Short Courses

2014-08-12 Unit 11, Phone call – English My Way, Learning Circles

Has anyone in your Learning Circle ever had a difficult phone call? This time, Ayesha receives a phone call at home, but she cannot understand what it is about. We look at some useful phrases for answering the phone, finding out what people want and asking them to slow down.

Answering the phone

Ayesha answers the phone, but can’t understand what the caller wants. With your group, discuss the questions and try the activity.

Ayesha
Jamal! Jamal!

Ayesha
Hello.

Voice
Hello. I’m calling from Parkfield School. Can I speak to Mariam Ahmed’s mother or father please?

Ayesha
Mariam? Err …

Voice
Yes. I’m phoning about the permission slip for a school trip at the end of term? We need permission from the parent or guardian to let her go on the trip. Would that be you?

Ayesha
Err …

Discuss these questions with your group:

  • What should Ayesha do?
  • What could she say in English?
  • Has this happened to you? (When? What happened)
BBC Learning English

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