English Learning for Beginners: Checking into a Hotel

Dialogue

Current Situation

When you arrive at a hotel, the first thing you do is “check in.” This means you officially tell the hotel you are there and get your room key. You usually go to the “reception desk” (also called the front desk). The staff there will ask for your name to find your “reservation” (the booking you made earlier). They might also ask for your “ID” (identification, like a passport or driver’s license) and a “credit card” for a “deposit” (money the hotel holds in case of damages or extra costs). After they confirm everything, they will give you a “key card” (an electronic card to open your room) and tell you your “room number.” It’s a common and important process for travelers!

Key Phrases

• We have a reservation.

  Meaning: We booked a room before arriving.

  Example: “Good evening! We have a reservation under the name Smith.”

• My name is [name].

  Meaning: Stating your full name to the hotel staff.

  Example: “Hello, my name is Sarah Miller. I booked a single room.”

• Can I have your last name, please? / Could I please have your ID/credit card?

  Meaning: Polite ways for the staff to ask for your information.

  Example: “Can I have your last name, please?” “Could I please have your ID and a credit card?”

• Is that correct?

  Meaning: Asking if the information heard or stated is accurate.

  Example: “You have a room for three nights, is that correct?“

• Key card / Room number

  Meaning: The electronic card to open your hotel room and the specific number of your room.

  Example: “Here is your key card. Your room number is 705.”

• Enjoy your stay!

  Meaning: A polite farewell from the staff, wishing you a pleasant time at the hotel.

  Example: “Welcome to our hotel. Enjoy your stay!“

• Reception desk / Front desk

  Meaning: The main counter in the hotel lobby where guests check in, check out, and ask for help.

  Example: “Let’s go to the reception desk to check in.”

Grammar Points

Practice Exercises

English Learning: Taking a Taxi

Dialogue

Current Situation

Taking a taxi is a common way to travel in many cities around the world. In the past, people usually stood on the street and waved their arm to “hail” a taxi, like Alice and Bob tried to do. This is still possible in some places, especially in busy city centers. However, today, many people use smartphone apps like Uber or Lyft to book a taxi or a private car. These apps allow you to see the car’s location, the driver’s name, and the fare before you even get in. This makes taking a taxi more convenient and often safer. Whether you hail one from the street or book one with an app, knowing how to ask for your destination and confirm the ride is very useful for getting around!

Key Phrases

• We’re going to be late!: This means you don’t have much time and might miss something. Example: “Hurry up! The movie starts soon, we’re going to be late!”
• Grab a taxi: To get a taxi. It’s an informal way to say “take a taxi.” Example: “It’s raining, let’s grab a taxi instead of walking.”
• Hail a taxi: To signal to a taxi driver on the street to stop and pick you up. Example: “In New York, you just stand on the street and hail a yellow taxi.”
• Open my app: To start an application on your smartphone. Example: “I need to open my map app to find this restaurant.”
• Can you take us to…?: A polite way to ask a driver to go to a specific place. Example: “Excuse me, driver, can you take us to the airport, please?”
• Sure thing: An informal way to say “yes” or “of course.” Example: “Can you help me with this? Sure thing!”
• Hop in: An informal invitation to get into a car or vehicle. Example: “The car is here, hop in!”

Grammar Points

1. “Be Going To” for Future Predictions and Intentions

We use “be going to” (am/is/are + going to + base verb) to talk about future plans or predictions based on what we see now.

• From the dialogue: “We‘re going to be so late!” (Alice sees the time, she predicts they will be late.)
• Example 1 (Prediction): “Look at those dark clouds! It‘s going to rain.”
• Example 2 (Intention/Plan): “I‘m going to visit my parents next week.”

2. Imperatives (Commands/Instructions)

Imperatives are used to give commands, make requests, or give instructions. They use the base form of the verb and usually don’t have a subject (because the subject “you” is understood).

• From the dialogue: “Relax, Alice!” “Open my app…” “Hop in.”
• Example 1: “Stop here, please.”
• Example 2: “Listen carefully.”
• Example 3 (Negative imperative): “Don’t worry!”

3. Making Requests with “Can you…?”

We use “Can you…?” to ask someone politely to do something.

• From the dialogue: “Excuse me, driver, can you take us to the Grand Hotel, please?”
• Example 1: “Can you help me with my bags?”
• Example 2: “Can you close the window? It’s cold.”
• Example 3 (Negative answer): “No, I can’t.” (It’s also possible to say “I’m sorry, I can’t.”)

Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the Blanks:

   Choose the best word to complete each sentence.

   1. If you see a taxi on the street, you can _______ it. (grab / hail)
   2. “I need to call a taxi.” “Just _______ my app.” (open / close)
   3. “Can you take us to the museum?” “_______ thing!” (Sure / Good)
   4. We need to hurry, we’re _______ to be late! (going / gone)
   5. The driver said, “_______ in!” when we reached the car. (Jump / Hop)

2. Match the Request to the Answer:

   Match each request to the most polite answer.

   1. Can you help me?
   2. Can you take me to the station?
   3. Can you open the window?
   1. Sure thing!
   2. Yes, I can.
   3. Of course.

3. Complete the Sentences (using “be going to”):

   Complete the sentences using the correct form of “be going to” and the verb in parentheses.

   1. Look at the sky! It _______________ (rain).
   2. I’m hungry. I _______________ (eat) lunch soon.
   3. They bought tickets. They _______________ (travel) next month.

4. Role Play Prompt:

   You are at a busy street. You need to get to the hospital quickly because your friend is waiting. You decide to take a taxi. What would you say to your friend and the taxi driver?

Answers

1. Fill in the Blanks:

   1. hail
   2. open
   3. Sure
   4. going
   5. Hop

2. Match the Request to the Answer:

   1. 1. b. Yes, I can.
   2. 2. a. Sure thing!
   3. 3. c. Of course.

3. Complete the Sentences:

   1. is going to rain
   2. am going to eat
   3. are going to travel

4. Role Play Prompt:

   (Possible answers include):
   To friend: “We need a taxi, quickly!” or “Let’s hail a taxi!”
   To driver: “Excuse me, driver, can you take us to the hospital, please?” or “Hospital, please!”

English Learning Content: Using Google Maps

Dialogue

Alice: Bob, are we going the right way? This street looks new to me.

Bob: Alice, don’t worry! My Google Maps is *always* right. See? It says “continue straight for 200 meters.”

Alice: But the sign right there says “Dead End.”

Bob: Ah, that’s just a suggestion, Alice. Google knows better. Let’s go!

Alice: (Sighs) Okay, Mr. Google Maps Expert. But if we end up in a pond, it’s on you.

Bob: (A moment later) Hmm, it says “You have arrived at your destination.” But… this is a park bench.

Alice: A park bench? Bob, we’re supposed to be at “Pizza Paradise”! Is this a new eco-friendly branch?

Bob: Uh, maybe Google Maps is testing my detective skills. It says “Pizza Paradise is 100 meters *to your left*.”

Alice: Your left or *my* left? Because your left is usually my right.

Bob: (Checks phone) Oh, it means *my* left, which is *your* right. Wait, no. My left is my left!

Alice: Just point!

Bob: Okay, it’s that way! (Points in a completely different direction than before)

Alice: Bob, are you sure you typed in “Pizza Paradise” and not “Park Bench Paradise”?

Bob: (Eyes widen) Uh oh. My phone autocorrected it to “Pajama Paradise.” That’s a clothing store!

Alice: (Buries face in hands) Bob, please just give me the phone. I’ll type it in this time.

Current Situation

Google Maps is an incredibly popular and useful tool for navigation all around the world. Even if you’re in a non-English speaking country, the instructions and place names on Google Maps are often in English. Learning to understand these basic English phrases is essential for getting around, whether you’re walking, driving, or taking public transport. It helps you recognize street names, follow directions like “turn left” or “go straight,” and understand when “you have arrived” at your destination. Using Google Maps in English is a practical and fun way to practice your reading and listening skills in a real-world situation!

Key Phrases

• Turn left / Turn right: Change direction to the left or right.

  “Please turn left at the next traffic light.”

• Go straight / Continue straight: Keep walking or driving forward without turning.

  “Go straight for about 500 meters until you see the bridge.”

• Your destination is on the left / right: The place you want to reach is located on that side.

  “Your destination is on the right, across from the post office.”

• You have arrived (at your destination): You have reached the place you were going to.

  “Congratulations! You have arrived at your destination.”

• In X meters / kilometers: Refers to a distance.

  “The coffee shop is in 100 meters, next to the bank.”

• Look for / Search for: To try to find something.

  “Look for a big blue sign with a picture of a pizza.”

• Which way is…?: Asking for directions to a place.

  “Excuse me, which way is the train station?”

• Are we going the right way?: Asking if you are on the correct path.

  “Are we going the right way to the museum, or did we miss a turn?”

• This street / That street: Referring to the street you are on or a nearby street.

  “This street is called Elm Street, but we need to be on Oak Avenue.”

• Autocorrected to: When a phone or computer automatically changes a word you typed to another word.

  “My phone autocorrected ‘bakery’ to ‘battery’, so I ended up at an electronics store!”

Grammar Points

1. Prepositions of Place and Direction

These small words tell us about location and movement.

• at: specific point or location.

  “We are at the park.” “Turn left at the traffic light.”

• on: refers to a surface or a street.

  “The restaurant is on Main Street.” “Your destination is on the left.”

• in: refers to a larger area, or for distances.

  “The shop is in the city center.” “The next turn is in 50 meters.”

• to: indicates movement towards a destination.

  “Go to the library.” “100 meters to your left.”

• for: indicates duration or distance.

  “Continue straight for two blocks.”

• across from: on the opposite side of something.

  “The bank is across from the supermarket.”

2. Imperative Verbs for Directions

These verbs give direct commands or instructions, often used in directions.

• Go: “Go straight.” “Go left.”
• Turn: “Turn right at the corner.”
• Continue: “Continue walking.” “Continue straight ahead.”
• Look (for): “Look for the yellow building.”

3. Simple Present Tense

Used to talk about facts, habits, or current situations.

• “This street looks new to me.” (A current observation)
• “It says ‘continue straight’.” (A current reading/fact from Google Maps)
• “Google Maps is always right.” (A general statement/belief)

4. Asking Questions for Directions

Common ways to ask for help or confirm a path.

• “Are we going the right way?” (To confirm if you are on the correct path.)
• “Which way is…?” (To ask for the general direction to a place.)

Practice Exercises

Practice Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the best word to complete the sentence.

1. Please ______ left at the next corner. (turn / go / look)
2. ______ straight for about 1 kilometer. (Turn / Go / Arrived)
3. Your destination is ______ the right. (at / in / on)
4. We need to ______ for a big blue door. (turn / go / look)
5. My phone ______ “cat” to “car” by mistake! (turned / autocorrected / arrived)

Practice Exercise 2: Giving Directions

Imagine you are giving directions. What would you say?

1. To tell someone to go forward: “Go ______!”
2. To tell someone to change direction to the right: “______ right!”
3. To tell someone they have reached their location: “You have ______!”
4. To ask if you are on the correct path: “Are we going ______ ______?”

Practice Exercise 3: Correcting Bob

Bob made some common mistakes. Help him fix the sentences to sound more natural in English.

1. “Go at the left.”
2. “My destination is arrived.”
3. “Which street is this way?”

Answers

Practice Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. turn
2. Go
3. on
4. look
5. autocorrected

Practice Exercise 2: Giving Directions

1. Go straight!
2. Turn right!
3. You have arrived!
4. Are we going the right way?

Practice Exercise 3: Correcting Bob

1. Turn left. / Go to the left.
2. I have arrived at my destination. / You have arrived at your destination.
3. Which way is this street? / Which way is…?

English Learning for Beginners: Asking for Directions

English Learning for Beginners: At Customs

Dialogue

Current Situation

When you travel to another country by plane, train, or ship, you need to go through customs. Customs is a place at the border or airport where officials check your bags and documents. They want to make sure you are not bringing anything illegal into the country and that you declare any items that might require special taxes or restrictions.

A customs officer might ask you questions like “What is the purpose of your visit?” (Why are you here?) or “Do you have anything to declare?” (Do you have items like large amounts of money, alcohol, tobacco, or certain foods that need to be reported?). You usually need to show your passport (your official travel document) and sometimes a boarding pass (your ticket for the flight). You might also need to fill out a declaration form, which is a paper asking about the things you are bringing into the country.

It can feel a little bit scary or stressful, especially if there’s a long line, but it’s a normal part of international travel to keep everyone safe!

Key Phrases

Grammar Points

Practice Exercises

English Learning Content for Beginners

English Learning for Beginners: Traveling Abroad

Dialogue

Alice: Oh, hi Bob! You look surprised to see me here.

Bob: Alice! Wow, you look like you just ran a marathon, or maybe you’re planning one? What’s up?

Alice: Ha! Even better. I’m planning my dream trip abroad!

Bob: A trip abroad? That sounds fancy! Where are you going? To Mars?

Alice: Not Mars, silly! I’m thinking… Italy! Imagine, pizza, pasta, ancient ruins!

Bob: Italy! Wow! Are you rich now? Or did you win the lottery?

Alice: Nope, just saving every penny! And I found some super cheap flight tickets! It’s my big adventure.

Bob: Cheap flights to Italy? That sounds suspicious. Did you check the airplane’s age? Is it made of cardboard?

Alice: Very funny! It’s a reputable airline! And I’m just going with a backpack. No fancy suitcases for me.

Bob: A backpack? So you’re packing your whole house in there? Don’t forget your toothbrush! And your passport!

Alice: Of course! Passport, tickets, toothbrush, and my lucky travel gnome! He needs to see the world.

Bob: A travel gnome? Okay, that’s new. Are you going to eat a lot of gelato?

Alice: Absolutely! Gelato for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! And maybe learn some Italian. “Ciao!”

Bob: “Ciao!” Be careful not to get lost. What if you try to order a pizza and accidentally order a hat?

Alice: (Laughing) I’ll try my best! I have a translation app! Wish me luck!

Bob: Good luck, Alice! Bring me back some Italian snacks, okay? No gnomes.

Alice: Deal! Maybe a mini gnome for you, Bob! Just kidding! See you when I get back!

Current Situation

Traveling abroad is becoming easier and more popular today! Many people dream of visiting new countries to see famous places, try delicious food, and learn about different cultures. To travel internationally, you usually need a passport, and sometimes a visa, which is a special permit from the country you want to visit. Some people travel with a big suitcase, and some, like Alice, prefer a small backpack to save money and travel light. It’s an exciting way to see the world and make new memories!

Key Phrases

• What’s up?: A casual way to ask “How are you?” or “What’s happening?”
  Hey, Mark! What’s up? How was your weekend?
• Dream trip abroad: A trip to another country that you have always wanted to take.
  My dream trip abroad is to see the Great Wall of China.
• Sounds fancy: Used to describe something that seems expensive, luxurious, or special.
  You’re flying first class? That sounds fancy!
• Saving every penny: To save as much money as possible, typically for a specific goal.
  I’m saving every penny to buy a new laptop.
• Cheap flight tickets: Inexpensive airplane tickets.
  I found some cheap flight tickets, so I can visit my family next month.
• Reputable airline: An airline that has a good and trusted reputation.
  Always choose a reputable airline for safety and good service.
• Go with a backpack: To travel using only a backpack, usually implying light and budget travel.
  For my trip around Southeast Asia, I’m just going with a backpack.
• Don’t forget!: An imperative (command) to remind someone about something important.
  Don’t forget your keys before you leave!
• Absolutely!: Used to express strong agreement or confirmation, meaning “yes, definitely.”
  “Are you coming to the party?” “Absolutely!”
• Try my best: To make the greatest possible effort.
  I don’t know the answer, but I will try my best to find it.
• Wish me luck!: A request for someone to hope for your success.
  I have a big exam tomorrow, wish me luck!
• Bring me back (something): To ask someone to buy or get something for you from their trip.
  When you go to Paris, please bring me back a small Eiffel Tower souvenir.
• Deal!: A casual way to say “I agree” or “It’s a promise.”
  “If you help me, I’ll buy you dinner.” “Deal!”

Grammar Points

1. Present Continuous for Future Plans

We often use the present continuous tense (subject + am/is/are + verb-ing) to talk about plans or arrangements for the future, especially when they are already decided or scheduled.

• I’m planning my dream trip abroad. (This plan is already in progress or decided.)
• Where are you going? (Asking about a future travel destination that is likely planned.)
• I’m just going with a backpack. (Describes a planned method of travel.)

Example:
I am meeting my friend for dinner tonight. (The meeting is planned.)
She is visiting her grandparents next weekend. (The visit is arranged.)

2. Imperatives (Commands and Instructions)

Imperatives are used to give commands, instructions, or make requests. For positive commands, we use the base form of the verb. For negative commands, we use “Don’t” + base verb.

• Don’t forget your toothbrush! (Negative command/reminder)
• Be careful not to get lost. (Positive command/advice)
• Bring me back some Italian snacks. (Positive request)
• Imagine, pizza, pasta, ancient ruins! (Positive invitation to think)

Example:
Close the door.
Don’t touch that.
Please sit down.

3. Basic Question Words (Who, What, Where)

These words help us ask for specific information.

• What: Asks about things or actions.
  • What’s up? (What is happening?)
  • What if you try to order a pizza and accidentally order a hat? (Asking about a possible scenario)
• Where: Asks about a place or location.
  • Where are you going? (Asking about the destination)

Example:
What is your name?
Where do you live?

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using words from the dialogue or key phrases.

1. I am _______ my next holiday to Japan.
2. She is _______ every penny for a new car.
3. _______ your passport when you travel!
4. My trip to Paris _______ fancy!
5. Can you _______ some chocolate for me?

Exercise 2: Match the Questions and Answers

Match the questions on the left with the correct answers on the right.

Questions:

1. What’s up?
2. Where are you going?
3. Are you saving money?
4. Can you bring me a souvenir?

Answers:

1. Yes, I’m saving every penny!
2. I’m going to France!
3. Sure, deal!
4. I’m just planning my weekend.

Exercise 3: Make a Sentence

Create a sentence using the given words. Use the present continuous for future plans where appropriate, or an imperative.

1. You / plan / a trip / to Spain (using present continuous)
2. Don’t forget / your camera
3. I / wish / you / luck

Answers

Exercise 1 Answers

1. I am planning my next holiday to Japan.
2. She is saving every penny for a new car.
3. Don’t forget your passport when you travel!
4. My trip to Paris sounds fancy!
5. Can you bring me back some chocolate for me?

Exercise 2 Answers

1. 1 – D
2. 2 – B
3. 3 – A
4. 4 – C

Exercise 3 Answers (Possible Answers)

1. You are planning a trip to Spain.
2. Don’t forget your camera!
3. I wish you luck!

English Learning for Beginners: Bargaining Expressions

English for Beginners: Talking About Prices

Dialogue

Current Situation

Talking about prices is a very common and essential part of daily life. Whether you’re shopping, planning a trip, or just chatting with friends about a new purchase, you’ll need to know how to ask about prices, state them, and give your opinion. It helps you make smart decisions about spending money and comparing different products or services.

Key Phrases

Grammar Points

Practice Exercises