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What It’s About
Two strangers get to know each other in Downsview Park in Toronto.
What’s Inside
- Warm-up Questions & Vocabulary
- Present Simple of “To Be” & There is/are
- Listening Practice
- Word Stress & Syllables
- Rhythm: Sentence Stress
- North American English Alphabet & Spelling
- Stop Consonants /p/ and /b/ – Watch the Sounds American videos on /p/ sound and /b/ sound
- Linking: Same Letters
- Intonation: Statements & Phone Numbers
- Reductions: it’s a, got to, Toronto
- Feelings & Attitude: Surprise
Sample Vocabulary Practice:
Listen to the words, turn the card over, read the definition and then practice saying the words out loud.
Sample Listening Practice:
Listen to the conversation and take notes, answer the questions and then click on “Read the Words in the Conversation” to read the transcript.
Click on the three dots of the audio player and then “Playback Speed” to play the conversation slower or faster.
Read the Words in the Conversation
Esther: Hi there. Do you mind if I sit here? It’s a great view.
Ruth: Yeah sure, no problem. Yeah, the view of the water is amazing here.
My name’s Esther by the way.
I’m Ruth. Nice to meet you.
Great to meet you too. You know, I’m actually new to Toronto, so I’m still exploring the city.
Oh really? Where are you from?
I’m from Vancouver. I’m a nurse. I’ve been here for three weeks now. What about you? What do you do?
Oh, I was born and raised in Toronto, and I’m an English teacher. I can see how the city might be overwhelming if you’re new here. Do you like it so far?
It’s pretty great. There’s a lot to do, but I don’t know where to start. Do you have any suggestions? What do you think I should check out, besides the CN Tower and the aquarium?
Well, for starters, there are lots of beautiful parks like Downsview in the city, and there’s a long waterfront path by the lake if you love walking.
Hey, I’m going to head down there this weekend. What’s the best park to visit?
That’s probably High Park, but you should also check other places like the Distillery District, Kensington Market, Yonge-Dundas Square, and different neighbourhoods too like Little Italy or Cabbagetown. Oh, are you a foodie? There are lots of great restaurants, all kinds of cuisine here.
Cool! Are there lots of Japanese spots? I love sushi!
More than you could try. I’d also recommend checking out the bar scene especially during patio season in the summer. And if you’re into art, there are lots of museums and galleries to go to as well, like the ROM or the AGO.
How about you? Do you like living in Toronto?
Most of the time, yes. The only thing that I don’t like is the TTC. That’s the transit system. It’s expensive, the subway doesn’t always run, but you get to work eventually. You know, if you want to get some more recommendations, we could exchange numbers. I’d be happy to share some more ideas.
Yeah? That’d be great. Ok, my number’s 647-834-9862.
Got it. I’ll send you a text so you have mine. Well, I got to run, but it was great talking to you.
Yeah, you too. Thank you so much for your help. I hope you have a great day.
You too. Talk to you later!
Sample Pronunciation Practice:
Listen to the examples of surprise, and then fill in the blanks with the missing words.
