Practical English
Practical Conversations
Read each one aloud. Then cover one side and say that part yourself. Then have the conversation for real.
How to use these
- Read the whole conversation aloud, both parts, twice.
- Cover one side and speak that part from memory. Get it roughly right, not perfectly.
- Change the details — a different day, a different item, a different problem. This is where the learning happens.
- Use it for real within a week. A rehearsed conversation used once becomes permanent.
Introductions
Meeting someone for the first time
- A: Good morning. I do not think we have met. I am Kamal Perera.
- B: Nice to meet you, Mr Perera. I am Anushka Silva. I work in the accounts section.
- A: Nice to meet you too. Have you been here long?
- B: About six months. And you?
- A: I joined last week, actually. I am still finding my way around.
- B: Well, if you need anything, my desk is just along the corridor.
- A: Thank you, that is very kind.
Introducing two people
- A: Malini, have you met Rohan? Rohan, this is Malini — she runs the training programme.
- B: Nice to meet you, Rohan.
- C: Nice to meet you too. I have heard about the programme — it sounds interesting.
- B: Come and see us any time. We are on the second floor.
On the telephone
Calling an office
- A: Good morning, Silva and Company.
- B: Good morning. Could I speak to Mrs Jayasinghe, please?
- A: May I ask who is calling?
- B: My name is Nimal Fernando. I am calling about an invoice.
- A: One moment, please. I will put you through. … I am afraid she is in a meeting. Can I take a message?
- B: Yes, please. Could you ask her to call me back on 077 123 4567?
- A: 077 123 4567. And that was Mr Fernando?
- B: That is right. Thank you very much.
- A: Not at all. Goodbye.
When the line is bad
- A: Sorry, I did not catch that. The line is not very clear.
- B: I said the meeting has been moved to Thursday.
- A: Sorry — Tuesday or Thursday?
- B: Thursday. T for Thomas.
- A: Thursday. Got it. Thank you.
Shopping and complaints
In a shop
- A: Excuse me, do you have this shirt in a larger size?
- B: Let me check. … Yes, we have it in large and extra large.
- A: Could I see the large one, please? … How much is it?
- B: Two thousand four hundred rupees.
- A: Is there a discount if I take two?
- B: I can give you ten per cent on two.
- A: All right, I will take two. Do you accept cards?
- B: Yes, certainly. Would you like a bag?
Returning something
- A: Good afternoon. I bought this kettle here on Saturday and it has stopped working.
- B: I am sorry to hear that. Do you have the receipt?
- A: Yes, here it is.
- B: Thank you. Would you prefer a replacement or a refund?
- A: A replacement, please, if you have the same model.
- B: We do. I will get one from the store room. It will take about five minutes.
- A: That is fine, thank you.
Appointments and travel
Making an appointment
- A: Good morning. I would like to make an appointment with Dr Weerasinghe, please.
- B: Certainly. Have you been here before?
- A: No, this is the first time.
- B: Then I will need your name and telephone number. … When would suit you?
- A: Would Wednesday afternoon be possible?
- B: We have three fifteen or four thirty on Wednesday.
- A: Three fifteen, please.
- B: That is booked. Please come ten minutes early to complete the form.
Asking for directions
- A: Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the post office?
- B: Yes — go straight on to the traffic lights, then turn left. It is about a hundred metres along, on your right, opposite the bank.
- A: Straight on, left at the lights, opposite the bank. Is it far?
- B: No, about five minutes' walk.
- A: Thank you very much.
At work
Asking for help
- A: Sorry to disturb you — do you have a moment?
- B: Of course. What is it?
- A: I am preparing the monthly report and I am not sure which figures go in the second column.
- B: Ah — those are the totals from the previous month, not this one.
- A: That would explain it. Could I show you what I have done, just to be sure?
- B: Yes, bring it over.
Explaining a delay
- A: I am afraid there is a problem with the Friday deadline.
- B: What has happened?
- A: The supplier has not sent the figures we need. I have chased them twice.
- B: How long do you think it will take?
- A: If they send them tomorrow, I can finish by Monday. I have started the sections that do not depend on them.
- B: All right. Let me know tomorrow either way.