Beginner

Lesson 16: Childhood

Beginner, Curriculum

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Dialogue

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: childhood. First, read the following dialogue out loud with your tutor, then switch roles and try again. 

Dorothy and Kevin are talking about childhood.

Dorothy:
Kevin, do you have memories of your childhood?
Kevin:
I have lots of memories, especially about my siblings.
Dorothy:
Do you remember your neighborhood?
Kevin:
Yes, I do. I had many friends, but I remember my best friend the most.
Dorothy:
Did you ever get away with something?
Kevin:
I got away with a lot, but nothing serious. Did you have a nickname?
Dorothy:
Yes, I did. Everyone called me Dora. What about you?
Kevin:
I was called Kev. Did you have a chore to do every day?
Dorothy:
I had a few chores like sweeping the floor and washing dishes.
Kevin:
I didn’t have to do any chores. One thing I will always remember is the playground in my hometown.

Vocabulary

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

memories (n – plural) things that are remembered; special events or things that happened
My childhood memories are still with me today.
siblings (n – plural) brothers and sisters
I have five siblings; two brothers and three sisters.
neighborhood (n) a section in a town or city
I live in a small neighborhood.
best friend (n) close and dearest friend
My best friend and I hang out all the time.
get away with (something) (phrase) doing something bad and not being punished for it or getting caught
I always got away with not cleaning my room.
nickname (n) not someone’s birth name; another name that’s given to them
My nickname is Max.
chore (n) a small job that is done regularly
His chore is to take the trash out every night.
sweeping the floor (phrase) cleaning the floor with a broom
Sweeping the floor is a chore.
playground (n) an outdoor area where children play; usually has swings and other equipment to play on
Her parents take her to the playground after school.
hometown (n) the city or town where you were born or grew up
I visit my hometown every year.

Exercise

Practice answering the following questions with your tutor. You can use the sample answers to help come up with your own answer.

  1. What did you like to do when you were a child?
    1. I loved to play with my friends outside. We played street hockey, basketball and just hung out together.
    2. I was more of an indoor person. I liked to play video games with my siblings and to visit my grandparents.
    3. Your answer:
  2. Tell me about your hometown.
    1. I grew up in a small town that was quiet and peaceful. Everybody knew each other so it was hard to get away with something.
    2. I’m from a big city with traffic jams and lots of noise every day. My home was close to the supermarket.
    3. Your answer:
  3. What did you like about school?
    1. I loved playing outside, especially soccer.
    2. I never really liked school. My grades were okay, but I could have done better.
    3. Your answer:
  4. What did you like to eat as a child?
    1. I liked to eat pizza, potato chips, and other snack type food. I didn’t like vegetables.
    2. I loved to eat hamburgers and hotdogs as a child.
    3. Your answer:
  5. Who took care of you when you were little?
    1. I have a lot of older siblings, so they took care of me.
    2. We lived close to my grandparents, so they took care of us until our parents came home from work.
    3. Your answer:

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 three memories you have of your childhood.
  2. Did you have a nickname? If yes, what was it and how did you get it?
  3. Did you have any chores? If yes, tell me about them.
  4. Tell me about something you got away with in your childhood.
  5. How many siblings do you have? Who’s the oldest, and who’s the youngest?

Wrap-up

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

 

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Lesson 15: High School

Beginner, Curriculum

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Dialogue

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: high school. First, read the following dialogue out loud with your tutor, then switch roles and try again. 

Kevin and Dorothy are talking about when they were in high school.

Kevin:
Dorothy, do you remember being in high school?
Dorothy:
Yes, I do. I can still remember my graduation.
Kevin:
I remember mine also. What was your favorite subject?
Dorothy:
I loved math, but I didn’t like my teacher. I was tardy a lot for his class.
Kevin:
Were you absent a lot?
Dorothy:
My attendance at school was perfect, but I skipped class two times.
Kevin:
I was absent a lot. The principal talked with my parents about me not being in school.
Dorothy:
How many times were you absent during the first semester?
Kevin:
I was absent about twenty times. I didn’t like my class schedule.
Dorothy:
Even though I was late and skipped some classes, I passed with flying colors.

Vocabulary

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

graduation (n) a ceremony where degrees or diplomas are handed out
My high school graduation was very long. 
subject (n) an area of knowledge that is studied in school
I think math is a hard subject to learn.
tardy (adj) to be late for something
He was tardy for English class.
absent (adj) not being present at an expected place
She was absent from school today.
attendance (n) a record of how often a person goes to class, meetings, etc.
Her attendance at school was perfect last year.
skipped class (idiom) to purposely miss a class at school
She skipped class yesterday.
principal (n) the person in charge of a school
The principal doesn’t like when students are late for class.
semester (n) the periods that make up a school year
The second semester of school will start tomorrow.
class schedule (n) a list of times and days when a student has classes
According to his class schedule, he has classes every Friday in the morning.
with flying colors (idiom) to greatly succeed at something
She passed the English test with flying colors.

Exercise

Practice answering the following questions with your tutor. You can use the sample answers to help come up with your own answer.

  1. What would you say to your teacher if you were tardy for class?
    1. I’m sorry for being late, but I missed the bus.
    2. I was late for class because I overslept.
    3. Your answer:
  2. Did most of your teachers take attendance?
    1. Absolutely because it was mandatory by the principal.
    2. I never really noticed if they did or not.
    3. Your answer:
  3. What are some excuses for being absent from school?
    1. Someone in my family passed away.
    2. I was on a family vacation.
    3. Your answer:
  4. What are some classes students like or dislike in high school?
    1. I always disliked my science classes.
    2. I liked physical education, history, and world geography.
    3. Your answer:
  5. Which semester do you like the most? Why?
    1. I like the first semester because I get to see my friends again.
    2. I like the second semester because it has more holidays.
    3. Your answer:

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 was your favorite subject in high school? Why?
  2. Have you ever skipped class? If yes, why?
  3. Were you ever tardy for a class? If yes, why?
  4. Which year did you graduate from high school?
  5. Have you ever passed a test with flying colors? If yes, tell me about it.

Wrap-up

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

 

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Lesson 17: Jobs

Beginner, Curriculum

Dialogue

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: jobs. First, read the following dialogue out loud with your tutor, then switch roles and try again. 

Dorothy and Kevin are talking about their jobs.

Dorothy:
Kevin, do you work a lot of overtime?
Kevin:
Yes, I do. However, my salary doesn’t include overtime.
Dorothy:
Have you ever been unemployed?
Kevin:
Yes, one time. I was laid off from my job.
Dorothy:
Have you ever been fired from a job?
Kevin:
I have never been fired, but I resigned from a job to take another one.
Dorothy:
Do you prefer a desk job or one where you are active?
Kevin:
Since I’m a white-collar worker, I usually have desk jobs, but I don’t like sitting a lot.
Dorothy:
Have you ever been a blue-collar worker?
Kevin:
Before my current job, I was a warehouse worker. I earned an hourly wage. We were always busy, but I didn’t like it.

Vocabulary

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

overtime (n) additional work beyond normal hours
He has too much to do so he is going to work overtime.
salary (n) an amount of money an employee is paid monthly or yearly
Her salary is $50,000 per year.
unemployed (adj) not having a job
He has been unemployed for three months.
laid off (past tense) Lay off (v – phrase) to stop employing someone, usually because there is no work to do
The company laid off 50 workers.
fired (v) to remove someone from a job, usually because they did something wrong or badly
I was fired from my job for being late too many times.
resigned (v) to give up a job in a formal or official way
She resigned from her job to take care of her children.
desk job (n) a job that someone does while primarily sitting
Being a construction worker is not a desk job.
white-collar worker (idiom) a person who works in an office type position
White-collar workers usually sit at a desk to work.
blue-collar worker (idiom) a person who does manual labor for work
You can find a lot of blue-collar workers in factories.
hourly wage (n) to make money at work by the hour
His hourly wage is $15.00 per hour.

Exercise

Practice answering the following questions with your tutor. You can use the sample answers to help come up with your own answer.

  1. Why do some companies lay off their workers?
    1. Sometimes companies lay off their employees because they don’t have enough work for them.
    2. Sometimes a company lays off its workers to cut costs.
    3. Your answer:
  2. What are some reasons that people get fired?
    1. An employee can be fired if they have poor work performance.
    2. A company can fire an employee if they do not get along with their co-workers.
    3. Your answer:
  3. What are some desk jobs?
    1. Accountants have desk jobs.
    2. Receptionists work from a desk.
    3. Your answer:
  4. What are some jobs that blue-collar workers do?
    1. An auto mechanic does manual labor.
    2. A construction worker is considered a blue-collar worker.
    3. Your answer:
  5. Why would someone resign from their job?
    1. Someone could resign from their job if they are sick and cannot work anymore.
    2. I would resign from my job for a better job.
    3. Your answer:

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 work overtime? Why or why not?
  2. What’s your job? Describe what you do at work.
  3. Do you like, or dislike your job? Why?
  4. Should workers get paid for overtime? Why or why not?
  5. What is your dream job? Why?

Wrap-up

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

 

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Lesson 54: Preparing to Go Hiking

Beginner, Curriculum

hikinggear

Dialogue

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: preparing to go hiking. First, read the following dialogue out loud with your tutor, then switch roles and try again. 

Dorothy and Kevin are talking about preparing to go hiking.

Dorothy:
Kevin, do you want to go on an intense hike this weekend with me?
Kevin:
Sure, but I have never been on an intense hike. How do I prepare for it?
Dorothy:
Well, first you need to make sure you have the right gear. Do you have a good pair of hiking shoes?
Kevin:
Yes, I do. In addition, I have a comfortable pair of socks.
Dorothy:
If you don’t have a set, I suggest you buy some trekking poles. They will help when we have to walk up steep hills.
Kevin:
I will buy a set tomorrow. Should I bring a raincoat?
Dorothy:
It’s always a good idea to bring one. Make sure you have a small backpack to put your gear in.
Kevin:
I do have a backpack for my water bottle, sunglasses, and other things. Which trail will we hike?
Dorothy:
There’s a trail close to my house. It has beautiful landscapes.
Kevin:
I will make sure I tell someone we are going hiking on Saturday so they know where we are.

Vocabulary

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

intense (adj) strong, forceful, or extreme
The intense sun in the desert is dangerous.
gear (n) equipment that is used for a purpose
My gym gear is in my bag.
hiking shoes (n) boots or footwear design to protect the feet and ankles when hiking
It’s important to have good hiking shoes.
pair of socks (phrase) two of the same garments to put on the feet and lower legs
I’m taking one extra pair of socks on my trip. 
trekking poles (n – plural) two sticks that assist when walking or hiking
It’s a good idea to have trekking poles for a long hike.
steep (adj) a hill or slope that goes up or down sharply; high and long
It’s difficult to walk up a steep hill.
raincoat (n) a coat that you wear to stay dry when it rains
A raincoat will protect you from the rain.
backpack (n) a bag for carrying things that has two shoulder straps and is carried on the back
Students use a backpack to carry books and other personal items.
trail (n) a path or area to walk through a forest or field
The hiking trail has a lot of rocks.
landscapes (n – plural) an area of land that has a particular quality or appearance
The hiking trail has a lot of different landscapes.

Exercise

Practice answering the following questions with your tutors. You can use the sample answers to come up with your own answer.

  1. Can you describe some beautiful landscapes?
    1. The clear river flowing alongside the mountains.
    2. The forest with its green trees and big rocks.
    3. Your answer:
  2. What are three things people carry in a backpack?
    1. Students carry books, pencils, and paper in their backpacks.
    2. A person who is traveling with a backpack has pants, shirts, and socks.
    3. Your answer:
  3. What are some things you could see while hiking on a trail?
    1. You could see landscapes, rivers, and animals.
    2. When I’m on a trail I usually see animals, trees, and steep hills.
    3. Your answer:
  4. What types of shoes do people have?
    1. Construction workers have work boots.
    2. People who work in an office have dress shoes or casual shoes.
    3. Your answer:
  5. What are some other types of coats or jackets people wear?
    1. People who live in cold places wear parkas.
    2. For a job interview, a man should wear a sports coat.
    3. Your answer:

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. Why do people like to go hiking?
  2. Why is it important to have the proper gear when going on an intense hike?
  3. What gear should you have for a hike?
  4. Why is it important to tell someone where you are going when hiking a trail?
  5. Are there good hiking trails in your country? If so, where?

Wrap-up

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

 

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Lesson 53: Talk About Your Health

Beginner, Curriculum

Health-is-everything-CVS

Dialogue

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: your health. First, read the following dialogue out loud with your tutor, then switch roles and try again. 

Kevin and Dorothy are talking about health.

Kevin:
Do you think you will live to be a ripe old age?
Dorothy:
I hope so! I will need to watch my health to make it happen.
Kevin:
Do you have any allergies?
Dorothy:
Yes, I get hay fever every year during the Spring season.
Kevin:
Do you have to take medicine?
Dorothy:
Yes, I have a prescription medication I take.
Kevin:
Do you get a medical check-up every year?
Dorothy:
Yes, I do. It’s important to make an appointment with your doctor once a year.
Kevin:
Do you know your blood type?
Dorothy:
My blood type is O positive. Other than my hay fever, my doctor gave me a clean bill of health.

Vocabulary

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

ripe old age (phrase) being old; used especially to talk about someone living a long healthy life
My grandmother is a ripe old age of 96.
watch my health (phrase) used to express that you take care of your health, eat good, and exercise
I watch my health so I don’t get sick.
allergies (n – plural) medical problem from touching, eating, or breathing something that doesn’t make other people sick
I have allergies to dog and cat hair.
hay fever (n) to become sick from breathing in plant pollen; to get sick like a cold
Every year in April my hay fever starts.
medicine (n) usually a pill or liquid used to treat someone who is sick or to relieve pain
She takes medicine to help with the pain in her back.
prescription (n) an official note from a medical doctor to buy medicine to treat a sickness or pain
The doctor gave my mom a prescription for her high blood pressure.
medical check-up (n) an examination by a medical doctor to make sure a person is healthy
Everyone should get a medical check-up once a year.
appointment (n) an agreement to meet someone at a specific time
I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow.
blood type (n) the category of blood a person has in their body; there are eight blood types
My blood type is A negative.
clean bill of health (idiom) a report that a person or animal is healthy
The doctor gave my dad a clean bill of health.

Exercise

Practice answering the following questions with your tutors. You can use the sample answers to come up with your own answer.

  1. What are some allergies people can have?
    1. Some people have allergies to animal hair.
    2. I have an allergy to grass.
    3. Your answer:
  2. How do you set up a medical appointment in your country?
    1. I call my doctor’s office and make an appointment with the receptionist.
    2. Most doctors have an online process to make appointments.
    3. Your answer:
  3. How can someone watch their health?
    1. people can watch their health by exercising daily.
    2. Most people watch their health by getting medical check-ups once a year.
    3. Your answer:
  4. Are your parents healthy?
    1. Even though my parents are a ripe old age of 76 and 81, they are generally healthy.
    2. My parents are in good health but have some diseases like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
    3. Your answer:
  5. Do you take medicine for a medical problem?
    1. The only medicine I take is when I have a headache or a backache.
    2. If I have a cold, I go to the doctor to get a prescription.
    3. Your answer:

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 always eat healthy food? Why or why not?
  2. Do you think everyone should get a medical check-up every year? Why or why not?
  3. Why is it important to exercise?
  4. Which disease scares you the most? Why?
  5. How do you treat a cold when you have one?

Wrap-up

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

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Lesson 52: Going to a Casino

Beginner, Curriculum

las-vegas-casino

Dialogue

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: casinos. First, read the following dialogue out loud with your tutor, then switch roles and try again. 

Kevin and Dorothy are talking about going to a casino.

Kevin:
Dorothy, have you ever been to a casino in Las Vegas?
Dorothy:
Yes, I was in Las Vegas last year and went gambling at a casino.
Kevin:
Which games do you like to play?
Dorothy:
I like slot machines and playing Roulette.
Kevin:
Have you ever won the jackpot on a slot machine?
Dorothy:
Lady luck was with me. I won a jackpot of $1 million!
Kevin:
Wow! You were definitely lucky. I never win when I gamble.
Dorothy:
Which games of chance do you like?
Kevin:
I like to play poker.
Dorothy:
Maybe someday you will win big and the jackpot will be a nice prize such as a sports car.

Vocabulary

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

casino (n) a building or room that has games for gambling
The casino has many games to play.
gambling (v -ing) to play a game where someone can win or lose money
Some people enjoy gambling too much.
slot machines (n – plural) a machine used for gambling that starts when you put money in it
You need $5 to play the slot machines.
Roulette (n) a game where a small ball is dropped onto a wheel with numbers and colors; people gamble on which number and/or color the ball will stop on
I like to play Roulette when I go to a casino.
jackpot (n) usually a large amount of money won in a game of chance
The jackpot is $5 million.
lady luck (idiom) a lady bringing luck to someone
Lady luck was with me when I won the jackpot.
games of chance (phrase) a game that is bet on and whose outcome is somewhat random
The games of chance I like to play are poker, slot machines, and Roulette.
poker (n) a card game where the player tries to make a better hand than the other players; a game of chance
When I go to a casino, I like to play poker.
win big (phrase) to win a lot of money in a game of chance
I hope to win big when I go to the casino next week.
prize (n) a reward for winning a contest, game, or lottery
The prize for winning the race is a gold medal.

Exercise

Practice answering the following questions with your tutors. You can use the sample answers to come up with your own answer.

  1. Have you ever won big?
    1. One time I won $200 playing bingo.
    2. I only play the lottery and never won anything higher than $20.
    3. Your answer:
  2. If you were at a casino in Las Vegas, which games of chance would you play?
    1. I would only play the slot machines.
    2. I think I would play poker, Black Jack, and slot machines.
    3. Your answer:
  3. If you would win big, what do you think you would do with the money?
    1. I would put some in the bank, go on a long vacation, and give some to charity.
    2. I would share the jackpot with my family and friends.
    3. Your answer:
  4. Besides money, what other things can people win?
    1. Sometimes the jackpot is a new car.
    2. Some other things people win are vacations, houses, and smaller things like televisions.
    3. Your answer:
  5. Have you ever had lady luck on your side?
    1. As long as I’m alive, lady luck is on my side.
    2. Lady luck was on my side when I was in a car accident. I was not hurt.
    3. Your answer:

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 gamble? Why or why not?
  2. Are there casinos in your country? If so, where?
  3. Why do you think people like to gamble?
  4. Which do you like better, going to a beach resort or a casino? Why?
  5. Can you name some other games of chance?

Wrap-up

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

 

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Lesson 51: Let’s Go Shopping!

Beginner, Curriculum

stella-homepage

Dialogue

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: shopping. First, read the following dialogue out loud with your tutor, then switch roles and try again. 

Dorothy and Kevin are talking about going to the shopping mall.

Dorothy:
Kevin, I’m going to the shopping mall. Do you want to go with me?
Kevin:
Yes, thanks for asking. I saw an advertisement for a special offer on clothing.
Dorothy:
Yes, there’s a discount for 50% off.
Kevin:
Which department store has the offer?
Dorothy:
Macy’s, but I heard it doesn’t include designer clothes like Armani.
Kevin:
That’s okay with me because I think, even with the discount, designer clothes are still expensive. I do like some brand name clothing like Levi Jeans.
Dorothy:
After we finish shopping, I want to do some window shopping.
Kevin:
I like doing that also. Maybe we can get something to eat at the food court after we are finished?
Dorothy:
That sounds like a great idea. I’m sure we will be starving.
Kevin:
Don’t forget to bring your credit card and debit card with you.

Vocabulary

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

advertisement (n) a notice to promote a product, sale, event, or service
The advertisement about the sales was even sent to me by email.
special offer (n) a product or service that is sold at a lower price or rate
The store has a special offer for 30% off children’s clothes.
discount (n) a reduced price for something
The school is offering a discount of 10% off all books.
department store (n) a large store that sells different products; usually on different floors or sections
The department store has four floors.
designer clothes (n – plural) brand name clothes that are expensive and made by a famous clothing designer
Designer clothes are too expensive for me to buy.
brand name (adj) the name given to a product by the company who makes it
The store has many brand name clothes like Nike and Levi’s
window shopping (n) the activity of looking at products through the window and not physically in the store
He likes to go window shopping at the mall.
food court (n) an area in a building, especially a shopping mall, where there are many restaurants that share a large area of tables for their customers
The food court is located on the top floor of the mall.
starving (v -ing) to suffer from being really hungry
After shopping all day, I was starving for something to eat.
debit card (n) a plastic card similar to a credit card but money is taken directly from your bank account to buy things
I like using my debit card at the supermarket.

Exercise

Practice answering the following questions with your tutors. You can use the sample answers to come up with your own answer.

  1. How will you pay for your purchase?
    1. I will pay with cash.
    2. I want to pay half of the bill with cash and the other half with credit.
    3. Your answer:
  2. Are there any special offers available?
    1. Yes, we have a special, buy one and get the second for free.
    2. Everything in the store is 25% off.
    3. Your answer:
  3. What are some of your favorite departments in a department store?
    1. Since I’m a male, I like the men’s and sporting goods departments.
    2. Personally, I like to shop in the garden section.
    3. Your answer:
  4. Can I help you find something in our store?
    1. I’m looking for designer clothes for women.
    2. I need to find clothes for children.
    3. Your answer:
  5. What are some foods you can buy in the food court?
    1. I always like to buy donuts from Krispy Kreme.
    2. My favorite place to eat in the food court is Pizza Hut. They have delicious pizza.
    3. Your answer:

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 shopping mall? Why or why not?
  2. Which brand name clothes do you like? Why?
  3. Do you like to go window shopping? Why or why not?
  4. Which do you like better, going to the shopping mall or shopping online? Why?
  5. Do you think designer clothes are too expensive? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

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

 

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Lesson 50: Reading Books

Beginner, Curriculum

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Dialogue

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: reading books. First, read the following dialogue out loud with your tutor, then switch roles and try again. 

Dorothy and Kevin are talking about reading books.

Dorothy:
Kevin, which genre of books do you like to read?
Kevin:
I like to read action and self-help books.
Dorothy:
I have a few I like. My favorite is drama, but I also like biographies.
Kevin:
Do you like to read novels?
Dorothy:
Yes, but I’m more interested in short stories.
Kevin:
Do you like electronic or paperback books?
Dorothy:
Even though electronic books are popular, I still like paperback books. I’m a bookworm!
Kevin:
I actually like audiobooks.
Dorothy:
That’s interesting! Do you have a favorite author?
Kevin:
No, I don’t have a favorite author. By the way, I like to read magazines also.

Vocabulary

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

genre (n) a particular type or category of books or movies
My favorite genre is action.
self-help (adj) the action of making oneself better
Self-help books can improve you as a person.
biographies (n – plural) the story of a real person’s life
I like to watch biographies of people in history.
novels (n – plural) a long printed story about imaginary people and events
I don’t like to read novels because they are too long. 
short stories (n – plural) not as long as a novel; usually imaginary and not true
I like to read short stories rather than novels.
paperback (adj) a book made of paper or cardboard
Paperback books are cheaper than hardcover ones.
bookworm (idiom) a person who loves to read
We call her a bookworm because she’s always reading. 
audiobooks (n – plural) a book that is recorded on a CD or downloaded from the internet and people listen to it
I listen to my audiobooks while I’m driving.
author (n) the person who writes a book, article or report
The author of the book is famous.
magazines (n -plural) a type of thin book made of paper with articles and photos
I always have magazines with me when I travel.

Exercise

Practice answering the following questions with your tutors. You can use the sample answers to come up with your own answer.

  1. Do you think it’s better to read or watch television to learn English?
    1. In my point of view, it’s better to watch television because you can listen and read the subtitles in English.
    2. In my opinion, they are equally important to improve your English.
    3. Your answer:
  2. Do you have any ideas for a book to write?
    1. I think I would like to write a self-help book about improving your English speaking skills.
    2. It would be interesting to write a book about my country.
    3. Your answer:
  3. Why do people like to read?
    1. Personally speaking, I don’t like to read books. Instead, I like to read magazine articles.
    2. In my opinion, people like to read because it relaxes them.
    3. Your answer:
  4. How do you choose books to read? 
    1. I choose books based on recommendations or genre.
    2. I like to pick books to read based on my interests.
    3. Your answer:
  5. When is your favorite time to read?
    1. I like to read at night before I go to bed.
    2. For me, it’s better for me to read right after work because it relaxes me.
    3. Your answer:

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 are your favorite genres to read?
  2. Is it important to read when learning English? Why or why not?
  3. Where do you like to read books? Why?
  4. Do you prefer electronic, paperback, or audiobooks? Why?
  5. Do you like to go to the library? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

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

 

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Lesson 49: Going to the Beach

Beginner, Curriculum

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Dialogue

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: going to the beach. First, read the following dialogue out loud with your tutor, then switch roles and try again. 

Dorothy and Kevin are talking about going to the beach.

Dorothy:
I’m going to the beach today to work on my tan.
Kevin:
Awesome! I will go with you, but I’m going surfing.
Dorothy:
Sounds like a plan. I’m going to bring my bodyboard.
Kevin:
I don’t like body boarding. I like to catch some waves on my surfboard.
Dorothy:
I heard the tide will be strong today.
Kevin:
I heard the same. Maybe after we are finished playing in the water, we can collect seashells.
Dorothy:
I like to collect seashells! I’ll bring my beach bucket to put them in.
Kevin:
Don’t forget to bring your sunblock. It’s very important to protect your skin.
Dorothy:
I never forget my sunblock.
Kevin:
I hope we don’t see any sharks in the water today!

Vocabulary

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

tan (n) having skin that becomes darker in color from the sun
My girlfriend likes to lie on the beach and get a tan.
surfing (n) the activity or sport of using a special board to ride waves in the ocean
The waves will be big today so surfing should be good.
bodyboard (n) a short board on which a person lies to ride waves in the ocean
I’m going to bring my bodyboard to the beach today.
catch some waves (phrase) to go surfing
I hope to catch some waves today while surfing.
surfboard (n) a long, narrow board on which a person stands to ride waves; used for surfing
She wants to buy a surfboard so she can go surfing.
tide (n) the way the ocean water moves from low to high
During low tide, it’s possible to find more seashells.
seashells (n – plural) the hard, empty shell or covering of a sea creature found on the beach
I like to collect seashells.
beach bucket (n) a round plastic container that is open at the top and usually has a handle
My daughter likes to put sand in her beach bucket.
sunblock (n) a lotion that is put on the skin to protect it from the sun
I always use sunblock when I go out in the sun.
sharks (n – plural) a large dangerous fish with big, sharp teeth and a big fin on its back
The sharks are swimming in the ocean today.

Exercise

Practice answering the following questions with your tutors. You can use the sample answers to come up with your own answer.

  1. What do people do at the beach?
    1. Some people like to go surfing.
    2. I see a lot of people collecting seashells
    3. Your answer:
  2. Do you like to go swimming in the ocean?
    1. I don’t like to go swimming in the ocean because I’m afraid of sharks.
    2. I love to go swimming in the ocean because it’s refreshing.
    3. Your answer:
  3. Why do people like to go surfing?
    1. In my opinion, people like to go surfing because it’s good exercise.
    2. From my point of view, people like to go surfing because it’s exciting.
    3. Your answer:
  4. Why do people like to collect seashells?
    1. Personally speaking, I like to collect seashells because I like the different shapes and colors of the shells.
    2. In my opinion, people like to collect seashells because they use them to decorate their homes.
    3. Your answer:
  5. Do you think it’s healthy to make your body tan?
    1. Personally speaking, I think making your skin tan is harmful to your skin.
    2. In my opinion, it’s not healthy but if done occasionally it’s ok.
    3. Your answer:

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 think it’s important to use sunblock? Why?
  2. What are some sports that people play on the beach?
  3. Why do people like to go to the beach?
  4. Are there popular beaches in your country? If so, describe one.
  5. Do you think people should be allowed to smoke on the beach? Why or why not?

Wrap-up

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

 

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Lesson 48: Protecting the Environment

Beginner, Curriculum

Recycling

Dialogue

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: protecting the environment. First, read the following dialogue out loud with your tutor, then switch roles and try again. 

Kevin and Dorothy are talking about recycling to protect the environment.

Kevin:
Do you have a recycling program in San Francisco?
Dorothy:
Absolutely! It’s our responsibility to protect the environment and decrease pollution.
Kevin:
I agree. In my opinion, every country should recycle to reduce waste.
Dorothy:
In addition, I think there should be a penalty if people don’t recycle their waste.
Kevin:
Does your city provide recycling bins?
Dorothy:
Yes, they are free of charge.
Kevin:
That’s great! Have you ever been to a recycling center?
Dorothy:
No, but I’m sure there’s a lot of plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
Kevin:
Don’t forget about glass jars, bottles, and newspapers.
Dorothy:
I wish everyone would help to eliminate waste to protect our environment.

Vocabulary

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

recycling program (n) a plan or system to collect recyclable materials
Our city just started a recycling program.
responsibility (n) a duty to take care of something
You have the responsibility to do your homework.
pollution (n) something that makes the land, air, or water dirty and not safe
Throwing trash in the water creates water pollution.
reduce waste (phrase) to make less trash
To reduce waste everyone should recycle glass, plastic, and metal.
penalty (n) punishment for breaking a rule or law
The penalty for littering is $300 or 1 month in prison.
recycling bins (n – plural) a box that is used to keep bottles, cans, newspapers, etc. in
Everyone needs to have a recycling bin to help reduce waste.
recycling center (n) a place where plastic, glass, metal, etc is taken to be recycled
The recycling center is responsible for collecting the bins.
aluminum cans (n – plural) a container made of the metal aluminum; a can of Coca-Cola
Aluminum cans need to be recycled.
jars (n – plural) a container typically made of glass
The glass jars have jelly in them.
eliminate (v) to remove; get rid of
Everyone has the responsibility to eliminate waste.

Exercise

Practice answering the following questions with your tutors. You can use the sample answers to come up with your own answer.

  1. What are some types of pollution?
    1. There’s noise pollution in cities from cars.
    2. When there’s a lot of light it creates light pollution.
    3. Your answer:
  2. What can people do to help reduce pollution?
    1. To reduce pollution people should recycle wastes like glass, metals, and plastic.
    2. Big companies can help by not polluting the water.
    3. Your answer:
  3. Why should we recycle?
    1. I think we should recycle because it keeps the world beautiful and free of trash.
    2. From my point of view, the world would be a better place if people recycled more.
    3. Your answer:
  4. Does your country have a penalty for people who throw trash in the streets or water?
    1. Yes, the penalty for littering is $300.
    2. Unfortunately, my country does not have a penalty for littering.
    3. Your answer:
  5. Who do you think is responsible for protecting the environment?
    1. Personally speaking, the government has the responsibility.
    2. In reality, everyone does. However, I think the government has the biggest responsibility.
    3. Your answer:

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 are some things that can be recycled?
  2. Should large companies be more responsible in protecting the environment? Why?
  3. Should governments collect items to recycle for free? Why or why not?
  4. Why do people throw trash on the ground (litter)?
  5. How can you help to protect the environment?

Wrap-up

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

 

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