English Learning Content for Beginners: Talking About Sports

Dialogue

Alice: Hey Bob, what are you up to today?

Bob: Hi Alice! Just thinking about trying to be more active. You always seem so energetic!

Alice: Oh, really? That’s great! Do you play any sports?

Bob: Well… I try to play soccer sometimes. Mostly, the ball tries to get away from me.

Alice: Haha! I can imagine! I love playing tennis. It’s so fast-paced!

Bob: Tennis? Wow! Do you play often?

Alice: Yes, almost every weekend. It’s a fantastic workout. What about watching sports? Do you have a favorite team?

Bob: Watching? Oh, absolutely! I’m a huge fan of basketball. My favorite team is the “City Hoppers.” They’re amazing!

Alice: The City Hoppers! They are good! I watched their last game. What about individual sports, like swimming or running?

Bob: Swimming… I can swim, but I’m more of a ‘float and relax’ kind of swimmer, not a ‘race to the finish’ kind. Running? Only if something is chasing me!

Alice: You’re hilarious! Maybe we should try badminton sometime. It’s fun and not too intense.

Bob: Badminton? Sounds… less likely to involve a hospital visit. I’m in! But you’ll have to teach me. I’m terrible at hand-eye coordination.

Alice: No worries! It’s all about having fun. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor sports?

Bob: Definitely indoor. Less chance of sunburn… or losing the shuttlecock in a giant bush. What about you?

Alice: Both! As long as I’m moving. Okay, let’s plan that badminton game soon!

Current Situation

Talking about sports is a very common and natural way to start a conversation, make new friends, and learn about other cultures. Many people around the world love sports, whether it’s playing them, watching them, or simply discussing their favorite teams and athletes. For English learners, it’s a great topic because it uses a lot of everyday vocabulary and allows you to practice asking and answering questions about hobbies, preferences, and routines.

Key Phrases

• What are you up to?: A common, informal way to ask what someone is doing or planning.

  Example: “Hey, what are you up to this evening?”

• Do you play any sports?: A direct way to ask about someone’s sports activities.

  Example: “Do you play any sports, like basketball or soccer?”

• I love playing [sport]: Expressing strong enjoyment for a sport.

  Example: “I love playing volleyball on the beach.”

• I’m a huge fan of [sport/team]: Showing strong support or interest in a sport or a specific team.

  Example: “I’m a huge fan of the national soccer team.”

• Sounds good! / Sounds fun! / Sounds [adjective]!: A common way to respond positively to a suggestion or idea.

  Example: “Let’s go for coffee. Sounds good!”

• I’m in!: An informal way to say you agree to join or participate in something.

  Example: “They’re going bowling tonight. Want to come? I’m in!”

• No worries!: An informal way to say “don’t worry” or “it’s okay.”

  Example: “Sorry I’m late! No worries, we just started.”

Grammar Points

1. Simple Present Tense for Habits and Routines

We use the simple present tense to talk about things we do regularly, habits, or general truths. This is perfect for discussing sports activities.

• Structure: Subject + Base Form of Verb (add -s/-es for he/she/it)
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “Do you play any sports?” (Asking about a regular activity)
  • “I love playing tennis.” (Expressing a regular enjoyment)
  • “I watch their last game.” (Describing a past event that is part of a routine or recent habit)
  • “It is a fantastic workout.” (A general truth)

2. Verbs “Play,” “Go,” “Do” with Sports

Different verbs are used with different types of sports:

• Play: Used with team sports, ball sports, and competitive games.

  Examples: play soccer, play tennis, play basketball, play badminton, play chess.

• Go: Used with activities that end in -ing, often individual sports or activities.

  Examples: go swimming, go running, go cycling, go hiking, go fishing.

• Do: Used with individual sports, martial arts, or non-ball activities.

  Examples: do yoga, do karate, do gymnastics, do aerobics.

3. Verbs followed by -ing (Gerunds)

After certain verbs that express feelings or preferences (like, love, enjoy, hate), we often use the -ing form of another verb (a gerund).

• Structure: Verb (like, love, enjoy, hate) + Verb-ing
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “I love playing tennis.”
  • “I enjoy watching basketball.”

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the correct verb (play, go, do)

1. I like to ____ swimming on hot days.
2. My sister ____ tennis every Tuesday.
3. He wants to ____ yoga to relax.
4. Do you ____ soccer with your friends?
5. Let’s ____ running in the park.

Exercise 2: Match the phrase with its meaning

1. What are you up to?
2. I’m a huge fan.
3. No worries!

• a) Don’t worry, it’s okay.
• b) I really like something.
• c) What are you doing?

Exercise 3: Answer the questions about the dialogue

1. What sport does Alice love playing?
2. What sport is Bob a huge fan of watching?
3. What sport do Alice and Bob agree to try together?

Exercise 4: Complete the sentences using a phrase from the box

Use: I’m in!, Sounds good!, No worries!

1. A: Do you want to try badminton with me? B: ____!
2. A: I’m sorry I’m late. B: ____, we just started.
3. A: Let’s go to the park later. B: ____!

Answers

Exercise 1:

Exercise 2:

Exercise 3:

Exercise 4:

English Learning for Beginners: Asking About Hobbies

Dialogue

Current Situation

Asking about hobbies is a fantastic way to get to know someone better and build friendships. Everyone has something they enjoy doing in their free time, whether it’s reading, playing sports, drawing, or even collecting rubber ducks with tiny hats! It’s a very common and friendly topic for conversations, especially when you meet new people or want to chat with friends. It helps you find common interests and can lead to more interesting discussions. It’s a great way to start a conversation and show interest in someone’s life outside of work or study.

Key Phrases

• What do you do for fun?

  Example: “So, what do you do for fun on weekends?”

• What are your hobbies?

  Example: “That sounds interesting! What are your hobbies?”

• What do you like to do in your free time?

  Example: “When you’re not working, what do you like to do in your free time?”

• Do you have any hobbies?

  Example: “You seem busy. Do you have any hobbies?”

• I like to [verb] / I like [verb + -ing].

  Example: “I like to read books.” or “I like reading books.”

• I enjoy [verb + -ing].

  Example: “I enjoy playing video games.”

• I’m into [noun/verb + -ing].

  Example: “I’m into photography.” or “I’m into drawing.”

• I’ve been learning to [verb].

  Example: “I’ve been learning to play the guitar.”

Grammar Points

1. Simple Present for Habits and Hobbies:

   We use the simple present tense to talk about things we do regularly, like hobbies.

   • Question: What do you do for fun?
   • Answer: I play tennis. She reads a lot. They go hiking.

2. Verbs + -ing (Gerunds):

   After verbs like “like,” “enjoy,” and the phrase “be into,” we often use the -ing form of a verb (a gerund) to talk about hobbies.

   • Examples:
     • I like reading books.
     • She enjoys painting.
     • He is into cooking. (or ‘He’s into cooking’)

3. Verbs + ‘to + verb’ (Infinitives):

   You can also use “like” with “to + verb” (infinitive). Both “I like reading” and “I like to read” are correct and mean the same thing.

   • Examples:
     • I like to watch movies.
     • They like to swim.

4. “I’ve been learning to…” (Present Perfect Continuous):

   This phrase is useful when you want to talk about a new hobby or skill you started recently and are still continuing.

   • Examples:
     • I’ve been learning to play the piano. (Meaning: I started in the past and I’m still learning now.)
     • She’s been learning to code.

Practice Exercises

Show Answers

English Learning for Beginners: Introducing Someone

Dialogue

Current Situation

“Introducing someone” is a fundamental social skill used constantly in everyday life. Whether you’re at a party, a new job, a school event, or just out with friends, you’ll often find yourself needing to bring people together. It’s more than just saying names; it’s about making others feel comfortable and included. In today’s interconnected world, where we meet people from diverse backgrounds through work, travel, or even online communities, mastering introductions helps build bridges, foster new relationships, and create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved. It’s a simple act of politeness that can make a big difference!

Key Phrases

• Introducing someone:
  • “This is [Name].” Example: “This is my friend, Sarah.”
  • “I’d like you to meet [Name].” Example: “I’d like you to meet my colleague, Tom.”
  • “[Name], meet [Other Name].” Example: “Bob, meet Alice. Alice, meet Bob.”
• Responding to an introduction:
  • “Nice to meet you.” Example: “Nice to meet you, Charlie!”
  • “Pleased to meet you.” (Slightly more formal) Example: “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Smith.”
  • “Hello / Hi [Name].” Example: “Hello Alice, nice to meet you.”
• Asking for clarification (if you didn’t catch the name):
  • “Sorry, what was your name again?” Example: “You’re Mark, right? Sorry, what was your name again?”
  • “Could you repeat your name?” (More formal) Example: “Could you repeat your name, please?”
• Polite closing:
  • “It was nice meeting you.” Example: “It was nice meeting you, Emily. I hope to see you again.”

Grammar Points

1. The Verb “To Be” (Present Simple)

This is one of the most important verbs in English! It’s used to describe who or what someone/something is.

• Forms:
  • I am (I’m)
  • You are (You’re)
  • He/She/It is (He’s/She’s/It’s)
  • We are (We’re)
  • They are (They’re)
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “Who is this?” → “This is Charlie.”
  • “I am a cat whisperer.”
  • “Her cookies are legendary.”

2. Possessive Adjectives

These words show ownership or belonging. They come before a noun.

• Forms:
  • my (belongs to me)
  • your (belongs to you)
  • his (belongs to him)
  • her (belongs to her)
  • its (belongs to it)
  • our (belongs to us)
  • their (belongs to them)
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “Charlie’s my new chess nemesis.”
  • “My tactics are unexpected.”
  • “Her cookies are legendary.”

3. Basic Question Words (Wh-Questions)

We use these words to ask for specific information.

• Who: Asks about a person. Example: “Who‘s this?” (Who is this?)
• What: Asks about a thing, action, or idea. Example: “What do you do?”

Practice Exercises

1. Hi, I ____ Alice.
2. This ____ my friend, Bob.
3. We ____ at a party.
4. She ____ a fantastic baker.
5. You ____ a cat whisperer, Charlie? That’s cool!

Column A (Introduction)

1. This is my sister, Clara.
2. I’d like you to meet my boss, Mr. Lee.
3. Hi Mark, meet my friend, Lily.
4. Sorry, what was your name again?

Column B (Response)

1. Nice to meet you, Lily!
2. It’s Emma. Nice to meet you too!
3. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Lee.
4. Hello Clara, nice to meet you.

1. meet / nice / you / to
2. this / is / friend / my / Tom
3. do / what / you / ?
4. cat / a / I / am / whisperer

English Learning Content for Beginners: Meeting New People

Current Situation

“Meeting new people” is a common and exciting part of life! It means getting to know someone you haven’t met before. This can happen anywhere: at school, work, a coffee shop, a party, or even online. It might feel a little scary at first, but it’s a great way to make new friends, learn new things, and expand your world. People often use simple questions like “What’s your name?” or “Where are you from?” to start a conversation. Sometimes, like in Bob’s story, an unexpected event can be the start of a new connection!

Key Phrases

• What’s up?
  Meaning: An informal way to ask “How are you?” or “What’s new?”
  Example: “Hey, John! What’s up? Long time no see!”
• I met someone.
  Meaning: You encountered and got to know a new person (past tense of “meet”).
  Example: “I met someone interesting at the park today.”
• Tell me everything!
  Meaning: An enthusiastic request for all the details about something.
  Example: “You went on vacation? Tell me everything!”
• Good luck with that.
  Meaning: A polite (sometimes slightly sarcastic or humorous) way to say you doubt someone will succeed, or to wish them well.
  Example: “I’m going to finish all my homework in one hour. Good luck with that!”
• Classic [name]!
  Meaning: Used when someone does something typical for them, often in a humorous or recognizable way.
  Example: “Oh, you forgot your keys again? Classic Sarah!”
• Off to a [adjective] start.
  Meaning: Describes how something has begun. The adjective (e.g., ‘good’, ‘bad’, ‘splashy’) tells you about the beginning.
  Example: “Our project is off to a great start!”
• Did you get her name?
  Meaning: Asking if you learned or asked for someone’s name.
  Example: “He was talking to a new student. Did you get her name?”
• That’s great!
  Meaning: An expression of positive approval, happiness, or enthusiasm.
  Example: “I got a new job! That’s great!”
• Ask someone out.
  Meaning: To invite someone on a date.
  Example: “He’s thinking about asking her out for coffee.”
• Good sign.
  Meaning: An indication or clue that something positive or successful might happen.
  Example: “She smiled when I said hello. That’s a good sign!”
• You never know.
  Meaning: Used to say that it’s impossible to predict what will happen, often implying that something unexpected might occur.
  Example: “Maybe it will rain later. You never know.”

Grammar Points

English Learning: Making Friends

English Learning Content for Beginners: Online Classes

Dialogue

Alice: Hey Bob, how was your online class today? Mine was… very interesting.

Bob: Oh Alice, tell me! Mine involved my cat trying to teach the class. He kept meowing at the screen!

Alice: Seriously? My tutor accidentally wore a banana costume for the first half hour! He forgot his camera was on.

Bob: No way! A banana? That’s amazing. I once saw someone’s little brother pop up in the background wearing a superhero mask.

Alice: Haha! My internet connection keeps dropping. I spend half the class reconnecting, saying, “Can you hear me now?”

Bob: Oh, the classic! I always worry if my microphone is off when I’m singing along to music.

Alice: Me too! Or when I’m talking to myself. I nearly said “What is this nonsense?” out loud during a lecture.

Bob: Close call! Do you ever just stay in your pajamas all day because of online classes?

Alice: Bob, is that even a question? My pajamas are my new uniform! Comfort first, always.

Bob: Mine too! My brain is learning, but my legs are still in bed. It’s a strange feeling.

Alice: It’s great for learning from home, but sometimes I miss seeing people in person.

Bob: Yeah, me too. But at least we don’t have to worry about running late for class! Just roll out of bed and log in.

Alice: True! And no traffic jams. I guess online classes have their funny moments and good points.

Bob: Definitely! Even with banana tutors and singing cats. It’s never boring.

Alice: Absolutely. See you later, Bob!

Current Situation

Online classes are learning sessions that happen over the internet. Students and teachers use computers or phones to connect from different places. They became very popular in recent years, especially during the pandemic, allowing people to continue their education or learn new skills from home.

Many people enjoy online classes because they offer flexibility and convenience. You can often learn at your own pace and from anywhere. However, they can also come with challenges like internet connection problems, distractions at home, or sometimes missing the face-to-face interaction with classmates and teachers.

Key Phrases

• Very interesting: Something that captures your attention and makes you curious.
  • Example: “The movie was very interesting, I didn’t want it to end.”
• No way!: An informal expression of surprise or disbelief.
  • Example: “You got an A on the test? No way!”
• Internet connection: The link that allows your device to access the internet.
  • Example: “My internet connection is slow today, so the video won’t load.”
• Keeps dropping: When something repeatedly loses its connection or signal.
  • Example: “My phone signal keeps dropping when I’m in the elevator.”
• Can you hear me now?: A common question asked during phone calls or online meetings to check audio.
  • Example: “Hello? Can you hear me now? My microphone was off.”
• Close call!: A situation where something bad almost happened but was avoided.
  • Example: “The car almost hit me, that was a close call!”
• Pajamas all day: To stay in your sleepwear for the whole day.
  • Example: “On lazy Sundays, I sometimes stay in my pajamas all day.”
• Running late: To be behind schedule.
  • Example: “I’m running late for work, so I need to hurry.”
• Roll out of bed: To get out of bed quickly and easily, often without much preparation.
  • Example: “For online classes, I can just roll out of bed and turn on my computer.”
• Log in: To enter your username and password to access a computer system or website.
  • Example: “Don’t forget to log in to your email account.”
• Funny moments: Times or situations that are amusing and make you laugh.
  • Example: “We had many funny moments during our school trip.”
• Good points: Positive aspects or advantages of something.
  • Example: “This new plan has many good points, like saving money.”

Grammar Points

1. Present Simple

We use the Present Simple to talk about habits, routines, facts, and general truths.

• Form: Subject + Verb (add -s/-es for he/she/it)
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “My internet connection keeps dropping.” (A routine problem)
  • “I always worry if my microphone is off.” (A habit)
  • “My pajamas are my new uniform!” (A general truth/fact)
• Practice: Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb.
  1. She often ________ (learn) new things online.
  2. They ________ (not have) classes on weekends.
  3. The sun ________ (rise) in the east.

2. Present Continuous

We use the Present Continuous to talk about actions happening right now, at this moment, or temporary situations.

• Form: Subject + am/is/are + Verb-ing
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “My cat is trying to teach the class.” (Happening now)
  • “My brain is learning, but my legs are still in bed.” (Happening now/temporary state)
  • “I’m singing along to music.” (Happening at that moment)
• Practice: What are they doing right now?
  1. (I / study) I ________________ for my exam.
  2. (He / wear) He ________________ a blue shirt today.
  3. (They / watch) They ________________ a funny video.

3. Can / Can’t (Ability and Possibility)

We use “can” to express ability (what someone is able to do) or possibility. “Can’t” is for lack of ability or impossibility.

• Form: Subject + can/can’t + Base Verb (the basic form of the verb without ‘to’ or -ing)
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “Can you hear me now?” (Asking about possibility)
  • “I can learn from home.” (Ability)
• Practice: Choose “can” or “can’t” to complete the sentences.
  1. I ________ speak English, but I ________ speak French yet.
  2. Birds ________ fly, but fish ________.
  3. ________ you help me with my homework?

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks (Vocabulary)

Complete the sentences using words from the dialogue (e.g., banana, screen, internet, pajamas, late, log in).

1. Alice’s tutor wore a _________ costume by accident.
2. Bob’s cat was trying to teach the class and kept meowing at the _________.
3. When your _________ connection is bad, you might keep saying “Can you hear me now?”.
4. Alice loves online classes because she can stay in her _________ all day.
5. It’s nice that with online classes, you don’t have to worry about running _________ for class.
6. To start your online class, you need to _________ to the platform.

Exercise 2: True or False (Comprehension)

Read the dialogue again and decide if the following statements are True (T) or False (F).

1. Alice’s class was boring. (T/F)
2. Bob’s dog tried to teach his class. (T/F)
3. Alice’s internet connection works perfectly all the time. (T/F)
4. Bob worries if his microphone is off when he sings. (T/F)
5. Both Alice and Bob like wearing pajamas for online classes. (T/F)

Exercise 3: Sentence Building (Grammar)

Use the given words to make a correct sentence. Pay attention to the verb form.

1. (She / learn / English / online / every day)
2. (I / not / watch / TV / right now)
3. (He / can / swim / very well)
4. (We / eat / dinner / at 7 PM / usually)

Answers

Answers to Grammar Points Practice:

Present Simple:

1. learns
2. do not have / don’t have
3. rises

Present Continuous:

1. am studying
2. is wearing
3. are watching

Can / Can’t:

1. can, can’t
2. can, can’t
3. Can

Answers to Practice Exercises:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. banana
2. screen
3. internet
4. pajamas
5. late
6. log in

Exercise 2: True or False

1. F (It was “very interesting”)
2. F (It was his cat)
3. F (It keeps dropping)
4. T
5. T

Exercise 3: Sentence Building

1. She learns English online every day.
2. I am not watching TV right now. / I’m not watching TV right now.
3. He can swim very well.
4. We usually eat dinner at 7 PM.

English for Beginners: University Life

Dialogue

Alice: Hey, Bob! Long time no see! How’s university life treating you?

Bob: Alice! It’s… an adventure. My roommate just tried to cook pasta in the coffee maker.

Alice: (Laughs) Oh no! Is that a common thing?

Bob: Apparently, when you’re hungry and don’t own a pot. Or a brain, maybe.

Alice: At least you’ll never be bored. What about classes? Are they tough?

Bob: Some are. My history professor talks so slowly, I think even the clock falls asleep.

Alice: Sounds like a challenge to stay awake! My biggest challenge is finding my classes. The campus map is like a secret treasure hunt.

Bob: Tell me about it! I ended up in a chemistry lab instead of a literature lecture last week. They almost gave me a beaker.

Alice: (Giggles) Did you learn anything useful? Like, how to make coffee that *isn’t* made in a coffee maker?

Bob: Not really. But I did learn that I should probably get more sleep. I keep confusing my backpack for a pillow.

Alice: That’s classic! Are you enjoying anything, though? Any fun activities?

Bob: Oh, definitely! The university has a really fun board game club. And the pizza place near campus is amazing.

Alice: Pizza and board games? Sounds like a perfect university survival strategy!

Bob: It is. Much better than coffee-maker pasta.

Alice: I agree! Well, good luck with the treasure hunt and the sleeping clocks!

Bob: You too, Alice! Don’t let the beakers get you!

Current Situation

University life is a big and exciting change for many young people. It’s a time when students often move away from home for the first time, live in dorms, and study subjects they are passionate about. It’s also a place to meet new friends from all over the world, join interesting clubs, and learn to be independent. Sometimes it can be challenging with tough classes, new responsibilities, or learning to live on your own, but it’s also full of new experiences, from late-night study sessions to fun social events and discovering new hobbies.

Key Phrases

• How’s life treating you?: A friendly way to ask someone about their current situation and how they are doing.

  Example: “How’s your new job treating you?”

• Long time no see: An informal greeting used when you haven’t seen someone for a while.

  Example: “Hey, Mark! Long time no see! How have you been?”

• Oh no!: An expression of surprise, concern, or sympathy.

  Example: “Oh no! Did you miss your bus?”

• Tell me about it!: Used to show agreement with someone’s complaint or strong statement, meaning “I know exactly what you mean” or “I agree.”

  Example: “This weather is terrible.” “Tell me about it! I’m soaking wet.”

• Sounds like a challenge: Used to say that something seems difficult or requires a lot of effort.

  Example: “Learning to play the piano in a month sounds like a challenge.”

• Classic!: Used informally to describe something that is typical, predictable, or characteristic of a person or situation, often with a touch of humor.

  Example: “He overslept again? That’s classic!”

• Survival strategy: A plan or method used to overcome difficulties or challenges and succeed.

  Example: “My survival strategy for exams is to drink a lot of water and take short breaks.”

Grammar Points

1. Present Simple Tense

We use the Present Simple to talk about things that are generally true, happen regularly (habits or routines), or are facts.

• Structure: Subject + Base Verb (add -s for he/she/it)
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “My history professor talks so slowly.” (A general truth about the professor)
  • “The university has a really fun board game club.” (A fact about the university)
• More Examples:
  • “I study English every day.”
  • “She lives in a dorm.”
  • “They play football on weekends.”

2. Contractions

Contractions are shortened forms of words, common in spoken and informal written English. They combine two words, often using an apostrophe.

• Examples from dialogue:
  • “It’s an adventure.” (It is)
  • “Don’t own a pot.” (Do not)
• More Common Contractions:
  • I am → I’m
  • He is / He has → He’s
  • You are → You’re
  • We are → We’re
  • They are → They’re
  • Is not → Isn’t
  • Are not → Aren’t
  • Cannot → Can’t

3. Asking Questions (Wh- Questions)

Words like What, How, Where are used at the beginning of a question to ask for specific information, not just a “yes” or “no” answer.

• What: Asks for information about a thing or action.
  • Example from dialogue: “What about classes?”
  • More Example: “What is your favorite food?”
• How: Asks about the manner, condition, or quality of something.
  • Example from dialogue: “How’s university life treating you?” (How is)
  • More Example: “How do you go to school?”

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks (Key Phrases)

Complete the sentences with the best key phrase from the list above.

1. A: How’s your new project _______________? B: It’s good, but very busy.
2. A: This new computer game is so difficult! B: _______________! I tried it yesterday and couldn’t pass the first level.
3. A: Hey, Maria! _______________! It’s been ages!
4. Waking up early for morning classes _______________ a challenge for me.
5. My _______________ for getting through a long workday is drinking lots of green tea.

Exercise 2: Match the Contractions

Match the contraction with its full form.

1. It’s
2. I’m
3. Don’t
4. He’s

a. do not

b. he is / he has

c. it is

d. I am

Exercise 3: Answer the Questions (Present Simple)

Answer these questions about your own life, using complete sentences. (If you are not in university, imagine you are.)

1. What do you usually study?
2. Where do you usually eat lunch?
3. Do you like university life?

English for Beginners: Talking About School

Current Situation

Talking about school is a very common and natural topic in everyday conversations, especially among young people. It allows you to share experiences, express feelings about subjects, teachers, or homework, and make plans with friends. It’s also a great way to practice describing past events, current feelings, and future plans, using basic English grammar.

English for Beginners: Homestay Life

Dialogue

Alice: Hey Bob, how was your weekend?

Bob: Oh, hi Alice! Mine was okay, but yours looks… interesting. Did you wrestle a bear?

Alice: Worse! I survived my first week of homestay. It’s an adventure!

Bob: Oh, right! How’s it going? Are they nice?

Alice: They’re super nice! My host mom, Mrs. Daisy, is a fantastic cook. But she thinks ‘dessert’ means ‘second dinner’.

Bob: Second dinner? Sounds like a challenge!

Alice: It is! Yesterday, she made me eat two slices of apple pie after a huge roast. I almost exploded!

Bob: Haha! Good luck with your stomach, Alice. Any other surprises?

Alice: Well, their dog, Sparky, sleeps on my bed. I woke up with a furry roommate this morning!

Bob: No way! That’s… cozy?

Alice: It’s certainly warm! And the host dad, Mr. John, tells me bedtime stories. He’s 60, I’m 20, but the stories are pretty good!

Bob: Bedtime stories? That’s hilarious! What kind of stories?

Alice: Mainly about his pet goldfish when he was a kid. Very dramatic stuff.

Bob: Sounds like a unique experience. Are you practicing your English a lot?

Alice: Oh yes! Mostly at the dinner table, trying to explain why I can’t eat a third slice of pie.

Bob: That’s a useful skill! Are there any house rules?

Alice: Definitely. No shoes inside – which is common here. And I have to feed Sparky in the morning. That’s my main chore.

Bob: At least it’s not washing dishes for an hour.

Alice: True! And Sparky is cute, even if he’s a bed hog.

Bob: So, all in all, would you recommend homestay?

Alice: Absolutely! It’s a bit crazy, a bit new, but I feel like part of the family already. And my English is getting better, even if it’s just from talking to a dog.

Bob: Talking to a dog counts! That’s immersive!

Alice: Exactly! And I’m learning new words like ‘gargantuan’ for Mrs. Daisy’s portions.

Bob: Haha! You’re making me want to try it!

Alice: You should! Just be prepared for surprise desserts and furry bedmates.

Bob: I’ll keep that in mind. Do they have Wi-Fi at least?

Alice: Yes, thankfully! Otherwise, I’d probably write letters to my actual family complaining about pie.

Bob: Good to know they’re not completely old-fashioned.

Alice: Well, Mr. John still uses a flip phone. But he knows how to share Wi-Fi!

Bob: That’s a win! Glad it’s going well, Alice.

Alice: Thanks, Bob! See you later!

Current Situation

Homestay is a popular way for students and travelers to live with a local family in a foreign country. It offers a unique opportunity for cultural immersion and language practice, allowing you to experience daily life, customs, and traditions firsthand. While it can be an enriching experience, it also means adapting to new house rules, different foods, and sometimes overcoming a language barrier. Many people choose homestay to improve their language skills faster and get a more authentic local perspective compared to staying in hotels or dormitories.

Key Phrases

• How’s it going?: A common, informal greeting asking “How are you?” or “How are things?”

  Example: “Hey, how’s it going? Long time no see!”

• Super nice: Very kind, friendly, or pleasant.

  Example: “My new neighbors are super nice; they even helped me move boxes.”

• Fantastic cook: Someone who cooks very well and makes delicious food.

  Example: “My grandma is a fantastic cook; her pasta is the best!”

• No way!: An exclamation of strong surprise, disbelief, or excitement.

  Example: “You won the lottery? No way!”

• Hilarious: Extremely funny.

  Example: “That comedy show was hilarious; I couldn’t stop laughing.”

• Unique experience: Something special, uncommon, and different from others.

  Example: “Visiting the ancient ruins was a truly unique experience.”

• House rules: Specific rules or guidelines for behavior and activities within a home.

  Example: “In our house, the main house rule is ‘no shoes inside’.”

• Part of the family: Feeling accepted, included, and belonging to a family group.

  Example: “After spending a month there, I truly felt like part of the family.”

• Keep that in mind: To remember something important, especially for future consideration or action.

  Example: “The concert starts early, so keep that in mind when you plan your evening.”

• Bed hog: A person or animal that takes up too much space in a bed, leaving little room for others.

  Example: “My little brother is a total bed hog; he always pushes me to the edge!”

Grammar Points

1. Simple Present Tense

We use the Simple Present Tense to talk about habits, routines, facts, and general truths.

• Structure: Subject + base form of the verb.
  • For “he,” “she,” “it” (and singular nouns), we add an “-s” or “-es” to the verb.
  • For “I,” “you,” “we,” “they” (and plural nouns), the verb stays in its base form.
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “She thinks ‘dessert’ means ‘second dinner’.” (Habit/belief)
  • “Sparky sleeps on my bed.” (Habit/routine)
  • “Mr. John tells me bedtime stories.” (Routine)
  • “It is an adventure!” (Fact)

2. Present Continuous Tense

We use the Present Continuous Tense to talk about actions happening right now, temporary situations, or ongoing events.

• Structure: Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing.
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “How’s it going?” (Action happening now)
  • “Are you practicing your English?” (Ongoing action/temporary situation)
  • “My English is getting better.” (Ongoing process)

3. Adjectives for Description

Adjectives are words that describe nouns (people, places, things, ideas). They give us more information about the noun.

• Examples from dialogue:
  • “They’re super nice!” (“nice” describes “they”)
  • “My host mom is a fantastic cook.” (“fantastic” describes “cook”)
  • “I woke up with a furry roommate.” (“furry” describes “roommate”)
  • “That’s hilarious!” (“hilarious” describes “that” – the situation)
  • “Sounds like a unique experience.” (“unique” describes “experience”)

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb (Simple Present or Present Continuous).

1. Alice (live) __________ with a host family.
2. She (practice) __________ her English every day.
3. Mrs. Daisy (make) __________ delicious food right now.
4. The dog, Sparky, always (sleep) __________ on Alice’s bed.
5. Right now, Alice (talk) __________ to Bob about her homestay.

Exercise 2: Match the phrase with its meaning.

1. Fantastic cook
2. No way!
3. Hilarious
4. House rules
5. Bed hog

• Very funny
• A person who cooks very well
• An expression of surprise
• Rules for a home
• Someone who takes up too much space in bed

Exercise 3: Write a short answer to the following questions.

1. Who is a fantastic cook in Alice’s homestay?
2. What is one of Alice’s chores?
3. What kind of stories does Mr. John tell?

Answers

Exercise 1:

1. lives
2. practices
3. is making
4. sleeps
5. is talking

Exercise 2:

1. 1: b (A person who cooks very well)
2. 2: c (An expression of surprise)
3. 3: a (Very funny)
4. 4: d (Rules for a home)
5. 5: e (Someone who takes up too much space in bed)

Exercise 3:

1. Mrs. Daisy is a fantastic cook.
2. Alice has to feed Sparky (the dog).
3. Mr. John tells stories about his pet goldfish.