If you are interested in future Business English short-breaks to London, become part of our mailing list. We will send information about upcoming events for you to consider. Once on the mailing list you have the option to receive free additional lesson units once a month. Contact: infoadventuresinenglish@gmail.com
Marek: Hi Tom. I'm Marek.
Tom: Nice to meet you. I'm from London. Where are you from?
Marek: I'm from Prague.
Tom: I know Prague. It's very beautiful.
Marek: Thank you. Is this your dog?
Tom: Yes. His name is Buddy. He's three years old.
Marek: He's very cute.
Tom: Do you live near here?
Marek: No, I live in student accommodation.
Tom: That's nice. Anyway, have a good day!
Marek: Goodbye!
Tom: Hi there! Do you mind if I sit here? My name’s Tom.
Marek: Not at all. I’m Marek. Nice to meet you.
Tom: Are you on holiday here, Marek?
Marek: Yes, I arrived from Prague yesterday.
I’m going to stay for a week.
Tom: Oh, Prague! I visited it two years ago and I loved it.
Marek: Really? That’s great. I like London, it is very interesting..
Tom: It is, isn't it?
This is my dog, Buddy. He’s a bit energetic today.
Marek: He’s lovely. I had a dog when I was a child, so I like animals.
Tom: Are you a student?
Marek: Yes, I’m studying English because I want a better job.
Tom: Well, your English is good! Enjoy your stay.
Marek: Thanks. Have a nice afternoon.
Tom: Mind if I join you on this bench? It’s a bit crowded today. I’m Tom, by the way.
Marek: Please, go ahead. I’m Marek. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
Tom: You’ve got a bit of an accent—have you been in London long?
Marek: Only since yesterday. I’ve come over from Prague for a short language course.
Tom: I’ve actually never been to the Czech Republic, but I’ve heard the architecture is stunning.
Marek: It really is. If you ever have the chance, you should definitely visit in the spring.
Tom: I’ll keep that in mind! This is Buddy; he’s a bit of a handful when he sees squirrels.
Marek: He’s charming. I’ve always been a dog person, although I don't have one at the moment.
Tom: So, are you finding the city easy to navigate so far?
Marek: Mostly, though the Underground is a bit overwhelming compared to home.
Tom: You’ll get used to it! Anyway, I’d better keep moving. Enjoy your course!
Tom: Sorry to bother you, but is this seat taken?
Marek: Not at all, help yourself. I’m Marek.
Tom: Tom, Cheers. You look like you’re soaking in the scenery. First time in the Big Smoke?
Marek: (Laughs) Is that what you call it? Yes, I just flew in from Prague yesterday to brush up on my English.
Tom: Ah, Prague! I’ve been meaning to get out there for ages. Everyone says the nightlife is second to none.
Marek: It’s certainly lively! But I’m actually more interested in the historical side of things.
Tom: Fair enough. This is Buddy. Sorry, he’s a bit over-excited; he must have caught the scent of something.
Marek: No worries, he’s a handsome lad. I’ve actually been thinking about getting a dog, but my current flat is a bit cramped.
Tom: Yeah, that’s the downside of London living—space is at a premium.
Marek: Exactly. Anyway, I don't want to take up too much of your time.
Tom: No problem at all. Good luck with the course—I'm sure you'll sail through it!
Expanding the story via higher levels. Rozšiřování příběhu o vyšší úrovně...
Tom: Hello! My name is Tom. What is your name?
Marek: Hi Tom. I am Marek. I am from Prague.
Tom: Nice to meet you, Marek. Are you a student here?
Marek: Yes, I am. I like London, but it is very big.
Tom: Yes, it is. I am a teacher. This is my dog, Buddy.
Marek: He is very cute! I have a cat at home.
Jana: Hey guys! Sorry we are late. This is my friend, Petr.
Petr: Hello. Nice to see you all.
Tom: We were just talking about pets. How was your weekend, Jana?
Jana: It was great! We went to the cinema yesterday and saw a funny movie.
Marek: I am hungry now. Are we going to eat lunch together?
Petr: That is a good idea. I know a small café near here. It has good sandwiches and the tea is cheap.
Tom: Perfect, let's walk there. It is a beautiful day.
Sarah: Mind if we join this growing crowd? I’m Sarah, and this is David.
David: We’ve been looking for a place to sit for ages. This café is busier than I expected!
Marek: No problem! We have just arrived. Sarah, have you ever been to the Czech Republic?
Sarah: Not yet, but if I save enough money this year, I’ll definitely visit Prague. I've heard the architecture is stunning.
Petr: It really is. If you go in the summer, you should visit the gardens.
Jana: I think the winter is better because of the Christmas markets, though it can be freezing.
David: I don't mind the cold as long as there is good food. I’ve always wanted to try authentic goulash.
Elena: Sorry to chime in, but I couldn't help overhearing your travel plans. I’m Elena, and this is Victor.
Victor: We’ve just finished a shift at the hospital. We’re both exhausted; the workload has been stepped up recently.
Tom: You must be worn out! It’s vital to strike a balance between your career and your social life.
Elena: Exactly. It’s often argued that modern society puts too much pressure on productivity. We really need to learn how to switch off.
Sarah: I agree. I recently took up yoga to deal with stress. It has really helped me clear my head after a long day at the office.
David: It’s interesting how different cultures approach work-life balance. In some countries, staying late is looked down upon, whereas here, it’s almost expected.
Practice reading and pronouncing each sentence. Notice how the sentences develop.
A1: I like coffee.
A2: I like coffee, but I don't like tea.
B1: I’ve always preferred coffee to tea because it gives me energy.
B2: I’m a bit of a coffee enthusiast and I can’t really get going without my morning caffeine fix.
A1: London is a big city. It is old.
A2: London is a big city and there are many people.
B1: London is a fascinating place with a rich history that attracts millions of tourists.
B2: Characterized by a mix of history and modern life, London offers an experience that is second to none.
A1: I work a lot.
A2: I worked hard yesterday and I am tired today.
B1: I have been working very hard lately because my boss is quite strict.
B2: I’ve been putting in a lot of overtime recently, which has really started to take its toll on my health.
Fill in the blanks.
Words: name, live, hot, small, brother
My __________ is Marek and I am from the Czech Republic.
I __________ in a flat with my family.
My __________ is ten years old and he likes football.
It is very __________ today; I want an ice cream!
This is a very __________ cat; it is not big at all.
We __________ the museum in London last Saturday.
This sandwich is __________! Did you make it?
The bus is very __________, but the train is expensive.
I think the summer is __________ than the winter.
We always eat dinner __________ at 6:00 PM.
Words: stunning, should, been, surprised, although
Have you ever __________ to the top of the Petřín Lookout Tower?
You __________ try this traditional goulash; it is the best in town.
The view from the Charles Bridge at sunrise is absolutely __________.
I was very __________ to see my old friend at the airport.
We went for a walk __________ it was raining quite hard.
Words: catch up, looking forward, exhausted, bear in mind, workload,
I am completely __________ after that ten-mile hike.
My __________ at the office has doubled since my colleague left.
Let’s meet for coffee; I really need to __________ with all your news.
I am really __________ to our trip to London next month.
Please __________ that the deadline for the project is tomorrow morning.
Answers
A1
1. name, 2. live, 3. brother, 4. hot, 5. small
A2
1. visited, 2. delicious, 3. cheap, 4. better, 5. together
B1
1. been, 2. should, 3. stunning, 4. surprised, 5. although
B2
1. exhausted, 2. workload, 3. catch up, 4. looking forward, 5. bear in mind