Starting and Ending Conversations Lesson

Worksheet 1

Without looking at the worksheet below, hold up the Starting and Ending cards depending on what you hear.

Decide if each section below consists of phrases used near the start of conversations (S) or near the end (E)

A

I don’t think we’ve met before

I’ve been looking forward to meeting you

Is it your first time here?

Who are you here to see, please?

Delighted to meet you

Welcome to Veolia

Hi, I’m here to see Mr Koizumi

Pleased to meet you

How do you do

It’s great to see you again!

B

Thanks for having me

Give my love to William

Don’t forget to write

Don’t call us, we’ll call you

Promise to write everyday!

I never want to see you again!

C

Scram!

We had a lovely time

Never darken my doors again!

Get lost!

I’ll never forget you!

I’ll be back

Get out of here!

D

Long time no see

How’s it going?

How are things?

How was your weekend?

How’s business?

How’s your mother?

You’re looking good

You’re looking well

How’s life?

E

Thanks again

It was nice to meet you

Hope to see you again some time

I’ll email you tomorrow

See you on Wednesday

I’m sorry, we really must be going

I’m afraid I must be leaving

F

Do you want me to give you a lift to the airport?

Well, I don’t want to keep you any longer…

I’m really glad we had this time to talk

It was a pleasure meeting you

I’m terribly sorry, but I have a train to catch

This has been very productive, thank you

Send my regards to Mr Jones

G

Charmed, I’m sure

What’s a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?

What’s up, man?

Do you come here often?

You’re looking very sexy today

H

Make yourself at home

Can I get you anything?

I’m supposed to meet John Webster. Is that you, by any chance?

Did you have any trouble getting here?

We’ve spoken many times on the phone but this is the first time face to face, isn’t it?

I

Come on up, we’re on the third floor

Let me introduce myself

Please come in

Take a seat

Can I ask your name please?

How was your journey?

How was your flight?

J

I’ve got to make a move

Can you find your own way out?

I’ll be getting along then

I’ve got to shoot

Ciao

Catch you later!

Take care

Have a nice trip

K

Do you have a minute (to talk)?

Can I just have a word?

Did you have a good weekend?

Did you see the match last night?

L

I’ll let you get on then

I think that’s about all we need to do today

Thanks for your hospitality

So, I won’t keep you any longer

Could you possibly call me a taxi?

M

That’s it! I’ve had enough!

I’m out of here!

Get out of my sight!

I’m gonna shoot this joint

I can’t stand another minute of this!

N

Well, I think that about wraps it up

See you

Say ‘Hi’ to John from me

So, shall we call it a day?

I gotta dash.

Bon voyage

What are your plans for the weekend?

 

O

May I introduce you to my colleagues?

May I take your coat?

On behalf of our Chief Executive Officer, I’d like to welcome you to our plant

OK. Shall we get started?

Good afternoon. I have an appointment with Mr Miller.

Please call me Linda.

Which would you be happy using at the beginning and end of the conversation the first time you meet a client or supplier (business-like=B)? Which could you use with colleagues or other people you meet regularly (Friendly= F)? Which could you not use at work (Unprofessional= U)?  

Which are you most likely to use?

In the business-like sentences, which sentences are used by the host and which are used by the guest?

Starting and Ending Conversations

Worksheet 2- TOEIC-style listening

Listen and choose one correct response for each sentence

1.    It’s great to see you again

a)    Nice to meet you

b)    Thanks

c)     It’s great to see you too

2.    Can I get you anything?

a)    Yes, you can

b)    I’d love a cup of coffee

c)     No problem

3.    I’d love a cup of tea

a)    I get you one

b)    I’ll get you one

c)     I’m afraid

4.    How are you getting on?

a)    I’m fine, thank you

b)    How do you do.

c)     I’ve nearly finished.

5.    What do you do?

a)    I’m replacing the disk drive

b)    I’m in computers

c)     How do you do?

6.    I’ll be getting along then

a)    Okay. Thanks for coming

b)    That’s fine

c)     I’m getting along fine too

7.    Thanks for showing me around

a)    It doesn’t matter

b)    I don’t care

c)     It was a pleasure

8.    Long time no see

a)    Long time no see

b)    Yes

c)     Yes, it’s been two years, hasn’t it?

9.    How’s business?

a)    10% better than last year

b)    Very profitable

c)     Not bad

10.  Do you want me to give you a ride to the station?

a)    No, thanks

b)    That’s okay thanks, I already have a ticket for the bus

c)     It’s too much trouble

11.  I’m supposed to meet John Webster. Is that you, by any chance?

a)    I’m afraid not. Please take a seat and I’ll find him for you.

b)    Yes, I am.

c)     There’s no chance

12.  Can I just have a word?

a)    Just one word? Okay.

b)    Of course. Come in.

c)     Can I have one too?

13.  Thanks for your hospitality

a)    Thanks for coming.

b)    Thanks for being a guest.

c)     Thanks for being hospitalized.

14.  Take a seat

a)    Where to?

b)    Thanks. Is here okay?

c)     Yes I do.

15.  Have a good evening, then

a)    Good night

b)    Thanks, you too

c)     Yes, I will

 

Starting and Ending Conversations

Worksheet 3- Cards to hold up to show comprehension

Photocopy enough for two cards per S and cut up.

Meeting	Leaving
Meeting	Leaving
Meeting	Leaving
Meeting	Leaving

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PDF for easy saving and printing:  StartingEndingConversations

Related pages

Starting and ending conversations page

Simplest responses games blog post