Topic: Banking and Money

July 10, 2016February 14, 2017 ★★, Conversation Topics

checkbook

Warm-up

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: banking and money. 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

savings account

(n) a bank account where people keep money in to save
She has $1000 in her savings account.

checking account

(n) a bank account from which you can take money by writing checks
He has no money in his checking account.

withdraw

(v) to take money out of a bank account
We have to withdraw $200 from our savings account.

deposit

(v) to put money in a bank account
He wants to deposit $50 into his savings account.

checkbook

(n) a book containing checks for use with a checking account
She has 100 checks in her checkbook.

check

(n) a printed bank form, used instead of money to buy or pay for things
She wrote a check for $500 to pay her electric bill.

bounce a check

(phrase) when a check cannot be paid by the bank because there’s not enough money in the checking account
Some people feel bad when they bounce a check.

loan

(n) money which is borrowed from a bank for things like a house, car, a business, etc.
I have a four-year loan for my car.

interest

(n) 1) money that is charged by a bank when you borrow money 2) money that you earn when keeping money in your account
1) The bank charges me 8% interest per month for my new car loan. 2) I earn 1% interest on the money I keep in my savings account.

bank statement

(n) a printed or electronic record of the money put into and removed from a bank account
My bank statement tells me how much money I have in my account.

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 going to the bank? Why or why not?
Should children have their own savings account? Why or why not?
Have you ever had a loan? If yes, what for?
Have you ever bounced a check? If yes, how did you feel about it?
Do you read your bank statements? Why or why not?
Do you still use checks to pay for things? Why or why not?
Do you like to save money? Why or why not?
Would you like to work at a bank? Why or why not?
Do you use the ATM machine to deposit money into your bank accounts? Why or why not?
Do you think online banking is safe? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

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

Topic: Camping

July 10, 2016 ★★, Conversation Topics

Camping, Lomond Campground Gros Morne National Park Newfoundland and Labrador

Warm-up

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

tent

(n) a portable shelter made of cloth or nylon
My tent is made for two people.

sleeping bag

(n) a long warm bag that is used for sleeping outdoors or in a tent
Her sleeping bag keeps her warm at night.

pitch a tent

(phrase) to set up a tent
The first thing you do when camping is pitch a tent.

flashlight

(n) a small light that can be carried in your hand; runs on batteries
When camping a flashlight is very important to see at night.

canteen

(n) a small container for water; used to go camping or hiking
Make sure your canteen is full of water before we go camping.

campfire

(n) a fire that is built outside; usually when camping
The campfire is very hot.

bug spray

(n) a chemical that you put on your body to protect from insects like mosquitos
Make sure you take plenty of bug spray camping.

mosquito

(n) a small flying insect that bites and sucks blood
Last night a mosquito bit me.

wildlife

(n) animals living in nature; wild animals
We can see lots of wildlife like rabbits and deer.

forest

(n) lots of trees and bushes that covers a large area
The forest is full of green trees and animals.

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 go camping? Why or why not?
Where is the best place to go camping in your country? Why?
What kind of wildlife can you see in your country?
Are there many mosquitos where you live?
Do you know how to make a campfire? If yes, tell me how.
Why do people like to go camping?
Do you like the forest? Why or why not?
Is camping better when the temperatures are hot or cold? Why?
Do you like sleeping in a tent? Why or why not?
Do you plan to go camping soon? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

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

Topic: The Kitchen

July 10, 2016 ★★, Conversation Topics

appliances-visnavcp-row04-316x174

Warm-up

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

oven

(n) a piece of cooking equipment used for baking
I will bake the chicken in the oven.

stove

(n) usually on top of the oven; used to cook food in pans or pots
The stove is on top of the oven.

dishwasher

(n) an electric machine that is used to wash dishes
I love that I can wash my dishes in a dishwasher.

countertop

(n) the flat working surface below the cabinets in a kitchen
Please put the apples on the countertop.

kitchen sink

(n) the place in the kitchen where hot and cold water flows to wash dishes or clean food
The kitchen sink is full of dishes.

appliances

(n – plural) a machine such as a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, or dryer
I just bought new appliances for my kitchen.

freezer

(n) a machine or appliance to make food cold with ice
You need to put the chicken in the freezer.

toaster

(n) a machine to toast bread or bagels
I can toast four pieces of bread in my toaster.

blender

(n) an electric kitchen machine to cut food or ice into small pieces; mix together
A blender is a good machine to make fruit juices.

frying pan

(n) a metal pan that has a long handle and is used to cook food on the stove; saute
He likes to cook eggs in a frying pan.

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 cook? Why or why not?
Which appliances do you have in your home?
Tell me 3 things that can be cooked in a frying pan.
Do you like to wash dishes by hand or with a dishwasher? Why?
What things are on your kitchen countertop?
Tell me 3 things that can be cooked in the oven?
Do you eat toast? If so, how do you like it toasted (light or dark)?
What do you keep in your freezer?
Does your kitchen sink have hot and cold water?
Tell me 3 appliances you have in your kitchen.

Wrap-up

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

Topic: Fears

July 4, 2016March 6, 2018 ★★, Conversation Topics

maxresdefault

Warm-up

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

phobia

(n) an extremely strong dislike or fear of someone or something
I have a phobia of doctors.

heights

(n – plural) the distance above the ground or surface
Some people have a fear of heights or tall buildings.

spiders

(n – plural)
When I see spiders, I scream!

needle

(n) a very thin metal tube pushed through the skin to put a drug or medicine in the body
The doctor gave me a shot with a needle for my sickness.

scary

(adj) something that causes fear

My brother likes to watch scary movies

flying

(n) travel by air
She hates flying in a plane.

darkness

(n) very little or no light
The darkness of nighttime helps me sleep.

nightmares

(n – plural) a scary or bad dream
My brother usually has nightmares about monsters.

overcome

(v) to successfully gain control or deal with a problem
She needs to overcome her fear of flying.

cope

(v) to deal with and to attempt to overcome a problem or situation
You need to learn how to cope with your fear of heights.

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 fears or phobias do you have?
How can people overcome their fears?
How would you help someone cope with their fears?
Why do people have fears?
Are you afraid of speaking English? Why or why not?
Should children be allowed to watch scary movies? Why or why not?
When you were a child, which fears did you have?
Have you ever had a nightmare? If yes, tell me about it.
Do you like scary movies? Why or why not?
Are you afraid of death? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

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

Topic: Weather

July 3, 2016March 6, 2018 ★★, Conversation Topics

weather

Warm-up

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

freezing

(adj) very cold; below 0-degree Celsius
The temperature outside is freezing.

thunder

(n) a very loud sound during a storm; the sound that comes with lightning
The thunder was so loud it scared me.

lightning

(n) the flashes of light in the sky during a storm
The lightning made the sky light up bright.

humid

(adj) lots of moisture in the air; used with hot (e.g.hot and humid)
The weather is hot and humid.

cool

(adj) not warm or hot; not really cold but a little
It’s cool outside so you may want to wear a light jacket.

foggy

(adj) the outside air has a thick cloud like appearance; makes it difficult to see when driving
It was so foggy outside that I didn’t want to drive.

overcast

(adj) the sky is dark; covered with clouds
The sky is overcast and it looks like it will rain.

weather forecast

(n) to predict the weather in advance
The forecast called for rain this week.

windy

(adj) strong wind or more than usually
The forecast is calling for a windy day tomorrow.

raining cats and dogs

(idiom) raining a lot; heavy rain
I’m not going outside because it’s raining cats and dogs.

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.

What’s your favorite season and why?
Do you like to be in freezing temperatures? Why or why not?
What is the weather like in your city now?
Do you like when it thunders and lightnings? Why or why not?
Do you like the hot and humid weather? Why or why not?
Which do you like better, hot or cold weather? Why?
Do you like to drive when it’s foggy outside? Why or why not?
What is the weather forecast for your city?
Does it snow in your country? If no, have you ever seen snow before?
Do you like to know the weather forecast? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

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

Topic: Retirement

July 3, 2016March 6, 2018 ★★, Conversation Topics

Warm-up

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

early retirement

(n) when someone ends their working life before the usual age
School teachers can choose early retirement at the age of 55 years old.

social security

(n) a USA government program that gives retired people money; usually between 62-67
When I’m 67 I can retire and collect social security.

pension

(n) after retirement, money paid to a person from the company they worked for
I will receive a pension of $1000 per month.

401K

(n) a company retirement savings plan for its workers; money is taken from their paycheck
Most companies have a 401K plan for their workers to save money.

leisure time

(n) free time; time away from work to rest, relax, and enjoy
In my leisure time, I like to walk, read books, and watch TV.

medicare

(n) a USA government health insurance plan for people over 65 and younger people with disabilities
People 65 years or older in the USA have Medicare for their health insurance.

golden years

(n – plural) the late years in someone’s life; usually after retirement
I hope to travel during my golden years.

retirement community

(n) a group of houses and apartments for people to live after retirement
My parents live in a retirement community.

lifestyle

(n) the way a person, group, or culture lives
A healthy lifestyle is important for good health.

personal finances

(n) the way a person or family manage their money
His personal finances changed after he retired.

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.

What is the age of retirement in your country?
Is there a social security program in your country? If yes, tell me about it.
Do companies in your country have a 401k plan or similar plan? If yes, tell me about it.
Why would a person take early retirement?
Who manages your or your family’s personal finances and why?
How do you think your lifestyle will change after retirement?
What will you do during your leisure time after retirement?
Does your government have a similar Medicare program like the USA? If yes, tell me about it.
Are there retirement communities in your country? If yes, tell me about them.
At what age do you plan to retire and why?

Wrap-up

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

Topic: College Life

June 13, 2016March 6, 2018 ★★, Conversation Topics

conv-top-college-life

Warm-up

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

fraternity/sorority

(n) an organization of male students at a U.S. college; sorority for female
e.g. The frat I was part of was not a social fraternity.

freshman 15

(n) A term that refers to gaining weight your freshman year of college.
e.g. I saw my ex over Thanksgiving break –- he totally gained the freshman 15.

pledge

(n) a person who has promised to join a college fraternity or sorority but who has not been officially accepted into the group
e.g. Our sorority usually accepts 10 pledges each year.

Dean’s List

(n) College’s version of the honor roll.
e.g. My parents took me out for dinner because they’re so happy that I made the Dean’s List.

ace

(v) to get the best grade possible. This term comes from tennis, in which an ace is a serve an opponent can’t return.
e.g. All that studying I did pay off. I aced that exam!

pregame

(v) to go to a small party before a bigger party.
e.g. Our dorm’s hall party is at nine, but we’re going to pregame at Julie’s at seven.

(n) resident adviser or resident assistant. RAs are the students in a dormitory — usually upperclassmen — who enforce dorm rules and who help the other students living there.
e.g. If you lost your room key, you should go talk to the RA. She’ll tell you how to get a new one.

GPA killer

(n) a hard class/test
e.g. I know I should take that class, but it’s going to be a GPA killer.

cram

(v) to prepare (someone) for a test, exam, etc., by teaching a lot of information quickly — usually + for
e.g. I pulled an all-nighter to cram for the exam.

AP (academic probation)

(n) A warning students receive when they’re not maintaining a certain GPA and, sometimes, not taking enough credits per semester.
e.g. I wanted to rush but I’m on academic probation.

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.

What is/was your typical day like at college?
What are three big differences between your college life and your high school days?
What is your fondest memory of your college experience?
What is your worst memory of your college experience?
Did you have any college romances?
What was the hardest thing about going to college?
Where is/was the best place for you to study? Why?
What’s the best advice you would tell a brother/sister or friend who is now entering college?
If you could have done something different with your college life, what would you have done differently?
“Some people get an education without going to college. The rest get it after they get out.”– Mark Twain. What do you think?

Wrap-up

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

Topic: Drinking

June 8, 2016January 21, 2021 ★★, Conversation Topics

conv-top-drinking

Warm-up

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

black out

(idiom) to suddenly become unconscious
e.g. What’s the last thing you remember before you blacked out? [=passed out, fainted]

tipsy

(adj) unsteady or foolish from drinking: slightly drunk
e.g. I got a little tipsy at the party last night.

booze

(n) alcoholic drinks
e.g. We bought some chips and booze for the party.

hangover

(n) a sick feeling or condition that comes after drinking too much alcohol at an earlier time
e.g. She woke up with a hangover.

DUI

(acronym) driving a vehicle while drunk [=driving under influence]
e.g. He was arrested for DUI.

liquid/liquor courage

(n) Used when explaining alcohol as a catalyst for bravery, particularly in a public setting. Best used in conjunction with moments involving aggressive behavior.
e.g. Yup, James is full of the liquid courage so hopefully, he will not get into a fight.

social drinker

(n) a practice of only drinking when out with friends, but usually not when alone.
e.g. Gina only drinks to socialize; she’s a social drinker.

drink to someone or something

(idiom) a saying when you take an alcoholic drink in honor of someone or something and/or to wish good health and/or good luck to someone, and then everyone drinks at the same time.
e.g. Let’s drink to Jessica’s new job.

have a low tolerance (to alcohol) / can’t hold their drink

(idiom) if someone can’t hold their liquor, or if someone has a low tolerance, they get drunk after drinking very little alcohol.
e.g. He only had two drinks and he’s a mess! He can’t hold his liquor.

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 drink? When and where?
Do you enjoy drinking? Why or why not?
How does alcohol change your behavior and personality?
How old were you when you first tried alcohol? Who were you with?
What part does alcohol play in the culture of your country?
Share the craziest thing you did under the influence of alcohol.
Have you ever said or done something under the influence of alcohol that you later regretted?
Do you respect people who can drink a lot? Why or why not?
Does alcohol help people to get to know each other? How?
“I drink to make other people more interesting.” — Ernest Hemingway. What does Hemingway mean? Share your thoughts with your Cambly tutor!

Wrap-up

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

Topic: Adventure

June 3, 2016March 6, 2018 ★★, Conversation Topics

hero-interior

Warm-up

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

adventurous

(adj) willing to take risks or to try out new methods, ideas, or experiences.
e.g. Let’s be adventurous.

adrenaline rush

(n) a sudden burst of energy which causes an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, perspiration
e.g. Bungee jumping gives most people an adrenaline rush.

dare

(v) to do (something that is difficult or that people are usually afraid to do)
e.g. The actress dared a new interpretation of the classic role.

extreme sports

(n) recreational activities that involve high-risk physical stunts
e.g. Extreme sports are more popular with the young.

risk

(n) exposure to the chance of injury or loss
e.g. It’s not worth the risk of getting hurt.
(v) to expose to the chance of injury or loss
e.g. Let’s not risk getting hurt.

take/run a risk

(idiom) put oneself in danger of injury or loss
e.g. I’d rather not take the risk if I can help it.

free-fall

(v) falling through the air without a parachute
e.g. The jumpers were required to free-fall for eight seconds.

hike

(v) to walk or march a great distance, especially through nature
e.g. I love to go hiking on the weekends!
(n) long walk or march for recreational activity, military training, or the like.
e.g. Let’s take a hike this weekend!

explore

to travel over or through (a place) in order to learn more about it or to find something
e.g. They were sent to explore unknown regions of Africa.

thrill

(v) to cause (someone) to feel very excited or happy
e.g. I was thrilled with their decision.
(n) a feeling of great excitement or happiness
e.g. the thrill of discovery/victory

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 adventurous? Why or why not?
Do you like extreme sports? If yes, why and which ones? If no, why not?
Have you ever been hiking? Where did you go? Who did you go with?
What’s the most exciting thing you have ever done? Tell about it.
Have you ever had an adrenaline rush? Tell about it.
Do you like taking risks? Why or why not?
Can you name some other adventurous activities that you or other people do?
Why do people like extreme sports?
If you were offered a free skydiving trip, would you go? Why or why not?
Life is an adventure. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

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

Topic: Gifting

May 27, 2016March 6, 2018 ★★, Conversation Topics

conv-top-gifting

Warm-up

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

bridal / baby shower

a party where gifts are given to a woman who is going to be married or have a baby
e.g. We are throwing a bridal shower for Sarah.

wrapping

a thin piece of paper, plastic, fabric, etc., that covers or surrounds something to protect it
e.g. She tore the wrapping off the present.

gift receipt

If you request a gift receipt, this is the receipt that the person picking up the order will receive at the store, whether it’s you or your designated pickup person. The gift receipt does not show the cost of items but can be used for returns.
e.g. You can make an exchange with the gift receipt.

gift card /
gift certificate (US) /
gift voucher or gift token (UK)

a prepaid stored-value money card usually issued by a retailer or bank to be used as an alternative to cash for purchases within a particular store or related businesses
e.g. Macy’s gift card

window shop

to walk in front of stores and look at the products displayed in the windows without buying anything
e.g. I like to window-shop when I’m in the city.

Black Friday

the day following Thanksgiving Day in the United States (the fourth Thursday of November). Since 1932, it has been regarded as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season in the U.S., and most major retailers open very early (and more recently during overnight hours) and offer promotional sales.
e.g. Shopping on Black Friday is very tiring.

gift registry

a list kept by a store of the things that someone wants as gifts
e.g. What are you getting for the couple? I just picked an item on their wedding registry.

giveaway

something that is given away free
e.g. The store is offering coffee mugs as a free giveaway to attract new customers.

regift

act of taking a gift that has been received and giving it to somebody else, sometimes in the guise of a new gift. One example of a formalization of this activity is the white elephant gift exchange in which items can be regifted from year to year.
e.g. Never regift handmade or one-of-a-kind items.

personalized

to change or design (something) for a particular person — usually used as (be) personalized
e.g. You can receive personalized service at the salon.

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 giving gifts?
What was the best birthday gift you ever had?
What sort of gifts do people buy for the bridal couple?
Have you ever received a strange gift? What was it?
Is gift giving common to all cultures? Why?
Can you think of any examples of animals giving gifts?
Do you prefer to receive money or a gift? Why?
What do you think of homemade gifts?
Is it really only the thought that counts?
Someone said, “Presents are made for the pleasure of who gives them, not the merits of who receives them.” What do you think?