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MARKETING-SALES
Vocabulary After-sales service Agent Service that continues after the sale of a product (maintenance, etc.). Person or company that acts for another and provides a specified service. Business to business e-commerce : use of commercial networks, online product catalogues and other online resources to obtain better prices and reach new customers. Business to consumer e-commerce : online sale of goods and services directly to consumers. Comparing one's products to those of competitors in order to improve quality and performance. 1) Any person who makes a purchase. 2) A person employed to choose and buy stock for a company. Offer to pay back part of the purchase price of a product to customers who send a "proof of purchase" to the manufacturer. Two or more shops or outlets that have the same owner and sell similar lines of merchandise. A person who buys services or advice from a lawyer, an accountant or other professional. Finalise a deal or sale. Small shop located near a residential area that opens long hours, seven days a week. A person who buys something from a shop or business. Certificate that gives customers a saving when they purchase a specific product. A business transaction. A large shop or store that carries a wide variety of product lines. Entering a foreign market by setting up assembly or manufacturing facilities in that country. A reduction in price. Buying and selling by electronic means, primarily on the Internet. Promotion of products and services over the Internet.

B2B e-commerce

B2C e-commerce Benchmarking Buyer Cash refund offer Chain store Client Close Convenience store Customer Coupon Deal Department store Direct investment Discount E-commerce E-marketing

Extranet Follow-up

Franchise

Guarantee Intranet Joint Venture Market leader Mark up Opinion leader Packaging Product Product line Prospect Representative Retail Shopping centre Telephone marketing Trade fair Viral marketing Wholesale

A network that connects a company with its suppliers and distributors. To maintain contact after the sale to ensure customer satisfaction. Association between a manufacturer or wholesaler (franchiser) and an independent business person (franchisee) who buys the right to own and operate a unit in the franchise system. A promise that a product will be repaired or replaced if faulty. A network that connects people within a company to each other. A way of entering a foreign market by joining with a foreign company to manufacture or market a product or service. The company with the largest market share in an industry. The percentage of the price of a product added to cost to reach a selling price. Person within a reference who, because of competence, knowledge, or other characteristics, exerts influence on others. Designing and producing the container or wrapper for a product. Anything that can be offered on the market, usually for sale. A group of products that are closely related. A potential customer. A sales representative is a person who represents and sells for a company. To sell in small quantities, as in a shop, directly to the consumers. Group of shops or retail businesses developed and managed as a unit. Using the telephone to sell directly to customers. An exhibition at which companies in a specific industry can show or demonstrate their products The Internet version of word-of-mouth marketing - email messages that customers pass on to friends. To sell goods and services to those buying for resale (e.g. a shop) or for business use.

MONEY & FINANCE

Vocabulary

currency converter A.T.M. Banknote Borrow Broke (to be) Budget Cash Automated Teller Machine; cash dispenser Piece of paper money Obtain money which must be returned To have no money Amount of money available or needed for a specific use Coins or bank notes (not cheques); actual money paid, not credit

Automatic machine from which a bank customer may Cash dispenser withdraw money Cashier A person dealing with cash transactions in a bank, shop, etc.

Written order to a bank to pay the stated amount from Cheque/check one's account Coin Currency Debt Deposit Donate Exchange rate Fee Interest Invest Legal tender Lend A piece of metal used as money The money used in a country Money owed by one person to another Sum payable as a first instalment on a purchase; money placed in an account in a bank Give money especially to charity; make a donation The rate at which one currency can be exchanged for another Payment made to a professional person (doctor, lawyer, etc.) Money paid for borrowing or investing money To put money into business, property, etc. in order to earn interest or profit Currency that cannot legally be refused as payment Give or allow the use of money which must be returned with interest

Loan Owe Petty cash Receipt Refund Tip Withdraw

Sum of money to be returned with interest To be in debt to somebody; to owe money to somebody Small amount of cash available for everyday expenses Written statement that money has been paid Pay back money received; reimburse Small sum of money given to a waiter, taxi driver, etc. Take money from a bank account

MEETINGS
Vocabulary A.G.M. Absentee Agenda Alternative Attendee Ballot Casting vote Annual General Meeting Person not at the meeting, not present Written list of points to be discussed at a meeting Choice of two or more possibilities Participant or person attending a meeting System of secret voting; voters place their ballot-papers in a ballot-box Deciding vote, usually by the Chairman, when votes are in equal number.

Chairman/chairperson The person who conducts the meeting. Make something clearer by giving more Clarify information. Formal meeting for discussion or exchange Conference of views Telephone call between three or more people Conference call in different places Consensus General agreement Future date at which something must be Deadline done Reach a conclusion or resolution concerning Decision future action A meeting or discussion between two or I-conference more people via the Internet. Stop a person who is speaking in order to Interrupt say or do something. Item A separate point for discussion on an agenda Main point What is most essential

Minutes Objective Point out Proposal Proxy vote Recommend Show of hands Summary Task Unanimous Videoconference Vote

A written summary of the proceedings at a meeting What is aimed at, what one wants to achieve or obtain. Draw attention to something e.g. point out an increase in demand A course of action put forward for consideration; to make a proposal. A vote cast by one person for another Advise a course of action; make a recommendation Raised hands to express agreement or disagreement in a vote A brief statement of the main points A piece of work to be done; to assign a task to somebody In complete agreement Conference linking people in different locations by satellite, TV etc. Express one's agreement or disagreement; to cast a vote.

Hindi-English
Home
Mein Woh / Usne I He

Woh Tum / Aap Yeh Ek Aao / Aaiye Aaya / Aayee / Aaye Aayega/ Aayegi/ Aayenge Kholo / Kholiye / Kholna Khola Kholega / Kholegi / Kholenge Baitho / Baithiye / Baithna Chalo / Chaliye / Chalna Khao / Khaiye / Khana Piyo / Peejiye / Peena Jeetna Jaao / Jaaiye / Jaana Daudna Mein jaata hoon Woh jaata hai Woh sev khaata hai Woh sev khaa raha hai Usne sev khaya Meine pichhle saftah film dekhi Woh kal bus se aayee Ve mandir gaye Woh raat bhar soya Usne exam achcha likha Usne khaa liya

She You It A Come Came Will come Open Opened Will open Sit Walk Eat Drink Win Go Run I go He goes He eats an apple He is eating an apple He ate an apple I saw the film last week She came by bus yesterday They went to the temple He slept the whole night He wrote well in the examination He has eaten

Usne khaa liya tha Woh chala gaya tha Woh aaya tha Woh khaayega Woh jaayega Woh aayega Tumhara /Aapka naam kya hai ? Kya Hai / Hein Tumhara / Aapka Naam Tumne / Aapne kya kiya ? Mein kya karoon ? Mein kya kar sakta hoon ? Kya sawal hein ? Kya sawal the ? Aakhiri sawal kya hai ? Khat mein kya likha hai ? Tumhein kya kaha gaya tha ? Jawab kya hoga ? Tum / Aap kyon aaye ? Tum / Aap kyon soye ? Tumne use jaane ko kyon kaha ? Woh bag kyon laya ? Usne paisa kyon diya ? Ve wahan kyon baithe the ? Tum / aap car kyon chalate ho ? Ve meeting ke liye deri se kyon aaye ?

He had eaten He had gone He had come He will eat He will go He will come What is your name? What Is Your Name What did you do? What should I do? What can I do? What are the questions? What were the questions? What is the last question? What is written in the letter? What you had been told? What will be the answer? Why did you come? Why did you sleep? Why did you tell him to go? Why did he bring the bag? Why did she pay the money? Why did they sit there? Why do you drive the car? Why did they come late for the

meeting? Tum / aap kaise aaye ? Tum kaise soye ? Tumne car kaise chalayee ? Tumne kaise likha ? Mere haath mein kitne sev hein ? Tumne kitne liye ? Usne tumhen kitna paisa diya ? Aur kitni door jana hai ? Kal ki yatra kaisi thi ? Tum / Aap kis raaste se aaye ? Tumhara /Aapka pasandida rang kaun sa hai? Tum / Aap kaunse kamre mein soye ? Tumne kaunsi kahani batayee ? Sabse meetha fal kaunsa hai ? Hindi mein sabse achcha newspaper kaunsa hai ? Kis bharatiya rajya ki jansankhya sabse jyada hai ? Aap / tum kahan se aa rahe ho ? Tum kahan soye ? Manager ka cabin kahan hai ? Mujhe kahan jaana chahiye ? Kya yeh kitab hai ? Haan, yeh kitab hai Kya yeh jawab hai? Haan yehi jawab hai. Kya tum mere saath aaoge ? How did you come? How did you sleep? How did you drive the car ? How did you write? How many apples are there in my hand? How many did you take? How much did he pay you? How much distance to go? How was the journey yesterday? Which way did you come? Which is your favourite colour? In which room did you sleep? Which story did you tell? Which is the sweetest fruit? Which is the best newspaper in Hindi? Which Indian state has the largest population? Where are you coming from? Where did you sleep? Where is the managers cabin? Where should I go? Is it a book? Yes, it is a book Is it the answer? Yes, it is the answer Will you come with me?

Mein tumhare saath aaunga. Kya tum mujhe apna pen doge ? Haan, zaroor Kya tum mujhe pyar karte ho ? Haan mein tumhein pyaar karta (m) / karti(f) hoon Kya tum mujhe apna pen de sakte ho? Kya tum box utha sakte ho ? Kya tum pariksha likh sakte ho ? Kya tumne dopehar ka khana khaya ? Tum kaise ho / Aap kaise hain ? Main achha hoon

I shall come with you. Will you give me your pen? Yes, of course. Do you love me ? Yes, I love you. Can you give me your pen? Can you lift the box? Can you write the exam? Did you have your lunch? How are you? I am fine

Explanation of Present Indefinite Tense in Urdu.

Present Indefinite Tense is used :1. To express habitual actions;

He drinks 2 cups of coffee every morning. She gets up every day at 5.

2. To express general truths;

The sun rises in the east The earth revolves round the sun.
3. In exclamatory sentences beginning with here and there to express what is actually taking

place in the present; There she goes! Here comes the train!
4. In stories, as substitute for the Simple Past;

The thief opens the door and enters the house.

5. To express a future event that is part of a fixed timetable or fixed programme;

The next train leaves at 6. When does this restaurant reopen?

6. In quotations;

Aslam says,"Honesty is the best policy."

7. It is used as a time or conditional clause instead of Simple Future Tense (Future

Indefinite Tense); If he comes we shall go to the park. (conditional clause) I will stay here till your brother comes. (time clause) 8. In broadcast commentaries on sporting events, instead of Present Continuous, to describe activities in progress where there is stress on the succession of happenings rather than on the duration

Present Continuous Tense (Advanced Level)

Explanation of Present Continuous Tense in Urdu

The Present Continuous is used:-

1. For an action going on at the time of speaking; She is cooking. (right now) The boys are singing. (right now) 2. To show near future ations already arranged; I am going to the museum tonight. My uncle is selling his car tomorrow. 3. For a temporary action which may not be happening at the time of speaking; I am reading "Harry Potter" now a days. (I am not reading right now)

Non-Progressive Verbs

be believe belong hate have ( meaning possess )*

hear prefer kno see w like think ( meaning believe )*

love understand nee want d

*When have expresses possession , it is not used in Present Continuous: Arsalan has a car. In certain idiomatic expressions (e.g. have a good time), have can be used in Present Continuous: I'm having a good time. *When think means believe, it is nonprogressive: I think that grammar is easy. However, when think expresses thoughts that are going through a person's mind, it can be used in Present Continuous: I'm thinking about grammar right now.

Present Perfect Tense (Advanced Level)

Explanation of Present Perfect Tense in Urdu

Present Perfect Tense is used :1. To show actions completed in the immediate past (usually with JUST); He has just left for the airport. I have just finished my homework. 2. To show past actions whose time is not mentioned and definite; Have you read "Harry Potter"? I have seen Japan.

3. To define past events when we focus on their effect in the present than of the action itself; Aslam has eaten all of the cake. (There isn't any left for me) I have cut my finger. (and it is bleeding now) I have done my homework. (now I am free) 4. To show experiences of your life; I have been to K-2. I have jumped from an aeroplane. 5. Present Perfect Tense is also used To express a situation (not action) that began in the past and continues to the present and it usually comes with since or for ; (a) I have been here since seven o'clock. (b) We have been here for two weeks. (c) I have known him for many years. Present Perfect Tense is never used with adverbs of past time.For Example; We must not say "He has gone to Karachi yesterday" in such case you had better use Simple Past Tense "He went to Karachi yesterday".

Present Perfect Continuous Tense (Advanced Level)

Explanation of Present Perfect Continuous Tense in Urdu

Observe the following sentences:1. I am playing cricket. (right now) (Present Continuous) 2. I have been playing cricket since 8 in the morning. (right now) (Present Perfect Continuous) If you pay a little attention to both of the sentences, you should see that both of the actions started some time back in past and both of the actions are still going on.But, the biggest difference between the two sentences is TIME. In sentence 1 time is not present, but in sentence 2 times is present and that is the biggest difference between Present Continuous and Present Perfect Continuous.

So the rule is simple, when you want to tell whatever you are doing at the time of speaking and you don't want to mention how long you have been doing it, use Present Continuous Tense and when you want to tell the action you are doing and how long you have been doing it, use Present Perfect Continuous.In other words,this tense is used to indicate the duration or starting point of an activity that began in the past and continues to the present. Sara is sleeping. (right now without time) (Present Continuous) Sara has been sleeping for five hours. (still sleeping but with time) (Present Perfect Continuous). Present Perfect Continuous is also used for actions already completed but in such cases the continuity of the activity is emphasized as an explanation of something. "Why are your clothes so dirty?" -----------"I have been playing football in the park." "You look sleepy"----------"Yeah! I have been working late at night." at 4:06 AM

Past Indefinite (Simple) Tense (Advanced Level)

Explanation of Past Indefinite Tense in Urdu

The Simple Past is used:1. To describe an action completed in the past. It often occurs with adverbs of time; She visited a park yesterday. (yesterday = adverb of time) I received an e-mail from my friend last Sunday. ( last Sunday = adverb of time) 2. Sometimes, adverb of time is not used and the Simple Past tense is used without any past time. In such case the times is understood or indicated by the context. I didn't sleep well. (i.e., last night) I am hungry, I did not take breakfast. (i.e., Today's breakfast) 3. Simple Past is also used for past habits; Ann studied many hours every day. He always bit his nails.

Past Continuous Tense (Advanced Level)

Explanation of Past Continuous Tense in Urdu

Past Continuous is used :1. To show an activity that was in progress (was happening,was occurring) at a particular time in the past; (a) I sat down at the dinner table at 6:00 p.m. yesterday. My friend came to my house at 6:10 p.m. I was eating when my friend came. (b) I went to bed at 10:00. The phone rang at 11:00.I was sleeping when the phone range. In (a) & (b): The Simple Past is used in a "when clause" and the Past Continuous in the main clause. So ,do remember that when a new action happens in the middle of another action for that action we use Past Indefinite. In (a) you can observe that "my friend came" in the middle of "eating" and in (b) you can observe that "the phone rang" in the middle of "sleeping".

Past Perfect Tense (Advanced Level)

Explanation of Past Perfect Tense in Urdu

This tense is used to show an earlier action than the other.It means that if two actions happened in the past ,it may be necessary to show which action took place earlier than the other. To show the first action, we use Past Perfect Tense and to show the second action we use Past Simple tense. e.g. The patient had died before the doctor came. The Patient had died (First Action) The doctor came (Second Action) e.g. My parents had already eaten by the time I got home. Parents ate (First Action) I got home (Second Action) So, remeber that Past Perfect usually comes with Past Simple.

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10/20/08

Past Perfect Continuous Tense (Advanced Level)

Explanation of Past Perfect Continuous in Urdu

Past Perfect Continuous Tense is used to show an action that began before a certain point in the past and continued up to that time.In other words if you want to tell the duration or starting point of any action in the past , you will use Past Perfect Continuous; e.g. He finally came at six o'clock. I had been waiting for him since 4:30. The police had been looking for the criminal for two years before they caught him at 8:58 AM

0/21/08

Future Indefinite Tense (Advanced Level)

Explanation of Future Indefinite Tense In Urdu

There are different things which can show future time.But students usually think that only "WILL" shows future time which is a wrong idea. As I said that there are different things which can show future time. For example, Present Indefinite & Present Continuous can also be used to show future. Here we shall try to learn "Will" and "Going to" to show future and the difference between "Will" and "Going to". 1. To express a Prediction:use either WILL or GOING TO ; (a) According to the weather report, it will be cloudy tomorrow. (b) According to the weather report, it is going to be cloudy tomorrow. In both of the sentences the speaker is making a prediction (a statement about something which he or she thinks will be true in the future). So, there is no difference between the both. 2. To express a PRIOR PLAN:Use only GOING TO ; A: Why did you buy this watch? B: I am going to gift it to my friend. Here you can observe that (B) bought a watch and his plan is to gift that watch in the future. In other words, the desicion or plan of gifting the watch was already taken. 3. To express decisions taken at the time of speaking:Use only WILL; A: What are you doing now a days? B: I'm learning English. A: Really! Is the institute good and inexpensive? B: Yes, it is. A: I will also take admission in that institute.

4. To express Willingness:Use only Will; Willingness means that you are ready to volunteer for something. A: The phone's ringing. B: I'll get it. In the above example, B: is saying that he is willing and happy to answer the phone. He is not predicting. He has made no prior plan to answer the phone. He is, instead, volunteering to answer the phone and uses WILL to show his willingness.

Expressing Future in Time Clause:

Observe the following example; Aslam will come soon. When Aslam comes, we will talk to him. "When Aslam comes" is a time clause. When + Subject + 1st form of a verb = a time clause. Note: Will or be going to is not used in a time clause. The meaning of the clause is furute, but the Simple Present is used. A time clause begins with such words as when , before , after, as soon as, until and includes a subject and a verb. The time clause can some either at the beginning of a sentence or in the second part of a sentence: When he comes, we'll see him. OR: We'll see him when he comes at 11:07 AM

/30/08

Unit 21: See, Look at, Watch & Hear , Listen to

In this lesson of Learning English as a Second Language, we shall lean:
What is the difference among See , Look at , Watch? What is the difference between Hear and Listen to?

Please click the following links to watch Video Explanation of the topic

Video Tutorial in English Video Tutorial in Urdu See :

See is a non action verb. Seeing is a natural phenomenon. Whenever you open your eyes you see. It can not happen to avoid seeing with your eyes open. So remember that whenever you open your eyes you see.

Look at:

Look at is an action verb. It is very easy to understand the difference between see and look at. When you open your eyes you see many things but the thing you focus with a purpose becomes look at. For example you are in a park there you can see a lot of things but you look at a fountain in the park.

Watch:
It is also an action verb. If you understand Look at it is very easy for you to understand Watch . You look at something for a short period but Watch is used for a long duration. e.g. I am watching a movie on television. (long duration) You are watching a football match. (long duration) Right now , I am looking at picture no.1 (short duration) and now I am looking at picture no.2. (short duration)

Hear:
Whenever you wake up and by the time you sleep , you hear a lot of things , it is also a non action verb. Hearing is not preplanned. When you wake up, you start hearing sounds , it is not possible to resist them. Hearing is not intentionally done. For example, You are standing on a street with your friend talking about English. So you are listening to what your friend is saying but you can also hear other things like cars passing by , horns, people shouting , children playing.

Listen to:
It is an action verb. Listen to is intentionally done. You listen to things for a purpose. e.g. Don't disturb me , I am listening to the news. (Purposefully) Every night , I listen to radio. (Purposefully)

/15/08

Future Perfect Tense (Advanced Level)

Explanation of Future Perfect Tense In Urdu

To express an action that will be completed before another time or event in the future; (a) I will graduate in June. I will see you in July. By the time I see you , I will have graduated. (b) I will have finished my homework, by the time I go out shopping tonight. Notice: in the examples; by the time introduces a time clause; the Simple Present is used in a time clause at 7:58 AM

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11/15/08

Future Perfect Continuous Tense (Advanced Level)

Explanation of Future Perfect Tense In Urdu

This tense is used rarely in English Language, I mean that in common spoken English poeple don't use it much. To emphasize the duration or starting point of an action that will be in progress before another time or event in the future; (a)I will go to bed at 10 P.M. He will get home at midnight.At midnight I will be sleeping. I will have been sleeping for two hours by the time he gets home.

Basic Conversations Introductions Where Are You going What Kind Of Sports Do You Like? The Weekend Who Did You Talk To Weekends Plans How Often Do You Go Skiing? I Do Not Know How Where Do You Usually Go For Vacation What Are You Reading

Basic Conversations - Introductions

Robert Chartrand and Bill Pellowe

Podcast Notes
This is a basic introduction between two people. You will hear it three times: first at a regular speed, then at a slower speed, then at the regular speed again. Robert: Hi, I'm Robert Chartrand. Bill: Hi. I'm Bill Pellowe. Nice to meet you. Robert: Nice to meet you, too. What do you do? Bill: I'm a university teacher. How about you? Robert: Me too! What university do you teach at? Bill: I teach at Kinki University. And you? Robert: Oh, I teach at Kurume University.

Basic Conversations - How long are you staying?

Robert Chartrand and Bill Pellowe

Podcast Notes
You'll hear this basic conversation two times. First, at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. After that, you'll hear short practice dialogs. Then it will be your turn to fill in the conversation with your own phrases. Conversation Bill: Hi Robert! What's up? Robert: I'm going to the U.S. next week. Bill: Oh, really? I didn't know that. Where are you going? Robert: I'm going to Tampa. Bill: Where's that? Robert: In Florida. Bill: What are you going to do there? Robert: I'm going to visit my family. My grandmother lives there. Bill: That sounds nice. When are you leaving? Robert: On Saturday March 11th. Bill: How long are you staying? Robert: A couple of weeks. Let's practice. Where are you going? To Rock Island. Where's that? In Illinois. When are you leaving? On Monday February 2nd. How long are you staying? For a month. Where are you going? To Abbotsford. Where's that? In British Columbia, Canada. When are you leaving? On Thursday November 1st. How long are you staying? For four years. Your turn... You answer... Where are you going? Where's that? When are you leaving? How long are you staying there?

Basic Conversations - What kind of sports do you like?

Bill Pellowe and Robert Chartrand

Podcast Notes
You'll hear this basic conversation two times. First, at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. After that, you'll hear short practice dialogs using What kind of (noun) do you like? Finally, you'll hear the conversation again at a normal speed. Conversation Bill: Robert, I have some tickets to the Hawks game. Do you want to go? Robert: Not really, Bill. I don't like baseball. Bill: Oh, do you like sports? Robert: Yes, of course. Bill: What kind of sports do you like? Robert: I like soccer. Bill: Well, that's the world's most popular sport. Let's practice. A: What kind of sports do you like? B: I like soccer. A: What kind of Japanese food do you like? B: I like sushi. A: What kind of books do you like? B: I like Harry Potter. A: What kind of movies do you like? B: I like action movies. A: What kind of cars do you like? B: I like sports cars. A: What kind of computers do you like? B: I like Apple computers.

Basic Conversations - The Weekend

Robert Chartrand and Bill Pellowe

Podcast Notes
This is a basic conversation about the weekend. First, you'll hear it at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. Next, you'll hear some practice drills. Finally, you'll hear the conversation again at

a normal speed. Robert: Good morning, Bill. How are you today? Bill: Good morning, Robert. I'm all right. How are you? Robert: Pretty good. Did you have a nice weekend? Bill: Not bad. I went to the movies on Saturday night. Robert: Oh yeah? What did you see? Bill: I saw the new Harry Potter movie. Robert: Did you like it? Bill: Yes, it was excellent! Practice A: I went to the movies. B: Oh yeah? What did you see? A: I went to a new restaurant. B: Oh yeah? What did you eat? A: I went shopping. B: Oh yeah? What did you buy? A: I went for a drive. B: Oh yeah? Where did you go?

mp3 file size: 1.25 MB time: 2:30 May 20, 2006

Basic Conversations - Who did you talk to?

Robert Chartrand and Bill Pellowe

Podcast Notes
You'll hear this basic conversation two times. First, at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. After that, practice asking questions. Conversation Robert: I talked to someone interesting yesterday.

Bill: Who did you talk to? Robert: I can't remember his name, but I was sitting on the train... Bill: Yeah... Robert: ...and this young man started talking to me. Bill: What did he say? Robert: He said that he was from Thailand and he was studying here in Japan. Bill: You mean he was a university student. Robert: No, he was a high school student. He had a uniform on. Bill: I see, so what did you talk about? Robert: Well, he said that he enjoyed living in Japan, but he did not have much chance to speak in English. Bill: How was his English? Robert: Pretty good. So, he asked me if we could chat while sitting on the train. Bill: That's interesting. It's not everyday that you meet a Thai student in Japan. Robert: That's right. Let's Practice I saw someone interesting last week. Who did you see? I went somewhere fun last month. Where did you go? I ate something strange. I don't feel so good. When did you eat it? I read an interesting book. What did you read? I have to go to England next week. Why do you have to go there?

Basic Conversations - Weekend plans

Robert Chartrand and Bill Pellowe

Podcast Notes
You'll hear this basic conversation two times. First, at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. After that, practice asking questions. Then it will be your turn to answer some questions. Conversation Robert: Do you have any plans for this weekend? Bill: I don't know. I might watch a video at home. And you? Robert: I'm going to meet some friends. Bill: What are you going to do? Robert: We might go sailing if the weather is nice.

Bill: Sailing, wow! Do you have a sailboat? Robert: No, my friend has one. She goes sailing every weekend. Let's practice A: We might go for a drive. B: A drive, wow! Do you have a car? A: We might go hunting. B: Hunting, wow! Do you have a gun? A: We might go surfing. B: Surfing, wow! Do you have a surfboard? A: We might buy a house. B: A house, wow! Do you have enough money? A: We might play some music. B: Play music, wow! Do you have a band? Your turn. You answer the questions. What are going to wear tomorrow? What are you are going eat for dinner? Who are you going to meet later? When are you going to go home? Where are you going to go for your next vacation? How are you going to go home?

Basic Conversations - How often do you go skiing?

Bill Pellowe and Robert Chartrand

Podcast Notes
You'll hear this basic conversation two times. First, at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. After that, you'll hear short practice dialogs using How often do you (verb)? Finally, you'll hear the conversation again at a normal speed. Conversation Bill: How was your weekend? Robert: It was great. I went skiing. Bill: How was it? Robert: It was fun. Do you ski? Bill: Yes. Robert: You should come next time. Bill: That sounds good. How often do you go skiing? Robert: About once a month.

Let's Practice A: I went to the movies. B: How often do you go to the movies? A: About twice a month. A: I baked a cake. B: How often do you bake cakes? A: About once every two months. A: I went running. B: How often do you go running? A: About three times a week. A: I had to work. B: How often do you work? A: Five days a week. A: I visited my parents. B: How often do you visit your parents? A: Once a year.

mp3 file size: 1.37 MB time: 2:49 Feb 14, 2006

Basic Conversations - I do not know how

Robert Chartrand and Bill Pellowe

Podcast Notes
First, you'll hear this a basic conversation at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. Next, you'll hear some practice drills. Finally, you'll hear the conversation again at a normal speed. Robert: Hi Bill. What's happening? Bill: Not much. How about you, Robert? Robert: Well, actually, I want to go to the art museum this afternoon, but I don't know where it is. Do you know where it is?

Bill: Which one? There are a few art museums in Fukuoka. Robert: I want to see the Napoleon exhibit. Have you heard about it? Bill: Ah, sure. That's the Fukuoka Municipal Art Museum. It's in Ohori Park. Robert: So, how do I get there? Bill: That's easy. Just take the subway to the Ohori Park station. Walk through the park, and it's there. You can't miss it! Robert: Do you mean that I have to walk to the other side of the park to get to the musem? Bill: Yes, that's right. It doesn't take long. About ten minutes or so. Robert: OK, I think I understand. Thanks. Bill: You're welcome. Let's Practice: A: I want to buy a suit, but I don't know where to shop. Do you know a good shop? B: Yes, I like to buy suits at Fukuyama. You should go there. A: I want to bake a cake, but I don't know how. Can you help me? B: Sorry, I don't know how. You should buy a cook book. A: I want to see a dentist, but I don't know who to see. Do you know a good dentist? B: Yes, my dentist is good. I'll give you his number.

Basic Conversations - Where do you usually go?

Robert Chartrand and Bill Pellowe

Podcast Notes
First, you'll hear a basic conversation at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. Next, you'll hear some practice drills. Finally, you'll hear the conversation again at a normal speed. Bill: Where do you usually go on your vacation, Robert? Robert: I usually go to Canada in the summer. Bill: What about the winter vacation? Robert: I like to stay here in Japan in the winter. Bill: Don't you want to spend Christmas in Canada? Robert: I do, but it's just too cold. Bill: I know what you mean. Practice A: Where do you usually buy clothes? B: I usually shop on the Internet. A: Don't you want to try on the clothes first? A: Where do you usually study? B: I usually don't study much. A: Don't you want to pass your tests? A: Where do you usually go on the weekends?

B: I usually stay home. A: Don't you want to go out? A: Where do you usually eat lunch? B: I usually eat lunch at a restaurant. A: Don't you like the cafeteria?

Basic Conversations - What are you reading?

Bill Pellowe and Robert Chartrand

Podcast Notes
First, you'll hear this a basic conversation at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. Next, you'll hear some short practice conversations. Finally, you'll hear the conversation again at a normal speed. Bill: What are you reading? Robert: A spy novel. Bill: How is it? Robert: It's good. Do you want to borrow it when I'm finished? Bill: Sure. Thanks. Practice: A: What are you eating? B: A tuna sandwitch. A: How is it? B: It's delicious. A: What are you listening to? B: A podcast. A: How is it? B: It's great! A: What are you watching? B: A movie. A: What movie? B: I don't know. A: How is it? B: It's boring.
http://www.learnenglish-a-z.com/basic-english-conversation.html

I'm
'I'm' is an abbreviation for the word 'I AM.' It is used in combination with other words to tell someone about yourself or to describe something you are doing. Here are some examples: "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm so tired." confused." happy." twenty three years old." hungry." nervous." excited." leaving work." thirsty." from Seattle."

You can also add descriptive words with 'I'm' such as: "I'm extremely tired." "I'm very happy." "I'm terribly hungry." "I am super excited." "I'm very nervous."

I'm in/at/on
Describes an action you are doing. Most commonly, you would use the word 'in' when entering a physical location such as a room or a building. Here are some examples: "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm in in in in in the shower." the lobby." a car." a house." a school."

Using the word 'at' helps tell someone where you currently are. The difference between 'at' and 'in' is that the physical location is general. Here are some examples: "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm at at at at at the the the the the grocery." mall." doctor's office." park." airport."

However, in some cases you can use 'at' and 'in' interchangeably. Here are some examples: "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm at the mall." in the mall." at the park." in the park."

"I'm at the grocery." "I'm in the grocery." Using the word 'on' is referring to a non physical location such as your time being utilized by something else. Here are some examples: "I'm on the phone." "I'm on my computer." "I'm on a bus."
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I'm good at
Again, 'I'm' is used here as 'I am.' 'Good at' informs someone what you excel at and are comfortable doing. Here are some examples: "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm "I'm good good good good good good good good good good at at at at at at at at at at drawing." video games." swimming." driving." reading." sports." writing." math." dancing." chess."

I'm + (verb)
'I'm' is a contraction of the words 'I am.' By adding a verb to 'I'm' this lets you express an action or occurrence about yourself.

Here are some examples: "I'm eating lunch." "I'm brushing my teeth." "I'm scared." "I'm driving to work." "I'm crying." "I'm typing an email." "I'm cooking dinner." "I'm combing my hair." "I'm hanging a picture." "I am texting." "I am dancing." "I am interested in the job." "I am exercising." "I am sad." "I am learning."

Information on Grammar pertaining to English Speaking

In order to obtain English fluency for ESL students, studying grammar can slow your progress down significantly. Basic grammar is a necessity, but focusing on grammar will prevent you from being able to speak English fluently in a reasonable time frame. Grammar is most effective to improve communication and writing skills, but this only pertains to those who have a solid foundation in English fluency. If you are studying for an exam or want to learn the details of all the grammar rules, you can study our grammar section at http://www.talkenglish.com/grammar/grammar.aspx. One commonality among everyone in the whole world is that they learned to speak before they learned grammar. Speaking is the first step for any English learner. So if you are a novice at English, please focus on your speaking and listening skills prior to studying grammar. After being able to speak English fluently, you will realize how much easier grammar is. But it does not work the other way around. Being fluent in English speaking will help you with your grammar studies, but studying grammar will NOT help you with your speaking. In this article, the four most basic grammar topics are explained, which consists of 1) subject, 2) predicate, 3) verb, and 4) article. This is the absolute minimum you should know. After you become comfortable with speaking, then you can study

more advanced grammar topics. For now, please review and study the four items described below.

What is a subject?
The subject in a sentence is "who" or "what" you are talking about. Every sentence needs a subject. If you don't have a subject, then the sentence is incorrect and nobody will understand what you are talking about. In other languages, the subject is not always required. Verbally, the person listening to you will understand what you are talking about, so a subject is not required. In English, a subject is always required. Here are examples of small sentences with the subject underlined. "I am hungry" "My brother is very smart" "That computer is very expensive" "We are going to the store now" "My sister and I will be waiting here" "The building is very big"

"When are you going to eat lunch?" "Why are they waiting in line?" "Who is going to take you to the store?"

What is a predicate?
The predicate in a sentence is the section that informs the person what the subject is or what it is doing. It is a phrase that contains a verb. The verb is always in the predicate. Let's look at the sentences we used in the subject lesson to identify the predicates. They will be underlined. "I am hungry" "My brother is very smart" "That computer is very expensive" "We are going to the store now" "The building is very big" In the above short sentences, we have identified the subject and predicate. In the most basic sentences, you need a subject and an action associated with the subject. Let's go on to verbs to understand this in more detail.

What is a verb?
A verb is an action, existence, or occurrence. In the simple sentences we used so far, the verb is mostly in the existence form. They are "am", "is", and "are". Other types of verbs are action verbs such as: Wash Run Walk Throw Jump Dance Laugh Learn Teach There are many action verbs, but I only listed a few to let you know what I am referring to. Here are some sentences to help you understand. "I need to wash my face" "Jane taught Jill" "Mike is laughing"

A verb can also start at the beginning of the sentence. "Throw the ball at the catcher" "Run towards the finish line" It is important to understand the verb, but having just a subject and a verb is not sufficient. For example, "Jill run" is not a complete sentence. Although Jill can be the subject, and "run" is the verb, this is not a complete sentence. That is why the previous lesson on predicate is important. With the predicate, we can turn the sentence into a proper sentence. "Jill is running"

What is an Article?
Articles seem so easy, but it is extremely difficult to teach. "A", "An", and "The" are all articles. It is easy to explain the difference between them, but it is difficult to explain when they are used. "A" and "An" have the same meaning. They are both indefinite articles. They are only different depending on what word or sound is following. Here is a brief explanation.

You should use "A" when the following word starts with a consonant. "A "A "A "A dog..." boy..." building..." hamburger..."

You should use "An" when the following starts with a vowel sound. "An "An "An "An eagle..." umbrella..." elephant..." awesome book..."

"The" is a definite article. The difference is if the noun or subject you are talking about is specific or not. Examples are the best way to understand the difference, so let's take a look. If you say, "I am going to a library to study", then the person you are speaking with does not know which library. If you say, "I am going to the library to study", then the person you are speaking with knows the specific library you are going to. "I am going to a coffee shop" (No specific coffee shop) "I am going to the coffee shop" (A specific coffee shop both the speaker and listener knows) Here is a slightly different example, but still using the same concept of specific or general. "I am going to sit in front of one of the computers in the lab" "I am going to buy a computer" Although the computer in the lab can be one of many computers, the correct article is "the" because it is still a specific computer that exists in the lab. However, if you say you are going to buy a computer, you cannot use "the" unless you already have the computer specified. Buying a computer can be any brand, type, or size so it is very general. Therefore, you must use "A" in this type of sentence. Here is another type of example: "The heat wave is unbearable" "I heard a heat wave is coming"

The difference between these two sentences is that the "heat wave" is specified in the first sentence, and not specified in the second sentence. In the first sentence, the heat wave is already present and both the speaker and listener knows that the heat wave they are talking about is the one they are currently experiencing. The second sentence is referring to a future heat wave that is not specific.

When and When NOT to use an article

One common rule to keep in mind is that articles are not used when referring to a name. "Turn right at the burger store" "Turn right at McDonalds" "The boy was running very fast" "Mike was running very fast" Another example of when not to use an article is when referring to general things in conversation. "Too much alcohol is bad for you" "Cigarettes can cause lung cancer" When you are referring to sports, you do not need an article. "I love playing badminton" "Football is a dangerous sport" In most cases, you don't need an article when referring to a country except when the name is referring to multiple countries or regions. For example, if you say England or Scotland, you don't need an article, but if you are referring to The United Kingdom, then you do need an article

http://www.talkenglish.com/Grammar/Grammar-speaking.aspx

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