ASK JOHN ENGLISH » Beginner

Can you say no?

John — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:41:21 +0000

How to say ‘NO’!

Do you know how to say ‘no’? Sometimes it can be difficult! Especially if someone really pushes for you to say ‘yes’.

Today, let’s look at a common way to say ‘no’. It is also polite!

“No thanks, I’m alright.” OR “No thanks, I’m right.”

Example:
Q: Would you like some tea?A: No thank you.

Q: Oh, go on! It is very nice tea!

A: No really, thank you, but I’m alright.

Remember: It is okay to say ‘no’. In fact, I think it is very important to say ‘no’! If you say ‘yes’ all the time, people will treat you badly!

Today’s sentence is a very clear, polite way to say ‘no’. Try it for yourself!

Question: Do you know any other ways to say ‘no’ politely?

Practice: Would you like some beer?

Put your answer in the comments!

Business – Answering the telephone

John — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:38:36 +0000

Today, let’s look at how to introduce yourself on the telephone.

When you answer the phone in English, what should you say?

A) Hello, I am John speaking.

B) Hello, this is John speaking.

C) G’day, John is talking.

The correct answer is: B!

Yes! On the phone we us the phrase ”This is …. speaking”.

So how about in business calls?

The same thing! The phone rings… You can say:

“Australia Corporation, this is John speaking. How may I help you?”

PRACTICE:

IN THE COMMENTS, RECORD YOURSELF ANSWERING THE PHONE.

You can either TYPE your answer, or RECORD yourself using ‘add audio only comment’. (You need a microphone to record yourself!)

HAVE A TRY!

Meeting people in English

John — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:06:30 +0000

Today, let’s talk about how to meet people who speak English!

It can be hard to make new friends, even if they speak your own language!

Q: So how can I find friends who speak English?

A: Well, first of all, remember English speakers are people, just like you! You may find it very difficult if you think, “I am going to go and find an English speaker and become friends to practice my English!”

Just like making friends in your own country, you need to make friends naturally!

Q: How can I meet new people and make friends?

Usually, people make friends with people who have:

the same experiences or background
the same interests

Example:

Same experiences or background?
- Maybe you are going to the same school, or work together.
Same interests:
- Maybe you play the same sport, or like the same kind of music.

Places to meet friends:

At work?
At school
Join a sports club
Join a social group, such as a church or youth group
Join a volunteer organisation?

Remember: Go somewhere safe to make friends. I don’t recommend you try to make friends in bars and pubs!

Question: Where do you go to make new friends?

Have you made any friends on this site? How did you meet them?

Put your answer in the comments!

Making Friends in English

John — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:02:23 +0000

Today, let’s talk about making friends!

To make friends, you need to start by talking to someone! But how can you start a conversation in English with someone you don’t know?

To answer that question, you should think about how you make friends in your native language.

Usually you will start by talking about something that you both have in common. Some examples include:

something that is happening around you (for example, if you are at a bus stop you can talk about the time of the bus, if you are at school you can talk about your class, if you are at a party you can talk about the food or drinks or music)
the weather.

So, don’t be shy! Try to start a conversation today!

Quick Quiz:

What would be the best way to start a conversation? Say:

A. Hello, I am from Japan. Please teach me English. I can teach you Japanese.

B. Hello, where are you from?

Put your answer in the comments! I will give you the answer next week.

Do you like soap operas?

John — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:57:58 +0000

Today, let’s talk about TV!

There are many kinds of programs on TV:

drama
soap opera
comedy
documentary
current affairs

ACTIVITY:

1) What do these words mean? Write an explanation of each one, and if you can give some examples of some famous TV programs!

2) What kind of TV shows do you like to watch most? I like comedy. I hate soap operas!

Let’s buy salmon!

John — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:37:12 +0000

Today, let’s go shopping for salmon!In Australia, you can buy salmon either in a fish shop or in a supermarket.

The fish is fresh and a shop assistant will help you get the piece you want.

Let’s look at a conversation at the fish counter:

Shop assistant: Next please!

John: Can I have one piece of salmon please?

Shop Assistant: Which piece do you want?

John: This small piece at the front. (hint: point to the piece you want!)

Shop Assistant: This one?

John: No the one above it.

Shop Assistant: Oh, this one?

John: Yes, that’s the one. Thank you!

QUESTION: Do you buy the food for your house? Is it the same in your country?

After you choose what you want the shop assistant will weigh it, wrap it up and give it to you.

Then you take it to the check out counter to pay!