Thursday 3 September 2015

English Speaking Basics

English Speaking Basics


Eating Together
Preparing a meal and eating together is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends.  While doing this activity not only can you share foods you love but it is also a good opportunity to talk and learn about one another.  In this lesson, we will be covering everything you need to know from coming up with a meal to prepare, cooking it together, and sharing a conversation.

Invitation and Planning

First you must choose a meal to share.  Breakfast is eaten in the morning, lunch in the afternoon and dinner in the evening.  The steps for planning a menu are relatively the same for all three.  When planning a meal it is also important to try and come up with something you all will enjoy.  

Here are some questions commonly used when asking someone to cook a meal and have dinner.

"
Would you like to come over to my house and have dinner with me?"
"
Maybe we could cook dinner together?"
"
What time should we plan on getting together?"
"
Do you have any suggestions on what we could make?"
"
We should probably make a grocery list."
"
Do you want to go to the grocery store together?"
"
What grocery store do you prefer?"
"
If we could go together do you want me to drive?"
"
Should we pick up any wine or beer to drink at dinner?"
"
Maybe we can split the grocery bill?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
Sure, I would love to come over for dinner.  I really love to cook and it might give us some time to catch up with one another."
"
That sounds great.  I am free tonight so I can definitely make it."
"
Cooking dinner together sounds fun."

"
I think that is a good idea, maybe we can share recipes."
"
How does 5 o'clock sound?"
"
I get off work at 5.  I can go straight home to grab a few things and meet you around 6."

"
I have this new recipe I have been dying to try.  Do you like Italian food?"
"
I am not too picky.  I have some steak and chicken we can use."

"
Yes we probably should make a list.  I don't want to forget anything."
"
I am pretty sure I will remember everything we need, but if you want to jot a few things down that is ok with me."

"
Sure, we can go to the grocery store together."
"
Let's see what we both have at home to cook and maybe we can skip the grocery."

"
I usually shop at Albertsons."
"
I don't have a preference where we go."

"
If it's ok I can just meet you there."
"
Sure, you can drive if you don't mind."

"
I do not drink alcohol but maybe we could grab some soda."
"
Sure, wine sounds good with dinner.  I prefer white wine."

"
I think splitting the bill is a good idea."
"
No big deal.  I can buy the groceries this time and if we do this again you can treat."

Cooking Together
Cooking the meal together is a fun time to talk, share recipes and work together.

Here are some questions commonly used when cooking a meal together.

"You have a preference on which job to do?"
"Do you mind heating up some water on the stove?"
"Do you have any different ways to prepare this meal?"
"Would you like something to drink while we are cooking?"
"Do you mind setting up the table for us?"
"Can you turn the oven on to 360 degrees?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"No, I really don't have a preference."
"Yes, I would really like to prepare the salad."

"No problem, I will heat the water up now."
"Sure I can heat it up. Do you mind it boiling?"

"I have a way to prepare this that my mom taught me."
"I don't really have any other ways.  Let's just do what the recipe says."

"Sure, can I have a glass of water?"
"No thanks.  I might just wait until dinner."

"Sure I can set the table."
"I have never set the table before. Do you have a particular way of doing it?"

"Yes, I can turn on the oven."
"No problem."

This is also a good time to talk about other subjects while sharing interests and learning more about each other.  If questions like these come up, just answer them the best you can.  Everyone will have different opinions and answers about each of these personal topics.

"What is your favorite TV show?"
"Do you have a favorite book?"
"Do you have any brothers or sisters?"
"Where were you born?"
"Do you have any hobbies?"
"So how is work going?"

Eating and Clean Up

Grocery Shopping
Grocery shopping is something commonly done when replacing or refilling things needed around the house.  The steps involved include figuring out what you need and making a list, making a decision on when and where to go, and then the actual process of shopping at the grocery store.  Below we will look at each section and the questions/answers associated with each.

Preparation

Preparation is the time for decision making.  You will need to decide on making a list of what to buy, where to take coupons and the possibility of planning meals just to name a few.

Here are some questions commonly used when preparing to grocery shop.

"
Should we make a list first before we go?"
"
Should we check the newspaper for coupons?"
"
Should we plan out our meals for the week?"
"
Should we check in the fridge for anything that has expired?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
Yes, I think making a list would save us time once we are there."
"
I have been making a list this week as I noticed we needed things.  Take a look and see if anything needs to be added."

"
I will get Sunday's newspaper to look for coupons."
"
That's ok.  They usually have coupons at the store we can use."

"
I think planning our meals would be smart.  That way we know exactly what we need."
"
I don't think we need to plan our meals.  Let's just make a list of things we need and we can cook whatever we have."

"
Yes we should check the dates on what we have.  That way if anything is expired we can replace it."
"
I think most of what we have is ok.  We don't need to check the expiration dates."

Planning
At The Grocery
While at the grocery you could be asked by workers a variety of questions.

"
Do you need any help finding anything?"
"
Would you like a sample?"
"
Do you have any coupons?"
"
Do you have your grocery card?"
"
Would you like paper or plastic bags?"
"
Would you like any help out to your car?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
Yes, can you please tell me where I can find your produce section?"
"
No thanks, I know where to find what I need."

"
What kind of samples do you have?"
"
From the samples you offered me, where can I find them in the store?"

"
No I do not have any coupons."
"
Yes I do have coupons.  Let me get them."

"
I do not have a grocery card.  What is that?"
"
I do have a grocery card.  Here it is."

A lot of grocery stores offer a plastic card you could present when checking out that can offer special prices and points for how much you spend.  These points can sometimes be used for special promotions and sales. You can usually apply for one at the register.

"
I would like paper bags please."
"
I brought my own bags to use.  Here you go."

"
No thanks, I don't need any help out today."
"
Yes, I would like some help taking my groceries out to my car."

You too, may have questions while at the grocery.  Below are a few examples of things that you might ask.

"
Can you tell me what isle the frozen food is in?"
"
Can you help me reach that?"
"
Can you tell me the difference between...?"
"
Can I please have a pound of the oven roasted chicken breast?"
"
Do you have any more of this in the back room?"

Pet Care
Choosing a Pet

Choosing the right pet is one of the most important steps in becoming a pet owner.  There are a lot needs to be considered when taking into account the time, money and effort a pet can require.  Where you live, are you active, are you gone a lot, any medical issues and do you have a family?  All of these questions and more should be discussed when thinking of buying a new pet. When looking for a pet you may also consider visiting a shelter.  Many animals at a shelter need a good home and most likely will already have their vaccines and be spayed or neutered.  A shelter is a good place where stray or homeless animals are taken in order to try and find them suitable homes.

Here are some questions commonly used when discussing what kind of pet to consider.

"
Do you like cats or dogs?"
"
Do we have time for training?"
"
Do you have a house or an apartment?"
"
Is this going to be a family pet?"
"
Would you consider getting a pet from a shelter?"
"
Is there any other animals you are considering?"
"
Are you active?"
"
Are you comfortable grooming a cat or dog?"
"
What kind of food should you feed it?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
We like cats and dogs but are looking more for a dog."
"
My wife is allergic to cats, so we prefer a dog."

"
We both work full time so finding time for training may be tough."
"
I really want to be committed so I will take my dog to training classes."

"
We live in a small apartment so maybe a cat or very small dog would be best."
"
We have a house with a yard so we have lots of room for any size dog."

"
Yes, we have children so we need a pet that can get along with small kids."
"
This is just me, so my house is pretty quiet."

"
We are not sure about cats or dogs but we really are interested in a fish."
"
My kids really want a hamster, but my husband and I are not too sure yet."

"
I run everyday so having a dog that could run with me would be great."
"
We go on walks occasionally but are not really active."

"
I am not too comfortable grooming animals so I would probably take it somewhere for nail trims and baths."
"
Yes, I am familiar with brushing and nail cutting but we would have to take it somewhere to get it bathed."

"
I think we should just ask our veterinarian."
"
I hear that a raw diet is the best.  Maybe we can look up information on it."
Bringing Home a Pet
Taking Care of a Pet
Child Care
Whether you're a single parent or a family in which both the mother and father work, child care can be an important issue when deciding what to do with your children while away.  Being knowledgeable and being able to ask the right questions can help provide you with what you need to make the best decision.

Finding Child Care

If you live near family you may be fortunate enough to have one of them take care of your child while at work.  But what if you have no family near you and need to look into other means of child care?  Other options may include in home day care and daycare centers.  Asking friends, co workers, or neighbors can be a good way to get recommendations when beginning your searching process.  Call and make appointments to see the facilities and meet the staff.  You can learn a lot by seeing and talking to people in person.  Below we will look at the different types of child care as well as questions you might be asked as well as important questions you may want information on.

In Home Child Care

In home child care can include someone coming to your house and watching your child or you dropping your child off at someone else's house.  This could be a family member or someone with a licensed in home daycare.  Since having a family member watch your child can be easier to set up, we will look more at having a non family member come over or taking your child to an in house daycare.

Here are some questions you can use when looking into an in house daycare.

"
How long have you been running a daycare?"
"
Are you licensed?"
"
What hours are you available?"
"
What if I am late picking up or dropping off?"
"
How much do you charge?"
"
Do you have some references?"
"
Are you certified in child CPR?
"
What is the ratio of children to teacher?"
"
How do you discipline a child?"
"
Do you have the children nap?"
"
How many and what are the ages of the children you're currently looking after?"
"
Are the children separated by age group?"
"
What is your curriculum?"

By asking these and other questions that may pertain to your individual circumstances you will learn a lot about whether or not this daycare will work for you.

Below are some questions that you might be asked when looking into an in house daycare.

"
Has your child ever been to a daycare before?"
"
Does your child have any allergies?"
"
Does your child have any special needs?"
"
What is your child's feeding schedule?"
"
What is your child's nap schedule?"
"
How do you discipline at home?"

If you are asked any of these questions just answer them to the best of your knowledge.  Providing good information about your child can help with the transition.

Day Care Centers

Day Care Centers are much like a school that a wide variety of children can attend.  From babies to older children, daycares can vary in their prices, age ranges and curriculum.  When making a decision on which Day Care Centers to use it is important to research them and what they have to offer. The questions listed for In-Home daycare are virtually the same for Day Care Centers as are the questions you might be asked. Just be prepared and make choices that you feel comfortable with.

Bank and Money
Banking, money management and investments are all important areas when talking about what do with your money. There are a lot of decisions to be made from choosing a bank to investments. Being knowledgeable and being able to discuss different areas in English will help you to feel more comfortable when making decisions about what to do with the money you earn. Below we will look at different ways of handling the decision making process.

Where to Bank

Deciding where to bank/open an account, can be as easy as using a credit union associated with your work of employment to comparing different banks and what they offer as incentives for customers. You may also take recommendations from family, friends or co- workers. 

Here are some questions commonly used when discussing which banks to consider.

"
Is it important that they offer internet and telephone banking?"
"
How important is location and accessibility?"
"
Will you need a safe deposit box?"
"
Is free checking important to you?"
"
Are free withdrawals from an ATM important?"
"
Is reputation of the bank important to you?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
Yes, internet and telephone banking is important.  I work late hours and have a hard time going during their normal business hours."
"
Not really, I do not feel comfortable doing money transactions on the internet."

"
Location is really important. I like to visit my bank on a regular basis."
"
Location is not that important since I do most of my banking online."

"
I will not need a safe deposit box."
"
I have some valuables that I do not feel comfortable having at my home so yes, I will need a safe deposit box."

"
Of course free checking is important.  I do not want to be charged for writing checks."
"
Free checking is not really important, I really do not write checks."

"
Free withdrawals are very important.  I use the ATM machines all the time."
"
I prefer not to use the ATM card so it's not that important to me."

"
The banks reputation is important to me.  I want to feel comfortable with where my money is."
"
I thought all banks were the same.  It does not matter to me."
Managing Your Money
Managing your money is an important factor in building a savings and making sure that your money is accounted for and spent wisely.

"
How often should I check my savings/checking balance?"
"
When I withdrawal money should I write it down?"
"
Should I come up with a budget?"
"
Should I pay bills online or send payments in the mail?"
"
Should I have a direct deposit from my work?"
"
What if I notice anything unusual on my bank statements?"

These questions may be asked individually and may vary depending on your circumstances and needs.

Investing
Investing is to commit money or capital in order to gain a financial return.  There are many ways to invest and spend your money.  Since there are risks involved with investing, become knowledgeable yourself and possibly seeking out advice from a professional.

Here are some possible questions to ask when talking about investments.

"
Can you tell me about bonds?"
"
Can you give me more info on stocks and the stock market?"
"
Can you give me information on mutual funds?"
"
How long has this company been in business?"
"
What am I investing in?"
"
How risky is the investment?"
"
When can I access my money?"
"
Are there any fees?"

Investing
Investing is to commit money or capital in order to gain a financial return.  There are many ways to invest and spend your money.  Since there are risks involved with investing, become knowledgeable yourself and possibly seeking out advice from a professional.

Here are some possible questions to ask when talking about investments.

"
Can you tell me about bonds?"
"
Can you give me more info on stocks and the stock market?"
"
Can you give me information on mutual funds?"
"
How long has this company been in business?"
"
What am I investing in?"
"
How risky is the investment?"
"
When can I access my money?"
"
Are there any fees?"
Mail
Mail basically is comprised of three components, the preparation, sending and receiving of mail.   Sending mail can be as simple as putting addressed/stamped envelopes in your own mail box for your postman to pick up, to mailing packages or letters at the local post office or using one of the many delivery companies.  Receiving mail/packages can also include delivery from your local postman as well as one of the many delivery companies.

The Preparation

Preparing mail/packages to be sent involves labeling with the recipient's name and address as well as the senders.  Also making sure packages are sealed and wrapped to postal standards is a good idea.  Make sure you are aware of postal laws regarding the types of materials that can be sent in the United States as well as other countries before mailing.

Here are some questions commonly used when discussing the preparation of letters and packages to send.

"Where do I put my name and address on the letter I am sending?"
"How do I know if I need to put more than one stamp on the card I am sending?"
"What should I put with the item I am shipping to make sure it does not break?"
"How heavy can the objects be that I am sending?"

Here are some possible answers to the question above regarding the preparation of letters/packages.

"You always put your name or the senders name and address in the top left corner of the package/letter.  This is in case it cannot be delivered and needs to be returned to you.  It will be returned to the address you have provided."

"I would either take the letter to the post office and ask them or look on the postal website to look at weight regulations when sending out letters."

"You can use newspaper or purchase packing material from the store to place in with what you are sending.  You may also want to write on the outside of the package that what is inside is FRAGILE.  This will inform whoever is handling it to be careful and handle gently."

"You can send objects of various weights but you will be charged upon how much it weighs when shipping it.  Meaning the more it weighs the more it will cost you to ship."

Sending Mail
After preparing the items(s) needed to be mailed/shipped one must now decide in which manner to send it. 

Here are some questions commonly used when discussing sending a package or letter. 

"
Can I just put this card in my own mailbox for the mailman to pick up?"
"
If I am sending something breakable should I inform the post office?"
"
How fast will my letter/package get to the person I am sending it to?"
"
Why should I want to send a package through another company other than the post office?"
"
How much will it cost to send this?"
"
How do I know if I need more than one stamp on this letter?"
"
Is there a way I can be notified once my package is delivered?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
Yes, if your letter is stamped and addressed you can just put it in your mailbox and the postman will take it to the post office."

"
Our mailbox has a different place to put outgoing mail.  You may want to look at yours to see if you have one."

"
Yes, I would inform the post office.  They usually ask if what you are sending is fragile or breakable but you can also write on the outside of the box FRAGILE."

"
I would definitely let them know so they do not break anything."

"
There are lots of options when sending something.  The price may vary depending on the weight of the package and how you want it sent.  I would just check with the post office."

"
You can choose anything from next-day delivery to regular delivery which could take days.  Checking with your post office or looking online is always a good way to get information."

"
Using a company like FedEx or UPS you can usually guarantee a faster delivery but they are a bit more expensive."

"
The post office can weigh the package for you and let you know how much it will cost to ship your item."

"
I have a scale at home I use to weigh packages.  Then I look online to see how much it will cost."

"
I think it depends on the weight, take it to the post office."
"
Just send it with one stamp.  If it is too heavy they will send it back to you."

"
Yes, the post office can email you a confirmation of delivery."
"
They can give you a tracking number so you can look online to check on the delivery of what you are sending."
Receiving Mail

House Care
Owning a home involves care both inside and out.  Outside care can include yard work, window cleaning, insect and animal issues.  Inside house care involves cleaning, washing, painting and upkeep. Below we can look at some of the questions and possible answers one might come across when dealing with house care.

House Care-Inside

Here are some questions commonly used when talking about taking care of your house from the inside. 

"
How often should I change the batteries in the smoke detectors?"
"
How often should I change the air filter in the furnace?"
"
Should I clean the house myself or look into hiring a cleaning company?"
"
What should I use to clean my carpets?"
"
What colors should I use to paint the inside?"
"
Should I have one can for trash and one for recycling?"
"
How should I decorate?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
Some smoke detectors will beep loudly to let you know when the batteries are low."
"
I would change the batteries every six months to be safe."

"
You should change your filter every six months also."
"
I am not sure, I just take it out and look at it.  If it is dirty I replace it."

"
Make time during the week to clean.  It helps keep a clean environment and you can feel good about having a clean house."
"
If you have the money I would hire a cleaning company.  They do a good job and you can just relax more."

"
For small stains I just use spot cleaner I purchased from the store, otherwise I rent a cleaner and do it myself."
"
I usually hire a carpet cleaning company.  They do a better job than I can do myself."

"
I would go to a home improvement store and look at their paint colors."
"
You could get some magazines and look for ideas."

"
You should always recycle so I would have two cans, one for trash and one for recycling."
"
You can just have one, it's less of a hassle."

"
You could hire an interior decorator to help you decorate."
House Care - Outside

Phone
Technology is constantly changing and cell phones for one are more remarkable than ever.  From adding applications and ring tones to texting and internet access, the options seem endless.  With the constant advancement in technology comes a lot of decision making when one considers buying a new phone. Though cell phones add convenience and on the goCOMMUNICATIONDescription: http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png, home phones too have advanced throughout the years making it possible to video chat, forward calls, and conference call.  

Cell Phones

The use of cell phones has increased dramatically over the years adding a new dimension to the on-the-go, fast paced life styles of today's world. Below we will take a look at some questions involving the decision making process when looking at and ultimately choosing a cell phone.

Here are some questions commonly used when talking about cell phones.

"
With all the cell companies out there how do I decide who to go with?"
"
Should I ever consider a pre paid cell phone?"
"
I have never text before.  Would you recommend getting a phone I can text with?"
"
How important are all the applications you can get for your phone?"
"
Should I purchase a phone that is blue tooth compatible?"
"
What kind of plans are there to buy?"
"
Should I buy a warranty?"
"
Should I consider a family plan and purchase phones for them?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
I would go do some research and compare companies, that way you can try and get the best deal."
"
I would go off of recommendations from friends.  See who they are with and who they like."

"
I would maybe consider getting a pre paid phone if you were buying one for of your kids.  You can put a certain amount of money on it that they can't go over.  So that way you can keep them from charging up the bill."
"
I have never used a pre paid phone.  I don't see why you just don't get a regular one."

"
Yes, texting is great and it's a fun way to talk and keep in touch."
"
Most phones you can text with.  I would look for one with a bigger keypad so it's easier to use."

"
Applications are fun.  Some phones have free ones and others you can buy."
"
I use applications on my phone all the time.  I have one for music, one for games, and one I use as a GPS."

"
Blue tooth is a wireless earpiece used for hands free talking.  I would highly recommend getting one."
"
Yes I would make sure it is blue tooth compatible.  In some states it is illegal to talk while driving but if you're using a blue tooth it's ok."

"
Every company has different plans.  I would just ask when I go there to look at phones."
"
I would get a plan with free long distance and free texting."

"
I always buy a warranty.  That way if you break your phone they will replace it."
"
I think warrantees are a waste of money.  If my phone breaks I just buy a new one."

"
I would first look into the prices for family plans if you're interested."
"
Family plans are great.  Your whole family can get their own phones and it's a good way to keep in touch with busy teenagers."

Home Phones
With the popularity of cell phones, home phones seem to be getting less attention.  But there have been many new upgrades with the home phone which allow families to enjoy lots of fun and exciting new experiences.

Here are some questions commonly used when talking about home phones.

"
What company should I use for my home phone?"
"
Should I get wireless phones for my home?"
"
Is there a way to check my messages while I am away?"
"
Can I forward a call coming to my home phone to my cell phone?"
"
Should I purchase a video home phone?"
"
How important is conference calling?"
"
Is caller ID important?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
I would check around with your neighbors and see who they use."
"
I would check for any specials to see who is offering the lowest prices."

"
You do not have to get wireless but they are a lot more convenient to use."
"
Definitely go with wireless. Do they even make the non wireless anymore?"

"
I would make sure you buy a phone that allows you to check your messages while away.  That way you can get back to someone faster."
"
I never use that feature.  If someone wants to reach me that bad they can just call my cell."

"
You can forward a call to your home to your cell.  Just make sure the home phone you buy will allow you to do it."
"
I tried that before and it's too complicated."

"
Video home phones are great.  I use mine to talk to my family in California. It's nice to be able to see them as you talk."
"
I don't use video home phones.  I just use my computer to video chat."

"
Conference calling is great to use for work but not really practical for the home."
"
I never use conference calling at home, we just use three way calling."

"
Caller ID let's you know who is calling you.  That way you can screen your calls."
"
I use caller ID so I don't have to talk to all the telemarketers."

Computers
Computers are used everywhere from work, education and for entertainment.  With a vast variety of styles, sizes and types of computers the options seem limitless. Make sure that you learn as much as you can before purchasing a computer to assure you are buying the best one to fit your needs. 

Here are some questions commonly used when talking about computers.

"
I am interested in buying a computer.  Do you have any recommendations?"
"
Should memory of the computer be an important factor when making my choice?"
"
I am unfamiliar with computers.  Can I get help setting it up?"
"
Should I get a laptop or a PC?"
"
What do you plan on using the computer for?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
It depends on what you're going to need it for.  I would do a little research to learn more about them."
"
I would go to the store and tell them your needs and interests and they can help you with which computer would be best for you."

"
If you're going to be saving a lot of information or media I would get a computer with a lot of memory."
"
Memory is always important.  I would get a computer with more now so you don't have to upgrade later."

"
Most places that sell computers offer help with setting it up and other troubleshooting areas."
"
They are pretty simple to set up. I would just use the directions it comes with."

"
Laptops are more mobile so if you're on the go a lot I would recommend a laptop."
"
I would go with a home PC for now.  It will be accessible for your whole family to use."

"
I am using the computer mostly for storing all my photos and music."
"
I have a home business so I will be using it for a variety of things."

Internet

Email
Email is a very useful tool to send and receive information as well asCOMMUNICATEDescription: http://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png with friends and family.  It is basically a way to send letters and other information directly to a person through their computer.

Here are some questions commonly used when talking about email.

"
How do I set up an email account?"
"
How do I send people emails?"
"
How will I know when I get one?"
"
Can I send photos through email?"
"
How do I know if they get my email?"
"
Can I attach a file to an email?"
"
Can I send an email to more than one person?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
After you decide which email system to use just follow the instructions they provide."
"
Check with your provider to see if they provide an email account."

"
First you need to get their email address.  Just type it in and then write them a message."
"
I can come over and help you.  It is easier for me to show you in person."

"
You can set your email up to prompt you when you get an email."
"
I just check my email often to find out."

"
Yes you can send photos through email."
"
Read your manual, I am sure it will tell you how to do it."

"
You can set your email up so you get the notification when they receive an email you sent."
"
I usually just talk to them or see if they send something back to me."

"
Same as sending photos, I would check your manual to see how to do it."
"
Yes you can attach files.  Just look for the attach files button."

"
Yes you can send an email to as many people as you want."
"
Just cc them in the email and you can send it to more than one person."

Driving a Car
Knowing the rules of the road and how to operate a car properly are all important factors in staying safe while driving, both for your safety and others.  

Getting a License

Getting your license is the first step in becoming a driver.  Most states have certain regulations on how to go about getting one.  Most require some sort of written test as well as an actual driving test.  You can usually pick up study booklets with the information you will need to know to pass the test. 

Here are some questions commonly used when preparing to get your license.

"
Where do I get my study material?"
"
Where is a good place to practice my driving?"
"
Should I learn on an automatic or a stick shift?"
"
Does someone need to be with me when I am practicing?"
"
Is the driving test difficult?"
"
Will my driver's license be good in other states?"
"
What happens if I fail my test?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
You will need to call your local DMV to set up an appointment to take your test."  DMV stands for Department of Motor Vehicles.

"
Call a DMV to set up a date."

"
You can get your study material at the DMV."
"
You may want to call the DMV and see if they offer the study material online."

"
Practice in a safe place with no one around."
"
Maybe an empty parking lot would be a good place."

"
I would recommend learning on a stick shift.  That way driving an automatic will be easy."
"
I prefer learning on an automatic, it's just easier."

"
Yes, you need to have a licensed driver with you while practicing."
"
You first need to get a learners permit before practicing to drive."

"
If you study for the driving test you should be ok."
"
I did ok on the written test but had a bit of trouble on the driving part."

"
You can drive from state to state with a legal driver's license from where you live."
"
Yes it is good if driving to other states but if you move to another state, the laws may be different and you will need to get a license for that state."

"
If you fail the test you can take it again at another time."
"
Stay positive!  You're going to do just fine."
Driving
Once you have obtained a legal drivers license in your state, you are now able to drive.  You should be knowledgeable on the laws and regulations regarding where you live.

"
Do I need to have car insurance?"
"
Can I talk on my phone when diving?"
"
What if I get caught speeding."
"
What are the carpool lanes for?"
"
What if I have car trouble?"
"
What if I get into a wreck?"
"
If I have my license in one state can I drive in another state?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
Some states require car insurance.  Make sure you find out before driving."
"
If you do not have car insurance and hit someone you are responsible to pay for the damages."

"
In some states talking on the phone while driving is illegal, check you laws first."
"
Always use a blue tooth device so you can concentrate on the road."

"
If you get caught speeding just calmly do what the police officer asks you."
"
You will most likely get a ticket and have to pay a fine."

"
Carpool lanes are for cars with two people or more inside."
"
Carpool lanes are for motorcycles and cars with a lot of people."

"
If you have car trouble you can use a cell phone to call for help."

Some people use a service called AAA.  It stands for American Automotive Association.  You can become a member by joining and paying a yearly fee.

"
You can wave down someone to help you or just wait for help."

"
You should wait for the police to come and help handle things"
"
You should get each others insurance and personal information."

"
Yes, you can drive from state to state with your license."
"
If you move permanently to another state you will need to get a driver's license for THAT state."

Other options besides driving

There are other options for transportation besides driving your car.  You could ride the bus to work.  You could ride a bike or use the public subway system if they have one.  You may also choose to carpool.  Carpooling is when you share a ride with friend(s) to cut down on the amount of traffic on the roads.

Car
The purchasing of a new car can be a fun experience as long as you do some research beforehand.  You might want to consider price, condition the car is in, your needs and the practicality of the vehicle. All are important factors in deciding which car is  best for you.

Purchasing a Car

Purchasing a car can be both exciting and intimidating.  Knowing what you want, how much the car is worth and how much you can afford are all important factors. Sometimes dealing with car salesman you will want to know these points beforehand.  If you an uncomfortable bargaining with a salesman just have an idea of what you can afford and stick with it.

Here are some questions commonly used when purchasing a car.

"
How can I check what a car is worth?"
"
Can I check if the car has been in any major wrecks in the past?"
"
Should I consider financing?"
"
Does the car have a warranty?"
"
Can I negotiate price?"
"
Should I buy used or new?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
There are different ways to check.  A common place is called the Kelley Blue Book."

The Kelley Blue Book is a trusted prices, values and reviews of cars.

"
You might be able to look up prices on the internet."

"
You can ask for a 'history' on the car from the salesman to check if there are any past accidents."
"
There are websites where you can look up the history of a car.  Just search for them."

"
Almost all car companies offer financing."
"
I would try and pay cash but if you can't afford the entire car you may need to finance."

"
All cars have some sort of warranty.  Check with the car dealership."
"
Warranties are good in case you need anything fixed."

"
Just know how much you can spend and only spend that much."
"
You can try and negotiate if you're comfortable with it."

"
Used or new depends on you and what you need."
"
You can usually spend less money buying a used car.  Just make sure it is in good shape."
Car Maintenance
Selling a Car
There comes a time when you will need to sell your car.  You may need a bigger one, or smaller one.  You may want one less expensive or one that is better on gas.  Make sure you research how much your car is worth as well as viable ways of advertising it before you attempt to sell.

Here are some questions commonly used when selling a car.

"
How should I advertise my car to sell?"
"
Should I fix any issues with my car before selling it?"
"
Should I research how much it is worth before selling it?"
"
Will I get more if I trade it in?"
"
Should I be firm on the price I am asking?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
There are many ways to advertise.  You can use the newspaper, the internet, or even put a sign in it that says For Sale."
"
I would advertise in a local car selling/buying magazine.  A lot of people will see it there."

"
You can fix any issues if you want.  It might up the value of the car when you sell it."
"
I would just be honest and inform people it has something wrong with it."

"
Definitely research how much it is worth.  That way you can be sure to sell for the right price."
"
I would just sell it for what you owe on it.  If you already own it then I might look up how much it is worth."

"
I would try and trade it in if you are buying a new car."
"
I would try and sell it, you will probably get more money for it."

"
Once you find out how much it is worth, some people price cars at a higher price to try and make money."
"
I would ask for more than it's worth, then you can lower the price and still get what you want."

Dental Care
Dentist Check Ups
Problems with your teeth
If you are having any pain or problems with your teeth you should go see a dentist, as soon as possible.  If you wait, you may make things worse. Below are some things you can tell the dentist you are experiencing.

"
I have a really bad tooth ache."
"
My teeth are really sensitive when I eat or drink things that are hot or cold."
"
My gums bleed when I brush my teeth."
"
My tooth is loose."
"
I think I might have cracked my tooth."
"
It hurts when I bite down."

The answers to all of these depend on you and your dentist.  Just make sure you call and make an appointment if any of these occur.
Pediatric Care
A doctor that specializes in pediatrics is a children's doctor. Choosing the right one can make you feel more comfortable as well as make it a good experience for your child.

Choosing a Doctor

When choosing a doctor for your child you can ask your friends or family for recommendations, try one out simply by finding them on the internet, or using one supplied by the hospital where your child was born. 

Here are some questions commonly used when choosing a doctor.

"
Do you have a recommendation for a Pediatric doctor?"
"
Can the hospital my child was born at recommend any?"
"
Can I visit the doctor's office before going there?"
"
Are there reviews on Pediatric doctors?"
"
Do I just call to make an appointment?"
"
Will I need to go to certain doctors because of insurance?"
"
What if I do not have any insurance?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
We have one we have used for years, I will give you her name and number."
"
I know of a couple really good ones.  I will call you with their information."

"
Sure, they can usually provide you with a list."
"
Sometimes they can give you names and numbers of doctors associated with their hospital."

"
You should be able to visit before your appointment."
"
I would call and ask them first.  Each office can be different."

"
Sometimes you can find reviews on the internet."
"
I would just go off of recommendations."

"
Just call and tell them you are a new patient."
"
You can call or just stop in.  If you stop in you can see the office first hand."

"
Most insurance companies have a network of doctors associated with them."
"
Yes, I would get a list of doctors from my insurance company."

"
You do not need insurance but you will have to pay for everything yourself."
"
I would check.  Some places require that you have medical insurance."
Appointment
Depending on the age of your child and the reason for the appointment things may vary on what happens during the appointment.

Most appointments will include taking the height and weight of the child.  Checking ears and eyes, listening to hearts and lungs, and taking blood pressure. Depending on the age of your child, vaccines might be also done.  This is also a good time to talk with your doctor about any concerns or issues and simply a good time to ask questions.

Here are some questions commonly asked when making an appointment.

"
How is your child doing?"
"
Do you have any concerns?"
"
Is he/she eating ok?"
"
Is he/she sleeping ok?"
"
Is he/she responding to noise or their name?"
"
How are the child's bowl movements?"
"
Is he/she saying any words?"

If you are asked any of these questions just answer to your best knowledge and be honest.  They are all important information for the doctor to know and see how your child is doing.
School - Kids
Picking a school

Depending on where you live you will most likely have a school assigned to you.  The schools assigned to your area are public schools which offer grades kindergarten all the way up through high school. Public schools are free and are offered to all.  A few other options available are private schools or even home schooling.  Private schools usually require a tuition fee and vary in price and distance from where you live. Home schooling is where the parent(s) are the teachers at home educating and teaching their children.  Children that are home schooled and decide to change to public or private schools usually will need to test into their appropriate grade.

Here are some questions commonly used when picking a school.

"
Are the public schools in this area good?"
"
Do the public schools in our area have full day kindergarten?"

Getting to School

When talking about getting to school you are simply talking about the act of 'how' your child will get to the school they are attending.

Here are some questions commonly used when talking about ways to get to school.

"
Is there a bus stop near our house?"
"
Can I drive my kids to school?"
"
Can my kids walk to school?"
"
What if we miss the bus in the morning?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond or answers you might hear.

"
There is a bus stop right around the corner from our neighborhood."
"
There are no bus stops close to our neighborhood.  We need to drive to the bus stop."

"
Yes, you can drive your kids to school."
"
Not sure, you may want to check with the school."

"
Kids can walk to school if they live within a close distance from the school."
"
Children walking to school need to be accompanied by an adult."

"
If you miss the bus it is your responsibility to drive your child to school."
"
If you miss the bus maybe you can catch a ride from a neighbor or a friend."
After School
What happens after school can include a lot of decisions and planning as well.  After school care, transportation, playtime with friends, sports and homework are all possible factors when making decisions about what happens after school.

Here are some questions commonly used when talking about what happens after school.

"
Does your child need after school care?"
"
Will your child be riding the bus home?"
"
Do you want to have play dates after school with our children?"
"
Do you want to enroll your child in sports?"
"
Will your child have to finish homework before playing?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
Yes, both my wife and I work so we need help after school."
"
I am a stay at home mom so I do not need any afterschool care."

"
Yes my child will be riding the bus home."
"
No, I will be picking up my child after school."
"
Sure, a play date would be fun for the kids."
"
Play dates are great!  Let's plan some."

"
She does not get much homework in this grade."
"
Yes, we usually have our kids finish their homework before playing."
Birthday
Birthdays usually include a party or gathering to celebrate the life of the person whose birthday it is.  Although having a party is not a necessity for birthdays, we will be going over the steps involved when deciding to have one.

Planning and Invites

The first thing you will want to do is plan a date to have the party.  It does not need to be exactly on the date of the actual birth of the person the party is for.  If the person's birthday falls on a Tuesday you can very well have the party on Saturday if it's more convenient.  A birthday party can be a surprise, it can be at a special place, or it can happen simply at home. Coming up with a guest list and sending out invitations would be the next step.  Below we will look at possible questions involved with the planning of a birthday party.

"
My birthday this year is on a Monday.  Should I have the party on a Saturday instead?"
"
Should we have a surprise birthday party?"
"
Who do I invite?"
"
What's the best way to send out invitations?"
"
Should we have people RSVP?  RSVP means 'Please respond.' You are asking people to let you know if they are attending beforehand so you can plan ahead."

"
Should we reserve a room for the party?"
"
Where should we get a cake?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
I would have the party on Saturday then more people might be able to come."
"
It does not really matter, have it whenever you like."

"
He does not like surprises so I would just do a regular party."
"
A surprise party would be fun, just make sure he does not find out."

"
I would just invite family since it's a small party."
"
You could invite friends and family.  Make it a big party this year."

"
You could just pass out invites when you see the people."
"
I would mail them since it is a surprise party."

"
I would have people RSVP so you will know how many people are coming."
"
Having people RSVP lets you plan the party easier."

"
I would reserve a room so no one else is using it."
"
They require a reservation so they can plan ahead for your party."

"
We should get a cake at the bakery."
"
We should get an ice cream cake from the ice cream store."
Set Up
Setting up for a party can be time consuming and sometimes expensive.  Make sure you plan ahead and set up early if you can.  How much you decorate depends on how much you want to spend.  If you decide to reserve a party room they typically will decorate and even cater the party, which will add to the cost.

Here are some questions commonly used when setting up for a party.

"
Should we reserve a room?"
"
Should we get there early to decorate?"
"
Should we buy decorations?"
"
Should we have the party catered?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
If we reserve a room we can have them decorate for us."
"
Let's just have the party here at home to save money."

"
Yes if we get there early we can decorate and be done with it."
"
Not really, we can decorate anytime."

"
Yes we should go out and buy lots of decorations."
"
We can just use stuff we have around here.  We can just make a couple signs."

"
Having it catered would be great!  Then we do not have to cook."
"
Catering is too expensive.  Let's just cook the food ourselves."

Set Up
Setting up for a party can be time consuming and sometimes expensive.  Make sure you plan ahead and set up early if you can.  How much you decorate depends on how much you want to spend.  If you decide to reserve a party room they typically will decorate and even cater the party, which will add to the cost.

Here are some questions commonly used when setting up for a party.

"
Should we reserve a room?"
"
Should we get there early to decorate?"
"
Should we buy decorations?"
"
Should we have the party catered?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
If we reserve a room we can have them decorate for us."
"
Let's just have the party here at home to save money."

"
Yes if we get there early we can decorate and be done with it."
"
Not really, we can decorate anytime."

"
Yes we should go out and buy lots of decorations."
"
We can just use stuff we have around here.  We can just make a couple signs."

"
Having it catered would be great!  Then we do not have to cook."
"
Catering is too expensive.  Let's just cook the food ourselves."
Vacations
If you have a job, vacations are a time spent away from it, or a vacation may just be time spent relaxing and taking a break from your daily responsibilities. Vacations can be as simple as staying home and relaxing with family to going on a trip somewhere to get away.

Planning a Vacation

Planning a vacation properly can make all the difference between having a fun, relaxing time to being stressed and not knowing what to do.  If you decide to just stay home for a vacation then relaxing with family or friends might work just fine but if traveling, you may want to put in some research into what to do and when to do it.  If visiting family or friends make sure they are able to take time away from their own jobs to spend quality time with you.  If you are going to another state or country, checking travel requirements, weather, and accommodation will help make it a better experience.  If you are employed it is a good idea to ask for the time off before scheduling anything.  That way you can be sure of dates and times you will be gone.

Here are some questions commonly used when planning a vacation.

"
How far in advance should I ask for vacation time?"
"
How do I find out if I need a passport?"
"
How do I get a passport?"
"
How do I find out about fun places to visit?"
"
How far in advance should I book a place to stay?"
"
Should I use a travel agency?"
"
Should I contact family or friends to make sure we can visit?"
"
Should we go to an all-inclusive resort?"

All-inclusive means you pay ahead of time for your rooms, food and beverages.  Sometimes it helps to cut down on costs.

"
What if we do not speak the language of the place we are going to?"
"
What if we need to rent a car?"

If you are asked any of these questions, here are ways that you could respond.

"
I would ask for vacation time months in advance if you can."
"
The earlier you ask the better chance you have of getting the time off."

"
Once you decide where you are going I would call the airport and ask them."
"
If you travel outside of the United States you will need a passport."

"
You can apply for a passport at a local Government Agency."
"
Check online for information."

"
You could go to the book store and look at travel books or brochures."
"
I would get online and do some research on places you are interested."

"
It depends on where you are going.  I would call and ask them how far in advance they take reservations."
"
I would call them as soon as you decide on where to go."

"
You can sometimes get good deals and information from a travel agency."
"
I would just do it yourself.  You can find out all the information online."

"
Yes I would contact them to make sure they are available when you visit."
"
If you can visit when they have time off you will be able to do more together."

"
An all-inclusive resort would be nice so everything is already paid for."
"
I would rather just stay at a hotel and pay for things as we do them."

"
You can buy a book to bring a along to help translate."
"
You could study a bit before you go to learn a few new words."

"
I would call ahead of time and reserve a car from a car rental agency."
"
I would check with the place you are staying to see if they have car rentals."

Getting There

Once you have scheduled a vacation and have decided to travel, you must now consider some sort of transportation.  A lot depends on how far you are going, where you are going, and how fast you need to get there.  Options might include traveling by airplane, car or even train.  Checking prices, requirements for travel, and whether or not the mode of transportation goes to the destination are all the things to consider.  If traveling by plane or train, make sure you book your seats months in advance if possible to assure a spot. A lot of times the price of traveling will change depending on your choice of seats and the time of year.  So make sure you consider all when making reservations.
On Vacation
Family and Friends
When you have discussions with family and close friends, you usually speak the language you are most comfortable with.  Therefore, this lesson will not focus on the sentences you use to speak with your family, but it will focus more on the sentences you use when you are talking to someone about your family or your close friends.

Here are some questions you can ask when talking about family.

"
How are your parents doing?"
"
Are your parents healthy and well?"

"
Do you still live with your parents?"
"
Do you live near any family members?"
"
Where do your in-laws live?"

"
Do you see your family frequently?"
"
Do you ever have family reunions?"

You can respond to these types of questions in multiple ways.  Here are some examples.

"
My parents are doing well."
"
My father is getting old, but otherwise, healthy."
"
My mother has been complaining about chest pains.  I hope it isn't anything serious."

"
Yeah.  I live with my parents.  It saves me some rent money."
"
Just for another year until I get back on my feet."
"
No.  I moved out several years ago.  I have my own apartment now."

"
My in-laws are in Ohio."
"
I grew up in Florida, so my in-laws are there.  We moved to California 5 years ago."

"
My family lives in the area so I usually see them once a month."
"
My family lives pretty far away, so I only see them a couple times a year."

"
We have a family reunion every 5 years."
"
No, but I wish we could."
"
We used to, but everyone is too busy these days, so we haven't had one in a while now."
Talking about Friends
Pregnancy and Birth
Expecting a baby can be both exciting and a nervous time. For first time parents you are deciding on a hospital for delivery, doctors for child care, deciding on birth classes, curious about what you are having, and preparation for home just to name a few.  For second, third, or even forth time parent's things may be a bit easier and relaxed.  We will be taking a look more at the experience or events of first time parents.

Pregnancy

Having a doctor you feel comfortable with and like will help make the pregnancy process a bit easier.  The mother as well as the baby will be going through changes and having someone to answer all your questions will be helpful.  You will need to go in for exams, have ultrasounds and continue to check the overall health of mom and the baby.

Here are some questions you may be asked if you are pregnant.  If you feel comfortable answering you can, but pregnancy is personal so it is ok to not answer questions especially asked by strangers.

"
How far a long are you?"
"
Are you having a boy or girl?"

"
Do you have names picked out?"
"
Is this your first child?"

"
What hospital are you delivering at?"
"
What are some things that you need?"

Here are some ways you can answer.

"
6 months."
"
I am in the 8th month."

"
I am having a boy."
"
I am having another boy." (If this is your second boy.)
"
We are having a girl."

"
We thought a lot about names, but we haven't decided on one yet."
"
We don't know if it is a boy or girl, so we haven't decided on a name."
"
If it is a boy, we picked Mark, and if it is a girl, we decided on Jennifer."

"
This is our 5th child."
"
No.  We have 2 other children."

"
We are going to Bellevue hospital."
"
We will be delivering at Overlake hospital."

"
Thank you for offering, but we don't need anything right now."
"
I think we have everything we need, but I'll let you know if I need something.  Thank you."
Pregnancy Checkups
You will go to checkups throughout your pregnancy.  This will help assure you and your baby are staying healthy and things are going well.  This is also a good time to ask your doctor questions.

Here are some questions you might ask at a checkup.

"
I am having a bit of back pain, any recommendations?"
"
How is my baby doing?"
"
What should I be eating?"
"
Is there anything I should not be eating?"
"
Can I fly on the airplane?"
"
Is it ok to exercise?"
"
Can I still take my medication?"

Here are some questions your doctor might ask you during your checkup.

"
How are things going?"
"
Are you getting any sleep?"
"
Are you in any pain?"
"
How is your appetite?"
"
Do you want to know the sex of your baby?"

Here are some ways you can answer.  Providing as much information will allow the doctor to help you.

"
I'm having a lot of morning sickness and I can't hold anything down."
"
I feel tired all the time."
"
I get a lot of heart burn.  It is very uncomfortable and I can't eat well."
"
I am hungry all the time.  I am eating so much.  Is it okay to eat so much?"

Birth

Neighbors
Neighbors are people who live in your neighborhood.  You may live in a large neighborhood with lots of homes or a small cul de sac with just a few homes.  Neighbors can even include people who live upstairs or downstairs from you in an apartment complex.

Introductions

Here are a few statements you can use when meeting a neighbor:

"
Hello, my name is Jack."
"
This is my wife, Suzie."
"
I live next door to you."
"
I live downstairs from you."

These statements are all good ways of letting someone know something simple about you.

Here are some questions you can ask when speaking to a neighbor.

"
What is your name?"
"
How long have you lived in the neighborhood?"
"
What do you do for work?"
"
Do you have any children?"
"
Where are you from?"
"
Hi, how are you doing?"

You may be asked the same questions from a neighbor.  If this happens, just answer them the best you can.  These questions are a good way to initiate a conversation and a way to find out more about one another.

Hanging out with Neighbors

After meeting your neighbors you may want to spend more time with them.  You can invite them over for a barbeque, for a drink, or even just hang out outside in the neighborhood.  Just do the best you can talking and asking questions.  Enjoy the time together to learn more about one another and have fun.  Questions will come to you as you get to know them better and you will hopefully begin to feel more comfortable.
Organizing Time
Being able to manage your time efficiently can help relieve some stress of trying to get things done and also help accomplish goals in the proper time frame.  We will take a look at a few different ways to better/help manage your time wisely.

Organizing Time

Just as stated above, managing your time can be an important tool in performing jobs in a time frame as well helping with some of the stress that comes with getting things done.  Here are a number of ways/tools to help manage your time wisely.  Using a daily calendar to mark down appointments, commitments, or special events will help remind you of what needs to be done.  A monthly calendar can basically work the same way as a daily one but enable you to plan ahead far in advance.

Here are some questions commonly used when organizing your time.

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What is the best tool to organize time/appointments?"
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Should I use monthly or a weekly planner?"
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Should I carry my planner with me?"

Daily Planner

A daily planner will help you schedule your time wisely when dealing with a busy life full of events.  Using a daily planner can help organize meetings, lunch plans and other responsibilities throughout your day. Daily planners come in all shapes and sizes.  From writing things down to using an electronic planner, lots of options are available.

Here are some questions commonly used when using a daily planner.

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How do I know what to use as a daily planner?"
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If I use an electronic planner should I set reminders?"
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What if I have more things to do than the time to do it?"
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What if I need to cancel something?"
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What if I need to make an appointment?"
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If I have someone at work who plans for me should I still keep a planner?"

Monthly Planner/Yearly Planner

A monthly or yearly planner is essentially the same as a daily planner except the fact that they allow you to plan far in advance.  Just as daily planners can be as simple as writing things down on a calendar or using an electronic device to keep track, the same methods can be applied on a monthly or yearly planner.  Managing your time, making and keeping appointments, and keeping notified of special events are all functions of a planner.
Habits and Health
Habits and heath are popular topics with almost everyone.  From listening to the radio, watching T.V, or talking with friends, the topic of habits and health seem to always come up.  Habits can include such things as smoking, drinking and eating and health topics can include dieting to exercising.  Talking about these subjects with others depends on your comfort level or interest on the subjects. Often times these subjects come up because of curiosity or even by someone looking for other options.  While information on these subjects is readily available for people to research on their own, it is important when talking about them to be caring and show respect while not telling someone what they SHOULD be doing but instead talk about your experience and thoughts while lending some support. 

Habits

The definition of a habit is an unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition.  Although you hear a lot about 'bad' habits, not all are.  You could have a habit of shaking hands when greeting someone or a habit of looking both ways before you cross the street for example.  But without a doubt the 'bad' habits are the ones you will hear the most about and the ones people like to discuss.  Below you will find some questions associated with bad habits.

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How can I stop smoking?"
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How can I cut down on drinking?"
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How can I reduce my eating?"

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I should stop smoking."
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I think I drink too much."
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I have to watch what I eat."

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I have a bad habit of interrupting people when they speak."
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I have a habit of smoking when I drink."

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Why are most habits bad for you?  I wish I had a habit of eating vegetables."
Health
Our health is an important subject for all of us.  How much we eat, how much we exercise and how much we sleep are all topics of discussion when mentioning health.  The United States in particular is surrounded by conversations of obesity, but on the flip side one of the greatest consumers of health care products.  As popular of a subject health is it can also be an uncomfortable one.  People who are overweight might not be as comfortable talking about health, so try and be aware of the person you are talking to's feelings.

Here are some questions and statements commonly used when talking about health.

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How do I find a good gym?"
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What vitamin supplements do you use?"
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How often do you go to the doctors to get a regular check up?"
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Now that I am getting older, I wonder what I have to do to stay healthy."
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I need to find a good way to exercise without putting too much pressure on my knees."

You may also find yourself asking some of these questions:

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Have you ever been on a successful diet?"
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Have you ever tried yoga?"
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Have you ever used a personal trainer?"
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Do you belong to a gym?"
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How do I find information on diet?"
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What is some healthy food?"
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Should I use a weight loss system/company?"
Sleeping and Dreams
Getting a good night sleep is an important part of your health and overall happiness.  Sleeping well can insure you are rested for the next day and able to perform properly at work and school.  Lots of things can interfere with a good night sleep from babies crying in the middle of the night to having a lot on our minds. People in general require different amounts of sleep to function properly throughout the day although the recommended amount of sleep is typically 8 hours.  

Here are some statements about sleep you might say.

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I wish I could sleep more, but I have too much to do."
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I usually sleep 6 hours a day."
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I have a hard time falling asleep, and also a hard time waking up."

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When I lay down to sleep, I am usually asleep in matter of minutes."
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I wake up automatically at 6am every morning."

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I am having a hard time sleeping."
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I got a new bed yesterday."
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My husband snores a lot."
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I am not getting a lot of sleep with our new baby at home."
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My neighbor's dog keep waking us up at night."
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The storm last night kept me from getting a good night sleep."
Dreams
Hair Cut and Massages
Although some men enjoy massages and are picky about where they get their hair cut these are generally more talked about by women.  Women usually go to a salon to get hair cut and some salons offer more than just hair cutting services.  Salons can offer a number of different massages, pedicures and manicures.

Choosing a Salon

Finding a good place to get your hair done is usually done by word of mouth.  Meaning someone has recommended one to you or you liked someone's haircut and asked them where they go.

Here are some questions commonly used when choosing a salon.

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I like your hair cut, where did you go to get it cut?"
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Will I need an appointment?"
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What other things do they offer there?"
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Do they sell hair products?"
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How much do they charge?"
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How far in advance should I book an appointment?"

Booking an appointment

Once you have chosen a salon now it is time to book an appointment.  Simply calling them on the phone will do.  Sometimes by checking on the internet or simply by calling you can check on prices and other options like what kind of massages they offer.

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Where are you looking to get your hair done?"
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Did you need to get your hair colored?"
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When did you want to try and come in?"
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Did you want to book a pedicure?"
"
Did you want to book a massage?"
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Do you prefer male or female for your massage?"
"
What type of massage do you like?"

At the Salon
Books and Magazines
Books and magazines contain a wealth of information. Learning new things, finding information needed to help with projects or simply a way to escape from the everyday world are some of the many reasons why people read books and magazines.  Reading books is also a great way to spend time with your children for fun, or to share what you have learned with family and friends.

Here are some questions you might ask while at a bookstore.

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What are some of the bestsellers?"
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What are some new releases?"
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Where can I find books by a particular author?"
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Where is the children's section?"
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Do you have books on animals?"
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Do you offer a membership for customers?"
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Does this magazine have monthly or yearly subscription?"
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Can I get a subscription sent to my business?"
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Can I reserve a book?"

You can also make many statements about books to your friends.

"
I just finished reading a book on money management.  It was very informative."
"
I love reading.  If I am not out, I am usually in my room reading a book."
"
My favorite types of books are autobiographies."

"
The new fiction bestseller was fun.  You have to read it."
"
Buying books as a present is not appreciated by the kid, but the parents usually love them."
"
I really like getting books as a gift."
Happy and Feeling Good
It's common to talk to friends and family when you are happy.  Most of the time, you want to express why you are happy and share with close people how you feel.  In this lesson, let's take a look at many different ways you can express yourself when you are happy.

General statements are usually short.  Here are a few examples.

"
I'm very happy right now."
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I'm happy."
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I haven't been this happy in a long time."
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I don't think I can be any happier right now."

"
He is very happy."
"
She is so happy right now."
"
My wife is pretty happy."
"
My husband is happy."

These sentences are very basic.  Most of the time, you will be explaining why you are happy.  Let's incorporate the reason into the sentence.

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I'm so happy I got a job offer."
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I was happy when I received an A for my final report."
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I'll be happy when that happens."
"
This semester is such a headache.  I'll be so happy when it's over."

"
My brother was happy after passing the examination."
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I think my mother was happier than I was when I got into the University."
"
If you find a job you are happy with, then that is the perfect job for you."
"
It's more important to be happy with your job than what other people think."

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I don't think she will be happy if you do that."
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My parents won't be happy if I drop out of school."

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I think my professor was happy with my essay."
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My grandmother is always happy when I come visit her."
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My grandfather is always happy to see me."

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I'm so happy for you.  That's wonderful news."
"
Congratulations on your engagement, I'm so happy for you."

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I want to find a gift that she will be happy with."
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He never likes his presents, but he is happy with the fact that we tried."
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Happiness is probably the most important thing in life."
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My goal in life is to make other people happy."


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