English for Beginners: Weekend Plans

Dialogue

Current Situation

“Weekend plans” is a very common topic when people chat, especially with friends or colleagues. It’s a natural way to show interest in someone’s life and share what you’ll be doing. People often talk about relaxing at home, doing chores, meeting friends, going out for meals, pursuing hobbies, or even just “nothing special.” It’s a light and friendly way to connect and learn more about each other’s lives outside of work or school.

Key Phrases

• What are your plans for the weekend?

  What are your plans for the weekend? I’m going hiking.

• I’m planning to…

  I’m planning to visit my parents.

• Sounds unique! (Can also be “Sounds interesting!” or “Sounds fun!”)

  Going on a hot air balloon ride? Sounds unique!

• Good luck with that! (Often used playfully or encouragingly for a difficult task)

  You’re trying to learn to juggle? Good luck with that!

• It’s a work in progress. (Meaning something is not yet finished or perfect)

  My cooking skills are still a work in progress.

• I’ll stick to… (Meaning you will choose to continue with or prefer one thing over another)

  I’ll stick to coffee, thanks.

• See you next week! / See you! (Common farewell)

  Have a great weekend! See you next week!

Grammar Points

1. Talking about Future Plans: ‘Be going to’ and Present Continuous

When we talk about future plans or intentions, especially definite ones, we often use ‘be going to’ or the Present Continuous tense.

• ‘Be going to’ + base form of the verb: Used for plans or intentions that you have decided to do.
  Example: I am going to train my cat.
  Example: Alice is going to clean her apartment.
• Present Continuous (am/is/are + verb-ing): Also used for definite plans in the near future, especially when an arrangement has been made or when you’re talking about an activity you will be doing.
  Example: I ‘m teaching him to play the piano. (This is Bob’s plan for the weekend.)
  Example: I ‘m planning to clean my apartment. (Here, ‘planning’ is the main verb, indicating a future action.)
  Example: What are you doing this weekend? (This is a common way to ask about future plans.)

2. Simple Present vs. Present Continuous for Actions

• Simple Present: Used for general habits, routines, or facts.
  Example: What do you do on weekends? (Asking about typical weekend activities.)
• Present Continuous: Used for specific actions happening now, or definite plans for the near future.
  Example: What are you doing this weekend? (Asking about *this specific* weekend’s plans.)

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Use am going to, is going to, are going to, or the Present Continuous form of the verb in parentheses to complete the sentences. (Both are often correct for plans!)

1. I _______ (visit) my grandparents this Saturday.
2. She _______ (study) for her English test all day Sunday.
3. They _______ (watch) a movie at the cinema tonight.
4. He _______ (start) a new hobby next month.
5. We _______ (have) a picnic in the park if the weather is good.

Answers:

1. am going to visit / am visiting
2. is going to study / is studying
3. are going to watch / are watching
4. is going to start / is starting
5. are going to have / are having

Exercise 2: Match the Phrases

Match the phrase on the left with its best meaning or response on the right.

1. What are your plans for the weekend?
2. Good luck with that!
3. It’s a work in progress.
4. Sounds unique!
5. I’ll stick to coffee.

1. Something that is not finished yet.
2. Wishing someone well in a difficult task.
3. What will you do on Saturday and Sunday?
4. It sounds very unusual or special.
5. I prefer coffee and won’t change my mind.

Answers:

1. c
2. b
3. a
4. d
5. e

Exercise 3: Answer the Questions

Answer these questions based on the dialogue.

1. What is Bob’s main plan for the weekend?
2. What does Alice plan to do?
3. What kind of pizza does Alice think about ordering?
4. What does Bob say his cat demands as payment?

Answers:

1. He is going to train his cat to play the piano.
2. She plans to clean her apartment, maybe watch some movies, and order pizza.
3. She thinks about ordering pepperoni pizza.
4. His cat demands tuna as payment.

English for Beginners: Playing Games

Dialogue

Alice: Hi Bob, what are you doing?

Bob: Oh, hi Alice! I’m trying to beat this level in my new game. It’s super hard!

Alice: Really? What game is it? Is it one of those monster-fighting games?

Bob: Kind of! It’s ‘Dragon Slayer 3’. The dragon just ate my magic boots again!

Alice: Haha, sounds painful for your boots! Can I watch? Maybe I can give you some ‘expert’ advice.

Bob: You? Expert advice? Last time you played, you walked your character into a wall for five minutes!

Alice: That was strategy! I was checking the wall for secret passages! And it was a long time ago.

Bob: Sure, ‘strategy’. Anyway, come here. See? This big red dragon, Sparky, keeps breathing fire.

Alice: Sparky? That’s a cute name for a fire-breathing beast!

Bob: Don’t let the name fool you. He’s terrible! Look, I need to get the golden sword.

Alice: Ah, the golden sword! Is it hidden in that giant mushroom?

Bob: No, that’s just a regular, bouncy mushroom. The sword is usually near the ‘Beware of Gnomes’ sign.

Alice: Of course! Everywhere there are gnomes, there is treasure. Classic game logic.

Bob: Exactly! Now, if only Sparky would take a nap…

Alice: Or if you could bribe him with a shiny coin?

Bob: Hmm, worth a try! If I had any shiny coins left after buying these magic boots he ate!

Current Situation

Playing games is a very popular hobby for many people around the world. There are many different types of games. Some people like video games on computers or consoles, like PlayStation or Xbox. Others enjoy mobile games on their phones or tablets. Board games, like Chess or Monopoly, are also popular. Playing games can be a fun way to relax, challenge your mind, or spend time with friends and family, even if they are far away. Many games now allow people to play together online.

Key Phrases

• beat this level: I need to beat this level to finish the game.
• super hard: This puzzle is super hard!
• monster-fighting games: Do you like monster-fighting games or puzzle games?
• breathing fire: The dragon is breathing fire!
• give you some advice: Can I give you some advice for your homework?
• secret passages: Look for secret passages in the old castle.
• don’t let the name fool you: She looks small, but don’t let the name fool you, she’s very strong.
• classic game logic: Collect 10 coins? That’s classic game logic!
• take a nap: My cat loves to take a nap on the sofa.
• bribe him with: Maybe we can bribe him with a cookie.

Grammar Points

Practice Exercises

English Learning: Movies & TV

Dialogue

Current Situation

Movies and TV shows are a huge part of global entertainment today. We can watch them in many ways. Most people use streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video to watch TV shows and movies at home whenever they want. There are thousands of options, from action movies and comedies to serious dramas, documentaries, and animated films for all ages. You can also still go to a cinema (movie theater) to see new films on a big screen with many other people. People often talk about their favorite shows and movies with friends, just like Alice and Bob!

Key Phrases

• What are you up to? – A casual way to ask someone what they are doing or planning.
  Example: “Hey, what are you up to this evening?”
• We talked about this! – Used to express mild frustration or surprise when someone brings up an old topic or idea that was already discussed.
  Example: “We talked about this! You said you’d help me clean.”
• It’s art! – A humorous or emphatic way to describe something you love, often when others might not understand why.
  Example: “Some people call my messy room chaos, but for me, it’s art!”
• Is that even real? – Used to express disbelief or surprise about something.
  Example: “A flying car? Is that even real?”
• For a whole hour. – Specifies a duration, emphasizing that it’s a complete hour.
  Example: “I waited for a whole hour for the bus.”
• That’s a tough negotiation. – A playful way to say that reaching an agreement will be difficult or requires some compromise.
  Example: “You want the last piece of cake *and* the remote? Hmm, that’s a tough negotiation!”
• Popcorn’s on me. – Means “I will pay for the popcorn.” It’s an offer to treat someone.
  Example: “Let’s go get coffee, the coffee’s on me!”
• Just kidding! – Used after saying something humorous or not serious to indicate it was a joke.
  Example: “I ate all your cookies! Just kidding, they’re in the cupboard.”
• Watch it together. – To suggest viewing something with another person or group.
  Example: “Let’s watch this funny video together.”
• Saw the trailer. – To have seen a short preview (advertisement) for a movie or TV show.
  Example: “I saw the trailer for the new action movie, it looks exciting!”

Grammar Points

1. Present Simple Tense

We use the Present Simple for facts, habits, and general truths. It’s often used when talking about preferences or things that are generally true.

• Structure: Subject + Verb (add ‘s’ or ‘es’ for third person singular: he, she, it)
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “I think my cat makes more suspenseful films.” (Fact/Opinion)
  • “I do! But sometimes, you need a break.” (Habit/General truth)
  • “It looks… interesting.” (General observation)

2. Present Continuous Tense

We use the Present Continuous for actions happening now, at this moment, or temporary situations.

• Structure: Subject + am/is/are + Verb-ing
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “What are you up to?” (What are you doing now?)
  • “Just thinking about movies.” (Action happening now)

3. Modal Verbs: ‘Should’, ‘Can’ and ‘Will’

Modal verbs add extra meaning to the main verb, like possibility, advice, or future action.

• Should: Used for advice or suggestions.
  • Example: “Maybe we should watch it together this weekend?” (Suggestion)
• Can: Used for ability or possibility.
  • Example: “The Cat Who Could Fly” (Past ability/Possibility in a title) – In the present, it would be “The cat *can* fly.”
• Will: Used for future intentions, predictions, or promises.
  • Example: “I’ll bring the… tomato juice?” (Future intention)
  • “Popcorn’s on me.” (Short for “Popcorn will be on me” – A promise/offer)

4. Prepositions of Time and Place

Prepositions show relationships between words, like location or time.

• On:
  • “on me” (responsibility): “Popcorn’s on me.” (I will pay for it.)
  • “on Catflix” (platform/place): “Have you seen ‘The Cat Who Could Fly’ on Catflix?”
• This weekend (time): “Maybe we should watch it together this weekend?”

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks (Key Phrases)

Complete the sentences using the key phrases from the list above. Some phrases might be used more than once.

1. “I cooked dinner tonight, so the dishes are _______________!”
2. After an argument, Sarah said, “But _______________! I said sorry!”
3. Mark asked, “Are you busy? _______________?”
4. “Wow, you got a new car? _______________!?”
5. “Let’s _______________ tonight, I have a great movie.”
6. My sister said the painting was ugly, but I think _______________.
7. “I waited _______________ for the concert tickets.”
8. “You want me to clean your room *and* do your homework? _______________!”
9. “I already _______________ for the new superhero movie, it looks amazing!”
10. “I’m not really mad, _______________!”

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Verb Form (Grammar)

Select the correct verb form (Present Simple or Present Continuous) to complete each sentence.

1. I usually (watch / am watching) comedies.
2. Look! The cat (chase / is chasing) a laser pointer right now.
3. She always (thinks / is thinking) about new movie ideas.
4. What (do you do / are you doing) this evening?
5. My brother (doesn’t like / isn’t liking) scary movies.

Exercise 3: Answer the Questions

Answer these questions based on the dialogue or your own preferences.

1. What is Bob’s favorite movie?
2. What kind of movie does Alice suggest as a break from serious dramas?
3. What do Alice and Bob decide to watch together?
4. What is your favorite type of movie or TV show?
5. Do you prefer watching movies at home or at the cinema? Why?

Answers

Answers for Exercise 1:

1. on me
2. we talked about this
3. What are you up to
4. Is that even real
5. watch it together
6. it’s art
7. for a whole hour
8. That’s a tough negotiation
9. saw the trailer
10. Just kidding

Answers for Exercise 2:

1. I usually watch comedies.
2. Look! The cat is chasing a laser pointer right now.
3. She always thinks about new movie ideas.
4. What are you doing this evening?
5. My brother doesn’t like scary movies.

Answers for Exercise 3:

1. Bob’s favorite movie is ‘Attack of the Killer Tomatoes’.
2. Alice suggests ‘The Cat Who Could Fly’.
3. They decide to watch ‘Captain Awesome vs. The Giant Rubber Duck’ and maybe ‘The Cat Who Could Fly’ afterward.
4. (Your personal answer, e.g., “My favorite type of movie is action films.” or “I like watching comedy TV shows.”)
5. (Your personal answer, e.g., “I prefer watching movies at home because it’s more comfortable.” or “I like the cinema for the big screen and sound.”)

English Learning: Music & Instruments

Dialogue

Alice: Hi Bob, what are you listening to? Sounds… interesting.

Bob: Oh, hey Alice! It’s my new favorite band, ‘Screaming Squirrels’! They make avant-garde noise music.

Alice: Screaming Squirrels? Bob, are you serious? My ears are crying.

Bob: Come on, it’s genius! Very experimental. What about you? Still listening to pop?

Alice: Pop is great! And yes, I’m trying to learn the ukulele.

Bob: The ukulele? That tiny guitar? Are you planning a Hawaiian vacation?

Alice: No! It’s cute and easy to carry. But my fingers hurt. And I sound like a cat stepping on strings.

Bob: (laughs) I can imagine! I tried playing the drums once. My neighbors did not appreciate my rhythm.

Alice: I bet! Did you have a drum set?

Bob: Just a few pots and pans, a wooden spoon… and a very patient dog.

Alice: That explains the “noise” part. So, what’s your favorite instrument to listen to?

Bob: Definitely the electric guitar. It’s so cool. Like a rock star!

Alice: I like the piano. It sounds beautiful and elegant.

Bob: We have very different tastes, Alice. From screaming squirrels to elegant pianos!

Alice: That’s why we’re friends, Bob! We balance each other out. And maybe you can teach me to appreciate screaming squirrels one day.

Bob: (chuckles) Maybe. But first, let’s get you sounding less like a distressed feline on your ukulele!

Current Situation

Music is everywhere today! Most people listen to music using streaming services on their phones or computers. There are so many different kinds of music, from pop and rock to classical and hip-hop. Many people still love traditional instruments like the guitar, piano, and drums. But new digital instruments and music-making software are also very popular. It’s easy to discover new artists and different types of music from all over the world. Learning to play an instrument is still a fun hobby, and you can even find online lessons!

Key Phrases

• Sounds interesting: Used when something is unique or a bit strange.

  Example: My friend bought a purple car. Sounds interesting!

• Are you serious?: Used to ask if someone is telling the truth, often when surprised.

  Example: He ate five pizzas? Are you serious?

• Come on: Used to encourage someone or express mild disbelief/impatience.

  Example: Come on, it’s not that difficult! Try again.

• I can imagine!: Used to say you understand how someone feels or what something is like, without experiencing it yourself.

  Example: My vacation was very long. I can imagine! You must be tired.

• Did not appreciate: To not like or value something.

  Example: My neighbors did not appreciate my loud party last night.

• I bet!: A casual way to say you strongly agree or expect something to be true.

  Example: That movie was scary! I bet! I hate horror films.

• Balance each other out: To make something even or harmonious by having different qualities or strengths.

  Example: My sister is very calm, and I am energetic. We balance each other out.

Grammar Points

Practice Exercises

Answers

English Learning: Exercise & Fitness for Beginners

Current Situation

In today’s world, exercise and fitness are more important than ever. Many people live busy lives, often working in jobs that require a lot of sitting. This can lead to health problems. However, there’s also a growing awareness of how good physical activity is for both our bodies and our minds.

Gyms are popular, offering various classes from yoga to high-intensity workouts. Many people also enjoy outdoor activities like running, cycling, or hiking. With the rise of technology, home workouts using online videos and fitness apps have become very common. Wearable devices like smartwatches help people track their steps, heart rate, and sleep, encouraging them to stay active.

The goal isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good, having more energy, reducing stress, and improving overall health. Finding an activity you enjoy is key to making fitness a regular and fun part of your life!

Key Phrases

• Look a little tired: To appear slightly weary or fatigued. Example: After studying all night, she looked a little tired.
• My body is telling me ‘no’: Expressing reluctance or resistance to an activity. Example: I want to go for a run, but my body is telling me ‘no’ today.
• Priorities, you know: Explaining that something else is more important (often jokingly). Example: I should clean my room, but watching movies is more fun. Priorities, you know.
• Feel like a pretzel: To feel very flexible or stretched (often after yoga/stretching). Example: After that deep stretching class, I feel like a pretzel.
• Feel like a melting ice cream cone: To feel tired, lethargic, or out of shape. Example: After climbing those stairs, I feel like a melting ice cream cone.
• Good for your energy: Beneficial for increasing your vitality or stamina. Example: Eating breakfast is really good for your energy in the morning.
• Brisk walk: A fast, energetic walk. Example: Let’s go for a brisk walk to clear our heads.
• It’s all about motivation: Emphasizing that inspiration or drive is the most important factor. Example: Learning a new language can be hard, but it’s all about motivation.
• Pull a muscle: To injure a muscle by stretching it too much. Example: Be careful when lifting weights; you don’t want to pull a muscle.
• You won’t regret it: You will be glad you did it; it will be a good decision. Example: Try this delicious cake, you won’t regret it!
• Pinky promise: A traditional sign of a strong promise, especially between children or close friends. Example: I’ll keep your secret, pinky promise!
• That’s the spirit!: An expression of encouragement, meaning “that’s a good attitude!” Example: “Let’s try again!” “That’s the spirit!“

Grammar Points

Let’s look at some important grammar points used in the dialogue:

• 1. Simple Present Tense: Used for habits, routines, and general truths.
  • Example from dialogue: “I feel like a pretzel.” (a general feeling)
  • Example from dialogue: “It’s good for your energy.” (a general truth)
  • How to form: Base form of the verb (e.g., walk, eat, feel). For ‘he/she/it’, add ‘-s’ (e.g., he walks, she eats).
• 2. Present Continuous Tense: Used for actions happening right now or around the present time.
  • Example from dialogue: “My body is telling me ‘no.’” (action happening now)
  • Example from dialogue: “Are you still trying to start…?” (an ongoing effort)
  • How to form: ‘to be’ (am/is/are) + verb-ing (present participle).
• 3. Modal Verbs (Should, Can): These verbs add meaning to other verbs.
  • Should: Used for advice or recommendations. Example: “You should try it!” (Alice gives advice to Bob)
  • Can: Used for possibility or ability. Example: “Even a brisk walk can help.” (It is possible that it helps)
• 4. Imperatives: Used for giving commands, making suggestions, or inviting.
  • Example from dialogue: “Come on, Bob.” (encouragement/suggestion)
  • Example from dialogue: “Let’s meet at 6 PM.” (a suggestion for a shared activity)
  • How to form: Use the base form of the verb (e.g., Go, Stop, Listen). For “Let’s”, use “Let’s + base verb”.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with a suitable word or phrase from the list below. (look, telling, pinky, good, brisk)

Exercise 2: Match the Phrase to its Meaning

Draw a line or match the number to the correct letter.

Exercise 3: Simple Sentence Building

Arrange the words to make a correct sentence. Pay attention to the grammar points!

English Learning: Social Media English

Dialogue

Current Situation

Social media has become a huge part of our daily lives, and with it comes its own special way of speaking English! “Social media English” refers to the specific words, phrases, and slang used when interacting on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or X (formerly Twitter). It’s often informal, uses abbreviations, and includes terms that describe actions or items unique to these online spaces.

Understanding these terms is important because they are used not just online, but also in everyday conversations, especially among younger people. Knowing them helps you understand posts, comments, and even jokes. From taking a “selfie” to adding a “hashtag,” these words are now common in the English language.

Key Phrases

• Selfie: A photo you take of yourself.
  • Example: “She took a nice selfie for her new profile picture.”
• Post: To share a message, photo, or video online.
  • Example: “He decided to post a picture of his dog.”
• Like: To show you approve of something online, usually by clicking a button (e.g., a heart or a thumbs-up).
  • Example: “My photo got ten likes very fast!”
• Comment: To write a message in response to someone’s post.
  • Example: “I left a nice comment on her travel photos.”
• Share: To re-post someone else’s content on your own page.
  • Example: “Please share this important news with your friends.”
• Hashtag: A word or phrase preceded by ‘#’ used to categorize content and make it searchable.
  • Example: “Use #travel to find all posts about travel.”
• Filter: A digital effect applied to a photo or video to change its appearance.
  • Example: “This filter makes my skin look so smooth!”
• Scroll: To move content up or down on a screen to view it.
  • Example: “I love to scroll through funny videos before bed.”
• DM (Direct Message): A private message sent to another user.
  • Example: “Can you DM me the details later?”
• Follow: To subscribe to a person’s updates or content on social media.
  • Example: “I started to follow many cooking channels.”

Grammar Points

For beginners, let’s focus on three essential grammar points that appear frequently in everyday English and social media conversations:

1. Present Simple Tense

We use the Present Simple to talk about habits, routines, general truths, and things that happen regularly. It’s perfect for describing how people use social media.

• Structure: Subject + Base Verb (add -s/-es for he/she/it)
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “I post my avocado toast.” (Regular action)
  • “Everyone loves food pics.” (General truth)
  • “They always get lots of shares.” (Habit/Regular event)

2. Imperative Verbs

Imperative verbs are used to give commands, instructions, advice, or make requests. On social media, you often see them telling you what to do (or not to do!).

• Structure: Base Verb (for positive commands) or Don’t + Base Verb (for negative commands)
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “Just smile!” (Command)
  • “Use a filter.” (Suggestion)
  • “Don’t be silly!” (Negative command/advice)
  • “Wish me luck!” (Request)

3. Basic Questions (Yes/No and Wh-questions)

Asking questions is fundamental for communication. Beginners should practice simple Yes/No questions and basic “Wh-” questions (What, Where, Why, How).

• Yes/No Questions (start with “Do/Does”, “Is/Are”, “Have/Has”):
  • Example from dialogue: “Did you add a fancy hashtag?”
  • Example from dialogue: “Isn’t that enough?”
• Wh-Questions (start with “What”, “Where”, “Why”, “How”, etc.):
  • Example from dialogue: “What’s wrong, Alice?”

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Vocabulary Match

Match the social media word to its correct meaning.

1. Selfie
2. Post
3. Like
4. Hashtag
5. Filter

1. To share content online.
2. A digital effect for photos.
3. A word with ‘#’ to categorize content.
4. A photo of yourself.
5. To show approval for content.

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using words from the word bank.

1. I need to find a good ______ for my new photo.
2. She got many ______ on her travel picture.
3. Let’s ______ this funny video!
4. I like to ______ through my feed in the morning.
5. Don’t forget to add a ______ like #foodie.

Exercise 3: Make a Sentence

Create a correct sentence using the words provided. Pay attention to the grammar point specified.

1. (Present Simple) I / often / post / photos.
2. (Present Simple) He / not / like / selfies.
3. (Imperative) Use / a filter / this picture.
4. (Imperative) Don’t / scroll / too much.

English Learning Content for Beginners

Topic: Sending Emails

Welcome to your English learning journey! Today, we’ll learn about sending emails through a fun dialogue and practical exercises.

Dialogue

Alice and Bob are friends. Bob is trying to send an important email.

Alice: Hey Bob, what’s wrong? You look like you’re fighting a computer!

Bob: Alice! Oh, thank goodness. I am! I need to send this really important email, but it’s not working right.

Alice: What’s the problem? Did you forget the ‘send’ button?

Bob: No, no, I clicked it! But then I realized… I forgot the attachment!

Alice: Haha, the classic move! What’s the attachment?

Bob: It’s my super secret recipe for banana bread. It’s for my boss.

Alice: Your boss? For banana bread? Is that work-related?

Bob: Well, it’s a ‘team-building’ exercise. She asked everyone to bring their favorite recipe.

Alice: Okay, that’s fun! Did you write a subject line?

Bob: Yes! ‘My Banana Bread Will Conquer All!’

Alice: Bob! That’s… enthusiastic. Maybe change it to ‘Banana Bread Recipe – Bob’?

Bob: Hmm, good point. More professional. And I need to attach the file again, right?

Alice: Exactly. Click the little paperclip icon, find your file, and then hit send again.

Bob: Got it! And next time, I’ll check for attachments before sending.

Alice: Smart move! Good luck with the banana bread conquest!

Current Situation

Emails are still a very important way to communicate, especially in work or school. Even with many messaging apps, emails are often used for formal messages, sending documents, or talking to people you don’t know well. Learning how to send an email correctly, including writing a clear subject line and attaching files, is a basic but essential skill in today’s world.

Key Phrases

• What’s wrong? / What’s the problem?

  Meaning: Asking why someone is upset or what difficulty they are facing.

  Example: “You look sad. What’s wrong?”

• Oh, thank goodness.

  Meaning: An expression of relief or gratitude.

  Example: “Oh, thank goodness you’re here! I needed help.”

• It’s not working right.

  Meaning: Something (like a machine or system) is broken or not functioning correctly.

  Example: “My computer is slow; it’s not working right.”

• Did you forget…?

  Meaning: Asking if someone failed to remember or bring something.

  Example: “Did you forget your keys?”

• The classic move! (informal)

  Meaning: A common or typical action, often a mistake, that someone (or many people) often makes.

  Example: “I always leave my phone at home. That’s the classic move for me!”

• Is that work-related?

  Meaning: Asking if something is connected to one’s job or profession.

  Example: “Are you checking personal emails? Is that work-related?”

• Good point.

  Meaning: An acknowledgment that someone has made a valid or helpful statement.

  Example: “You’re right, I should call them. Good point.”

• Exactly.

  Meaning: Used to say that something is precisely true or correct.

  Example: “So, we meet at 3 PM? Exactly!”

• Got it! (informal)

  Meaning: An expression of understanding or confirmation that one has received something.

  Example: “Please give me the book.” “Got it!”

• Smart move! (informal)

  Meaning: An expression of approval for a clever or sensible action.

  Example: “Bringing an umbrella was a smart move; it’s raining now.”

Grammar Points

1. Simple Present Tense

We use the simple present tense for actions that happen regularly, facts, or things that are generally true.

• Affirmative: Subject + Verb (add -s for he/she/it)

  Examples: I send emails. He sends emails. It works.

• Negative: Subject + do/does not + Verb (base form)

  Examples: I do not send emails often. It does not work right.

• Questions: Do/Does + Subject + Verb (base form)?

  Examples: Do you send emails? Does it work?

2. Imperative Verbs

We use imperative verbs to give commands, instructions, or advice. There is no subject (the subject ‘you’ is understood), you just start with the verb.

• Positive: Verb (base form) + (Object/Rest of sentence)

  Examples: Click the button. Attach the file. Send the email.

• Negative: Don’t + Verb (base form) + (Object/Rest of sentence)

  Examples: Don’t forget the attachment. Don’t send it yet.

3. “Did you…?” Questions (Simple Past)

We use “Did you…?” to ask about actions that happened in the past and are now finished. We use the base form of the verb after ‘did’.

• Question: Did + Subject + Base Form of Verb?

  Examples: Did you forget your keys? Did you write the email?

• Short Answers: Yes, I did. / No, I didn’t.

  Examples: Did you click send? “Yes, I did.” Did you attach the file? “No, I didn’t.”

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct word to complete the sentences based on the dialogue.

1. Bob needs to ______ an important email. (send / read)
2. He ______ the attachment. (remembered / forgot)
3. Alice asked, “Did you ______ the ‘send’ button?” (push / click)
4. Bob’s banana bread recipe is for his ______. (friend / boss)
5. To attach a file, click the little ______ icon. (paperclip / star)

Exercise 2: Match the Question to the Answer

Match the questions (1-5) to their correct answers (A-E).

1. What’s wrong?
2. Did you forget the attachment?
3. Is that work-related?
4. What’s the subject line?
5. What should I do next?

• A. No, it’s for a team-building exercise.
• B. “My Banana Bread Will Conquer All!”
• C. Yes, I did!
• D. You need to attach the file again.
• E. I can’t send my email.

Exercise 3: Reorder the Words

Put the words in the correct order to make a sentence.

1. send / I / an / need / to / email.
2. forget / the / Did / attachment / you / ?
3. paperclip / the / Click / icon.

Exercise 4: True or False

Read the sentences and decide if they are True (T) or False (F) according to the dialogue.

1. Bob is trying to send a letter. (T/F)
2. Bob forgot to write a subject line. (T/F)
3. Alice thinks “My Banana Bread Will Conquer All!” is a good subject line for a boss. (T/F)
4. Bob needs to click the paperclip icon to attach a file. (T/F)

Answers

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. send
2. forgot
3. click
4. boss
5. paperclip

Exercise 2: Match the Question to the Answer

1. 1. E
2. 2. C
3. 3. A
4. 4. B
5. 5. D

Exercise 3: Reorder the Words

1. I need to send an email.
2. Did you forget the attachment?
3. Click the paperclip icon.

Exercise 4: True or False

1. False (He’s sending an email)
2. False (He wrote one, but it was too enthusiastic)
3. False (She suggested changing it)
4. True

English Learning Content for Beginners

Topic: Talking on the Phone