All posts by weblio PH

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?
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2. Do you think a typical employee’s salary is enough to live daily in your country?
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3. What do you think is the best way to save money?
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4. Where do you consider to invest your money?
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5. Do you handle money effectively? Why? Why not?
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6. There is a saying that goes like this, “Money is the root of all evil”. Do you agree or disagree?
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7. If you would win a million dollars, what would you purchase with that money?
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8. If you are financially capable, would you help the less fortunate people all over the world?
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9. Why do you think most people like shopping?
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10. “Money makes the world go ‘round”. What do you think does it mean?
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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?
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2. What kinds of community service would you like to try?
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3. Have you done social work? Why? Why not?
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4. What do you think are the advantage and disadvantages of doing social work?
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5. In your opinion, to whom should social workers focus in your country?
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6. Do you think social workers should get higher pay because of the nature of their job? Why? Why not?
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7. Do you think the government should be responsible for the lives of their less fortunate people? Why? Why not?
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8. What activities do social workers do in your country?
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9. In your community, are people willing to help each other in times of trouble?
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10. Do you feel safe in your community? Tell me about it.
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Intermediate Conversation: Literature and Art

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 am almost finished reading this book. What other books can you recommend?
You can borrow one of my books. What kinds of story do you prefer? I have horror, adventure and science fiction stories.

I prefer science fiction stories. I am fascinated with how those stories could possibly turn into reality. How about you? What kinds of story do you like?
I like horror stories. I find them interesting because most horror stories are unpredictable.

I see. I haven’t read any horror stories before because I easily get scared. Thank you for letting me borrow one of your books.
You’re welcome. You can borrow books anytime. Enjoy reading!
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. Are you an artistic person? Why? Why not?
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2. What kinds of art interest you?
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3. Why do you think other people appreciate abstract paintings? How about you?
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4. Many people consider photography as an art. Do you agree or disagree?
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5. What kinds of literature amaze you?
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6. If you could choose between writing a story or poem and drawing pictures, which one would you choose and why?
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7. Many people are fond of reading e-books than reading printed books. What is your opinion about that?
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8. Are you interested with other countries’ literature? Why? Why not?
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9. If you could write a novel, what would be the theme of the story?
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10. What kinds of painting do you find beautiful?
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Intermediate Conversation: History and Culture

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

Welcome back! How was your trip to Japan?
It was awesome! Before I forget, I have some Japanese snacks for you.

Wow! They look delicious. Thank you for the snacks. You really shouldn’t have to.
I am glad you loved them. In Japan, giving friends snacks from a recent trip is part of their culture. They call it “omiyage”.

That is interesting. What a generous gesture! I would love to adapt that part of their culture when I go on a trip next time.
That would be nice. It is really interesting to learn something about other countries’ cultures.
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. Do you think learning about your country’s history is important? Why? / Why not?
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2. What significant historical facts do you know about your country?
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3. Do you know any historical facts about other countries? What are they?
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4. If the history in your country could be repeated, which part of it would you like to experience?
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5. What is the most interesting part of your country’s history?
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6. Do you like studying history? Why? Why not?
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7. Do you agree that history repeats itself? Why? Why not?
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8. How do you describe the culture of your country?
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9. What is a unique part of your country’s culture?
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10. Do you participate in your country’s culture celebrations? Why? Why not?
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Beginner Conversation: History and Culture

WARM UP

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

会話文を読みましょう。講師がサム、あなたはアリスのパートを読みます。読み終わったら交代しましょう。
READ


Hi, Alice. I’m sorry, but are you busy today? Can you help me with my school project?
Sure. I was just watching History Channel. What is your project about?

Well, my project is to make a short video about any national hero in Asia. I chose the Philippines, but I do not know its national hero.
The national hero of the Philippines is Doctor Jose Rizal. His writings started the great revolution against the Spaniards. Plus, he visited Japan and made friends here.

Cool. I did not know that he visited Japan. I think I will make a short video about his stay here in our country.

That is a wonderful idea. Anyway, good luck with your project. Do your best!

CONVERSATION

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

講師の質問に答えましょう。講師にも同じ質問をしましょう。
ANSWER

1. Describe your country’s culture in three words.
Answer: ________________
2. What is your favorite part in the history of your country? Why?
Answer: ________________
3. What do you like best about your culture?
Answer: ________________
4. If you would live the life of a historical person for one week, who would that be and why?
Answer: ________________
5. What historical event in your country that you like to turn into a movie?
Answer: ________________
6. Aside from your country’s culture and history, name one country that you would like to know and learn about.
Answer: ________________
7. If you were to live in the old times, what would you be? (Example: A samurai, soldier, geisha, ninja, prince, princess, etc.)
Answer: ________________
8. Name at least one famous person from your country’s history. Tell me something about him/her.
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9. If you could travel back in time, what gadget would you like to bring with you?
Answer: ________________
10. Who is your favorite historical person?
Answer: ________________

Intermediate Conversation: Economy and Livelihood

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 heard you are planning to have a small business. Have you decided about it?
Yes, I have. I would like to invest in a small convenience store near the school. What do you think?

That is a nice idea. The location is perfect since there are lots of students within that area.
Exactly. Do you think it will be possible to achieve it early next year?

Why not? I believe it is possible even at the end of this year if you already have the budget for it. Go for it!
You actually have a point. I already have the budget. What I just need to do now is to prepare the documents. Thanks for your encouragements.
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. What can you say about the recent economic status of your country?
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2. In some countries, the government provides livelihood projects for less fortunate people. Do you think it is a good idea?
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3. Why do you think people should be concerned with their country’s economy?
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4. What is your opinion about other countries having poor economic status?
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5. Do you think public officials have something to do with their country’s economic status? Why? Why not?
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6. If the country’s economy is declining, who do you think should be responsible for that?
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7. Would you consider having a small business for your livelihood in the future?
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8. What are the most common economic problems in your country?
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9. Have you studied about economics? What is your opinion about it?
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10. Do you think everyone should be aware of world economy? Why? Why not?
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Intermediate Conversation: Education and Language

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, there will be a language tutorial class for students who want to study French. I want to give it a try. How about you?
I would love to study French, but I am currently studying Korean so I might get confused.

Oh, I see. It is my first time studying a foreign language. Is it difficult?
I guess it is not difficult if you are interested in the language you are studying. You can always ask for help from the teachers if ever you get confused, so you don’t have to worry.

That is good to know. Do they usually give language books so that I can also study at home?
Yes, they do. You can also practice with your classmates by having conversations in French. Good luck in your French class.
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. What were your thoughts when you studied English for the first time?
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2. How many languages do you know? How did you learn them/it?
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3. Do you think learning English is necessary in our everyday lives? Why? Why not?
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4. What can you say about the educational system in your country?
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5. What can your country improve on when it comes to their educational system?
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6. If you could study more than two degrees, what would the degrees be and why?
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7. How much is the education in your country?
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8. If given a chance to study abroad, where would you go and why?
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9. What other languages would you like to study besides English?
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10. Some companies prefer employees who speak English fluently. Do you agree with their preferences?
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Intermediate Conversation: Environment and Natural Disasters

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

Have you seen the news about the extreme flooding in the city yesterday?
Yes, I have. According to the news, illegal dumping of trash around the city might have caused it.

That is too bad. Trash is just thrown anywhere. I sometimes pick them up and put them in the bin when I am not in a hurry.
Me too. I have tried doing volunteer work in the park before. I noticed that people leave trash everywhere.

People should really be responsible for their actions to save the environment.
You are right. After all, we all benefit from our environment so we should take good care of it.
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. What actions do you do for the conservation of nature?
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2. What would you do when you must put out a piece of trash but there weren’t any trash bins?
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3. Do you think you are ready when natural disasters strike? Why? Why not?
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4. What do you think will happen with the environment after a few years?
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5. Have you experienced any natural disasters? What did you do?
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6. If you haven’t experienced any natural disasters, what would you do if you experienced one?
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7. How do people in your country prepare for natural disasters?
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8. Do you think most people in your country care about the environment? Why? Why not?
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9. Do you think the environment in your country could improve more?
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10. How do you help with the conservation of the environment?
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Beginner 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

Good evening, Emma. How was your first day at work? What was it like?
It feels great. Every staff welcomed me well. My manager seem kind. I’m excited to work with them.

I’m glad you’re happy. By the way, what is your position and what kind of company are you working for?
I work for a magazine company, and I’m one of their new photographers. Actually, I will start my first project tomorrow.

Wow. Tomorrow is just your second day, but you already have a project. I’m proud of you, Emma. Do your best, okay?
I will. Thank you, Ron! It means a lot.
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. If you could have any job, what would it be and why?
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2. What do you think are the best jobs in your country?
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3. Have you considered taking part-time job?
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4. Describe an excellent boss in three words.
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5. In your opinion, how many hours in a day should a worker work?
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6. What is your dream job?
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7. What is your first job?
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8. What kind of jobs interest you the most?
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9. What do you like about your current job?
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10. Do you think it’s important for employees to know how to speak and write in English?
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Beginner 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

Emma, let’s go. I don’t want us to be caught in the traffic today. Our friend’s wedding venue is two hours drive from here.
We could just ride a taxi there. You don’t have to drive.

I prefer to drive. We can avoid traffic that way. Besides, a taxi ride is expensive.
Don’t worry about the fare. I can pay for the both of us.

Just pay for the gas. Don’t worry. I always drive safe. Now, come on or else we’ll be late.
Okay, fine. Just drive fast and safe.
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. How often do you get stuck in traffic?
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2. Have you ever forgotten to fasten your seat-belt?
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3. How far is your house/apartment from the town center?
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4. Which do you prefer, a motorcycle or a car?
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5. What is your most preferred mode of transportation when going to the countryside? (Example: bus, train, taxi, etc.)
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6. At what time is safer to travel? At day or at night?
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7. Tell me about your dream car.
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8. Do you think cars would be able to fly in the future? Why or why not?
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9. Which do you prefer? Driving on your own or riding in public transportation (Example: Bus, taxi, train)?
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10. What do you usually do when during a long ride? Do you read books/newspapers, listen to music, or sleep?
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