Learn English U.S. Culture in 50 Minutes
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Imagine you’re on a plane there someone next to you. What do you say? hi [Alisha] here.
Introducing yourself in English is easy In this lesson,
You’re going to learn how with Gustavo and Henry who meet on a plane the Gustavo’s moving to New York
His family is going to join him later in the month
Henry is in the seat when Gustavo gets on a plane. Let’s watch
Excuse me. Sorry about that
Hi, how do you do? I’m [Gustavo]
Nice to meet you Gustavo. I’m Henry Eddins. I’m sorry
Can [you] say that again please? a bit slowly?
Henry Eddins
Henry Eddins
That’s it, but please call me hank
Hank, nice to meet you
Now the lesson focus here’s how to introduce yourself. ready?
Do you remember how gustavo introduced himself?
Hi, how do you do? I’m gustavo?
when gustavo introduced himself [he] started with [hi], and then used a set phrase
How do you do?
how do you
do
This is a polite expression people often use with an introduction
It sounds like a question, but it has no particular meaning, and there’s no expectation the other person will try to answer it
Next he says
I’m Gustavo
The first part of this sentence is a contraction of two words I and am the ‘am’ here functions like an equal sign in [Math]
I’m
I’m
The next word in the sentence is a name
gustavo
Together it’s “I’m gustavo”
the structure of the Pattern is
Hi, how do you do? I’m
Plus your name
Now you try imagine your name is John say “hi. How do you do? [I’m] [John]'
Hi, how do you do? I’m John
Now imagine your name is [Aiko] say “hi, how do you do? I’m aiko”
Hi, how do you do? I’m aiko
now use your name
Okay, there are [two] additional things you need to know first. There’s a shortcut for giving your name
Just drop the “I’m” from the final sentence of the self introduction
for example if gustavo just said
Hi, how do you do? gustavo
Henry would have understood it was his name
This would be especially clear if gustavo extended his hand for a handshake while saying this
in very casual situations, you can even drop the hi and
the How do you do all that is left would be your name
the second thing you need to know is you can use I’m
With just the first name or your first name and the last name together
I’m
Henry Eddins
Eddins is Henry’s family name
Using both your first name and your last name is a little more formal
It also gives you less privacy for example
If people know both your first and last name they can find you on the internet more easily
So it may be more common for strange to say just their first name than people meeting in a more friendly [environment]
Next you’ll learn how to tell people to call you by a nickname. Just like Henry did in the scene
But please call me hank
But please call me hank
the first word in the sentence is
but
This word is not necessary, but it makes the transition to the rest of the sentence smoother
Henry uses this to introduce a new piece of information and
This information changes something about what he said before
but makes this clear
the next word introduces a polite request
please
‘please’ next is a request to use a certain name call ‘call’
This is the word me
Me last is a common nickname for men named Henry Hank ‘hank’
Please call me hank
The sentence structure is…
Please call me plus your nickname
Now you try imagine your nickname is Matt say, please call me Matt
Please call me matt now imagine your nickname is Lulu say please call me Lulu
Please call me Lulu now use your own nickname say please call me and then use your nickname
Finally when you meet someone for the first, it’s polite to say a set phrase at the end
Nice to meet you
Nice to meet you usually both people will say this or something similar to it now you try
Nice to meet you
Imagine you’re on a plane your seatmate wants to know where you’re [from]. What do you say hi, [Alisha] here
There’s no need to worry in this lesson. You’ll [learn] how easy it is to tell somebody where you’re from
Gustavo and Ana are having just this kind of conversation [as] their plane lands in New York City. Let’s watch
excuse me, but is that the statue of Liberty yes, that’s right, [so]
[are] you from New [York] yes? I am and you where are you from I’m from Brazil
Really so are you from Rio? No, I’m not
I’m from São, Paulo. Oh
São Paulo
Now the lesson focus here is how to talk about where you’re from ready?
Do you remember how gustavo explained where he was from I’m from São Paulo
first is a contraction meaning I am
I’m
Next is the word
from and
Last is a place name
São Paulo
Together it’s
I’m from São Paulo
the structure is I’m
from
Plus the place name you can use it with cities,countries or even with regions
Imagine your hometown is Shanghai
What would you say?
I’m from Shanghai now imagine you’re from Egypt. What would you say?
I’m from Egypt
Do you remember how Ana asked gustavo if he was from Rio de Janeiro?
Are you from Rio?
First is the second person singular form of the verb to [be] are
Next is the word you
after this is the word
from and
Last is a city name
Rio
Together [it’s] are you?
[from] Rio
the structure is are
you from
Plus a place name it’s similar to the above expression. I’m from Sao Paulo
Except that the verb to [be] which has been contracted with the word I
to make I’m
Has been moved to the beginning of the sentence and put in the second person along with the subject are
You from Rio
Now imagine you meet someone on the plane ask him or her if he or she is from Los angeles
Are you from Los Angeles?
Now imagine you meet someone with an australian accent ask
Him or her if he or she is from Australia?
Are you from Australia?
Now if you have no idea where someone’s from, you can ask
Where are you from In this case the place name has been removed and [the] sentence starts with?
where
It’s also said with a different intonation
Together it’s
Where are you from?
Imagine you meet someone new but have no idea where they’re from ask them where they’re from
Where are you from?
Imagine you’ve just landed after a long flight [to] America, and you’re almost free but first you need to go through passport control
What will they ask you how should you respond hi Alisha here?
Navigating passport control isn’t as hard as you might think In this lesson,
You’ll learn how Guatavo has just arrived in New York. He’s in line at Passport control. Let’s watch
NEXT!
Passport, please hello here you are
How long will you be staying? for six weeks And where will you be staying? at the four seasons hotel
What’s the purpose of your visit? I’m here on business
Okay, thank you Welcome to the United States
Now the lesson focus here’s what you say to navigate passport control Ready?
Do you remember the first question the immigration officer asked after gustavo gave him his passport?
How long will you be saying?
Immigration officers asked this question to find out about the length of a visitor’s stay
They want to know if a visitor plans to stay for two weeks for example or one month
First is the phrase
how long
Next is the word
‘will’ after this is the word
‘you’ and
and Last is the phrase
be staying
Gustavo responds with a length of time
For six weeks
First is the word
for
Next is the number
six and
Last is the word
weeks
Together it’s
for six weeks
The sentence structure to answer the question how long will you be staying [is]?
four plus
number of days or weeks
Imagine [you’re] going to stay for two weeks
Answer the question how long will you be staying?
for two weeks
Do you remember the second question the immigration officer asked Gustavo in the scene?
And where will you be saying?
This question is identical to the first question except instead of saying
how long
the immigration officer asked
where
The immigration officer is asking to find out which hotel or address a visitor will be staying at
again, it’s
Where will you be staying
in response
gustavo gives the name of his hotel
at the Four Seasons hotel
first is the word at and
After this is the name of the hotel
the Four Seasons Hotel
Together it’s
at the Four Seasons hotel
The sentence structure to answer the question where will you be staying [is]?
at
Plus your hotel name
Imagine you’ll be staying at the Plaza hotel
answer the question
Where will you be staying?
At the Plaza Hotel, do you remember the third question the immigration officer asked in the scene?
What’s the purpose of your visit?
The immigration officer asks this to understand why Gustavo is visiting?
First is a contraction of what and is
what’s
Next is the word
the
After this is the word
purpose
next is the word ‘of’
Following this is the word
‘your’ and
Last is the word
visit
together its
What’s the purpose of your visit
in response
Gustavo answers
I’m here on business
this starts with the core phrase I’m
i’m Here on
Following this core phrase is the word
business, altogether
[it’s] I’m
here on business
This means that Gustavo is in the country to do [business] and not just [to] sightsee
alternatively he could have said I’m
Here for pleasure
This is the same pattern as the first response the only difference is that on
business
has been taken out and
for pleasure is
used instead
again, that’s I’m
Im Here for pleasure
now you try
Imagine your trip is for sightseeing answer the question
What’s the purpose of your visit?
I’m here for pleasure
Now imagine you are visiting the us on business answer the question. What’s the purpose of your visit?
I’m here on business
You’ve just met someone new and wants to get in touch with them later. How do you do it? Hi Alisha here.
Exchanging contact information in English it’s easy In this lesson,
you’ll learn what you need to make sure you don’t miss out on a new friend
Gustavo meet Ana again while leaving the airport, but they are about to go their separate ways. let’s watch!
Hey, it was nice meeting you same here
By the way, this is my business card. This is my personal email address and this is my phone number. Oh
Thanks, I
I Have a business card [too] here you are my email and my cell phone number are here email me okay?
Thank you. Bye bye Enjoy your stay Bye
Now the lesson focus here’s how to exchange contact information Ready?
Do you remember what Gustavo said when he handed Ana his business card?
This is my business card
When you are giving something to someone you start by saying the phrase
this is
Then say the item my business card
Together it’s
this is my business card The
structure is
this is
Plus the thing you are giving you try
Imagine you’re giving someone a present
What would you say?
This is a present
Now imagine you are giving your address to someone
What would you say is you handed it to them?
This is my address
Do you remember what innocence after gustavo gives her his business card?
I have a business card, [too]
first is the Phrase I
have
next is the phrase a
business card and
Last is the word
[two]
Together it’s
Have a business card [too]. You can use this structure anytime you have [something] that someone else also has I?
have
named the item to
you try
Imagine your friend has a younger brother
What would you say to tell him or her you also have a younger brother?
I have a younger brother, too
Now imagine your friend tells you that he or [she] has allergies and you [have] allergies also
What would you say?
I have allergies, too
later in the conversation [Anna]
Wanted to draw attention to a particular piece of information on her business card in
This case her personal email address and phone number
Do you remember what she said?
My email and my cell phone number are here
First is a phrase for the items. She wanted to draw attention to my email and cell phone number
Next is the phrase are
here together it’s
My email and cell phone number are here
notice [that] the word address
Was dropped from email address this is common in conversation
You can use this structure anytime you want to draw attention to the location of something if there is more than one item
first list the items and then say are
Here if it is just one item you want to draw attention to
first say the item and then say is
here now you try
Imagine you’re looking at a map with your friend and you want to point out the location of the train station. What do you say?
The train Station [is] here. What if you want to point out where restaurants are on my map
What would you say?
Restaurants are here
You’ve arrived at your hotel, and are almost ready to relax after your long trip
But the person at the front desk only speak English
How do you check-in hi Alisha here checking in at a hotel in English is easy in this lesson, you’ll learn how
Gustavo just arrived at his hotel in New York. Let’s watch!
Good evening, sir. Hi. My name is Gustavo Silva. [I] have a reservation
Thank you very much, Mr. Silva could you spell [your] name please?
S-i
L-V-A
thank you, ah
Yes, Mr.. Silva. Here’s your room key
Is there a shop in this hotel?
No, but there’s a small grocery store in the next building And
Is there any Shampoo or conditioner in the room? Yes, sir Thank you Oh
And a wake-up call please of course
What time at 7:00, but what time’s breakfast from 6:00 to 7:30 a.m.. In the
Dining room on the first floor
Now the lesson focus here’s how to check in at a hotel Ready?
Do you remember the first thing Gustavo said to the hotel clerk in the scene after he introduces himself?
I have a reservation
First is the phrase ‘I have’ next is the phrase
a reservation
Together it’s I
have a reservation
Use this expression to indicate that [you’ve] reserved a room in advance
You can also use this phrase in other situations where you made a reservation such as at a restaurant now you try
Imagine you have just come to a restaurant where you’ve made a reservation
What would you say?
I have a reservation
Now imagine you’ve booked a rental car online, and you’re checking in to pick up your car. What would you say?
I have a reservation
Do you remember how gustavo asked if the hotel has a shop is there a shop in this hotel?
First is the phrase is
there and
next is the phrase ‘a
shop’
Last is the phrase
in this hotel
Together it. Is there a shop in this hotel?
This structure allows you to easily ask if something is nearby [or] in a particular location
Start your question with ‘is
there’ and
Then insert something you are looking for
finally add a location now you try
Imagine you’re checking into a hotel and want to know [if] there’s an ATM in the hotel. What would you say?
Is there an ATM in this hotel?
Now imagine you’re in a shopping mall and want to find out if there’s a coffee shop in the mall. What would you say?
Is there a coffee shop in this mall?
Do you remember how Gustavo asks if there is shampoo or conditioner in the room?
Is there any shampoo or conditioner in the room?
First is the phrase ‘is
there any’
Next is the phrase
‘Shampoo or conditioner’ and
Last is the phrase
in the room
Together it’s
is
there any Shampoo or conditioner in the room?
This phrase structure is very similar to the one we just learned except the word
‘any’ is used to refer to uncountable nouns such as shampoo water or bread
the structure is
is there any
followed by the item and location now you try
Imagine you’re checking into a hotel and you want to know if there is bottled water in the room
What would you say?
Is there any bottled water in the room?
Imagine you’re baking cookies, and you want to know if there’s any milk in the refrigerator
what would you say?
Is there any milk in the refrigerator?
Imagine you’re at a supermarket. You’ve gathered all your items, but now it’s time to check out. How do you do it? Hi
Alisha here buying items at a supermarket in America is easy In this lesson,
You’ll learn how [Gustavo] was buying a few supplies after checking in at the hotel. Let’s watch
Good evening
Evening
Excuse me, but what’s this? It’s the corn dog
Nice, how much is it? It’s one dollar and 37 cents It’s on sale
Okay, I’ll take two
That’ll be 18 dollars and 74 cents
Okay, your change is six cents Thanks, man!
Now the lesson focus here’s how to buy items at a store Ready?
Do you remember how Gustavo asked what something was when he saw it in a case next to the register?
What’s this?
First is a contraction for what is
what’s
Next is the word
this
Together it’s
What’s this?
You can use this phrase in almost any situation to ask about something you aren’t familiar with
Now you try you pick up an item off the shelf at the store ask the sales clerk what it is
What’s this you point to an item on a menu ask the waiter what it is
What’s this?
Do you remember how Gustavo asked about the price of the corndog?
How much is it?
First is the phrase
How much?
Next is a form of the of the verb ‘to be’ “is”
Last is the word it
Together it’s
How much is it?
Use this pattern to ask about the price of any item first say, how much is
then add the item you can either use it or
specify the Item now You try a
Salesman shows you a necklace that you want to buy for your sister. How do you ask the Salesman about the price?
How much is it?
Do you remember how Gustavo asked the shop clerk to give him two corndogs?
I’ll take two
First is the contraction for I and will i’ll
Next is the word take and last is the number [two] together. It’s
i’ll
take two
this is more casual and common way of saying I will buy two
Use this sentence structure to ask for a certain amount of something first say I’ll take
then just add the number or amount you want you try
a man is selling Coca-cola at a baseball game
What would you say to buy three cups?
I’ll take three
You’re ordering ice cream and the server asks you how many scoops you want?
How do you respond if you just want one scoop?
I’ll take one
Imagine you’re going to meet your friend at his office, but before you can talk to him you need to talk to the receptionist
how would you do it? Hi Alisha here checking in with a receptionist in English is easy In this lesson, you’ll learn how
The Gustavo has come to meet his old friend George at his office. Let’s watch
Good morning, welcome to [ALTA] Good morning. I have a 1:00 p.m. appointment with Mr.. Thomas
Your name, please
Silva Just a moment, Mr. Silva
I’m
Very sorry but Mr. Thomas’s meeting is running a little late. Oh
He should be out in a few minutes though Okay, no problem Then, please have a seat over there
i’ll call you when Mr. Thomas is ready to see you Sure
Now the lesson focus here’s how to explain the details of an appointment Ready?
Do you remember the phrase Gustavo and the receptionist used to greet each other at the beginning of the scene?
Good morning
First is the word
Good
Next is the word
‘Morning’ together. It’s
Good morning, you can adapt this structure to use it in several situations
first say ‘good’
Then say the time of day this can be morning afternoon or evening
Now you try Imagine you’re greeting the person taking your breakfast order at a coffee shop
Good morning. Now imagine your greeting business partners at an afternoon meeting
Good afternoon
Do you remember the sentence gustavo used to tell the receptionist about his appointment? [I]?
Have a [1:00] p.m.. Appointment with Mr.. Thomas
first is the Phrase I
have a
Next is the time
1 p.m.. After this is the word
appointment
Next is the word
with and finally you add the name of the person you [are] meeting with
Mr. Thomas
Together it’s ‘I
have by 1 p.m.. Appointment with Mr. Thomas’
You can use this structure to explain the details anytime you have an appointment The structure is ‘I
have a
time
appointment with
person’
now you try
Imagine you have an appointment to see Dr.. Smith at 2:00 p.m.
What would you say to check-in?
I have a 2:00 p.m.. Appointment with Dr.. Smith
now
Imagine you have a 9:00 a.m. meeting with the director of marketing. What would you say to the receptionist when you arrive?
I have a 9 a.m. meeting with the director of marketing
Do you remember what Gustavo said after the receptionist told him that Mr. Thomas was running a little late?
Okay, no problem
First is the word
Okay, next is the phrase
No problem
Together it’s
Okay, no problem This expresses agreement and understanding
now you try
Imagine you ordered chocolate ice cream, but the waiter says they only have vanilla
How would you express that you are okay with vanilla ice cream?
Okay, no problem
Imagine you’re trying to schedule a doctor’s appointment and after you request a nine o’clock appointment
The receptionist offers you a [10:00] a.m.. Appointment instead if you want to accept his offer. What would you say?
Okay, no problem
Imagine you’ve met an old friend whom you are seeing for the first time in a long time
What do you say hi [Alisha] here catching up with old friends in English is easy in this lesson,
you’re going to learn how
Gustavo has come to New York to work with George and they have a lot to catch up on Let’s watch
Mr. Silva sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Thomas is here
George
Gustavo it’s been too long. [I] know I know it’s good to see you again. Here’s a little something from São Paolo
You shouldn’t have thanks and you’re looking well how have you been doing? I’m
good the hotel is pretty nice, and it’s great to be in the states!
That’s great to hear and you? You’re looking well, too
been busy, but doing well let’s catch up at lunch, okay?
And focus here’s how to greet an old friend in English Ready?
Do you remember what George said to greet gustavo right after he arrives? It’s been too long
First is a contraction for it and has its
Next is the word
been and
Last is the phrase
too long
Together it’s
it’s
been too long
You can use this phrase whenever your greeting an old friend or acquaintance you haven’t seen for a [long] time now you try
Imagine you are greeting a member of your family [after] [living] in another country for six months. What would you say?
It’s been too long
Do you remember what Gustavo says after he agrees with George that it’s been too long
It’s good to see you again
First is a contraction for it and is
It’s
Next is the word
Good
After this is the phrase
to see you and
Last is the word
again
Together it’s
It’s good to see you again
You can use this phrase anytime you are meeting someone that you haven’t seen [in] a while now you try
Imagine you’re picking up a friend from the airport who is visiting you how could you greet them?
It’s good to see you again
Now imagine you’re having a second business meeting with a client at work. What would you say to greet them?
It’s good to see you again
Do you remember what question George used to ask Gustavo? How he has been?
How have you been doing?
First is the word
how
Next is the phrase
have you and
Last is the phrase
been doing together it’s
How have you been doing?
This phrase is [used] to ask how someone has been since you last saw each other it’s similar to the phrase
How are you doing, but is asking about someone’s past condition rather than his or her present condition?
now you try
Imagine you run into an old friend at a café. What question could you ask them?
How have you been doing?
Now imagine you are talking to your little brother on the phone
How could you ask him how he’s been since the last time you spoke?
How have you been doing?
Imagine you’re being quizzed on your future plans. How do you respond hi Alisha here
Discussing future plans in English is easy In this lesson,you’ll learn how
Gustavo and George are catching up at a restaurant. Let’s watch1
So Gustavo when will your family be here?
Luiza’s going to bring the kids on Friday and
What are they going to do when they get here?
Luiza’s going to keep writing she also plans on starting a blog about American culture
Sounds interesting How about the kids?
Sofia is going to go to an international school half of the classes will be in Portuguese and the other half in English
She’s young so she’ll learn English easily
Yeah, but Lucas is going to go to a regular high school could be tough for him will he be okay?
We think so he’s been studying English a lot at home, but it will be pretty difficult at the beginning,I think
Now the lesson focused here’s how to discuss future plans Ready?
Do you remember how George asks Gustavo what his family members will do when they arrive to the U.S.?
What are they going to do when they get here?
First is the phrase
What are next is the word they after this is the phrase?
going to do and
Last is the phrase
when they get here
Together [it’s]
What are they going to do when they get here?
This sentence is useful when you [want] to ask about what someone is going [to] do after they come to a place?
for more than one person the structure is
What are they going to do when they get here?
the structure when asking about one person is
What is he or [she] going to do when he or [she] gets here?
now you try
Imagine your friend’s brother is moving to your town. How do you ask about his plans after that?
What is he going to do when he [gets] here?
Now imagine that you want to ask a friend what her sisters are going to do when she says they’re coming over to her house
What are they going to do when they get here?
Do you remember how gustavo explained louise’s future plans?
Louise is going to keep writing
first is a contraction of Louisa and is
Louise’s
Next is the phrase
going to
After this is the word
keep and
Last is the word
writing
Together it’s
Louisa going to keep writing in
Other words, Louisa currently spends her time writing and will continue to do so in the future
the sentence structure [is] a
Person plus is going to keep plus a word ending [in] ing
Now you try your friend Dan has reached the age of retirement, but he is going to continue to work
How would you respond to someone if they asked about Dan’s future plans?
Dan’s going to keep working
Now imagine you are talking to your mother about your brother you tell her that your brother was rejected from another job. He applied for
How would you tell her that he will continue applying?
He’s going to keep applying
Do you remember what else gustavo said about louise’s future plans?
She also plans on starting a blog about American culture
first is the word she
Next is the word also
After this is the phrase plans on and last is the phrase
starting a blog
Together [it’s]
She also plans on starting a blog
you can adapt this sentence when you want to elaborate on a person’s future plans the structure is a
person Plus
also plans on
plus A
word ending in ing
plus additional information
now you try
Imagine you want to tell someone that your friend dan is also going to learn Chinese
Dan also plans on Learning Chinese
Now imagine that your brother is also going to work part-time while he continues to apply to jobs
How would you explain this to your mother?
He also plans on working part-time
Imagine you and your family want to go someplace, but you need to take a bus to get there
Do you know how to buy tickets in English? Hi Alisha here buying tickets in English is easy in this lesson, you’ll learn how
Gustavo’s family has just arrived in America and Gustavo and George have met them at the airport Let’s watch!
Five tickets to times square, please? okay will that be five adults
Ahh…
How young do you have to be to get discounted tickets?
children under ten years old are eligible for child tickets
Children Ten Years or older need adult tickets got it. Sophia. You’re eight years old, right?
right and
Lucas is over ten so
four adults and one child
Okay, four adults and one child to Times Square your total is seventy three dollars and 95 cents
George I’ll pay don’t worry about it. [I] got it everybody welcome to the United States
Now the lesson focus here’s how to buy tickets Ready?
Do you remember what George says to purchase tickets to Times Square?
five tickets to Times Square, please
First is the phrase
five tickets
Next is a phrase that includes a place
to Times Square
last is the word
please
Together it’s
Five tickets to
Times Square, please the structure is
number plus
tickets to plus (destination) please
Now you try Imagine you want two tickets to atlantic City. What would you say to the ticket clerk?
Two tickets to Atlantic City, please
Now imagine you want four tickets to Grand Central Station
What would you say to the ticket clerk?
Four tickets to Grand Central Station, please
Do you remember how George told how many adults and children would need tickets?
Four adults and one child
First is the phrase
Four adults
Next is the word
‘and’ and last is a phrase ‘one child’
Together [it’s]
Four adults and one child
Keep in mind that the age range for children’s tickets varies widely so you might have to ask the ticket clerk to be sure
now you try
Imagine you are buying tickets for yourself [two] adult friends and an infant. What would you say to the ticket clerk?
Three adults and one child
Now imagine you are chaperoning a group of six elementary school students on a trip to the zoo
What would you say to the ticket clerk?
One adult and six children Do you remember how George told Gustavo that he was going to pay for the tickets?
I got it
This is a phrase that is used to tell someone else that you will pay the total bill including their portion
Now you try. You are on a date, and you want to pay for the meal. What do you say when the check comes?
I got it now imagine. You are sharing a cab with a friend and you [want] to offer to pay for the ride
What would you say?
I got it
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