11th Grade Unit 2 Speaking

"Students will be able to ask and answer questions about their present and past abilities."

**Teacher:** Hi everyone, today we're going to practice talking about our abilities in the present and the past. Let's start with some questions. Sarah, what is something you can do really well now?

**Sarah:** Well, I can play the guitar pretty well now. I've been practicing a lot this year.

**Teacher:** That's great! And what about when you were younger? Could you play any musical instruments?

**Sarah:** No, I couldn't play any instruments when I was younger. I only started learning the guitar two years ago.

**Teacher:** Interesting! How about you, David? Is there anything new that you’ve learned to do well recently?

**David:** Yes, I can cook different types of cuisine now. I've been taking cooking classes.

**Teacher:** That's impressive! Could you cook well when you were a child?

**David:** No, back then I couldn't cook at all. My parents did all the cooking.

**Teacher:** Thanks for sharing. Now, let's ask each other some questions pairwise about what you could and can do.

**Sarah:** David, can you speak any languages other than English now?

**David:** Yes, I can speak Spanish quite fluently now. And you, Sarah? Could you speak any languages besides English when you were in elementary school?

**Sarah:** Actually, yes, I could speak a little French back then. My mom taught me the basics.

**Teacher:** Great job, both of you! Keep practicing asking and answering questions like this with your classmates.

"Students will be able to take part in a dialogue about likes dislikes, interests and preferences."

Lisa: Hi Tom! What do you like to do in your free time?

Tom: Hi Lisa! I like playing video games. What about you?

Lisa: I prefer reading books. It's so relaxing!

Tom: That sounds nice! What kind of books do you enjoy?

Lisa: I enjoy mystery novels. They are exciting!

Tom: I would rather play action games than read. They are more fun for me.

Lisa: I understand. Video games can be very fun! 

Tom: Do you want to try playing a video game with me sometime?

Lisa: Sure! I would like to try!

Sam: Hey, Taylor! Are you planning to do anything special this weekend?

Taylor: Hi Sam! I was thinking about going to the art exhibit downtown. I prefer visiting galleries over staying home all day. What about you?

Sam: I’d rather spend the day outside, honestly. If I had to choose, I’d prefer hiking in the hills.

Taylor: That sounds nice too. Fresh air and exercise can be so refreshing. But I would rather immerse myself in art sometimes. It’s inspiring.

Sam: I get that. I guess it’s all about what you’re in the mood for. Would you be up for a hike next weekend? 

Taylor: Sure, I’d prefer doing it then since this weekend is packed. It could be a nice change of pace!

Sam: Great! I’ll start planning for next weekend. I’d rather prepare and make it fun.

Taylor: Awesome! Let’s chat more about the details soon.

Students will be able to make an appointment on the phone.

James: Hello, is this the HR department?

HR Manager: Yes, it is. How can I help you today?

James: Hi! My name is James Parker. I recently applied for the marketing position.

HR Manager: Nice to meet you, James! Thank you for your application. Would you like to schedule a job interview?

James: Yes, please! I would like to know when I can come in for the interview.

HR Manager: We have some openings this week. How does Thursday or Friday work for you?

James: I can come in on Thursday. What time should I arrive?

HR Manager: We have a slot at 10 AM. Does that work for you?

James: Yes, that works very well.

HR Manager: Perfect! Can I have your email address for confirmation?

James: Sure! It’s jamesparker@email.com.

HR Manager: Thank you, James. Your interview is confirmed for Thursday at 10 AM. 

James: Thank you very much! I’m looking forward to it.

HR Manager: You’re welcome! Good luck, and we’ll see you on Thursday!

James: Thank you! Goodbye!

HR Manager: Goodbye!

Quiz 

1. **Role Play Scenario**: Imagine you need to make a doctor's appointment. How would you start the conversation on the phone? What details would you need to provide?

2. **Polite Phrasing**: What are some polite ways to ask for an appointment time that suits you?

3. **Confirming Details**: How would you confirm the date and time of your appointment during the call?

4. **Cancelling and Rescheduling**: If you need to cancel your appointment and reschedule for another date, how would you communicate this over the phone?

5. **Handling Unavailability**: If the time slot you wanted is unavailable, how would you ask for alternative times or express flexibility?

6. **Asking for Directions**: How would you ask for directions to the office or facility where your appointment is scheduled?

7. **Special Requests**: If you have a special request (e.g., you need an interpreter or specific accommodations), how would you mention this during the appointment call?

8. **Thanking and Closing the Call**: What are some ways to thank the person you're speaking with and close the call politely?

9. **Clarification**: If you did not understand certain information during the call, how would you ask for clarification?

10. **Expressing Urgency**: How would you communicate if you have an urgent need to see the professional (doctor, lawyer, etc.) sooner than later?

Sample Answers 

Easy

1. **Role Play Scenario**:  

   "Hi, I’m [Your Name]. I want to make an appointment with Dr. Smith. What times do you have available?"

2. **Polite Phrasing**:  

   "Can I have an appointment on Friday afternoon, please?"

3. **Confirming Details**:  

   "Is my appointment on Tuesday, November 14th at 3:00 PM?"

4. **Cancelling and Rescheduling**:  

   "I need to cancel my appointment on Tuesday. Can we choose another day?"

5. **Handling Unavailability**:  

   "If Wednesday morning is not available, can I come later that day or on Thursday?"

6. **Asking for Directions**:  

   "Can you tell me how to get to your office?"

7. **Special Requests**:  

   "I need an interpreter for my appointment. Can you help with that?"

8. **Thanking and Closing the Call**:  

   "Thanks for your help. See you on the 15th. Bye!"

9. **Clarification**:  

   "Sorry, can you tell me the address again?"

10. **Expressing Urgency**:  

    "I need to see Dr. Smith soon. Is there an early appointment?"

Advanced 

1. **Role Play Scenario**:  

   "Hi, I’m [Your Name]. I want to make an appointment with Dr. Smith. What times do you have available?"

2. **Polite Phrasing**:  

   "Can I have an appointment on Friday afternoon, please?"

3. **Confirming Details**:  

   "Is my appointment on Tuesday, November 14th at 3:00 PM?"

4. **Cancelling and Rescheduling**:  

   "I need to cancel my appointment on Tuesday. Can we choose another day?"

5. **Handling Unavailability**:  

   "If Wednesday morning is not available, can I come later that day or on Thursday?"

6. **Asking for Directions**:  

   "Can you tell me how to get to your office?"

7. **Special Requests**:  

   "I need an interpreter for my appointment. Can you help with that?"

8. **Thanking and Closing the Call**:  

   "Thanks for your help. See you on the 15th. Bye!"

9. **Clarification**:  

   "Sorry, can you tell me the address again?"

10. **Expressing Urgency**:  

    "I need to see Dr. Smith soon. Is there an early appointmpolitenesAd

1. **Role Play Scenario**:  

   "Hello, this is [Your Name]. I would like to make an appointment with Dr. Smith, please. Can you tell me what times are available?"

2. **Polite Phrasing**:  

   "Could you let me know if there are any openings on Friday afternoon? I would really appreciate it."

3. **Confirming Details**:  

   "So, just to confirm, I have an appointment on Tuesday, November 14th at 3:00 PM, correct?"

4. **Cancelling and Rescheduling**:  

   "Unfortunately, I need to cancel my appointment for next Tuesday. Could we reschedule for a later date?"

5. **Handling Unavailability**:  

   "I understand Wednesday morning is fully booked. Do you have any other times available later that day or possibly Thursday?"

6. **Asking for Directions**:  

   "Could you please provide me with directions to your office? I want to make sure I find it easily."

7. **Special Requests**:  

   "When I come in, I'll need an interpreter. Could you arrange for someone to be available during my appointment?"

8. **Thanking and Closing the Call**:  

   "Thank you so much for your help. I look forward to seeing you on the 15th. Have a great day!"

9. **Clarification**:  

   "I'm sorry, could you repeat the address? I want to make sure I wrote it down correctly."

10. **Expressing Urgency**:  

    "I have a bit of an urgent situation and was hoping to see Dr. Smith sometime this week if possible. Is there any way to fit me in sooner?"

Students will be able to talk about future plans and predictions.

1. **Simple Future Plans:**

   - What are your plans for the weekend? 

   - Are you planning to travel anywhere this year? Tell me about it.

   - What are you going to do after this class?

2. **Career and Education:**

   - What job do you want to have in the future, and why?

   - Have you thought about what you want to study in school or university? What is it?

3. **Predicting Future Trends:**

   - How do you think technology will change in the next 10 years?

   - What do you think the world will be like in 50 years?

4. **Personal Future Aspirations:**

   - What is one skill you would like to learn in the future? Why?

   - Do you think you will live in a different country someday? Why or why not?

5. **Social and Environmental Predictions:**

   - What do you think will happen to the environment in the future?

   - How do you think people's lifestyles will be different in 20 years?

6. **Plans for Personal Improvement:**

   - What is something new you would like to try in the next year?

   - Are you planning to start a new hobby? What and why?

7. **Specific Prediction Questions:**

   - Do you think people will still use paper books in the future? Why or why not?

   - What do you think transportation will be like in 2050?