All posts by weblio PH

Beginner Conversation: Animals and Pets

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, may I ask for a favor?
Sure. What is it?

Will you come with me to take Chowie to the pet hospital today? She is not feeling well since last night and I think she has a fever.
Who is Chowie?

She is my new dog. Actually, she is a puppy and I named her Chowie. I found her last night alone in the streets so I decided to keep her since it was raining.
Oh, poor Chowie. Okay, Ron. Let’s meet outside your house in ten minutes then we will go to the hospital.
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. What is/are your favorite pet/s?
Answer:
2. Do you have any pet/s at home? If yes, what kind of pet/s do you have at home? If no, would you like to have one?
Answer:
3. In your own opinion, what animal is the best pet and why?
Answer:
4. Can you live in a world without animals? Yes or no?
Answer:
5. If you would have a new pet, what would you name it?
Answer:
6. Would you like to have a wild animal as a pet?
Answer:
7. Would you like to visit countries like Africa that protects many wild animals? Yes or no?
Answer:
8. If you would become an animal, what would you be and why?
Answer:
9. What animal/s are you afraid of? Why?
Answer:
10. Do you think it is safe to have a snake or a spider as a pet? Why or why not?
Answer:

Beginner Conversation: Hobbies

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

Are you writing on your diary again, Alice? It’s night already.
Writing on my diary every night has always been my hobby. How about you? Don’t you have any hobbies?

I prefer doing my hobbies in the morning like biking at six in the morning. I also love to paint especially sunsets.
Wow. I did not know you love to paint sunsets. I always wanted to go to the beach while the sun goes down.

Our parents love to watch the sunset at the beach too. Maybe we can ask them to have a family beach vacation next week. What do you think?
That is a great idea! I’m sure they will agree.
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. Name three hobbies that you love to do during your free time.
Answer:
2. Did someone teach you those three hobbies or did you learn them on your own?
Answer:
3. Are you happy whenever you show your hobbies to others or are you afraid to show them?
Answer:
4. Are you still able to do your hobbies even if you are busy?
Answer:
5. If you have more free time, what would you do with it?
Answer:
6. What hobbies do you want to do on your free time that are not possible to do?
Answer:
7. Do you spend money on your hobbies? Yes or no?
Answer:
8. If you will spend a day doing your hobbies, who would you like to spend it with? Why?
Answer:
9. Is your free time shorter than before?
Answer:
10. Do you consider shopping, sleeping and watching movies as a hobby? Why or why not?
Answer:

Intermediate: Travelling

GUESS THE WORD

Rearrange the letters of the word to complete each sentence. Read the meaning aloud and use it as a clue.
ANSWERS
  1. exotic
  2. tranquil
  3. overcrowded

ANSWER

1. word:
E
O
X
I
T
C
meaning: [adjective] rare or uncommon
sentence: They were amazed when they saw ________ animals at the zoo.
2. word:
T
A
R
N
U
I
Q
L
meaning: [adjective] peaceful and quiet
sentence: The temple they visited was beautiful and ________.
3. word:
O
E
V
R
C
R
W
O
D
E
D
meaning: [adjective] has a lot of people or things in one or more place/s
sentence: Some tourist places in the Philippines is becoming ________ .

DIALOGUE

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Ron and you will be Emma. Fill in the blanks with the correct responses.

READ

We have a long weekend next week and I’m planning to have a mini-vacation. Do you have any suggestions on where I can travel and unwind?
_______________________. What is your ideal travel destination?

Well, I want to go to places that are quite exotic and tranquil. What is your ideal travel destination?
_______________________.

I didn’t know you’re into travelling too. Maybe one day we can be travel buddies and explore together. How often do you travel by the way? And do you travel alone?
I actually prefer travelling alone since I only have limited time
for myself. Although, I still travel with my family or friends depending
on the destination. I usually travel once or twice a month.


That’s amazing. I’m also thinking of creating video blogs whenever I travel, so I have memories of my travel experiences.
Indeed. Now I regret not making video blogs until now.

READING ALOUD

Read and take note of the important points in the article.

READ

According to an article of The Telegraph, a British Newspaper, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) declared Japan as the world’s fastest-growing tourist destination since 2010 followed by India, Vietnam, and Thailand. Because of the country’s wonderful and exotic places and a tranquil atmosphere, Japan has attracted many visitors particularly Chinese and Australians. Some of Japan’s most visited places are Shibuya, Dotonbori, and Tokyo Disneyland. However, according to the newspaper Japan Times, Japan is starting to face a problem known as “Kankō Kōgai,” which means “tourism pollution” due to overcrowded places especially in large cities and in major tourist destinations. Japanese people who are known to be polite and very welcoming are getting stressed by the uncontrolled rise of tourists every day. Citizens are requesting for a better transportation access and more accommodations for tourists to prevent the said problem.

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the questions about the article.

ANSWER

1. Who announced Japan as the world’s fastest-growing tourist destination?
Answer:
2. In your own words, what is tourism pollution?
Answer:
3. Some people say that tourism destroys a country’s natural and cultural heritage. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
4. What do you think Japan’s government should do to reduce “Kankō Kōgai” without negatively affecting the country’s tourism?
Answer:

READ BETWEEN THE LINES

In your own understanding, please explain the meaning of the following quotations.

ANSWER

1. “Even if travelling is not for everyone, don’t let it break you. Life is too short so go and see the world.” – Unknown
Answer:
2. “It’s not about how much you spend in travelling. It’s about the memories and experiences you earn while you’re at it.” – Unknown
Answer:

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

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

ANSWER

1. If you were to live in another country, where would it be and why?
Answer:
2. Where do you think is the most iconic/remarkable place on earth?
Answer:
3. Have you ever gotten lost while travelling?
Answer:
4. What is the one place you like to visit again and again in your country and abroad?
Answer:
5. Describe your ideal vacation trip with family/friends.
Answer:

Beginner Conversation: Music

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

Hey there, Emma. I saw your video online yesterday. I did not know you can play the piano. The song you played on the video sounds beautiful.
Thank you, Ron. I have been practicing my piano skills for five months and I decided to take a video of myself to see if I did it well.

You learned how to play the piano in just five months? That is so cool. I’m really proud of you.
Actually, I have always wanted to play the piano. When my parents bought a piano five months ago, I started practicing.

I am so happy for you, Emma. How about we play a song together someday? I know how to play the guitar.
That’s a great idea! Well, we can play a song together tomorrow since it’s weekends. You can come to my house at 10 in the morning.
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. What are your favorite songs? Why do you like them?
Answer:
2. Who is your favorite singer?
Answer:
3. What kind of music do you like the most? (Example: Pop, punk, rock, country, classical, etc.)
Answer:
4. Do you play any musical instrument? If yes, what do you play? If no, would you like to learn?
Answer:
5. Do you like to sing in Karaoke bars? If yes, name one song you always sing. If no, why?
Answer:
6. Do you like to listen to music while you are studying or working?
Answer:
7. Name a song that best describes you.
Answer:
8. When was the last time you attended a concert?
Answer:
9. Are there any songs that you don’t like?
Answer:
10. Name three foreign singers that are famous in your country.
Answer:

Beginner Conversation: Food and Dining

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 cannot find anything to eat here at home. I am hungry. How about you, Alice?
I am hungry, too. Our parents won’t be home soon, so I guess we just have to wait for them.

Well, I was thinking of ordering food online. I want to order pizza and spaghetti. What do you say?
I have a better idea. Let’s bake pizza and cook spaghetti. Is that okay with you?

Wow! Of course, it is okay with me as long as I bake the pizza while you cook spaghetti.
Okay, Sam. Just make sure your pizza will taste good.
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. What do you think are the three best foods in your country?
Answer:
2. Do you like to eat at restaurants or do you prefer to eat at home?
Answer:
3. Have you ever worked in a restaurant? If not yet, would you like to if given the chance?
Answer:
4. Do you know how to cook? If yes, what do you usually cook? If no, would you like to learn how to cook?
Answer:
5. What do you think is the worst food you have ever eaten?
Answer:
6. Do you like spicy foods?
Answer:
7. Do you like meat better than vegetables?
Answer:
8. Name three foods from other countries that you like.
Answer:
9. How often do you eat healthy foods?
Answer:
10. Are there any foods that you don’t like to eat?
Answer:

Beginner Conversation: Sports

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

Are you ready for our first day in summer swimming class?
Actually, I don’t think I can do it. You know I cannot swim.

Don’t worry, we will swim together. Our swimming teacher will teach us how to swim. It is going to be fun.
You’re right. By the way, can we play volleyball with our friends after the swimming class?

Of course. Now, let’s go. We don’t want to be late on our first day in swimming class.
Alright. Let’s go!
CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. What are your favorite sports?
Answer:
2. Name one to three sports that you want to learn.
Answer:
3. Name a sport that you wish you can play but can’t.
Answer:
4. In your opinion, what is the most famous sport in the world?
Answer:
5. Which sport is famous in other countries but not in your country?
Answer:
6. Is there a sport that you don’t like?
Answer:
7. Who is your favorite athlete (sports player)?
Answer:
8. What do you think is the most dangerous sport?
Answer:
9. If you were given the chance to join in Olympics 2020, what sport would you like to play? Why?
Answer:
10. Which do you like the most? Teams sports or single-person sports?
Answer:

Intermediate: News Media

GUESS THE WORD

Rearrange the letters of the word to complete each sentence. Read the meaning aloud and use it as a clue.
ANSWERS
  1. misleading
  2. biased
  3. violent

ANSWER

1. word:
M
S
I
E
L
A
I
D
N
G
meaning: [adjective] giving the wrong idea or impression
sentence: The news headline is ____________.
2. word:
B
A
I
E
S
D
meaning: [adjective] unfair support for or against something
sentence: The news about elections was ________ in favor of the leading candidate.
3. word:
V
O
I
E
L
N
T
meaning: [adjective] harmful and destructive
sentence: The news anchor reported the ___________ storm that attacked the major city last night.

DIALOGUE

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Ron and you will be Emma. Fill in the blanks with the correct responses.

READ

I can’t stand watching today’s news, Emma. They’re mostly depressing. I feel like bad news always travels faster than good news. Are there any recent good news?
_____________________________. Nonetheless, you should still watch the news to keep yourself updated on what’s happening around you.

Don’t worry, I still do. Although, I prefer to watch news feature and documentary because they’re not that violent. What’s the best news you’ve heard of so far?
_________________________________________

That’s nice. I hope news outlets will become less biased and stick more to the truth. By the way, do you know how to recognize if the news is biased or not?
I watch, read, and listen to news critically. Sometimes, even by just
reading and understanding the headlines, you will know if the news is
biased or not. I always watch out for misleading sentences, one-sided
reports, and opinionated terms.


You’re absolutely right. With the popularity of social media, it’s easy to spread fake news, so we need to be very critical with what we believe and what we share with others.
Indeed. It’s our duty as citizens to be responsible and observant.

READING ALOUD

Read and take note of the important points in the article.

READ

The history of news can be dated back to the Ancient Rome and Han Dynasty in China. In Ancient Rome, “Acta Diurna”, or government announcements were engraved either in metal or stone before being posted in public places. Meanwhile, in China, news sheets were handwritten on silk. In 1456, a movable printing system was invented by a German blacksmith, Johannes Gutenberg. Since then, important information became easily shared with everyone. A hundred years later, the term “newspaper” was first used in Venice, Italy when the government published their first handwritten newsletters known as “Written Notice”. To this day, news plays an important role in educating and updating the public that marked and shapes the modern world.

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the questions about the article.

ANSWER

1. Who invented the first movable printing system?
Answer:
2. Based on the article, how does news shape the modern world?
Answer:
3. Some people say that social media could replace news media. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
4. What do you think will happen if anyone (including those without professional journalism/reporting background) would write and publish news?
Answer:

READ BETWEEN THE LINES

In your own understanding, please explain the meaning of the following quotations.

ANSWER

1. “News is the bridge between the people, the government, and the world.”
– Unknown
Answer:
2. “A newspaper is not just for reporting the news as it is, but to make people mad enough to do something about it..”
– Mark Twain
Answer:

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions.

ANSWER

1. Do you think there are more bad news than good news nowadays?
Answer:
2. Would you consider becoming a news reporter if given the chance?
Answer:
3. What kind of news interests you the most?
Answer:
4. Should news be more entertaining than informative?
Answer:
5. If you were to be reported in the news, what would be the headline?
Answer:

Beginner 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

Alice, your friend, Mika, is outside. She said you two are going out to watch a movie. What movie is that?
We are going to watch Spider-Girl. It is showing today and we have been waiting for it since last year.

I heard about that movie too. Many people are excited to watch Spider-Girl.
It is exciting to watch, especially that they got the perfect actress to play as Spider-Girl. You know you can come with us to watch it.

I will watch Spider-Girl with my friends tomorrow. Right now, I will just watch my favorite television show, The Lost Island.

Okay then. Enjoy watching. See you later, brother!

CONVERSATION

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

ANSWER

1. What is the latest movie you watched so far? Did you like it?
Answer:
2. What is your most favorite English and Japanese movie?
Answer:
3. Who is your favorite English movie actor and actress?
Answer:
4. Name one movie that you would like to happen in real life.
Answer:
5. What are your favorite TV shows? Why do you like it?
Answer:
6. What kinds of movies interest you the most? (Example: Romance, comedy, science fiction, horror, mystery, etc.?)
Answer:
7. Is there a TV show that everyone seems to like but you don’t like? Why?
Answer:
8. Suggest a good TV show (Japanese and English) that I should watch.
Answer:
9. How many hours a day do you watch television?
Answer:
10. Would you ever join a talent competition show on television? Why or why not?
Answer:

Intermediate: Business

GUESS THE WORD

Fill in the missing letters of the word to complete each sentence. Read the meaning aloud and use it as a clue.
ANSWERS
  1. profitable
  2. suburb
  3. pharmacy

ANSWER

1. word:
P
R
O
F
_
T
A
_
L
E
meaning: [adjective] making an income
sentence: In just few months, her clothing business became ___________ .
2. word:
S
_
B
U
R
B
meaning: [noun] a residential community
sentence: After living in a busy town for many years, he decided to live in the __________.
3. word:
P
H
_
R
M
_
C
Y
meaning: [noun] a store where medicines are sold
sentence: The nearest ________ is fifteen minutes drive from here.
READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will play Ron and you will play Emma. Then, we’ll switch roles.

READ

I’m so glad to see you, Emma. I heard you’re planning to start a pharmacy. Is that true?
Indeed, Ron. I’ve noticed that there’s no pharmacy around my area. We have to go down town for the nearest one. I figured that a pharmacy would be a profitable small business in the suburb—there are many school children and elderly.

Cool! I wish I could start a business on my own someday. Anyway, if you need any help in accounting, I’d be glad to offer my services.
Thanks, Ron. I will be securing business permits, licenses, contracts, and other documents soon. I will definitely need your help. If you want, we can start this business together.

Sure, thanks for the offer. When do you want the business to be fully operational?
Hopefully, within the first quarter of next year. There are many things to do and I would never bring a knife to a gunfight. Things likes this needs time and preparation.

I agree. Let’s think about the business plan, soon.
How about, we meet tomorrow after work at my place? I have drafted a business plan, already. I want you to check it.
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Please answer the questions in complete sentences.

ANSWER

1. What type of business is Emma planning to start?
Answer:
2. What are the things does Emma need help with?
Answer:
3. What is Ron’s profession?
Answer:
4. What does Emma mean by, “bring a knife to a gunfight”?
Answer:
DESCRIBING PICTURES

Study the pictures for 1 minute. Tell a story based on the pictures.

ANSWER

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the questions by stating your opinions.

ANSWER

1. A lot of entrepreneurs say that a wasted time is a wasted money. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
2. Would you rather start a business that sells products or a business that provides services? Why?
Answer:
CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions.

ANSWER

1. Is there a particular business industry you would like to work for? Would you rather work for a big company or a small company?
Answer:
2. If you were to start a business, what would it be? Why?
Answer:
3. What kind of businesses are successful in your country?
Answer:
4. What type of business you would like to give importance in your country?
Answer:
5. Do you think it’s possible to live in a world where all businesses are government-owned?
Answer:

Intermediate: Modern Technology

GUESS THE WORD

Fill in the missing letters of the word to complete each sentence. Read the meaning aloud and use it as a clue.
ANSWERS
  1. innovation
  2. conventional
  3. critical

ANSWER

1. word:
_
N
N
O
_
A
T
I
_
N
meaning: [noun] improvement and development of something
sentence: Computer _____________ is unending and will therefore continue to upgrade.
2. word:
C
O
_
V
_
N
T
I
O
N
_
L
meaning: [adjective] to follow/use typical and traditional standards
sentence: Doctors said that some _____________ medicines will not work on many diseases in a few years.
3. word:
_
R
_
T
I
C
_
L
meaning: [adjective] very serious and can be risky
sentence: Her laptop had ____________ errors due to outdated software.
READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will play Ron and you will play Emma. Then, we’ll switch roles.

READ

Hi, Emma. I just watched Revengers yesterday. Steel Man’s suit really caught my attention. Have you watched it?
Yes, I watched it with my younger brother. The movie was fantastic. Why the sudden interest on Steel Man’s suit, though?

Well, Steel Man’s suit is a product of nanotechnology. I’ve been hearing a lot about nanotechnology these days.
True. It’s revolutionizing modern medicine. In fact, nanobots are starting to replace some conventional medical methods. They are supposed to make critical medical procedures less dangerous.

Indeed. There are several studies that show positive results on nanobots attacking cancer cells without affecting the healthy ones. I hope this kind of innovation will be easily available to everyone in the next few years.
I hope so too. After all, everyone deserves the best medical treatment there is.

I’m glad we’re on the same wave length.
Likewise. Anyway, catch you later.
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Please answer the questions in complete sentences.

ANSWER

1. What is the latest upgrade on Stelle Man’s suit?
Answer:
2. When did Ron watched the movie Revengers?
Answer:
3. How are nanobots helpful in the field of medicine?
Answer:
4. What does Emma mean by “we’re on the same wavelength”?
Answer:
DESCRIBING PICTURES

Study the pictures for 1 minute. Tell a story based on the pictures.

ANSWER

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the questions by stating your opinions.

ANSWER

1. Many people say that we have become lazy and too dependent on technology. Do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
2. How will the world be affected if all technology suddenly stopped functioning well?
Answer:
CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions.

ANSWER

1. Aside from cellphone and computer, what other technological gadget/s you can’t live without? Why?
Answer:
2. In your own opinion, what technological invention/s will soon disappear in the world?
Answer:
3. At what age should a child own a gadget (phone/tablet/laptop)?
Answer:
4. How do you think technology will change the world in the next one hundred years?
Answer:
5. What do you think are the three greatest inventions of all time?
Answer: