SOCIA SOCIA SOCIA SOCIAL CONVERSATION L CONVERSATION L CONVERSATION L CONVERSATION

Module





















English Department
Academy of Foreign Language
Bina Sarana Informatika
JAKARTA








UNIT 1
ASKING SOMEONE FOR THEIR OPINIONS


Asking for Opinions

What do you think?
What's your opinion?
What are your ideas?
Do you have any thoughts on that?
How do you feel about that?


1.1. Yes/No Questions
Do you believe in horoscopes?
Do you believe in a God who rewards good and punishes wrong-doing?
Do you think we should be tougher on crime?
Do you think we should maintain our traditions or make way for change?
Do you think everybody should be trained to use computers?
Do you think that the young have anything to learn from the elderly and vice versa?
Would you consider sending your child to a grammar school?
Would you ever consider taking out private health insurance?

1.2. OR Questions
Are you for or against self-sufficiency?
Would you prefer your child to be educated privately or by the state?
Would you rather go to a mixed or single-sex school?
Which should be the official world language - English or Esperanto?

1.3. WH Questions
What do you think of fox hunting?
What do you think of package holidays?
What do you think is the problem between the English and the Americans?
What do you think are the causes of the increase in violence in our society?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of getting married?

1.4. Negative Yes/No Questions
How about boarding schools? Dont they teach children how to live together?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of getting married?
Dont you think its better to stay single?


Giving your opinion

I think that . . .
I don't think that . . .
In my opinion ...
I think we should get a new car.
I don't think we need one.
I believe (that) smoking should be outlawed.
I don't believe (that) it should be illegal.
In my opinion, Gone with the Breeze is the best movie ever made.
I feel that it's the right thing to do.
I don't feel that it's such a good idea.
.
Asking for support or details
Why do you think that?
Could you elaborate?
Could you give (me) an example?
Can you illustrate that?
What evidence do you have?
Could you explain it in more detail?
Could you provide some details?

Supporting your opinions
Let me illustrate,
For example,
For instance,
To give you an example,
Let me give you an example,
To elaborate,
First, (second), etc.


Continue statements on Practice 1, 2, 3, 4!

PRACTICE 1
Expressing a strong opinion
In my opinion, fashion is a complete waste of time, money and resources.
In my opinion, theres only one choice - English!
In my view, government money shouldnt be used to support the Arts.
I strongly believe in.........................................................................................
Dont you think its ........................................................................................?
Well, if you ask me, .........................................................................................
Well, I think ......................................................................................................

PRACTICE 2
Expressing a strong value
Its a nonsense to keep everybody at the same level regardless of their progress.
... their employers dont pay them a living wage. Its a scandal, because...............
..................................................................................................................................
Its perfect for short-outings - boat trips around......................................................
...........................and.................................................................................................
Theyre ideal for people who really want to relax and live life at a slower pace
because ......................................................................................................................

PRACTICE 3
Expressing certainty
According to government statistics, waiting lists are coming down.
Actually, ..................................................................................................................... .
In fact, we have some of the top chefs in the world, but only people with a lot of
money, experience British cooking at its best.
So in what ways are they superior? .. Well, obviously in.............................................
.......................................................................................................................................
People have always liked dressing up. Its because......................................................
People just wont continue to accept editorial lines... which dont match up with their
experience.
Without doubt, television has a lot ..............................................................................
Well, theres no doubt that a proper understanding of their problems is needed before
we can go much further. Surely, there are immediate things like food aid to countries
hit by drought or famine
Surely, most of these resorts would have .....................................................................
Surely, theres more to marriage than having children. We must ................................
......................................................................................................................................

PRACTICE 4
Expressing high probability
I expect that Japan could adapt. It has a highly skilled workforce and a good
technological base.
I believe youve been working on a .................................... for Australia.
I doubt that many other languages can match the size of the English dictionary.
I doubt that this would ever happen. The president prides himself on his ...................
Idve thought theyd be very useful for children without brothers and sisters.
There now seems to be a general acceptance that Britain is ........................................

PRACTICE 5
Expressing fair probability
I guess that many single people have different priorities on ........................................
I suppose its all part of your total environment. Scientists dont understand
everything, but they often observe links between certain phenomena.
I suppose that if they own these homes,........................................................................ .
I dont suppose their grandparents will know what the search commands are.
I think its probably possible to generalize about ...........................................................
Theres probably a good argument for raising income support.
Theyre probably warmer and more friendly, but ...........................................................

PRACTICE 6
With your partner, state your opinion about these topics.
1. Wearing sexy clothes to the campuz.
2. Wearing ragged jeans to the campuz.
3. Having an older girlfriend (for man).
4. Having a younger boyfriend (for woman).
5. Sleeping all day in your holiday.
6. Praying in last minutes.


PRACTICE 7
In pairs, make a dialogue about your own opinion on something.


UNIT 2
LIFE IN THE FUTURE

What will life be like in 100 years time? By then, the population of the world will have
doubled. We will have run out of many essestial materials like oil and coal. We may even
have run out of water to drink. Some experts believe that we will be living like these
chickens. We will be living in little boxes and eating artificial food.

Questions
Imagine you are interviewing an expert about the future. Find out:
1. How much larger the population of the world will be
2. If we will have run out of some materials
3. If there are other things we may have run out of
4. How we may be living
5. What we may be eating

Some experts are pessimistic. Others are far more optimistic. They say life will be far better
than it is today. We may be living in cities like this. We may be getting far more sunlight,
breathing fresher air, living in better buildings and leading far better lives than we are today.

Questions
A. Now imagine you are interviewing a more optimistic expert.
Notice the questions and answers.
Ask a questions with the words better than it is today.

YOU : Do you think life will be better than it is today?
THE EXPERT: Yes, I think it will or Yes, I think it may.
B. Now ask questions ending with the words:
1. In cities like this?
2. Getting more sunlight?
3. Breathing fresher air?
4. In better buildings?
5. Leading better lives?
Life will certainly have become far more mechanised. It may even have become too
mechanised. Mechanisation hs already caused quite a few problems and will cause still more.
For example, many jobs will have been automated. That is, machines will be doing manya
jobs that people do today. People will no longer be able to learn not only one job in their
lifetimes. They will have to learn several. Many of the jobs that young people are doing today
will have become unneccessary by the time they are forty. This problem will have grown in
100 yaerss time.

Questions
Ask the expert questions beginning, Do you think ...? using these words
1. Life more mechanised in the future?
2. Too mechanised?
3. Mechanisation already caused problems?
4. Cause still more?
5. Will machines jobs that people do today?
6. Only one job in their lifetimes?
7. Some jobs become unneccessary?
8. This problem grown in 100 years time?

Discussion
1. In a hundred years time, all sort things will or may have happened. What are some of
them? For example, think of such things as:
A cure for cancer
Space travel; the other planet
Atomic power

2. What are some of the things you think robots may be doing for us in 100 years time?









UNIT 3
ACCEPTING AND DECLINING INVITATION

MODEL DIALOGUE
Toshio : (the phone is ringing.....) Hello?
Chikiko : Hello. Can I speak to Toshio, Please?
Toshio : Yes, this is Toshio speaking.
Chikiko : Hi,Toshio! This is Chikiko.
Toshio : Hi, Chikiko! How are you doing? Long time not meeting you.
Chikiko : Fine, thanks. Say, are you free on Friday night.
Toshio : What are you doing then? Would you like to go out?
Chikiko : Oh. Im sorry Toshio. Im not free on Friday night. Ive to work late.
Toshio : How about Saturday night? Are you free?
Chikiko : Yes, Im free on Saturday night.
Toshio : Would you like to go out for dinner?
Chikiko : Sounds great! Id love to. Where?
Toshio : Lets go to Cafe Mundingwangi. What do you think?
Chikiko : I love Cafe Mundingwangi! What time shall we go?
Toshio : Shall I pick you up at your house at 7:00?
Chikiko : Great! Thanks!

Real Invitation or just being friendly

We are having a dinner party on Saturday night. Would you like to come over?
Well, nice talking to you. Lets get together again soon. Bye!
Please come over for a drink sometime
Hey, we are having a little party on Sunday. Can you come?
Why dont you come over and see us sometime soon?
Well, its been great talking to you. We must do this more often.

JUST BEING FRIENDLY

Risqika: Hi, how have you been?
Aira : Good, thank. How about you?
Risqika: Im just fine. What are you doing now?
Aira : Just window shopping. If there are any beautiful accecories then well buy.
Risqika: By the way, are you still living at the apartment?
Aira : No, my parenst just moved into a house in a small village in Bogor.
Risqika: Sounds great! It must be a fresh air there and beautiful scenery.
Aira : Yes, and it has a lovely view and the neighborhood is very quiet.
Risqika: Terrific!
Aira : Well, please come over sometime. Ill show you around.
Risqika: Lets get together soon. Bye!
Aira : Goodbye!

Expressions used for:

Just being friendly
Lets get together sometime.
Please come to my house sometime soon.
Why dont you come to my house and have a conversation sometime soon?

Real Invitation
We are having a little party on Saturday night. Would you like to come?
Would you like to come for dinner Saturday night?
Are you doing anything tomorrow afternoon? Would you like to go downtown?
Im having some friends over on Saturday night. Would you like to join us for dinner?

In real invitation, time, date, place or kind of occasion is always stated.

PRACTICE 1
Decide whether the statement is a real invitation or unreal invitation.
1. Lets get together at my house soon. (___)
2. Why dont see my children sometime. (___)
3. Please come again sometime. (___)
4. Can you come to the show with me tomorrow at 8.00. (___)
5. Would you like to attend my wedding party next Sunday? (___)
6. Id be glad to see you again. Come to my cottage sometime. (___)
7. Lets have dinner together sometime. (___)
8. It was nice seeing you again. We must do this more often. (___)

PRACTICE 2
Complete the following conversation
Sergio : Hello, can I _________, please?
Marimar : Yes, this is __________.
Sergio : Hi, _________. How ________?
Marimar : Just fine, thanks.
Sergio : Say, are _____________ on Saturday night?
Marimar : No! Im __________.
Sergio : Great! Would you ___________?
Marimar : Id love to. What ____________?
Sergio : Ill pick you up at your house at 7:15. Is it OK?
Marimar : Thats fine.
Sergio : Well, see you on Saturday night at 7:15. Bye!
Marimar : Goodbye!

PRACTICE 3
Look at the following topics and makes some invitations.
1. A Cosmetic Launcing on Friday night at Suka Sama Suka Hotel.
Ive got an invitation to a Cosmetic on Friday. Would you like to come?

2. There is J-Rocks Concert on Saturday.
_________________________________________________________.

3. Garden party at your house.
_________________________________________________________.

4. You and your cousins are having barbeque party on the weekend.
_________________________________________________________.

5. Your boyfriend has three tickets for a movie at XX2 Theater tonight.
_________________________________________________________.

6. There is an air show at Kemayoran on Sunday.
_________________________________________________________.


PRACTICE 4
Based on the situation below, maka a short conversation.

You ask your girlfriend/boyfriend to go out this Saturday, but s/he cant go with because of
something. Tell the reason. Then, you ask her/him again for the next day at 8.30 a.m but s/he
cant go before 10am because of some reasons. Tell the reasons. You finally agree to go with
your beloved one after 10 a.m.

PRACTICE 5
Make dialogue for a real invitation and unreal invitation.

























UNIT 4
ASKING AND GIVING ADVICE

Asking for Advice
What do you think I should do?
What do you suggest?
What would you do (in this situation)?

Giving Advice
I think you should get a lawyer.
Maybe you should try someplace else.
Why don't you call the company?
If I were you, I would tell her.


Sample conversations:
A: Should I buy the Porsche or the Ferrari?
B: I think you should buy the Ferrari.
A: Why is that?
B: Because I'd like to borrow it.

A: Why don't you give Daphne a call?
B: Good idea. I haven't seen her for awhile.
A: Maybe you should ask her out.
B: Hmmm. I'll think about it.




MATCH STATEMENTS ON THE RIGHT WITH THEM ON THE LEFT

1. I don't think you should sell your
car.
2. Let's go bowling tonight.
3. Why don't we go skiing on
Saturday?
4. Why don't you come with me to
China?
5. I think you should buy the blue
one.
That's a good idea.
Thanks for the advice, but I really need the
money.
Sorry, I can't. I'm meeting a friend for
dinner.
Sounds like a good idea. Where do you
want to go?
Thanks, but I've already been there.

PRACTICE 1
Conversation Practice
With a partner, practice making suggestions in the following situations:
1. Help your partner decide which item to buy.
2. Warn your partner against doing something.
3. Suggest that your partner change his/her plans.
4. Help your partner make up his/her mind.
5. Suggest doing an activity together.

PRACTICE 2 PAIR WORK
MAKE TWO PROBLEMS. GIVE YOUR PROBLEMS TO YOUR PARTNER AND ASK
FOR HIS/HER ADVICE. EXCHANGE TURN.
PRACTICE 3 GROUP WORK (five members)
WRITE SEVEN PROBLEMS, GIVE YOUR PROBLEMS TO OTHER GROUPS AND
ASK THEM TO GIVE ADVICE TO YOUR PROBLEMS. MAKE THE DIALOGUE.
PRACTICE 4
PERFORM THE DIALOGUE FROM PRACTICE THREE IN FRONT OF THE CLASS,
WITH FRIEND FROM OTHER GROUP.
UNIT 5
EXPRESSING SYMPATHY

Some Sympathy Sayings
He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay,
more present than the living man.
Hold tight to memories for comfort.
Lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared
about.
As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of
love rising to the heavens.
Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peace, prayers and blessings.
And you should always know, wherever you may go, No matter where you are, I will
never be far away
Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost
ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.
In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing.
May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you.
Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow.
You are in our prayers.
May your memories give you strength.
Whom the heart of man shuts out, Sometimes the heart of God takes in, And fences
them all round about, With silence mid the worlds loud din.
Remember that we love and care about you.
May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
Condolence Messages
May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and
in the days ahead.
May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel.
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are
very close in every thought and prayer.
You have my deepest sympathies on the death of your uncle.
Oh heart, if one should say to you that the soul perishes like the body, answer that the
flower withers, but the seed remains.
Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Some More Messages of sympathy
When we lose someone we love, it seems that time stands still.
What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one
more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon,
or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to
remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us
memories too beautiful to forget.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your grandmother.
To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you
and whispered "come to me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass
away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart
stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He
only takes the best.
You have my sincere condolences on the loss of your father.
We are deeply saddened by your loss. We will cherish the memories of the times we
spent together. We are with you during this time of grief.
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory
help comfort you tomorrow.
Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is
nothing save the limit of our sight.

DIALOGUE
Romeo : Hi, Kyara. This is Romeo. Do you still remember me?
Kyara : Oh, Romeo. How are you?
Romeo: : Fine, thank you. And how have you been?
Kyara : I feel great. Why are you here?
Romeo : Well, I want to visit my nephew. Listen, Kyara. I would like to apologize for not
being able to present at your wedding party.
Kyara : Thats all right. But you missed meeting our old friends.
Romeo : I know. Well, actually I was on our way to your party when suddenly a car hit me.
Kyara : Oh, dear. Thats awful. Are you OK?
Romeo : I was fine. But I had to my car.
Kyara : I am so glad you are safe from the accident. Why dont you come to my house then?
Answer the questions below.
1. Who are involved in the dialogue above?
2. Where does the conversation take place?
3. Who got married?
4. Who had an accident?
5. Why did the accident happen?
6. What does Kyara say to express her sympathy?

PRACTICE 1
What do you say to a friend who tells you that:
1. he/she lost his/her money.
2. he/she cut herself when she was cooking.
3. he/she has just lost his/her new motorcycle.
4. he/she fell down from the tree.
5. his/her brother has been hospitalized.
6. he/she couldnt pass the exam.
7. someone you knew and liked very much was sick.
8. someone has stolen his/her money.
9. he/she was hit by a car.
10. he/she failed the driving test.
PRACTICE 2
Make dialogues based on the following situation:
1. You heard that your brothers favorite futsal team lost the match.
2. You saw a man got an accident. He was badly injured. Now, he is in the hospital. You
want to tell his parent.
3. You want to tell your friend that he has failed his final test.

PRACTICE 3
Work in a group of three members. Make a situation and dialogue about sympathy.
Memorize it. You are able to use some of sympathy expressions above.
























UNIT 6
SENSITIVE TOPICS

Bringing up a sensitive topic
Can I talk to you for a minute?
Can I ask you something?
Do you mind if I ask you something?
I need to talk to you for a minute.
I have to tell you something.
There's something I need to tell you.
There's something I think you should know.
We need to talk.

Prefacing a negative subject
I don't mean to be rude, but . . .
I hate to tell you this, but . .

I don't know how to tell you this, but . . .
You might not like what I have to say, but . . .
I wish I didn't have to tell you this, but . . .
This may be unpleasant, but . . .
This may seem blunt, but . . .



PRACTICE 1
SITUATION
1. Your friend has bad breath (but doesn't know it);
2. You are married but would rather be single;
3. Johnny is caught playing with matches;
4. You are a perfectionist and your roommate is a slob. Yikes! What do you do?
5. Oh no! You're a vegetarian and your boyfriend's family is grilling steaks for dinner .
What do you do?
6. Your close friend, a young man, seems to have an unusual relationship with another
man. They are so close. Both of them look so romantic when they are together. What
do you do?
7. You recognize your best friends daughter has a secret romance with her headmaster
at school.
PRACTICE 2
DIVIDE THE CLASS INTO FIVE GROUPS.
MAKE ONE SENSITIVE TOPICS.
GIVE YOUR TOPIC TO OTHER GROUP.
LET OTHER GROUP MAKE THE DIALOGUE BASED ON THE TOPIC GIVEN BY
YOUR GROUP.

PRACTICE 3
When each group finishes discussing the topic given by other groups, each group then may
choose one group to perform the dialogue given by that group.


PREPARATION FOR UNIT 8:
Make a group of maximum five students.
The students are to make the menu and price list like in the restaurant completed with
pictures of the food and drink.
Bring also some of the food and beverage listed in your menu.
Every student bring at least a kind of food and beverage listed your groups menu.


UNIT 7
RESTAURANT RESERVATION


Warming-up questions

When did the last time you eat out?
Where did you go?
With whom did you go?
Did you have anything to drink
For dessert, what did you eat?
How much did the meal cost you?
Do you want to go there again?


SOME FACTS ABOUT MEALS

According to some surveys, the number of people who drink Coke for breakfast in the
United States is more than one million people.
It is said that the most popular orders in restaurant in the US are hamburgers, fried
chicken, roast beef, spaghetti, turkey, baked ham, fried shrimp, and beef stew.
The most popular ice cream flavors are vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and lemon. Did
you know that the favorite meat in North America is steak?
The favorite orders in some restaurants in Indonesia are nasi rawon, nasi gudeg, pecel
lele, roast chicken, and fried chicken.


REARRANGE THE SENTENCES FROM 1 TO 6 IN ORDER WHAT DID YOU DO WHEN
YOU ATE DINNER AT THE RESTAURANT.

____ The waiter brought the meals.
____ While I was waiting for themeals, I ate an appetizer.
____ He was sorry and told me that it was his first day.
____ I found out that he brought me the wrong meal.
____ The waiter took my order.
____ I looked at the menu, then I wrote the meal to eat.

Restaurant reservation

Host: Prikitiew Restaurant. May I help you?
Wiro: Yes. Could I make a reservation for Saturday night, the 13th, for two, please?
Host: Oh, sure! For what time?
Wiro: Eight oclock.
Host: Saturday night at eight oclock. All right. Could I have your name, please?
Wiro: My name is Wiro SBL.
Host: Whats your phone number?
Wiro: It is 212-2121
Host: Ok. Mr. Wiro, thats a table for two on Saturday night at eight.
Wiro: Thanks a bunch! Goodbye.
Host: Goodbye.


ORDERING A MEAL I

Waiter : May I take your order, please?
Rivermaya:Yes, Id like a hamburger and a large order of french fries, please.
Waiter : All right. And would you like a salad?
Rivermaya:Yes, Ill have a small salad.
Waiter : OK. What kind of dressing would you like? We have Thoudsand Island, Italian
and French.
Rivermaya:Italian
Waiter : Would you like anything to drink?
Rivermaya: Id like a large coke, please.
Waiter : Thank you.


PRACTICE 1
In a group of three members, memorize this dialogue.

ORDERING A MEAL II

Waiter : Can I take your order now?
Jennisha : Id like a fried chicken with rice, please.
Waiter : Would you like anyhting to drink?
Jennisha : Yes, Ill have a glass of Soda Riang Gembira, please.
Waiter : Anything else? For your appetizer?
Jennisha : No, thanks.
Waiter : All right. How about you, Miss? What would you like to order?
Khrisninda : Well could you bring me Sirloin Steak, please?
Waiter : OK. Anything else?
Niendhita : Owh, Id like a glass of ice cream, please.
Waiter : What flavor would you like?
Niendhita : Id like strawberry, please.
Waiter : All right, a fried chicken with rice, a glass of Soda Riang Gembira, sirloin steak,
and a glass of ice cream. Thanks, and Ill get your order right away.


PRACTICE 2
Complete the following sentences

Waiter: May I ___________ order now?
You : Yes, please. Id like __________ a fried chicken and _____________ salad.
Waiter: ____________ you ____________ some rice or potatoes?
You : Well, _________ have a small plate of rice.
Waiter: Anything else?
You : ____________ have a small steak, please.
Waiter: All right. By the way, _____________ of dressing would you like?
You : Id like a Thousand ______________ dressing for my salad.
Waiter: Would you like anything ____________?
You : Yes, _______________ a cup of coffee with sugar and cream.

PRACTICE 3
SAY THE RESPONSE OF EACH SENTENCES?

1. Anything else? _____________________.

2. Thanks for the meal. ___________________.

3. What would you like to have, Sir? __________________.

4. Thanks for the meal. __________________.

5. May I take the order now? _______________.


PRACTICE 4
With your group, make a reservation for five persons to a restaurant. Visit other groups
restaurant. Order and enjoy the meal. Then, exchange the roles.
















UNIT 8
HYPOTHETICAL

Work in a group of four. Divide your own group into two groups. A and B. The groups
sit down face to face. Discuss the topics below. Each group must have the same opinion
and should support each other. Anwer the questions and explain the statements. Take
turns.

Hypothetical
A. What would you do if you were late for an important appointment?
What would you do if someone accused you of a crime you didn't commit?
What would you do if you got lost in an unfamiliar city?
What would you do if you left something in a locked building?
What would you do if your best friend stole something from you?

B. What would you do if you didn't have enough money to pay your bills?
What would you do if your children were caught shoplifting?
What would you do if your car got a flat tire on the freeway?
If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be?
If you could change one major historical event, what would it be?
Situation
A. Someone asks you a question you do not want to answer. What do you say?
You need to borrow some money from a friend. What do you say?
You broke your sister's favorite vase. What do you say?
You forgot your mother's birthday. What do you say when you see her?
You want to buy an item located behind the cashier. What do you say?

B. You arrive late to a meeting because you couldn't get a taxi. What do you say?
Your friend "wiped out" while skiing and looks hurt. What do you say?
The man in the seat next to you is smoking. What do you say?
Your child is playing with matches. What do you say?
You need more time to finish an exam. What do you say to the teacher?
Description
A. Describe a famous park or recreation area in your home country.
Describe an interesting neighbor you have had.
Describe something you could never give away.
Describe a place you will never forget.
Describe a sporting event you attended recently.

B. Describe a memorable birthday celebration.
Describe a place you go for recreation or exercise.
Describe your childhood home.
Describe someone you respect deeply.
Describe the nightlife in a city you are familiar with.
Opinion
A. What is your opinion about cellular phones?
What is your opinion about women in the military?
What is your opinion about a current politician?
What is your opinion about violence on television?
What is your opinion about fortune telling?

B. What is your opinion about the tabloids?
What is your opinion about legalizing marijuana?
What is your opinion about the welfare system?
What is your opinion about cloning?
What is your opinion about recycling?
Instructions
A. Tell how to find something on the Internet.
Tell how to feed family members who drop by unexpectedly.
Tell how to dump a boyfriend/girlfriend.
Tell how to get from your house to the supermarket.
Tell what to do in an earthquake.

B.
Tell how to get someone to fall in love with you.
Tell how to make a paper airplane.
Tell how to get a good table at a restaurant.
Tell how to get a discount on an expensive item.
Tell how to discipline an unruly child.







UNIT 9
LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS

You can discuss different ideas about what is important in a relationships.
Is it important for men to know how to do certain things around the house?
Is it important for women to know how to do certain things around the house?
A newlywed couple finds out that marriage isnt exactly what they expected.

Sam and Dhe are newlyweds. Theyre talking to their friends about their marriage.
How is their marriage going?
Keanu: Hey, Sam, congratulations! I havent seen you since you get married. How are the
things going?
Sam : Ah, its not like I thought itd e.
Keith : !eally? I thought you were in love with "he. She seems like a wonder#ul $erson.
Sam : %es, she is, ut ...
Keith : &ut what?
Sam : She cant cook. 'lease dont laugh at me. Im serious. She can not cook.
Keith : So what? (ots o# $eo$le cant cook.
Sam : )o, you dont understand I mean, she really cant cook. I mean, she tries, ut she
cant even cook rice or make toast without urning it, and she tries to make these
s$ecial dishes, ut theyre *ust inedile. +heyre nothing at all like my mother
used to make #or me.
Keith : ,ell, maye its *ust that you have to get used to her style. And maye you
should learn to cook. -ver thought o# that?
Sam : .e? /ook? /ome on. +hats a womans *o.

The dialogue above tells about Sam and Dhes marriage from Sams point of view. While, the
next dialogue telling about their marriage from Dhes point of view.
Hedy: Hey, hi, "he. I havent seen you since you get married. /ongratulations.
"he : +hanks.
Hedy: How are things doing?
"he : Ah, well, ... not as well as I thought.
Hedy: ,hat do you mean? I thought you were in love with Sam.
"he : ,ell, I am.
Hedy: ,ell, he seems like a great guy.
"he : 0h, oh, he is. He is, ut...
Hedy : &ut what?
"he : ,ell, I dont know. ,ell, hes such a... well, hes a klut1.
Hedy : A klut1? ,hat do you mean?
"he : ,ell, you know we ought an old house, and, it needs a lot o# work, and well I *ust
assumed that Sam knew how to #i2 things.
Hedy: %ou did?
"he : ,ell, I dont know. ,ell, maye, "he, that not all guys are good at that kind o#
stu##. And, you know, have you ever thought aout learning haow to #i2 things
yoursel#?
Hedy: .e?
"he : %eah.

Hedy: 3i2 things? /ome on. +hats a mans *o.


1. What is Sam worried about?
2. What is Dhe worried about?
3. What do their friends think?
There are three opinions about Sam and Dhes marriage.
KOJI : Dhe should learn to cook and Sam should learn to fix things.
CARMEN: They should get divorced.
PABLO : Sam and Dhe should just accept each other the way they are.

MATCH THE SUPPORTING STATEMENTS WITH THE OPINIONS. WRITE THE
INITIAL NAME IN THE BRACKETS. EACH OPINION HAS TWO SUPPORTING
STATEMENTS.
SUPPORTING STATEMENTS.
1. (___) Sam simply meeds to learn how to fix things. He didnt learn from his
father.
2. (___) Its important for people to understand each others strengths and
weaknesses.
3. (___) They dont really love one another. If they did, they would not complain
about each other.
4. (___) These aer minor problems in a relationships. Sam and Cheryl sholdnt worry
about them.
5. (___) Dhe simply need to learn how to cook. She didnt learn from her mother.
6. (___) They will never appreciate each other, because they keep comparing their
spouse to their parents.
WORK IN A GROUP OF FIVE MEMBERS. ASK YOUR PARTNERS:
Do you agree with Koji? Why?
Do you agree with Carmen? Why?
Do you agree with Pablo? Why?

DISCUSS WITH YOUR OWN GROUP (five members)
Make a list of things that: men generally do but women dont often do: women generally do
but men dont often do: both men and women do: Think about:
Work
Clothes / appearance
Home activities
Sports
Language
Each member should give a short presentation to his/her own group.Do the question and
anwer session. Every member chooses one topic. Each member in the group gives score to
their friends presentation and how he/she handle the questions.
UNIT 10
EVERYDAY LIFE

DIVIDE YOUR CLASS INTO TEN GROUPS. DISCUSS THE TOPICS.
PRESENT IN FRONT OF THE CLASSROOM.
Once you realize that, you'll see that for interesting topics of conversation come from
everyday life and things that we all have in common. Then you'll realize it's not so difficult to
think of them.

Don't think you have to be controversial and go for risky topics like politics and religion; you
don't. In fact, to do so would be a mistake. Whatever topic you choose should make people
relaxed and happy to talk; controversial subjects don't do that.

Think instead about what all people share: families, hopes, dreams, expereinces etc.

1. Who is the most interesting person you ever met?
You can see how this would easily lead people to voice opinions and ask 'why?'.


2. Where in the world would you most like to vist?
This dream location may be shared by others and so it makes people feel solidarity, but also,
people will be itching to ask 'why?' and keep the conversation flowing.


3. What has been the most life-changing experience you've
ever had?
Here, people can share funny and touching stories if they want to, which will help you get a
deeper understanding of them. Likewise, if people don't feel relaxed enough to give a heart-
felt reply they can answer in a funny way and it all adds to the conversation.

4. What is the most spontaneous thing you've you ever done?
That opens the door to all sorts of funny and romantic stories.


5. Who's had the biggest influence on your life?
Because this person has influenced the person you're asking, they must view them positively
and have strong ideas about them. That means they're likely to enjoy talking about them.


6. What thing that you haven't yet done would you most like
to do?
This kind of inspirational question always gets people talking and everyone's usually happy
to chip in with comments about people's hopes and wishes. Just be careful when commenting
that you don't rain on their parade. It's their right to have whatever hopes they want.


7. What is the best quality you've inherited from either of your parents?
This is particularly interesting at a family gathering when people know the parents you're
talking about. It's also a bit of a bonding experience, speaking favourably about your parents.


8. From which person have you learned most in your life?
This is another uplifting, positive yopic of conversation that usually gets people talking.


9. What historical figure do you most identify with?
This lets you know something about the other people around you; it also opens up discussion
of the events these historical figures were involved in. Yes, potentially it
takes you into dangerous waters of politics and religion, but people usually take this question
in the spirit of fun in which it's meant, so potentially awkward moments are easily averted.


10. What kind of music do you like?
You could then go on to talk of CDs you've bought or gigs you've been too. You might even
ask - 'what's the most embarrassing album in your collection?' That's usually met with all-
Round hilarity!


UNIT 11
SEQUENCING IN STORY TELLING

When you are telling a story, it is better for you to tell them in sequence so people who are
listening to your story will not get confused. Below are sequence that are common used.

First,
Second,
Third,

Last,
First of all,
Then,

Next,
Finally,
To begin with,

Then,
Later,
In the end,

Read the sentences below describing how the persons life has changed.
In 1994, I lived in New York.
Since then, I have moved to Livorno where I have been living for the past five years.
In 1994, I had been married to Barbara for four years. Since then, we have had our
daughter Katherine. Katherine is three years old.
Barbara and I have been married for ten years.
I used to play squash twice a week when I lived in New York.
Now I play tennis twice a week. I have been playing tennis for over a year.
My best friends were Marek and Franco in New York. Now my best friend is
Corrado.
I loved going to the opera in New York. Now, I love going to museums around
Tuscany.
I worked at the New York Association for New Americans for two years in New
York.
Now I work at the British School. I have been working there for over four years.

PRACTICE 1
Tell your partner about I and Barbara. Use the sequence.
PRACTICE 2
1) Tell about a recent interview.
2) Tell about a time when you lost something.
3) Tell about one of your fondest childhood memories.
4) Tell about a time when you lied to your parents, boss, or teacher.
5) Tell about a time when you were treated unfairly.
6) Briefly tell about a movie you saw recently.
7) Tell about something you wish had never happened.
8) Tell about a time when you inadvertently caused trouble for someone else.
9) Tell about the story you heard when you were childhood.
10) Tell about your favorite fairy tales.

PRACTICE 3

Life Then - Life Now

Draw two circles describing 'life then' and 'life now'.
Draw two circles of your own. One describing life a few years ago and one describing life
now. Once you have finished, find a partner and describe how your life has changed over the
past few years.











UNIT 14
FUN FOR COUPLES
It's up to you whether you talk about one or two of these with coffee cups in hand at the
kitchen table, or pick one for when you're relaxing in the whirlpool on your special weekend
away. Perhaps when the kids have fallen asleep in the car, or while you are waiting at the
dentist's office.
Whenever you do, honest answers to these questions will provoke some lively and
interesting conversations between the two of you. And you will end up knowing each other
better.
1. What is the yuckiest thing you've ever had to do?
2. What was the major turning point in your childhood?
3. Who is the best teacher you've ever had?
4. If you could bring one historical person back to life in order to make things better in the
world, who would it be?
5. Who are the friends that you wish you still had?
6. Which one of the world's cultures do you find the most interesting and fascinating?
7. How has the world changed the most since you were a kid?
8. What do you wish hadn't changed in the world?
9. What are the top four places you would like to visit in your own country? In the world?
10. What are the top four places--in your country or in the world--you would like to live?
11. Who do you need to forgive?
12. What historical event would you like to have been a part of?
13. Who do you find yourself quoting the most?
14. What kind of old person do you want to be?
15. What really is in outer space?
And finally, if there were one / more questions you would dearly like to ask your spouse, what
would it be?