Everyday Situations in each situation you have two things to Example: A friend of yours has a headache Say you’re sorry (1) and give him/her some advice (2) Possible answer: Oh you poor thing! (1) Why don’t you take an aspirin and lie down (2) Situation: Y ou have reserved a seat in a train When you get to your seat someone is sitting there Explain the situation and say what you want the person to Possible answer: Excuse me, I think that seat is mine Would you mind checking your ticket? Situation: Y ou go to the station to meet a friend When she arrives, she looks tired Tell her this and ask about the journey Possible answer: Oh dear! Y ou look tired, did you have a difficult journey/was the journey tiring? Situation: After a long day of sightseeing in London your friends suggest going out for dinner and then to a disco Y ou don’t really want to Tell them so and give a reason Possible answer: I’d rather not go with you this evening because I’m much too tired Situation: Y ou have tickets to the theatre and want to have a quick meal before the performance starts At the restaurant, explain the situation to the waiter and ask for advice on what to order Possible answer: Excuse me, we’re going to the theatre in half and hour but we’d like to have something to eat before, what can you suggest? Situation: Y ou are in a train and it’s very cold A man opposite you asks if he can open the window Tell him politely that you don’t want him to and explain why Possible answer: Oh, I’d rather you didn’t I’m cold Situation: At a restaurant you need an extra chair and you see a spare one at the next table Speak to the person sitting there and ask for the chair Possible answer: Excuse me, if this chair free? May I take it? Situation: Y our English friend has just cooked a very nice meal for you Say how much you like it and ask something about it Possible answer: Mmm, this is delicious! How did you cook it? Can you give me the recipe? Situation: In London a man asks you where the nearest post office is Y ou don’t know Explain this and suggest how he could find out Possible answer: I’m afraid I don’t know Why don’t you ask a policeman? Situation: Y ou have received a pullover for your birthday, but it’s not your size Y ou go to the shop where it was bought Explain the problem to the shop assistant and say what you would like Possible answer: Excuse me, I received this pullover for my birthday but it’s not my size, can I change it? Situation: A colleague invites you to have a drink with him at the end of the day It’s important for you to go straight home today Say you are sorry and explain Possible answer: I’m terribly sorry, but I have to go straight home today, I’m expecting someone Situation: A friend of yours is wearing a lovely new jacket Say how much you like it and ask something about it Possible answer: What a lovely jacket! Where did you buy it? Situation: An English visitor in your home has drunk too much and now wants to drive home Warn him not to and give him some advice Possible answer: I wouldn’t drive if I were you, it’s too dangerous Why don’t you call a taxi? Situation: Y ou went to a party last night and arrived home very late The next day a friend says you look tired Explain why Possible answer: Y es, I am I went to a party last night and didn’t go to bed until early this morning Situation: Y ou have arranged to meet a friend in town Y ou arrive twenty minutes late Apologize and explain why you are late Possible answer: Oh! I’m terribly sorry! I missed the bus/I got stuck in a traffic jam Situation: Y ou ask someone the way to the station, but you couldn’t understand because of the noise of the traffic Ask him to repeat and explain why Possible answer: I’m sorry I didn’t hear, would you mind repeating? Situation: Someone is saying something about your country which is not true Politely stop him and say something Possible answer: I’m sorry but that’s not true It’s not like that at all! Situation: Y our English teacher thinks you should take an examination this year Agree but explain your plans to take one next year Possible answer: Y es, I agree, but I’d rather take one next year I don’t feel ready yet Situation: In a shop you want to buy a dress Y ou see one you like but it’s not your size Call an assistant and explain the problem Possible answer: Excuse me, have you got this dress in another size? This one is too big/small Situation: Y ou find an expensive silver pen on the floor Explain to the friends with you and try to find out the owner Possible answer: Whose pen is this? I’ve just found it on the floor Situation: A friend of yours has failed his driving test Say how you feel about this and give him some advice Possible answer: Oh, I’m sorry about that, why don’t you try again, I’m sure you’ll pass next time Situation: Y ou are at a large airport and would like to buy something to read on your flight Speak to someone and ask where the bookshop is Possible answer: Excuse me, could you tell me where the bookshop it?/where can I buy something to read? Situation: Y ou are a tourist in an English pub and don’t understand some words on the menu Explain the situation and ask for help Possible answer: Excuse me, what does this mean?/could you explain what this is, please? Situation: Y ou are on holiday in England and you want to send some postcards to friends in your home country At the post office ask about the necessary postage and when the postcards will arrive Possible answer: Excuse me, how much is it to send a postcard to _? When will they arrive? Situation: Some friends of yours are moving to the USA Y ou would like to organize a party for them Tell them so and suggest a possible date for the party Possible answer: I’d like to have a party for you before you leave When would it be convenient for you?