English for Conversation

Interactive lessons to practice vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation

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Why Study English Here?

  • Learn the features of the North American spoken English

  • Gain confidence in your pronunciation

  • Understand fast speech in ordinary conversation

  • Talk more fluently at work, school, and with strangers

  • Know why and how to use grammar

  • Read and listen better for the smaller details

  • Gain knowledge about beginner, intermediate and advanced topics

  • Learn about living in Canada & the U.S.

  • Study whenever you like!

Try Episode 1 Below

Greetings & Introductions

In This Lesson…

Two strangers get to know each other in Downsview Park in Toronto

Vocabulary

Listen to the following words and repeat after me.


Like what you see?

Grammar

Why do we use “To Be”? Look at these examples: 1) I am a student. 2) They are in the library. 3) It’s a dog.

a) to talk about routines, habits, and facts

b) to describe people, places, and things

c) to say something exists or is present

d) to describe an action happening now or for a period of time

We use “To Be” b) to describe people, place, and things.

RulesExample
Positive Sentence: Subject + Be
I am, I’m / You are, You’re / (S)he is, (S)he’s / It is, It’s / We are, We’re / They are, They’re / You are, You’re
I am a teacher. It’s beautiful. We’re in the park.
Negative Sentence: Subject + Be + Not
I am not, I’m not / You are not, You’re not / (S)he is not, (S)he’s not / It is not, It’s not / We are not, We’re not / They are not, They’re not
He’s not late. They’re not friends. She’s not at the movies.
Yes/No Question: Be + Subject?Is the game a new one? Are you in the library? Am I right?
Wh- Question: Wh- word + Be + Subject?
Wh- words: What, who, where, when, why, how many, how long, how far, how much, etc.
Where is she? What are those? Where am I?

 

Practice

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Listening Practice

Listen to the conversation, answer the questions below, and then listen again with the transcript.

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!

 

Pronunciation

Word Stress

Stop Consonants

Practice: Identify the words and sentences said in this interactive presentation.

Practice: Listen to these lines from the conversation, especially the stop consonants, and practice them yourself.

  1. Yeah sure, no problem.
  2. That’d be great.
  3. That’s probably High Park.
  4. There’s a long waterfront path by the lake.
  5. What’s the best park to visit?

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