TrendSpeak English

Category: Basic

Basic Level English Learning Contents

  • At the café

    English Learning Content for Beginners: At the Café

    Dialogue

    Alice: Hi, Bob! Fancy meeting you here. Are you getting your morning coffee?

    Bob: Alice! What a surprise! Yeah, I am. And you? Getting your usual plain black coffee?

    Alice: You know me too well! But today, I’m feeling adventurous. I might get a latte. What about you? Still on the super sweet caramel train?

    Bob: Hey, that “train” is delicious! But actually, I’m also feeling adventurous today. Prepare yourself.

    Alice: Oh no. What wild concoction have you dreamed up now? Is it going to glow in the dark?

    Bob: Even better! I’m ordering an “iced mocha with extra whipped cream, sprinkles, and a small side of pickles.”

    Alice: Pickles?! Bob, seriously? That’s… uniquely you. Are you feeling okay?

    Bob: Never better! It’s the perfect sweet and sour balance. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!

    Alice: I don’t think I can trust your taste buds on this one, my friend. Look, the barista is ready for us.

    Bob: Wish me luck! (To barista) Hi! Can I get an iced mocha with extra whipped cream, sprinkles, and a small side of pickles, please?

    Alice: (Whispering) She looks so confused. Very, very confused.

    Bob: (Smiling) They get a lot of strange orders, I’m sure. It’s fine.

    Alice: So, about this dare… Was it a dare? Please tell me it was a dare.

    Bob: It started as a dare, but now I genuinely love it. You want to try a pickle with your latte?

    Alice: Absolutely not, thank you. But good luck with your adventurous snack!

    Current Situation

    In this dialogue, Alice and Bob meet at a café. A café (or coffee shop) is a popular place where people go to buy drinks like coffee, tea, and sometimes snacks or light meals. It’s a common spot for friends to meet, study, or simply relax. In many countries, ordering coffee can be quite specific, with different sizes, types of milk, and added flavors. Bob’s unusual order of “iced mocha with pickles” adds a humorous twist to their everyday conversation, highlighting how friends can tease each other.

    Key Phrases

    • Fancy meeting you here: A friendly and often surprising way to say “It’s nice to see you here unexpectedly.” Example: “Fancy meeting you here, Sarah! I didn’t know you came to this gym.”
    • What a surprise!: An expression used when something unexpected happens. Example: “What a surprise! I thought you were on vacation.”
    • Getting your usual…?: Asking if someone is ordering or doing the thing they typically do. Example: “Are you getting your usual cheese sandwich for lunch?”
    • I’m feeling adventurous: Saying you want to try something new or different. Example: “Normally I eat pasta, but today I’m feeling adventurous and will try sushi.”
    • Don’t knock it ’til you try it!: A common saying meaning you shouldn’t criticize something before you experience it yourself. Example: “Broccoli ice cream? Don’t knock it ’til you try it!”
    • Can I get…?: A polite and common way to ask for something, especially when ordering food or drinks. Example: “Can I get a large water, please?”
    • Good luck with that! / Good luck explaining that!: Used to wish someone well, often when their task seems difficult or unusual. Example: “You want to carry all those bags by yourself? Good luck with that!”

    Grammar Points

    1. Simple Present Tense for Habits and Routines

      We use the simple present tense to talk about things that happen regularly or are generally true.

      • “Are you getting your morning coffee?” (Asking about a regular activity)
      • “Getting your usual plain black coffee?” (Asking about a habit)
      • “They get a lot of strange orders.” (A general truth about the café)

      Structure: Subject + Verb (base form or verb + -s/-es for he/she/it)

      Example: I drink coffee every morning. He often visits this café.

    2. Present Continuous Tense for Current Actions or Plans

      We use the present continuous tense (am/is/are + verb-ing) to talk about actions happening now or plans for the near future.

      • “Are you getting your morning coffee?” (Referring to the current action/intention)
      • “I’m feeling adventurous.” (Describing a current state/feeling)
      • “I’m ordering an iced mocha…” (Talking about an action happening now or very soon)

      Structure: Subject + am/is/are + Verb-ing

      Example: I am drinking coffee right now. She is meeting a friend later.

    3. Modals for Requests and Possibility (Can)

      The modal verb “can” is used for making polite requests or talking about ability/possibility.

      • “Can I get an iced mocha…?” (A polite request for an item)
      • “I don’t think I can trust your taste buds…” (Talking about possibility or ability)

      Structure for requests: Can I get/have…? + Noun

      Example: Can I get a menu, please? Can I have a moment?

    Practice Exercises

    Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

    Complete the sentences using the key phrases from the list. (Fancy meeting you here, What a surprise!, Getting your usual…?, I’m feeling adventurous, Don’t knock it ’til you try it!, Can I get?, Good luck with that!)

    1. “Oh, look who it is! Sarah, ______________!”
      Answer: Fancy meeting you here
    2. “You want to climb that mountain today? ______________!”
      Answer: Good luck with that!
    3. “This new soup tastes strange, but ______________!”
      Answer: don’t knock it ’til you try it!
    4. “Excuse me, ______________ a glass of water, please?”
      Answer: can I get
    5. “______________ a coffee, Dad? Or something else?”
      Answer: Getting your usual
    6. “I always order pizza, but tonight ______________ and want to try Thai food.”
      Answer: I’m feeling adventurous
    7. “I saw you at the cinema yesterday. ______________!”
      Answer: What a surprise!

    Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Tense

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

    1. I usually (drink/am drinking) tea in the morning.
      Answer: drink
    2. Look! The barista (makes/is making) your coffee now.
      Answer: is making
    3. What (do you do/are you doing) right now?
      Answer: are you doing
    4. She always (goes/is going) to that café on Fridays.
      Answer: goes
    5. Today, I (try/am trying) something new.
      Answer: am trying

    Exercise 3: Answer the Questions about the Dialogue

    Read the dialogue again and answer these questions in complete sentences.

    1. What does Alice usually order at the café?
      Answer: Alice usually orders plain black coffee.
    2. What unusual item does Bob want with his iced mocha?
      Answer: Bob wants a small side of pickles with his iced mocha.
    3. How does Alice react to Bob’s order?
      Answer: Alice is surprised and confused, asking if Bob is feeling okay.
    4. Why does Bob say “Don’t knock it ’til you try it!”?
      Answer: Bob says “Don’t knock it ’til you try it!” because Alice is judging his unusual order without tasting it.
    5. Did Bob’s unusual order start as a dare?
      Answer: Yes, Bob’s unusual order started as a dare.

  • Cooking & Kitchen

    English Learning Content: Cooking & Kitchen

    Dialogue

    Alice: Hey Bob! What’s that smell? It’s… interesting. And a little smoky!

    Bob: Oh, hi Alice! Don’t worry, it’s just me trying to bake cookies. My grandmother’s secret recipe!

    Alice: Cookies? It smells more like a dragon sneezed in the oven. Are you sure you’re baking, not burning?

    Bob: They’re a *special* kind of cookie. Very… crispy. I just took them out!

    Alice: (Peers into the kitchen) Bob, are those supposed to be charcoal briquettes? They are very, very dark.

    Bob: Well, the recipe said “bake until golden brown.” I thought, “More brown, more golden, right?”

    Alice: “Golden brown” means light brown, not “black like my coffee without milk”! What did you use?

    Bob: Flour, eggs, sugar… and then I needed “a pinch of salt.” I think I used a *handful*.

    Alice: A handful of salt? For cookies? Bob, that’s a bold move. No wonder they look like rocks!

    Bob: But it said “white powder”! Sugar is white, salt is white… same difference, right?

    Alice: Bob, no! Sugar is sweet, salt is salty! You need a cooking lesson, my friend!

    Bob: But I bought a new mixing bowl! And this cool whisk! They’re for cooking!

    Alice: Equipment is good, but ingredients and instructions are key. Do you have any *real* sugar left?

    Bob: Yes! And some chocolate chips. I didn’t get to use them. The cookies were too… robust.

    Alice: Okay, let’s start over. I’ll help. And this time, no “handfuls” of mystery white powder!

    Current Situation

    Cooking and kitchens are central to our daily lives, whether we’re making a quick snack or preparing a fancy meal. Many people enjoy cooking as a hobby, using various kitchen tools like mixing bowls, whisks, and ovens to create delicious dishes. Recipes guide us, telling us what ingredients (like flour, eggs, sugar, salt, and chocolate chips) to use and how to combine them. However, it’s easy to make mistakes, especially for beginners – sometimes things get burnt, or the wrong ingredients are used, leading to funny (and sometimes inedible!) results. Learning to cook is a journey that often involves a lot of trial and error, but it’s a rewarding skill that brings people together.

    Key Phrases

    • What’s that smell?

      Example: When I entered the bakery, I asked, “What’s that smell? It’s wonderful!”

    • trying to bake (or cook)

      Example: My son is trying to cook spaghetti for the first time.

    • take out (from the oven/fridge)

      Example: Please take out the pizza from the oven, it’s ready!

    • a bold move

      Example: Wearing mismatched socks to a fancy party was a bold move by Mark.

    • same difference

      Example: You say potato, I say potato; it’s the same difference, we both mean the vegetable.

    • start over

      Example: My drawing didn’t look right, so I decided to start over on a new page.

    • ingredients

      Example: The recipe lists all the ingredients we need for the cake: flour, sugar, eggs, and milk.

    Grammar Points

    1. The verb “to be” (Present Simple)

    The verb “to be” is one of the most common verbs in English. We use it to talk about facts, descriptions, and states of being.

    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:

    • “It’s… interesting.” (It is)
    • “My grandmother’s secret recipe!” (It is my grandmother’s secret recipe.)
    • “They are very, very dark.” (They’re)
    • “Sugar is sweet, salt is salty!”

    More examples:

    • I am a student.
    • She is happy.
    • They are friends.

    2. Present Continuous Tense (for actions happening now)

    We use the Present Continuous tense to talk about actions that are happening at the moment of speaking or around now. The structure is “to be” (am/is/are) + verb-ing.

    Examples from dialogue:

    • “it’s just me trying to bake cookies.” (It is trying)
    • “Are you sure you’re baking, not burning?” (Are you baking, are you burning)

    More examples:

    • I am reading a book. (happening now)
    • She is watching TV. (happening now)
    • They are playing soccer. (happening now)

    Practice Exercises

    Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks with “am”, “is”, or “are”

    1. My name ___ Alice.
    2. Bob ___ cooking in the kitchen.
    3. The cookies ___ very dark.
    4. I ___ hungry!
    5. You ___ a good friend.

    Exercise 2: Match the Phrase to its Meaning

    • 1. What’s that smell?
    • 2. a bold move
    • 3. start over
    • 4. ingredients

    A. all the food items needed for a recipe

    B. to begin something again from the beginning

    C. a courageous or risky action

    D. asking about an odor

    Exercise 3: Make sentences using the Present Continuous tense (verb + -ing)

    Example: I / eat -> I am eating.

    1. She / bake a cake -> _______________________.
    2. They / clean the kitchen -> _______________________.
    3. I / look for sugar -> _______________________.
    4. He / mix the batter -> _______________________.

    Answers

    Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks with “am”, “is”, or “are”

    1. My name is Alice.
    2. Bob is cooking in the kitchen.
    3. The cookies are very dark.
    4. I am hungry!
    5. You are a good friend.

    Exercise 2: Match the Phrase to its Meaning

    • 1. What’s that smell? – D. asking about an odor
    • 2. a bold move – C. a courageous or risky action
    • 3. start over – B. to begin something again from the beginning
    • 4. ingredients – A. all the food items needed for a recipe

    Exercise 3: Make sentences using the Present Continuous tense (verb + -ing)

    1. She / bake a cake -> She is baking a cake.
    2. They / clean the kitchen -> They are cleaning the kitchen.
    3. I / look for sugar -> I am looking for sugar.
    4. He / mix the batter -> He is mixing the batter.

  • At the supermarket

    English Learning Content: At the Supermarket

    Dialogue

    Alice: Oh, Bob! Fancy seeing you here! What are you doing in the fruit aisle?

    Bob: Alice! Well, I’m trying to find a perfectly ripe banana, but it seems like a mission impossible! What about you? Your cart looks… colorful.

    Alice: Mine? Oh, I’m on a top-secret mission for a party. See this? (holds up a jar) Giant dill pickles, extra sour!

    Bob: Giant dill pickles? For a party? That sounds… unique. Is that next to the bright green ice cream?

    Alice: It is! And this (points to a small bottle) is super-spicy hot sauce! The guest of honor loves a challenge.

    Bob: Wow, Alice. Your guests must have very adventurous taste buds. I’m just here for milk and some whole wheat bread. Very exciting, I know.

    Alice: Milk and bread? Bob, you’re so predictable! But also, very practical. I totally forgot milk. Do you need anything else?

    Bob: Hmm, maybe some eggs. And to avoid your spicy pickles, perhaps some chocolate? For balance, you know.

    Alice: Good idea! I need to find the cereal aisle too. My list also says “sprinkles… and a single, lonely onion.”

    Bob: A single, lonely onion? Alice, are you making an onion sundae? Because that sounds like a dare!

    Alice: Ha! No, it’s for the savory part of the party. Don’t worry, no onion sundaes on my watch. But I did almost grab a rubber chicken earlier.

    Bob: A rubber chicken? You have to tell me about this party later. It sounds legendary.

    Alice: It will be! Well, good luck with your banana quest and your normal, sensible groceries, Bob.

    Bob: And you too, Alice! Good luck with the pickles and the lonely onion! See you around!

    Alice: See ya, Bob! Don’t forget the chocolate for balance!

    Current Situation

    Supermarkets are large self-service stores where people buy food and other household items. They are very common in most towns and cities. When you go to a supermarket, you typically grab a shopping cart or basket, walk through different aisles (like the “fruit aisle,” “dairy aisle,” or “cereal aisle”), pick up the items you need, and then pay at the checkout counter. It’s a place where you often bump into friends or acquaintances, just like Alice and Bob did!

    Key Phrases

    • Fancy seeing you here!: A friendly way to express surprise at meeting someone unexpectedly.
      Example: Fancy seeing you here! I didn’t know you shopped at this store.
    • What are you doing?: Asking about someone’s current activity.
      Example: What are you doing in the kitchen? Are you cooking?
    • I’m looking for…: To say what item or place you are trying to find.
      Example: Excuse me, I’m looking for the cereal aisle.
    • top-secret mission: A humorous way to describe a very important or special task, often for fun.
      Example: My brother is on a top-secret mission to find the best ice cream flavor.
    • That sounds unique/interesting/weird!: Used to comment on something that is unusual or different.
      Example: You’re wearing two different shoes? That sounds unique!
    • practical: Useful and sensible, especially for everyday life.
      Example: Buying a big bag of rice is very practical for a family.
    • Do you need anything else?: Asking if someone wants you to get more items or if they require more help.
      Example: I’m going to the store. Do you need anything else?
    • for balance: To add something different to make things more even or complete, often humorously.
      Example: I ate a lot of pizza, so I’ll eat some salad for balance.
    • Good luck with…: Wishing someone success with a task or challenge.
      Example: Good luck with your exam tomorrow!
    • See you around!: A casual way to say goodbye, implying you expect to see them again sometime soon.
      Example: It was nice seeing you! See you around!

    Grammar Points

    1. “To be” verbs (is, am, are)

    The verb “to be” is one of the most common and important verbs in English. It changes form depending on the subject.

    • I am (I’m)
    • You are (You’re)
    • He is (He’s) / She is (She’s) / It is (It’s)
    • We are (We’re)
    • They are (They’re)

    We use “to be” to talk about who someone is, what something is, where someone is, or how someone feels.

    Examples from dialogue:
    – What are you doing? (talking about Bob’s action)
    – Oh, I‘m on a top-secret mission. (talking about Alice’s activity)
    – It is! And this is super-spicy hot sauce! (talking about the items)

    2. Present Continuous Tense

    We use the Present Continuous tense to talk about actions that are happening right now, at the moment of speaking, or around this time.

    Form: subject + am/is/are + verb-ing

    Examples from dialogue:
    – What are you doing in the fruit aisle? (Asking about Bob’s current action)
    – I‘m trying to find a perfectly ripe banana. (Describing Bob’s action at that moment)
    – I‘m on a top-secret mission. (This means “I am doing” a mission. Here ‘on’ is a preposition and ‘mission’ is a noun, but it functions like a continuous activity.)

    3. Countable and Uncountable Nouns

    Nouns in English can be countable or uncountable.

    • Countable Nouns: These are things we can count. They have singular and plural forms. We can use numbers (one, two, three) or “a/an” with them.
      Examples: a banana, two pickles, an onion, three eggs.
    • Uncountable Nouns: These are things we cannot count individually. They usually don’t have a plural form. We often use words like “some,” “much,” “a lot of,” or specific measures (e.g., “a carton of…”) with them.
      Examples: milk, bread, hot sauce, ice cream, water, information.

    Examples from dialogue:
    – “a perfectly ripe banana” (countable, singular)
    – “Giant dill pickles” (countable, plural)
    – “super-spicy hot sauce” (uncountable)
    – “milk and some whole wheat bread” (uncountable)
    – “a single, lonely onion” (countable, singular, emphasized)

    Practice Exercises

    Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks (Key Phrases)

    Complete the sentences using the key phrases from the list above.

    1. A: We haven’t met in ages! B: _________!
    2. A: Excuse me, _________ the post office? B: Yes, it’s just around the corner.
    3. He loves spicy food. Buying this hot sauce for him _________!
    4. A: I’m going to the store. _________? B: Just some apples, please.
    5. I need to study for my test. _________!

    Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Verb (To Be/Present Continuous)

    Select the correct form of “to be” or the correct Present Continuous verb.

    1. I (am / is / are) drinking coffee now.
    2. She (am / is / are) looking for her keys.
    3. They (am / is / are) playing outside.
    4. We (am / is / are) going to the park later.
    5. What (am / is / are) you buying at the supermarket?

    Exercise 3: Countable/Uncountable Nouns

    Answer the questions about countable and uncountable nouns.

    1. Which word is an uncountable noun? (banana / milk / egg)
    2. Which word is a countable noun? (bread / water / apple)
    3. Complete the phrase: “a carton of _____” (milk / bread)
    4. Complete the phrase: “three _____” (ice cream / apples)

    Answers

    Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

    1. A: We haven’t met in ages! B: Fancy seeing you here!
    2. A: Excuse me, I’m looking for the post office? B: Yes, it’s just around the corner.
    3. He loves spicy food. Buying this hot sauce for him sounds unique/interesting!
    4. A: I’m going to the store. Do you need anything else? B: Just some apples, please.
    5. I need to study for my test. Good luck with your studies!

    Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Verb

    1. I am drinking coffee now.
    2. She is looking for her keys.
    3. They are playing outside.
    4. We are going to the park later.
    5. What are you buying at the supermarket?

    Exercise 3: Countable/Uncountable Nouns

    1. Which word is an uncountable noun? milk
    2. Which word is a countable noun? apple
    3. Complete the phrase: “a carton of milk“
    4. Complete the phrase: “three apples“

  • In a restaurant

    English Learning for Beginners: In a Restaurant

    Dialogue

    Alice: Bob, this new restaurant looks amazing! I’m so excited to try it.

    Bob: Alice, I’m absolutely starving! My stomach is making strange noises.

    Alice: Haha! Well, let’s find a table. Oh, this one looks good by the window.

    Bob: Perfect! So, what are you in the mood for? I could eat a horse.

    Alice: A horse? Wow, you are hungry! I think I’ll have the pasta. It sounds delicious.

    Bob: Pasta? Hmm, I saw a giant burger on the menu. That’s my kind of food!

    Alice: Of course it is, Bob. You always go for the biggest thing!

    Bob: It’s called “The Everest Burger”! How can I resist?

    Alice: Good luck climbing that mountain! I’ll just have a small salad to start, then the pasta.

    Bob: Salad? Are you sure you’re at the right place? This isn’t a rabbit cafe!

    Alice: It’s a nice start! Maybe I’ll share a fry or two from your Everest.

    Bob: Only if you promise not to tell anyone I shared my fries. It’s a secret mission.

    Alice: Deal! Oh, here comes the waiter. Are you ready to order, Captain Everest?

    Bob: Ready as I’ll ever be! I’m going to conquer that burger.

    Alice: Good luck, Bob! I hope it’s as good as it sounds.

    Current Situation

    Alice and Bob, two good friends, have just arrived at a new restaurant. Bob is famously very hungry and loves big, satisfying meals, while Alice prefers something a bit lighter and more refined. They are looking at the menu, chatting, and teasing each other as they decide what to order.

    Key Phrases

    • looks amazing!: Used to say something appears wonderful or impressive.
      Example: “This view looks amazing from the top of the mountain!”
    • I’m starving!: An informal way to say you are extremely hungry.
      Example: “After hiking all day, I’m starving!”
    • in the mood for: To want to have or do something.
      Example: “What are you in the mood for tonight, pizza or pasta?”
    • I’ll have…: A common and polite way to order food in a restaurant. (It’s a short form of “I will have…”)
      Example: “Excuse me, waiter, I’ll have the chicken soup, please.”
    • sounds delicious: Used when something described as food sounds very good to eat.
      Example: “That chocolate cake sounds delicious. I think I’ll try it!”
    • My kind of food: Food that you really like or prefer.
      Example: “Pizza with extra cheese? Yes, that’s definitely my kind of food!”
    • Good luck!: An expression used to wish someone success or good fortune.
      Example: “Good luck on your exam tomorrow!”
    • Are you ready to order?: A question typically asked by a waiter to know if customers have decided on their food.
      Example: “Waiter: Are you ready to order, or do you need a few more minutes?”
    • Deal!: Used to express agreement, often when making a bargain or promise.
      Example: “If you help me with my homework, I’ll help you with yours. Deal!”

    Grammar Points

    1. The “To Be” Verb (is, am, are)

    The verb “to be” is one of the most important verbs in English. We use it to describe states, identities, and characteristics.

    • I am: Used with the pronoun “I”.
      Example: “I am hungry.”
    • You are / We are / They are: Used with plural nouns or the pronouns “you”, “we”, “they”.
      Example: “You are a good friend.” “They are at the restaurant.”
    • He is / She is / It is: Used with singular nouns or the pronouns “he”, “she”, “it”.
      Example: “This restaurant is new.” “The burger is giant.”

    2. Present Simple Tense

    We use the present simple tense for actions that are habits, routines, facts, or general truths.

    • Subject + Base Form of Verb (add -s/-es for he/she/it)
    • Examples:
      • “My stomach makes strange noises.” (A fact about his stomach)
      • “You always go for the biggest thing!” (A habit of Bob’s)
      • “It sounds delicious.” (A general truth about the food’s description)

    3. Ordering Food: “I’ll have…”

    When you are in a restaurant and want to tell the waiter what you want to eat or drink, “I’ll have…” is a very common and polite way. It’s a contraction of “I will have…”.

    • Example from dialogue: “I think I’ll have the pasta.”
    • Other examples: “I’ll have a glass of water, please.” “For my main course, I’ll have the fish.”

    4. Asking Questions with “What”

    “What” is a question word used to ask for specific information about things or actions.

    • Example from dialogue: “What are you in the mood for?” (Asking about Bob’s food preference)
    • Other examples: “What is your name?” “What time is it?” “What do you like to do?”

    Practice Exercises

    Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks with ‘is’, ‘am’, or ‘are’.

    1. I ____ very hungry right now.
    2. This restaurant ____ very popular.
    3. You ____ a good friend, Bob.
    4. The burgers ____ really big here.
    5. Alice ____ ready to order her pasta.

    Answers:

    1. am
    2. is
    3. are
    4. are
    5. is

    Exercise 2: Match the Phrase to its Meaning.

    1. I’m starving!
    2. What are you in the mood for?
    3. I’ll have…
    4. Sounds delicious!
    5. Deal!
    • a. I agree!
    • b. I want to order…
    • c. I’m very, very hungry!
    • d. That sounds very good to eat!
    • e. What do you feel like eating?

    Answers:

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

    Exercise 3: Put the words in the correct order to make sentences.

    1. hungry / am / I / very.
    2. menu / the / Let’s / look / at.
    3. order / ready / Are / to / you?
    4. burger / will / a / I / have.

    Answers:

    1. I am very hungry.
    2. Let’s look at the menu.
    3. Are you ready to order?
    4. I will have a burger. (or I’ll have a burger.)

  • Shopping vocabulary

    English Learning: Shopping Vocabulary for Beginners

    Dialogue

    Alice: Oh, Bob! Fancy meeting you here. What a surprise!

    Bob: Alice! You look like you just wrestled a shopping cart and won. What’s in the bags?

    Alice: Haha, very funny. I just went on a little shopping spree at the mall. My wallet is crying!

    Bob: A ‘little’ spree? Those bags look heavy. Did you buy everything?

    Alice: Not everything, but I found some great deals! Look, I got this amazing new sweater.

    Bob: Hmm, nice pattern. How much was it?

    Alice: It was originally $50, but it was on sale for 30% off! What a bargain!

    Bob: Wow, that’s a good discount. Did you try it on?

    Alice: Of course! The fitting room was a bit crowded, but it’s the perfect size. It fits like a glove!

    Bob: Good. Anything else interesting that drained your bank account?

    Alice: Oh, yes! A new pair of comfy sneakers and a funny mug for my morning coffee.

    Bob: Sounds like a very successful trip. Did you pay with cash or card?

    Alice: Card. And I made sure to get the receipt in case I need to return anything. You never know!

    Bob: Smart thinking. My wallet feels lighter just hearing about your shopping!

    Alice: Don’t worry, Bob. Next time, we can go window shopping together and just look! No money needed!

    Current Situation

    Shopping is a common activity for everyone, whether it’s for food, clothes, or gifts. With the rise of online stores and large shopping malls, it’s easier than ever to find what you need or want. Knowing basic shopping vocabulary is very useful, not just for buying things, but also for asking about prices, understanding sales, and even returning items if they’re not right. Whether you prefer to browse physical stores or click through online shops, these words will help you navigate the world of retail!

    Key Phrases

    • Shopping spree: A period of buying many things, often enthusiastically.
      • Example: “After getting her bonus, she went on a shopping spree and bought many new clothes.”
    • On sale: Available at a lower price than usual.
      • Example: “These shoes are on sale today, so they are much cheaper.”
    • Bargain: Something bought for less than the usual price; a very good deal.
      • Example: “I got this shirt for only $5, it was a real bargain!”
    • Discount: A reduction in the usual price of something.
      • Example: “Students often get a discount at this book store.”
    • Try on: To put on clothes (or shoes) to see if they fit and look good.
      • Example: “Can I try on this dress, please? I need to check the size.”
    • Fitting room: A small room in a shop where people can try on clothes.
      • Example: “The fitting room is over there, next to the mirrors.”
    • Pay (with cash/card): To give money for something you buy.
      • Example: “I want to pay with my credit card.”
    • Receipt: A piece of paper that shows that you have paid for something.
      • Example: “Please keep your receipt in case you need to return the item.”
    • Return: To take an item back to the store where it was bought, usually for a refund or exchange.
      • Example: “This shirt is too small, I need to return it.”
    • Window shopping: To look at items in shop windows without intending to buy them.
      • Example: “Let’s go window shopping today; I don’t have money to spend.”

    Grammar Points

    • Present Simple (for facts, habits, routines):
      • We use the present simple for actions that happen regularly or are generally true.
      • Example: “She goes shopping every Saturday.” (A regular habit)
      • Example: “Students often get a discount.” (A general truth)
    • Imperative (for commands, requests, suggestions):
      • The base form of the verb is used to tell someone to do something.
      • Example: “Keep your receipt.” (A command/advice)
      • Example: “Let’s go window shopping.” (A suggestion)
    • “How much…?” (for asking about prices):
      • This is a common question used to ask about the cost of an item.
      • Example: “How much was the sweater?”
      • Example: “How much do these shoes cost?”
    • Prepositions of place and manner (in shopping contexts):
      • Prepositions help connect ideas about location, time, or how something is done.
      • Example: “The sweater was on sale.” (Location of sale status)
      • Example: “I paid with my card.” (Manner of payment)
      • Example: “It was for 30% off.” (Reason/extent of discount)

    Practice Exercises

    Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank

    Complete the sentences with the best word from the list below:

    (receipt, on sale, return, fitting room, pay)

    1. I need to find the __________ to try on this jacket.
    2. This dress is __________ today, it’s 50% off!
    3. Don’t forget to get the __________ when you buy something.
    4. You can __________ with cash or a credit card.
    5. This shirt is too big; I need to __________ it.

    Exercise 2: Match the Term to its Definition

    Match each shopping term with its correct definition.

    1. Bargain
    2. Discount
    3. Try on
    4. Window shopping
    • ___ To put on clothes to see if they fit.
    • ___ A reduction in price.
    • ___ Looking at shop items without intending to buy.
    • ___ Something bought cheaply; a good deal.

    Exercise 3: Create a Sentence

    Write one sentence using each of the following phrases:

    1. shopping spree: __________________________________________________________________
    2. on sale: __________________________________________________________________

    Answers

    Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank

    1. fitting room
    2. on sale
    3. receipt
    4. pay
    5. return

    Exercise 2: Match the Term to its Definition

    • c. To put on clothes to see if they fit. (Try on)
    • b. A reduction in price. (Discount)
    • d. Looking at shop items without intending to buy. (Window shopping)
    • a. Something bought cheaply; a good deal. (Bargain)

    Exercise 3: Create a Sentence (Example Answers)

    1. After winning the lottery, he went on a huge shopping spree.
    2. I bought this new phone because it was on sale last week.

  • Plural forms

    English Learning for Beginners: Plural Forms

    Dialogue

    Alice: Bob, what’s all this mess? Are you building a mountain of laundry?

    Bob: Oh, hi Alice! No, I’m trying to find my keys… and maybe some socks. I think I have five feet of dirty clothes here!

    Alice: Five feet? Bob, you only have two feet! And I see at least three shoes under that pile. Are these all yours?

    Bob: Hmm, maybe some socks are missing their partners. And those shoes… they’re like wild animals. I also found two mice in my cupboard last week!

    Alice: Mice? Plural of mouse? You need to clean more often! What else did you find?

    Bob: Well, I found three pens and two pencils under my bed. And look, these are my old toys! I have five toy cars and two action figures.

    Alice: Wow, a treasure hunt! Did you find any books? I lent you three books last month.

    Bob: Oh, yes! Your books are on the shelf. Near my collection of rocks. I have many rocks from the beach.

    Alice: Rocks are nice. But what about your plates and glasses? I see some dirty plates from last week.

    Bob: Oops. Those are just two plates. And three glasses. I’ll wash them. I promise!

    Alice: And what about these? Are these potatoes or small rocks? They look suspiciously similar.

    Bob: Haha, those are potatoes! I was going to make fries. But I also have three tomatoes for a salad.

    Alice: You have so many things! And speaking of things, did you find your keys?

    Bob: My keys! Oh no, I totally forgot! This room has too many objects.

    Alice: Let’s find those keys! And maybe some clean clothes for you, too.

    Current Situation

    In English, when we talk about more than one item, we usually change the form of the noun. This is called making it “plural.” For example, one “cat” becomes two “cats.” It’s a fundamental part of speaking and writing correctly. While many plurals follow simple rules, some words have special, “irregular” forms that you just need to learn. Understanding plural forms helps you communicate clearly whether you’re talking about one thing or many!

    Key Phrases

    • what’s all this mess?: An informal way to ask about a very untidy or disorganized situation.

      Example: “I came home and saw toys everywhere. What’s all this mess?”

    • missing their partners: Used for items that usually come in pairs (like socks, shoes) when one is lost or separated.

      Example: “I only found one glove. It’s missing its partner.”

    • clean more often: Advice given to someone who doesn’t clean regularly enough.

      Example: “Your desk is covered in papers; you should clean more often.”

    • a treasure hunt: A game or activity where you search for hidden items, or metaphorically, an exciting search for something.

      Example: “Finding those old family photos was like a treasure hunt!”

    • I promise!: Used to give an assurance or a firm commitment to do something.

      Example: “Don’t worry, I promise I will finish my homework on time.”

    • totally forgot: Completely forgotten about something.

      Example: “Oh no, I totally forgot about my dentist appointment today!”

    Grammar Points: Plural Forms

    Most nouns become plural by adding -s. However, there are several important rules and exceptions:

    • Most Nouns: Add -s
      • book → books
      • cat → cats
      • key → keys
    • Nouns ending in -s, -ss, -sh, -ch, -x, -z: Add -es
      • bus → buses
      • glass → glasses
      • brush → brushes
      • watch → watches
      • box → boxes
    • Nouns ending in a Consonant + -y: Change -y to -i and add -es
      • baby → babies
      • city → cities

      Note: If the noun ends in a vowel + -y, just add -s (e.g., toy → toys).

    • Nouns ending in -o: Add -es (Common for many, but with exceptions)
      • potato → potatoes
      • tomato → tomatoes
      • Exception: photo → photos
    • Irregular Plurals: Do not follow regular rules (You need to memorize these!)
      • man → men
      • woman → women
      • child → children
      • foot → feet
      • tooth → teeth
      • mouse → mice
      • person → people
    • Nouns that stay the same in plural form
      • sheep → sheep
      • fish → fish
      • deer → deer

    Practice Exercises

    Exercise 1: Change the following words to their plural form.

    1. book → _________
    2. glass → _________
    3. baby → _________
    4. potato → _________
    5. man → _________
    6. fish → _________
    7. box → _________
    8. key → _________

    Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with the correct plural form of the word in parentheses.

    1. I have two (cat) _________ at home.
    2. She bought three (dress) _________ for the party.
    3. Many (child) _________ are playing in the park.
    4. I need to brush my (tooth) _________ twice a day.
    5. There are five (bus) _________ waiting at the station.
    6. Can you pass me the (tomato) _________?

    Answers

    Exercise 1 Answers:

    1. books
    2. glasses
    3. babies
    4. potatoes
    5. men
    6. fish
    7. boxes
    8. keys

    Exercise 2 Answers:

    1. cats
    2. dresses
    3. children
    4. teeth
    5. buses
    6. tomatoes

  • Articles (a, an, the)

    English Learning for Beginners: Articles (a, an, the)

    Dialogue

    Alice: Bob, guess what! I just had an amazing idea!

    Bob: Alice! What’s up? You look like you just saw a giant, talking squirrel!

    Alice: No, silly! Even better! I’m going to bake the biggest cookie in the world!

    Bob: A giant cookie? You mean, like, a cookie the size of a car tire?

    Alice: Exactly! I need a lot of chocolate chips and a really, really big oven.

    Bob: Do you have the special recipe from your grandma? You know, the one with the secret ingredient?

    Alice: Oh, the secret ingredient! I almost forgot! It’s just a pinch of cinnamon, but it makes a big difference. It’s an old family secret!

    Bob: Can I help? I can be a taste tester. Or maybe a chief flour sifter!

    Alice: You? A chief flour sifter? Last time you tried to bake, you mistook flour for sugar and made a very salty cake.

    Bob: Hey, that was an accident! I was tired. I promise I’ll be a good helper this time. I even brought a new apron!

    Alice: Hmm, okay. We’ll need an egg and a cup of milk first. And the measuring spoons.

    Bob: Got it! Where’s the milk? Oh, wait, is it the milk in the red carton or the blue carton?

    Alice: The red one, Bob! The one that says “whole milk.” Don’t grab a random carton!

    Bob: Okay, got it! This is going to be a legendary cookie. I’ll get the egg.

    Alice: Let’s hope so! Or it will be a very expensive, very salty mistake. Wish us luck!

    Current Situation

    Welcome, English learners! Today, we’re talking about tiny but important words called “articles”: a, an, and the. Many languages don’t have these, so they can feel a bit strange at first, but don’t worry! They help us tell people if we’re talking about just “any” thing or “a very specific” thing. Think of them like little signposts that guide your listener to understand exactly what you mean. Mastering them will make your English sound much more natural and clear!

    Key Phrases

    • Guess what!: Used to introduce exciting news or a surprise. Example: Guess what! I got a new puppy!
    • What’s up?: An informal greeting, asking how someone is or what is happening. Example: “Hey, John, what’s up?” “Not much, just working.”
    • You look like…: Used to describe someone’s appearance, mood, or what they seem to be doing. Example: You look like you just ran a marathon!
    • No, silly!: A friendly, light-hearted way to correct someone. Example: “Is that your cat?” “No, silly! That’s a squirrel!”
    • Exactly!: Used to express strong agreement or confirmation. Example: “So you mean we meet at 7?” “Exactly!”
    • Almost forgot!: Used when you remember something important just in time. Example: I almost forgot! My appointment is today!
    • Makes a big difference: Used to say that something has a significant positive or negative impact. Example: Adding a little salt really makes a big difference in the soup.
    • Can I help?: A polite way to offer assistance. Example: That box looks heavy. Can I help?
    • Last time…: Used to refer to a previous occasion or event. Example: Last time we went to the beach, it rained.
    • That was an accident!: Used to explain that a mistake was not intentional. Example: “You spilled my coffee!” “Oh no! That was an accident!”
    • Got it!: Used to confirm understanding or that you have obtained something. Example: “Please buy milk.” “Got it!”
    • Let’s hope so!: Used to express a wish or desire for a positive outcome. Example: “Will the weather be good tomorrow?” “Let’s hope so!”

    Grammar Points: Articles (a, an, the)

    1. “A” and “An” (Indefinite Articles)

    Use “a” or “an” when you talk about:

    • Something general, not specific: You’re talking about any one of something. Example: I want a cookie. (Any cookie will do!)
    • Something you mention for the first time: Example: I saw a dog. (First time mentioning the dog)
    • Singular, countable nouns: Things you can count (one cookie, two cookies). Example: a book, an apple

    When to use “a” vs. “an”:

    • “A” is used before words that start with a consonant sound. Examples: a car, a banana, a university (starts with a ‘y’ sound), a happy child
    • “An” is used before words that start with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u). Examples: an apple, an elephant, an idea, an orange, an umbrella, an hour (the ‘h’ is silent, starts with ‘ow’ sound)

    Remember: It’s about the SOUND, not just the letter!

    2. “The” (Definite Article)

    Use “the” when you talk about:

    • Something specific or already known: Both you and the listener know exactly which thing you’re talking about. Example: Can you pass me the book? (There’s a specific book we both know about.)
    • Something mentioned before: After you introduce something with “a” or “an”, you use “the” to refer to it again. Example: I saw a cat. The cat was black. (Now it’s specific!)
    • Unique things: When there’s only one of something. Examples: the sun, the moon, the Eiffel Tower
    • Superlatives: (the biggest, the best, the most interesting) Example: This is the best cookie!

    “The” can be used with singular, plural, countable, and uncountable nouns.

    Examples: the apples, the milk, the chairs

    Practice Exercises

    Fill in the blanks with “a”, “an”, or “the”.

    1. I want an apple.
    2. She has a red car.
    3. The sun is very bright today.
    4. He needs an umbrella because it’s raining.
    5. Can you pass me the salt, please? It’s on the table.
    6. I saw a dog. The dog was chasing a cat.
    7. There is a university near my house.
    8. They ate dinner an hour ago.
    9. He is the best student in the class.
    10. My brother wants to be an astronaut.

  • Basic verbs (go, eat, drink, play)

    English for Beginners: Basic Verbs (go, eat, drink, play)

    Dialogue

    Alice: Hey Bob, what do you want to do today?

    Bob: Hmm, Alice, I just want to relax.

    Alice: Relax? But we always relax! Let’s go somewhere!

    Bob: Go where? My bed is calling me.

    Alice: No, no! Let’s go to the park! We can play frisbee!

    Bob: Play? That sounds like… exercise. Can we eat first?

    Alice: Bob! You always want to eat! What do you want to eat?

    Bob: Pizza! And then drink some soda.

    Alice: Pizza and soda? That’s not very healthy for playing frisbee.

    Bob: It’s fuel! After pizza, I can definitely go play. Maybe.

    Alice: Okay, fine. We can eat pizza. But then we go to the park and play frisbee for at least an hour.

    Bob: Deal! But I also want to drink a big milkshake after playing.

    Alice: You’re impossible! But okay, a milkshake sounds good. So, first we eat pizza, then we go to the park to play, and then we drink milkshakes?

    Bob: Perfect plan, Alice! You’re the best!

    Alice: I know, Bob. Now, let’s go get that pizza!

    Current Situation

    Welcome to the wonderful world of English verbs! “Go,” “eat,” “drink,” and “play” are fundamental verbs that beginners learn early on. They are essential for describing everyday actions, activities, and desires. Mastering these verbs will allow you to form simple yet meaningful sentences about what you do, what you like, and what your plans are. Think of them as tiny, powerful words that unlock countless possibilities for communication!

    Key Phrases

    • go: To move from one place to another.

      Example: “I want to go to the store.”

    • eat: To put food into your mouth, chew it, and swallow it.

      Example: “Let’s eat dinner together tonight.”

    • drink: To take liquid into your mouth and swallow it.

      Example: “He likes to drink a lot of water.”

    • play: To engage in an activity for enjoyment and recreation, or to participate in a game or sport.

      Example: “They often play soccer in the park.”

    Grammar Points

    Simple Present Tense for Basic Verbs

    We often use “go,” “eat,” “drink,” and “play” in the simple present tense to talk about:

    • Habits or routines: things you do regularly.
    • General truths: facts that are always true.
    • Scheduled events: things that happen at a specific time.

    Forming the Simple Present:

    The form of the verb changes depending on the subject (who is doing the action).

    • For I, You, We, They: Use the base form of the verb.
      • I go to school.
      • You eat breakfast.
      • We drink tea.
      • They play games.
    • For He, She, It: Add -s or -es to the base form.
      • He goes to work. (add -es to ‘go’)
      • She eats an apple. (add -s to ‘eat’)
      • It drinks milk. (add -s to ‘drink’, for an animal)
      • He plays the guitar. (add -s to ‘play’)

    Questions and Negative Sentences:

    To ask questions or make negative sentences in the simple present, we use “do” or “does.”

    Remember: When you use “does” or “doesn’t,” the main verb (go, eat, drink, play) always goes back to its basic form (no -s or -es).

    • With I, You, We, They:
      • Question: Do you go to the park?
      • Negative: I do not (don’t) eat meat.
    • With He, She, It:
      • Question: Does she drink coffee? (NOT “Does she drinks coffee?”)
      • Negative: He does not (doesn’t) play sports. (NOT “He doesn’t plays sports.”)

    Practice Exercises

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blank with the correct verb (go, eat, drink, play).

    1. I want to _______ some water.
    2. Let’s _______ to the cinema tonight.
    3. They _______ football every Sunday.
    4. She likes to _______ apples for a snack.

    Answers:

    1. drink
    2. go
    3. play
    4. eat

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct form of the verb (simple present tense).

    1. He often (go / goes) to the gym.
    2. We (eat / eats) dinner at 7 PM.
    3. My cat (drink / drinks) milk every morning.
    4. She (play / plays) the piano very well.
    5. They (go / goes) to bed early.

    Answers:

    1. He often goes to the gym.
    2. We eat dinner at 7 PM.
    3. My cat drinks milk every morning.
    4. She plays the piano very well.
    5. They go to bed early.

    Exercise 3: Make a sentence using the given verb.

    1. (go)
    2. (eat)
    3. (drink)
    4. (play)

    Possible Answers: (Your sentences might be different, and that’s okay!)

    1. I often go to the library on Saturdays.
    2. We eat pizza for lunch sometimes.
    3. He wants to drink a glass of water.
    4. They play video games after school.

  • Numbers beyond 1000

    English Learning: Numbers Beyond 1000

    Dialogue

    Alice: Hey, Bob! What are you staring at on your phone so intently?

    Bob: Oh, Alice! You won’t believe this. My new game score… it’s huge!

    Alice: How huge? Is it like, fifty points? A hundred?

    Bob: No, no! Much bigger! It’s one thousand five hundred and fifty!

    Alice: Wow, that’s pretty good, Bob! One thousand five hundred and fifty. Or you could say ‘fifteen hundred fifty’ too.

    Bob: Really? Fifteen hundred fifty? Cool! And look at this other number… the gold coins I collected. It’s… four thousand three hundred seventy-five!

    Alice: Four thousand three hundred and seventy-five? That’s a lot of gold coins! You’re practically a digital millionaire.

    Bob: I know, right? But my friend, Alex, he has even more. He said he has twenty-eight *thousand* coins!

    Alice: Twenty-eight thousand? That’s impressive! That’s like twenty-eight piles of a thousand coins each.

    Bob: Exactly! And my other friend, Emily, she said her score was… one hundred *thousand*!

    Alice: Whoa! One hundred thousand? That’s a *really* big score! Are you sure?

    Bob: Yes! One hundred thousand, zero, zero, zero. That’s how she wrote it.

    Alice: Ah, so that’s one hundred thousand. You can also say ‘a hundred thousand’. Very cool.

    Bob: So, if I got a truly, truly gigantic score, like… a *million*, how would I say that?

    Alice: A million? Well, that’s ‘one million’. It’s a thousand thousands! Imagine that!

    Bob: Whoa, a thousand thousands! My head just spun. That’s a number for superheroes.

    Alice: It certainly is! Maybe one day you’ll reach it. Keep practicing those finger taps!

    Bob: I will! Thanks, Alice! Now I can finally understand these super big numbers.

    Alice: Anytime, Bob! Good luck with your game, and remember those numbers!

    Current Situation

    Numbers beyond 1000 are all around us every day! Whether you’re checking prices for electronics, looking at a country’s population, seeing how many followers someone has on social media, or reading statistics, you’ll encounter large numbers. Understanding how to read and say them correctly is a fundamental skill for everyday English communication, especially in today’s data-rich world.

    Key Phrases

    • One thousand (1,000): The city has a population of one thousand people.
    • Two thousand five hundred (2,500): The concert hall can hold two thousand five hundred fans.
    • Ten thousand (10,000): I need ten thousand steps to reach my daily fitness goal.
    • One hundred thousand (100,000) / A hundred thousand: The book sold a hundred thousand copies in the first month.
    • One million (1,000,000) / A million: That video has over one million views!
    • How much…? (used for uncountable things like money): How much money do you need for the new game?
    • How many…? (used for countable things like coins, people, items): How many coins did you collect in the game?
    • That’s a lot! / That’s huge! / That’s impressive! (expressions of surprise or approval): Wow, a million points? That’s huge!

    Grammar Points

    1. Reading Numbers Over 1,000

    • Thousands: We say the number of thousands followed by “thousand.”
      • 1,000: one thousand
      • 5,000: five thousand
      • 28,000: twenty-eight thousand
    • Thousands and Hundreds: Combine the thousands with the hundreds, tens, and units.
      • 1,550: one thousand five hundred fifty (or informally, fifteen hundred fifty)
      • 4,375: four thousand three hundred seventy-five
    • Hundreds of Thousands:
      • 100,000: one hundred thousand or a hundred thousand (both are common)
      • 500,000: five hundred thousand
      • 120,000: one hundred twenty thousand
    • Millions:
      • 1,000,000: one million or a million

    2. Using Commas (,)

    In English, we use commas to separate groups of three digits when writing large numbers, starting from the right. This makes them much easier to read!

    • 1,000 (one thousand)
    • 28,000 (twenty-eight thousand)
    • 100,000 (one hundred thousand)
    • 1,000,000 (one million)

    3. “One/A” vs. Other Numbers

    When the number of thousands or millions is exactly one, we can use “one” or “a.”

    • You can say “one thousand” or “a thousand.”
    • You can say “one hundred thousand” or “a hundred thousand.”
    • You can say “one million” or “a million.”
    • However, for other numbers, we use the specific number: “two thousand,” “five hundred thousand,” “ten million.” (We don’t say “a two thousand”).

    Practice Exercises

    1. Read these numbers aloud (or write them in words):
      1. 3,000
      2. 7,500
      3. 15,000
      4. 250,000
      5. 2,000,000
    2. Write these numbers using digits:
      1. Eight thousand
      2. Six thousand four hundred twenty
      3. Ninety thousand
      4. Three hundred thousand
      5. Five million
    3. Fill in the blank with the correct word for the number:
      1. The mountain is over ten ________ feet tall. (10,000)
      2. My phone storage has one hundred twenty-eight ________ megabytes. (128,000)
      3. A large company might have one ________ employees. (1,000,000)
      4. The ticket price is one ________ five hundred dollars. (1,500)

    Answers

    1. Read these numbers aloud (or write them in words):
      1. 3,000: Three thousand
      2. 7,500: Seven thousand five hundred
      3. 15,000: Fifteen thousand
      4. 250,000: Two hundred fifty thousand
      5. 2,000,000: Two million
    2. Write these numbers using digits:
      1. Eight thousand: 8,000
      2. Six thousand four hundred twenty: 6,420
      3. Ninety thousand: 90,000
      4. Three hundred thousand: 300,000
      5. Five million: 5,000,000
    3. Fill in the blank with the correct word for the number:
      1. The mountain is over ten thousand feet tall. (10,000)
      2. My phone storage has one hundred twenty-eight thousand megabytes. (128,000)
      3. A large company might have one million employees. (1,000,000)
      4. The ticket price is one thousand five hundred dollars. (1,500)

  • Hobbies

    English Learning for Beginners: Hobbies

    Dialogue

    Alice: Hey Bob, you look like you just fought a bear! What happened?

    Bob: Oh, hi Alice. No bear, just my secret hobby. I was up late.

    Alice: Secret hobby? Tell me, tell me! Are you secretly a superhero?

    Bob: Even better! I’m a professional competitive napper. It’s a lot of practice.

    Alice: (Laughing) A competitive napper? Bob, you’re hilarious! How do you even compete?

    Bob: Well, it’s about speed and quality of sleep. And finding the most unusual places to nap. My current record is on a unicycle.

    Alice: Wow, that’s… unique! My hobby is a bit more traditional. I love collecting miniature rubber ducks.

    Bob: Rubber ducks? Alice, that’s adorable! Do they have tiny little hats?

    Alice: Some do! I have a pirate duck and a doctor duck. They’re very serious about their roles.

    Bob: I bet they are. So, you nap on unicycles, I collect tiny ducks. We’re quite the pair, aren’t we?

    Alice: Absolutely! But at least we both have something fun to do.

    Bob: True! Though I think my napping might actually be part of a bear fight. I’m still tired.

    Alice: Maybe you need a nap after your nap practice?

    Bob: Exactly! It’s a vicious cycle.

    Alice: Well, good luck with your next unicycle nap, Bob!

    Bob: Thanks, Alice! You too with your duck army!

    Current Situation

    Hobbies are activities we enjoy doing in our free time for pleasure and relaxation. They are not part of our work or daily chores. Having hobbies is very important for our well-being because they help us relax, learn new things, develop skills, and meet new people. Common hobbies include reading, playing sports, painting, cooking, playing musical instruments, gardening, or collecting things. Hobbies can be very common, like watching movies, or very unique, like competitive napping or collecting miniature rubber ducks! What matters is that you enjoy them and they bring you joy.

    Key Phrases

    • You look like…: Used to describe someone’s appearance or state.

      You look like you need a coffee.

    • What happened?: A common question to ask when something seems wrong or unusual.

      He fell off his bike. What happened?

    • Secret hobby: A hobby that not many people know about.

      My secret hobby is baking elaborate cakes.

    • Tell me, tell me!: An eager way to ask someone to share information.

      You got a new pet? Tell me, tell me!

    • Even better!: Used to say that something is superior or more exciting than previously thought.

      He’s not just a singer, he’s a dancer too! Even better!

    • A lot of practice: Means something requires much repetition or training.

      Playing the piano well takes a lot of practice.

    • You’re hilarious!: Used to tell someone they are very funny.

      That joke was great! You’re hilarious!

    • How do you even compete?: A question asking about the rules or methods of a competition, often when it seems unusual.

      He’s competing in a silent movie festival. How do you even compete?

    • That’s unique!: Used to describe something that is very special or different from others.

      She has a pet chameleon. That’s unique!

    • A bit more traditional: Used to describe something that is more common or conventional.

      My hobby is a bit more traditional; I like knitting.

    • That’s adorable!: Used to express that something is very cute or charming.

      Look at that tiny puppy! That’s adorable!

    • Quite the pair: Used to describe two people or things that are distinctive or unusual together.

      One loves silence, the other loves loud music. They’re quite the pair.

    • Something fun to do: An activity that brings enjoyment.

      Gardening is something fun to do on weekends.

    • A vicious cycle: A difficult problem where the attempt to solve one part of the problem makes the other parts worse.

      Being stressed makes me eat more, which makes me feel bad, which makes me stressed. It’s a vicious cycle.

    • Good luck with…: A phrase used to wish someone success in an activity.

      Good luck with your exam tomorrow!

    Grammar Points

    1. The verb “To Be” (am, is, are)

    The verb “to be” is one of the most common and important verbs in English. We use it to describe people, things, and situations. In the present simple tense, it changes form depending on the subject:

    • I am (e.g., I am a competitive napper.)
    • You are (e.g., You are hilarious!)
    • He/She/It is (e.g., My hobby is collecting ducks. It is unique.)
    • We are (e.g., We are quite the pair.)
    • They are (e.g., They are very serious.)

    2. Present Simple Tense for Habits and Routines

    We use the present simple tense to talk about actions that happen regularly, habits, or facts. This is perfect for describing hobbies!

    • Subject + Verb (base form or -s/-es for he/she/it)
    • Examples from the dialogue:
      • I love collecting miniature rubber ducks. (A regular activity/habit)
      • My hobby is a bit more traditional. (A fact/description)
      • I nap on unicycles. (A regular action/habit)
    • Remember: For “he,” “she,” and “it,” add “-s” or “-es” to the verb (e.g., he plays, she reads, it rains).

    3. Question Words (What, How)

    These words help us ask for specific information.

    • What: Used to ask about things, actions, or ideas.
      • What happened? (Asking about an event)
      • What is your hobby? (Asking about a thing/activity)
    • How: Used to ask about the manner, way, or condition of something.
      • How do you even compete? (Asking about the method)
      • How are you? (Asking about condition)

    Practice Exercises

    Let’s practice what you’ve learned!

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “to be” (am, is, are).

    1. My hobby ____ reading books.
    2. They ____ very serious about their roles.
    3. I ____ a competitive napper.
    4. You ____ hilarious!
    5. We ____ good friends.

    Exercise 2: Match the hobby with its description.

    1. Collecting miniature rubber ducks
    2. Competitive napping
    3. Playing guitar
    4. Gardening

    a. Making music.

    b. Sleeping quickly and in unusual places.

    c. Growing plants and flowers.

    d. Gathering small, cute bath toys.

    Exercise 3: Answer the questions about yourself.

    1. What is your favorite hobby?
    2. Is your hobby active or relaxing?
    3. Do you have a unique hobby? If yes, what is it?

    Answers

    Exercise 1:

    1. is
    2. are
    3. am
    4. are
    5. are

    Exercise 2:

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

    Exercise 3: (Example Answers – Your answers will vary!)

    1. My favorite hobby is painting.
    2. My hobby is relaxing.
    3. Yes, I collect old postcards. / No, I don’t have a unique hobby.