Identifying Things & People

            Read the following word groups aloud several times. Please don’t try to learn by-heart. Your sub-conscious mind will do that job, even without your knowledge, and rush onto your tongue whenever required. Yes, your job is just to read these word groups aloud several times.

A.

Identifying Things

What’s the name of that furniture?

I beg your pardon.

Can you tell me what is the name of that piece of furniture?

Sorry, I don’t know myself.

Which is your house?

Ours is the last one on the block.

Is yours the red one or the blue one?

The blue one on the right side of the street.

Which one of these are you going to choose?

I like the red one with the blue stripes.

The one over there with black edges is nice too.

But the one we looked at first may be the best choice.

What’s the name of that book John referred to?

It’s slipped my mind for the moment.

Who did he say was the author?

Someone whose name starts with an M.

The car over there by the streetlight is John’s.

Which one do you mean-the old one or the new red one?

Neither. I mean the streetlight on your left.

Oh. Then the one with the convertible top must be his.

B.

Identifying People

Are you Mr. John?

No. that tall fellow is Mr. John.

Do you mean the one over there with glasses?

Yes, the one with white hair.

Who’s that very handsome man?

What did you say?

Do you know who that man over there is?

If you mean the thin, rather dark man, that’s Mr. Noble.

Do you recognize the girl talking to Mr. Noble?

Of course, I know the girl he’s talking to.

Well then, whom is he talking to?

That’s Diane.

What’s that man’s name – the man that’s holding the briefcase?

I know, but I can’t remember it right now.

Where does he come from – Greece or Turkey perhaps?

One of the two, I think.

Do you know the man over there by the door?

I do, but I can’t remember his name at the moment.

Isn’t he a famous musician?

He’s either a musician or a painter.

C.

Asking about identity

Are you Mr. Venkat?

Are you A Teacher?

Who’s he talking to?

What sort of CD is it?

Do you have some ID with you?

See that Lady? Who’s she?

Which of these books is yours?

Is that you, John?

What type of facial cream do you use?

May I know who you are?

Isn’t that your umbrella?

Do you recognize that lady in a blue jacket>

Who are you?

That’s your brother, isn’t it?

Who’s that lady over there?

Do you know who he is?

Who’re those people?

What in the world is it?

Who on earth told you that?

Do you know that lady standing over there?

See that thing there? What is it?

Isn’t that your mother?

Do you know what is that?

Who are you going to meet?

What on earth is that thing in your bag?

What kind of calculator is it? A scientific one?

D.

Not identifying

I don’t recognize…

I’m afraid I’ve no idea.

I don’t know who it is.

I’ve no idea what it is.

Mmm’… he just reminds me of someone.

But I can’t put a name to his face.

I haven’t the faintest idea.

I have no idea who that is.

No. I don’t think so.

I haven’t a clue.

God knows.

I’m not sure.

Using Expressions of Time and the Calendar.

A.

Dialogue

Speaker 1        :           I’m afraid we’re going to be late.

Speaker 2        :           How much time is left?

Speaker 1        :           We’ve got about thirty or forty minutes.

Speaker 2        :           That should be plenty of time.

Speaker 1        :           Whom are you waiting for?

Speaker 2        :           We’re waiting for our friend.

Speaker 1        :           What are you looking so angry for?

Speaker 2        :           Because she’s twenty minutes late already.

Speaker 1        :           Aren’t we going to be late for the meeting?

Speaker 2        :           No. I think we’ll be on time.

Speaker 1        :           Well, I want to be there in time to get a good seat.

Speaker 2        :           The meeting doesn’t start for another twenty minutes.

Speaker 1        :           Are we late or not?

Speaker 2        :           No. In fact we’re early according to my watch.

Speaker 1        :           Hadn’t we better go inside?

Speaker 2        :           All right, but we’re really about a half an hour early.

B.

Conversation

When is your first class?

When do you get back here, then?

He will be back in ten or fifteen minutes.

How long has he been out of his cabin?

He’s been out since ten o’clock.

Then he’s been out for an hour or more.

I got to the cafeteria around noon.

I was there, but I didn’t see you.

I think I left a few minutes after twelve.

I must have just missed you, then.

Our friends will meet us here.

Will they come here right after lunch?

No. They won’t be here until three o’clock.

Then I’ll come a little before three.

Let’s call Mary.

Let’s not call her right now.

May be this is a bad time to call.

Let’s wait until seven or seven thirty.

Were you at home last night?

No, but I was at home the night before last.

Will you be at home tomorrow night?

No, but I’ll be at home the next night.

Didn’t your friends leave the week before last?

Right, they left just two weeks ago.

Will they get back next week?

Yes. According to them, they’ll arrive a week from today.

Did Mary get back last week?

Yes. She got back on Thursday.

How long was she away?

She was out of town for ten days.

When did George arrive in town?

He flew in last Thursday afternoon.

John has been here since that last Thursday too.

Both of them plan to leave the day after tomorrow.

How long have you been here?

I’ve been here for two months.

How often do you get here?

I get to this city about twice a year.

C.

Dates and Periods of Time

I’ve worked here since March.

How long ago did you finish school?

I finished school three years ago.

Didn’t you study English in school?

Yes, but that was many years ago.

How many years ago was it?

At least six.

Did your friends arrive here in the fall?

Yes, they did. They got here in October.

Do you know the exact date they arrived?

Yes, I do, they got back on October eleventh.

Have you been living here very long?

No. I’ve only been here since last spring.

Are you going to stay until Christmas?

No. I’ll probably leave for France in a month or two.

I worked on my report until midnight last night.

Do you expect to finish the work by tomorrow night?

Well, I certainly can’t finish it before that time.

D.

Time and the Calendar

When does February have twenty-nine days?

In a leap year.

How often is there a leap year?

Every four years.

How many days are there in leap year?

There are three hundred and sixty six.

How many weeks are there in a year?

There are fifty-two weeks in a year.

What are the seasons in this country?

Winter, spring, summer and fall.

How many months to each season?

There are three months in each season.

Today is the first day of spring.

I didn’t realize it.

Aren’t you glad it’s here?

I’m always glad when winter is over.

The weather is perfect today, isn’t it?

Yes. I like this season of the year very much.

Most people like this season best of all, don’t they?

Well. I’m sure a lot of people do.

Asking / Telling the Time

A.

What time is it? – I

A.        Excuse me. Can you tell me the time, please?

B.        Yes, of course. It’s seven o’clock.

A.        Thank you.

B.        No Mention Please.

B.

What time is it? – II

A.        What time is it?

B.        It’s half past three.

A.        Thanks.

B.        You’re welcome.

C.

What time is it? – III

A.        What time is it now?

B.        I don’t have my watch on right now.

A.        Is there a clock around here?

B.        There’s one in the next room.

B.        I was about to too ask you the same question.

A.        My watch has stopped.

B.        I forgot to wear mine.

A.        Do you have any idea of the time?

B.        I don’t know exactly, but it’s past nine.

A.        It was nine o’clock when I got here.

B.        Well, I’m sorry I can’t help you.

A.        At what time is the meeting?

B.        Seven o’clock.

A.        Be there at Seven o’clock sharp, then.

B.        I’ll try to get there before seven.

D.

Some commonly used word groups for asking and telling time

What time do you have?

It’s ten o’clock sharp.

Thanks a lot.

Don’t mention it.

What’s the time?

It’s almost eight.

Do you have the exact time?

Yes, it’s two minutes to eight.

Excuse me. What time is it?

It’s a quarter of two.

I guess my watch is slow then.

Well, I know mine isn’t fast.

What time is it right now?

It’s five twenty-five.

Mine shows five thirty-five.

You’re ten minutes ahead then.

Do you have the correct time?

Yes. Its two minutes to three.

Are you sure your watch it right.

It may be a few minutes slow.

What time is it now?

I don’t have my watch on right now.

Is there a clock around here?

There’s one in the next room.

Do you have the right time?

I was about to ask you the same question.

My watch has stopped.

I forgot to wear mine.

Do you have any idea of the time?

I don’t know exactly, but it’s after nine.

It was nine o’ clock when I got here.

Well, I’m sorry, I can’t help you.

At what time is the meeting?

Eight O’clock.

Be there at eight o’clock sharp, then.

I’ll try to get there before eight.

How often does this station give the news?

Every hour on the hour.

When do they announce the weather?

Ten minutes to and ten minutes after the hour.

Getting Information

A.

Asking for Information:

There are a number of formulas used when asking for information in English. Here are some of the most common:

• Could you tell me…?
• Do you know….?
• Do you happen to know…?
• I’d like to know…?
• Could you find out….?
• I’m interested in….
• I’m looking for….
• These two forms are used for asking for information on the telephone:
• I’m calling to find out…
• I’m calling about….

B.

Construction

Could you tell me when the next bus leaves?

Do you know how much that pen costs?

Do you happen to know where John lives?

I’d like to know what you think about the new project.

Could you find out when he is going to arrive?

I’m interested in buying a house.

I’m looking for information on holidays in Kerala.

I’m calling to find out… if flight AD123 will leave on time today.

I’m calling about… the offer, you announced in TV.

C.

Conversation Practice I

A.        What’s the matter?

B.        I need some information.

A.        Go to that desk over there.

B.        Thank you very much.

A.        Can you help me, please?

C.        I’ll try to.

A.        What’s the best way to get to this address?

C.        I’m sorry, I really don’t know.

A.        How can I get to that address?

D.        You can go by train.

A.        Isn’t there any other way?

D.        Yes, by bus, but it’s complicated.

A.        How do I get to the nearest Railway station?

D.        It’s two furlong up that street.

A.        Do you mean the street running that way?

D.        Yes. That’s the one.

A.        Is this the right way to Central Station?

D.        No. You’re going the wrong way.

A.        Which way should I be going then?

D.        It’s in that direction-about one Kilometer.

D.

Some commonly used word groups for asking Information.

Excuse me.

Do you know the way to the Post Office?

Could you tell me which bus goes to Miyapur circle?

I’m looking for a place to stay.

Is there a good hotel around here?

Could you tell me why today’s Hyderabad flight was cancelled?

What time is the Bangalore Express due in, please?

Could you please tell me how to get to this address?

I want to catch the Dubai flight.

Could you tell me where the Railway Station is, please?

Could you help me?

How much is the fare to Chennai?

How much rent are you quoting?

What time is it?

What are your rates?

What time is the news on?

You wouldn’t know if there’s any other way, would you?

How much does a ticket to Kolkata cost, please?

Who can I ask for some information?

What’s the date today?

What sort of time did you want to go?

I’m sorry to trouble you, but do you happen to know where the canteen is?

Excuse me, where is the Canteen?

Could you tell me when the bus for Kochi leaves, please?

Any idea how long he’ll be here?

Do you know how far it’s to the next petrol Pump?

When’s the next bus to Mysore due, please?

Asking Directions

A.

Conversation I

A:        Where’s the Post office?

B:        It’s near the Rajbhavan.

A:        How far is that from here?

B:        About half a kilometer, I think.

A:        Where’s the Rajbhavan?

B:        It’s in the south of the city.

A:        What’s the best way to get there?

B:        Take Bus No 301.

A:        What street is the local library on?

B:        I don’t know.

A:        How can I find out?

B:        Why don’t you enquire in that shop?

B.

Conversation II

A. Excuse me. Is there a supermarket near here?

B. Yes. There’s one near here.

A. How do I get there?

B. At the traffic lights, take the first left and go straight. It’s on the left.

A. Is it far?

B. Not really.

A. Thank you.

B. Don’t mention it.

C.

Conversation III

A. Excuse me. Is there a bank near here?

B. Yes. There’s one at the corner.

A. Thank you.

B. You’re welcome.

D.

Asking the way

• To ask people for directions, use:
• Excuse me!
• Where is (the police station)?
• Could you direct me to (the station)?
• How do I get to (the main street)?
• Could you tell me the way to (the park)?

• If you want special directions, use:
• Which is the quickest way to (the Post Office)?
• What’s the best way to (the city centre)?

• If you are in a car, you can also use:
• What’s the easiest way to (the coast road)?
• Is there parking (in the centre)?

• Asking about distances, use:
• How far is it?
• How long will it take (on foot/by car/by bus)?
• Can I do it in (ten minutes)?
• Should I take (a taxi)?

E.

Giving directions

• To tell people the way, use:
• It’s near the (church)
• Go straight on/straight ahead
• Turn left/right at the (second) street
• Go towards (the park) and turn left
• Cross/go across the road
• Go over/under the bridge
• Go along the street
• Go past the (Post Office)

• To identify the place, use:
• It’s the (first) street
• It’s the (first) on the left/right
• It’s on the left/right hand side of the road

• To tell people distances, use:
• It’s quite far
• It’s too far to walk
• It’s not very far/it’s quite near here
• It’s about (two) kilometers
• It’s (ten minutes) on foot/walking
• It’s (an hour’s) walk/drive
• You should allow (an hour)
• You should take (a taxi)

Talking about Health

A.

Personal Health - Conversation

John     :           You look very pale.

David  :           I feel rather dizzy, and I have a headache.

John     :           Maybe you’re catching a cold.

David  :           You’re probably right.

John     :           You went to the doctor today, didn’t you?

David  :           Yes, I go once a year for checkup.

John     :           What did he say?       

David  :           He said my health was good.

John     :           Have you put on weight recently?

David  :           I probably have.

John     :           Maybe you don’t get enough exercise.

David  :           I really don’t, but I’m careful about eating.

David  :           You certainly look very healthy to me.

John     :           I’ve been feeling very well lately.

David  :           Haven’t you gotten a little heavier?

John     :           Yes, I think I have.

David  :           You certainly look happy about something.

John     :           I’ve lost some weight.

David  :           you look much better.

John     :           I feel better too.

B.

Describing general health

• I’m not fit
• I’m usually healthy
• I have a (bad back)
• My (heart) is (not) very strong
• I have to take (pills)
• I have to follow a diet/eat special food
• I’m allergic to (penicillin)
• I have a high/low blood pressure
• I have a (stomach) illness
• I had (an accident last year)
• I’ve (never) been in hospital
• The cavity is killing me.
• She poked me in the eye.
• My head is spinning.
• His snoring is getting worse.
• I feel like I’ve been run over by a freight train.
• My head is stuffed up.
• I didn’t sleep a wink last night.

C.

Describing symptoms

• I’m not feeling well
• I’ve been feeling. (tired)
• I haven’t been sleeping
• I haven’t been eating well
• I can’t (sleep)
• I have a headache
• I have a stomach ache
• I have a ear ache
• I have a pain in my (back)
• I think it’s (flu)
• It may be (from playing tennis)
• I think it may be (something I ate)
• It’s probably (the weather)
• I’m feeling worse
• I’m feeling better
• It’s getting worse
• I’m/It’s the same
• The medicine/pills helped/didn’t help

D.

Asking about health

• How are you feeling (today)?
• How is the (leg)?
• Are you feeling any better/worse?
• What did the doctor say?
• Do you have any medicine/pills to take?
• Have you had a (check-up)?

E.

How…? / What …like? – for health and character

Here there is a much clearer distinction in use. How…? Refers to a person’s health or mood and what….like? to a person’s character:

How’s Bob today? ~ Very tired, I would say. He was out all night at Tricia’s party.

What’s Bob like? ~ Very sociable. He’s the life and soul of any party.

What’s his wife like? ~ She’s serious and shy. I’ve never seen her smile.

Conversation with the Doctor

A.

Seeing the Doctor

Doctor :           Hello, what’s the matter?

John     :           Good morning. I have a terrible ache in my lower back.

Doctor :           How long has your back been bothering you?

John     :           I’ve been having pain for about two weeks.

Doctor :           Do you have any history of back problems?

John     :           No, this is the first time.

Doctor :           Are you taking any medicine at the moment?

John     :           No, just an aspirin from time to time to kill the pain.

Doctor :           OK. Let’s have a look at your back. Please take off your shirt ….

B.

Asking for a doctor

• I want a doctor
• I want to see a doctor
• I want medical advice
• I want to speak to a doctor
• I’m not moving till I see a doctor
• I’m not doing anything until I’ve spoken to a doctor
• I want a medical examination
• I’d like you to examine/look at me
• I’d like medical advice on (this)

C.

Doctors’ questions

• What’s wrong?
• What’s the matter?
• What seems to be the problem?
• What seems to be the matter?
• Where does it hurt?
• Can you feel (anything here)?
• Do you have any allergies?
• Can you (touch your toes)?
• Are you allergic to (anything)?
• Are you taking any medicine/drugs?
• Have you been treated for (this) before?
• Have you seen a doctor about this before?
• Have you been eating/sleeping properly?
• When did you last visit your doctor?
• Do you take much exercise?
• How much do you drink/smoke a day/a week?
• Have you been working hard?
• Do you suffer from (indigestion/nervousness)?
• Do you get any (headaches/dizziness)?

D.

In the consulting room

• Take your coat/shirt off
• Sit down
• Take your clothes off
• Lie down on that (couch)
• Go behind that (screen)
• Roll up your left/right sleeve
• Breathe deeply
• Breathe in/out
• Open your mouth / Put your tongue out
• Let me see your tongue /leg/eyes
• Bend your (left arm)
• Put your /(hands on your hips)
• I’m going to (listen to your chest)
• I’m going to (touch your shoulder)
• I’m just going to (test your reflexes)
• I want to (take your blood pressure)
• Tell me if this hurts
• This won’t hurt / This may hurt a bit

E.

Talking about treatment

• Stay in bed for a few days
• Take it easy / rest
• Don’t work too hard
• Come back and see me (next Tuesday)
• Come back if it doesn’t get better
• You’ve been working too hard
• You must (stop smoking)
• Keep taking (the medicine)

F.

Talking about medicines

• You can get this at the chemist’s/pharmacy
• Take this to the chemist/pharmacy
• The chemist will give you (a cream)
• This will help your (headaches)
• Take this/these (four) times a day
• Take (5) milliliters in water
• Take a (teaspoonful) after every meal
• Don’t (drive after taking this)
• You mustn’t (consume alcohol in conjunction with these pills)
• You must (finish the whole bottle)
• Don’t (take any aspirin)
• Put it on/Rub it on (your knee)

G.

Referring you to another doctor

• I want you to see a specialist
• I think you should have an X-ray
• I want you to go to the clinic/hospital
• I’m making an appointment for you
• Take this letter to (Doctor Smith)
• I’m giving you a letter for the hospital
• We’re going to keep you here for observation
• We want to do some tests / take an X-ray
• You’ve got a (virus infection)
• There’s nothing broken; It’s nothing serious
• You’ll have to stay here (for a few days)