Using the Post Office

A.

Conversation

Customer         : Please give me ten Five Rupees stamps.

Clerk               : Here they are.

Customer         : How much is that?

Clerk               : Fifty Rupees.

Customer         : I’d like to mail this Letter.

Clerk               : How do you want to send it?

Customer         : By ordinary mail.

Clerk               : That’ll be five rupees per letter.

Customer         : I want to send this letter by Registered post.

Clerk               : All right. I’ll weigh it.

Customer         : How much will it cost to go that way?

Clerk               : It’ll cost Twenty five rupees.

Customer         : What’s the fastest way to send this Letter?

Clerk               : By Speed Post, but it’ll be expensive.

Customer         : How much will it cost to send it by Speed Post?

Clerk               : Just a moment. Let me weigh it.

Customer         : Do you sell envelopes here?

Clerk               : Only envelopes with stamps printed on them.

B.

Locating a post office

• Is there a post office near here?
• Where is the (nearest) post office?
• Where is the main/central post office?
• Where’s the nearest post/mail box?

 C.

Talking about postage

• How much is it for a letter to (Japan)?
• What is the letter rate to (Europe)?
• Is there a special rate for (cards)?
• How much is this by airmail to (Canada)?
• Three to Europe, please (getting stamps).
• I’d like to send this by (parcel post)
• Could I have six stamps for (postcards)?
• When will this get to (Athens)?
• How long does it take (by airmail)?
• When should this reach (London)?

D.

Postage problems

• This arrived damaged/torn.
• I’ve been expecting a package from (Denmark).
• It was posted two weeks ago.
• Could you look into this?
• Can you find out what’s gone wrong?
• Can you check for me?

E.

Special services

• I want to send a telegram.
• What’s the fastest/safest way of sending this?
• I want to send this express to Cairo.
• I want this insured.
• I want this to go registered mail.
• I’d like proof of posting.
• I want to send it “recorded delivery”
• Can I have a customs form, please?

F.

Sending and Receiving Letters

• Are you writing a letter?
• Yes. I’m writing to my family.
• Do you write letters very often?
• Yes. I write five or six letters a week.
• No. I hate to write letters.
• Does John get many letters?
• Yes. He gets some everyday.
• Charles wrote me a long letter.
• When did he write to you?
• He sent the letter to me about a week ago.
• He hasn’t even sent me a postcard yet!
• We wrote to Mary’s sister last week.
• Has she written to you yet?
• No, she hasn't.
• She wrote to me a few days ago.
• Have you written to your brother yet?
• Yes, but I haven’t mailed the letter yet.
• Did your friend in Japan write to you?
• Yes. I got a letter from her yesterday.
• Did you write a reply to John’s letter?
• Yes. I wrote one on Tuesday.

Airport Checking In

A.

Passenger                    : Good evening! Can you help me, please?

Flight Assistant           : Good evening, sir! Yes, ofcourse! What can I do for you?

Passenger                    : Here is my ticket! I am booked by your airlines for New York. What am I to do?

Flight Assistant           : It’s all right! Just let me see your passport as well. You may keep your luggage here.

Passenger                    : Here you are. What else?

Flight Assistant           : Please tie this tag on to your hand baggage. Just go right across to the bank to pay your Airport tax. You can collect your foreign exchange as well, there. That’s all.

Passenger                    : Thanks. Need I come back to you again?

Flight Assistant           : You are welcome, sir, Please just relax in the lobby on your left. Your flight is about two hours late. We shall contact you, if required.

Passenger                    : Please do let me know when I am to go for my flight.

Flight Assistant           : Very well, sir. Please don’t worry. We shall let you know.

Passenger                    : Thank you.

Flight Assistant           : Thank you. Sir.

B.

Airport: Checking In

A. Good morning. Can I have your ticket, please?

B. Here you are.

A. Thank you. Would you like smoking or non-smoking?

B. Non-smoking, please.

A. Would you like a window or an aisle seat?

B. An aisle seat, please.

A. Do you any baggage?

B. Yes, this suitcase and this carry-on bag.

A. Here’s your boarding pass. Have a nice flight.

B. Thank you.

C.

Passport control

A. Good morning. Can I see your passport?

B. Here you are.

A. Thank you very much. Are you a tourist or on business?

B. I’m a tourist.

A. That’s fine. Have a pleasant stay.

B. Thank you.

D.

Asking for the check-in

To find where to check in baggage, use:

Where’s the check-in desk?

Where’s the baggage check-in?

Where do I check-in my baggage?

You may need to use:

It’s heavy.

Porter.

Are there any porters here?

I need a porter.

Where can I get a baggage trolley?

Are there any trolleys free?

E.

Checking in baggage

To hand baggage in at the check-in, use:

I want to check-in (these), please.

There are (three) pieces.

I’m taking (this) as hand baggage.

I’m not checking (this) in.

I’m taking (this) with me.

Are they safe like that?

Do I have to pay any extra?

F.

Baggage problems

You may need:

Where’s the baggage office?

Who’s in charge of lost baggage?

I checked-in my baggage in (Paris) and it isn’t here.

My baggage hasn’t been delivered.

I was on the (Miami) flight.

I can’t find my baggage.

My baggage is lost.

It’s damaged/broken.

I’ve lost (some of the things) out of it.

Getting Information at the Airport.

A.

Getting Information at the Airport

Is this Deccan Airways?

Yes. May I help you?

Can you tell me when flight 234 arrives?

One Sec please, I’ll check.

How long is the flight from Bangalore to New Delhi?

Well, supposedly two hours, but it’s sometimes longer.

How often are there flights to New Delhi from Bangalore?

There’s one every hour.

At what time does the next to Kolkota leave?

The next flight 112 at eleven fifty-five.

Which is the one after that?

Flight 121 at one Twenty.

Could I make a reservation for flight 545 to Hyderabad?

I’m sorry, but everything is taken.

How about the next flight-tomorrow at two o’clock?

Yes. I can give you a reservation on that.

I’d like to check in for the flight to Dubai.

Fine. Do you have your ticket and passport?

Yes. Here’s my ticket, and I’ll get out my passport.

Would you please put your baggage on the scales?

At what time does the next plane to London leave?

The next one is flight 12 at eleven fifty-five.

What’s the next one after that?

How often is there a flight to Paris?

We have flights to Paris every hour.

Are they nonstop flights?

Could I make a reservation for flight 10 to Tokyo?

I’m sorry, but everything is taken.

How about the next flight-tomorrow at two o’clock?

Yes. I can give you a reservation on that.

I’d like to check in for the flight to New York.

Fine, Do you have your ticket and passport?

Yes. Here’s my ticket and I’ll get my passport.

Would you please put your baggage on the scales?

How long is the flight from New York to Washington?

Well, supposedly an hour, but it’s sometimes longer.

How often are there flights to Washington from New York?

There’s one every hour.

B.

Meeting at the Airport

Where will you meet your friends?

I’ll meet them at the airport.

When will they get there?

I don’t know yet.

When are you meeting your friends?

I’m meeting them at eight o’clock tomorrow night.

How are they getting here?

They’re coming by air.

Is this Southwestern Airline?

Yes. May I help you?

Can you tell me when flight 439 will arrive?

One moment, please. I’ll check.

All the incoming flights are listed on that board.

I see they expect Bill’s flight to be twenty minutes late.

Do they have an arrival gate listed?

No. They’ll probably list it about ten minutes before arrival.

Well! How was your trip?

It was very smooth and fast.

Could you see the mountains from the plane?

Yes. The visibility was excellent all the way.

C.

EXERCISE

A.

You are at Mumbai Airport and have lost your bag which contained many important things including all your holiday photos and all the presents you bought for your family and friends. Demand some action and, if possible, some compensation.

B.

You work at Rajeevi Gandhi International Airport and must explain to the tourist that it’s perfectly normal for a bag to go missing for a few hours and there is no problem at all. And…. Tourists should never put anything too valuable in their bags.

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?