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Getting a Room for the Night

Desk clerk: Good evening. Can I help you?
Guest: Yes, please. I'd like a room for the night.
Desk clerk: Would you like a single room, or a double room?
Guest: A single room, please. How much is the room?
Desk clerk: It's $55 per night.
Guest: Can I pay by credit card?
Desk clerk: Certainly. We take Visa, Master Card and American Express. Could you fill in this form, please?
Guest: Do you need my passport number?
Desk clerk: No, just an address and your signature.
Guest:  (fills out the form) Here you are.
Desk clerk: Here's your key. Your room number is 212.
Guest: Thank you.
Desk clerk: Thank you. If you need anything, dial 0 for the reception area. Have a good stay!

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Tips to Improve Your Vocabulary

Key Vocabulary

Can I help you?

I'd like a room

Single, double room

Can I pay by credit card?

Fill in this form

Passport number

Room number

Reception

Where is the...

Elevator

Lobby

Is breakfast included?

Do you offer room service?

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Key Vocabulary Words and Phrases Related to Directions

There are a few important grammar and vocabulary points to remember when asking for and giving directions.

Take a right/left

Got it

I understand

Do you understand?

Go straight

Opposite

Take the first / second / third / right

Go right / left / straight at the light / corner / stop sign

Continue straight on

Turn right / left at the light / corner / stop sign

Get on the bus / subway at 12th Ave. / Whitman Street / Yellow Lane

Follow the signs for the museum / exhibition center / exit

Common Questions When Asking for Directions

Is it far? / Is it close?

How far is it? / How close is it?

Could you please give me directions?

Where is the nearest bank / supermarket / gas station?

Where can I find a bookstore / restaurant / bus stop / restroom?

Is the museum / bank / department store near here?

Practice Dialogue: Taking the Subway

John: Linda, do you know how to get to Samson's and Co.? I've never been there before.
Linda: Are you driving or taking the subway?

John: The subway.
Linda: Take the blue line from 14th Ave. and change to the gray line at Andrew Square. Get off at 83rd street.

John: Just a moment, let me write this down.
Linda: Take the blue line from 14th Ave. and change to the gray line at Andrew Square. Get off at 83rd street. Got it?

John: Yes, thanks. Now, once I get to Andrew Square, how do I proceed?
Linda: Once you are on 83rd street, go straight, past the bank. Take the second left and continue going straight. It's across the street from Jack's Bar.

John: Can you repeat that?
Linda: Once you are on 83rd street, go straight, past the bank. Take the second left and continue going straight. It's across the street from Jack's Bar.

John: Thanks, Linda. How long does it take to get there?
Linda: It takes about a half-hour. When is your meeting?

John: It's at 10 a.m. I'll leave at 9:30.
Linda: That's a busy time. You should leave at 9.

John: OK. Thanks, Linda.
Linda: Not at all.

Practice Dialogue: Taking Directions Over the Telephone

Doug: Hello, this is Doug.
Susan: Hi Doug. This is Susan.

Doug: Hi Susan. How are you?
Susan: I'm fine. I have a question. Do you have a moment?

Doug: Certainly, how can I help you?
Susan: I'm driving to the conference center later today. Could you give me directions?

Doug: Sure. Are you leaving home?
Susan: Yes.

Doug: OK, take a left onto Bethany street and drive to the freeway entrance. Take the freeway toward Portland.
Susan: How far is it to the conference center from my home?

Doug: It's about 20 miles. Continue on the freeway to exit 23. Take the exit and turn right onto Broadway at the stoplight.
Susan: Let me repeat that. Take the freeway to exit 23 and turn right onto Broadway.

Doug: That's right. Continue on Broadway for about two miles and then turn left onto 16th Ave.
Susan: OK.

Doug: On 16th Ave., take the second right into the conference center.
Susan: Oh that's easy.

Doug: Yes, it's very easy to get to.
Susan: How long does it take to get there?

Doug: If there's no traffic, about 25 minutes. In heavy traffic, it takes about 45 minutes.
Susan: I'm leaving at 10 in the morning, so the traffic shouldn't be so bad.

Doug: Yes, that's right. Can I help you with anything else?
Susan: No that's it. Thanks for your help.

Doug: OK. Enjoy the conference.
Susan: Thanks, Doug. Bye.

Practice Dialogue: Directions to the Museum

(On the street corner)

Tourist: Excuse me, can you help me? I'm lost!
Person: Certainly, where would you like to go?

Tourist: I'd like to go to the museum, but I can't find it. Is it far?
Person: No, not really. It's about a five-minute walk.

Tourist: Maybe I should call a taxi.
Person: No, It's very easy. Really. (pointing) I can give you directions.

Tourist: Thank you. That's very kind of you.
Person: Not at all. Now, go along this street to the traffic lights. Do you see them?

Tourist: Yes, I can see them.
Person: Right, at the traffic lights, turn left into Queen Mary Ave.

Tourist: Queen Mary Ave.
Person: Right. Go straight. Take the second left and enter Museum Drive.

Tourist: OK. Queen Mary Ave., straight on and then the third left, Museum Drive.
Person: No, it's the second left.

Tourist: Ah, right. The second street on my left.
Person: Right. Just follow Museum Drive and the museum is at the end of the road.

Tourist: Great. Thanks again for your help.
Person: Not at all.

Practice Dialogue: Directions to a Supermarket

Tom: Could you go to the supermarket and buy some food? There's nothing to eat in the house!
Helen: Sure, but I don't know the way. We've just moved in.

Tom: I'll give you directions. Not to worry.
Helen: Thanks.

Tom: At the end of the street, take a right. Then drive two miles to White Ave. After that, it's another mile to...
Helen: Let me write this down. I won't remember it!

Tom: OK. First, take a right at the end of the street.
Helen: Got it.

Tom: Next, drive two miles to White Ave.
Helen: Two miles to White Ave. After that?

Tom: Take a left onto 14th Street.
Helen: Left onto 14th Street.

Tom: The supermarket is on the left, next to the bank.
Helen: How far is it after I turn on to 14th Street?

Tom: It's not far, maybe about 200 yards.
Helen: OK. Great. Is there anything special you want?

Tom: No, just the usual. Well, if you could get some beer that would be great!
Helen: OK, just this once!

1. Have you ever chosen a travel ________ at the last minute?

carhomegetaway

2. These types of ________ can be some of the most exciting due to the unexpected nature of the experience.

tripsexperiencedestinations

3. One way to find a great ________ is to check with a ________.

destination...online travel agentplace...storelast minute deal...travel agent

4. Once you've booked your vacation, pack your ________ and get ready for an adventure.

pocketbooklunchsuitcase

5. Generally, the local ________ can provide information on fun day excursions in the area.

informationtourist boardschool

6. If you are traveling in London, you would take the __________, but in New York this form of underground transportation is called the __________.

Tube...taxibus...UndergroundTube...subway

7. If you are traveling across a body of water, you might take a ________.

rowboatferryJetski

8. If you're driving you will probably need to ________ a car. Make sure to ask about insurance!

buylendrent

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Shopping for a Sweater

Shop assistant: May I help you?
Customer: Yes, I'm looking for a sweater.

Shop assistant: What size are you?
Customer: I'm an extra large.

Shop assistant: Would you like a plain sweater or something else?​
Customer: I'm looking for a plain blue sweater.

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Words that Are Similar in Spanish & English

Shop assistant: How about this one?
Customer: Yes, that's nice. Could I try it on?

Shop assistant: Certainly, the changing rooms are over there.
Customer: Thank you. (goes into a changing room to try on the sweater)

Shop assistant: How does it fit?
Customer: It's too large. Do you have a large?

Shop assistant: Yes, here you are. Would you like to try it on to see if it fits?
Customer: No that's Okay. Thank you. I'll take it. I'm also looking for some nice slacks.

Shop assistant: Great. We have some very nice wool slacks over here. Would you like to take a look?
Customer: Yes, thanks for your help.

Shop assistant: What are your measurements?
Customer: I'm a 38'' waist and a 32" inseam.

Shop assistant: What do you think about these?
Customer: They're nice, but I'd prefer cotton trousers if you have them.

Shop assistant: Certainly, our summer slacks collection is over here. How about these?
Customer: Yes, I like those. Do you have them in grey as well?

Shop assistant: Yes, here's a pair. You said you the measurements are 38" by 32", didn't you?
Customer: Yes, that's correct. I'll go try them on.

Shop assistant: Let me know if you need any help.​
Customer: Thank you. (comes back) These are great. So, that makes one sweater and a pair of grey slacks.

Shop assistant: ​OK, how would you like to pay?
Customer: Do you take credit cards?

Shop assistant: Yes, we do. Visa, Master Card, and American Express.
Customer: OK, here's my Visa.

Shop assistant: Thank you. Have a nice day!
Customer: Thank you, goodbye.

Key Vocabulary

Phrases

Could / May I help you?

Could I try it (them) on?

How does it fit?

How would you like to pay?

I'm looking for...

I'd prefer...

Words

Changing rooms

Size - extra small, small, medium, large, extra large - Used with standard measurements

Measurements - used with specific measurements for trousers, suits, etc.

Shop assistant/store clerk

Trousers/Slacks/Pants

Waist

Inseam

Credit cards

Quiz

Provide the missing word to fill in the gaps to complete this conversation with a store clerk.

Store clerk: Hello, _____ I help you find anything?​
Customer: Yes, I'm looking _____ a blouse and some matching trousers.

Store clerk: Great. What _____ would you like?
Customer: I'm _____ for a white blouse and black trousers. They're for an important job interview.

Store clerk: Okay. Please follow me to the business apparel section.
Customer: Thanks for your help.

Store clerk: It's my pleasure. Do you see anything you like?​
Customer: Yes, that blouse looks nice.

Store clerk: What _____ are you?​
Customer: I'm a small. Now, let's take a look at the pants.

Store clerk: These are nice. Would you like to _____ them on?
Customer: Do you have anything else?

Store clerk: Yes, we also have these trousers.
Customer: I like those, I'll try those _____ .

Store clerk: What are your _____ ?
Customer: I have a 26" waist and 32" inseam.

Store clerk: Here's a pair. Would you like to try them on?
Customer: Yes, where's the _____ ?

Store clerk: You can try them on over there.
Customer: Thank you. (tries the clothing on, walks out of the changing room to show the store clerk) What do you think?

Store clerk: You look fantastic! I'm sure you'll get that job!
Customer: Thanks! I'll take them.

Store clerk: Would you like to _____ by cash or by credit card?
Customer: _____ , please. Here's my visa card.

Store clerk: Thank you. That will be $145.

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Important Questions at Check-In

Can I have your ticket, please?

May I see your passport, please?

Would you like a window or an aisle seat?

Do you have any baggage?

What is your final destination?

Would you like to upgrade to business or first class?

Do you need any help getting to the gate?

Check-In Practice Dialogue

Service agent: Good morning. Can I have your ticket, please?
Passenger: Here you are.
Service agent: Would you like a window or an aisle seat?
Passenger: An aisle seat, please.
Service agent: Do you have any baggage?
Passenger: Yes, this suitcase and this carry-on bag.
Service agent: Here's your boarding pass. Have a nice flight.
Passenger: Thank you.

Going through Security

Please step through the scanner - Asked when you are passing through metal detectors at the airport.

Please step to the side - Asked if a security officer needs to question you further.

Please raise your arms to the side - Asked when you are inside a scanner.

Empty your pockets, please.

Please take off your shoes and belt.

Please take any electronic devices out of your bag.

Security Practice Dialogue

Security officer: Next!
Passenger: Here's my ticket.
Security officer: Please step through the scanner.
Passenger: (beep, beep, beep) What's wrong?
Security officer: Please step to the side.
Passenger: Certainly.
Security officer: Do you have any coins in your pocket?
Passenger: No, but I have some keys.
Security officer: Ah, that's the problem. Put your keys in this bin and walk through the scanner again.
Passenger: OK.
Security officer: Excellent. No problem. Remember to unload your pockets before you go through security next time.
Passenger: I'll do that. Thank you.
Security officer: Have a nice day.

Passport Control and Customs

Can I see your passport?

Are you a tourist or here on business? - Asked at customs to determine the purpose of your visit.

Do you have anything to declare? - Sometimes people need to declare things they have bought in other countries.

Have you brought any food into the country? - Some countries do not allow certain foods to be brought into the country.

Passport Control and Customs Dialogues

Passport official: Good morning. Can I see your passport?
Passenger: Here you are.
Passport official: Thank you very much. Are you a tourist or here on business?
Passenger: I'm a tourist.
Passport official: That's fine. Have a pleasant stay.
Passenger: Thank you.

Customs official: Good morning. Do you have anything to declare?
Passenger: I'm not sure. I have two bottles of whiskey. Do I need to declare that?
Customs official: No, you can have up to 2 quarts.
Passenger: Great.
Customs official: Have you brought any food into the country?
Passenger: Just some cheese I bought in France.
Customs official: I'm afraid I'll have to take that.
Passenger: Why? It's just some cheese.
Customs official: Unfortunately, you are not allowed to bring cheese into the country. I'm sorry.
Passenger: OK. Here you are.
Customs official: Thank you. Anything else?
Passenger: I bought a T-shirt for my daughter.
Customs official: That's fine. Have a nice day.
Passenger: You, too.

1. Could I please see your __________ before you get on the airplane?

bagcatboarding passboard ticket

2. Please put your keys in the __________ and walk through the __________.

bin... scannerhole... scannerholder... hallbin... security

3. Do you have any __________?

luggagebagscarry-onsAll of the answers are correct

4. May I see your ___________? Are you a __________ or are you traveling on business?

suitcase... touristticket... passengerpassport... airline workerpassport... tourist

5. Do you have anything to __________? Any presents or alcohol?

saytell medeclarehide

6. Please ________ to the side and empty your pockets.

stepstand onmove awayhop

7. Would your prefer an __________ seat or a ___________?

window... aisleaisle... windowaisle... window one

8. I have one suitcase and a __________.

carry-onbackpackpocketbookAll of the answers are correct

9. Have a nice _______.

daytripflightAll of the answers are correct

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Dining at a Restaurant Alone

Waitperson: Hi. How are you doing this afternoon?

Customer (you): Fine, thank you. Can I see a menu, please?

Waitperson: Certainly, here you are.

Customer: Thank you. What's today's special?

Waitperson: Grilled tuna and cheese on rye.

Customer: That sounds good. I'll have that.

Waitperson: Would you like something to drink?

Customer: Yes, I'd like a coke.

Waitperson: Thank you. (returning with the food) Here you are. Enjoy your meal!

Customer: Thank you.

Waitperson: Can I get you anything else?

Customer: No thanks. I'd like the check, please.

Waitperson: That'll be $14.95.

Customer: Here you are. Keep the change!

Waitperson: Thank you! Have a good day!

Customer: Goodbye.

At a Restaurant With Friends

Kevin: The spaghetti looks really good.

Alice: It is! I had it the last time I was here.

Peter: How is the pizza, Alice?

Alice: It's good, but I think the pasta is better. What would you recommend?

Waitperson: I'd recommend the lasagna. It's excellent!

Alice: That sounds great. I'll have that.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Could I have a menu, please?

Here you are.

Enjoy your meal!

Would you like ...

Can I get you anything else?

I'd like the check, please.

That'll be ...

Have a good day!

The spaghetti/steak/chicken looks good.

How is the pizza/fish/beer?

What would you recommend?

I'd like my steak rare/medium/well done.

Are there any nuts/peanuts? My child has allergies.

Do you have any vegetarian dishes?

Could I have a glass of water, please?

Could you tell me where the restroom is?

I'd recommend the lasagna/steak/pizza.

Would you care for an appetizer/a beer/a cocktail?

I'd like to have a beer/steak/glass of wine.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Here are some key phrases used to discuss food in a restaurant when ordering and deciding on what to eat:

Could I have a menu, please?

Here you are.

Enjoy your meal!

Would you like ...

Can I get you anything else?

I'd like the check, please.

That'll be ...

Have a good day!

The spaghetti/steak/chicken looks good.

How is the pizza/fish/beer?

What would you recommend?

I'd like my steak rare/medium/well done.

Are there any nuts/peanuts? My child has allergies.

Do you have any vegetarian dishes?

Could I have a glass of water, please?

Could you tell me where the restroom is?

I'd recommend the lasagna/steak/pizza.

Would you care for an appetizer/a beer/a cocktail?

I'd like to have a beer/steak/glass of wine.

1. Customer: "Good afternoon. Could I see a __________, please?"

menunapkinglass

2. Customer: "Everything looks good. What would you __________?"

getaskrecommend

3. Waitperson: "One of our __________ is the fresh trout."

good fishspecialtiesthings

4. Waitperson: "Would you __________ an appetizer?"

havelikeeat

5. Customer: "I'd ________ a glass of sparkling water, please."

like to orderwantneed

6. Waitperson: "Did you __________ your meal?"

wanteatenjoy

7. Customer: "Could you bring me the __________, please?"

billcheckBoth answers are correct.