Lesson: Useful Phrases for Learning English

A group of diverse adult students learning together in a classroom, looking engaged.

Activity I: Vocabulary

Activity II: Reading

When you are learning English, knowing some useful phrases can make your learning journey much smoother and more enjoyable. These phrases are like tools that help you understand better, ask for help, and participate more actively in conversations or classes. For adult beginners, using these phrases can build confidence and show that you are eager to learn. It's important to remember that everyone who learns a new language needs to ask questions sometimes.

One of the most common situations is when you don't understand something. Instead of staying quiet, you can say, "I don't understand." This is a clear and simple way to let someone know you need more explanation. You can also ask, "Can you please repeat that?" if you didn't hear or catch what was said. If the person is speaking too fast, a polite phrase is, "Can you please speak more slowly?" People are usually happy to help if they know what you need.

Sometimes you might hear a new word or phrase. To learn it, you can ask, "What does [word/phrase] mean?" This shows you are paying attention and want to expand your vocabulary. If you need to know how to write a word, you can ask, "How do you spell that?" This is very helpful for taking notes or remembering new words correctly. Don't be afraid to ask these questions; they are a normal part of learning. Your teacher or friends will appreciate your effort.

Practicing English is key, and you can also use phrases to help with this. For example, you might say, "Can we practice this?" or "How do you say [word in your language] in English?" Using these phrases regularly will not only help you learn specific words or grammar but also make you more comfortable speaking English in different situations. Remember, these phrases are helpful tools, so use them often!

Activity III: Role Play (In an English Class)

Instructions: Practice the dialogue with a partner. One person is the Student, and the other is the Teacher.

Student: Excuse me, Teacher.
Teacher: Yes, how can I help you?
Student: I don't understand this word, "enthusiastic."
Teacher: "Enthusiastic"? It means feeling very excited and interested in something.
Student: Oh, I see. Can you please repeat that slowly?
Teacher: Of course. En-thu-si-as-tic. It means very excited.
Student: Thank you. And how do you spell "enthusiastic"?
Teacher: It's spelled E-N-T-H-U-S-I-A-S-T-I-C.
Student: Got it. What does "practice makes perfect" mean? It's a common phrase.
Teacher: That's a good question! It means if you do something many times, you will become very good at it.
Student: So, if I practice English every day, I will get better?
Teacher: Exactly! That's the idea. Very good.
Student: Can we practice asking questions like this more often?
Teacher: Yes, that's a helpful idea. We can do that.
Student: Thank you, Teacher. This is very helpful.
Teacher: You're welcome! Keep asking questions.

Activity IV: Let's Practice

Use Helpful Phrases.

Imagine you are in an English class or talking with an English speaker. Think of three situations where you might need help. Practice using the phrases you learned. For example: Ask someone to repeat something, ask for the meaning of a word, or ask them to speak more slowly.