All posts by weblio PH

Expert Conversation: Education and Languages

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Alice and you will be Ron. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Can I borrow your car, brother? I’m taking French Language proficiency exams this Saturday.
No problem. I didn’t know you’re learning French. When did you start?

I started four months ago. I’m planning to take my master’s degree in France, so I figured learning French will be a great help.
That’s true. French is a beautiful language. I would love to learn another language, too. However, I don’t think I have the time and patience for it.

You can, if you will, brother. I remember you took Japanese language classes in high school.
Sure, I did. I might start relearning Japanese when I decide to work there.

CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. What subjects were you good and bad at when you were a student?
Answer:
2. What do you like best about the education in your country?
Answer:
3. Is it easy to get a job for those who didn’t go to college?
Answer:
4. Is college education expensive in your country?
Answer:
5. What do you think are the things that should be improved in the education in your country?
Answer:
6. How many languages do you speak?
Answer:
7. How did you learn your second language?
Answer:
8. What’s the best way to learn a foreign language?
Answer:
9. Which do you think is the most difficult language to learn?
Answer:
10. What languages would you like to learn in the future?
Answer:

Expert Conversation: Environment and Natural Disasters

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Sam and you will be Alice. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

It has been raining nonstop. I don’t think it’s safe to drive to work in this weather.
I’m not going to work, either. My route was reported to be flooded last night. I can’t believe that we’ve had three storms this month already. Another storm is predicted to hit our country in two days.

I hate this weather. We can’t do anything about it but be prepared for the worst. We are still lucky that this area is not flood-prone. I hope that everyone’s safe, especially those who are living in low-lying areas.
I hope so, too. Anyway, my friends and I are volunteering to help those were affected by the flood. Do you want to come with us? We will go this weekend.

Count me in. I would be glad to help.

CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. How often is garbage collected in your neighborhood?
Answer:
2. What is the most important environmental issue we are facing today?
Answer:
3. Do you think most people in your country care about the environment? Why? Why not?
Answer:
4. Some people say that we can live without the use of plastic. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
5. Can you imagine what would happen when fossil fuel (coal and natural gas) runs out?
Answer:
6. Do you think newly discovered diseases are caused by environmental problems?
Answer:
7. Do you think nuclear power is a safe source of electricity? Why or why not?
Answer:
8. What roles can the government and businesses play in solving environmental problems?
Answer:
9. What is the best alternative source of energy? Is it solar energy, thermal, wind, etc.?
Answer:
10. How can we protect the environment and at the same time improve our standard of living?
Answer:

Expert Conversation: Sports

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Sam and you will be Ron. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

I bought us tickets to Leonardo and Gaspar’s championship fight on December 20.
Really? I’m so excited. Leonardo injured his right fist on his last bout with Elseman, right? This fight with Gaspar is going to be his first title defense since his recovery.

True. He’s one of my most favorite boxers of all time. Out of his 32 fights, 27 were knockouts and he only had two loses. Although, Gaspar is not one to be underestimated.
I know. I just think it’s a waste that he had to relinquish his super middleweight belts for this one fight. If I were him, I would do no such thing. What a big gamble! What if he loses? He’ll be back to square one.

He has made his name and is already regarded as one of the greatest boxers of our generation. So technically, he wouldn’t have to start from the beginning if he loses. Anyway, I’m rooting for Leonardo.
Want to bet? I’m for Gaspar.

CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. Why do you think many people like sports?
Answer:
2. What is the most common sport in your country?
Answer:
3. Do you prefer playing or watching sports?
Answer:
4. What do you think is the most popular sport in the world?
Answer:
5. What do you think is the most dangerous sport?
Answer:
6. What do you think is the most boring sport?
Answer:
7. What do you think is the most expensive sport?
Answer:
8. Do you think hosting the Olympics in one’s country is worth it despite its costs?
Answer:
9. If you were to be a professional athlete, which sport would you play?
Answer:
10. Does it bother you that people gamble on sporting events?
Answer:

Expert Conversation: Movies and Television

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Sam and you will be Alice. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

I can’t believe you made me see that horrible movie. I should’ve watched “The Stallions”, instead.
It’s not that bad. The story just happened to be predictable. Still, the fight scenes were good. Also, Alexander Zala played a supporting role.

As expected, he was amazing. He was the only reason why I was able to finish the movie we watched. The only sad part is I think his acting skills were underestimated this time.
True. He is my favorite actor, you know. I’ve been a big fan of his movies ever since and he has received lots of awards from his acting skills. He also met his wife Emilia Turner on one of his movies.

Emilia Turner is his wife? Wow! I didn’t know that. They were always such a great pair in their movies. Anyway, do you want to watch their movies with my friends after our family dinner?
Sure. I’ll buy snacks for our movie night later.

CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. What local and Hollywood movies are popular in your country?
Answer:
2. Who is your favorite actor/actress?
Answer:
3. Which movie and tv series genre do you like and dislike most? Why?
Answer:
4. What are the best and worst movies and/or tv series you have ever seen?
Answer:
5. Do you often watch movies at cinemas, on services like Netflix and Hulu, or on DVDs?
Answer:
6. Have you watched movies or TV series adaptations of popular books and comics? What do you think about them?
Answer:
7. What kinds of plots/stories do you hate seeing in movies and tv series?
Answer:
8. Some people say that it’s alright for historical movies to be historically inaccurate to look more creative. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
9. If you were a film director, what kind of movie would you like to make?
Answer:
10. If you were to portray a movie or tv character, who would it be?
Answer:

Intermediate Conversation: Jobs and Employment

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Ron and you will be Emma. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

I just realized how hard it is to look for a job. I had a job interview yesterday.
It is really hard to look for a job nowadays. How did the interview go?

I think the interview went well. They said they would inform me of their decision by tomorrow.
Wow. That is quite fast. I guess they need to hire people as soon as possible.

I think so. I hope the manager will consider my concern about the work schedule if ever I get hired.
I think the manager would consider your concern about work schedule especially if you are really fit for the position. Anyway, best of luck!
CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. What do you think is the most common job in your country?
Answer:
2. Is it difficult to find a job in your country? Why? Why not?
Answer:
3. If given a choice, would you like to have an easy low-paying job or a difficult high-paying job?
Answer:
4. In a job, which one is more important for you, being productive or being friendly?
Answer:
5. What is the best job you’ve had? Why?
Answer:
6. What job did you want to have when you were a child?
Answer:
7. If given a chance, would you like to work as a boss or as a follower/member?
Answer:
8. What is your dream position in a company?
Answer:
9. Do you think it is necessary to take overtime at the office? Why? Why not?
Answer:
10. How do you feel when you have job interviews?
Answer:

Intermediate Conversation: Traffic and Transportation

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Ron and you will be Emma. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

My car broke down this afternoon. I don’t think I can use it by tomorrow. I am supposed to have a meeting with clients.
I’m sorry to hear that. I think you can ride a bus or a taxi instead.

I’m going to the Italian restaurant downtown. I would prefer taking a taxi since it is more convenient.
I guess so. I always take the bus going downtown because the fare is cheaper. The Italian restaurant is also near the bus stop so it is hassle-free.

You have a point there. Let me decide tomorrow. I think it depends on the traffic situation. Thanks for your help.
Sure thing. I hope there won’t be any traffic jams tomorrow.
CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. What is your preferred mode of transportation when going to work/school? Why?
Answer:
2. What can you say about the public transportation in your country?
Answer:
3. What modes of transportation are available around your country?
Answer:
4. How much time do you spend travelling to work/school?
Answer:
5. Do you like walking? Why or why not?
Answer:
6. Have you ever ridden an airplane? Where did you go?
Answer:
7. Is riding a bus difficult in your country? Why? Why not?
Answer:
8. Have you ever ridden a boat or a ship? Where did you go?
Answer:
9. Do you fear riding certain types of transportation?
Answer:
10. Is it necessary to have your own vehicle? Why? Why not?
Answer:

Intermediate Conversation: Health

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Ron and you will be Emma. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

You do not seem energetic today. How are you feeling right now?
I have the flu. I will take a day off from work today to have some rest.

You seem really busy these past few weeks. You should also take good care of your health. Have you already been to the clinic?
Yes, I have. The doctor advised me to have some rest and take medicines for the flu.

I see. If you need help, just call me. Have some rest now. I hope you will feel better as soon as possible.
Thank you. I appreciate your concern.
CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. Do you think you are a healthy person? Why? Why not?
Answer:
2. What was the worst illness you have ever experienced?
Answer:
3. How often do you get sick? /When was the last time?
Answer:
4. When was the last time you had a medical check-up?
Answer:
5. What common illnesses do you sometimes experience?
Answer:
6. What do you do to stay healthy and fit?
Answer:
7. Do you like taking medications? Why? Why not?
Answer:
8. What health programs does your country have for its people?
Answer:
9. Health is wealth. What do you think does it mean?
Answer:
10. Do you think the food in your country is healthy? Why? Why not?
Answer:

Intermediate Conversation: Money and Budgeting

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Ron and you will be Emma. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

I really want to buy a new smartphone. The latest smartphone has great features! It is a little expensive, though. Do you think it is a good idea to borrow money for me to buy it?
Do you really need a new smartphone right now? If not, I think it is not a good idea to borrow money for that.

Not really. I just wanted to buy one because I heard it has better features than my smartphone now. What do you think should I do?
If you want, you can save money for you to buy that smartphone. You might not be able to buy it immediately, but at least you will not be in debt.

You have a point there. Starting tomorrow, I will save some of my allowance every day. I hope I could buy a new smartphone next month.
Don’t worry. I know you could do that. Just focus on your goal.
CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. If you had to choose between love without money and money without love, which one would you choose and why?
Answer:
2. Do you think a typical employee’s salary is enough to live daily in your country?
Answer:
3. What do you think is the best way to save money?
Answer:
4. Where do you consider to invest your money?
Answer:
5. Do you handle money effectively? Why? Why not?
Answer:
6. There is a saying that goes like this, “Money is the root of all evil”. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
7. If you would win a million dollars, what would you purchase with that money?
Answer:
8. If you are financially capable, would you help the less fortunate people all over the world?
Answer:
9. Why do you think most people like shopping?
Answer:
10. “Money makes the world go ‘round”. What do you think does it mean?
Answer:

Intermediate Conversation: Community and Social work

WARM UP

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Ron and you will be Emma. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Next week, I am going to volunteer as an English tutor at the kindergarten nearby. We still need more volunteers. Would you like to join?
I would like to join you but I am not sure if I’ll be available next week. Is it your first time to volunteer?

No. Actually, it is my second time. Last year, I volunteered as an English tutor in the same kindergarten. We usually play games, teach English alphabets and prepare meals for the children.
Wow! That sounds interesting! Being a volunteer seems tiring but it sounds fun!

You are right. I feel really glad to teach children in our community.
That is nice to hear. I hope I won’t be busy next week so that I could join you.
CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

ANSWER

1. Have you tried community service before? How did it go?
Answer:
2. What kinds of community service would you like to try?
Answer:
3. Have you done social work? Why? Why not?
Answer:
4. What do you think are the advantage and disadvantages of doing social work?
Answer:
5. In your opinion, to whom should social workers focus in your country?
Answer:
6. Do you think social workers should get higher pay because of the nature of their job? Why? Why not?
Answer:
7. Do you think the government should be responsible for the lives of their less fortunate people? Why? Why not?
Answer:
8. What activities do social workers do in your country?
Answer:
9. In your community, are people willing to help each other in times of trouble?
Answer:
10. Do you feel safe in your community? Tell me about it.
Answer: