English Learning Content for Beginners
Dialogue
Alice: Bob! Finally! I thought they’d kept you forever. Did you tell them your life story?
Bob: Alice, you wouldn’t believe it! That immigration officer asked me the weirdest question.
Alice: Oh no, what was it? Did he ask if you’re secretly a pop star?
Bob: He asked, “What is the purpose of your visit?”
Alice: (Giggles) That’s a normal question, Bob! They always ask that.
Bob: But then he looked at my passport photo and my face, and asked, “Is that really you?”
Alice: (Laughs harder) Oh, poor Bob! Your passport photo is pretty… adventurous, let’s say.
Bob: It is! I told him, “Yes, it’s me, just… before coffee.”
Alice: Did he laugh?
Bob: He just stared. And then asked, “How long will you be staying?”
Alice: And you said… “Forever, if the food is good?”
Bob: I said, “Two weeks, exploring all the delicious food!” He seemed to like that answer, thankfully.
Alice: Good save! My officer was super quick. “Passport, please. Purpose of visit? Enjoy your stay!” Done!
Bob: Lucky you. I think I need a new passport photo… and a coffee. Let’s get out of here.
Alice: Definitely! Come on, let’s find our bags and some breakfast.
Current Situation: At Immigration
When you travel to another country, you need to go through “immigration.” This is where an officer checks your passport and asks you a few questions to make sure you can enter the country. It’s a normal and important part of international travel. Don’t be nervous, just be polite and have your documents ready!
Common things they ask about:
- Purpose of your visit: Why are you coming to this country? (e.g., tourism, business, visiting family)
- How long will you be staying?: How many days or weeks will you stay?
- Where are you staying?: Your hotel name or address.
- Passport, please: They need to see your passport.
Tip: Always answer clearly and honestly. A smile can help too!
Key Phrases
- Finally!
Example: Finally! My vacation starts today!
- You wouldn’t believe it! (Used to introduce something surprising or difficult to believe)
Example: You wouldn’t believe it! I saw a famous actor at the airport.
- Purpose of your visit? (A very common question at immigration)
Example: The officer asked, “What is the purpose of your visit?” I said, “Tourism.”
- Is that really you? (Used when someone looks very different, often humorously)
Example: My old school photo! “Is that really you?” my friend asked.
- How long will you be staying? (Another common immigration question)
Example: She asked, “How long will you be staying?” I answered, “For three weeks.”
- Good save! (Used when someone narrowly avoids a problem or makes a clever recovery)
Example: I almost dropped my phone, but caught it. “Good save!” my brother said.
- Lucky you. (Used to express mild envy or happiness for someone else’s good fortune)
Example: You got an extra day off? Lucky you.
- Passport, please. (A direct request for your passport)
Example: At the counter, the agent said, “Passport, please.”
- Enjoy your stay! (A polite farewell, wishing someone a pleasant visit)
Example: The hotel receptionist said, “Enjoy your stay!”
Grammar Points
1. Simple Present Tense for facts and regular actions
We use the simple present tense to talk about things that are generally true, facts, or habits.
- Example from dialogue: “That’s a normal question.” (It is a fact.)
- Example from dialogue: “He just stared.” (Describes an action.)
- Example: “I live in London.” (A fact.)
- Example: “She drinks coffee every morning.” (A habit.)
2. Wh-Questions (What, How long)
We use “Wh-questions” to ask for specific information.
- What: Asks about a thing, idea, or action.
Example: “What is the purpose of your visit?”
Example: “What is your favorite color?”
- How long: Asks about a duration of time.
Example: “How long will you be staying?”
Example: “How long does it take to get to the airport?”
3. The “Be” Verb (is, am, are)
The verb “to be” is very common. We use it to describe identity, location, feelings, and status.
- I am: “I am hungry.”
- You are: “You are right.”
- He/She/It is: “Your passport photo is pretty bad.” “It is me.”
- We are: “We are friends.”
- They are: “They are waiting.”
4. Modal Verb “will” for Future
We use “will” to talk about future actions or intentions.
- Example from dialogue: “How long will you be staying?”
- Example: “I will travel next month.”
- Example: “We will meet at the gate.”
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the best word.
- The officer asked, “______ is the purpose of your visit?” (What / How)
- “______ long will you be staying?” (What / How)
- “______ that really you?” (Is / Are)
- “______ you wouldn’t believe it! My flight was so delayed.” (Oh / You)
- You won a free trip? ______ you! (Lucky / Good)
Exercise 2: Match the immigration question to a possible answer.
Questions:
A. What is your name?
B. How long will you stay?
C. Is this your first time here?
D. What is the purpose of your visit?
Answers:
1. For tourism.
2. Yes, it is.
3. Two weeks.
4. My name is [Your Name].
- A. ______
- B. ______
- C. ______
- D. ______
Exercise 3: True or False (based on the dialogue)
- Alice waited for Bob at the airport. (True / False)
- Bob’s passport photo was very good. (True / False)
- The immigration officer laughed at Bob’s joke about coffee. (True / False)
- Alice had a difficult time at immigration. (True / False)
Answers:
Exercise 1:
- What
- How
- Is
- You
- Lucky
Exercise 2:
- A. 4
- B. 3
- C. 2
- D. 1
Exercise 3:
- True
- False
- False
- False