rain
Open up the patio umbrella because the sun is hot.

Conversation

Use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  1. Do you have a BBQ grill? If yes, is it a gas or charcoal?
  2. What are some reasons people have cookouts?
  3. Which type of beverages do you like? Why?
  4. What do people do at cookouts in your country?
  5. What kind of food is typically eaten at cookouts in your country?
  6. Do houses have decks or patios in your country?
  7. Has it ever rained at a cookout you attended? If so, what did you do?
  8. Do you think gas BBQ grills are dangerous? Why or why not?
  9. Do you like to cook on the BBQ grill? Why or why not?
  10. When will you have another cookout? Why?

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

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Topic: Raising Children

English 2utor ★★, Conversation Topics

raising-children

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: raising children. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

stay-at-home mom (expression) a mom who doesn’t work and raises her children
It’s less common to see a stay-at-home mom.
potty train (v) train a small child to use the toilet
It’s sometimes difficult to potty train a child.
infant (n) a small child or baby
The infant is starting to walk.
terrible twos (phrase) a period of time children act bad and get mad a lot; usually between 2-4 years old
My son is going through his terrible twos. If he doesn’t get his way, he screams.
grounded (adj) punish a child or teenager who did something wrong or bad; usually not allowed to go out
My daughter came home late. She was grounded for 2 days.
rules (n – plural) a statement that tells you what you can and cannot do
If children don’t follow rules, they can be grounded.
spoil (v) to treat someone too well; being too generous
Parents spoil their children with money, lots of gifts, and expensive cars.
chores (n – plural) a small job or task that is done regularly
My children do their chores after dinner.
bring up (v – phrase) to raise a child
It’s difficult to bring up children.
family time (expression) a period of time where a family spends quality time together
We play games during family time.

Conversation

Use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  1. Should children have chores? Why or why not?
  2. What are some reasons children are grounded?
  3. What are some family time activities?
  4. Do you think it’s difficult to potty train a toddler? Why or why not?
  5. Is it common in your country to have stay-at-home moms? Why or why not?
  6. What are some rules parents have for their children?
  7. In what ways do parents spoil their children?
  8. Who do you think is easier to raise a boy or girl? Why?
  9. What is a good age when children can be left alone? Why?
  10. Why is it important to support your children?

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

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Topic: Jobs and Occupations

English 2utor ★★, Conversation Topics

career-people

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: jobs and occupations. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

accountant (n) someone whose job is to keep the financial records for a business or person
An accountant controls the money.
dentist (n) someone whose job is to care for people’s teeth
A dentist checks your teeth.
judge (n) a person who has the power to make decisions in law
The judge gave him three years in prison for stealing money.
waiter/waitress (n) a person who takes your order and serves you food in a restaurant
The waiter served our food. (waiter – male; waitress – female)
news reporter (n) a person whose job is to report the news
the news reporter wrote an article about the Olympic games in Rio de Jainero.
plumber (n) a person whose job is to install and repair sinks, toilets, water pipes, etc.
The plumber is fixing the leak in my kitchen sink.
nurse (n) a person trained to take care of sick people; usually works in a hospital or doctor’s office
The nurse helps the doctor.
lawyer (n) a person whose job is to help people with legal problems and matters
The lawyer helped him to get divorced.
electrician (n) a person who works on and repairs electrical problems
The electrician fixed the light in our living room.
fireman (n) a person who helps to put out fires; works with other firemen
A fireman has a dangerous job.

Conversation

Use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  1. What’s your job title? Describe your job.
  2. Would you rather have a well-paying job or a satisfying job? Why?
  3. What did you want to be when you were a child? (For example – I wanted to be a fireman)
  4. Tell me 3 jobs you would like to do.
  5. Tell me 3 jobs you would not like to do.
  6. What is your dream job?
  7. Do you like to interview for jobs? Why or why not?
  8. Would you rather work inside or outside? Why?
  9. Do you like to travel for work? Why or why not?
  10. Do you plan to have the same job until you can retire? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

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Topic: Natural Disasters

English 2utor ★★, Conversation Topics

unsafe_buildings_natural_disasters

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: natural disasters. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

earthquake (n) a sudden and violent shaking of the earth that can cause a lot of damage
The earthquake caused damage to many buildings.
tornado (n) a violent storm where powerful winds move around in a central point
The tornado moved slowly through the city causing a lot a damage.
hurricane (n) a powerful storm with strong winds and rain that causes a lot of damage
The strong wind from the hurricane broke windows.
volcanic eruption (n) when a volcano explodes fire and lava from its top
The volcanic eruption caused many houses to catch on fire.
flood (v) a large amount of water usually from too much rain
The heavy rain caused the streets to flood.
landslide (n) a large amount of ground and rocks that slide down a mountain or hill
The landslide closed the road.
tsunami (n) a very large and high wave in the ocean usually caused by an earthquake
A tsunami occurred after the earthquake and flooded the city near the beach.
avalanche (n) a large amount of snow and ice or ground and rock that slides down a mountain
An avalanche can occur on Mount Everest.
disaster plan (n) a plan to help people survive and live after a natural or man-made disaster
A disaster plan includes storing food and water.
evacuate (v) to move people from a dangerous place to somewhere safe before or after a disaster
We were told to evacuate because a hurricane is coming.

Conversation

Use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  1. Which natural disaster do you think is the worst? Why?
  2. What natural disasters are common in your country?
  3. Would you volunteer to help after a natural disaster? Why or why not?
  4. What can people do to prepare for a natural disaster?
  5. Should governments help people with money after a natural disaster? Why or why not?
  6. If you were told to evacuate because of a hurricane, would you leave your home? Why or why not?
  7. Why do you think natural disasters occur?
  8. Have you ever been in a natural disaster? If yes, describe it.
  9. Why do you think people live near volcanos?
  10. Are you willing to donate money to help people after a natural disaster? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

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Topic: Making Decisions

English 2utor ★★, Conversation Topics

dec

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: making decisions. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

choice (n) the act of picking or choosing
They want to go to Dubai or London. It’s a difficult choice to make.
setback (n) a problem that delays a process or decision
There’s a small setback in our plans to cook. The stove stopped working.
risk (n) the possibility that something bad will happen
There’s always a risk when you drive a car.
responsibility (n) something that is your job or duty
It’s your responsibility to make the right decision.
long-term (adj) lasting for a long period of time
Her long-term goal is to be a successful doctor.
short-term (adj) lasting for a short period of time
Her short-term goal is to graduate with a Bachelors in Science.
peer pressure (n) a feeling that you have to do what others do in your age group
His decision was influenced by peer pressure.
second thoughts (n) a feeling of doubt or worry after you decided to do something
They are having second thoughts about getting married.
make up one’s mind (expression) to finally make a decision
She needs to make up her mind about which university to attend.
change one’s mind (expression) when you decide to do something else after you made a decision
He changed his mind about becoming a doctor. Now he wants to be a pilot.

Conversation

Use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  1. Are you good at making decisions? Why or why not?
  2. Tell me about a good decision you made.
  3. Tell me about a bad decision you made.
  4. Do you like to make choices? Why or why not?
  5. Tell me one of your long-term goals.
  6. Tell me one of your short-term goals?
  7. Have you ever made a decision then changed your mind? If yes, explain the situation.
  8. Have you ever asked the opinion of someone else before making a decision? If yes, explain the situation.
  9. Do you think people make bad decisions because of peer pressure? Why or why not?
  10. Tell me about a setback you had in your life.

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

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Topic: Helping Other People

English 2utor ★★, Conversation Topics

1-12-Volunteer-Travis-blog

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: helping other people. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

volunteer (n) a person a helps others without being paid
She is a volunteer to teach English.
donate (v) to give money or goods to other people or organizations
They donate $100 every year to the school.
charity (n) a system to give money, food, clothes, free help, etc to those in need
I give clothes I don’t wear anymore to charity.
fundraiser (n) an event to raise money for a specific purpose; especially charity
We are having a fundraiser to send the students to Europe.
nonprofit (adj) not to make a profit; money
The nonprofit organization helps people find jobs.
organization (n) a group of people who work together
We are an organization to help poor people.
social worker (n) a person who works for an organization to help and support people who need it
She is a social worker who helps sick people.
Red Cross (n) an organization that helps people who suffer from hunger, disease or other problems
The Red Cross helps people after a disaster.
food bank (n) a place where food is given to people that need it; a charity
You can donate food to the food bank.
homeless shelter (n) a place where homeless people can go temporarily to live
The homeless shelter provides a place for people to eat and sleep.

Conversation

Use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  1. Tell me some things people donate to charity.
  2. Why do people volunteer?
  3. Tell me some organizations where people volunteer in your country.
  4. Would you like to volunteer? If yes, what would you like to do?
  5. How can people and governments help homeless people?
  6. Have you ever donated something? If yes, what?
  7. If there was a disaster in your country, would you volunteer to help? Why or why not?
  8. Have you ever donated money to an organization? If yes, why?
  9. Tell me about a time you helped someone.
  10. Tell me some examples of fundraisers. (For Example – Car Wash)

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

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Topic: In the Supermarket

English 2utor ★★, Conversation Topics

Grocery-Supermarket-Food-Shopping-Cart

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: in the supermarket. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

shopping cart (n) a plastic or metal basket on wheels that you put things in that you want to buy
The shopping cart is full of meats, vegetables, fruit, and milk.
basket (n) a container you carry with your hands to put things in that you want to buy
I use a basket when I’m only buying a couple of things.
aisle (n) the long narrow space in between the shelves in a store
Can you tell me which aisle the pasta is in?
cashier (n) the person you pay when you buy groceries
The cashier asked me if I wanted to pay with cash or credit.
deli section (n) the area in a supermarket where there is sandwich meats, cheeses, and pre-made salads
The deli section sometimes gives out free samples of cheeses.
frozen food section (n) the area in a supermarket where the food is kept frozen
The frozen food section is usually next to the refrigerated section.
dairy section (n) the area in a supermarket where there is milk, yogurt, packaged cheese, etc.
The dairy section is always cold.
bakery (n) the area in a supermarket where there is freshly baked bread, cookies, cakes, etc.
I love to eat freshly baked bread from the bakery.
produce section (n) the area in a supermarket where the fruits and vegetables are kept
You can find healthy foods in the produce section.
meat section (n) the area in a supermarket where the meats like beef, chicken, pork, etc are kept
He likes to get beef and chicken from the meat section.

Conversation

Use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

  1. Do you like to go to the supermarket? Why or why not?
  2. What things do you like about the supermarket?
  3. What things do you dislike about supermarkets?
  4. What types of food can you find in the frozen food section?
  5. What types of food can you find in the dairy section?
  6. Wha types of food can you find in the bakery?
  7. Would you like to work in a supermarket? Why or why not?
  8. If you had five minutes to fill your shopping cart for free, what would you put in it?
  9. Is there a specific day and time you go to the supermarket? If yes, why do you go on that day and time?
  10. How could your local supermarket improve?

Wrap-up

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.

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