🔵 FORMAL SITUATIONS (10 Conversations)
These occur in official settings like at information desks, hotel receptions, or formal business contexts.
1. At an Airport Information Desk
Context: A traveler is asking about transport to the city center.
Passenger: Good afternoon. Could you please tell me how to get to the city center from here?
Staff: Certainly. You can take the airport express train, which departs every 20 minutes.
Passenger: How long does the journey take?
Staff: Approximately 35 minutes.
Passenger: Thank you very much.
2. At a Hotel Concierge
Context: A guest asks about transport to a business meeting.
Guest: Good morning. I have a meeting downtown at 9 a.m. What’s the best way to get there?
Concierge: I recommend taking a taxi at that time of day. Traffic is moderate and it should take about 20 minutes.
Guest: Could you arrange one for me?
Concierge: Of course. I’ll have one ready by 8:30.
3. Asking About Public Transit Passes
Context: A tourist asks about weekly passes at a transport office.
Tourist: Excuse me. Do you offer any weekly transportation passes for visitors?
Clerk: Yes, we do. A 7-day pass costs £35 and includes unlimited travel on buses and the metro.
Tourist: That sounds perfect. May I purchase one here?
Clerk: Absolutely. Do you have a photo ID with you?
4. At a Train Station Ticket Counter
Context: A traveler needs a ticket to another city.
Traveler: Hello. I’d like to buy a ticket to Manchester, please.
Agent: Certainly. Would you prefer standard or first class?
Traveler: Standard will do. What time is the next train?
Agent: The next departure is at 11:45 a.m.
5. Asking for Directions to the Nearest Bus Stop
Context: A visitor is in a government building.
Visitor: Excuse me. Would you be able to direct me to the nearest bus stop?
Receptionist: Certainly. Exit the building, turn left, and walk two blocks. You’ll see the bus stop on your right.
Visitor: Thank you very much for your assistance.
6. Booking an Airport Shuttle
Context: A businessperson wants to reserve a shuttle.
Businessperson: Good evening. I’d like to reserve a shuttle to the airport for tomorrow morning.
Receptionist: Certainly. What time is your flight?
Businessperson: It departs at 9:15 a.m.
Receptionist: In that case, we recommend a 6:30 shuttle. Shall I book it for you?
7. Asking About Bicycle Rental Options
Context: A visitor asks in a tourist office.
Visitor: Hello. I was wondering if there are any bicycle rental services nearby.
Clerk: Yes, we partner with City Bikes. They offer daily and weekly rates.
Visitor: Great. Do they require a deposit?
Clerk: Just a photo ID and a credit card.
8. Calling a Car Service
Context: A hotel guest calls to arrange a car to a conference center.
Guest: Hello. I need to arrange transportation to the Greenhill Conference Center.
Receptionist: Certainly. Would you prefer a private car or a shared ride?
Guest: A private car, please. How soon can it be here?
Receptionist: Within 15 minutes. Shall I confirm it?
9. Clarifying Train Schedules
Context: A commuter wants to double-check train times.
Commuter: Excuse me. I want to confirm the departure time for the 6:15 train to Oxford.
Attendant: Yes, it leaves from platform 2 and is currently on schedule.
Commuter: Thank you. I appreciate it.
10. Asking About Luggage Rules on Public Transport
Context: A traveler inquires at the station help desk.
Traveler: Hello. Are there any restrictions on carrying large suitcases on the metro?
Staff: Oversized luggage is permitted as long as it does not obstruct pathways or doors.
Traveler: That’s good to know. Thank you.
🟠 SEMI-FORMAL SITUATIONS (10 Conversations)
These occur in everyday public settings like shops, buses, or casual work environments.
11. Asking a Bus Driver
Context: A passenger checks if the bus goes to a certain stop.
Passenger: Hi. Does this bus go to Central Park?
Driver: Yes, it does. It’s about ten stops from here.
Passenger: Great. Thanks!
12. Asking a Colleague About Parking
Context: At work, one employee asks another about parking options.
Employee 1: Do you know if there’s visitor parking near the building?
Employee 2: There’s a small lot just across the street. It fills up quickly, though.
Employee 1: Thanks! I’ll try to get there early.
13. At a Subway Ticket Machine
Context: A commuter needs help.
Commuter: Excuse me. Do you know how to buy a return ticket on this machine?
Other Commuter: Sure. Tap “Round Trip” here, then select your destination.
Commuter: Oh, I see. Thanks a lot!
14. Asking About a Ride-Share Drop-Off Point
Context: A passenger asks a security guard at a mall.
Passenger: Hi. Where’s the ride-share pickup area?
Guard: It’s just outside the east entrance.
Passenger: Thanks, that helps.
15. Buying a Bus Ticket
Context: A commuter buys a ticket from the driver.
Commuter: Hi. One ticket to the university, please.
Driver: That’s $2.50.
Commuter: Here you go. Thanks.
16. Asking About Train Delays
Context: A passenger asks a conductor.
Passenger: Excuse me, do you know why the train is delayed?
Conductor: Yes, there’s a signal problem ahead. We should be moving in about 10 minutes.
Passenger: Thanks for the update.
17. Asking About a Tram Schedule
Context: A visitor asks a kiosk worker.
Visitor: Hi. When’s the next tram to the stadium?
Kiosk Worker: Every 15 minutes. The next one’s due at 4:10.
Visitor: Great, I’ll wait here.
18. Asking a Hotel Receptionist About the Metro
Context: A guest asks about reaching a museum.
Guest: Hi. Is there a metro station near the hotel?
Receptionist: Yes, it’s two blocks down the road. Take Line 3 to get to the museum.
Guest: Perfect. Thanks!
19. Asking a Store Clerk About Bus Routes
Context: After shopping, a customer asks for transport help.
Customer: Excuse me, which bus goes back to the main train station?
Clerk: You need Bus 47. The stop’s just around the corner.
Customer: Thanks so much.
20. Finding the Right Platform
Context: A commuter asks another passenger.
Commuter: Do you know which platform the Brighton train leaves from?
Passenger: I think it’s Platform 5, but you can check the screen to be sure.
Commuter: Will do. Thanks!
🟢 INFORMAL SITUATIONS (10 Conversations)
These happen among friends, family, or casual acquaintances.
21. Asking a Friend for a Lift
Alex: Hey, could you give me a ride to the station tomorrow morning?
Jamie: Sure, what time do you need to be there?
Alex: Around 8.
Jamie: No problem, I’ll pick you up at 7:30.
22. Asking a Housemate About the Bus
Taylor: Do you know when the last bus from downtown is?
Riley: I think it’s around midnight. Better check the app to be sure.
Taylor: Good idea. Thanks!
23. Texting a Friend About the Subway
Me: Hey, is the subway still running now?
Friend: Yup, last train’s at 12:30.
Me: Awesome. I’ll catch it.
24. Asking a Neighbor for a Ride
You: Hey, any chance you’re heading toward the mall today?
Neighbor: Yeah, want to come with?
You: That’d be great. Thanks!
25. Making a Carpool Plan
Jess: Wanna carpool to the concert?
Liam: Sure! I can drive if you chip in for gas.
Jess: Deal. What time are we leaving?
26. Talking About Train Strikes
Robin: Did you hear about the train strike tomorrow?
Max: Yeah, total mess. I’ll have to work from home.
Robin: Same here. No way I’m getting stuck in traffic.
27. Borrowing a Bike
You: Mind if I borrow your bike for an hour?
Friend: Go for it! Just make sure to lock it up.
You: Will do. Thanks!
28. Asking About Scooter Rentals
You: Know where I can rent one of those e-scooters?
Friend: There’s an app called ZipScoot. You just scan and go.
You: Sweet, I’ll check it out.
29. Getting Lost
You: Dude, I think I took the wrong bus.
Friend: Where are you now?
You: Somewhere on 9th Street.
Friend: Hop off and I’ll come get you.
30. Talking to a Rideshare Driver
Passenger: Hey! Can I play some music?
Driver: Sure, go ahead. Aux is right there.
Passenger: Thanks, you’re a legend.
1. Formal – Asking for Directions at a Train Station
Context: A traveler asks a station attendant for help.
A: Excuse me, could you tell me which platform the express train to Manchester departs from?
B: Certainly. The 10:15 express departs from Platform 3. Please ensure you arrive at least 10 minutes early for boarding.
A: Thank you. And is there a direct connection, or do I need to change trains?
B: It’s a direct service, so no transfers are required.
2. Semi-Formal – Asking a Colleague About Commuting
Context: Two coworkers discuss their daily commute.
A: How do you usually get to the office?
B: I take the subway, but if it’s delayed, I grab a rideshare. What about you?
A: I cycle most days, but when it rains, I catch the bus.
3. Informal – Asking a Friend for a Ride
Context: A friend asks another for a lift.
A: Hey, are you driving to Jake’s party tonight?
B: Yeah, I am. Need a lift?
A: That’d be great! Can you pick me up around 7?
B: Sure, text me your address and I’ll swing by.
4. Formal – Inquiring About Flight Delays at an Airport
Context: A passenger speaks to an airline representative.
A: Good morning. I’m scheduled on Flight 204 to Paris. Is there any delay?
B: Unfortunately, it’s been postponed by two hours due to technical issues.
A: Will there be meal vouchers provided?
B: Yes, you can collect them at the customer service desk.
5. Semi-Formal – Discussing Public Transport with a Neighbor
Context: Neighbors chat about the best way to reach the city center.
A: Do you know if the tram or bus is faster to downtown?
B: The tram is usually quicker, but it breaks down sometimes. The bus takes longer but is more reliable.
6. Informal – Asking About Bike Rental
Context: A tourist asks a local about bike rentals.
A: Yo, where can I rent a bike around here?
B: There’s a dock station near the park. Just download the app and scan the QR code.
7. Formal – Booking a Taxi Over the Phone
Context: A business traveler calls a taxi service.
A: I’d like to book a cab for tomorrow at 6:30 AM to Heathrow Airport.
B: Understood. We’ll send a sedan to your address. Flat rate is £50.
8. Semi-Formal – Asking About Train Tickets
Context: A traveler checks ticket options with a ticket agent.
A: Is it cheaper to buy a return ticket or two singles?
B: A return ticket saves you about 20%, but only if you travel back within a month.
9. Informal – Hitchhiking Conversation
Context: A backpacker asks for a ride.
A: Any chance you’re heading toward Brighton?
B: Yeah, hop in! But I can only take you as far as the petrol station.
10. Formal – Reporting a Lost Luggage
Context: A passenger reports missing baggage.
A: My suitcase didn’t arrive on the carousel. What’s the procedure?
B: Please fill out this claim form, and we’ll track it via the baggage system.
11. Semi-Formal – Discussing Carpooling
Context: Coworkers arrange a carpool.
A: Since we live nearby, should we take turns driving to work?
B: Good idea! I’ll drive Mondays and Wednesdays if you cover Tuesdays and Thursdays.
12. Informal – Asking About Scooter Sharing
Context: Friends discuss renting electric scooters.
A: Wanna grab some e-scooters and ride along the river?
B: Sure! Just watch out for pedestrians—they hate scooters.
13. Formal – Enquiring About Ferry Schedules
Context: A traveler asks about ferry times.
A: Could you confirm the departure times for the Dover-Calais ferry?
B: There are hourly crossings, with the last one at 11 PM.
14. Semi-Formal – Asking About Metro Delays
Context: A commuter asks a stranger about delays.
A: Do you know if the Red Line is running on time?
B: No, there’s a 20-minute delay due to signal problems.
15. Informal – Asking for a Ride Last Minute
Context: A friend urgently needs a lift.
A: Dude, my car broke down! Can you give me a ride to the mechanic?
B: Yeah, hop in—but hurry, I’ve got a meeting in 20!
16. Formal – Airport Transfer Inquiry
Context: A traveler asks about shuttle services.
A: Does the hotel provide a complimentary shuttle to the airport?
B: Yes, it departs every 30 minutes from the lobby.
17. Semi-Formal – Discussing Traffic Jams
Context: Colleagues complain about traffic.
A: The M25 is jammed again. Should we take an alternate route?
B: Let’s check Google Maps for real-time updates.
18. Informal – Asking About Walking Directions
Context: A tourist asks a local for directions.
A: Is it walkable to the museum from here?
B: Yeah, just cut through the park—it’s 10 minutes tops.
19. Formal – Train Seat Upgrade Request
Context: A passenger asks about first-class seating.
A: Is it possible to upgrade to first class on this train?
B: Yes, for an additional £30, subject to availability.
20. Semi-Formal – Asking About Overnight Buses
Context: A backpacker asks about late-night travel.
A: Are there any overnight buses to Edinburgh?
B: Yes, but they’re less frequent—only at 11 PM and 2 AM.
21. Informal – Sharing a Taxi
Context: Friends split a cab fare.
A: This Uber’s expensive—wanna split the fare?
B: Sure, I’ll Venmo you my half later.
22. Formal – Luggage Allowance Inquiry
Context: A passenger checks baggage rules.
A: What’s the maximum weight for checked luggage?
B: It’s 23kg, with a £50 fee for excess baggage.
23. Semi-Formal – Discussing Rush Hour
Context: Commuters talk about peak times.
A: Is the tube always this packed at 8 AM?
B: Yeah, rush hour is brutal—try leaving earlier.
24. Informal – Asking About Motorbike Rentals
Context: A traveler asks about renting a bike.
A: Can I rent a motorbike here without a license?
B: Nah, you need an international permit for that.
25. Formal – Business Class Lounge Access
Context: A traveler asks about lounge entry.
A: Does my priority pass grant me lounge access?
B: Yes, but only for three hours before departure.
26. Semi-Formal – Asking About Tram Tickets
Context: A visitor buys a tram ticket.
A: Should I buy a single or day pass?
B: If you’re making multiple trips, the day pass is better value.
27. Informal – Hitchhiker’s Request
Context: A hitchhiker asks for a ride.
A: You headed north? Mind if I hitch a ride?
B: Sure, but I’m only going as far as the next town.
28. Formal – Reporting a Taxi Overcharge
Context: A passenger complains about fare fraud.
A: The meter showed £20, but the driver charged £30.
B: Please provide the cab number, and we’ll investigate.
29. Semi-Formal – Asking About Electric Car Charging
Context: A driver looks for a charging station.
A: Are there any EV charging points nearby?
B: Yes, there’s a fast-charging station at the shopping center.
30. Informal – Late-Night Ride Home
Context: Friends arrange a ride after a party.
A: I’m way too drunk to drive—can you drop me off?
B: Yeah, no problem. Safety first!