

Travel English

for Busy Travelers

Level 1 Self-Study e-Textbook

(with Answers)

By David Ellis

For further information on Travel English training, contact the author at: jd6919@yahoo.com

Travel English for Busy Travelers

Copyright © 2015 by John David Ellis

All rights reserved. This publication is licensed for your personal use only. No part of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including recording, photocopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review. For permission requests, please contact the author at: jd6919@yahoo.com.

While every effort has been made by the author to ensure the legitimacy and accuracy of the links, references, and cultural information (available at the time of the book's publishing) presented in this e-book, the author is not responsible or liable for broken links or missing and fallacious information contained in the links and text of the e-book. Opinions contained in links included in this e-book do not necessarily reflect or express those of the author.

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page."

~ St. Augustine

# 
Table of Contents

How to Use this Book

Chapter 1 – Arriving at an International Airport

Chapter 2 – Introductions & Checking into a Hotel

Chapter 3 – Going Out to Eat

Chapter 4 – Getting Help and Information

Chapter 5 – Can You Do It? (Review Chapter for Units 1-4)

Chapter 6 – Getting Around

Chapter 7 – Changing Money & Changing Plans

Chapter 8 – Making Plans for Sightseeing

Chapter 9 – Going Shopping

Chapter 10 – Can You Do It? (Review Chapter for Units 6-9)

Bonus Chapter – Welcome to Miami!

Appendix 1 – How Your e-Book Reader Can Help You Learn English

Appendix 2 – Recommended Books for Self-Study

Appendix 3 – American Slang

Appendix 4 – Textese (Texting Language or SMS Language)

Appendix 5 – Pre-reading Discussion Questions for Teachers

About the Author and Special Thanks

Connect with the Author

# How to Use this Book

This e-textbook, Travel English for Busy Travelers, can be used in different ways. It can be used by students with a teacher, or it can be used by a student with a tutor (private teacher). Most students, however, will use this e-book as a self-study book. Learning a foreign language through self-study can be difficult, but I try to make it as easy for you as possible. Also, I think it is easier to learn English with an e-book than a paper book thanks to features such as Text-to-Speech (TTS), highlighting, and the Kindle dictionary. However, self-study is a stressful idea for some students. Many of my students tell me they do not know how to learn a foreign language by themselves without a teacher's help, so I want to give you some advice on how to use this e-book and how to learn travel English without a teacher in a short time.

1) Read the conversations out loud. Try to practice conversations until you can say half of a conversation without looking at your e-book. You can make conversation practice fun by practicing with a friend who likes to speak English. You can also use two different voices if you practice by yourself. For example, you can speak with a happy voice and a tired voice, or you can speak with a sad voice and a sexy voice. You can also practice some of the dialogues (conversations) in this e-book with the author by visiting my YouTube channel: MyYouTubeChannel (Click on Playlists and then click on the Travel English e-Book Videos). In most dialogues, I read the A parts and you can say the B parts of the conversations. You can use the pause button if I speak too quickly for you. Also, try to practice so that you can speak all the B parts of a conversation in the e-book without looking. The B parts of a conversation are usually tourist roles. For example, the A role may be a taxi driver and the B role is a tourist. Finally, try to be creative and change the conversations after you practice them two or three times. At the end of the long conversations, I give you words that you can use instead of (in place of) the underlined words, but it is better if you use your own words.

2) Learn vocabulary that is useful for travel English. English has a huge (very, very large) vocabulary. Don't worry; you don't have to learn a huge number of words to communicate well in English when traveling. The e-book includes simple definitions of many important words and phrases (groups of words), but you may need to use a translation dictionary to look up the meaning of some words. It is best if you can study English in English, but use a translation dictionary if you cannot understand simple definitions in English. Always highlight words that are new for you; it will make it easy for you to review your new vocabulary. If you have time, keep a vocabulary journal in a notebook with new words and definitions. Finally, try to learn phrases (groups of words) for fast learning. Native speakers of English often speak in phrases and very short sentences. You can, too. Just like me. Yes, really! No problem! Just do it.

3) Read, read, read! Read the reading passages two or more times. Try to read the reading passage quickly without a dictionary the first time; you can highlight new words, but do not look up the definitions. Next, read the passage again; read slowly and look up words you do not know using your Kindle Dictionary or another dictionary. Finally, do the reading exercises (ex. comprehension check, vocabulary or True-False exercises) and check your answers. Reading is one of the most important things you can do to improve your English. Many great teachers (including Dr. Stephen Krashen) who study the best ways of learning a foreign language say that the fastest way to learn a foreign language is by doing lots of reading in the language you want to learn. I think reading is the best way to improve your vocabulary. It is a good way to learn new words and review words you know. It is best if you read things that you think are interesting. I think readers of this e-book are interested in learning travel English, so all of the readings in this book are on travel topics, especially on advice for avoiding problems while you are traveling in North America. Remember that you need to learn about American culture, not just English language.

4) Learn simple grammar that is helpful for making sentence patterns. This e-book is more of a topic-based book than a grammar-based book, but the book includes grammar that is useful for making sentence patterns you probably need for travel English. You do not need to know many "grammar words" to understand this book, but you do need to know the following words: present, past, future, tense (ex. past tense), subject, noun, verb, adjective, adverb, singular and plural. Please look up these words in your translation dictionary if you do not know them. Reading is not only good for building your vocabulary; it is also a good way to learn grammar. When you read the dialogues and reading passages, try to notice some grammar patterns.

5) Be an active learner. That means you should work hard and try to think in English. Translating between English and your native language may seem easy to you, but it will slow down your language learning. Do all the exercises and check your answers. Try to think about why you made mistakes, but don't worry if you can't understand every mistake you make. The review chapters (Chapter 5 and Chapter 10) may be more difficult, but do not skip these chapters. If you cannot do some things in the review chapters, that means you need to go back and study those things again. You may need to take notes on difficult words and grammar. Review your notes when you have time riding a bus or train, or look at your notes when you are having a coffee break. Try to study a little each day; don't just study a lot one day of the week and then take a long break from studying. Learning a foreign language is hard work. In English, we say: "No pain, no gain."

6) You do not need to study the chapters in order. Use the e-book's Table of Contents (TOC) to study what you want to study at any time. I tried to put the things most foreign tourists need to do first (ex. passing through immigration and customs, checking into a hotel, getting around by taxi, and ordering food) at the beginning of the book.

7) Focus on communication. When you travel in an English-speaking country, try to speak as much as you can. Don't worry about making mistakes when you practice the English you have learned in this book in the real world. The important thing is that you communicate. Relax. Many people who live in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and other English speaking countries speak very little English, so don't worry if your grammar or pronunciation is not perfect. The more you speak, the easier it will be to speak. Take any chance to practice speaking. If you are lost or cannot understand how to buy a ticket, try to ask for help and practice speaking English. Make conversation with your waiter at the restaurant, or ask lots of questions of hotel staff. Tell your taxi driver where you are from and ask where they come from. Don't be shy.

I hope you enjoy this e-book and hope it helps you communicate well in your travels to places where English is spoken. I welcome any comments you may have. I am going to write a second level travel English e-book soon. Please let me know if you have any requests for the Level 2 travel English e-textbook.

Symbols & Abbreviations

Used in this Book

ex. = example; for example

/ = or ex. I want to eat French/Chinese/Greek food. = I want to eat French or Chinese or Greek food.

(to) = shows that a word is a verb ex. (to) travel, (to) go, (to) buy

n. = noun

adj. = adjective

adv. = adverb
Chapter 1: Arriving at an International Airport

I. Short Conversation

## At Passport Control (Immigration)

(A = Immigration Officer, B = Tourist)

A: Next in line please!

B: Hello.

A: Hello. Passport please.

B: Here you are.

(Long pause)

A: What is the purpose of your visit to the United States?

B: Sightseeing

A: How long will you stay in the United States?

B: For 10 days.

A: Where will you be staying?

B: I'm staying with friends.

A: Can you show me the address?

B: Yes, here you are.

(A looks at the address)

A: OK. Now I need your fingerprints.

(B puts 2 index fingers on the scanner)

B: OK?

A: Yes. Now look at the camera.

(B's picture is taken, and A stamps B's passport)

A: Thank you. Welcome to the United States.

B: Thank you.

###  II. Travel English Vocabulary

passport control = the place where your passport is checked when you enter a country. Note: Passport control is also called "immigration." To get to passport control, you will probably follow signs for Arrivals and Passport Control.

immigration officer = the person who checks passports, visas, immigration forms, landing cards, and customs forms at an international airport

tourist = a person who is traveling, especially for sightseeing

Next in line please. = The next person in line can come somewhere (ex. come to the Immigration counter)

Passport please. = Please give me your passport.

Here you are. = Here it is/Please take it

purpose (n.) = reason

(to) stamp a passport = put a stamp, such as a date of arrival or departure, in a passport

baggage claim = the place where you pick up your suitcases and other bags or containers

bag = suitcase, carry-on bag, duffel bag, and other types of baggage you can check in or carry on an airplane. Note: In other situations such as a supermarket, bag = a sack

check-in bag = a bag that you check in with an airline and pick up at baggage claim after you finish your flight

carry-on bag = a small bag that you can carry on an airplane

customs = the place where bags are checked at an international airport. Note: You pass through Customs after leaving Baggage Claim (the place where you pick up your suitcases and other baggage)

customs officer = the person who asks questions about your bags and may ask to look inside your bags

customs declaration form = customs form = the paper visitors have to fill out for customs including information on valuables (ex. money, checks) you are bringing into the country.

immigration card = landing card = the paper that people have to fill out for passport control (immigration) in some countries

customs duty = money you have to pay at customs (ex. for carrying too much alcohol or too many cigarettes)

(to) lie = to say something that is not true

(to) prevent = stop

Business or pleasure? = Did you come here for business or for pleasure (ex. sightseeing)?

just = only

green card = a visa that allows you to live and work in the United States

(to) renew = to make new again (ex. to renew a visa)

address = the place where something is located; a mailing address or short form of a mailing address (ex. 201 Jackson Street, Hollywood, California)

yet = now; at the present time (ex. I don't know yet.)

retired person = a person (usually over the age of 60) who has stopped working

unemployed person = a person who is not working (but usually wants to work)

housewife = a woman who takes care of the home and children

househusband = a man who takes care of the home and children; a Stay-At-Home Dad (SAHD)

(to) declare = say you have

duty-free = no tax (ex. duty-free shopping)

illegal substances = things that are against the law (ex. drugs such as marijuana)

Once more please. = Pardon me? = Pardon? = Can you say that again please? = I beg your pardon. = What did you say?

Please speak slowly. = Please speak at a slower speed; please don't speak quickly.

(to) clear = to go through (ex. to clear customs)

III. Useful Grammar: Contractions (short forms) with Be Verbs

It is natural to use short forms (called contractions) when speaking English. NOTE: 'm is short for am, 's is short for is, and 're is short for are.

I'm = I am  
You're = You are  
He's = He is, She's = She is, It's = It is  
We're = We are  
They're = They are

Example Sentences:

You can use contractions when you answer these questions:

Q: Are you married?  
A: No, I'm single. OR: Yes, I'm married.

Q: What is your nationality?  
A: I'm French.

Some Other Answers:  
I'm Mexican / German / Japanese / Chinese / Brazilian / Korean.

Q: What is your father like? (= What is your father's personality?)  
A: He's serious.

Some Other Answers:  
A: He's funny / quiet / noisy / talkative / lazy / musical.

Negative BE Verb Contractions

I'm not

You aren't

He isn't/She isn't/It isn't

We aren't

They aren't

Example Sentences:

I hope we aren't late for the tour bus.

We aren't ready to check out of the hotel.

It isn't time to leave.

Money isn't everything.

### Be Verb + Verb-ing to talk about the Present or Future

In English, we often use the BE Verb (am, is, are, 'm, 's, 're) \+ Verb-ing (called the gerund form) to say what we are doing now or will do in the future. You can use BE + going to + Dictionary Form of the Verb (ex. I'm going to stay, I'm going to go) only for the future.

Example Sentences:

High Level: Natural Style with BE Verb in short form ('m/'s/'re) \+ Verb-ing

I'm staying with friends.

I'm staying at the Park Hotel.

He's playing tennis now.

He's playing tennis tomorrow.

I'm eating lunch now.

We're going to Vancouver tomorrow.

Middle Level: BE Verb (am/is/are) \+ Verb-ing

I am staying with friends.  
I am going to stay at the Seahorse Hotel tonight.

I am playing tennis tomorrow.  
We are going to London this weekend.

Good Enough (Easy Style for Future): will + Verb (ex. will travel, will stay, will play)

I will stay with friends.  
I will stay at the Ritz Hotel tonight.  
We will go to Disney World this weekend.  
He will work tonight.

_Quiz:_ Make Sentences with the words below by changing word order. You can usually put the time words (ex. tomorrow, tonight, next week) at the end of a sentence. Check your answers below.

ex. Miami Beach / this weekend / to / I / will go /

I will go to Miami Beach this weekend.

1. pizza / tonight / eat / I'll

2. going / today / the beach / we're / to

3. shopping / tomorrow / am going / I

4. the Rich Hotel / at / tonight / are staying / we

5. Sydney / next week / he / to / is going

Answers: 1. I'll eat pizza tonight. 2. We're going to the beach today. 3. I am going shopping tomorrow. 4. We are staying at the Rich Hotel tonight. 5. He is going to New York City next week.

### IV. Preparing for Customs Control

After you pass through Passport Control (Immigration), you will get your bags and go to Customs Control. On the airplane, you receive a customs form. You only need to fill out (complete) one form if you travel with your family. The customs form is called a "Customs Declaration Form." Fill out the form on the airplane and have it ready before you pass through passport control and customs control. In countries other than the United States, you may also need to fill out a landing card (or immigration card). In the U.S., the immigration card (I-94) is now paperless (no paper), so you do not have to fill one out.

On the customs declaration form in the United States, you need to write your name, birth date, number of family members traveling with you, U.S. street address, passport issued by (country), passport number, country of residence (country where you usually live), countries visited on this trip prior (before) to U.S. arrival, airline/flight number or vessel name (ex. cruise ship). You are also asked to write an X for Yes or No for the following:

The primary (main) purpose of this trip is business: Yes/No

I am/We are bringing:

(a) fruits, plants, seeds, food, vegetables, insects: Yes/No

(b) meats, animal/wildlife products, animals: Yes/No

(c) disease agents, snails, or cell cultures: Yes/No

(d) soil or have been on a farm, ranch or pasture: Yes/No

I have (We have) been in close proximity (distance) of livestock (farm animals): Yes/No

I am/We are carrying currency or other monetary instruments (ex. traveler's checks, cashier's checks) over $10,000 U.S. or foreign equivalent (ex. same amount of money in your home currency): Yes/No

I have/We have commercial merchandise: Yes/No

Residents (people who are U.S. residents): The total value of all goods I have/we have purchased abroad and am/are bringing to the U.S. is: $____. (Note: Do not write anything here if you are not a U.S. resident)

Visitors (non-U.S. residents): The total value of all articles (ex. presents, commercial merchandise) that will remain (stay) in the U.S. is: $____. (Space is provided on the back of the form to list all articles that will remain in the U.S. if the total value is over $100.)

Sign your name where it says "Signature," and write the date (ex. July 4, 2015).

To see a sample Customs Declaration Form, click on this link:  Sample U.S. Customs Declaration Form.

V. Long Conversation

## At Customs (Customs Control)

A= Customs Officer, B = Tourist with 2 suitcases (a large black suitcase and a small brown suitcase)

A: Next in line.

(B walks with 2 suitcases to the customs officer. B gives the officer a Customs Declaration Form.)

A: What is the purpose of your visit to Atlanta?

B: I'm visiting friends.

A: What is in the big black suitcase?

B: Clothes, running shoes, and a few presents.

A: What presents are in the bag?

B: Books and shirts.

A: Are you carrying any illegal substances with you?

B: Sorry, once more please? Please speak slowly.

A: Are you carrying any drugs that are against the law?

B: No, I'm not.

A: What is in the little brown bag?

B: A computer, my passport and some money.

A: How much money are you carrying with you?

B: About $750. (seven hundred and fifty dollars)

A: Can you open the brown bag please?

(B opens the brown bag, and A looks inside it.)

A: Thank you. Please enjoy your stay in Atlanta.

_*Now make a new conversation by changing the underlined words._ _You can use your own words, or you can use these words:_ Toronto, walking shoes, a scarf and a box of chocolates, newspapers, $1,000 (one thousand dollars).

VI. Reading Passage:

_Giving Good Answers at Passport Control & Customs_

Read the story and then take the True-False Quiz. Read quickly the first time. Read slowly the second time, highlight new words, and use your Kindle Dictionary or another dictionary to look up the definitions (meanings) of new words. Simple definitions of words in bold print (ex. immigration) can also be found here: Vocabulary.

At passport control and customs control, you will be asked questions by the immigration and customs officers. It is very important that you are prepared to give good answers to the questions. Some people give the wrong answers and have trouble entering the country. Try not to lie to immigration or customs officers; telling lies to these officers is dangerous and can prevent you from entering the country if the officers know you are lying. Let's look at some examples of questions foreign tourists may need to answer at passport control and customs.

Question at Passport Control: What is the purpose of your visit to the United States? A safe answer is "sightseeing" (or "pleasure"). If you have a business visa, you can say: "business." If you do not have a business visa, "business" is not a good answer. Never say "I just came here to renew my green card." I heard one foreign woman give this answer, and she also said she was only staying in the U.S. for 2 days. She was asked to go to a room to answer more questions from immigration officers.

Questions at Passport Control: Where are you staying? Can you show me the address? Many tourists can give a good answer to the first question. For example, they may say: "I am staying with friends." However, they may not have the address of their friends. Always have the address of the hotel or friend's home where you are staying when you go through immigration. You may also be asked for the phone number of your friend or your hotel.

Question at Passport Control: How long will you stay in the United States? You need to say how many days, weeks, or months you will stay in the United States. A good answer is something like: "I will stay for 10 days." A very bad answer is: "I don't know yet."

Question at Passport Control: What do you do? You need to say what type of work you do. You may also say that you are a student, a retired person, unemployed, a housewife, or a househusband. If you do several types of work, just give a short, simple answer. For example, I am an English teacher, a tutor (private teacher), a writer, and an editor. A good answer for me is: "I am an English teacher." A bad answer is long and hard to understand. An example of a bad answer is: "Well, I do many things. I teach English, write for magazines, edit books, and take care of my young son."

Question at Customs: Are you carrying anything in your bags that does not belong to you? The customs officer wants to know if you are carrying something for a friend or family member. You want to answer this question saying "No," so try not to carry things for people who are not traveling with you. If you answer "Yes," your bag will probably be checked carefully (slowly).

Question at Customs: Do you have anything to declare? This question is asking two things. First, it is asking if you are carrying anything very valuable (ex. lots of money or expensive things) into the country. If you are not carrying lots of money or other very valuable things into the country, "No" is a good answer. Always be careful not to carry too much money into the country. At the time I am writing (2014), you can carry up to $10,000 into the United States without having to pay a customs tax. Don't bring more than $10,000 dollars in cash into the United States or you may need to pay a customs tax. The question is also asking if you are carrying a lot of cigarettes or alcohol. At the time I am writing, you can bring one liter of alcohol (ex. wine, whisky, tequila) and one carton of cigarettes (200 cigarettes) duty-free (no tax). If you bring more than this amount, you have to declare (say you have) the things and pay a customs tax. If you do not have anything to declare, use the "Nothing to Declare" lane (sometimes called the Green Lane). If you have something to declare, write it on the customs form (card) and use the "Goods to Declare" lane (sometimes called the Red Lane).

Question at Customs: Are you carrying any food or illegal substances with you? You want to answer "No," so make sure you don't bring food (other than chocolate or candy) or illegal substances (ex. drugs such as marijuana) into the country.

In conclusion, it is important that you understand the questions and give good answers when you are asked these questions at passport control and customs. Don't be afraid to ask the immigration and customs officers to repeat questions. If you do not understand a question, you can say: "Sorry, once more please?" or "pardon me?" You may also want to say, "Can you speak more slowly?" I hope you give good answers and can clear (pass through) passport control and customs quickly.

True-False Quiz: Choose T for True, F for False. Check your answers below.

1. ___ It is OK to lie to immigration and customs officers.

2. ___ The author says you don't need to have the address where you are staying when you go through immigration.

3. ___ It is a bad idea to say you came to the United States for the purpose of business if you do not have a business visa.

4. ___ It is OK to carry things into the United States for your friends without telling Customs officers.

5. ___ You cannot bring many bottles of alcohol and many cartons of cigarettes into the United States without declaring them.

Answers: 1. F (It is not OK to lie to immigration and customs officers.), 2. F (You may need to have the address where you are staying when you go through immigration.), 3. T, 4. F (It is not OK to carry things into the United States for your friends without telling Customs officers., 5. T
Chapter 2: Introductions & Checking into a Hotel

I. Short Conversations:

## Introducing Yourself at a Hotel Bar

(A = Bartender at a hotel bar, B = Tourist, and C = Teacher)

A: What do you want to drink? You get one free drink to welcome you to the hotel.

B: A glass of white wine please.

A: Here you are.

B: Thank you.

(B sits down at the Hotel Bar Counter next to C)

C: How you doing? (= How are you?)

B: Pretty good. How about you?

C: Not bad. Are you here for the teaching conference?

B: No. I'm here on vacation.

C: Where are you from?

B: I'm from Brazil. I'm Brazilian.

C: Oh really? What's your hometown in Brazil?

B: Sao Paolo. It's the second biggest city in Brazil.

C: What's Sao Paolo like?

B: It's a big business city, but it has nice beaches. Where are you from?

C: I'm from Miami. How do you like it here in Miami?

B: It's fun. I have many friends here.

C: What do you do?

B: I'm a student. What do you do?

C: I'm an English teacher.

B: Great! Can you teach me English?

C: Sure. What do you want to learn?

B: I want to improve my pronunciation. I can't speak clearly.

C: I think you will speak better after you have another drink.

## Introducing Two People

(A = Bob, B = Steve, C = Julie)

A: Hi Steve. How are you?

B: I'm great. How are you?

A: I'm fine. Do you know that pretty woman?

B: Yes, I do. Do you want to meet her?

A: Oh, yes.

B: Hey, Julie. Come here a minute. I want you to meet someone.

C: Sure.

(Julie walks to the two men.)

B: Julie, this is Bob. Bob, this is Julie.

A: Nice to meet you, Julie.

C: Nice to meet you, too, Bob. Sorry, I have to go now.

A: OK, nice meeting you, Julie.

C: Nice talking with you, Bob.

(Julie walks outside the bar.)

A: Wow, she is beautiful. How do you two know each other?

B: Julie is my new girlfriend!

A: Oh. (sad voice)

### II. Travel English Vocabulary

bartender = a person who serves drinks at a bar

bellhop = bell person = bellboy = a person who carries bags for hotel guests

How you doing? = How are you? = How are you doing?

ex. How you doing? B: Pretty good.

I'm from... = I come from ex. I'm from Nepal.

pretty good = fairly good (good; not so good, not so bad). Other Good Responses: Fine, thank you; great; very good; not bad; not so good; terrible

And you? = How about you? ex. A: How you doing? B: Pretty good. And you?

What do you do? = What is your job? OR: Are you a student, doctor, lawyer, housewife/househusband, etc..?

ex. What do you do? B: I'm a student.

ex. What do you do? B: I'm a teacher.

ex. What do you do? B: I'm a housewife.

What's your city like? = What kind of city is it? (ex. Is it big/small, safe/dangerous, a business/tourist city)

ex. What's your city like? B: It's a big business city.

ex. What's your city like? B: It's a quiet little city.

Sure = yes; no problem

ex. A: Do you want to have dinner with me? B: Sure.

ex. A: Can I open the window? B: Sure.

Nice to meet you. = I am happy to meet you.

Nice to meet you, too. = I am also happy to meet you.

How do you two know each other? = How did the two of you meet?

Check-in (n.) = the place where you go when you arrive at a hotel, airport, etc. (Note: the verb forms are: check in or check into.) ex. Where is check-in? Are you ready to check in? Yes, I want to check in. I want to check into the hotel.

(to) introduce yourself = telling someone you do not know your name. (ex. Hi, my name is Joe.)

(to) practice = to try to do something (ex. to practice introducing yourself)

Call me... = Use this name when you talk to me. ex. My name is Robert Simon. Please call me Bob. Note: Some people want to use a short form of their name. For example, Bob is short for Robert, Dave is short for David, Bill is short for William, and Liz or Beth is short for Elizabeth.

hobby = something you do for fun (ex. playing the piano, dancing, running, watching movies)

to be honest = to tell you the truth; frankly; in fact

host city = the city where something happens (ex. Atlanta was the host city of the 1996 Summer Olympics)

III. Useful Grammar: More Contractions

We use a lot of contractions (short forms) when speaking English. In Unit 1, you saw examples of contractions with BE Verbs (ex. I'm, You're). It also sounds natural to use contractions when using the verbs do, have, and can.

_DO_

don't = do not, doesn't = does not

(I don't, You don't, He/She/It doesn't, We don't, They don't)

_HAVE_

haven't = have not, hasn't = has not

I've = I have, You've = You have, He's = He has, She's = She has,

It's = It has, We've = We have, They've = They have

_CAN_

can't = cannot

NOTE: You can use can't with any noun or pronoun

(ex. I can't, He can't, It can't, Jack can't, They can't).

_Now try to read these example sentences:_

Don't forget to bring your umbrella.

I don't know who she is.

I don't understand what you're saying.

"Money doesn't grow on trees."

My headset doesn't work.

He hasn't gone to New Zealand.

They haven't gone to Vancouver.

I've lost my door key.

I've seen Niagara Falls.

I hasn't climbed Mount Fuji.

I can't open my door.

I can't get the Wi-Fi to work on my computer.

I can't use the coffee machine.

She can't come on the tour.

IV. Checking In at the Hotel: Guest Registration Forms & Two Things You Need at Check-In

When you check-in at a hotel, some hotels ask that you fill in a guest registration form (or guest registration card), which usually asks for your name, home address, telephone/cellphone number, e-mail address, and passport number. You may also need to write your arrival date (the date you arrive at the hotel), your departure date (the date you leave the hotel), the number of nights you will stay at the hotel (ex. 1 night), and what type of room you want (ex. single room, double room, executive room, suite). When you check in at the hotel, the hotel clerk usually asks you for two things: your passport and a credit card. Try to have these two things ready when you check in. An example of a guest registration form is below:

_Coco Hotel_

_Guest Registration_

Name: Satoshi Suzuki

Home Address: 86-9 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan 231-0022

Telephone number: 045-662-3604, 080-3479-6068

Email address: joe_suzuki@yahoo.co.jp

Passport Number: XS9876543

Arrival Date: June 1, 2015

Departure Date: June 2, 2015

Number of Nights Stay: one

Room Type: Single Room

V. Long Conversation

## Checking into a Hotel

(A = Hotel Staff, B = Tourist)

A: Welcome to the Seahorse Hotel.

B: Thank you. I have a reservation for a single room for two nights.

A: May I have your name please?

B: John Smith.

A: How do you spell your family name?

B: S-M-I-T-H.

A: Thank you Mr. Smith. Just a minute. Yes, we have a room ready for you on the eighth floor. Your room number is 808.

B: Great.

A: Can I have your passport and a credit card please?

B: Here you are.

A: Thank you. And please fill out the guest registration card.

(B fills in the information on the guest registration card.)

A: Thank you. Do you want the bellhop to help you with your bags?

B: Sorry. What is a bellhop?

A: A bellhop carries bags for hotel guests. Do you need help with your bags?

B: No thank you.

A: The elevator is on your right.

B: Thanks.

A: You're welcome.

_*Now make a new conversation by changing the underlined words._ _You can use your own words, or you can use these words:_ double, one night, Jane Reaves, R-E-A-V-E-S, Ms. Reaves, second, 201, Yes, please.

Here are some other words you may use in the Long Conversation:

Words for other types of rooms: double room, twin room, executive room, suite

Words for Floor Numbers: first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth,.. ex. First Floor, Second Floor, Third Floor

Word Opposites (words opposite in meaning): Mr. and Ms. (often used for women), No thank you and Yes please

VI. Reading Passage:

Introducing Yourself in English

Read the story and then practice introducing yourself in English. Remember to read quickly the first time. Read slowly the second time, highlight new words, and use your Kindle Dictionary or another dictionary to look up the definitions (meanings) of new words. Simple definitions of words in bold print (ex. introduce, practice) can also be found here: Vocabulary.

When you travel, you will probably meet many new people and will need to introduce yourself again and again. Therefore, it is useful to practice introducing yourself. Americans usually want to know your name, hometown, and hobbies. They are also interested in knowing what you do. For example, are you a student, housewife/househusband, teacher, company worker, or musician? To be honest, many Americans usually do not know much about foreign countries, so they are usually interested in knowing about your hometown and home country.

Let me give you an example of how I introduce myself. When I introduce myself to new students, I usually say something like this: "Hi! Nice to meet you! My name is David Ellis. Please call me David. I'm from Atlanta, Georgia. It is a big, exciting city. Atlanta is famous for being the host city of the 1996 Summer Olympics. I am an English teacher. My hobbies are writing, traveling, and studying foreign languages."

Now you try it. Practice introducing yourself. To make it easier, use the following sentence patterns you see below the first time. Then try to practice introducing yourself without looking at the sentence patterns.

_Hi! Nice to meet you! My name is ______________. Please call me ________. I'm from _____________. My hometown is ________________. It is _____________. I am a/an _________. My hobbies are _________ and __________._

# Chapter 3: Going Out to Eat

I. Short Conversations:

## At a Fast-food Restaurant

(A = restaurant staff, B = hungry tourist)

A: May I take your order please?

B: Yes, I'll have a double cheeseburger set.

A: Do you want French fries or onion rings?

B: Onion rings please.

A: What do you want to drink?

B: Cola please.

A: For here or to go?

B: Once more please.

A: Do you want to eat here or do you want to take your food home?

B: Oh, I see. Takeout please.

A: OK, that's $3.50 please.

B: Here you are. (B gives A $4 in cash)

A: Thank you, and here's your change and receipt. Please wait a minute.

B: OK.

A: Here's your order. Thanks for visiting David's Burger Hut.

## Choosing Dinner on an Airplane

(A = flight attendant, B = tourist traveling on an airplane)

A: Excuse me. Would you like meat or fish?

B: Fish please.

A: Here you are.

B: Thank you.

A: Would you like something to drink?

B: Yes. I want a rum and cola.

A: That will be $5.

B: Here's 5 dollars. (B tries to give A 5 dollars in cash.)

A: Sorry, we don't accept cash. Do you have a credit card?

B: Yes, of course. Here you are.

A: Thank you. And here is your drink. Please enjoy your dinner.

B: Thanks.

### II. Travel English Vocabulary

(to) choose = to make a choice (ex. choosing to eat chicken or fish on an airplane)

cash (n.) = paper money

your order = what you want to eat and drink; the food and/or drink you ordered

(to) order = to ask for; to request

Is that for here or to go? = For here or to go? = Do you want to eat inside the restaurant or do you want to take the food outside the restaurant?

take out = food that you take outside the restaurant

hungry (adj.) = you want to eat ex. I'm hungry.

thirsty (adj.) = you want to drink ex. I'm thirsty.

Once more please = Please repeat what you said = Come again = I beg your pardon = Pardon me = Pardon

change (n.) = the money you get back after you pay for something

I'll have = I will have = I'd like = I would like

Here's = Here is

challenge (n.) = something that is difficult

regular = normal

experience = event, happening (My trip to Italy was a very good experience.)

point = fact, idea, opinion (ex. bad points)

patient = not in a hurry, not in a rush (ex. The waitress was patient and answered many questions I asked about the city.)

Smoking or non-smoking? = Smoking or no smoking? = Do you want a table in the smoking section or the nonsmoking section?

tip = money given for service; gratuity

bill = the cost of the meal; check

native speaker = a person who speaks a language as his/her first language (ex. a native speaker of English)

(to) overeat = eat too much

III. Pronunciation: Money Talk in Dollars & Cents

50¢ = 50 cents = ½ dollar

$1 = one dollar = 100 cents = one buck

$3.50 = three dollars and fifty cents

Note: For short, this may be pronounced as "three fifty."

$25 = twenty-five dollars = twenty-five bucks

$125 = one hundred and twenty-five dollars = one hundred twenty-five dollars = one hundred and twenty-five bucks

$3,000 = three thousand dollars = three thousand bucks

$19 = nineteen dollars = nineteen bucks

Pronunciation Tip: Numbers with -teen (ex. 19) and -ty (ex. 90) in them can be hard to say correctly. The difference between 19 and 90 may also be hard for you to hear. These numbers are stressed differently as shown below.

*Practice _reading these numbers out loud._ Say the capital (big) letters with more stress.

13 (thirTEEN), 30 (THIRty)

14 (fourTEEN), 40 (FOURty)

15 (fifTEEN), 50 (FIFty)

16 (sixTEEN), 60 (SIXty)

17 (sevenTEEN), 70 (SEVENty)

18 (eighTEEN), 80 (EIGHty)

19 (nineTEEN), 90 (NINEty)

Here are some other currencies (types of money) used in other countries where English is spoken as a first language: In Canada, they use the Canadian dollar. In the UK, they use the pound sterling. In the Republic of Ireland, they use the Euro. In Australia, they use the Australian dollar. In New Zealand, they use the New Zealand dollar. In the Phillipines, they use the Phillipine peso. In India, they use the Indian rupee. In Singapore, they use the Singapore dollar. In Zimbabwe, they use the U.S. dollar and British pound sterling.

IV. Long Conversation

## Ordering Dinner at a Restaurant

(A = Waiter or Waitress, B = Tourist in a Restaurant)

A: Welcome to Alfredo's. May I take your drink order please?

B: Yes, I'll have a glass of your house wine.

A: Red or white sir?

B: Red please.

A: Certainly sir. I'll be right back with your wine.

(The waiter returns after 2 minutes.)

A: Here's your wine. Are you ready to order your food?

B: Yes, I'll have seafood pasta.

A: Your pasta comes with soup or salad. Which would you like?

B: Salad please.

A: Anything else?

B: Yes, I'd like a cup of coffee.

A: Would you like your coffee before or after your meal?

B: After please.

*Now make a new conversation by changing the underlined words. You can use your own words, or you can use these words: madam, white, mix pizza, pizza, soup, tea, before.

V. Reading Passage:

Magic Words for Ordering Food & Drinks

Read the story and then take the Comprehension Quiz. Remember to read quickly the first time. Read slowly the second time, highlight new words, and use your Kindle Dictionary or another dictionary to look up the definitions of new words. Simple definitions of words in bold print (ex. regular, experiences) can also be found here: Vocabulary.

Eating in fast-food restaurants and regular restaurants are very different experiences, and there are good points and bad points about eating at both types of restaurants for foreign visitors. Ordering food and drinks at a restaurant can be a challenge for many foreign travelers, but you can learn some magic words that will make it easier for you to talk with staff at restaurants.

When you eat at a fast-food restaurant, the counter staff are usually very busy and may speak very quickly. In their jobs, they say the same things many times every day, so they will probably say some sentences very fast, or they may speak in a short style that is difficult for people who are not native speakers of English to understand. For example, they may say "For here or to go?" This is short for the question "Is that for here or to go?" This question means "Do you want to eat here or do you want to take the food outside? If you can't understand what the staff says, you can say the magic words "Once more please" or "Please speak more slowly." Fast-food restaurants try to give fast service, so some counter staff may not be as patient with you as a waiter or waitress at a regular restaurant. You can usually point at the food you want at a fast-food restaurant. The menu is usually at the counter where you order. Point your finger at what you want on the menu when you order your food and drink. You can point at what you want on the menu and say "I want this."

When you eat at a regular restaurant, a good point is that the waiter or waitress will probably be more patient. They will probably speak more slowly if you say the magic words: "Please speak more slowly." You may also say: "I don't speak English well" or "My English isn't good." Everyone knows that the word "please" is a magic word. It is polite to say this word when asking a waiter or waitress to do something for you. It is easy to ask people to do many things for you by saying what you want (ex. water, coffee) and then saying "please." If you want coffee, just say "Coffee please." If you want a menu, just say "Menu please." If you are asked "Smoking or non-smoking?" (Do you want a table in the smoking section or the non-smoking section?), you can say "Smoking please" or "Non-smoking please." If you want your check (bill), just say "Check please." If the waiter or waitress is not busy, they may want to talk with you. You can practice your English with them! A bad point of restaurants is that in the United States and Canada, you need to leave a tip when you pay for a meal at a regular restaurant. Americans usually leave a tip of 15 to 20 percent of the bill. You do not need to leave a tip at fast-food restaurants. You have to pay more money to eat at regular restaurants, but the food is usually healthier than at a fast-food restaurant.

As you can see, there are good points and bad points for foreign tourists eating at fast-food and regular restaurants. If you remember the magic words, you will have an easier time talking with the counter staff at a fast-food restaurant and your waiter/waitress at a regular restaurant. I hope you enjoy eating lots of delicious food on your trip, but please try not to overeat.

Comprehension Quiz: Answer the questions in a complete sentence. Check your answers below.

1. What is a good point of a regular restaurant?

2. What is a bad point of a regular restaurant?

3. What is a good point of a fast-food restaurant?

4. What is a bad point of a fast-food restaurant?

Possible Answers:

1. The waiter/waitress may be more patient. OR: The waiter/waitress may speak more slowly. OR: You may be able to practice English with your waiter/waitress.

2. You have to leave a tip.

3. You don't have to leave a tip.

4. The counter staff may not be patient. OR: The counter staff may speak too quickly.

# Chapter 4: Getting Help and Information

I. Short Conversation

## Talking with Hotel Staff

(A = Concierge = hotel staff that helps guests, B = Tourist)

A: Good afternoon. Can I help you?

B: Yes, can you speak Portuguese?

A: Sorry, I can't speak Portuguese.

B: That's OK. Can you call me a taxi?

A: Certainly, madam. Do you want your taxi to come now?

B: Yes, please. Oh, can I have a map of the city?

A: Sure. Here you are.

(A gives B a map of the city)

B: Thank you.

A: Your taxi is here, madam. Where do you want to go?

B: The Museum of Art.

A: OK, I will tell your driver where you want to go.

B: Thank you for your help!

A: You're welcome.

### II. Travel English Vocabulary

concierge = Hotel staff that answers questions and helps guests usually in the hotel lobby

sure = yes; no problem

intonation = rise or fall in tone of voice

love = strong like

hate = strong dislike

dangerous = not safe

ache = pain (ex. headache, stomachache, earache, toothache)

lost and found = a place where lost things are kept (ex. lost and found office)

What's = What is

They'll = They will

It's my pleasure = you're welcome

gesture = body language (ex. thumb up to mean good, thumb down to mean bad, making a circle with the thumb and forefinger to mean OK, raising your shoulders to mean "I don't know")

reservation = booking; reserved seat/table/ticket/room

(to) reserve = to make a reservation; to book

(to) arrange = to plan; to organize

(to) recommend = to suggest; to advise (that something is good) ex. to recommend an Italian restaurant

guest = a visitor

III. Useful Grammar: Yes-No Questions & WH-Questions

Pronunciation Note: Yes-No questions, which are questions that can be answered with "yes" or  
"no" answers, end with rising intonation. This means that your voice rises (goes up) in tone at the end of a Yes-No question.

ex. Can I help you?

ex. Do you like traveling alone?

Grammar Note: For these Yes-No question patterns, you can usually use the same verb used in the question for short answers.

ex. A: Do you have free Wi-Fi? B: Yes, we do/No, we don't.

ex. A: Do you understand? B: Yes, I do./No, I don't./No, I don't understand.

ex. A: Can you speak Portuguese? B: Yes, I can./No, I can't.

ex. A: Are you German? B: Yes, I am./No, I'm (I am) not.

Can you/I..?

Can you speak Spanish? (or Portuguese, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, etc.)

Can I borrow a hair dryer? (or an umbrella, etc.)

Can you help me get the Internet to work? (or Wi-Fi)

Can you tell me how to get to the closest subway station? (or convenience store)

Can you help me use the air conditioner? (or heater, coffee machine, lamp, shower, etc.)

Can you give me a wake-up call at 6:30? (six-thirty)

Can you tell me the time? (or today's weather)

Can you mail this letter for me? (or package)

Can you bring me a razor? (or a toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream, some shampoo, etc.)

Can you take our picture? (or my picture)

Can I smoke here?

Can you tell me where I can smoke?

Can you print my boarding pass?

Short Answer Examples

ex. A: Can you speak Spanish? B: Yes, I can/No, I can't.

ex. A: Can I smoke here? B: Yes, you can/No, you can't.

Do you have..?

Do you have free parking? (or Wi-Fi)

Do you have headache medicine? (or stomachache)

Do you have a shuttle bus to the airport?

Do you offer free breakfast?

Do you have a cafe? (or restaurant/bar)

Do you have room service? (or babysitting)

Do you have a swimming pool? (or gym, business center)

Short Answer Examples:

A: Do you have a café? B: Yes, we do./No, we don't.

A: Do you have a visa? B: Yes, I do./No, I don't.

Do you like...?

Do you like sushi?

Do you like fishing/hiking/shopping?

Do you like Chinese food?

Short Answer Examples:

Q: Do you like red wine?

Positive Answers: Yes, I do/Yes, I love it/Yes, it's great.

Neutral (not positive or negative) Answers: So so/It's OK.

Negative Answers: No, I don't/No, I hate it.

Q: Do you like hamburgers?

Positive Answers: Yes, I do/Yes, I love them/Yes, they're great

Neutral Answers: So so/They're OK.

Negative Answers: No, I don't/No, I hate them.

Is it....?

Is it safe to walk outside the hotel?

Is it safe to walk outside the hotel at night?

Short Answer Examples:

A: Is it dangerous to walk outside the hotel at night?

B: Yes, it is./No, it isn't.

Is there...? Note: Use Is there + a singular noun (ex. store)

Is there a convenience store near the hotel?

Is there a shopping mall near the hotel?

Is there a French restaurant near here?

Short Answer Example:

A: Is there an Italian restaurant near the hotel?

B: Yes, there is/No, there isn't.

Are there...? Note: Use Are there + a plural noun (ex. stores)

Are there any convenience stores near the hotel?

Are there any supermarkets near the hotel?

Are there any good restaurants near here?

Short Answer Examples:

A: Are there any good seafood restaurants near here?  
B: Yes, there are. No, there aren't.

Pronunciation Note: WH-Questions, which are questions starting with who, what, when, where, why, and how, end with falling intonation. This means that your voice lowers (falls) in tone at the end of the question.

ex. Who is your favorite singer?

ex. What time do we leave?

ex. When does the movie start?

ex. Why is she angry?

ex. How much does it cost?

ex. Where is the bathroom? (or men's room / ladies' room)

IV. Long Conversation

## Trying to Find a Lost Bag

(A = Concierge, B = Tourist staying at a hotel)

A: Hello, how was the museum?

B: It was very interesting, but I forgot a bag in the taxi.

A: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Was it the taxi I called for you?

B: Yes, it was.

A: What color is your bag?

B: Black and blue.

A: What's inside?

B: An umbrella, a travel book, and a map.

A: Just a minute. I'll call the taxi company's lost and found office.

(After one minute)

A: Yes, they found your bag in the taxi cab. They'll bring it to the hotel.

B: Did they say when?

A: Yes, they said they'll bring it in about 1 hour.

B: Oh, that's great. Thank you again for your help.

A: It's my pleasure.

_*Now make a new conversation by changing the underlined words._ _You can use your own words, or you can use these words:_ Red and black, a newspaper and a tablet, what time, wonderful, so much.

V. Reading Passage:

How to Get Help and Information at a Hotel

Read the story and then take the True-False Quiz. Remember to read quickly the first time. Read slowly the second time, highlight new words, and use your Kindle Dictionary or another dictionary to look up the definitions of new words. Simple definitions of words in bold print (ex. gestures, concierge) can also be found here: Vocabulary.

When you travel to a new place, you will have many questions and need help. You can often call for help, but it is easier to ask for help in person (face to face) because you can use gestures to help you communicate in a simple way. For example, you can point at a map and say, "I want to go here." At a hotel, I recommend asking for help and information from the concierge.

The word "concierge" comes from French. In English, the word is pronounced like Con-See-Airch or Con-See-Airj. Most hotels have a desk or counter close to the front desk where you can ask for help. The concierge can often speak one or two foreign languages. For example, in South Florida, the concierge staff can usually speak Spanish and may speak other European languages, such as French and German.

The concierge can answer many questions and help you in many ways. They can help you make tour reservations, buy you theater tickets, arrange transportation (ex. taxis, limousines for your, and make dinner reservations. You may want to ask them questions such as the following:

*What do you recommend seeing in this city?

*Can you recommend a good half-day (or full-day) tour?

*Can you make a tour reservation for me?

*Can you reserve a table for us?

*Can you recommend a good French restaurant near here?

*Can you make a dinner reservation for me?

*Can you buy theater tickets for us?

*How often does the shuttle bus go to the airport?

*What time does the restaurant start serving breakfast? (or stop serving breakfast)

*Is there anywhere I should not go outside the hotel?

*Is it dangerous to walk outside the hotel at night?

*Is there a convenience store near the hotel? (or train station, café, etc.)

*Can you buy me tickets to the opera?

*Where is the business center?

*How can I print a boarding pass?

*May I borrow an umbrella?

When you have questions at a hotel, the concierge is usually the best person to ask questions. It is their job to help guests at the hotel, so don't be shy to ask them many questions. I hope you practice some of the above questions with the concierge at your hotel.

True-False Quiz: Write T for True, F for False. If the answer is false, rewrite the sentence to make it true.

1. __ The writer says that it is easier to ask for help in person.

2. __ The word "concierge" comes from German.

3. __ In South Florida, the concierge can probably speak an Asian language.

4. __ The writer hopes you ask the concierge questions.

5. __ The concierge will not make you dinner reservations.

Answers: 1. T, 2. F (It comes from French), 3. F (The concierge can probably speak a European language.), 4. T, 5. F (The concierge will make dinner reservations.)

# Chapter 5: Can You Do It? (Review of Chapters 1-4)

I. Vocabulary and Culture Quiz

Multiple Choice: Choose the correct letter (a, b, c, d) for the best choice. Check your answers below.

1. What is the name of the place where your passport is checked when you enter a different country?

a. immigration b. baggage claim c. customs

2. What is the name of the place where your bags may be checked when you enter a different country?

a. immigration b. baggage claim c. customs

3. What is the name of the person who helps carry your suitcase at a hotel?

a. chef b. bellhop c. concierge

4. What is the name of the person who gives special help (like recommending restaurants) to hotel guests?

a. concierge b. valet c. bellhop

5. At a regular restaurant, Americans usually leave a tip of ________ percent.

a. 5 to 10 b 10 to 15 c. 15 to 20

6. At a fast-food restaurant, the staff may ask if you want your food "for here or to ___."

a. go b. take c. outside

7. At a regular restaurant, a waiter or waitress will ask to take your _____.

a. money b. table c. order

8. The question "What's up?" means _________________.

a. What's above you? b. What's new? c. What's wrong?

(Answers: 1. a, 2. c, 3. b, 4. a, 5. c, 6. a, 7. c, 8. b)

II. Fill in the Blanks:

_Fill in the blanks with appropriate_ _(good, correct)_ _words in the blanks below._ The conversations are similar to conversations in Units 1-4. You can click on the link at the end of each conversation to read the original conversation.

Fill in the Blanks 1: Checking into a Hotel

(from Unit 2)

(A = Hotel Staff, B = Tourist)

A: Welcome to the Seahorse Hotel.

B: Thank you. I have a reservation for a __________ room for_______ nights.

A: May I have your name please?

B: __________________________.

A: How do you spell your family name?

B: _______________________.

A: Thank you. Just a minute. Yes, we have a room ready for you on the eighth floor. Your room number is 808.

B: _______.

A: Can I have your credit card please?

B: ______________________.

A: Thank you. Do you need help with your bags?

B: _______________.

A: The elevator is on your right.

B: Thanks.

(Need Help? Click on this link: Checking into a Hotel)

Fill in the Blanks 2: Introducing Yourself at a Hotel Bar

(from Unit 2)

(A = Hotel Guest 1, B = Hotel Guest 2)

A: How you doing?

B: ______________. How about you?

A: Not bad. Are you here for the teaching conference?

B: No. I'm here _________________.

A: Where are you from?

B: I'm ________________.

A: Oh really? What's your hometown?

B: __________.

A: What's your hometown like?

B: It's ____________________.

A: What do you do?

B: I'm _________________.

(Need Help? Click on this link: Introducing Yourself)

Fill in the Blanks 3: Ordering Food at a Fast Food Restaurant

(from Unit 3)

(A = restaurant staff, B = hungry tourist)

A: May I take your order please?

B: Yes, I'll have a ____________ set.

A: Do you want French fries or onion rings?

B: __________ please.

A: What do you want to drink?

B: _____________.

A: For here or to go?

B: Once more please.

A: Do you want to eat here or do you want to take your food home?

B: Oh, I see. _________________.

A: OK, that's $3.50 please.

B: _______________. (B gives A $4)

A: Thank you, and here's your change and receipt. Please wait a minute.

B: OK.

A: Here's your order. Thanks for visiting David's Express Burger.

(Need Help? Click on this link: At a Fast-food Restaurant)

Fill in the Blanks 4: Ordering Dinner at a Restaurant

(From Unit 3)

(A = waiter or waitress, B = hungry tourist)

A: Welcome to Alfredo's. May I take your drink order please?

B: ____, I'll have a glass of your house wine.

A: Red or white sir?

B: _______ please.

A: Certainly sir. I'll be right back with your wine.

(The waiter returns after 2 minutes.)

A: Here's your wine. Are you ready to order your food?

B: Yes, I'll have _____________, _____________, and ___________.

A: Anything else?

B: Yes, I'd like a cup of ___________.

A: Would you like your __________ before or after your meal?

B: ________ please.

(Need Help? Click on this link: At a Restaurant)

III. Half Dialogues: Immigration and Customs

Let's review two of the most important things you need to do when you travel to a foreign country: passing through immigration & customs. You need to give good answers to the questions the immigrations and customs officers ask you. A half dialogue is half of a conversation between two people. In the half dialogues below, think of appropriate (good) things to say for the B roles (tourist). You really don't want to have trouble at these two places, so let's practice these dialogues again.

Half Dialogue 1: At Passport Control

Conversation between an Immigration Officer (A) and a Tourist (B) at Passport Control (Immigration) at an international airport.

A: Next in line please!

B:

A: Good Morning. Passport please.

B:

(Long Pause)

A: What is the purpose of your visit to the United States?

B:

A: How long will you be staying in the United States?

B:

A: Where will you be staying?

B:

A: Can you show me the address?

B:

A: Thank you. (A stamps B's passport) Welcome to the United States.

B:

A: Next in line please!

(Difficult? Click on this link: At Passport Control and then try the half dialogue again.)

Half Dialogue 2: At Customs

Conversation between a Customs Officer (A) and a Tourist (B) at Customs at an international airport. The tourist has 2 suitcases: a large black suitcase and a small brown suitcase.

A: Next in line.

(B walks with his/her suitcases to the customs officer.)

A: What is the purpose of your visit to Atlanta?

B:

A: Where will you stay?

B:

A: What is in the big black suitcase?

B:

A: What presents are in the bag?

B:

A: Are you carrying any illegal substances with you?

B:

A: Are you carrying any drugs that are against the law?

B:

A: What is in the little brown bag?

B:

A: How much money are you carrying with you?

B:

A: Can you open the brown bag please?

(B opens the brown bag and A looks inside it.)

A: Thank you. Please enjoy your stay in Atlanta.

B:

(Difficult? Click on this link: At Customs (Customs Control)

IV. Reading Passage:

Arriving at an American International Airport

Read the story and then take the True-False Quiz. Remember to read quickly the first time. Read slowly the second time, highlight new words, and use your Kindle Dictionary or another dictionary to look up the definitions of new words. Simple definitions of words in bold (ex. passport control, green card) can also be found here: Unit 1 Vocabulary.

In Unit 1, you read about common questions asked at immigration and customs. This short chapter will describe the usual steps you will follow to enter the United States from an international airport.

Step One: Fill out the customs form that you will receive on your airplane flight. It is a good idea to fill out the form on the airplane. If you travel with family members, you only have to fill out one form. The customs declaration form includes many YES/NO boxes. You want to be able to check them as NO (without telling a lie), so try not to bring things like fruits, vegetables, plants, food (chocolate or candy is OK), insects, meats, animal/wildlife products, soil (earth), animals, more than US $10,000, etc.. Many of these things (ex. fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, food) can be taken from you. You also have to say if you have been on a farm or been close to livestock (farm animals).

Step Two: Follow the signs for Passport Control or Immigration.

Step Three: Stand in line for Passport Control (Immigration). Foreign citizens should stand in the lane for Foreign Citizens, but you can stand in the lane for U.S. citizens if you have a green card or other type of immigration visa.

Step Four: Give your passport and your customs form to the immigration officer and answer any questions the officer asks you. The immigration officer will give you back your customs form.

Step Five: After immigration, follow the signs for Baggage Claim (or Baggage). Get the bags that you checked in with your airline at baggage claim. It is a good idea to make your bag easy to find. For example, some people tie a bright ribbon on the handle of their suitcases.

Step Six: Go to Customs. If you do not have anything to declare, use the "Nothing to Declare" lane (sometimes called the "Green Lane"). If you have something to declare, write it on the customs form and use the "Goods to Declare" lane (sometimes called the "Red Lane"). Give your customs declaration form to the customs officer and answer any questions the officer asks you. The officer may ask to look inside one or more of your bags, and the officer may ask you to pay a customs duty (tax) if you bring too many valuables into the country. Be careful how many cigarettes and how much alcohol you bring with you. Also, you or your family group cannot bring more than $200 in presents without paying customs duty.

Step Seven: After customs, follow the signs for Arrivals if this airport is your last stop. This will take you to the exit. Follow the signs for Transfer or Connecting Flights if you will take another airplane flight. If you are taking another flight, you should see signs for baggage recheck (check in your baggage again).

These are the seven steps you will probably have to follow when you arrive in the United States on an international flight. Try to look relaxed when you pass through immigration and customs. If you look nervous (having stress), an immigration or customs officer may ask you a lot of questions, and you may have trouble entering the United States. You want to look like a nice, clean person. Some people I know comb their hair, brush their teeth, or shave before they go through immigration. Also, do not take pictures at immigration, customs, or security. I hope you have an easy time entering the United States.

True-False Quiz: Choose T for True, F for False. You can check your answers below.

1. ___ It is OK to lie to immigration and customs officers.

2. ___ If a family is coming to America together, each person needs to fill out a customs form.

3. ___ It is a bad idea to say you came to the United States for the purpose of business if you do not have a business visa.

4. ___ It is not OK to carry things into the United States for your friends without telling Customs officers.

5. ___ You can bring many bottles of alcohol and many cartons of cigarettes into the United States without declaring them.

Answers: 1. F (It is not OK to lie to immigration and customs officers.), 2. F (If you travel with family members, you only have to fill out one customs form.), 3. T, 4. T, 5. F (You cannot bring many bottles of alcohol and many cartons of cigarettes into the United States without declaring them.)

# Chapter 6: Getting Around

Note: This special chapter includes many dialogues to help you get around using taxis, trains, subways, busses, and rental cars. Vocabulary is very important to understand this chapter's conversations, so this chapter begins with useful vocabulary.

### I. Travel English Vocabulary

(to) get around = to travel from one place to another place

traffic = the movement of people and vehicles (ex. cars, taxis)

rush hour = a busy time for traffic

Keep the change = Keep all the extra money; don't give me any money back. (ex. "You can keep the change.")

(to) get out = leave a taxi ex. I want to get out here.

(to) pull over = to stop a taxi (or other car) on the side of a road

certainly (adv.) = definitely; yes, no problem ex. You can certainly join us on the tour.

thanks anyway = thank you (said to someone who cannot help you)

platform = the place where you wait for a train, subway or bus (at a large bus station)

bus stop = the place where you wait for a bus on a street

departure = leaving (ex. departure time, departure gate)

token = a coin that can be used to ride a subway

train pass = a card that can be used to ride a train

Where to? = Where do you want to go?

Follow me = Walk with me

(to) slide = to move ex. slide your credit card

(to) sign = to sign one's signature (your name as you usually write it)

opportunity = chance

(to) rent = to pay to borrow something, such as a rental (adj.) car or rental bicycle

license = driver's license

car insurance = money you pay in case your car is damaged

damage (n.) = to hurt, to harm ex. The car got damaged in a car accident.

dent = In a car, this is a place where the surface of the car is not smooth, such as after an accident. Dent can be a verb or a noun. For example, you can say a car door is dented, or you can say the car door has a dent.

burn mark = a place that was damaged by fire or heat ex. The car seat has a burn mark.

native speaker = a person who speaks a language as his/her first language ex. Most Japanese people are native speakers of Japanese.

II. Short Conversations:

## Riding in a Taxi

(A = Taxi Driver, B = Tourist)

A: Where to?

B: Pardon me?

A: Where do you want to go?

B: Union Square, please.

A: Sure. Traffic may be slow. It's rush hour now.

B: OK. I understand.

(After 5 minutes).

A: Union Square. That'll be $8.50. (8 dollars and 50 cents)

B: Here's $10. Keep the change.

A: Thank you.

## Getting a Taxi Driver to Stop

(A = Taxi Driver, B = Tourist)

A: Are we getting close?

B: Yes, please slow down.

A: OK.

(The driver drives slowly.)

B: Please stop here.

A: You want to get out here?

B: Yes. Please pull over.

(The driver stops the taxi on the side of the road.)

## Calling a Taxi

(A = Concierge, B = Tourist staying at a hotel)

A: May I help you?

B: Yes, I want to go to the airport by taxi. Can you call me a taxi?

A: Certainly. What time do you want to leave?

B: At 10:00.

A: OK. The taxi will be waiting in front of the hotel at 10:00. Do you need help with your luggage?

B: No thank you. Goodbye.

A: Goodbye.

## At a Train Station

(A = Train Staff, B = Tourist at a train station)

A: May I help you?

B: Yes, I'm trying to catch a train to New York. When is the next train?

A: It leaves at 10:30.

B: What is the track number?

A: Track number 3.

B: Thank you.

A: You're welcome.

## At a Subway Station

(A = Subway Staff, B = Tourist at a subway station)

A: May I help you?

B: Yes. Which line do I take to Union Circle?

A: Just a minute please. OK, where do you want to go?

B: Union Circle.

A: There is no Union Circle. Do you mean Union Square?

B: Oh, right. I want to go to Union Square.

A: Take the blue line going north and get off at Union Square Station.

B: Thanks!

A: You're welcome.

## On a Subway Platform 1

(A = Tourist on a subway platform, B = Man waiting for a subway train)

A: Excuse me.

B: Yes?

A: Does the next train stop at Third Street Station?

B: Sorry, I don't know.

A: Thanks anyway.

## On a Subway Platform 2

(A = Tourist on a subway platform, B = Woman waiting for a subway train)

A: Excuse me.

B: Yes, can I help you?

A: Does the next train stop at Third Street Station?

B: No, you should take the second train. I'm going to Third Street Station, too. Just follow me.

A: Thank you so much!

B: No problem.

## Talking with Subway Staff

(A = Tourist, B = Subway Staff)

A: Excuse me. I'm having trouble buying a subway ticket.

B: Oh, it's easy. Where do you want to go?

A: Main Street Station.

B: You need to buy a token for $2.

A: What's a token?

B: It's like a coin you use to ride the subway in this city. Put the money in here and push number 1 for one token.

(A puts the money in the ticket machine and presses the button for one token.)

A: Thank you. It's not so hard.

B: Next time, you can do it by yourself.

A: Thank you very much!

B: Sure. Have a nice day.

## At a Bus Station

(A = Bus Staff, B = Tourist buying a ticket at a bus station)

A: May I help you?

B: Yes, I'd like to buy a ticket to Orlando.

A: Certainly. The next bus leaves at 8:30. Is that OK?

B: Yes, 1 ticket please.

A: That'll be $28. (28 dollars)

B: Can I pay with credit card?

A: Yes, of course. Just slide your card here, push credit card, and press Yes.

B: Sorry, it didn't work.

A: Try sliding your card again.

B: OK, it worked this time.

A: Thank you. Here is your ticket to Orlando. Your bus will leave from platform number 3. Please be at platform 3 five minutes before departure.

B: Thank you.

III. Common Question Patterns: Easy Ways to Ask for Help

Which train goes to Liverpool?

What platform is the train to Boston?

What is the fastest train to New York?

Does this train go to Victoria Station?

Does this bus go to Piccadilly Square?

How do I buy a ticket?

How do I buy a subway token?

Can you help me buy a ticket?

Can you help me use this machine?

Can you call me a taxi?

Where can I catch a taxi?

IV: Long Conversation

## Renting a Car

A = Clerk (staff) at a rental car office, B = Tourist

A: May I help you?

B: Yes, I want to rent a car.

A: How long do you need the car?

B: For 5 days.

A: OK. What kind of car do you want?

B: I want a Japanese car if you have one.

A: Sure. How about a white Corolla?

B: OK. That sounds good.

A: Can I have your license please?

B: I have an international driver's license. I am a tourist from Japan.

A: Can I have your international license please?

B: Here you are.

A: That's fine. Your car will be $30 a day plus $10 a day for car insurance.

B: OK. Here is my credit card.

A: Please slide your card, push credit, and sign your name.

(B pays with his/her credit card and signs name.)

A: Thank you. Now let's go outside and inspect your car for damages.

(A and B check the car outside.)

A: Do you see any damages?

B: Yes, there is a dent on the left side of the car.

(B opens the door and looks inside the car.)

B: There is a burn mark on the driver's seat.

A: OK. Anything else?

B: No. I think that's all.

A: Your car is full of gas now. You should fill up the car with gas before you return it in five days.

B: OK, I will.

A: Please sign here. (B signs the paper for damages to the car.) Here are your keys.

***Now make a new conversation by changing the underlined words.** **You can use your own words, or you can use these words:** 1 week, German, BMW, Germany, $40, right, back, seven.

V. Reading Passage:

Trouble Buying Tickets

Read the story and then take the True-False Quiz. Remember to read quickly the first time. Read slowly the second time, highlight new words, and use your Kindle Dictionary or another dictionary to look up the definitions of new words. Words in bold (ex. confusing) are important in the True-False Quiz. Try to guess the meaning of new words when you read; this is a good strategy (way) to increase your vocabulary.

Buying a ticket to ride on buses, trains, and subway trains in America can be confusing even for some American tourists. That is because different cities use different systems. Some cities use tickets, but other cities use cards or tokens (that look like coins). Also, some cards can be used for more than one trip. Don't waste a lot of time trying to use a machine that you have trouble using. Ask someone for help.

If you have trouble, quickly ask the staff or another person buying a ticket for help. The first time I bought a subway card at San Francisco Airport, it took me about 15 minutes to use the ticket machine, and I am a native speaker of English. Now I sometimes help other tourists buy tickets at San Francisco Airport. One tourist called me a "genius" when I helped him buy a ticket in half a minute. Actually, after having trouble buying a subway pass, I asked the subway staff how to buy a card, and the staff quickly taught me how to use the machine.

It is also a good idea to let people know that you are a foreign tourist. The staff or other people will probably give you extra help if you say that you are a foreign tourist. You can say, "Sorry, I'm a foreign tourist, and I can't understand how to use this machine." If that is too long to remember, just say: "Sorry, I'm a foreign tourist, and I can't understand this machine." Remember to smile when you ask for help. You can also use gestures like pointing at the machine and raising your shoulders to show you don't understand how to use the machine.

Having trouble buying tickets can be good for you. Why? That's because it can be a good opportunity for you to practice speaking English. You can get help buying tickets and practice speaking English at the same time. In English, we call this "killing two birds with one stone."

True – False: Choose T for True, F for False.

1. __ The word confusing means that something is difficult to understand.

2. __ American tourists do not have trouble buying subways tickets or cards.

3. __ A genius is not a very smart person.

4. __ You should ask for help quickly if you have trouble buying a ticket.

5. __ It is a good idea to say that you are a foreign tourist when you ask for help buying a ticket.

6. __ It is a bad idea to smile when you ask for help buying a ticket.

7. __ The word gesture means body language.

8. __ "Killing two birds with one stone" means doing two things at the same time.

Answers: 1. T, 2. F (The writer says he had trouble buying a subway card at San Francisco Airport.), 3. F (A genius is a very, very smart person.), 4. T, 5. T, 6. F (It is a good idea to smile when you ask for help buying a ticket.), 7. T, 8. T

# Chapter 7: Changing Money & Changing Plans

I. Short Conversation

## Changing Money at a Hotel

(A = Hotel Clerk, B = Tourist who wants to change money)

A: May I help you?

B: Yes, I'd like to change some money.

A: What room number are you in, sir?

B: Room 1330.

A: Mr. Suzuki?

B: Yes, I'd like to change 10,000 yen to dollars.

A: Certainly, sir. Just one minute. You get 95 dollars at today's exchange rate. How do you want your money?

B: 4 20s, 1 10, and 5 ones please. (= 4 20-dollar bills, 1 10-dollar bill, and 5 one-dollar bills)

A: Here you are. Please count your money and sign here.

(B counts the money and signs the receipt paper.)

B: Thank you.

A: Thank you. Have a nice day.

### II. Travel English Vocabulary

I'd = I would ex. I'd like to change some money.

currency = a type of money (ex. dollar, yen, euro, peso, yuan)

currency exchange = changing money from one currency to another currency; place where money is exchanged (ex. to change Chinese yuan to American dollars)

(to) change (v.) = to exchange money (ex. to change Japanese yen to American dollars)

change (n.) = coins

bill = paper money (ex. a 5-dollar bill)

1s = one-dollar bills

10s = 10-dollar bills

20s = 20-dollar bills

100s = 100-dollar bills

receipt = proof of payment/purchase

cause (n.) = reason

tour guide = the person who is the leader of a tour

journey = a trip, especially a long trip

reservation = booking, reserved ticket

(to) confirm = to say that something is true or correct

accident = something that happens unexpectedly (without plan)

(to) prefer = to like something better ex. I prefer to sit in an aisle seat on an airplane.

take care = Take care of yourself = Take care of your health

(Note: People often say "take care" when saying goodbye to someone who is sick or who has an injury such as a broken arm or broken leg.)

custom = tradition

confusing = difficult to understand

survive = have enough money to live

valet = valet parker = a person who parks your car for you

service = help, aid, assistance

bill = cost, charge

gratuity = service charge = tip

basics = fundamentals, most important points

housekeeper = a person who cleans a home or hotel room, housekeeping staff

housekeeping staff = the people who keep the hotel rooms clean

III. Talking about Feelings with –ed/-ing Adjective Forms

English speakers often use –ed and –ing endings for adjectives to talk about our feelings. If the subject is a person (ex. I, John), we usually use an –ed form (ex. interested) to show that the subject (person) has a feeling. If the subject is a thing or idea (ex. Traveling, Art), English speakers usually use –ing form (ex. interesting) to show the cause of a feeling. However, people sometimes give us a feeling. For example, you can say, "The tour guide was very interesting." This means that you were interested in the tour guide, and you think the tour guide is an interesting person. We often use –ed and –ing with BE Verbs (am, is, are, was, were) as in the examples below.

Example Sentences:

I am interested in going to the British Museum.

The Guggenheim Museum is very interesting.

I was disappointed with the tour.

The tour was disappointing.

Shopping in America is exciting.

She is excited about going to the shopping mall.

They are bored with shopping.

Shopping is boring.

The journey was tiring.

_Multiple Choice Quiz:_ Choose the letter (a, b) for the best choice. You can check your answers below.

1. New York City is ________.

a. interested b. interesting

2. I am _________ in going to the art exhibition.

a. interested b. interesting

3. I was ______ with the movie.

a. bored b. boring

4. Climbing the mountain was _____.

a. tired b. tiring

5. Traveling by train is _________.

a. excited b. exciting

6. I am ________ to see the Statue of Liberty.

a. excited b. exciting

7. The tour guide was very _________. I loved the tour.

a. interested b. interesting

Answers: 1. b, 2. a, 3. a, 4. b, 5. b, 6. a, 7. b

IV. Long Conversation

## Calling to Change Airline Reservations

(A = Airline Representative , B = Tourist with a broken arm)

A: Coco Airlines. May I help you?

B: Yes, my name is Mary Jones.

A: How can I help you, Ms. Jones?

B: I have a reservation to fly on flight 201 tomorrow morning, but I had an accident. My doctor says I can't fly.

A: What kind of accident did you have?

B: I fell down and broke my arm. My doctor wrote a letter confirming that I cannot fly.

A: I see. I can change your reservation, but you need to bring the doctor's note to one of our ticket offices.

B: Where is your ticket office in Tampa?

A: Please go to the ticket counter at the airport.

B: OK. I will go to the airport tomorrow afternoon.

A: I will go ahead and cancel your reservation for tomorrow. I will also make a note about your broken arm. When does your doctor say you can fly?

B: In 2 weeks.

A: OK. What day would you like to make a new reservation?,

B: On the morning of January 14.

A: OK. I have a new reservation for you on Flight 201 leaving at 8:30 A.M. on Jan. 14. Do you prefer an aisle or window seat?

B: I prefer an aisle seat.

A: OK. I made a reservation for seat 21C. Please bring your doctor's note to the airport tomorrow. Do you have any other questions?

B: Yes, I do. May I have your name please?

A: My name is Larry Rosen.

B: Thank you for your help, Mr. Rosen.

A: You're welcome, Ms. Jones. Take care.

B: Thank you. Goodbye.

A: Goodbye.

***Now make a new conversation by changing the underlined words.** **You can use your own words, or you can use these words:** 801, leg, Washington D.C., 1 week, January 7, a window seat, Ronald Wood, Mr. Wood.

V. Reading Passage:

Tipping in North America

Read the story and then take the True-False Quiz. Remember to read quickly the first time. Read slowly the second time, highlight new words, and use your Kindle Dictionary or another dictionary to look up the definitions of new words. Simple definitions of words in bold (ex. custom) can also be found here: Vocabulary.

Tipping is a North American custom that many foreign tourists find confusing. A tip is like "thank you money" for good service. The amount of tip depends on how good the service is. Many people who work in hotels or restaurants, and people who drive taxis make most of their money from tips; many of these people cannot survive without the money they receive in tips. Now that you know what tipping is and why we tip, you probably want to know who to tip, when to tip, where to tip, and how much to tip.

Who and where do we tip? In restaurants and clubs/bars, we usually tip waiters, waitresses, and bartenders (if you sit at the bar). In hotels, we tip a bellhop (also called a bellboy), a person who carries our bags. We leave small tips for the maid who cleans our hotel room and the shuttle bus driver who drives us to our hotel. We don't tip workers at the front desk where you check in and check out of the hotel. We also tip taxi drivers, tour guides, and limousine drivers. If your restaurant has valet parking, we usually give a small tip to the valet.

When do we tip? For most services, we tip after receiving service. However, we leave a tip in our hotel room for the maid who will clean the room before the maid cleans the room. I usually leave the tip under a pillow (See the picture above). At a restaurant, we leave a tip for the waiter/waitress when we pay our bill. It is important to note that some restaurants, especially hotel restaurants, automatically add a tip (about 15%) to the bill. If you see the words "added gratuity" or "service charge" on your bill, you do not need to leave a tip. There may be a space on the bill for an extra gratuity (or extra tip); you do not need to leave an extra tip, but you can if you think the service is excellent.

How much do we tip? You need to know two things. First,people in the U.S. usually give bigger tips than people in Canada. Second, people in both countries may leave bigger tips for very good service and lower tips for bad service. For waiters, waitresses, and taxi drivers, 15 to 20 percent of the cost is a normal tip. For example, if the bill at a restaurant is $100, you would tip between $15 and $20. We give small tips (between $1 and $5) to hotel maids, shuttle bus drivers and valet parkers. Many people give bellhops $1 for each bag he/she carries for you in a hotel. For example, if the bellhop carries three bags, you would tip him/her $3. Tour guides often ask for tips at the end of a tour. I usually give a tour guide a tip of about five dollars, but tip more than that if the tour is very interesting or very expensive.

Now that you understand the basics of tipping, you might ask: "Do I have to leave tip?" While there is no rule that you have to leave a tip, the people who usually receive tips may become angry if they do not receive a tip. Sometimes, a waiter/waitress who does not receive a tip will follow the customer outside the restaurant and ask why he/she did not receive a tip. In addition, a waiter/waitress may not give you good service the next time you come to his/her restaurant if you leave a very small tip. If you stay at a hotel for one week and do not tip the housekeeper who cleans your room, the housekeeping staff may not do a good job of keeping your room clean. Therefore, I think you should follow the North American custom of tipping when you visit the United States and Canada. When in America, do as the Americans do.

True-False Quiz on Tipping in the USA: Choose T for True, F for False.

1. ___ A waiter may get angry if you don't leave a tip.

2. ___ In North America, people usually tip their waiter/waitress between 10 and 15 percent.

3. ___ If your bill is $50, a small tip at a restaurant would be $7.50 and a big tip would be $10.

4. ___ If a bellboy carries two of your bags to your room, $1 would be a good tip.

5. ___ The author thinks you should leave a small tip for your housekeeper (maid) at a hotel.

6. ___ The valet is the person who parks your car.

Answers: 1. T, 2. F (15 to 20 percent of the cost is a normal tip), 3. T, 4. F (Tip at least $2), 5. T, 6. T

# Chapter 8: Making Plans for Sightseeing

I. Short Conversation

## What Should I Do in San Francisco?

(A = a man named Andy from San Francisco, B = a tourist named John)

A: Hello.

B: Hi Andy. This is John.

A: Hi, John. What's up?

B: I'm going to your hometown of San Francisco. What should I do in San Francisco?

A: Everyone enjoys riding on the Cable Car. You must do that.

B: OK. Where do you recommend eating?

A: Well, I think you should go to Fisherman's Wharf to eat seafood. You can also go to Chinatown to eat Chinese food or North Beach to eat Italian food.

B: Can you recommend a one-day tour?

A: Sure. I recommend a tour of the Muir Woods in Sausalito or a tour of the wine country in Napa Valley. You can see the Golden Gate Bridge on your way to Sausalito or Napa Valley.

B: I love red wine, so I think I'll go on the Napa Valley tour and enjoy some wine tasting! Where can I go shopping?

A: I recommend going to Union Square. There are lots of good department stores and cool galleries there.

B: Thanks for your advice.

A: Sure! Have fun in San Francisco. I wish I could go with you.

B: Me, too. I'll call you when I come back from San Francisco. Goodbye.

A: Goodbye.

### II. Travel English Vocabulary

wharf = dock, waterfront, place for boats and ships to dock (ex. Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco)

recommend = advise, suggest

wish = desire, hope, longing

wake up = stop sleeping, get up, get out of bed

wake-up call = a phone call to wake someone up

certainly = definitely; yes, no problem

telling time = saying what time it is

quarter = 15 minutes

half = 30 minutes

noon = 12:00, 12:00 noon

midnight = 24:00, twelve midnight

a.m. = morning, before noon (12:00)

p.m. = afternoon & night until midnight (24:00)

past = after (ex. half past 10 = 10:30)

to = before (ex. quarter to 11 = 10:45)

hard to understand = difficult to understand, not easy to understand

III. Useful Grammar: Talking about the Future

An easy way to talk about the future is to use will + dictionary form of the verb (ex. will go, will need, will listen). Another way to talk about the future is with BE going to + dictionary form of the verb (ex. am going to travel, is going to visit, are going to watch). This second way of talking about the future sounds very definite (100% sure that something will happen) like "I'm going to die one day." Use the first way (will + verb) if you do not have a definite plan or something will probably happen. For example, you can say "I will probably eat pasta tonight." Don't worry too much about the difference between these two ways; native speakers usually don't think about the difference in meaning. Just try to communicate. When talking about the future, we often use contractions (short forms), such as I'll (I will), you'll, he'll, she'll, it'll, we'll, they'll, I'm going to, etc.

Example Sentences

It'll probably rain tomorrow. (ex. 80% chance of rain).

It's going to rain tomorrow. (100% chance of rain)

I will stay home tomorrow if it rains.

I'm going to stay home tomorrow because I am sick.

I will go to Las Vegas someday.

I'm going to go to Dublin next Friday.

I don't think it will rain today.

It's going to rain hard today.

I think we will be busy tomorrow.

We're going to have a busy day tomorrow.

_Questions for You:_

What will you do tonight?

____________________________________.

What will you do tomorrow?

____________________________________.

(Answers vary.)

IV. Words with Similar Meaning

_A: Must, Should, Have to, and Recommend_

The words must, have to, should, and recommend are similar in meaning, but must and have to are stronger than should and recommend.

_Must_ is used for something you really need to do.

ex. You must see the British Museum in London.

ex. You must see the Opera House in Sydney.

_Have to_ is also used for something you really need to do. The negative form is don't have to.

ex. You have to have a passport to travel to a foreign country.

ex. She doesn't have to work, since she is rich.

_Should_ is used for something that is a good idea but not something you really need or have to do. The negative form is shouldn't.

ex. You should eat pizza in North Beach.

ex. You shouldn't pack too many clothes in your suitcase.

ex. You shouldn't carry a lot of money in your wallet.

_Recommend_ is used when giving advice. The negative form is don't/doesn't recommend.

ex. I recommend staying at the Roxy Hotel.

ex. Where do you recommend eating?

ex. I recommend eating in Chinatown.

ex. I don't recommend going on that tour.

_B. Want and Wish_

Want and Wish are similar in meaning. If you use the verb want, it sounds more like something you can really do. If you use the verb wish, it sounds like you may not be able to do something.

I want to...

ex. I want to go to Disney Land.

ex. I want to eat lobster.

ex. I want to go shopping/skiing/surfing/scuba diving/snorkeling, etc.

ex. I want to see the Lincoln Memorial.

ex. I want to listen to live jazz music in New Orleans.

I wish I could...

ex. I wish I could travel around the world.

ex. I wish I could meet Madonna.

ex. I wish I could live in Sydney for one year.

ex. I wish I could talk with the president.

Notice that we use the past tense with wish. Here are some example sentences with wish and other verbs:

I wish I had a million dollars.

I wish I knew Lady Gaga.

I wish I lived in Tanzania.

I wish I could meet the president of my country.

I wish I could see the Grand Canyon.

I wish she would call me!

I wish I could travel around the world.

C. Question and Answer Patterns with WH- Questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How)

What is your name?

My name is Jackie / Rosie / Iris / David.

Where are you from?

I'm from France / Spain / Japan / Argentina / China.

What do you do?

I'm a teacher / doctor / writer / student.

What's your hobby?

I like traveling and learning languages.

What do you want to do today?

I want to go fishing / swimming / shopping / sightseeing / walking.

Where do you want to go today?

I want to go to Toronto / London / Wellington / Edinburgh.

What do you want to eat?

I want to eat fish & chips / a cheeseburger / a Cuban sandwich / a burrito.

I want to eat French food / Italian food / Mexican food / vegetarian food.

What do you want to see?

I want to see the Lincoln Memorial / Fisherman's Wharf / Stone Mountain / the Space Needle.

What kind of music do you want to listen to?

I want to listen to rock / blues / jazz / soul / country music.

What kind of movie do you want to see?

I want to see a comedy / drama / action movie / horror movie.

When do you want to wake up tomorrow? OR: What time do you want to wake up tomorrow?

I want to wake up at 7:00 (seven o'clock), 7:15 (seven fifteen / quarter past seven), 7:30 (eight thirty / half past eight), 7:45 (seven forty-five / quarter to eight), etc.

_*_ _Now try to answer the above questions with your own answers._ Read the questions out loud and try to answer the questions without looking at the examples of answers. Remember that WH-Questions end with falling intonation.

V. Long Conversation

## I Want to Go to the Art Museum

(A = Tourist 1, B = Tourist 2, C = Hotel Staff at the Front Desk)

A: What do you want to do tomorrow?

B: I want to go to the art museum in the morning and go to South Beach in the afternoon.

A: What time do you want to go to the museum?

B: About 10:00. (ten o'clock)

A: What time are you going to get up?

B: At 7:00. (seven o'clock)

A: That's too early!

B: OK, let's get up at 7:30. (seven thirty/half past seven)

A: That's better. Can you ask the hotel for a wake-up call?

B: OK.

(B calls the hotel front desk.)

C: Hello. This is the front desk. How can I help you?

B: I'd like a wake-up call at 7:30.

C: Certainly. We're going to call you at 7:30.

B: Thank you. Goodbye.

C: Goodbye.

(B hangs up the telephone.)

A: Thanks. Let's go to bed early.

B: Yes, we're going to have a long day tomorrow. Goodnight.

A: Goodnight.

_*Now make a new conversation by changing the underlined words._ _You can use your own words, or you can use these words:_ shopping mall, Disney Land, the mall, 6:00, 6:30, busy.

VI. Reading Passage:

Telling Time

Read the story and then try to read different times aloud. You can check your answers below. Remember to read quickly the first time. Read slowly the second time, highlight new words, and use your Kindle Dictionary or another dictionary to look up the definitions of new words. Simple definitions of words in bold (ex. quarter) can also be found here: Vocabulary.

When you travel, you will often need to think about time. You need to think about what time to wake up, what time to leave your hotel, what time to arrive somewhere, what time to meet someone, what time to eat lunch, what time to return to your tour bus, etc.. Some words that are important in telling time are: o'clock, quarter, half, a.m., p.m., noon and midnight.

Use a.m. when talking about time after midnight (24:00) until noon (12:00). For example, 8:00 in the morning can be read as 8 a.m. or 8 o'clock a.m. Use p.m. when talking about time from afternoon until midnight. For example, 1:00 in the afternoon can be read as 1 p.m. or 1 o'clock p.m.

The words "quarter" and "half" are important in telling time. The word "quarter" means 15 minutes. 10:15 can be read as quarter after ten or quarter past ten. This can be easier to understand because 10:15 (ten fifteen) can sound like 10:50 (ten fifty). The word "to" means before, so 9:45 can be read as "quarter to ten." The word "half" is used to mean 30 minutes (half an hour). "Half past nine" is 9:30. English speakers only use the word half with past (or after). They don't use it with "to" or "before." To say 11:30, you can say half past 11, half after 11, or eleven thirty; don't say "half to twelve."

It is sometimes hard to understand times that include 15 or 50 in them, especially when talking on the telephone. If you don't understand if someone says 8:15 or 8:50, you can ask, "Do you mean quarter after eight or eight fifty?" An easier way to ask the same question is: "Do you mean eight one five or eight five zero?"

_*Now try to read these times aloud._ There may be more than one good answer. You can check your answers below.

1. 9:00 a.m.

2. 9:15

3. 9:30

4. 9:45

5. 10:10

Answers: 1. 9 o'clock a.m. or 9 a.m., 2. Nine fifteen, quarter after nine, or quarter past nine, 3. Nine thirty or half past nine, 4. Nine forty-five or quarter to ten, 5. Ten ten, 10 after 10, or 10 past 10

# Chapter 9: Going Shopping

I. Short Conversations:

## Shopping at a Supermarket

(A = Supermarket Staff, B = Tourist Shopper, C = Supermarket Cashier)

A: Good morning. May I help you?

B: Yes, please. This supermarket is so big. I want to buy some fruit, bread, and wine.

A: Bread is in Aisle 1 next to the Deli. Fruit is also in Aisle 1. Wine is in Aisle 9.

B: Which way is aisle 9?

(A points to the left.)

A: That way.

B: Thanks.

A: You're welcome.

(5 minutes later at the cash register)

C: Hello, do you need a bag?

B: No thanks. I have a bag.

C: Cash or credit?

B: Once more please.

C: Will you pay with cash or credit card?

B: Credit card.

C: That'll be eight oh nine ($8.09). Just slide your card and press credit. Sign here. Thank you very much.

B: You're welcome.

## Shopping at a Shopping Mall

(A = Clerk at an Information Desk, B = Tourist Shopper, C = Clerk at a Shoe Store)

A: Hello. Welcome to Rainbow Mall. How can I help you?

B: I'm looking for a shoe store.

A: Brown's Shoes is on the second floor. Just go up the escalator, and you'll see the shoe store on your left.

B: Thank you.

(B walks into Brown's Shoes.)

C: Welcome to Brown's Shoes. Can I help you find something?

B: Yes, I need to buy some walking shoes. What do you recommend?

C: These shoes are on sale. They're 10 percent off this month, so they are just $90 (90 dollars).

B: Do you have them in brown?

C: Yes, we do. What's your size?

B: Sorry, I don't know my American shoe size.

C: That's OK. I can measure your foot size for you. Is one of your feet bigger?

B: Yes, my left foot is a little bigger.

C: OK. I will measure your left foot. Your shoe size is 9 wide. Just a minute and I will get the shoes for you to try on.

(C returns with the shoes. B puts on the shoes.)

C: How do they feel?

B: They feel a little tight. I think they are too small. Can I try 9.5 (9 and a half) wide?

C: Sure, just a minute.

(C returns with the shoes. B puts on the shoes.)

C: How do they feel? Are they too big?

B: No, these are very comfortable. I'll take them.

C: Do you want me to put them in a box, or do you want to wear them?

B: I want to wear them.

C: OK. I'll put your old shoes in the box.

### II. Travel English Vocabulary

aisle = lane, passageway

clerk = a person who works at a store (ex. information desk clerk)

cash register (or register) = the place where you pay for things you buy

cashier = a person who takes money or credit cards at a cash register

fitting room = a room where you can try clothes on to see if they fit you well

fit = a good size (ex. The shoes fit well.)

off = lower price (ex. 10% Off)

bargain = on sale = nice price

return = give the store back something you bought for a refund or exchange

refund = get your money back

exchange = get something new (ex. a larger or smaller size)

receipt = a piece of paper showing that something has been paid for

experience = happening; something you do or have (ex. shopping experience)

confusing = hard to understand

enjoyable = fun

lottery = lotto; gambling in which people choose numbers for a prize

discount = a special low price; price cut ex. "Can you give me a discount?"

the right direction = the way that you want to go

huge = extremely (very very) large

definitely = without doubt, certainly

Word Opposites (Words with opposite meaning):

big and small

wide and narrow

tight and loose

long and short

III. Common Sentence Patterns for Shopping

Note: You can change the underlined words with the thing you want to find or buy.

Which way is aisle three?

This shirt to too big. Can I try a smaller size?

This shirt is too small. Can I try a bigger size?

These shoes are too tight. Can I try a half size (or one size) bigger?

These shoes are too loose. Can I try a half size (or one size) smaller.

These umbrellas are too expensive. Do you have anything cheaper?

Where can I buy an umbrella?

How much does the shirt cost?

I want to buy a raincoat.

I want to buy an umbrella and a raincoat.

I am looking for men's clothes.

Can I try this shirt/these pants/these shoes on?

Do you have a fitting room?

Where is the fitting room/the bathroom/the cashier?

I want to buy this shirt.

Sorry, I don't want to buy this shirt.

Sorry, I don't want to buy these gloves.

That's too expensive.

Do you have a cheaper one?

I need a basket.

Sentence Patterns for Returning Things to a Store:

I want to return this shirt.

I want to exchange this dress.

I want a refund for this jacket.

I have the receipt.

Here is the receipt.

Sorry, I lost the receipt.

IV. Grammar: Comparatives and Superlatives

Comparatives: Comparing two things, ideas or people with adjectives

ex. The French restaurant is more expensive than the American restaurant.

ex. The American restaurant is cheaper than the French restaurant.

ex. My hotel room is on a higher floor than your hotel room.

ex. Summer vacation is longer than winter vacation.

Superlatives: Comparing three or more things, ideas, or people with adjectives and saying what is #1 (ex. the greatest, the most beautiful).

ex. The French restaurant is the most expensive restaurant in the hotel.

ex. My hotel room is on the highest floor in the hotel.

ex. The café is the cheapest restaurant in the hotel.

Short Adjectives: Short adjectives use –er at the end of the word for the comparative form (= more) and –est at the end of the word for the superlative form (= #1/most).

ex. smart, smarter, smartest

ex. big, bigger, biggest

This bag is cheaper than that bag.

This is the cheapest bag in the store.

Long Adjectives: Long adjectives use more (not –er) for the comparative form and most (not –est) for the superlative form before the adjective.

ex. expensive, more expensive, most expensive

ex. beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful

This bag is more expensive than that bag.

This bag is the most expensive bag.

This room has a more beautiful view than your room.

This room has the most beautiful view.

Good & Bad: The adjectives good and bad are irregular (not regular). The three forms of these words are:

good, better, best

bad, worse, worst

Example Sentences:

My French is better than my English.

French is my best foreign language.

My English is worse than my French.

English is my worst foreign language.

Your Spanish is better than my English.

My English got better this summer.

Grammar Notes:

The comparative form (-er/more) often goes with the word than.

ex. This bag is more expensive than that bag.

The superlative form (-est/most) often goes with the word the. The superlative form does not go with the word than.

ex. That is the most expensive bag.

The word which is often used with the comparative and superlative forms in asking questions as in the example sentences below.

Example Sentences:

A: Which do you like better, Mexican food or French food?

B: I like Mexican food better than French food.

A: Which do you like better, beer or wine?

B: I like wine better than beer.

A: Which restaurant is better, your French restaurant or your American restaurant.

B: Our French restaurant is better, but it is more expensive.

A: Which tour is more interesting, the city tour or the wine country tour?

B: The wine country tour is more interesting.

A: Which street is the most famous street in Atlanta?

B: Peachtree Street is the most famous street in Atlanta.

A: Which train is the fastest one?

B: The blue train is the fastest train; it is an express train.

A: Which bag is cheaper?

B: This bag is cheaper than that bag.

_Multiple Choice Quiz_ : Choose the correct letter (a, b, c) for the best choice. You can check your answers below.

1. This price is _______ than that price.

a. low b. lower c. lowest

2. The art museum was ___________ than the beach.

a. more interesting b. more interestinger c. most interesting

3. I like summer _______ than winter.

a. good b. more better c. better

4. English is my _____ foreign language. I speak it better than any other foreign language.

a. good b. better c. best

5. I want to buy this bag for a ______ price.

a. cheap b. cheaper c. cheapest

6. Science was my ______ subject in school. I made the lowest test scores in science.

a. bad b. worse c. worst

7. The comedy movie was ________ than the horror movie.

a. more interesting b. interestinger c. most interesting

(Answers: 1. b, 2. a, 3. c, 4. c, 5. a, 6. c, 7. a)

V. Long Conversation

## Shopping at a Convenience Store

(A = Convenience Store Clerk, B = Tourist shopper)

A: May I help you?

B: Yes, I want to buy a razor and shaving cream.

A: You can find them in the middle aisle on the right. They're on the top shelf.

B: Thanks.

(After two minutes, B brings his/her things to the cash register.)

A: Did you find everything you need?

B: Yes, but I have a question. Does this road go to the Ritz Hotel?

A: Yes, just walk straight. You'll see the hotel on your right after walking about two minutes.

B: Thanks.

A: That will be seven eighty-seven please.

B: Once more please.

A: Seven dollars and eighty-seven cents ($7.87) please.

B: OK. Here's eight dollars.

A: 13 cents is your change. Do you need a bag?

B: Yes, please.

A: OK. Have a nice day.

B: You, too. Bye.

A: Goodbye.

_*Now make a new conversation by changing the underlined words._ _You can use your own words, or you can use these words:_ some soap and shampoo, bottom, Central Park, left, five, ten dollars, two dollars and 13 cents, No, thank you.

VI. Reading Passage:

Shopping in America

Read the story and then take the True-False Quiz. Remember to read quickly the first time. Read slowly the second time, highlight new words, and use your Kindle Dictionary or another dictionary to look up the definitions of new words. Simple definitions of words in bold (ex. custom) can also be found here: Vocabulary.

Shopping in America is exciting, but the shopping experience can sometimes be difficult for foreign tourists. Learning about differences between American stores can make your shopping experience less confusing and more enjoyable.

Convenience stores probably look like convenience stores in your country, but they may sell different things in different American states and cities. For example, you cannot buy alcohol in convenience stores in some cities, which are called "dry." Some other cities do not allow stores to sell alcohol on Sundays. Some convenience stores sell lottery tickets. Lines in such stores can be long with some people wanting to buy many lottery tickets; these convenience stores may not be so "convenient," and you may get tired waiting in line.

American people like very large stores. Discount stores and supermarkets are especially large. When you enter a very large store, look for the information counter and ask for help. You can also look for a store map to find where you need to go. Store clerks will often point you in the right direction.

Shopping malls often have sales on weekends, but you can often find coupons online (ex. on a store's homepage) or in the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday local newspapers. To get better prices, outlet malls, which are large malls that are usually located outside big cities, have great prices every day. In the state of Florida, which is famous for amusement parks such as Disney World, the number two tourist attraction is Sawgrass Mills, an outlet mall located outside the city of Fort Lauderdale. It is easy to get lost in this huge mall, and I sometimes have trouble finding my car in the huge parking lot, so be careful to remember where you parked!

Almost all stores have big sales at Christmas time, during New Year's holidays, as well as during Thanksgiving holidays at the end of November. You can also find good bargains during the end of summer in August for "back to school sales." Whatever time you visit America, you will definitely find some good bargains and want to do some shopping. For this reason, I recommend that you come to America with a half empty suitcase. If you don't, you may have to go shopping for a new suitcase.

True-False Questions: Choose T for True, F for False. Check your answers below.

1. ___ When you go to a large American store, you should try to find things by yourself.

2. ___ Outlet malls are usually located downtown (in the middle of cities).

3. ___ A city where you can't buy alcohol is called a dry city.

4. ___ It is always convenient shopping at American convenience stores.

5. ___ Thanksgiving holidays are at the end of October.

6. ___ The writer recommends coming to America with a half-empty suitcase.

Answers: 1. F (In a large American store, you should not try to find things by yourself., 2. F (Outlet malls are usually located outside big cities, 3. T, 4. F (It is not always convenient shopping at American convenience stores.), 5. F (Thanksgiving holidays are at the end of November), 6. T

# Chapter 10: Can You Do It? (Review of Chapters 6-9)

I. Vocabulary & Grammar Quiz

Multiple Choice: Choose the correct letter (a, b, c, d) for the best choice. The answers are at the end of the exercise.

1. What is another word for coins?

a. bills b. notes c. exchange d. change

2. Seeing a different culture is very ______.

a. interested b. interesting

3. I was _______ to see the Statue of Liberty.

a. excited b. exciting

4. Which word is stronger, must or should?

a. must b. should

5. What is the name of the person who parks your car at a nice restaurant?

a. chef b. concierge c. valet d. waiter

6. What do you call a special coin that you use to ride the subway in some cities?

a. a line b. a form c. a token d. a platform

7. What do you call the place where you wait for a train?

a. a line b. a form c. a token d. a platform

8. If you want to return something you bought and get your money back, you should ask for _________.

a. an exchange b. a refund c. a form d. a coupon

9. I wish I _____ meet the president of the United States.

a. can b. can c. could

10. The question "What's up?" means ___________

a. What is above you? b. What's new? c. What is wrong?

(Answers: 1. d, 2. b, 3. a, 4. a, 5. c, 6. d, 7. b, 8. b, 9. c, 10. b)

II. Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with appropriate (good; correct) words in the blanks below. The conversations are similar to conversations from Chapters 6-9. You can click on the link at the end of each conversation to go back to the original conversation.

Fill in the Blanks 1:

Renting a Car (from Unit 6)

A = Clerk at a rental car office, B = Tourist who wants to rent a car

A: May I help you?

B: Yes, I want to ____________.

A: How long do you need a car?

B: For __________.

A: OK. What kind of car do you want?

B: I want a _______ car if you have one.

A: Sure. How about a white Phoenix?

B: OK. That sounds good.

A: Can I have your license please?

B: I have an international license. I am a tourist from ______.

A: Can I have your international license please?

B: Here you are.

A: That's fine. Your car will be $30 a day plus $10 a day for insurance.

B: OK. Here is my credit card.

A: Please slide your card, push credit, and sign your name.

(B pays with his/her credit card and signs his/her name.)

A: Thank you.

(Need Help? Click on this link: Renting a Car.)

Fill in the Blanks 2:

Changing Money at a Hotel (from Unit 7)

(A = Hotel Clerk, B = Tourist wanting to change money)

A: May I help you?

B: Yes, I'd like to change some ______.

A: What room number are you in, sir?

B: _____.

A: Mr. Smith?

B: Yes, I'd like to change 10,000 yen to _________.

A: Certainly, sir. Just one minute. You get 95 dollars. How do you want your money?

B: 4 ____ (OR: 20 dollar bills), 1 ____ (OR: 10 dollar bill), and 5 _____ (OR: one dollar bills) please.

A: Here you are. Please count your money and sign here.

(Need Help? Click on this link: Changing Money.)

Fill in the Blanks 3:

I Want to Go to the Art Museum. (from Unit 8)

(A = Tourist 1, B = Tourist 2, C = Hotel Staff at the Front Desk)

A: What do you want to do tomorrow?

B: I want to go to the art museum in the morning and go to _________ in the afternoon.

A: When do you want to go to the museum?

B: About _____.

A: What time do you want to get up?

B: At _____.

A: That's too early!

B: OK, let's get up at _____.

A: That's better. Can you ask the hotel for a wake-up call?

B: OK.

(B calls the hotel front desk.)

C: Hello. This is the front desk. How can I help you?

B: I'd like a wake-up call at _____.

C: Certainly. We're going to call you at _____.

B: Thank you. Goodbye.

C: Goodbye.

(B hangs up the telephone.)

A: Thanks. Let's go to bed early.

B: Yes, we're going to have a _____ day tomorrow. Goodnight.

A: Goodnight.

(Need Help? Click on this: I Want to Go to the Art Museum.)

Fill in the Blanks 4:

Shopping at a Convenience Store (from Unit 9)

(A = Convenience Store Clerk, B = Tourist Shopper)

A: May I help you?

B: Yes, I want to buy _______and __________.

A: You can find them in the middle aisle on the right side. They're on the top shelf.

B: Thanks.

(After 2 minutes, B brings her things to the cash register.)

A: Did you find everything you need?

B: Yes, but I have a question. Does this road go to the _______ Hotel?

A: Yes, just walk straight. You'll see the hotel on your right after walking about two minutes.

B: Thanks.

A: And that will be seven eighty-seven please.

B: __________________ (B doesn't understand what A said.)

A: Seven dollars and eighty-seven cents ($7.87) please.

B: OK. Here's _________________.

A: Here is your change. Do you need a bag?

B: _________________.

A: OK. Have a nice day.

B: _________________.

(Need Help? Click on this link: At a Convenience Store.)

III. Sentence Word Order Exercise:

Make sentences with the words below by changing word order. The first two sentences should be questions. You can check your answers below.

**ex.** Miami Beach / this weekend / you / do / go to / want to

Do you want to go to Miami Beach this weekend?

1. have / you / do / fitting room / a / ?

2. you / a / can / recommend / tour /half-day / ?

3. in / interested / am / I / seeing / tomorrow / the museum

4. see / in / must / you / the Statue of Liberty / New York

5. hotel room / on / in / is / floor / the highest / the hotel / my

6. I / I / could / wish / the world / around / travel

7. at / train / the next / does / stop / Third Street Station / ?

Answers: 1. Do you have a fitting room? 2. Can you recommend a half-day tour? 3. I am interested in seeing the museum tomorrow. 4. You must see the Statue of Liberty in New York. 5. My hotel room is on the highest floor in the hotel, 6. I wish I could travel around the world. 7. Does the next train stop at Third Street Station?

### IV. Reading Passage:

How to Improve Your English Speaking Skills

Student Studying Online

Read the story and then take the Vocabulary Quiz. In the quiz, you will be asked about the meanings of the words in bold print (ex. native speaker). Remember to read quickly the first time. Read slowly the second time, highlight new words, and use your Kindle Dictionary or another dictionary to look up the definitions of new words. Try to guess the meaning of new words when you read; this is a good strategy (way) to increase your vocabulary.

There are many ways to learn to speak a foreign language. For many people, living or traveling in the country where the target language is spoken is the fastest way to improve your foreign language skills. This is especially true if you do a homestay, take language classes, or find a boyfriend or girlfriend who is a native speaker of the language you want to learn. Many people, however, cannot afford to live or study overseas. No problem! There are many ways that you can improve your English speaking skills before you leave your home country.

I think the fastest way for you to improve your English speaking is to practice with an English tutor for one-to-one lessons. In private lessons, a tutor can focus on you and your weak points, such as pronunciation, vocabulary, or grammar. You can get more speaking practice than in a group lesson because you are the only student in the class. Also, the tutor can focus on the type of English you want to study, such as travel English, business English or academic English. Nowadays English language teachers teach online, at home, in cafes, and in offices, so it is easy to find a teacher who can help you improve your English slowly (once a week) or quickly (two or more classes a week). You can ask the teacher to teach English for your own special needs, such as preparing to travel to the United States. Try to find a tutor who does not talk too much, who is patient, and who has a lot of teaching experience. Also, it is best if your teacher only uses English to teach you. In other words, you should study English in English. This is called the "direct method."

The second best way to improve your English speaking is to join an English class with a native English teacher. There are some disadvantages (bad points) of joining a group class. First, there is the problem of students having mixed levels of skill in English. The class may be too easy or difficult for you, and this will slow down your learning. Second, a teacher cannot focus only on you and your needs. Finally, some classes can be a waste of time. For example, some students may ask a lot of questions that you know the answers to, or the teacher may talk too much. Try to find a class with a teacher who is a native speaker who lets students speak in pairs or small groups. English schools that are very cheap often have classes with students at mixed levels. I recommend spending more money to study at a school where you can study with students who are close to your own level of English.

The third best way to improve your English is to do a language exchange. I have tried this way of learning while learning Chinese and Japanese. Try to find a language exchange partner who has taught English in the past. You may get lucky and find an English teacher who wants to learn your native language. In Yokohama, I was very lucky to find a Chinese teacher who wanted to learn English. We met at a café once a week and helped each other practice English and Chinese using Chinese and English conversation textbooks. We usually spent one hour on each language, but studied for shorter times (ex. 45 minutes each language) when we were busy.

Fourth, you can find a conversation partner and practice speaking English with him/her. If your friend likes to speak English, you can meet in a café, at one of your homes, or online to practice together. You will learn more if your partner's English level is a little higher than yours. If your English level is high enough, you can do free talk or work with a topic-based English conversation book with lots of questions on topics you are both interested in talking about. If you are beginners or low intermediate students, you can read dialogues together, and then change the words to make your own dialogues. Try to practice dialogues many times until you can say them without looking at the dialogues in your textbooks. If that is difficult, you can look down to remember what you want to say, and then look up to speak to your partner. Try to have eye contact with your partner. In other words, talk to your partner, not your textbook. Also, try to speak with emotion. You can try speaking with different emotions to make the practice more fun. Try speaking with different voices such as happy, sad, angry, excited, romantic, and sleepy voices.

Finally, you can always talk to yourself in English. There are many ways to do this. We all talk to ourselves in our native languages. Try talking to yourself in English. You can talk to yourself anywhere you go—the train, the bus, the car, the shower, the bathroom, etc. You can practice speaking by reading dialogues to yourself. You can use different voices for the A and B roles. Some students also practice shadowing, which is repeating sentences or parts of sentences that you hear. If your English textbook has a CD for dialogues, you can use it to practice shadowing. Play a sentence and push the pause button. Try to repeat what you hear. You can look at the dialogue in your book to see if you repeated the words correctly. One extra benefit of shadowing is that it can help you improve your pronunciation. Try to say each sentence like the speaker on the CD says it. You can also find some videos with script (the exact words spoken on the video) on YouTube and other video webpages. Play one sentence (or 1/2, 1/3, or 1/4 of a long sentence), hit the pause button, and try to repeat what you hear with the same pronunciation and emotion as the speaker on the video.

I hope this article gave you some ideas on how you can improve your English speaking skills. Remember that you can try one way or use several ways in combination. Good luck in your English studies!

_True-False: Vocabulary Quiz:_ Choose T for True, F for False. Check your answers below.

1. __ A native speaker of English is someone whose first language is English.

2. __ If you can afford to buy something, it means you do not have enough money to buy it.

3. __ Preparing to travel means the same as getting ready to travel.

4. __ The word improve means to make something worse.

5. __ If students in a class have mixed levels of English, it means they have different levels of English.

3. __ If doing something is a waste of time, it is not a good use of one's time.

4. __ If you have a language exchange, you probably don't have to teach your native language.

5. __ A dialogue is a conversation between two or more people.

6. __ Speaking with emotion means you don't show people how you feel.

7. __ A combination is a mixture or blend of something.

Answers: 1. T, 2. F (It means you have enough money.), 3. T, 4. F (If you have a language exchange, you probably have to teach your native language), 5. T, 6. F (It means you show people how you feel.), 7. T

# Bonus Chapter: Welcome to Miami!

Note to the student on the importance of reading: Reading is very important for improving your vocabulary. Reading helps you learn new words and review the words you have learned. Therefore, I am including this extra reading passage as a bonus. The reading passage is about one of my favorite cities, Miami. The vocabulary is a little more difficult than in other chapters, so vocabulary comes first in this chapter.

## I. Vocabulary

(to) settle = to make a place your home

settlers = people who settle in a new place ex. Many of the first European settlers of Florida came from Spain and France.

rarely (adv.) = not often ex. I rarely come to Los Angeles.

(to) be located = to be in a place ex. Florida is located in the southeastern United States.

gulf = sea that is partly surrounded by land ex. the Gulf of Mexico

tropics (n.) = hot region located near the equator Note: Tropical is the adjective form of this word. ex. tropical fruit

climate = weather; temperature ex. tropical climate

melting pot = a mixture of people or things. Note: American culture is sometimes called a "melting pot" because the United States has people who come from many different cultures. For example, Miami is a melting pot of white, black, and Hispanic cultures.

original = first; earliest ex. original settlers

revolution = rebellion ex. the Cuban Revolution, the Chinese Revolution

led = commanded; past and past participle verb form of (to) lead

ex. the revolution led by Fidel Castro = Fidel Castro was the leader of the revolution.

majority = more than 50%

(to) risk = to put a person or thing in danger ex. to risk one's life

stylish = fashionable; having good style

numerous = many

celebrity = a famous person

architecture = styles or types of buildings ex. art deco architecture

tragic = very sad

unusual = not usual; strange

Floridian = a person who lives in the state of Florida

(to) rub = to move one's hands backwards and forwards; to massage

belly = the part of an animal's body under the chest ex. to rub its belly

jaws = the mouth and teeth of a human or animal ex. an alligator's jaws

(to) perform = to entertain; to do something

trick = something clever that is done to entertain people ex. a magic trick

paradise = a perfect place; heaven; a place that makes you extremely happy ex. Miami is a tropical paradise.

complain = to say one doesn't like something ex. He complained about the bad weather.

II. Reading Passage:

Welcome to Miami!

Read the story and then take the True-False Quiz and Multiple Choice Quiz. Remember to read quickly the first time. Read slowly the second time, highlight new words, and use your Kindle Dictionary or another dictionary to look up the definitions of new words. Simple definitions of words in bold print (ex. settle) can also be found here: Vocabulary.

Many people dream of living in a place without winters. These types of people helped settle the sunny state of Florida, which is called the "Sunshine State." In South Florida, one rarely has to wear a jacket in the winter. Most cities are located on the coast by the ocean, so people can enjoy living by the water. On the east coast by the Atlantic Ocean, people can enjoy the sunrises, and on the west coast by the Gulf of Mexico, people enjoy the sunsets. Because of the tropical climate, South Florida is most popular during the winter months when many tourists travel to Miami and Key West.

Although Florida is located south of Georgia, Florida's culture is very different than that of Georgia because there is such a wide variety of cultures in Florida. This is especially true in Miami, which is known as a "melting pot," meaning that it has a mix or variety of cultures. In addition to the original white and black setters who mostly came from other southern states, Miami now has a large number of Spanish speaking Cubans, who fled the nearby island of Cuba after the revolution led by Fidel Castro in the 1950s. People are often surprised to hear that the majority of people in Miami speak Spanish, not English. There are also numerous people from South America, the nearby islands of Haiti and Jamaica, Canada, Europe, and the northern United States living in Miami. Many of the settlers from islands off the east coast of south Florida risk their lives traveling to Florida in little boats in search of a better life in America.

Miami is an exciting and stylish international city. Numerous celebrities, including Madonna and Sylvester Stallone, have had homes here. Many people enjoy the colorful, 1920s Art Deco style of architecture popular on Miami Beach. The Art Deco buildings are a favorite background for models and movies, including the movie "There's something about Mary." South Beach is a favorite place for fashion designers, artists, models, writers and musicians. The famous Italian designer Gianni Versace lived in South Beach until his tragic murder outside his mansion in 1997.

Just south of Miami is the Everglades Park, a home for numerous alligators and other wildlife. South Florida's most unusual sport is alligator wrestling. This sport is practiced by some very brave South Floridians, who wrestle the alligator onto its back and rub its belly until the alligator falls asleep. After it falls asleep, the wrestler opens the alligator's long jaws and places his own head inside. Unfortunately, there have been cases in which the alligator wrestlers have lost their noses performing this dangerous trick.

There are many ways that you can enjoy yourself if you visit Miami. I hope you are able to visit this tropical paradise when you come to America. Don't forget to pack your bathing suit.

III. True-False Quiz

Choose T for True, F for False. Change the necessary word or words in a false statement to make it into a true statement.

1. ___ Miami is a city in the sunny state of Georgia.

2. ___ You can see many bears in the Everglades Park.

3. ___ Gianni Versace was murdered outside his South Beach home.

4. ___ Art Deco buildings were popular in the 1920s.

5. ___ Many settlers from islands off the west coast of south Florida risk their lives traveling to Florida in little boats.

Answers:

1. F: Miami is a city in the sunny state of Florida.

2. F: You can see many alligators in the Everglades Park.

3. T

4. T

5. F: Many settlers from islands off the west coast of south Florida risk their lives traveling to Florida in little boats.

IV: Reading Comprehension Check: Choose the letter (a, b, c, d) for the best answer.

1. The main language spoken in Miami is _________.

a. English b. French c. Spanish d. Portuguese

2. Art Deco is a style of _________.

a. decoration b. architecture c. painting

3. The Everglades Park is located ______ of Miami.

a. north b. south c. east d. west

4. Miami is most popular during the ________.

a. fall b. spring c. summer d. winter

5. The island of _______ is located near Miami.

a. Haiti b. Samoa c. Oahu d. Newfoundland

6. The leader of Cuba's revolution was ____________.

a. Hugo Chavez b. Manuel Noriega c. Fidel Castro

(Answers: 1. c, 2. b, 3. b, 4. d, 5. a 6. c)

_V: Trivia Challenge: Test your Cultural Knowledge_

Multiple Choice: Choose the letter for the best choice. The answers are not found in the reading passage. You can use the Internet to help find the answers.

1. Miami is located ________ of Orlando.

a. north b. south c. east d. west

2. The capital city of Florida is _________.

a. Tallahassee b. Miami c. Orlando

3. Florida is located ______ of Georgia.

a. east b. west c. north d. south

4. Florida is famous for ________.

a. peaches b. oranges c. pears

5. Orlando, the home of Disney World, is also famous for _________.

a. Disney Air b. mountain climbing c. Universal Studios

6. The capital city of Cuba is _____________.

a. Havana b. Santa Clara c. Guantanamo

7. Cuba is located in the ______________.

a. Pacific Ocean b. Caribbean Sea c. Bahamas

Answers: 1. b, 2. a, 3. d, 4. b, 5. c, 6. a, 7. b

VI. Useful Grammar: Pronouns and Possessive Adjectives

It is good to review different forms of pronouns and possessive adjectives. Your English will sound better if you use the correct word forms.

Subject Pronouns: I, you, he/she/it, we, you, they

ex. I am the tour guide. She is a tourist. We come from Mexico.

Object Pronouns: me, you, him/her/it, us, you, them

ex. John and Jim gave her a present. I don't want it. I don't understand them.

Possessive Pronouns: mine, yours, his/her/its, ours, yours, theirs

ex. That tablet is mine (= my tablet). Yours (= Your tablet) is over there. I want to buy a tablet like his (= his tablet).

Possessive Adjectives (Note: This form acts like an adjective and is used together with a noun like friend, tablet, or English. ex. my + tablet): my, your, his/her/its, our, your, their

ex. John gave his friend a present. I really like my tablet. I don't understand her English.

Multiple Choice Quiz: Choose the letter (a, b, c, d) for the best answer.

1. My tablet is better than ____ tablet.

a. you b. your c. yours

2. This is not my tablet. ____ is bigger.

a. I b. Me c. My d. Mine

3. ____ English is easy to understand.

a. You b. Your c. Yours

4. I want to speak to ____.

a. she b. her c. hers

5. My room is smaller than ____.

a. you b. your c. yours

Answers: 1. b, 2. d, 3. b, 4. b, 5. c

VII. Talking about the Weather

To talk about the weather, English speakers often use this pattern: It + BE Verb (ex. is, was) \+ Adjective (ex. sunny, cloudy, cold, hot).

Present Tense:

It's (It is) sunny/ rainy/ cloudy/ snowy/ windy today.

It's hot/warm/cool/ cold today.

Present Continuous (or progressive) Tense

It is raining / snowing.

It is raining cats and dogs. (heavy rain)

It is sprinkling. (light rain)

Past Tense:

It was sunny/rainy/cloudy/snowy/windy yesterday.

It was hot/warm/cool/cold yesterday.

Future Tense:

It will be sunny/rainy/cloudy/snowy/windy tomorrow.

It will be hot/warm/cool/cold tomorrow.

It's going to be sunny/rainy/cloudy/snowy/windy tomorrow.

It's going to be hot/warm/cool/cold tomorrow.

Example Sentences:

It is sunny and hot in Miami today.

It will be cold and windy in Chicago tomorrow.

It was rainy in Seattle yesterday.

It was hot and cloudy in Atlanta yesterday.

Note: You can use the present continuous tense (BE verb + main verb-ing) to talk about rain or snow.

ex. It is raining. It is snowing. It was raining. It was snowing.

Questions for You:

How is the weather today? It's ___________.

How was the weather yesterday? It was ________.

How will the weather be tomorrow? It ___________.

(Answers vary.)

VIII. Making Complaints with "Too"

English speakers often complain about the weather, the temperature, our food, and other things using the word "too" + an adjective. For example, if it is very cold outside, you can say, "It is too cold today." If your pizza is very hot, you can say, "The pizza is too hot to eat." If a price is very high, you can say, "That's too expensive!"

Exercise: Make Sentences using the words below. Hint: Each sentence will end with too + adjective + to + verb. Check your answers when you finish.

ex. cold / too / to go to / is / it / the beach

It is too cold to go to the beach.

1. too / to / is / the suitcase / carry / heavy

2. too / to / was / rainy / golf / play / it

3. too / to / was / expensive / buy / the wallet

4. too / to / is / drink / hot / the coffee

5. too / to / is / the bed / sleep on / hard

6. too / to / wear / small / is / the T-shirt

7. too / to / boring / was / watch / the movie

8. too / to / the steak / tough / is / eat

Answers:

1. The suitcase is too heavy to carry.

2. It was too rainy to play golf.

3. The wallet was too expensive to buy.

4. The coffee is too hot to drink.

5. The bed is too hard to sleep on.

6. The T-shirt is too small to wear.

7. The movie was too boring to watch.

8. The steak is too tough to eat.

# Appendix:

# How Your e-Book Reader (or Tablet) Can Help You Learn English

The best present I ever received was my first Kindle, which was a present from my mother. I love reading books on my e-book reader. I can read faster on a Kindle because it has some special features that make it easier for me to read. I think some of these same features shared by other e-book readers and tablets can also help English language learners learn English faster.

The Table of Contents (TOC) allows you to move quickly through an e-book. To get to the TOC, go to Home and open the e-book (ex. Travel English), click on (press) MENU, click on Go To, and click on Table of Contents. From the TOC, you can quickly find the chapter you want. In this book, chapters are organized by topics. If you want help on how to order food at a restaurant, look in your TOC and you will see Chapter 3: Going Out to Eat. Click on Chapter 3, and you will quickly go to the chapter you need. If you want to study English for shopping, you can go to the TOC, click on Chapter 9: Going Shopping, and quickly find that chapter.

Text-to-Speech (TTS) will be very useful for language learners using this e-book. With TTS, you can listen to the conversations and reading passages on your book reader and check the pronunciation of words. Students may also want to read out loud along with the TTS for conversations and reading passages. You will probably want to turn off TTS for other types of work, such as vocabulary, grammar, or reading exercises.

The Kindle has two special features that can help you build your vocabulary: the Kindle Dictionary and the highlighting function.

One of the best things about the Kindle is the Kindle Dictionary, which lets you quickly check the definition of a word you do not know. Just click on the word, and you should see its definition at the top or bottom of the screen. You can only use one dictionary as your Kindle Dictionary for quick use. You can use an English-English dictionary, or you can use a translation dictionary (ex. English-Spanish dictionary) as your Kindle Dictionary. If you want to change your Kindle Dictionary, go to Settings on your Kindle and select "Change Primary Dictionary." Then choose the dictionary you want to use.

Another great thing about the Kindle and most other e-book readers is that you can highlight and take notes on new words. Always highlight words that are new for you. It will be easier for you to find these words when you review the chapter. On my old Kindle, highlighting looks like words are underlined (ex. Niagara Falls), and on new Kindles and Fire, it looks like you use a real colored highlighter. When you want to review your new words that you have highlighted, go to MENU and click on View Notes & Marks. You can quickly read all the words you have highlighted and also any notes (such as definitions) that you want to add. You can also click on View Popular Highlights to see things other readers think are important in the e-book.

Finally, the back button will help you quickly go back to the last page you read before you changed screens. For example, you may change screens when you click on a web link (ex.  youtube.com) or check a definition on your Kindle dictionary. You can easily return to the place in the book you last read by pushing the back button. It took me about one year to learn how useful the back button is. On a new Kindle Fire, the back button looks like an arrow pointing left.

I hope you learn how to use your e-Book reader well so that you can make the best use of this travel English e-book. Please note that you may not be able to use some of these Kindle features if you read this e-book on a different tablet, e-Book reader, or on a computer.

Recommended Books for Self-Study

English Conversation Textbooks

There are many English conversation textbooks that you can buy. Many students taking English conversation classes want to focus on speaking. For speaking practice on many topics (including some travel topics), I recommend David Peaty's All Talk books (published by Macmillan Languagehouse). The new edition of the books include student CDs for listening practice. For readers of this e-book, New All Talk 1 is probably the right level book.

Beginners: New All Talk 1: English Conversation Pair Practice (with CD)

High Beginners to Intermediate: New All Talk 2: English Conversation Pair Practice (with CD)

If you want to study all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing), Jack C. Richards' Interchange textbooks (Cambridge University Press) are useful. Some students do not like these textbooks because they have reading passages that students find challenging (difficult), but I often use these books because I think reading is very important for language learning. The Interchange series has four levels (Intro, 1, 2, and 3). For readers of this e-book, the Level 1 textbook is probably the right level book; try the Intro level book if this e-book is difficult for you and try the Level 2 Student's Book if it is easy for you. If you buy one of these books, try to get a new edition textbook with a self-study DVD-ROM.

Low Beginners: Interchange Intro Student's Book with Self-study DVD-ROM

High Beginners: Interchange Level 1 Student's Book with Self-study DVD-ROM

Low Intermediate: Interchange Level 2 Student's Book with Self-study DVD-ROM

Grammar Books:

I do not recommend using grammar books until you finish a level 1 English conversation book like this e-book. You can learn English in a fast and natural way with conversation-style textbooks. Studying a lot of grammar will slow you down when you are just beginning to learn a language. Learning a language by doing lots of grammar exercises is a slow way to learn; it is not fun for most people and makes many English students want to give up (stop) trying to achieve their goal of learning English. However, some students enjoy studying grammar, so here are some English grammar books that I recommend.

Raymond Murphy's English Grammar in Use grammar book series teaches grammar in a simple style without using a lot of difficult grammar terms (words). Students who don't like grammar terms usually like these books, which have three levels. Students choosing this grammar book series will probably want the beginning or intermediate level book. Be sure to order a book with answers!

Beginning: Basic Grammar in Use Book with Answers

Intermediate: Grammar in Use Intermediate Book with Answers

If you want to learn grammar in a more traditional style, Betty Azar's English grammar books (published by Pearson Longman) have three levels. I really like the grammar charts in these books. Students choosing this book will probably want the beginning or intermediate level book. Be sure to order a book with an answer key!

Beginning: Basic English Grammar with Answer Key

Intermediate: Fundamentals of English Grammar with Answer Key

# American Slang

Slang is non-standard or very informal language, especially popular with young people. It includes a lot of short forms, such as "ain't" for "am not." You really don't need to speak slang. It is not high-level English, but it is important that you are able to understand it when you hear it. I do not recommend that you speak much slang unless you are speaking with cool young people. I include slang at the end of the book because it is important for your listening skill. It can also be hard to find in some dictionaries. You will hear a lot of slang in English movies, TV shows, and popular songs, so it is useful to learn. It is better if you do not say any of the words with a star (*) below.

ain't = am not; is not ex. "I ain't going to school today."

bananas = crazy, wild ex. "He's bananas." "Don't go bananas."

bad = powerful, good, good looking ex. "She's bad!" meaning "She is good looking."

beat = tired ex. "I'm really beat."

*birdbrain or airhead = a silly or stupid person ex. "He's such a birdbrain!" "You're such an airhead!"

bummer = an unpleasant experience ex. "The test was a bummer."

'cause = because

chill (out) = cool it = calm down

cool = terrific, great, hip, fresh

dude = man, guy ex. "He's a cool dude."

dump = to end a relationship ex. "Sue dumped Bill so she could go out with (or date) John."

fer (pronounce like fur) = for ex. "What did you do that fer?"

fixin' (short for fixing) = about to ex. "I'm fixin' to go to the baseball game."

go = to say ex. "He goes" meaning "He says" or "He said"

gonna = going to ex. "I'm gonna go to the party."

gotta = got to, have to ex. "I gotta do my laundry tonight."

heyah = here (with no r and an added y sound) ex. "Y'all come back now, ya heyah?" meaning "You all come again, you hear?" or "Please come again."

howdaya = how do you (Note: "da" is short for do.) ex. "Howdaya like the food?"

like = or something like that ex. "I said, like, what's your problem?"

might could = possibly could ex. "We might could park over there."

my bad = my mistake; my fault; it was my mistake

*pissed off or P.O.'d (pronounced P owed) = mad, angry ex. "I don't know why he's so pissed off." "He's P.O.'d."

photo fail = a bad picture

photo bomb = a picture in which someone jumps into the picture usually making a strange face

(to) rap = to discuss (or talk) freely and at length ex. "Let's rap!"

selfie = a picture that you take of yourself (and maybe another person or people) ex. "Let's take a selfie."

*Shut up! = Be quiet! (Note: You may hear this said at a movie theater.)

spaced-out = acting like one is on drugs; tired and not able to focus ex. "The students who went to the party look spaced-out this morning."

*(to) suck = to be very bad, to be no good ex. "The movie really sucked" means "The movie was very bad."

Sup? = What's up? = What's new? = How are you?

ta = to

thang = thing ex. "She's a sweet little thang."

ticked off = mad, angry

wanna = want to ex. I really wanna meet her.

whaddaya or whatcha = what do you ex. "Whaddaya wanna do tonight?" meaning "What do you want to do tonight?"

wheels = car ex. "Can I borrow your wheels tonight?"

wheredaya = where do you ex. "Wheredaya wanna eat dinner?"

whodaya = who do you ex. "Whodaya wanna meet?"

ya = you ex. "How are ya?" "How ya doing?"

y'all (a Southernism = expression from the Southeast United States) = you all, you (plural) ex. "Y'all want some more ice tea?" meaning "Do you all want some more ice tea?"

Yo! = hello, hi

YOLO = You Only Live Once

yummy = delicious
Textese (Texting Language or SMS Language)

Textese is like a new language that is usually used in writing short text messages. It is also commonly used in e-mail and on social media, such as Twitter and Facebook. When you travel in an English speaking country, you may need to exchange text messages or e-mail with native speakers of English. You may have trouble reading some textese. You will probably not find textese in your dictionary, so I include some common textese below. Note that textese can be written with capital (big) letters (ex. LOL) or lower case (small) letters (ex. lol); see the pictures above. It is better if you do not use any of the textese with a star (*) below.

2 = to, too

2day = today

2mrw = tomorrow

4 = for

4got = forgot

8 = ate ex. I 8 = "I already ate."

asap = As soon as possible

back = to be back, to return ex. "back soon" usually means "I will be back soon."

B = be

b4n = Bye for now

c = see

b4 = before

cu = See you = goodbye

CUL8R = See you later

cya = see ya = see you

d8 = date

dunno = I don't know

ez = easy

gr8 = great ex. U R GR8 means "You are great."

ILY = I love you.

IMO = In my opinion

IMHO = In my humble opinion

*LMAO = Laugh my ass off; I laughed very hard

L8 = late

lol = laugh out loud

NBD = no big deal, no problem

NG = no good

no = number

NP = no problem

OMG = oh my gosh, oh my god

pls or plz = please

r = Are ex. Where R U? = Where are you?

s.t. = something

s.o. = someone

T2M = Talk to me.

T2YL or T2UL = Talk to you later = goodbye

thx = Thanks

TGIF = Thank God It's Friday!

txt = text

TY = Thank You

u = you ex. Miss u 2! means "I miss you, too!"

w/ = with

w/o =without

w8 = wait ex. PLS W8 means "Please wait for me" or "Please wait for us"

xox = hugs and kisses (X = kiss, O = hug)

y = why ex. Y R U L8? Means "Why are you late?"

Yep or Yup = yes

yr = your

yum = yummy, delicious

YOLO = You Only Live Once

:-) = smile

:-( = frown

;-) = wink

>< = frustration (feel that you can't do something)

<3 = love (heart shape)

*$ = Starbucks (Note: buck is slang for dollar)

_/\\_ or _()_= please, prayer

_Textese Quiz:_ **Try to read the following text messages.** You can check your answers below.

1. Y R U L8

2. c u 2mrw

3. c u @ *$

4. Pls w8 4 me, I b L8

5. I hv s.t. 2 tell u.

6. I <3 U

7. thx 4 d8, u r gr8!

8.

Answers:

1. Why are you late?

2. See you tomorrow.

3. See you at Starbucks.

4. Please wait for me. I will be late.

5. I have something to tell you. (= I want to tell you something.)

6. I love you.

7. Thanks for the date. You are great!

8. See you later.

# For Classroom Teachers:

# Prereading Discussion Questions for Reading Passages

These questions are for teachers who are using this e-textbook in the classroom. Teachers using this e-textbook may want to ask students the following pre-reading questions before they read the reading passages.

Pre-reading Questions for Chapter 1:

What problems have you or people you know had at immigration or customs? What is a bad thing to say at immigration or customs?

Pre-reading Questions for Chapter 2:

Is it difficult for you to introduce yourself in English? Why? How do you usually introduce yourself? Do you talk about your hometown when you introduce yourself? What can you say about your hometown?

Pre-reading Questions for Chapter 3:

What problems have you or people you know had at restaurants or fast-food restaurants? What can you say if you don't understand what people say? What can you say if people talk too fast?

Pre-reading Questions for Chapter 4:

What problems have you or people you know had at hotels? What is a gesture? What gestures are different in your home country?

Pre-reading questions for Chapter 5:

Have you had trouble answering questions at Immigration or Customs? What are some things that you can't bring with you when you come to an American international airport from a foreign country?

Pre-reading questions for Chapter 6:

Have you had trouble buying tickets for trains or subway trains? What can you say to get help buying a ticket? What gesture can you use to show someone you don't understand how to buy a ticket?

Pre-reading Questions for Chapter 7:

What kinds of things do you think you should leave a tip for in America? Do you give tips in your country? Why/Why not?

Pre-reading Questions for Chapter 8:

Do you have trouble telling time (saying what time it is) in English? Is it difficult to hear the difference between 15 and 50? Is it important to be on time in your home country?

Pre-reading Questions for Chapter 9:

Do you like shopping? Which do you like better, shopping by yourself or with a friend? Do you like to shop in small stores or big stores?

Pre-reading Questions for Chapter 10:

What are the best ways to learn a foreign language such as English? Do you like to study by yourself, study in a class, or study with a tutor? What are the good and bad points of each way of learning English and other foreign languages?
About the Author and Special Thanks

**David Ellis** has taught English in the United States and Japan for over 20 years. In that time, he has taught in a wide variety of schools and has taught a wide variety of courses, including travel English, English for academic purposes (EAP), and English for proficiency tests (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, GRE, etc.). In addition to teaching, he has co-written four reading textbooks edited by Professor Setsuko Watanabe. He has worked as an English proofreader on many of Rin Tanaka's vintage fashion books, including Harley-Davidson: Book of Fashions and Schott: 100 Years of an American Original. He holds an M.A. in Linguistics from the University of Georgia. He also holds B.A. degrees in English (Emory University) and Journalism (the University of Georgia). His hobbies include traveling, writing, studying foreign languages, and practicing tai chi. His main student is his young son David Soong who is trilingual (speaking three languages: English, Japanese, and Chinese).

The author wishes to thank his parents, the Departments of Linguistics and Journalism at the University of Georgia, the English Department at Emory University, Tom Corson-Knowles of Ebook Publishing School, all his students over the years, and his many schools (NIC International College, Tohoku Foreign Language College, Eigo Daigaku, Yokohama Overseas Chinese School, the Institute for International Studies and Training, Fukushima High School, Yomiuri Culture Centers, USA Club, ELS, ALS, Nichibei, and ICC). Special thanks to Lynn Kay, Christy Chen, Lisa Woods, Evans Brasfield, and Bill Spring (of News Travels Fast) for helping me design the book cover. Graphics by Shutterstock and Colourbox.
Connect with the Author

Thank you for buying my travel English e-textbook. I hope it helps you in your travels to English-speaking countries. For additional information on travel English tips and training, e-mail the author at: jd6919@yahoo.com. If you have any questions, comments, or requests, please feel free to contact me directly at the above e-mail address. I am going to write a second level travel English e-book very soon. Please let me know if you have any requests for the Level 2 e-book. Safe travels!

David Ellis

You can find me on YouTube at:  youtube.com/DavidLS888

You can follow me on Twitter at: twitter.com/DavidLS1

You can find me on Facebook at: facebook.com/DavidLS888

You can find my Travel English blog here:

http://travelenglishforbusytravelers.blogspot.jp/
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