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.

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 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?

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

3. Do you have any __________?

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

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

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

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

8. I have one suitcase and a __________.

9. Have a nice _______.

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

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Common Questions When Asking for Directions

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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