Topic: Hair Salon and Barbershop

July 18, 2016March 6, 2018 ★★, Conversation Topics

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Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: going to the hair salon or barbershop. 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

barber

(n) a person whose job is to cut men’s hair
My barber likes to work on the weekends.

hairstylist

(n) a person who cuts and styles hair; hairdresser
The hairstylist is very good at cutting hair.

blow-dry

(v) to dry hair with a hairdryer
I blow-dry my hair every day.

color

(v) to dye hair to another color or shade
She has to color her hair once a month.

perm

(n) a process where a person’s hair is curled and treated with chemicals; usually a woman
A perm will make your hair curly for a long time.

curly

(adj) having curls in the hair, formed into a round shape
The woman has naturally curly hair.

hairstyle

(n) a particular form or design of hair
She wants a new hairstyle.

straighten

(v) to make the something straight like hair
She wants the hairstylist to straighten her hair.

split ends

(n) hair that has become dry or damaged and has split apart at the ends
She wants to have her split ends repaired.

bangs

(n) hair in the front of the head cut straight and the same length
She asked the hairstylist to cut her bangs.

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.

How often do you go to a hair salon or barbershop? Why?
Have you ever had your color put in your hair? If yes, which color and why?
Do you have a favorite hairstylist or barber? Why?
Do you like straight or curly hair? Why?
Would you get a perm? Why or why not?
Is there a specific style of haircut you like? Why or why not?
What do you normally have done to your hair when you go to the hair salon or barbershop?
Do you like bangs? Why or why not?
Can you name some tools hairstylists and barbers use?
Did you ever have a dream to be a hairstylist or barber when you were younger?

Wrap-up

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

Topic: At the Gas Station

July 18, 2016 ★★, Conversation Topics

Shellgasstationlosthills

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: at the gas station. 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

gas pump

(n) the machine at a gas station to put gas in a car
The gas pump doesn’t work.

self-service

(adj) allowing customers to serve themselves
We only have self-service gas stations in my city.

full-service

(adj) someone who serves another person
I like full-service gas stations because I don’t have to do the work.

fill up

(v – phrase) action of filling up something full; a gas tank
I always like to fill up my gas tank

unleaded gas

(n) a type of fuel that doesn’t have tetraethyllead; lead-free
My car uses unleaded gas.

check the oil

(phrase) to look at the engine oil in a car to see if it needs more oil
Should I check the oil in your car?

check the tire pressure

(phrase) to look or test the air in car tires to see if they need more air
I always check the tire pressure when I go to the gas station.

gas attendant

(n) the person who puts gas in your car at a gas station
The gas attendant is very busy.

wash the windshield

(phrase) to clean the front glass of a car with liquid soap and water
He always washes the windshield of his car.

pop the hood

(phrase) to open the hood of a car; the engine is under the hood
Please pop the hood so I can check your oil.

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.

Which do you like better, full-service or self-service gas stations? Why?
Do you usually pay with cash or credit card for gas? Why?
How often do you check the tire pressure in your car?
How often do you check the oil in your car?
Is gas expensive in your country?
Do you always fill your gas tank full? Why or why not?
Why is it important not to smoke at gas stations?
Would you like to work as a gas attendant? Why or why not?
Is it important to keep the correct amount of air in car tires? Why or why not?
Do you like to wash the windshield of your car? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

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

Topic: Going to the Park

July 18, 2016March 6, 2018 ★★, Conversation Topics

auburndale_park_web_header

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: going to the park. 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

playground

(n) an outdoor area where children can play that usually has equipment
The playground is full of children.

picnic table

(n) an outdoor table usually found in parks where people eat
We need to find a picnic table as soon as we get to the park.

bench

(n) long and usually hard seat for 2 to 4 people
I like to sit on the bench at the park.

pond

(n) a small area of water surrounded by land
The park has a beautiful pond with fish.

trash can

(n) a container that holds materials to be thrown away
The trash can is full.

water fountain

(n) a device that sends water into the air in a garden or park
The water fountain looks nice next to the playground.

swing

(n) equipment that a person sits on and moves backward and forward
The children like the swing more than the slide.

slide

(n) equipment where a person climbs up and comes down on their butt or back
Sometimes children are afraid of the slide.

seesaw

(n) a device that is usually for 2 children to play on and balance; they go up and down
My daughter likes going up on the seesaw.

path

(n) an area where people walk or jog
The park has a nice path for walking.

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.

Why do people like going to the park?
What are some activities people can do at a park?
Do you like going to the park? Why or why not?
Are there a lot of parks in your city? If yes, tell me about the one you like the most.
Should dogs be allowed in a park? Why or why not?
Which is your favorite playground equipment? Why?
Do you like water fountains? Why or why not?
Should smoking be allowed in a park? Why or why not?
Should people have to pay to enter a park? Why or why not?
Should there be more parks in your city or country? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

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

Topic: Ten Common Idioms

July 10, 2016March 6, 2018 ★★, Conversation Topics

idioms

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: 10 common idioms. 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

a piece of cake

something is very easy to complete
The Science test was a piece of cake.

costs an arm and a leg

something is very expensive
Buying a Porsche costs an arm and a leg.

break a leg

good luck
Break a leg at your job interview today.

it’s raining cats and dogs

it’s raining a lot; very heavily
Wow! It’s raining cats and dogs now.

hit the nail on the head

doing or saying something that is 100% correct
You hit the nail on the head when you said designer clothes are expensive.

when pigs fly

something that will never happen
He will get married when pigs fly.

you can’t judge a book by its cover

you can’t know what someone or something is like by only looking at the person’s or thing’s appearance

The book doesn’t look interesting, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.

bite off more than you can chew

to try to do something that is too difficult for you
She may bite off more than she can chew by taking 5 classes this semester.

scratch someone’s back

used to tell someone that if they help you, you will help them
If you scratch my back today, I will help you in the future.

hit the books

to study
I have a Math test tomorrow so I need to hit the books now.

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.

Are idioms used in your language? If so, can you give me an example of one?
Why is it important to learn idioms?
Do you know other English idioms? If so, tell me them.
Why are idioms difficult to learn?
Do you “see red” when learning idioms?
Do you like to learn idioms? Why or why not?
Do you think some English learners can learn idioms easier than other learners? Why or why not?
Why do you think idioms are used in movies and TV programs?
Do you practice learning idioms? Why or why not?
Pick 3 of the idioms in this lesson and use them in a sentence.

Wrap-up

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

Topic: Birthdays

July 10, 2016January 28, 2019 ★★, Conversation Topics

birthday-party-web-540

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: birthdays. 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

birthday cake

(n) a sweet and soft food made with eggs, flour, sugar, and other ingredients; after it is baked, it is decorated for birthdays
My favorite birthday cake is a chocolate cake with peanut butter icing.

surprise party

(n) an unexpected birthday celebration someone has for you
My wife had a surprise party for my birthday this year.

milestone birthday

(n) a birthday event marking a specific or significant age
In the USA some milestone birthdays are celebrated at 16, 25, 50, and 100.

present

(n) a gift that is given to someone for a life event like a birthday
I received a present from my parents for my birthday.

wrapping paper

(n) a special paper that is used to cover presents or gifts
The wrapping paper has balloons, candles, and a cake on it.

ribbon

(n) a long strip of fabric used to decorate a present
She wrapped the gift with a ribbon around it.

birthdate

(n) the date when a person was born
My birthdate is April 15, 1966.

candle

(n) wax formed into a stick and has a string in the middle that can be burned
For my 50th birthday, they put 50 candles on my cake.

birthday wish

(n) a special desire or hope for someone’s birthday
Example: 1. I hope you have a wonderful birthday 2. I wish you all the best on your birthday.

tradition

(n) a custom or belief in a country or group of people that is passed from one generation to the next
We have a tradition of going out for dinner on our birthdays.

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.

How are birthdays celebrated in your country? Are there traditions in your country?
What is your best birthday memory?
What flavor of birthday cake do you like?
What are some presents people receive in your country for birthdays?
When were you born?
What are some things you like to do for your birthday?
What was the best present you ever received and from whom?
Are milestone birthdays celebrated in your country? If so, which birthdays are milestones?
Have you ever had a surprise birthday party? If so, tell me about. If no, do you want one?
Is the cost of a present important to you? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

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

Topic: Personality

July 10, 2016October 24, 2016 ★★, Conversation Topics

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Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: personality. 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

trait

(n) a quality belonging to someone
One personality trait that I have is being kind.

extrovert

(n) a friendly person who likes being with and talking to other people; an outgoing person
My brother is an extrovert because he can talk to anybody.

introvert

(n) a shy person who doesn’t find it easy to talk to people
She is an introvert because she doesn’t like to talk to people in public.

hot-tempered

(adj) becoming angry very easily
He’s hot-tempered because he got mad at me for spilling water.

even-tempered

(adj) not easily upset or made angry
She’s even-tempered because she doesn’t let little things bother her.

dependent

(adj) needing someone or something else for help or support
Children are dependent on their parents.

independent

(adj) not needing or relying on others for help and support
I’m an independent person because I like to live by myself.

blow off some steam

(idiom) to get rid of anger
I’m going for a bike ride to blow off some steam.

sociable

(adj) like to talk and be with people
Sociable people can talk to strangers.

antisocial

(adj) not friendly to other people; harmful to other people
Antisocial people hate to be around other people.

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.

Are you happy with your personality? Why or why not?
Do you think people can change their personality traits? Why or why not?
What are some things that make you angry?
If you could change one thing about your personality, what would it be? Why?
Are you even-tempered or hot-tempered? Why?
What do you like to do to blow off steam?
What personality traits do you consider important in a good friend?
Are you an extrovert or introvert? Why?
What are some things that make you happy?
Are you a dependent or independent person? Why?

Wrap-up

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

Topic: Humor

July 10, 2016March 6, 2018 ★★, Conversation Topics

world-laughter-day

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: humor. 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

a sense of humor

(phrase) the personality to say or appreciate funny things
She has a sense of humor because she can laugh at herself.

laugh

(v) to show that you are happy or that you think something is funny
He likes to laugh when I make funny faces.

laughter is the best medicine

(phrase) said to mean being happy and laughing is a good way to not worry and be healthy

joke

(n) something said or done to cause laughter
The comedian told a joke that made me laugh a lot.

comedy

(n) a book, movie, TV program, etc., that is meant to make people laugh
My favorite type of movie is a comedy.

were you born in a barn

(phrase) a funny way to tell someone to shut the door after they go into a room or building
You didn’t shut the door after you came into the house. Were you born in a barn?

funny

(adj) causing laughter, odd or strange
He’s funny because he tells jokes all the time.

cartoon

(n) a funny drawing in a newspaper or magazine
I always read the cartoons in the Sunday newspaper.

comedian

(n) a person who performs in front of people to make them laugh; tells jokes or acts in a funny way
The comedian had the entire audience laughing.

a practical joke

(n) a joke involving something that is done to a person; not told: a trick played on someone
His way of playing a practical joke on me was to lock the door on me.

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.

Do you like to tell jokes? Why or why not?
Do you like comedy movies? Why or why not?
Why do people say laughter is the best medicine?
What makes you laugh?
Do you like cartoons? Why or why not
Are there any famous comedians from your country?
Have you ever played a practical joke on someone? If so, tell me about it.
Do you have any funny friends who make you laugh? If so, tell me about one.
Can jokes hurt people? Why or why not?
Tell me about something funny that happened to you.

Wrap-up

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

Topic: The Dentist

July 10, 2016 ★★, Conversation Topics

1-DentistAndPatient

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: the dentist. 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

toothbrush

(n) a brush for cleaning your teeth
I like soft toothbrushes.

toothpaste

(n) a substance used to clean your teeth
I like mint flavored toothpaste.

x-ray

(n) to examine and make photos the inside of your body
Once a year my dentist takes x-rays of my teeth and gums.

dental floss

(n) a special string that is used to clean between your teeth
My dentist recommends that I use dental floss after every meal.

gums

(n) the soft tissue under your teeth
It’s important to take care of your gums and teeth.

cavity

(n) a hole formed in a tooth by decay or rotting
During my last dentist visit, I had one cavity.

mouthwash

(n) a liquid that is used to clean your mouth and teeth and to make your breath smell better
I gargle with mouthwash every time I brush my teeth.

tooth fairy

(n) an imaginary person who’s supposed to leave money to children while they sleep in exchange for a tooth that has come out
Children are excited to find that the tooth fairy left them $1 for their tooth.

whitening

(n) the act or process of making something white or whiter; teeth
Whitening your teeth will make them brighter.

filling

(n) something used to fill a cavity in your teeth
The dentist used a cement as a filling for my cavity.

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.

Is it important to go to the Dentist? Why or why not?
Do or did you have braces?
What flavor of toothpaste do you like? Why?
Do you have any fillings? If so, how many?
Have you ever had an x-ray? If so, for what?
Is there a tooth fairy in your culture?
Have you ever had whitening done to your teeth? If yes, would you recommend it?
Are you afraid of the dentist? Why or why not?
Do you think it’s important to use dental floss and mouthwash? Why or why not?
Do you brush your teeth after every meal? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

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

Topic: What is Culture?

July 10, 2016March 6, 2018 ★★, Conversation Topics

banner_culture

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: what is culture? 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

religion

(n) a belief in a god or group of gods
There are many different religions in the world.

folk art

(n) paintings, musical instruments, jewelry, and other forms of art made by untrained people of a country
Every country as some type of folk art.

diet

(n) food and drink regularly provided or consumed; what people eat
Hamburgers and hot dogs are a part of the diet in the USA.

rituals

(n) a ceremony or celebration performed by people
Rituals are apart of every culture.

relationships

(n) the way two or more people, groups, countries, etc., talk to and behave with each other
Relationships between couples can be difficult sometimes.

child-rearing

(n) the process of taking care of and raising children
Child-rearing is not easy, especially if there is more than one child.

manners

(n) the way something is done or happens; how people act
Some good manners are being polite and helpful.

dress

(n) specific or traditional clothes that people wear; formal or informal
The typical dress for a man at a formal ceremony is a suit and tie.

schedule

(n) a plan of things that will be done and times when they will be done
The schedule for work is Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

custom

(n) an action or way of behaving that is usual and traditional
My family has a custom of celebrating birthdays by going out for dinner.

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.

Tell me about some typical dishes that are cooked in your country?
What are the normal working schedules in your country?
What are the normal school schedules in your country?
Which religions are practiced in your country?
What are some of the traditional dress people wear in your country?
How do a man and woman start a relationship in your country?
What types of folk art are made in your country (e.g. music, art, dance, musical instruments, etc.)?
How should foreigners in your country behave?
Are there any specific manners in your country? If so, tell me about one.
Do you enjoy learning about other cultures? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

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

Topic: Expressing Food Quantities

July 10, 2016March 6, 2018 ★★, Conversation Topics

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Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: expressing food quantities. 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

loaf

(n) a quantity of bread that is shaped and baked in one piece; sliced to eat
I need one loaf of bread from the supermarket.

bar

(n) a quantity of chocolate
I want to eat a bar of chocolate.

pinch

(n) a small quantity; salt, pepper
The recipe calls for a pinch of salt.

box

(n) a cardboard container for food; cereal, rice, pasta
He ate the entire box of cereal.

bag

(n) a container made of thin plastic, cardboard, or aluminum; potato chips, peanuts, candy
I bought a big bag of potato chips.

slice

(n) a quantity of food usually cut thin; cheese, lemon, pizza
She wants one slice of cheese on her sandwich.

bunch

(n) a large amount of food together; bananas, grapes
I bought a bunch of bananas at the supermarket today.

piece

(n) a quantity of food that is cut and separated from a larger quantity of food; cake
He ate a piece of cake for breakfast.

jar

(n) a glass container for food; honey, jam, pickles
The jar of honey is in the refrigerator.

carton

(n) a cardboard container for food; milk, orange juice, eggs
She wants to buy one carton of eggs.

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.

Are food quantities express the same or different in your language and country? If so, tell me about some.
What are some other types of containers?
Which types of containers do you store leftover food?
Do you reuse containers after the food or liquid is gone? Why or why not?
Do you recycle the empty containers of glass or metal? Why or why not?
When you buy containers of food at the supermarket, do you check to see if they are sealed tight? Why or why not?
Can you name some containers for non-food items (e.g. tube of toothpaste)?
What is water served in? a) cup b) glass c) vial
Which other containers can milk or orange juice be bought in?
What is cereal or soup served in?