TELUGU BASHA: Spoken English

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

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

Here are some questions commonly used when receiving mail.

"What happens if I am not home and something is delivered to me?"
"Do I need to sign for a package when it comes?"
"If I am out of town can I put a hold on my mail?"
"Can a neighbor accept a package for me?"
"What if I receive a package that is not addressed to me?"

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

"If you are not home the postman will leave you a note. They may try and deliver it another day or you might have to go to your post office to pick it up."
"Sometimes they will just leave the package on your front doorstep. If you live in an apartment they might just leave it at the rental office."

"Not all packages need to be signed for."
"If you need to sign for a package and are not home they will not leave it."

"Yes, you can put your mail on hold either by filling out a form at your post office."
"Yes, you can actually do it online. Just check the post office web site."

"I am not sure. Maybe you should call the post office."
"I think they can but you have to inform the post office before hand that you will allow it."

"I would take a package not addressed to me to the post office and let them know."
"If it was addressed to a neighbor, I would just take it to their house."

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

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

"How often should I mow the grass?"
"What should I do to get rid of the weeds?"
"When should I plant flowers?"
"How do I clean my outside windows?"
"How do I get rid of moles?"
"What do I do about bee hives?"

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

"You should mow your grass once a week."
"I just mow mine once it gets really long."

"I would go to Home Depot and ask someone for recommendations."
"It depends on what kind of weeds you have, some are worse than others."

"You should plant flowers in the spring."
"I would always wait until it gets warm to plant flowers, that way they will last all summer."

"I would use a ladder and clean my outside windows myself."
"I would see if you can hire someone. Your windows are really high and you could get hurt."

"They sell pellets you can put in mole holes to help get rid of them."
"I would call a pest control company and ask them for recommendations."

"I would not mess with bee hives, call for someone to come out and get rid of it."
"I would buy bee killer spray from the store and just spray it."

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 goCOMMUNICATION

, 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

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

The internet is a place accessed through your computer which contains large quantities of information. People use the internet in their daily lives for research, work and pleasure. Almost anything you can think of can be accessed or found through the internet.

Here are some questions commonly used when talking about the internet.

"Should I get some sort of virus protection for my computer?"
"How do I get virus protection for my computer?"
"Can I download music over the internet?"
"Is it safe to shop over the internet?"
"Why is my internet is running slow?"

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

"I would definitely get some sort of virus protection. You do not want your computer to crash."
"Yeah I would. My computer got a virus one time and it cost me $100 to get it fixed."

"There are a few good ones out there. I will come over and help you download them."
"I know of a few online. They cost money but are worth it."

"You can. There are a few sites to use for downloading music."
"Downloading music is great! You can find just about anything but you do have to pay for them."

"Make sure you are shopping on a reputable site otherwise I would be careful."
"I don't feel comfortable using my credit card over the computer."

"You can check with your provider to see if there are any problems."
"Maybe you need a faster connection for what you are doing."

Email

Email is a very useful tool to send and receive information as well asCOMMUNICATE

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

Proper maintenance on your car can help assure it will run smoothly and last you a long time.

Here are some questions commonly used when talking about the maintenance of your car.

"How often should I change the oil in my car?"
"Should I rotate the tires?"
"What type of gas should I put into it?"
"Should I get tune ups?"
"Should I keep it outside or in my garage?"

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

"Normally you should change your oil every 3000 miles."
"Yes change your oil when it gets low."

"Rotating your tires will make them last longer."
"Rotating your tires will keep them in good condition and keep you safe."

"Most cars use unleaded gas."
"I would check your car manual. You don't want to put the wrong gas in your car, it can ruin it."

"Tune ups keep your car running smoothly."
"Tune ups are good and you may find something that needs replaced that you would normally not know about."

"If you have a garage I would use it. It will keep your car safe from the weather."
"If you don't have a garage just keep it in your driveway."

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

Picking a Dentist

Going to the dentist is an important part of your health. With some of the anxieties that sometimes come with visiting the dentist, choosing the right one can be beneficial. Sometimes using recommendations from friends or family is a good way to find a dentist you will like.

Here are some questions commonly used when picking a dentist.

"I am nervous about going to the dentist, do you have any recommendations for one?"
"Should I go to a dentist that I saw an advertisement for?"
"Are there any dentist just for children?"
"How do I make an appointment if I have never been to this dentist before?"
"Do I need to have dental insurance?"

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

"My dentist is really nice. I think it would be a good experience for you."
"My dentist will let you come in and just talk at first. That way you can get comfortable with each other."

"Sure, you can try a dentist you are unfamiliar with."
"Go for it. If you do not like him you can always go somewhere else."

"There are dentists that specialize just in children. I would look on the internet."
"My dentist will see children or adults and is great with both."

"I would just call and tell them you are a new patient and you would like to schedule an appointment."
"You could always stop by and make an appointment."

"Most places require dental insurance."
"I don't think you need insurance but you will need to pay for things up front."

Dentist Check Ups

Checkups are appointments to your dentist where they examine your mouth for overall health and usually include some sort of cleaning. Check ups are an important part of keeping a healthy mouth as well as a way of catching any possible problems before they cause any pain or discomfort.

Here are some questions commonly used when asking about checkups.

"How often should I go in for checkups?"
"Do they clean your teeth at checkups?"
"Will they take x rays at my check up?"
"Can I ask questions if I have any concerns?"
"Do I really need checkups?"
"Will I have to get any fillings?"

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

"Normally you should go in for a checkup every six months."
"I would ask your dentist and see what they recommend for you."

"My dentist cleans my teeth at my check ups."
"Usually they do. It feels good when they are done."

"Sometimes they take x-rays to check your teeth."
"I think they only take x-rays if they have not seen you before."

"Yes, this is a time to ask questions if you have them."
"Ask all the questions you want. They will try and help you."

"Check ups help keep your mouth clean and healthy."
"Check ups are a good way to find any problems before they begin to hurt."

"If you have any cavities then you will have to get a filling."
"Fillings are not normally part of a check up."

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

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

While on vacation you can simply hang out and relax at the beach, enjoy time with friends and family, or go sightseeing. It all depends on what you want and a lot of times what you can afford.

Here are some questions commonly used when on a vacation.

"Should we do any sightseeing on vacation?"
"What places should we visit?"
"What if we do not speak the language of the country we are in?"
"How do we know good places to eat?"
"How do we book any excursions?"

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

"It is always fun to visit historical places while on vacation."
"Depends on what you like to do. Sightseeing can be a fun way to discover new places."

"You can always ask the hotel for recommendations on what to see."
"You can read in a historical travel book and fun things to see and do."

"Try and find someone to help answer your questions at your hotel."
"Bring along a language book to look up words so you can communicate better."

"A good idea is to ask the locals where to eat. They can give you good advice on places you might not normally go."
"I would ask the concierge at the hotel."

"Sometimes you can book excursions with the concierge at the hotel."
"You can book them beforehand through the travel agency."

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

Having lifelong friends is a great conversational topic. Many questions are related towards how long they have been friends.

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

"How long have you guys been friends?"
"How long have you known each other?"
"Did you grow up together?"

"Did you go to school together?"
"So how did you meet?"

Here are some example you can use to respond to these types of questions.

"We've been friends since elementary school."
"I think it's been like 20 years."
"We grew up together. Our parents lived pretty close so we were basically neighbors."

"We went to the same school since the 5th grade."
"We met in middle school and started going to the same school from the 7th grade."
"We started going to the same school at the University of Washington."

"We met at church when we were young. We have been close friends since."
"We met in high school in our English class."

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

The time has come for the baby to be born.

Here are some questions that might be asked to the mother or doctor at the hospital.

"Did your water break?"
"How far along are your contractions?"
"Are you in any pain?"
"Do you need to call any family?"
"Do you need an epidural?"
"Can I get you anything?"

When it is time to have a baby, here are some sentences you might need.

"Doctor, I think my water broke. I will need to come in to the hospital immediately."
"My contractions are 5 minutes apart."
"I am having contractions every 10 minutes."
"I have severe cramps."

"Can I call my mother?"
"What are the side effects of having an epidural?"
"I would like to get an epidural."
"Does it hurt to get an epidural?"

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.

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

"How do I know what to use as a daily planner?"
"If I use an electronic planner should I set reminders?"
"What if I have more things to do than the time to do it?"
"What if I need to cancel something?"
"What if I need to make an appointment?"
"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.

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

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

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

"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.

"How do I find a good gym?"
"What vitamin supplements do you use?"
"How often do you go to the doctors to get a regular check up?"
"Now that I am getting older, I wonder what I have to do to stay healthy."
"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:

"Have you ever been on a successful diet?"
"Have you ever tried yoga?"
"Have you ever used a personal trainer?"
"Do you belong to a gym?"
"How do I find information on diet?"
"What is some healthy food?"
"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.

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

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

"I am having a hard time sleeping."
"I got a new bed yesterday."
"My husband snores a lot."
"I am not getting a lot of sleep with our new baby at home."
"My neighbor's dog keep waking us up at night."
"The storm last night kept me from getting a good night sleep."

Dreams

Dreams are very interesting and can be a topic of discussion in many situations. Here are some sentences to start some of these discussions.

"I had a really bad nightmare last night."
"I keep having the same dreams over and over."
"I had a great dream last night and I really didn't want to wake up."
"I rarely have dreams that I remember."

"I had this weird dream where I was flying through the mall. What do you think it means?"
"I have a recurring dream where I am walking through the woods in a green costume. Do you know what it means?"
"I had a dog when I was young, and I often dream about him."

When dealing with children, they can get nightmares if they watch a scary television show. You can use some of these sentences to talk to your children or to talk to other people about this problem.

"You can't watch that show because you'll have a bad dream."
"You know you'll get nightmares if you watch something scary."
"Are you sure you want to watch that show? It might be a little scary."

"My son kept me up all night because he couldn't fall asleep after watching a movie. I shouldn't let him see anything like that anymore."
"The daycare had a movie day and although it was a children's movie, my kid had nightmares."
"Even babies have dreams. One day my 1 year old daughter woke up screaming pointing to the bed."

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.

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

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

At the Salon

Once you have booked your appointment and have arrived at the salon, you will need toCOMMUNICATE