✅ FORMAL SITUATIONS (10 Conversations)
1. At a Job Orientation – Office Equipment
Employee: Excuse me, could you explain how to use the new printer?
HR Staff: Certainly. First, log in using your ID, then choose the file from your drive and press “Print.” There’s a manual if you need further details.
2. Library – Digital Catalog
Visitor: I’m unfamiliar with your system. Can you show me how to use the digital catalog?
Librarian: Of course. Begin by entering the book title or author’s name. Then, click ‘Search’ to see availability and location.
3. Business Conference – Presentation Tool
Delegate: May I ask how to use the clicker for my presentation?
Coordinator: Certainly. Press the right arrow to move forward, and the left to go back. It connects via Bluetooth.
4. Training Session – CRM Software
Trainee: I’m not sure how to use this CRM tool.
Trainer: No problem. Let’s start with customer data entry. After that, I’ll show you how to manage follow-ups.
5. Bank – Online Banking
Customer: Could you please show me how to use the mobile banking app to transfer funds?
Bank Officer: Absolutely. Once logged in, go to “Transfers,” select the recipient, enter the amount, and confirm.
6. IT Help Desk – VPN Access
Employee: I’m unclear on how to use the VPN from home.
Technician: You’ll need to download our VPN client and log in using your company credentials.
7. Airport – Self-Check-In Machine
Passenger: Excuse me, I need help with how to use this machine.
Agent: Insert your passport or scan your QR code. Then follow the on-screen instructions to print your boarding pass.
8. Museum – Audio Guide
Tourist: Could you explain how to use the audio guide?
Staff: Certainly. Select your language, then type in the number next to each exhibit to hear the description.
9. Legal Office – Online Portal
Client: I’d appreciate guidance on how to use your document submission portal.
Paralegal: Certainly. After logging in, click “Upload Files,” select the appropriate case number, and attach your documents.
10. Medical Clinic – Appointment App
Patient: I’m not sure how to use your online booking system.
Receptionist: No problem. Choose your preferred doctor, pick a date and time, then confirm with your ID number.
✅ SEMI-FORMAL SITUATIONS (10 Conversations)
11. Workplace – Project Management Tool
Colleague 1: Do you know how to use Asana for assigning tasks?
Colleague 2: Yeah, click on a task, then use the “Assignee” field to assign it to someone.
12. University – Learning Platform
Student: Can you show me how to use the online lecture portal?
Tutor: Sure. Go to the course page, then click on “Modules” to access the video lectures.
13. Fitness Center – Exercise Machine
Gym Member: I’m not sure how to use this leg press machine.
Trainer: Let me show you. Sit down, adjust the weight, and push the platform with your feet like this.
14. Cooking Class – Blender
Student: Could you demonstrate how to use this type of blender?
Chef: Of course. First, make sure the lid is secure, then select your speed and press start.
15. Photography Club – DSLR Camera
Beginner: Do you know how to use manual settings?
Member: Yeah, you’ll need to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. I can walk you through it.
16. Public Library – eBook App
Patron: Can you help me with how to use the eBook app on my tablet?
Librarian: Sure thing. Download the app, sign in with your library card, then you can start borrowing books.
17. Coworking Space – Coffee Machine
Freelancer: I’m lost on how to use this fancy coffee machine.
Receptionist: No worries! Just place your cup, choose your drink on the touchscreen, and it’ll do the rest.
18. Volunteer Event – Registration Software
Volunteer: Can someone show me how to use the sign-in system?
Coordinator: Definitely. Enter each participant’s name and give them a badge from the printer.
19. Language Class – Grammar App
Student: Do you know how to use that grammar checker we’re supposed to download?
Classmate: Yup. Paste your text into the app and it will highlight errors and suggest corrections.
20. Community Center – Booking Website
Resident: I need help with how to use the website to book a class.
Admin: Go to our homepage, select “Schedule,” then pick your class and register.
✅ INFORMAL SITUATIONS (10 Conversations)
21. At Home – New Coffee Grinder
Friend 1: Do you know how to use this thing?
Friend 2: Yeah, just put in the beans and press that button. Super easy.
22. At a Party – Karaoke Machine
Guest: I have no idea how to use this karaoke setup.
Host: Oh, it’s simple. Choose a song from the tablet and grab a mic—it starts automatically.
23. Shopping Together – Self-Checkout
Friend: Can you remind me how to use self-checkout again?
Friend: Just scan everything, bag it, and then pay by card or phone.
24. Gaming Night – New Console
Player 1: Wait, I don’t remember how to use this controller.
Player 2: No worries. The triggers shoot, joystick moves, and that button pauses.
25. Picnic – Portable Grill
Friend: Any clue how to use this mini grill?
Friend: Yeah, just light the coals, wait till they’re gray, then toss on the burgers.
26. Hiking Trip – Water Filter
Hiker 1: Not sure how to use this filter thing.
Hiker 2: Just fill the bottle, screw the filter on, and drink straight from it.
27. Cooking at a Friend’s – Air Fryer
Friend: This thing’s new to me. Any tips on how to use it?
Friend: Just put your food in, set the time and temp, and hit start.
28. Movie Night – Streaming App
Roommate: I forgot how to use this remote with Netflix.
Roommate: Click the home button, open Netflix, and browse. It’s still logged in.
29. Shopping Online – Promo Code
Friend: How do I use this discount code again?
Friend: Just copy it, paste it at checkout, and hit “Apply.”
30. At the Beach – Portable Speaker
Friend: Do you know how to use this Bluetooth speaker?
Friend: Yep, just turn it on and connect from your phone. Hold the button to pair.
🔹 Formal Conversations (Business, Professional, Official Settings)
1. Job Interview
Context: A candidate is being interviewed for a marketing position.
Interviewer: “Could you describe a time when you had to handle a difficult client?”
Candidate: “Certainly. In my previous role, a client was dissatisfied with our campaign results. I arranged a meeting, listened to their concerns, and proposed adjustments, which ultimately improved their satisfaction.”
2. Business Meeting
Context: Team members discuss a project deadline.
Manager: “The deadline has been moved up by two weeks. How will this impact our workflow?”
Team Member: “Given the shortened timeline, we may need to prioritize tasks and possibly allocate additional resources to meet the target.”
3. Email Follow-Up
Context: A professional follows up after a conference.
Email: “Dear Mr. Thompson, It was a pleasure meeting you at the Tech Summit. I’d appreciate the opportunity to discuss potential collaboration further. Would next Tuesday at 3 PM work for a call?”
4. Requesting a Reference
Context: An employee asks their manager for a recommendation.
Employee: “I’m applying for a new position and was wondering if you’d be willing to provide a reference.”
Manager: “Of course. Please send me the details, and I’d be happy to support your application.”
5. Negotiating a Contract
Context: Two companies discuss terms.
Representative A: “We’re willing to offer a 10% discount if you commit to a two-year contract.”
Representative B: “That sounds reasonable, but we’d need flexibility for early termination under specific conditions.”
🔸 Semi-Formal Conversations (Colleagues, Acquaintances, Polite Social Interactions)
6. Asking for Clarification at Work
Context: A coworker explains a new process.
You: “I just wanted to double-check—should we submit the reports before or after the client meeting?”
Coworker: “Before, ideally by noon, so the team can review them.”
7. Declining an Invitation Politely
Context: A colleague invites you to an after-work event.
You: “Thanks for the invite! Unfortunately, I have prior commitments, but I’d love to join next time.”
8. Giving Feedback
Context: A peer asks for input on their presentation.
You: “Your slides are well-structured, but adding a few more visuals might make the data easier to follow.”
9. Scheduling a Meeting
Context: Coordinating a team call.
You: “Does Wednesday at 11 AM work for everyone? If not, we can find another slot.”
10. Discussing Workload
Context: Talking to a teammate about deadlines.
You: “I’m a bit swamped this week. Could we divide the tasks differently?”
🔹 Informal Conversations (Friends, Family, Casual Settings)
11. Making Weekend Plans
Friend A: “Hey, want to grab lunch on Saturday?”
Friend B: “Sure! How about that new Italian place downtown?”
12. Sharing News
You: “Guess what? I finally got my driver’s license!”
Friend: “No way! Congrats! We should go for a drive sometime.”
13. Complaining (Lightly)
You: “Ugh, my flight got delayed again. I’ve been at the airport for hours!”
Friend: “That’s the worst! At least grab some coffee while you wait.”
14. Giving Advice
Friend A: “I’m thinking of cutting my hair short.”
Friend B: “Go for it! It’ll look great on you.”
15. Casual Invitation
You: “We’re watching a movie tonight. Wanna come over?”
Friend: “Sounds fun! I’ll bring snacks.”
🔹 Formal Conversations (Business, Professional, Official Settings)
16. Requesting a Bank Loan
Context: A customer speaks to a bank manager about a loan.
Customer: “I’d like to apply for a business loan to expand my bakery. Could you outline the eligibility criteria and required documents?”
Bank Manager: “Certainly. We’ll need your financial statements, a business plan, and proof of collateral. The interest rate depends on your credit score.”
17. Reporting an Issue to Customer Service
Context: A customer complains about a defective product.
Customer: “I purchased this laptop last week, but the keyboard isn’t functioning properly. I’d like a replacement or refund.”
Service Rep: “I apologize for the inconvenience. Please provide your receipt, and we’ll process the refund immediately.”
18. Presenting at a Conference
Context: A speaker introduces their research.
Speaker: “Today, I’ll present our findings on renewable energy adoption. The data suggests a 30% increase in solar panel efficiency over the past decade.”
Audience Member: “Could you clarify how these results compare to European markets?”
19. Interviewing for a Visa
Context: An applicant answers questions at a consulate.
Visa Officer: “What’s the purpose of your visit to the UK?”
Applicant: “I’ve been accepted into a master’s program at the University of London. Here’s my admission letter and financial proof.”
20. Writing a Complaint Letter
Email: “Dear Sir/Madam, I’m writing to express my dissatisfaction with the recent delay in my order (#12345). Despite your 3-day delivery guarantee, it’s been a week without updates. I request an urgent resolution or compensation.”
🔸 Semi-Formal Conversations (Colleagues, Acquaintances, Polite Social Interactions)
21. Discussing a Rental Agreement
Context: A tenant negotiates terms with a landlord.
Tenant: “The rent is slightly above my budget. Would you consider lowering it if I sign a two-year lease?”
Landlord: “I could reduce it by 5%, but utilities wouldn’t be included.”
22. Asking a Neighbor for Help
Context: Borrowing a tool for a home project.
You: “Hi Mark, I’m fixing my shelves and noticed you have a drill. Could I borrow it for the weekend?”
Neighbor: “Sure, no problem! Just bring it back by Monday.”
23. Networking at an Event
Context: Two professionals exchange contacts.
You: “Your insights on digital marketing were fascinating! Would you be open to connecting on LinkedIn?”
Attendee: “Absolutely! Here’s my card—let’s stay in touch.”
24. Asking a Professor for an Extension
Context: A student requests more time for an assignment.
Student: “Professor Lee, I’ve been ill this week and need an extra day to complete the essay. Would that be possible?”
Professor: “I understand. Submit it by Friday, and please attach a doctor’s note.”
25. Discussing a Gym Membership
Context: Inquiring about gym fees and perks.
You: “Does the membership include personal training sessions, or are those extra?”
Receptionist: “The basic plan covers group classes, but one-on-one training is an add-on.”
🔹 Informal Conversations (Friends, Family, Casual Settings)
26. Arguing About a Movie Plot
Friend A: “The ending made no sense! Why did the hero just walk away?”
Friend B: “That’s the whole point! He realized revenge wasn’t worth it.”
27. Teasing a Friend About Their Cooking
You: “Dude, your pasta is so salty it could melt ice.”
Friend: “Hey, at least I didn’t burn it this time!”
28. Joking About Bad Weather
You: “This rain won’t stop. At this point, I should start building an ark.”
Friend: “Save me a spot! I’ll bring snacks.”
29. Planning a Surprise Party
You: “We’re throwing Jess a party next Saturday. Can you distract her while we set up?”
Friend: “Got it! I’ll take her out for coffee around 4 PM.”
30. Chatting About Weekend Plans
You: “Anything fun planned for the weekend?”
Friend: “Just binge-watching that new series. You?”
You: “Same. Maybe with pizza.”