Self Introduction: Conversation (Elementary)
Listen to Course
0:00
0:00
EN: Use 'I'm from [Place]' to tell people where you were born or where you live.
I'm from Taiwan.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, it is common to state your name and where you are from when meeting someone for the first time to build a connection.
EN: Use 'Nice to meet you' when you meet someone for the first time to show politeness.
Nice to meet you, Mr. Smith.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, it is common to state your name immediately after the initial greeting to establish a connection.
EN: Use 'Where are you from?' to ask about someone's hometown or country. The word 'from' indicates the starting point or origin.
Where are you from, Mary?
EN: In English-speaking cultures, asking 'Where are you from?' is a very common and polite icebreaker when meeting someone new.
EN: Use the Past Simple tense (verb + ed) to talk about actions that happened and finished at a specific time in the past, like 'last year'.
I visited London last month.
EN: In the U.S., it is very common for people to move between cities for work or education. Mentioning how long you have lived in a new city is a standard way to start a conversation.
EN: The phrase 'What do you do?' is a common way to ask someone about their job or profession.
What do you do for a living?
EN: In Western culture, asking 'What do you do?' is a standard small talk question when meeting someone new. It's considered a friendly way to start a conversation about one's life.
EN: Use the Present Simple tense to talk about permanent situations, jobs, or regular habits.
I work at a bank.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, it is very common to ask 'What do you do?' early in a conversation to learn about someone's profession.
EN: Use 'at' to talk about the place where you work or spend time.
I work at a bank.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, responding with 'That's interesting!' is a common way to show you are listening and engaged in the conversation, even if the topic is simple.
EN: To ask a question with 'be' verbs (am/is/are), we swap the position of the subject and the verb. Instead of 'You are...', we say 'Are you...?'
Are you a student?
EN: In English conversations, starting a sentence with 'Oh' often indicates that you are reacting to new information or making a guess based on what was just said.
EN: Use 'really' before a verb to show that you feel strongly about something.
I really like pizza.
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, it is common and polite to add a positive comment after stating your profession to keep the conversation friendly.
EN: Use 'Do you have...?' to ask about possessions, habits, or things someone has. Use 'any' in questions when asking about an unknown amount or type.
Do you have any pets?
EN: In English-speaking cultures, asking about hobbies is a very common and polite way to get to know someone better after initial introductions.
EN: When you talk about activities you enjoy, use the '-ing' form of the verb after 'love' or 'like'.
I like playing soccer.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, sharing hobbies is a very common way to build rapport when meeting someone for the first time.
EN: Use the '-ing' form (gerund) after the verb 'enjoy' to talk about activities you like doing.
I enjoy watching movies with my family.
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, talking about weekend hobbies is a common way to build rapport and find common interests during small talk.
EN: Use 'Do you' at the beginning of a sentence to ask a yes/no question about a regular habit or action.
Do you drink coffee?
EN: In English-speaking cultures, asking about hobbies and who people do them with is a very common and polite way to build a conversation (small talk).
EN: Use the Present Simple tense to talk about habits or things that happen regularly. Time expressions like 'every Saturday' usually go at the end of the sentence.
I drink coffee every morning.
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, Saturday morning is a very common time for community sports and outdoor activities at local parks.
EN: Use 'have you lived' to ask about an action that started in the past and continues until now.
How long have you worked at this school?
EN: In English-speaking cultures, asking how long someone has lived in a city is a very common and polite small talk question to get to know someone.
EN: Use 'have been' + 'for' to talk about how long you have lived or stayed in a place from the past until now.
I have been in this city for three months.
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, asking 'How long have you lived here?' is a common and polite way to start a conversation with someone you've just met in a new city.
EN: Use 'Do you' at the beginning of a sentence to ask a Yes/No question about someone's feelings, habits, or facts in the present.
Do you like coffee?
EN: Asking someone if they like the city is a very common and polite way to start a conversation with someone who has recently moved or is visiting.
EN: Use 'and' to connect two adjectives that describe the same person or thing.
The food is delicious and cheap.
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, it is common to give a short positive reason after answering 'Yes' to a question about liking a place, as it shows politeness and enthusiasm.
EN: Use 'to + verb' after a noun to describe the purpose or function of that noun.
I need a chair to sit on.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, agreeing with someone's positive observation about their city is a common way to build rapport and show friendliness.
EN: Use 'Would you like to' + verb to make a polite invitation or offer.
Would you like to watch a movie tonight?
EN: In Western culture, 'getting coffee' is a very common and low-pressure way to suggest a first meeting or a casual date. It doesn't necessarily mean you must drink coffee; tea or other snacks are also fine.
EN: Use 'on' followed by a specific day and time of day (e.g., Sunday afternoon, Monday morning) to indicate when something happens.
I have a meeting on Friday morning.
EN: In Western culture, when someone suggests an activity, it is common to first give a positive reaction (like 'That sounds nice') before discussing specific times. This shows enthusiasm and politeness.
EN: Use 'There is' or 'There's' to say that something exists in a specific place.
There is a park near the school.
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, suggesting a 'good café' is a common and low-pressure way to invite someone for a first casual meeting or date.
EN: Use 'Let's' (Let us) followed by a base verb to suggest doing something together.
Let's go to the park.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, 'o'clock' is used for exact hours. For 2:15 or 2:30, you would just say the numbers.
EN: The phrase 'Nice talking to you' is a shortened version of 'It was nice talking to you.' It is used to politely end a conversation.
Nice meeting you!
EN: In Western culture, it is common to end a conversation with a positive remark about the interaction itself, such as 'Nice talking to you' or 'It was a pleasure.'
—