How to ask someone to repeat something

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-ask-someone-repeat-something

Introduction
This support pack accompanies the video How to ask someone to repeat something. To watch the video online, go to: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/howask-someone-repeat-something This support pack contains the following materials: a pre-watching vocabulary activity; the transcript; a language task

Before you watch / read

The following words all describe reasons for having to ask someone to repeat something. Can you match the words to the descriptions?

1. Mumble

2. whisper

3. stutter

4. lisp

5. accent

6. grumble

Definitions:
a. a speech problem where the sufferer sayss and z like th b. to complain about something when upset c. to speak with difficulty, pausing and repeating the beginning of words d. the ways that people from different places pronounce things differently e. to speak quietly and not clearly f. to speak very quietly, only using your breath

The British Council, 2010 The United Kingdoms international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.

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How to ask someone to repeat something

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-ask-someone-repeat-something

Transcript: How to ask someone to repeat something

Man: (Mumbling Have you seen a green pen anywhere?) Woman: Im sorry, I didnt quite catch that. Man: (Mumbling) Woman: Could you say that again? Man: (Mumbling Green pen, see it anywhere?) Woman: Im sorryer I still didnt get that. Man: (Trying very hard but still mumbling) Woman: Could you say that again? Man: (slightly frustrated and mumbling again) Woman: One more time? Man: (Mumbling) Woman: No. Sorry. Nothing. Man: (Mumbling) Woman: Look! I cant hear a word youre saying. Man: I said Have you seen a greenpenoh, there it is!

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How to ask someone to repeat something

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-ask-someone-repeat-something

Language task
Correct the mistakes Read the following lines from the dialogue. In each of them there is a mistake. Can you spot the mistake and correct it?

1. Im sorry, I didnt quite make that. 2. Could you speak that again? 3. Im sorryer I still didnt get this. 4. Once more time? 5. Look! I cant hear the words youre saying.

Answers

The British Council, 2010 The United Kingdoms international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.

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How to greet someone you havent seen for ages

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-greet-someone-you-havent-seen-ages

Introduction
This support pack accompanies the video How to greet someone you havent seen for ages To watch the video online, go to: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-greetsomeone-you-havent-seen-ages This support pack contains the following materials: a pre-watching vocabulary activity; the transcript; a comprehension task

Before you read

Match the words and phrases in the table to their definitions. 1. haven't seen you in ages

2. the works

3. catch up

4. No way!

5. keep in touch

6. mustn't grumble

Definitions:
a. This means that something is impossible - an emphatic 'no'. b. The same as saying "haven't seen you for a very long time". c. An informal expression (UK) that you can use to say that your life is not bad and you have nothing to complain about. d. This refers to everything that one might want in a situation (informal). e. To discuss the latest news. f. Continue to keep contact or communication with somebody.

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How to greet someone you havent seen for ages

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-greet-someone-you-havent-seen-ages

Transcript: How to greet someone you havent seen for ages

Woman: Hey! Hello there! Havent seen you in ages! Man: Oh all right yeah. Woman: Great to see you again! Youre looking really well! Man: Oh! You think so? Thanks... Woman: So, how are you? Man: Well, you know, mustnt grumble. Woman: Whatve you been up to? Still working in that coffee shop? Man: Yeah...same one... Man: Hmmgood for you. Woman: Still trying to be an actor? Man: Well, yeah, you know... Woman: So Hollywood hasnt called in yet? Man: Not yet... Woman: Still living inthat erlittle flat? Woman: Listen! We should get together for a drink sometime! Catch up! Man: Yeah, Id love to. Woman: Lets do it! Keep in touch then! Man: Oh. Great. Are you still sharing that house with all those other people? Woman: No way! I bought a big house with four bedrooms, and a garden the works. Man: How about you? You still thereworking in the fast food place? Woman: No! Stopped that a long time ago! Im working in the city now, financial industries! Man: Yeah. Same one. Woman: Well, great.

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How to greet someone you havent seen for ages

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Comprehension task
The following statements refer to stages of the conversation between the man and the woman. Number the stages in the order they happened in the video. Stage number Stage The woman asks about the mans job. The man asks about the womans job. The woman asks where the man is living.

The woman asks about the man in general. The woman suggests meeting for a drink. The man asks where the woman is living.

Answers

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How to greet someone you havent seen for ages

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-order-round-pub

Introduction
This support pack accompanies the video How to order a round in a pub. To watch the video online, go to:
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-order-round-pub

This support pack contains the following materials: a pre-watching vocabulary activity; the transcript; a comprehension task

Before you watch / read

Match the words and phrases in the table to their definitions.

1. buy a round

2. persistence

3. pint

4. lager

5. bitter

6. stout

Definitions:
a. A refreshing pale coloured beer (golden) with bubbles b. to buy drinks for a group of people c. A delicious darker beer (copper coloured), without bubbles d. not giving up, continuing to do something in a determined way e. A very dark beer (black) with a thick creamy head (layer of foam that sits on top of the beer) f. a measurement of liquid, about half a litre (568 ml)

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How to greet someone you havent seen for ages

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-order-round-pub

Transcript: How to order a round in a pub.

Woman: Excuse me! Excuse me!...No... Man: Always busy here on a Friday night! Woman: (to barman) Sorry! Could I just have a... Man: Patience and persistence! Man: OK give me... Woman: Ahh, finally. Yes, erm ok, Id like a beer, please! Sorry? What kind? (Man rolls eyes) A beer? Erm, lager, please. Yeah, that will do. Sorry, what? Half pint or a pint? (To man) How big is a pint? Man: (gestures with hands, size of a pint) Woman: Yes. OK. A pint. Man: Ok, great, Id like a... Woman: Oh, sorry. Two pints of lager, please. Man: (with note already in hand) OK great, Id like a pint of bitter and two halves of lager please. Cheers. Keep the change. (To woman) Thats how it is done! Woman: And a glass of wine. Red, please. Yes, Im sure thats it. Thank you. How much is that? (starts to look for wallet) Let me just check my wallet. Ive got five, and thats another six. Man: OK great, Ill have... Woman: Ohand a packet of crisps. (To man) Sorry. (To barman) What flavour? Erm, let me just check. (Turns round and shouts) What flavour? (Turns back) Cheese and onion.

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How to greet someone you havent seen for ages

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-order-round-pub

Comprehension task
True or false Read the following statements and decide if they are true or false. 1. The bar is busy because it is the end of the week. 2. The woman orders two pints of lager and a glass of wine. 3. The woman is a regular visitor in the pub. 4. The woman also asks for some cheese and onion peanuts. 5. The woman pays eleven pounds. 6. The man orders a pint of bitter and two pints of lager.

Answers

The British Council, 2010 The United Kingdoms international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.

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How to turn down an invitation http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-turn-down-invitation r

Introduction
This support pack accompanies the video How to turn down an invitation. To watch the video online, go to: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/howturn-down-invitation This support pack contains the following materials: a pre-watching vocabulary activity; the transcript; a comprehension task

Before you watch / read

Match the words and phrases in the table to their definitions.

1. formal

2. RSVP

3. appointment

4. vet

5. prior engagement

6. offended

Definitions:
a. A plan made before you received the invitation b. A doctor for animals c. Used at the end of letters to mean please reply d. Upset and angry e. A formal arrangement to meet someone f. Serious and correct

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How to turn down an invitation http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-turn-down-invitation r

Transcript: How to turn down an invitation

Man: Oh no! Woman: What is it? Man: Josh and Henrietta would like to have the pleasure of your company at a drinks party, next Saturday evening... Woman: Oh no Josh and Henrietta...theyre not that couple who... ? Man: Yeah exactly! And it gets worse... Woman: How? Man: Formal dress... Woman: Argh....it means youve got to wear a suit.... Man: At the bottom it says RSVP. W hat does it mean? Woman: Youve got to reply. Man: But I dont want to go, so what can I say? Woman: Tell them youve got a dentists appointment. Man: Josh is my dentist! Woman: Tell them its your grandmothers 100th birthday party. Man: But they know my granny died ages ago. Woman: Tell them your dogs sick and youve got to take him to see the vet. Man: Its no use Im just going to have to tell them the truth... Woman: The truth? Im not coming to your birthday party because I think youre boring and stupid? Man: Maybe not then... Woman: Tell them this: Im unable to attend because I have a prior engagement. Man: Prior engagement?! And they wont be offended? Woman: Absolutely not. Man: Perfect!

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How to turn down an invitation http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-turn-down-invitation r

Comprehension task
Multiple choice Read the questions and select the right answers. 1. What type of event has the man been invited to? a. A wedding b. A birthday party c. A dinner party 2. RSVP means a. You have to go to the event. b. The invitation is only for you. c. You should reply to the invitation. 3. What is the dress code for the party? a. Formal dress b. Casual dress c. Fancy dress 4. The woman suggests using a dentists appointment as an excuse. Why is this not possible? a. The man has no teeth. b. The invitation is from the man's dentist. c. His dentist died a long time ago. 5. Why dont the couple want to go to the party? a. Josh and Henrietta are not good company. b. Josh and Henrietta are mean. c. Josh and Henrietta are a bit scary. 6. What excuse do they decide to use? a. They are getting engaged. b. The mans dog is sick. c. The man has an appointment that he made before.

Answers

The British Council, 2010 The United Kingdoms international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.

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How to understand the difference between the UK and Great Britain

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-understand-difference-between-uk-and-great-britain

Introduction
This support pack accompanies the video: How to understand the difference between the UK and Great Britain. To watch the video online, go to: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/h ow-understand-difference-between-uk-andgreat-britain This support pack contains the following materials: a pre-watching vocabulary activity; the transcript; a comprehension task

Before you watch / read

Match the words and phrases in the table to their definitions.

1. nation

2. state

3. prime minister

4. head of state

5. government

6. parliament

Definitions:
a. The group of people who control a country b. The leader of the government (in some countries) c. An area represented and recognised by one government d. The official leader of a country often someone with no real political power e. The group or groups of people who make up the government f. A group of people who share a common culture

The British Council, 2010 The United Kingdoms international organisation for educational opp ortunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.

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How to understand the difference between the UK and Great Britain

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-understand-difference-between-uk-and-great-britain

Transcript:
How to understand the difference between the UK and Great Britain
Man: So where are you from? Woman: Scotland. Are you Scottish too? Man: Well no, Im English actually, but you know its all like the same thing, isnt it? Woman: Not exactly. Man: Go on! Isnt Scotland just like well, a bit of England? Woman: No, it is not! Man: The Queen! Man: Sorry, Britain I mean. Woman: Britain is not England! Man: Well yeah I know that, Im not stupid or anything but Britains like, England, Scotland and Wales, isnt it? Woman: Not exactly. Man: Oh. I see. Man: Yeah, it is; the UK , the United Kingdom. Woman: The United Kingdom is Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Man: Oh I see, but were all like the same nation, arent we? Woman: Its complicated. Man: Yeah, I can see that. Woman: Exactly. Man: And the same government? Woman: Well, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own local parliaments. Man: All right, but we all have the same prime minister, dont we? Woman: Yes. And the same head of state. Woman: Not really. Four nations, one state. Man: Oh, I get it! So the UK (is) like the same as Great Britain... Woman: Great Britain is a geographical term its a big island with Scotland, England, and Wales on it.

The British Council, 2010 The United Kingdoms international organisation for educational opp ortunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.

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How to understand the difference between the UK and Great Britain

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-understand-difference-between-uk-and-great-britain

Comprehension Task
True or false Read the statements below and decide if they are true or false. 1. The woman is English. 2. Scotland is a bit of England. 3. Wales and England are not the same nation. 4. The UK is Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 5. The UK has one head of state, the Queen. 6. The UK has one parliament. 7. Its complicated.

Answers

The British Council, 2010 The United Kingdoms international organisation for educational opp ortunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.

Page 3 of 3

How to understand the differences between British and American English

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-understand-differences-between-british-and-american-english

Introduction
This support pack accompanies:

How to understand the differences between British and American English

To watch the video online, go to:
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-understand-differences-between-british-and-american-english

This support pack contains the following materials: a pre-watching vocabulary activity; the tape script

Before you read / watch

Can you tell the difference? Put the words in the box under the correct heading. Sidewalk Movie Portion of French Fries Pants Film Trousers Lift Packet of chips Elevator

Can of fizzy drink Pavement

Portion of chips

Packet of crisps

Can of soda

American English

British English

Now read the transcript or watch the video to find out if you are right.

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How to understand the differences between British and American English

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-understand-differences-between-british-and-american-english

Transcript: How to understand the differences between British and American English
Man: Hey! Nice pants! Woman: Excuse me? Man: I said nice pants. Woman: You cant see my pants, can you? Man: Of course I can. Woman: How can you see my pants? Man: Theyre on your legs! Woman: Ha. You havent been to America recently, have you? Man: Oh I er I er actually just got back from LA! Thats Los Angeles by the way.... Woman: I know. Man: Yeah, I picked up some of the American words, and now I forget which ones to use! So confusing! Woman: We call these trousers in Britain. Man: Of course we do...you know there are so many things thats its exactly a completely different language sometimes! Woman: Really? Man: Yeah! Woman: Would you like a crisp? Man: Crisps? In the States, theyre chips! Woman: Oh. So if I want to order our chips in America, what do I ask for? Man: French fries! Woman: I see. Man: And you know what that is, dont you? Woman: A fizzy drink. Man: Thats a soda! Woman: Hmm Man: You know the lift over there? Woman: Yeah? Man: Thats an elevator. Woman: Oh really? Man: You know in the States, you dont go to watch a film... Woman: You watch a movie! Man: Exactly! And you dont walk on the pavement Woman: You walk on the sidewalk! Man: You got it! Woman: Ive watched a lot of films...oops...movies!

Answers

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How to ask someone where they got that

Introduction This support pack accompanies the video 'How to pay ask someone where they got that '. To see the video, go to: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/how/how-ask-someone-where-they-got-0 This support pack contains the following materials: a pre-watching vocabulary activity; the transcript of the video; a comprehension activity;

Before you watch Exercise 01 Match the words and phrases in the table to their definitions. a. could do with d. high street (UK) b. do a search e. tasty-looking c. for ages (UK, informal)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

appearing to have a good flavour for a very long time look for something on the internet need, want very much street where all the important shops and businesses are located

Transcript Man: Hey, nice shoes! Woman: Thanks! Man: Could do with a pair like that myself. Woman: Oh really? Theyre very comfortable. Man: Yeah. Where did you get them? Woman: Just that place on the high street. Man: On yeah, Ill have to go and take a look sometime. (Pause) Man: Hey! Woman: What? Man: Ive been looking for that book for ages! Woman: Really? Man: Yeah...where did you get it? Woman: I bought it online. I just did a search and found it, you know... Man: Really? Woman: Yes. Its not that difficult. Man: Ill have to have a look. (Pause) Man: Hey! Woman: What? Man: Thats a tasty-looking sandwich! Woman: Its a tasty tasting sandwich too... Man: Where did you er... Woman: Where did I get it? Man: Yeah! Thats exactly what I was going to say....! Woman: I made it myself. Man: Oh. Woman: Here have it!

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How to ask someone where they got that

After watching Exercise 02 Decide if the statements are true or false. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The man has a similar pair of shoes to the woman The woman bought her shoes in a shop in town It took the woman a long time to find the book The woman is enjoying her sandwich The woman guesses what the man will ask her The man is surprised the woman didnt buy the sandwich

Answers Exercise 01 1. e; 2. c; 3. b; 4. a; 5. d Exercise 02 1. False; 2. True; 3. False; 4. True; 5. True; 6. True

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How to pay a compliment

Introduction This support pack accompanies the video 'How to pay a compliment'. To see the video, go to: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/how/how-pay-compliment This support pack contains the following materials: a pre-watching vocabulary activity; the transcript of the video; a comprehension activity;

Before you watch Exercise 01 Match the words and phrases in the table to their definitions. a. by the way c. deal e. I am flattered g. modest i. outfit b. clinch d. high street f. I appreciate that

h. notice j. pay (someone) a compliment

k. you wear it well 1. a business arrangement 2. a set of clothes 3. where the most important businesses and shops in a town are located (British English) 4. expression used to introduce a new subject or add information 5. it suits you, it is right for you 6. not willing to talk too much about ones achievements and abilities 7. to say something (to someone) to express approval or admiration for things that someone does 8. to see or become aware of something 9. used to express that you are very pleased after receiving a compliment 10. used to thank someone or to show that you are grateful 11. win (informal)

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How to pay a compliment

Transcript Man: Good morning! Woman: Morning! Man: By the way, I just wanted to say well done on clinching that deal! Woman: Oh, thanks. It wasnt too difficult. Man: Youre being modest! You did really well. Woman: Thank you. Man: Youre a great Manager, you know. Woman: Do you think so? Man: Oh yeah. Woman: I appreciate that. (pause) Man: Have you cut your hair? Woman: Oh yes, I did actually. Thanks for noticing! Man: Where did you get it done? Woman: Oh, just that place on the high street. Man: They did a great job and it looks great with the outfit. Woman: Do you think so? Man: Oh yeah. Very fashionable. Woman: Oh, its just an old thing. Man: Well, youve got a great sense of style. Woman: Thank you, you too. Man: Thank you. (pause) Man: Nice perfume, too. Is that Dream? Woman: Well, yes it is, actually. Man: You wear it well. Woman: Im flattered. Man: My pleasure. Woman: Listen, do you want something? Man: No. Im just being polite, you know. Woman: Hmmm.

After watching Exercise 02 Put the topics of the conversation in the order you hear them. 1. The womans clothes 2. The womans professional skills 3. A visit to the hairdresser 4. A business agreement 5. What the man can smell 6. The womans fashion sense

Answers Exercise 01 1. c; 2. i; 3. d; 4. a; 5. k; 6. g; 7. j; 8. h; 9. e; 10. f; 11. b Exercise 02 4, 2, 3, 1, 6, 5

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How to tell if your boyfriend is a slob

Introduction This support pack accompanies the video 'How to tell if your boyfriend is a slob'. To see the video, go to: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/how/how-tell-if-your-boyfriend-slob This support pack contains the following materials: a pre-watching vocabulary activity; the transcript of the video; a language activity;

Before you watch Exercise 01 Match the words in the table to their definitions. a. bin e. relaxing b. guy f. shave c. honey g. shower d. mess h. slob

1. A lazy, untidy and often rude person 2. The act of removing hair from the body, especially a man's face 3. A device which releases water through small holes and which you stand under to wash your whole body 4. Becoming less active and more calm and happy 5. Something that looks dirty or untidy 6. A name that you call someone you love or like very much 7. A container for waste 8. Man (informal) Transcript Girlfriend: Hello. Boyfriend: All right. Girlfriend: What have you been doing? Boyfriend: Watching TV. Girlfriend: Again? Boyfriend: Yeah... Girlfriend: What have you eaten? Boyfriend: I got a takeaway pizza. Girlfriend: Have you had a shave? Boyfriend: No. Girlfriend: Have you had a shower? Boyfriend: No. Girlfriend: You havent even changed your clothes! Boyfriend: Im relaxing! Girlfriend: Look, this place is a mess. Boyfriend: A mess? Girlfriend: Yes. Look youve got takeaway food boxes and empty drink cans everywhere. Boyfriend: Its just home. Its my personal space. Girlfriend: Well, its also my personal space. Listen, honey, can you just tidy up a bit? Boyfriend: To tidy up? Girlfriend: Yes. You know. Put things in the bin. Wash up the dishes. Boyfriend: Okay Ill do it later. Girlfriend: Later when? Boyfriend: Later. Girlfriend: Do you know something? Youre a slob. Boyfriend: A what? Girlfriend: A slob. Boyfriend: Im just an ordinary guy. Girlfriend: No youre not. Youre a... Boyfriend: ...slob. I get it.

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How to tell if your boyfriend is a slob

After watching Exercise 02 Below are 6 things that were said in the video. Can you rewrite them in indirect (reported) speech? 1. Girlfriend: "What have you been doing?" . 2. Boyfriend: "I got a takeaway pizza." . 3. Girlfriend: "Have you had a shower?" . 4. Boyfriend: "Im relaxing!" . 5. Girlfriend: "Can you tidy up a bit?" . 6. Boyfriend: "Ill do it later." .

Answers Exercise 01 1. h; 2. f; 3. g; 4. e; 5. d; 6. c; 7. a; 8. b Exercise 02 1. She asked him what he had/he'd been doing. 2. He said (that) he had/he'd got a takeaway pizza. 3. She asked him if he had/he'd had a shower. 4. He said (that) he was relaxing. 5. She asked him if he could tidy up a bit. 6. He said (that) he'd/he would do it later.
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