Talking about Favorite Things

To talk about favorite things, we can use these expressions:

Expression
- What is your favorite subject? 

Response 
- It is…
- I like science very much.
- English is my favorite subject.

Expression 

- Do you like art?

Response 
- Yes, I do. It is enjoyable.
- No, I don’t. it is boring. 

Example:

Dialog 1

Toni : Do you like English?

Tono : Yes, I do.

Toni : Why?

Tono : It is very easy.



Dialog 2

Santi : Do you like geography?

Sekar : No, I don’t.

Santi : Why not?
Sekar : because I am not good at memorizing.



Dialog 3

Whenny : Hi, Ima. What are you doing?

Ima : Hi, Whenny. I am doing my homework.

Whenny : What homework?

Ima : Math.

Whenny : Oh, by the way, what is your favorite subject at school?

Ima : I like Math a lot.

Whenny : Why?

Ima : because I am good at Math. I always get good marks on it.

Whenny : that’s fantastic.

Ima : anyway, don’t you like Math?

Whenny : Yes, I don’t like Math.

Ima : Why not?

Whenny : I think it is very difficult.

Ima : So, what is your favorite subject?

Whenny : Art is my favorite subject.

Ima : why do you like it?

Whenny : because it is easy.



Ima : Oke.

Expressions of Disbelief

Expression of disbelief is an expression to refuse or be unable to believe something or somebody. When you feel disbelief, you can use the following expression:

Expression

- You won’t believe this, but…

- Do you know what!

- This may surprise you, but…

- I’ve got news for you!


Response 

- Really? I find that hard to believe.

- Are you joking?

- I don’t believe it.

- That’s what I thought too. (agree)

- It’s really unbelievable.

- How could it be?

- I can’t believe it.

Example:

Dialog 1
Jony : you may not believe that the earth is getting warmer.
Dessy : Really? I find that hard to believe.
Jony : I couldn’t believe it at first, but several days ago the news said that there was global warming.
Dessy : I can’t see that.

Dialog 2
Harry : Hi, Tony. What’s all this about, Tony?
Tony : We’ve got lots of rubbish on the beach, so we are cleaning up the beach now; we are picking up the rubbish.
Harry : I can’t believe that. Where is the rubbish from?
Tony : You may not believe it, but there are many people who throw rubbish in the beach. Generally, people who are walking around and looking at the beach ignore the notice “No Dumping of Rubbish”.
Harry : How about the governments?
Tony : I’m so disappointed about that. They aren’t concerned about it. Therefore, we are trying to help save the environment by ourselves. We are Eco-Friends.
Harry : What’s that?
Tony : it’s a club of teenagers who are trying to help save the environment. One of the tasks is cleaning the beach. Do you want to join me this weekend?
Harry : Ok, it should be fun.

Asking for and giving permission expression

Asking For Permission

For example:

• Can I use your phone?
• May I use your phone?
• Do you mind if I sit here?
• Is it okay if I use this?
• Is it all right if I leave early?
• Is it okay if Bill comes along?
• Is it okay if I drink my tea here?
• Can I borrow your pen a minute?

more polite:
- Could I use your phone?

more colloquial:
- is it ok if I use your phone?
- is it alright if I use your phone?

Giving Permission

For example:

• Yes, of course
• Of course you can
• Of course you may
• No, go ahead.
• Yes, no problem

more polite:
- Of course, please do.

more colloquial:
- Yes, sure
- Sure!

Refusing Permission

For example:

• Sorry, you can't
• No, I'm afraid it's not allowed.
• Yes, I do mind, actually.

more polite:
- I'm very sorry but...

more colloquial:
- No, sorry
- Nope!

rude:
- No way!

Dialog

At the Library

Dona : Good afternoon, Madam?
Librarian : Good afternoon, Dona. What can I do for you?

Dona : I need to get some information on animal cells.
Librarian : What is it for, Dona?

Dona : I have to make a presentation of animal cells in the seminar next week.
Librarian : That’s fine

Dona : Could you tell me where I can get it, Madam?
Librarian : Look at that last cupboard. It’s marked

Dona : Oh, I see. May I borrow it for a day or two?
Librarian : Sorry, the reference books are not for lending.

Dona : There is no place around. May I sit here and take notes?
Librarian : Yes, you may.

Dona : Thank you, Madam.
Librarian : You’re welcome.


At the Classroom

Hery : Hi Dhea, what are doing now?
Dhea : Hi, Hery. I’m reading a novel.

Hery : What novel?
Dhea : It’s Harry Potter.

Hery : Wow, It’s awesome. May I borrow your novel after you finish reading?
Dhea : Sorry, I have to take back this novel to the library this afternoon.

Hery : Oh, never mind. Do you have another novel?
Dhea : No, I don’t have. But I have some comics.

Hery : Can I borrow your comic?
Dhea : Yes, of course.

Hery : Thank you
Dhea : you’re welcome.

How to express asking for and giving opinion

Here are the example of asking for and giving opinion:

Asking Opinion	Giving Opinion
What do you think about my bag?	I think it is suitable for you. I think it is very good. I think it is wonderful. I think it is cute.
What is your opinion about Parangtritis beach?	In my opinion, it is very beautiful In my opinion, it is cool. In my opinion, your shoes are nice. In my opinion, my mother is very kind.

Example:

Dialog 1

Situation: there are three students who talk about their opinion of the photo album in the library in their school.

Student A : where are you going?

Student B : I want to go the library. Would you join me?

Student A : of course.

Student C : I went there this morning. I found an interesting thing.

Student A : what is it?

Students C : the photo albums of the alumnus in this school.

Students B : what do you think about the pictures?

Students C : I think it is very old and it is funny.

Students A : I don’t think so. I have seen it. I think it is cool.

Student B : I haven’t seen the picture.

Student C : why don’t you see the pictures?

Students B : I only read the book and novel when I enter the library.

Student A : it is great. The books are also cool and useful.

Student B : that’s right. Let’s go to the library and ask the librarian to show us the pictures.

Student C : let’s go.

Dialog 2

Situation: there are two students who talk about Facebook and Blackberry.

Yohana : Dwi, I have 2 things to ask you.
Dwitiya : What is it about?

Yohana : Something interesting about Facebook and Blackberry.
Dwitiya : Very interesting. What are going to ask?

Yohana : What do you think of Facebook?
Dwitiya : It's fun. I have a facebook account you know. I use it to get in touch with a lot of friends.

Yohana : Is it fun? Why do you think so?
Dwitiya : Yea. I can meet someone online. I can play game when feel bored.

Yohana : OK. The second question is about Blackberry.
Dwitiya : I think Blacberry is cool, but I don't really like it.

Yohana : Why?
Dwitiya : I can't stand to see someone to stay his eyes on the phone. It looks busy. But, It's not useful.

Yohana : Do you want to have it?
Dwitiya : I had it. But, I returned to my parent. I don't like to be disturbed by anyone through BBM and email

Yohana : Ow, nice. Thanks for your opinion.
Dwitiya : Why do you ask those things?

Yohana : I have a task from my teacher to make an interview.
Dwitiya : that is cool, Yohana!

Introducing Oneself and Someone to Other People

Introducing Oneself

a. To introduce oneself/ yourself in a formal situation you may say:

• May I introduce myself? I am Kania/ My name is Kania. I am the Sales Manager.
• Let me introduce myself. My name is David. I am English teacher.
• Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Siska Ayunigtyas. I am an expert in economic.

b. To introduce oneself in an informal situation you may say:

• Hello! My name is Arlina. I am a lecturer.
• Hi! I am Terry. I am a new student here.
• Excuse me, my name is Tata.
• Hello! This is Wena’s speaking (speaking on the telephone)
• How do you do? I don’t think we’ve met before. My name is Saskia. I am a dentist.

Examples:

A : Hello, I am Lisa Pribadi. What’s your name?
B : My name is Rani Siregar. How do you do?
A : How do you do?

Teacher : Good morning, boys and girls.
Students : Good morning, Sir.
Teacher : My name is Huda. I am thirty years old. I live at Jalan Ahmad Yani.

X : What is your name?
Y : Lia.
X : How old are you?
Y : I am twelve years old.
X : Where do you live?
Y : I live in Yogyakarta.

Introducing Someone to Other People

a. To introduce someone in a formal situation you may say:

• I’d like to introduce you to Mrs. Santi.
• Dian, let me introduce you to….
• Mr. Andi, may I introduce you to….
• Mr. Smith, allow me to introduce you to Miss…..

b. To introduce someone in a formal situation you may say:

1. Rani, this is Alex.
2. Tedi, I want you to meet Runik.
3. Oh, Bayu, I’d like you to meet….
4. By the way, do you know each other? Runik and Tedi.

Examples:

Mr. Surya : Hello, Lusi.
Mrs. Lusi : Hello, Surya.
Mr. Surya : Lusi, this is my new friend, His name is Doni. He is a company director.
Mrs. Lusi : Hi, Doni.
Mr. Doni : Hello, Lusi. How do you do? Nice to meet you.
Mrs. Lusi : How do you do? Nice to meet you, too.

Mr. Yunus : Hi, David. I would like to introduce my brother. His name is Yopi.
Mr. David : How do you do, Yopi?
Mr. Yopi : How do you do? Glad to see you.
Mr. David : Glad to see you, too.

Talking about Hot or Interesting News

People in the world must be talk about something. The most things they like is talking about an interesting or a hot news. To talk about that, you can use these expressions:

• I predict that….
• I guess that….
• I am sure that….
• Have you ever noticed that….
• I believe that….
• I should have told her that….
• I assume that….
• Do you have any idea how ….
• I can prove that….
• Do you think that….
• I predict that….
• Could you tell me what….
• I guess that….
• I discovered that….
• I suppose that….
• I don’t know if….
• I suspect that….
• I’ve heard that…

Example dialog

Ananta : Densa, What’s the matter?
Densa : I’m upset. I have to stay in after school.

Ananta : Why?
Densa : Miss. Aminah got mad at me this morning.

Ananta : What for?
Densa : I was late

Ananta : Why were you late?
Densa : My Dad saw me smoking in my bedroom. He was very angry. I couldn’t leave my house until he left for work.

Ananta : But you told Miss Aminah that you overslept.
Densa : I know. I didn’t want her to know that I’m a drug addict.

Ananta : I think that you should stop it before your parents know.
Densa : I think that you are right

Expressing Compliment and Congratulation

What is Compliment?
Compliment is an expression that we show or say to express/give praise. Some people use compliments to “butter up” somebody or to flatter in order to increase good will. Complement is for anyone you have occasion to talk with (friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers).

Complement is express to praise about:

• the way people’s look/ general appearance
• something people have 
• something people did 
• something people said 

The Expression of Complement:

• That’s a beautiful dress!
• What a lovely shoes!
• You did very well
• You are a good cook
• You look charming in that dress 

The Responses of Compliment:

• Thank you
• Really? Thanks
• Thank you for saying so
• I am glad you like it
• I am glad you enjoyed it

Example:

Dyan : That’s lovely bag, Mika. Is it new?

Mika : Yes, it is. It’s a gift from my mother.

Dyan : Wow..it is really suits on you.

Mika : Really? Thank you Dyan.



Teacher : This is good composition, Gerry.

Gerry : Thank you, Sir. I had work very hard on it. Because the topic was not very familiar to me.

Teacher : You did a very good job.

Gerry : Thank you, Sir



1. What is Congratulation?
Congratulation is an expression that we use to give the congratulation utterance when he/she success in doing something.

Kinds of Congratulations:

• Congratulation of someone’s success
• Happy Birthday
• Merry Christmas
• Happy New Year
• Happy Valentine
• Happy Anniversary

The expression of Congratulation

• Congratulation!
• Congratulation on your promotion
• Congratulation for your graduate
• I would like to congratulate you ….
• I must congratulate you ….
• Let me congratulate on your success

The Responses of congratulation:

• Thank you
• Thanks, I hope you so 
• Thanks, I needed that
• It’s very kind of you to say that
• Do you really think so?

Example:

Syamma : Congratulations on your 15th birthday, Wulana.

Wulana : Thank you, Syamma.

Syamma : You look charming in that black gown.

Wulana : Thank you for saying so, you look charming too.



Aunt : I heard you have passed your English exam, is it true?

Poppy : Yes, aunt.

Aunt : Congratulation for your exam, Poppy.

Poppy : Thank you very much, aunt.

Aunt : So, what is your plan after that?

Poppy : I plant to go to the vocational school, aunt.

Aunt : Good.

How to Making an Appointment

We can use the expression below to arrange an appointment:

- I’d like to speak to…, please.

- I’d like to get an appointment.

- I’d like to ask for…

- I’d like to make an appointment.

- I’d like to arrange an appointment.


To cancel an appointment, we can say:

- We had an appointment this evening, but I’m afraid I have to cancel it.

- I can not keep the appointment.

- I’m sorry; I won’t be able to keep the appointment.

- I have to break the appointment.

- I have to change the appointment.


If we are in doubt whether we can keep the appointment or not, we usually use a conditional sentence.

- If it rains, we will stay home.


The world conditional is also sometimes used as a name for verb forms constructed with the auxiliary verb should/would (and sometimes could and might)

- It would be nice if she would stop talking for a little bit.

Example:

Teacher : Hello. This is SMA Melati. Good Morning.

Mr. Budi : Good Morning, Budi Speaking here, I’d like to make an appointment to see the principal tomorrow at ten o’clock.

Teacher : I’m sorry, Sir, but he is busy this week. What about net Monday?

Mr. Budi : I see. What date is next Monday?

Teacher : it’s the seventeenth, Sir.

Mr. Budi : May I see him on Saturday the fifteenth?

Teacher : He’ll have a meeting on Saturday, Sir. Butt, if there’s a cancellation of his previous appointment, you may be able to see him sooner. So, would you mind giving your name and telephone number, Sir? We’ll ring you if there’s a cancellation in his schedule.

Mr. Budi : Yes, My name is Budi and telephone number is 213449545

Teacher : Thank you, Sir. May we know what the nature of your business, Sir?

Mr. Budi : Well, I’d like to discuss my daughter, Nina.

Teacher : Thank you, Sir. So, your appointment will be on Monday the seventeenth at 10 o’clock, `Sir.

Mr. Budi : All right. Thank you very much. Good bye.

Teacher : Good bye, Sir. Thanks for calling.

Expression for Agreeing and Disagreeing

The way people agree or disagree in an argument or discussion varies in different languages.

Expressing Agreement/ Agreeing
It is worthwhile saying that silence is not understood as agreement. If you agree with an opinion or an idea, you are expected to say so.

• I agree with you 100 percent.
• I couldn't agree with you more.
• That's so true.
• That's for sure.
• (slang) Tell me about it!
• You're absolutely right.
• Absolutely.
• That's exactly how I feel.
• Exactly.
• I'm afraid I agree with James.
• I have to side with Dad on this one.
• No doubt about it.
• (agree with negative statement) Me neither.
• (weak) I suppose so./I guess so.
• You have a point there.
• I was just going to say that.

Expressing Disagreement/ Disagreeing:
Expressing disagreement is always respected as honest, and sometimes as courageous.

• I don't think so.
• (strong) No way.
• I'm afraid I disagree.
• (strong) I totally disagree.
• I beg to differ.
• (strong) I'd say the exact opposite.
• Not necessarily.
• That's not always true.
• That's not always the case.
• No, I'm not so sure about that.

Example Dialog

Ame l: I think that the company retreat should be in the mountains this year.
Bud i: What a great idea!
Amel : January would be a good month for a mountain retreat.
Budi : I like the mountain idea, but I am not so sure about the month of January.
Amel : You know, now that I think about it, you might be right.
Budi : April might be nice. It is far enough away to make the necessary arrangements.
Amel : That is a good suggestion.
Budi : We could ask everyone what would be the best time for them.
Amel : Yes, that would let us know what would work best.
Budi : I'll put the survey online this afternoon.

Example Conversation: How to Be a Good Listener

To be a good listener, you have to pay attention to the following things:

1. Listen carefully to what the speaker is saying.
2. Show your attention to the speaker.
3. Give the appropriate response to what the speaker said.

To start conversation, you can greet the person by saying

• Hi, how are you doing?
• Hallo, how are you?

In the conversation, the person might tell you some information or his/her problem. Here are some expressions you can use to show your attention:

1. Positive responses

• I see.
• Well, it’s nice.
• That’s interesting.
• I’m glad to hear that.

2. Negative responses

• Oh, what a pity.
• How terrible.
• I’m sorry to hear that.
• That’s too bad.

In the end of the conversation, close it by saying:

• Thank you for listening.
• Thank for your suggestion.
• Good luck.
• See you.
• We’ll talk again later.

Example dialog:

Indra : Excuse me, Mr. Budi. I’d like to take a few days off.
Mr. Budi : Why? What’s the matter, Indra?
Indra : Well, my father is ill. He is going to have an operation.
Mr. Budi : Oh, dear. I’m sorry to hear that. How long will you be away?
Indra : I hope to be back next Monday.
Mr. Budi : That’s alright, Indra. And I hope your father gets better soon.
Indra : Thank you, Mr. Budi.
Mr. Budi : Never mind.

Example Dialog for Meeting, Greeting and Leave Takings

Greeting is what we say when we meet our friends and people who are close to us. The usual formal greeting is a “How do you do?” and a firm handshake, but with a lighter touch between men and women. ‘How do you do?’ is a greeting not a question and the correct response is to repeat ‘How do you do?' You say this when shaking hands with someone.

First person : "How do you do?"
Second person : " How do you do?"

'How are you?' is a question and the most common and polite response is "I am fine thank you and you?"

First person : "How are you?"
Second person : "I am fine thank you and you?"

Nice to meet you – Nice to meet you too. (Often said whilst shaking hands)
Delighted to meet you– Delighted to meet you too.
Pleased to meet you – Pleased to meet you too. .
Glad to meet you - Glad to meet you too
Good Morning / Good Afternoon / Good Evening

For informal greeting people usually use “Hi” or “hello”, Morning / Afternoon / Evening ( We drop the word 'Good' in informal situations). Or

First person : How are you?
Second person : Fine, thanks. You?


The other expressions are:

Expressions	Response
1.      Greetings -        Good afternoon. -        How nice to see you! -        What a surprise! -        Hi, Angel. -        How are you doing? -        Long time no see	-        Good afternoon. -        Nice to see you, too. -        Yeah, it’s been a quite a long time. -        Hi, Glenn. -        Pretty good. OK. -        Yeah
2.      Pre-closing -        Well, I’m afraid I’ve got to go now. -        I really must go now. -        Well. It’s getting late. -        I know you’re busy. -        Maybe we could get together some times. -        Nice to see you. -        Great to see you. -        Got to go now.	-        Thank you for coming. -        Maybe we can talk again some times -        Sounds good. -        Same here. -        Great to see you. -        See you
3.      Closing/ partings -        Good night. -        See you next time. -        Good bye. -        See you later.	-        Good night. -        Goodbye. -        Bye -        So long/ take care of yourself.

Example:

Dialog 1
Jeny : Hello, I’m Jeny.
Miss Eli : Pleased to meet you, Jeny. Call me Miss Eli. I am an English teacher.
Jeny : Really? I like in English, but I’m not very good in it.
Miss Eli : Don’t worry. You just talk without being afraid of making mistakes.
Jenny : Thanks for your advice, Miss. I’ll try.

Dialog 2
Selly : Hi, I am Sellly.
Joana : Hi, I am Joana. Are you from Jakarta?
Selly : I was born here, but I grew up in Bandung. What class are you in? I am in 1A.
Joana : Oh great, me too.

Example Sentences Asking for Help

We know that people in the world cannot life without the others. People will share any things with others, such as information, education and many things. In doing something, people are not always doing it alone, they sometimes need a help from another one.

Here are some expressions you can use to ask for help:

• Could you do me a favor?
• Would you be able to…?
• Can I ask for your help?
• Could you please…?
• Would you please?

Response (+)
It means that the people who you ask to help you are going to help you in doing something. They usually say:

• Certainly.
• Sure, what is it?
• Of course.
• OK. What can I do for you?

Response (-)
Sometimes people have another business and they cannot help you to do something, they usually say:

• I’m sorry I’m busy.
• Sorry, but I have to do something else.
• I’m very sorry, but I’m afraid I can’t.

Example

Dialog 1
Brian : Can I ask you a favor?
Simon : of course.
Brian : would you be able to return this book to the library for me, please? It’s overdue.
Brian : I’m going there this afternoon.
Simon : thanks a lot.
Brian : you’re welcome. It’s no problem.

Dialog 2
Vani : Can I ask for your help?
Dhea : sure. What is it?
Vani : Could you post these letters for me? I won’t be able to go to the post office this morning.
Dhea : Certainly.
Vani : Thank you very much.
Dhea : no problem.