Woman: What’s on tonight?
Man: When we want to know what programmes are on TV, we say “What’s on?”
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: What’s on tonight?
Man: Well there’s football on channel 1, there’s athletics on 2, and rugby on channel 7.
Woman: Is there anything on, other than sport?
Man: Yes, there’s a good film on channel 5.

Woman: Which channel is it on?
Man: A channel is a TV station. So to find out which station a programme is being broadcasted from we say “Which channel is it on?”
For example:
Woman: Which channel is the news on?
Man: Channel 6. Do you want to watch it?
Woman: Yes, please.

Woman: Now you will listen to a conversation between two people watching television.

Woman: Stop changing the channels, you are hooked on football, I don’t know how you can watch so many games at the same time, and your team isn’t even playing.
Man: I know, but there’s nothing else on.
Woman: Well what is on tonight? I can help you decide.
Man: What programmes do you like watching? Other than silly reality TV programmes of course.
Woman: I like most things. Where’s the TV guide?
Man: Here you are.
Woman: Well, other than sport, there’s a nature programme, a DIY show and a chat show interviewing Sean Connery.
Man: Let’s watch the chat show then, Sean Connery is always interesting. Which channel is it on?
Woman: Channel 8, it starts in 5 minutes. I’ll make us a coffee if you like.
Man: Yes, please.

Woman: Whisk together the eggs, milk and flour.
Man: Whisk is a verb which means to beat or mix eggs, for example using a fork or a whisk. A whisk is a kitchen tool for this purpose.
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: Can you help me whisk these eggs, my arm is starting to ache.
Man: No problem, pass the bowl here.

Woman: Stir together to make a batter.
Man: Stir is a verb which means to move a liquid etc, round and round, using a spoon etc. A batter is a mixture of flour, eggs and milk, used to cover food such as fish, vegetables etc, before frying them, or to make pancakes.
For example:
Woman: Ok, now I have to stir in the milk to the eggs and flour, a little at a time, so I don’t get lumps.
Man: What are you making?
Woman: English style fish and chips. I just need to finish this batter, then cover the fish in it, then fry them.

Woman: Fry the eggs.
Man: Fry is a verb which means to cook something in hot fat or oil.
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: Can you watch the fish while I make a salad?
Man: What do I have to do?
Woman: Let them fry, and turn them over when they are golden brown.

Woman: Drain the pasta.
Man: Drain is a verb which means to separate water from the pasta in this example, so the water disappears.
For example:
Woman: Do you think the pasta is cooked enough?
Man: Yes, definitely, turn the gas off, and I’ll drain it.
Woman: OK, here’s the colander

Woman: Now you will listen to a conversation between two people making pancakes.

Woman: Now if you are going to help me, you are going to have to follow my instructions, and I don’t want a big mess in the kitchen.
Man: Whatever you say.
Woman: First of all whisk these eggs, until they are a pale yellow colour.
Woman: Now add a little bit of flour and stir it in very slowly.
Woman: Now you can add a little more flour, then stir in the milk, just a little at a time.
Perfect, you’ve made a very good batter.
Man: What exactly are we making?
Woman: Pancakes, you’ll love them.
Man: What can I do next?
Woman: Put the frying pan on, with a little oil, and when the oil is hot, add a spoonful of the batter, and spread it out to make a large circle.
Woman: OK, now it’s golden brown on the bottom, turn it over so the other side cooks.
Man: Aah this bit is a little difficult.
Woman: No, it’s not, you’ve done a good job. The first one is nearly ready. Lift it out of the pan, and sprinkle with sugar and squeeze some orange onto it.
Man: Mmm, it’s delicious, let’s make some more straight away.

Woman: Is there a shopping centre near here?
Man: If you want to do a lot of shopping, it’s a good idea to go to a shopping centre, which has most kinds of shops inside. To ask if there is one nearby, you simply put “Is there…?” at the start of the question.
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: Excuse me, is there a shopping centre near here?
Man: Yes there is. If you take the tram over there, and get off at the last stop, there is a very large shopping centre, where you can buy everything.
Woman: Thank you.

Woman: Where can I buy an adaptor?
Man: The phrase “Where can I buy ….?” Is useful to ask for different things.
An adaptor is a device that allows you to connect pieces of electrical equipment to a socket that has a different electricity supply. They are essential if you travel, to recharge your mobile phone etc.
For example:
Woman: We must get an adaptor, the battery on my mobile phone is nearly finished.
Man: Mine too, let’s ask at the information point where we can buy one.
Woman: Do you remember where it is? This shopping centre is gigantic.
Man: There are lots of them, look there’s one there.
Woman: Hello, how can I help you?
Man: Hello, where can I buy an adaptor please?
Woman: You need to go to an electrical shop, there’s one on the second floor called “Dixons.”
Man: Thank you very much.

Woman: Can you send the books directly to my address in Italy?
Man: Many book shops in England provide a postal service to other countries, for a small fee, to find out if the shop provides this service, you use this phrase.
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: That’s £42 please.
Man: Can you send the books directly to my address in Italy?
Woman: Certainly, there’s a 10% additional fee, but, at least you don’t have to carry them. Could you write me your name and address on this form please.

Woman: Of course. Certainly.
Man: Both “of course” and “certainly” are polite forms of saying “yes.”
For example:
Woman: Can you show me what kind of adaptor I need for an Italian plug please?
Man: Of course.

Woman: Now you will listen to a conversation between two tourists in a shopping centre.
Woman: Is there an information point near here?
Man: Yes, if you walk straight on for about 50 metres, there’s one right in front of you.
Woman: Thank you.
Woman: Hello, how can I help you?
Man: Where can I buy an adaptor please?
Woman: Ok, well if you look at this map, you are here now, and you need to go up on to the 1st floor, and there’s an electrical shop on your left.
Man: Is there a book shop nearby also?
Woman: Yes, it’s also on the first floor, if you take this map with you, it will help you find your way around.
Man: Thank you.
Woman: Let’s go to the book shop first, I love them in England, they have so many books, and normally a coffee shop as well, so we can sit and look at the map.
Man: Okay, let’s go.
Woman: These books weigh a lot, I hope they have a postal service, or they’re going to add another 4 kilos to our luggage.
Man: How can I help you?
Woman: I’d like these books please, but can you send them directly to my address in Italy?
Man: Of course. Just fill in this form here please.

Woman: Are you ready to order?
Man: This is what a waiter or waitress will ask you, after you have looked through the menus. An order is a request for food or drinks in a restaurant, hotel, bar etc.
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: Are you ready to order?
Man: Yes please, first I’d like to order a bottle of red wine.

Woman: I’ll have a fillet steak please.
Man: We often use the future simple to give restaurant orders.
For example:
Woman: I’ll have a fillet steak please.
Man: And I’ll have the fish of the day please.

Woman: How would you like your steak cooking?
Man: If you order a steak in a restaurant, this is what a waiter or waitress will ask you, so the chef knows how long to cook it for.
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: How would you like your steak cooking sir?
Man: Medium Rare please.
Woman: Are you sure? You’ve ordered a fillet steak, it might be too pink for you.
Man: No, It’s better that way, and if it’s too rare, I can ask them to cook it a little longer.

Woman: I’d like my steak well done/medium/ rare.
Man: People have different preference on how long they like meat to be cooked for. These 3 expressions are used for meat. “Well done” means you want the meat cooked for a long time, so it is completely brown. “Medium” means you want it cooked until it’s brown all the way through, but still a little pink in the middle. “Rare” means not cooked for very long, so that the inside is still red.
For example:
Woman: I’d like my steak very well done please.
Man: Are you sure?
Woman: Yes, I like it to be almost burnt.
Man: Yuk! You lose all the taste that way.

Woman: Now you will listen to a conversation of a couple ordering food in a restaurant.

Woman: Hello Welcome to “Sunny Sea” restaurant, would you like a table for 2?
Man: Yes, please.
Woman: There you go, here are your menus. Would you like anything to drink?
Man: Just a bottle of water for now please.
Woman: It seems nice here, what are you having as a starter?
Man: I think I’ll have sea food salad, and a fillet steak for my main course. What about you?
Woman: I think I’ll have the deep fried mushrooms and then chicken.
Woman: Are you ready to order?
Man: Yes. We’d like a seafood salad and deep fried mushrooms as starters, then for the main course, chicken and I’ll have a fillet steak please.
Woman: How would you like your steak?
Man: I’d like my steak medium please.
Woman: Would you like anything else?
Man: Well we get vegetables with the main course, so just a bottle of your house red, please.
Woman: OK, thank you, I’ll be back with your wine in just a moment.

Woman: What seems to be the problem?
Man: This is a standard question a doctor may ask you to find out what symptoms you have, so he or she is able to examine you and make a diagnosis.
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: Hello Mr Smith, what seems to be the problem?
Man: I have a pain in my back.

Woman: When do you usually get the pain?
Man: A pain is the unpleasant feeling that you have when part of your body hurts. It hurts in sudden sharp periods. Do not confuse it with ache which describes a long continuous pain, such as a headache.
For example:
Woman: When do you usually get the pain?
Man: It comes and goes, but it hurts more in the evening.

Woman: Please lie down.
Man: To lie down, means to move into a horizontal position. So for a doctor to examine you they will ask you to lie down on their bed.
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: Please lie down.
Man: OK.
Woman: Now does your back hurt here?
Man: Ow! Yes!

Woman: Take a deep breath.
Man: When a doctor examines you with their stethoscope, they will ask you to breathe in and out. Breath is the air that you take into and out of your lungs, so a deep breath is a big one.
For example:
Woman: Take a deep breath.
Man: (Sound of deep breath.)
Woman: Good, now another one.
Man: (Sound of deep breath.)

Woman: Now you will listen to an appointment at the doctor’s.

Woman: Hello, what seems to be the problem?
Man: I have a very bad backache.
Woman: When do you usually get the pain?
Man: Well my back doesn’t ache all the time, but, for the past few weeks, I’ve been getting sharp pains in my back especially at night.
Woman: OK, please take your pullover off and lie down on your stomach on the bed please.
Man: OK.
Woman: Does it hurt here?
Man: No lower down.
Woman: Here?
Man: Ow!!! Yes.
Woman: OK sit up please, and take a deep breath.
Man: (Sound of deep breath.)
Woman: OK, you can put your pullover on, but I’m going to send you for an x-ray, to analyse this pain better.

Woman: Which team do you support?
Man: To support, means to have a particular sports team as your favourite.
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: What are you watching on TV?
Man: Rugby.
Woman: Which team do you support?
Man: I support New Zealand’s All Blacks team.

Woman: I’m a fan.
Man: A fan is somebody who admires and is very enthusiastic about a sport.
For example:
Woman: Are you a fan of any sport?
Man: Yes, I’m a huge rugby fan, I love the sport.

Woman: Is rugby played in your country?
Man: Rugby is more popular in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, France and The British Isles. So this is a good question to find out if a person’s country plays the sport.
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: Oh look the All Blacks are doing their dance.
Man: Who?
Woman: The New Zealand rugby team, haven’t you seen them before? Is rugby played in your country?
Man: Not really, we only have a few teams that play rugby, and the national team is not as strong as other European countries, it’s still quite a new sport. We prefer football.
Woman: Oh!. Well be quiet the match is about to start, I hope England wins today.

Woman: I don’t like rugby, the rules are too complicated.
Man: Rules are an official statement that tells you what you must or must not do when playing a game. So this phrase expresses your dislike for something and the reason why.
For example:
Woman: I think England are going to win, go on run!
Man: I don’t like rugby, the rules are too complicated. Football is much simpler.
Woman: Ssh! The game has nearly finished, then I’ll explain it too you.

Woman: Now you will listen to a conversation between two people talking about rugby.

Woman: Fraudsters.
Man: The noun “fraud” means an act of cheating somebody to get money. A fraudster is a person who tries to commit a fraud.
For example:
Woman: That was another strange phone call, claiming to be market research from the bank.
Man: I’ve told you before not to take those calls, they are all fraudsters. You should politely put the phone down straight away.
Woman: It’s so difficult with all this advanced technology to know what’s real and what’s a fraud.

Woman: Private information.
Man: Private information is things such as your credit card number, bank account number, and passwords etc. that a phisher will try and get from you.
Listen to this short conversation:
Man: Whoops! Come here quickly. I opened that email, and they’ve sent me another one straight away.
Woman: I told you not to. What does it say?
Man: That they are updating their records, and need all my bank account details straight away.
Woman: Close the email, and call the bank directly, to warn them. In fact you’d better go there immediately, and speak with somebody face to face, to check that your account hasn’t been accessed.
Man: I’m on my way.

Woman: Under pressure.
Man:The phrase under pressure, means you feel forced to do something.
Listen to this:
Woman: I still don’t understand why you opened those emails, I warned you that they were phishers.
Man: I know, but when it said that they would suspend my account, if I didn’t provide information, I felt under pressure to open the next email.
Woman: Don’t worry, we’re nearly at the bank now, everything will be OK.

Woman: Can I have a Tube map please?
Man: Tube maps show the layout of the London Underground, they are on the wall of each underground station, but you can also have a free pocket size one at the ticket counter. To ask for one, you simply use the phrase, “Can I have…..?”
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: Hello can I have a tube map please?
Man: Certainly. Here you are.

Woman: I’d like to buy a one day travel card.
Man: If you intend to travel a lot around London, the fastest way is to use the Tube. A travel card is cheaper than paying for each individual journey, and you can buy cards that are for one day, one week or one month. To ask for one you can simply use the phrase, “I’d like to buy….”
For example:
Woman: I’d like to buy a travel card please.
Man: Would you like a daily one, a weekly one, or a monthly one?
Woman: Just for today please.
Man: That will be £4.75 please.

Woman: Are there any special student fares?
Man: Fare is a noun and it means the amount of money you pay to travel by bus, train etc. The Tube offers discounts for children, students and senior citizens. To ask about them, you can use the phrase, “Are there any….?”
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: Excuse me are there any special student fares?
Man: Do you have any ID?
Woman: Yes, here’s my student card.
Man: OK what kind of ticket would you like?

Woman: Sorry, I can’t find my ticket.
Man: You cannot get in or out of the Tube, without a valid ticket. So it is important to hold onto it when you are using the Tube. If the inspector doesn’t believe you, then you may have to pay a fine. To apologise to the ticket inspector, you can say “I’m sorry, I can’t find my ticket.” But, be warned he may tell you to carry on looking for it.
For example:
Woman: I’m sorry, I can’t find my ticket.
Man: Check your pockets and your bags please.
Woman: I have, but, I can’t find it. I must have lost it on the train. It was a travel card as well.
Man: Well I’ll let you through, but, you’ll have to buy another ticket if you want to use the Tube again. The ticket counter is over there.
Woman: Thank you.

Woman: Now you will listen to a conversation between two students trying to get on the London Underground.

Woman: Wow, I never believed that Victoria station was so big.
Man: Look at all the shops and bars.
Woman: Where’s the Tube station though, we need to take the Northern line to get to King’s Cross.
Man: It’s over there, look at the big red sign.
Woman: Look there’s the ticket counter, I’ll get us travel cards, they’re a lot cheaper if we are going to be out and about all day.
Woman: Hello, I’d like to buy 2 travel cards please.
Uomo2: What kind do you want? For 1 day, 1 week or 1 month?
Woman: One day please. Do you have any special fares for students?
Uomo2: Yes. Do you have a student card?
Woman: Err, no.
Uomo2: I’m afraid you can’t have a discount then.
Woman: OK. Can I have a tube map?
Man: Certainly, here are your tickets they are valid for zones 1 and 2 and 2 maps.
Woman: Thank you. But what does zone 1 and 2 mean.
Uomo2: It’s the centre of London, the map shows you which stations are in Zone 1 and 2, or you’ll have to pay extra if you go outside of them.
Woman: Thank you.

Woman: Have you been introduced?
Man: This is a polite way of introducing people at a party.
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: Hello! Have you been introduced?
Man: Yes, we have thank you.

Woman: May I introduce my husband?
Man: This is a more formal way of introducing people at a party, and it is often replied to with the formal greeting of how do you do, rather than nice to meet you.
For example:
Woman: May I introduce my husband?
Man: How do you do?

Woman: This is Joanne.
Man: This is a casual way to introduce people.
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: Hi George, how are you? This is Joanne my new flat mate.
Man: Nice to meet you Joanne.
Woman: Nice to meet you too.

Woman: Have a nice evening.
Man: This is a phrase that is used to wish somebody a good time in the evening. (We can also say, “have a nice day, have a nice weekend etc.)
For example:
Woman: I can’t believe it’s Friday already.
Man: Yes and the weekend’s just starting, time to enjoy yourself. Have a nice evening!
Woman: Thank you, you too!

Woman: Now you will listen to these useful phrases at a party.
Woman: Hi, John, Welcome to the party, I didn’t think you’d make it.
Man: Sorry, I’m late, but I finished work late.
Woman: Don’t worry. May I introduce you to my husband? Andrew, this is John from work.
Man: How do you do?
Man: Nice to meet you. Let me get you a drink and introduce you to some people.
Man: This is Paula, my sister.
Woman: Hi nice to meet you.
Man: How do you do?
Woman: Have you been introduced to the rest of our family?
Man: No, not yet. I only know the people from work.
Woman: Well let me show you around.
Man: Have a nice evening!
Man: Thank you! You too!

Woman: Is there a post office near here?
Man: If you are new to a city, you can ask for directions by using the question “ Is there…?”
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: Excuse me is there a post office near here?
Man: Yes go along this road, and the post office is on your right.

Woman: What time does the post office close?
Man: Opening and closing times can vary, so to find out what time something opens or closes, use the question “ What time does..?”
For example:
Woman: Excuse me, what time does the post office close?
Man: At 5pm, and it’s 4.30pm now, so you’d better hurry.

Woman: I’d like to send this parcel to Italy.
Man: A politer version of “can” to make a question is “I would like to do something.” British English often uses the contracted form, “I’d like to..”
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: Hello, I’d like to send this parcel to Italy please.
Man: Ok, pass it to me and I’ll weigh it first.
Woman: Here you are.

Woman: What’s the postage for a post card to Italy?
Man: Postage means the amount you must pay to send a letter etc. So instead of saying, “How much does it cost?” at a post office, you can ask “What’s the postage to send a post card/letter/ or parcel etc. to Italy please?”
For example:
Woman: Excuse me what’s the postage to send this letter to Italy please?
Man: Would you like to send it by air mail?
Woman: Yes please.
Man: Then it’ll be £1.20 please.

Woman: Now listen to these phrases in the following dialogue
Woman: Excuse me, can you help me?
Man: Certainly.
Woman: Is there a post office near here?
Man: Yes, there is. Go straight on, and take the second road on your left.
Woman: Do you know what time it closes please?
Man: Yes, at 5.30pm
Woman: Thank you.
Man: You’re welcome.
Woman: Good evening, I’d like to post this parcel to Italy. Could you tell me what the postage is please?
Man: Would you like to post it airmail or surface mail?
Woman: Airmail please.
Man: That’ll be £6.70 please
Woman: Here you are. Thank you.
Man: Have a nice evening.

Woman: Can I help you?
Man: This is what a shop assistant will say to you, when you are walking around a shop. If you don’t want any help, you can say politely “I’m just looking.”
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: Can I help you?
Man: Not at the moment thank you, I’m just looking.

Woman: Can I try this pullover on please?
Man: “To try on” is a phrasal verb, it means to put a piece of clothing on, to see if it fits you properly.
For example:
Woman: Excuse me, could I try this jumper on please?
Man: Certainly. What size are you?
Woman: Well, I’m a 44 in Italy.
Man: So that’s a size 14 or medium in the UK. Here you are

Woman: Where are the changing rooms?
Man: This is where you go to try on the clothes you want, to ensure they fit you.
Man: Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: Excuse me, where are the changing rooms please?
Man: Over there.
Woman: Thank you.

Woman: A receipt.
Man: When you pay for any item in a shop, the assistant, will give you a piece of paper, with the item, amount and date on it. Don’t lose it as in the UK, if you return anything, you can get your money back, unless stated otherwise.
For example:
Woman: That will be £70 in total sir.
Man: Here you are.
Woman: Thank you, and here is your receipt.

Woman: Now listen to a man doing some clothes shopping for his son:
Woman: Hello, can I help you sir?
Man: Yes, please, I’m looking for a present for my son.
Woman: How old is he?
Man: 20. He is very difficult to buy for.
Woman: What about these pullovers, they are in fashion at the moment.
Man: Mmm, he’ll probably like one of those.
Woman: What size is he?
Man: Medium. But could I try it on, we are the same size.
Woman: Certainly, the changing rooms are over there.
Man: Perfect.
Woman: Do you want anything else?
Man: No thank you. I’ll just get this, How much is it?
Woman: £40, and here’s your receipt.

Woman: Where can I find an all-night chemist’s please?
Man: “Where can I find….?” is a useful phrase to ask where something is. An all-night chemist’s is one that is open for 24 hours.
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: Excuse me, where can I find an all-night chemist’s please?
Man: I’m sorry, I don’t know, but, if you look on the front page of the local newspaper, it will be printed there.
Woman: Thank you, but where can I find a local newspaper at this hour?
Man: Look over there, there is a newsagent’s still open.

Woman: How do I get to the nearest chemist’s please?
Man: “How do I get to …?” is another phrase to ask for directions to a place.
For example:
Woman: Hello can I have a copy of the local newspaper please?
Man: Certainly, here you are.
Woman: Thank you. Excuse me can you tell me how to get to the all-night chemist’s?
Man: OK, it’s on the High Street. So you need to turn left as you go out of this shop, follow the road to the junction, and then turn right and you’ll see the chemist’s on your left.
Woman: Thank you.

Woman: Can you give me something for a cold?
Man: “Can you give me something for…?” is a useful phrase to ask for something at a chemist’s, in London for example, where you might not know the name of a product or they have different medicines to your home country.
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: Excuse me, can you give me something for a cold please?
Man: Certainly, do you have any allergies?
Woman: None that I’m aware of.
Man: Try these sachets. Mix them with hot water, and take one every 4 hours, for the next 4 days. They should help your cold.

Woman: I’m allergic to nuts.
Man: To be allergic to something means having an allergy. An allergy to something is a medical condition that makes you ill when you eat, touch or breathe something, that does not normally make other people ill.
For example:
Woman: Would you like a slice of this coffee and walnut cake, that I’ve made?
Man: I’m sorry, I’m allergic to nuts.
Woman: Oh no, I forgot.

Woman: Now let’s listen to a woman trying to find a chemist’s that is open for her bad cold.
Woman: Excuse me, where can I find a chemist’s please?
Man: Not on this road, you need to go to the main High Street
Woman: How do I get there?
Man: Well you could walk, but, it would take you 15 minutes. It would be better to take the number seventy-three bus.
Woman: Where is the bus stop, please?
Man: Just over there.
Woman: Thank you.
Uomo2: Hello, how can I help you?
Woman: Can you give me something for a cold please?
Uomo2: Are you allergic to anything?
Woman: No. Well, I don’t think so.
Uomo2: Ok. What symptoms do you have?
Woman: A sore throat, a cough, and my nose won’t stop running.
Uomo2: Well, you need some sore throat lozenges, cough mixture, and try these paracetemols, they are similar to aspirin, and really help a cold.
Woman: Thank you very much.

Woman: Do you like “Robbie “Williams?” Yes, I do. / No, I don’t.
Man: Yes, I do, and No, I don’t, are examples of short answers. The structure is subject + auxiliary verb, as it’s considered rude to just say yes or no in English. (And giving a long answer, i.e. Yes, I like “Robbie Williams”, is not necessary for simple questions on likes and dislikes etc.
Now let’s listen to some more examples of short answers.
Woman: Do you like Britney Spears?
Man: No, I don’t. What about you?
Woman: I prefer Madonna, actually.
Woman: Are you going to the Iron Maiden concert?
Man: Yes, I am. Will you come with me to the gig?
Woman: Yes, I will.
Woman: “Do you often go to concerts?” “Do you often + verb?” is a question used to find out how many times or how frequently somebody does something.
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: Do you often go to pubs, to listen to live music?
Man: Oh yes, at least once a week, I like listening to new talent. What about you?
Woman: Not as often as I’d like to, but, I always try to go to concerts of my favourite groups, when they are on tour.
Woman: Have you heard the latest CD by Robbie Williams? “The latest” means the most recent. For example:
Woman: I like this music, who’s singing?
Man: You are terrible with names. It’s the latest CD, Robbie Williams.
Woman: Really? I didn’t know he’d made a new one, I must buy it, before they sell out.

Woman: Now you will listen to a conversation on 2 people discussing their musical preferences in a music shop.

Woman: Do you often buy CD’s?
Man: Oh yes, I love music. My son downloads off the computer, but I like the real thing.
Woman: What kind of music do you prefer?
Man: I like everything, Jazz, Classical, Rock and even some Pop Music.
Woman: Have you heard the latest song by Kylie Minogue?
Man: Yes, I have. I think it’s fantastic. She’s my favourite pop star.
Woman: Really? What about music from the 80’s, do you have any vinyl records?
Man: Yes, I have. From the 60’s and 70’s actually. My wife tried to throw them out, but, I wouldn’t let her – there are too many memories with each song.
Woman: Now, who on earth is singing this, it sounds very loud.
Man: I think it’s Aerosmith, do you like them?
Woman: Mmm, some of their songs, but, my husband loves them, so I often have to listen to them. Have they released any new CD’s or DVD’s, let’s check, I’ll get him a present.

Do you often listen to the radio?
I always listen to the radio when I drive to work/No, never.

Do you like jazz music?
I love it! /I don’t like it at all.

Have you ever been to a gig/concert?
Oh, yes! I’ve been to plenty of concerts in London.

Woman: It doesn’t suit me.
Man: Suit in this meaning, is a verb used for clothing, colours etc. To say something doesn’t suit you, means it doesn’t make you look attractive. The opposite is “it suits you,” which means it makes you look attractive.
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: No, dear, not the black shirt, it doesn’t suit you, it drains all the colour out of your face. Try the green one again.
Man: But, I don’t like green.
Woman: Well try the pale blue one on then, that colour always looks good on you.

Woman: It’s a bargain.
Man: A bargain is a noun, and it means that something is cheaper or at a lower price than usual.
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Man: Oh no, you’ve been shopping again, how much did you spend this time?
Woman: Oh shut up, the sales are on! I’ve got some real bargains.
Man: Max Mara, Versace, Armani.....how many bags have you got?
Woman: Trust me, they’re worth every penny, I feel like a princess, look at this lovely dress, it was a real bargain.
Man: You had better try it on, there doesn’t seem to be much material to it, and what are all those stringy bits for …?

Woman: It fits me.
Man: Fit in this meaning is a verb used for clothing, “it fits me,” means something is the right size or shape for somebody. The opposite is “it doesn’t fit me,” which means something is too small or big for you.
For example:
Woman: These jeans don’t fit me at all.
Man: Well, I think they look pretty good on you.
Woman: Mmm, does my bum look big in them?
Man: Of course not dear.

Woman: It’s funky!
Man: Funky is a modern word. “It’s funky!” means “It’s cool!” or “It’s trendy,” basically all these phrases mean you look good!
Now listen to this:
Woman: Hi, how are you?
Man: I’m fantastic, what about you? You look really funky in those leather trousers.
Woman: Thanks, I got them in New York. Do you want a drink? It’s my round.

Woman: Everywhere in the world, when people are feeling down, and need a little cheering up, there is one kind of therapy that always lifts the spirits – especially for women. It’s called shopping therapy! Now you will listen to a couple of friends having some fun shopping in the London sales.

Woman: I can’t believe how busy it is, there must be thousands of people here.
Man: Well the January sales are always a big thing in London, and with flights being so cheap on the internet, people fly in from all over Europe to shop.
Woman: Well I need some new funky suits for work, so shall we start with Oxford Street?
Man: Great idea, as if I get bored with you trying on clothes, I can browse around Virgin & HMV and get some new CDs while we’re here. Then when you’re ready, you can give me a ring.
Woman: You’re joking, I haven’t brought you shopping just to dump me. I need your opinion on what suits me.
Man: OK, but, don’t ask me if your bum looks big, as I know men have to be politically correct and say “No dear, don’t be silly” to that question.
Woman: Don’t be so cheeky! Heh, look at this shop everything is under £50, let’s go in, I bet I can get some real bargains in here.
Woman: OK, what about this suit, do you think it suits me?
Man: Well, it’s a lovely colour, but don’t you think the skirt’s a little short for work.
Woman: I guess so, let me try the yellow one on again, it’s very funky, and the skirt’s longer and it doesn’t make my bum look big.
Man : I’m saying nothing, only that we’ve been in here for over an hour now, so I think we’ll go for some liquid refreshments next.

Woman: How often do you watch football?
Man: “How often” is a question phrase used to find out the habits of a person. Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: How often do you watch football?
Man: I watch football on TV every Sunday afternoon and in the week if there is a game on.
Woman: Once, twice, three times a week.
Man: To say how frequently we do something, we can use once to say we do something one time, twice for two times, then after two we say three times, four times etc. For example:
Woman: How often do you go to the stadium?
Man: I used to go once or twice a week, but, now I have less free time, I go about three times a month.

Woman: Which team do you support?
Man: This is what you ask, when you want to know somebody’s favourite football team. Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: Which team do you support?
Man: I support Liverpool, what about you?
Woman: I’m a Blades fan.
Woman: Do you think England will win the world cup? I think so.
Man: We use “do you think…” when you want to know somebody’s opinion. An affirmative response is “I think so”, and a negative response is “I don’t think so”. For example:
Woman: Do you think England will win the world cup?
Man: I don’t think so. I think Italy will win.
Woman: Yes, I think so too.

Woman: Now you will listen to a short TV interview between a journalist and a football supporter.

Woman: Which team do you support?
Man: I support Manchester United.
Woman: How often do you watch them play?
Man: Well, I watch every match on the TV, but, I only go to watch them at the stadium when they play at home in Manchester.
Woman: How often do they play at home?
Man: About twice a month.
Woman: Do you think they’ll win the champions league?
Man: I don’t think so. Since David Beckham left for Madrid, they haven’t played as well.
Woman: What about the world cup? Do you think England will win?
Man: If only! I hope so, but I don’t think we are strong enough. Who do you think will win?
Woman: I don’t know. I like watching the world cup though, it’s so exciting.

What is your position in the team? I’m a goalkeeper/an attacker/mid-field.

Which team do you support? I’m a Liverpool fan. / I support Liverpool.

Are you a Manchester United supporter? Yes, I am/No, I’m not. I’m a Chelsea supporter.

Who is your favourite player? I think David Beckham is great!

How often do you go to see a match? I go to the stadium every Sunday.

Do you want to attend undergraduate programmes? In this case, the applications must be sent to the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service, UCAS. Surely this word is new for you! UCAS is a centralised organization that processes applications for full time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges. It gives lots of useful information about deadlines and application guidelines.

You can also enrol on courses as an exchange student; note that you have to apply for the Study Abroad Programme or the Exchange student programme.

Woman: Now learn some useful sentences:

Man: I would like to take a first degree in History

Man: I would like to take a Master’s degree or a PhD in Economics.

Man: Can you give me some information about financial support for students?

Man: Do I have to pay an application fee?

Man: Do I have to submit a research proposal?

Woman: I would like to attend your summer course in Business English

Woman: I would like a written document with information about how much your courses cost and accommodation

Woman: Please send me a brochure with details of your courses in English as a Foreign Language.

Woman: Is there a deadline?

Woman: What’s the weather like?
Man: The phrase “What’s it like?” means give me a description. (N.B. like is a preposition in this phrase, not the verb “like”. So you can say What’s Sicily like? And the answer could be, “It’s big, beautiful and full of historical sights. If somebody asks you “What’s the weather like? They want a description of the weather.
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: Hi, how’s Finland? What’s the weather like?
Man: Finland is beautiful, but it’s freezing cold here.

Woman: What was the weather like in London?
Man: This is the simple past form of the same expression.
For example:
Woman: What was the weather like in London last week?
Man: It was cold, cloudy and of course it rained.

Woman: What will the weather be like tomorrow?
Man: This the future simple form of the same expression.
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: I’m got a day off work tomorrow. Do you know what the weather will be like?
Man: Well the forecast says sunny and mild, but take an umbrella, just in case.
Woman: Good idea.

Woman: What a ....!
Man: What a + adjective, is an exclamation. E.g. What a lovely day!
For example:
Woman: What a beautiful city.
Man: Do you think so? I prefer capital cities myself.

Woman: If you ever meet a British person, it’s a good idea to ask about the weather, as it’s a very important topic on the British Isles.
Now you will listen to a conversation between two people discussing the weather.

Woman: Hi, how are you? I can’t believe we finally got a phone connection. What’s the weather like in Florida?
Man: It’s hot and sunny, but there’s air conditioning everywhere.
Woman: Are you enjoying yourself? What’s Orlando like?
Man: It’s fantastic. What a beautiful place!
Woman: Have you seen Mickey Mouse yet?
Man: Of course, I went to the Magic Kingdom, it’s fantastic.
Woman: Wow, I’m jealous.
Man: What’s the weather like back home?
Woman: Take a guess, it’s cold rainy and miserable.
Man: Nothing new then, I must go for now.
Woman: OK, take care of yourself, and I’ll see you next week when it’ll be sunny here also. Bye!