Topic: Outside the House
Warm-up
In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: outside the house. 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
| grass | (n) thin usually green plant that is planted in the ground After it rains, the grass becomes greener. |
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| lawn | (n) ground that is covered with grass The lawn needs to be cut every week. |
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| bush | (n) a low plant with branches; shrubs She wants to plant a bush at the corner of the house. |
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| mailbox | (n) a private box at home where mail is delivered The mailman puts our mail in the mailbox. |
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| shed | (n) a small building outside a house to store things We keep the garden tools in the shed. |
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| driveway | (n) a short road from the street to a house; a place to park cars I can park two cars in my driveway. |
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| sidewalk | (n) a concrete path along the street where people walk Some people don’t like to walk on the sidewalk. |
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| fence | (n) a wall built outside to separate to areas; sometimes for privacy The fence keeps animals from walking on out lawn. |
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| clothesline | (n) a line outside to hang wet clothes to dry She likes to dry her clothes on the clothesline. |
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| flowerbed | (n) an area where flowers are planted There are many beautiful flowers in the flowerbed. |
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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 does the outside of your house look like?
- What would you change about the outside of your house?
- Why do some people have fences?
- What do people keep in their sheds?
- Who cuts the grass at your house?
- Do you like flowers? Why or why not?
- Where do you park your car?
- What would you like to add to the outside of your house?
- Do you have cookouts at your house? Why or why not?
- Do you have a clothesline? Why or why not?
Wrap-up
Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.
Topic: Cooking Verbs
Warm-up
In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: cooking verbs. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.
Vocabulary/ Expressions
| fry | (v) to cook food in fat or oil I will fry some fish tomorrow for dinner. |
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| bake | (v) food that is cooked in an oven My mom likes to bake cakes. |
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| grill | (v) to cook food on a metal frame; under or over high heat Let’s grill some steaks tonight. |
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| boil | (v) to cook in very hot water She wants to boil some eggs. |
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| simmer | (v) to cook food in hot water but not boiling for a period of time Simmer the beef stew for 40 minutes. |
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| stir | (v) to mix food with a spoon Stir one cup of chicken into the soup. |
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| chop | (v) to cut food into pieces Chop the almonds into small pieces. |
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| grate | (v) to shred food into smaller pieces; like cheese or carrots You need to grate some cheese for the pizza. |
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| peel | (v) to remove the skin from a fruit or vegetable Peel the carrots before you eat them. |
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| spread | (v) to apply on a surface of a food He likes to spread butter on his toast. |
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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 do you like to cook?
- Are cooking shows on TV popular in your country? If yes, do you watch them?
- Who’s the best cook in your family? Why?
- Which forms of cooking do you use? (For example – grill)
- Would you like to be a famous chef? Why or why not?
- Do you like to cook outside using a BBQ grill? Why or why not?
- Tell me some foods that are baked. (For example – cupcakes)
- Tell me some foods that can be grilled. (For example – steak)
- Is it important for children to learn how to cook? Why or why not?
- What is your favorite cooked meal? Why?
Wrap-up
Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.
Topic: Computer Technology
Warm-up
In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: computer technology. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.
Vocabulary/ Expressions
| desktop computer | (n) a computer that designed to be used on a desk I prefer to use a desktop computer at work. |
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| laptop computer | (n) a portable computer small enough to put on your lap I take my laptop computer everywhere I go. |
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| devices | (n – plural) a machine or equipment that is made for a special purpose You can buy electronic devices at the store. |
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| gadget | (n) a small useful device A mobile phone is a gadget. |
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| e-books | (n – plural) a book that is read on a computer or other electronic devices She likes to read e-books more than paperback books. |
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| apps | (n – plural) short for applications; a computer program that performs a special function Travel apps are my favorite. |
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| outdated | (adj) no longer useful; not modern or current After a couple of years, electronic devices are outdated. |
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| state-of-the-art | (adj) the most recent and modern like technology He always buys the state-of-the-art computers. |
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| computer virus | (n) small programs that attack your computer and cause damage to software and files It’s important to protect your computer from a computer virus. |
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| hacker | (n) a person who uses a computer to gain access to information on other computers; not authorized A hacker wants to steal information from other computer systems. |
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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 apps do you use on your mobile phone?
- Name some electronic devices you use.
- Do you always buy state-of-the-art devices? Why or why not?
- Do you read e-books? Why or why not?
- Do you prefer a desktop or laptop computer? Why?
- Besides a mobile phone, do you own any other gadgets? If yes, tell me about them.
- Have you ever had a computer virus? If yes, explain what happened.
- Why do hackers try to steal information from people and companies?
- Do you own outdated electronic devices? If yes, tell me what they are.
- Should everyone have free internet? Why or why not?
Wrap-up
Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.
Topic: The Environment
Warm-up
In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: the environment. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.
Vocabulary/ Expressions
| natural resources | (n – plural) materials found in nature like water, trees, oil, etc Everyone needs to protect our natural resources. |
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| eco-friendly | (adj) will not hurt the environment Plastic bags used at supermarkets are not eco-friendly. |
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| earth | (n) the planet on which we live Our earth is always changing. |
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| pollution | (n) things that hurt our environment A lot of big cities have air pollution from cars. |
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| litter | (n) trash that’s thrown on the ground and roads You can see a lot of litter alongside the roads. |
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| recycle | (v) to use again; make products from other products Some companies recycle metal to make other products. |
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| reuse | (v) to use something again She likes to reuse plastic water bottles. |
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| landfill | (n) a place where trash or rubbish is buried in the ground The landfill is located outside the city. |
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| contaminate | (v) to make something dirty or polluted Don’t contaminate the environment with litter. |
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| renewable energy | (n) energy that comes from a natural resource that can be used again Rain is renewable energy. I collect it to water my flowers. |
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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 there litter laws in your country? If so, what is the penalty for littering?
- Why do people litter?
- What are some types of pollution? (For example – light pollution)
- Does your country have a recycling program? If so, tell me about it.
- What are some things that can be recycled? (For example – newspapers)
- What are some natural resources? (For example – oil)
- What are some renewable energy sources? (For example – rain)
- What are some eco-friendly products? (For example – reusable water bottle)
- Do you use eco-friendly products? Why or why not?
- What can you do to make the world a better place?
Wrap-up
Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.
Topic: Having a BBQ
Warm-up
In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: having a BBQ. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.
Vocabulary/ Expressions
| cookout | (n) a BBQ or party at which food is cooked and served outdoors We invited our friends over for a cookout. |
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| fire up | (v – phrase) to start by lighting a fire I’m hungry! Let’s fire up the grill. |
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| BBQ grill | (n) the equipment to cook food over a fire outside My BBQ grill works with gas. |
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| gas | (n) a substance that is burned as fuel We heat our house with gas. |
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| charcoal | (n) a hard black material that is made by burning wood with little air; used for BBQ grills I need more charcoal for the grill. |
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| cooler | (n) a container for keeping food and drinks cold The cooler is filled with ice, soda, and water. |
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| beverages | (n – plural) something you can drink; a liquid for drinking The beverages are in the cooler. |
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| patio | (n) an area of ground with a hard material (brick, wood, or concrete); usually behind the house The BBQ grill is on the patio. |
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| deck | (n) similar to a patio but usually made with wood We need to buy new furniture for the deck. |
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| patio umbrella | (n) used for protection from the sun and rain Open up the patio umbrella because the sun is hot. |
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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 have a BBQ grill? If yes, is it a gas or charcoal?
- What are some reasons people have cookouts?
- Which type of beverages do you like? Why?
- What do people do at cookouts in your country?
- What kind of food is typically eaten at cookouts in your country?
- Do houses have decks or patios in your country?
- Has it ever rained at a cookout you attended? If so, what did you do?
- Do you think gas BBQ grills are dangerous? Why or why not?
- Do you like to cook on the BBQ grill? Why or why not?
- When will you have another cookout? Why?
Wrap-up
Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.
Topic: Raising Children
Warm-up
In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: raising children. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.
Vocabulary/ Expressions
| stay-at-home mom | (expression) a mom who doesn’t work and raises her children It’s less common to see a stay-at-home mom. |
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| potty train | (v) train a small child to use the toilet It’s sometimes difficult to potty train a child. |
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| infant | (n) a small child or baby The infant is starting to walk. |
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| terrible twos | (phrase) a period of time children act bad and get mad a lot; usually between 2-4 years old My son is going through his terrible twos. If he doesn’t get his way, he screams. |
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| grounded | (adj) punish a child or teenager who did something wrong or bad; usually not allowed to go out My daughter came home late. She was grounded for 2 days. |
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| rules | (n – plural) a statement that tells you what you can and cannot do If children don’t follow rules, they can be grounded. |
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| spoil | (v) to treat someone too well; being too generous Parents spoil their children with money, lots of gifts, and expensive cars. |
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| chores | (n – plural) a small job or task that is done regularly My children do their chores after dinner. |
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| bring up | (v – phrase) to raise a child It’s difficult to bring up children. |
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| family time | (expression) a period of time where a family spends quality time together We play games during family time. |
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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.
- Should children have chores? Why or why not?
- What are some reasons children are grounded?
- What are some family time activities?
- Do you think it’s difficult to potty train a toddler? Why or why not?
- Is it common in your country to have stay-at-home moms? Why or why not?
- What are some rules parents have for their children?
- In what ways do parents spoil their children?
- Who do you think is easier to raise a boy or girl? Why?
- What is a good age when children can be left alone? Why?
- Why is it important to support your children?
Wrap-up
Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.
Topic: Jobs and Occupations
Warm-up
In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: jobs and occupations. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.
Vocabulary/ Expressions
| accountant | (n) someone whose job is to keep the financial records for a business or person An accountant controls the money. |
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| dentist | (n) someone whose job is to care for people’s teeth A dentist checks your teeth. |
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| judge | (n) a person who has the power to make decisions in law The judge gave him three years in prison for stealing money. |
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| waiter/waitress | (n) a person who takes your order and serves you food in a restaurant The waiter served our food. (waiter – male; waitress – female) |
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| news reporter | (n) a person whose job is to report the news the news reporter wrote an article about the Olympic games in Rio de Jainero. |
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| plumber | (n) a person whose job is to install and repair sinks, toilets, water pipes, etc. The plumber is fixing the leak in my kitchen sink. |
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| nurse | (n) a person trained to take care of sick people; usually works in a hospital or doctor’s office The nurse helps the doctor. |
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| lawyer | (n) a person whose job is to help people with legal problems and matters The lawyer helped him to get divorced. |
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| electrician | (n) a person who works on and repairs electrical problems The electrician fixed the light in our living room. |
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| fireman | (n) a person who helps to put out fires; works with other firemen A fireman has a dangerous job. |
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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 job title? Describe your job.
- Would you rather have a well-paying job or a satisfying job? Why?
- What did you want to be when you were a child? (For example – I wanted to be a fireman)
- Tell me 3 jobs you would like to do.
- Tell me 3 jobs you would not like to do.
- What is your dream job?
- Do you like to interview for jobs? Why or why not?
- Would you rather work inside or outside? Why?
- Do you like to travel for work? Why or why not?
- Do you plan to have the same job until you can retire? Why or why not?
Wrap-up
Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.
Topic: Natural Disasters
Warm-up
In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: natural disasters. First, go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.
Vocabulary/ Expressions
| earthquake | (n) a sudden and violent shaking of the earth that can cause a lot of damage The earthquake caused damage to many buildings. |
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| tornado | (n) a violent storm where powerful winds move around in a central point The tornado moved slowly through the city causing a lot a damage. |
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| hurricane | (n) a powerful storm with strong winds and rain that causes a lot of damage The strong wind from the hurricane broke windows. |
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| volcanic eruption | (n) when a volcano explodes fire and lava from its top The volcanic eruption caused many houses to catch on fire. |
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| flood | (v) a large amount of water usually from too much rain The heavy rain caused the streets to flood. |
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| landslide | (n) a large amount of ground and rocks that slide down a mountain or hill The landslide closed the road. |
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| tsunami | (n) a very large and high wave in the ocean usually caused by an earthquake A tsunami occurred after the earthquake and flooded the city near the beach. |
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| avalanche | (n) a large amount of snow and ice or ground and rock that slides down a mountain An avalanche can occur on Mount Everest. |
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| disaster plan | (n) a plan to help people survive and live after a natural or man-made disaster A disaster plan includes storing food and water. |
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| evacuate | (v) to move people from a dangerous place to somewhere safe before or after a disaster We were told to evacuate because a hurricane is coming. |
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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 natural disaster do you think is the worst? Why?
- What natural disasters are common in your country?
- Would you volunteer to help after a natural disaster? Why or why not?
- What can people do to prepare for a natural disaster?
- Should governments help people with money after a natural disaster? Why or why not?
- If you were told to evacuate because of a hurricane, would you leave your home? Why or why not?
- Why do you think natural disasters occur?
- Have you ever been in a natural disaster? If yes, describe it.
- Why do you think people live near volcanos?
- Are you willing to donate money to help people after a natural disaster? Why or why not?
Wrap-up
Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.