English Learning Podcast Conversation Episode 1 | Elementary | Easy English Podcast For Beginners

Summary

This English learning podcast focuses on asking for favors in a workplace setting. Hosts Marco and Erica introduce key phrases and vocabulary, like 'on board,' 'about to,' 'instead,' and 'interrupt,' to help learners navigate office interactions. They also provide practical examples of how to politely ask for help or interrupt someone busy. Through a dialogue scenario with a new employee struggling to get assistance, the episode teaches useful expressions for real-world communication in a professional environment. The hosts encourage learners to visit their website for additional resources.

Takeaways

• 😀 Favors are small helpful actions like passing a pencil or giving a ride to work.
• 👋 The dialogue focuses on a new office worker, Rachel, who is asking for help but receives little assistance due to everyone's busy schedules.
• 📋 Key phrases for asking for help include: 'Can I ask you a favor?' and 'Will you do me a favor?'
• 🚫 The co-workers in the dialogue are too busy with meetings and tasks to help Rachel find the bathroom.
• 🎉 'Welcome on board' is a common phrase used to welcome someone to a new job or team, similar to boarding a ship or airplane.
• ⏳ 'About to' is used to describe something that is going to happen soon, like 'I'm about to go into a meeting.'
• 🔄 'Instead' means in the place of something else, as in choosing one option over another.
• ⏸️ 'Interrupt' is when someone disturbs another person while they are doing something or speaking.
• 🙏 Phrases for politely interrupting someone include 'I hate to bother you' and 'I'm sorry to bother you.'
• 💼 The dialogue highlights practical office English and vocabulary for asking for help or a favor in the workplace.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the lesson in the script?

The main topic of the lesson is how to ask for favors in English, particularly in a workplace setting.

Why might someone need to ask for a favor at work?

A person may need to ask for a favor at work when they require assistance with tasks, such as directions, completing work, or needing help with a project.

What is the meaning of 'on board' as used in the script?

'On board' means welcoming someone to a company or team. It can also refer to welcoming someone onto a ship or airplane.

How does the script suggest interrupting someone politely?

The script suggests using phrases like 'I'm sorry to bother you,' 'I hate to bother you,' or 'I don't mean to bother you' when interrupting someone politely.

What are some example phrases for asking for a favor provided in the script?

Examples include 'Can I ask you a favor?', 'Will you do me a favor?', and 'Can I get you to do me a favor?'

What is an example of a situation where someone is too busy to help in the dialogue?

In the dialogue, a colleague is too busy to help Rachel because they are preparing for an important meeting.

What is the meaning of the phrase 'about to' as discussed in the script?

'About to' means that someone is going to do something very soon. For example, 'I'm about to go out for lunch.'

How does the script illustrate the concept of 'instead'?

The script explains 'instead' as doing something in place of another. For example, 'I wanted to buy a red sweater, but they didn't have one, so I bought a blue one instead.'

Why might someone use the phrase 'I don't mean to bother you'?

Someone might use this phrase to politely acknowledge that they are interrupting but want to show they respect the other person’s time.

What resources are mentioned at the end of the script for further learning?

The script mentions the EnglishPod website, where learners can find additional lessons, from intermediate to advanced, and interact with the community for more help.