How to use this topic
- Read each dialogue.
- Notice backchannels (short reactions).
- Notice one softener (maybe, a bit, just) in each dialogue.
- After reading, try to swap words to fit your life.
Dialogue 1 — Weather → Work (10 turns)
A: Hi! How are you?
B: I’m good, thanks. How are you?
A: I’m fine. It’s a bit cold today, right?
B: Yeah, it is. [Backchannel: Right.]
A: Do you like this kind of weather?
B: Not really. I prefer spring. How about you?
A: Same here. I usually go for a walk in spring.
B: Sounds good. What do you do for work?
A: I work in IT. I’m a tester. And you?
B: I’m a teacher. Nice to meet another early bird.
Why this works
- Small weather comment + softener (a bit).
- Follow-up (Do you like…?).
- Backchannel (Right./Sounds good.).
- Topic shift (What do you do…?).
Dialogue 2 — Weekend → Hobbies (12 turns)
A: Hello! Long time no see. How have you been?
B: Pretty good, thanks. You?
A: Good! How was your weekend?
B: It was nice. I visited my parents. [Backchannel: Uh-huh.]
A: I usually stay at home on weekends. I cook and read.
B: Oh, nice. What do you like to cook?
A: I love pasta. It’s just simple and tasty.
B: Sounds good. Do you have any hobbies?
A: Yeah, I like hiking a lot. How about you?
B: I play guitar a bit. I’m still learning.
A: Cool! Maybe we can play and sing together one day.
B: Maybe! That would be fun.
Why this works
- Frequency words (usually).
- Keep-it-going questions (What do you like to cook? Do you have any hobbies?).
- Softener (just; a bit).
- Friendly plan (Maybe we can…).
Dialogue 3 — Plans → Goodbye (10 turns)
A: Hi! How’s your day so far?
B: Busy, but OK. I have a few meetings. [Backchannel: I see.]
A: I get it. I’m working from home today.
B: Nice. Any plans for tonight?
A: I’m meeting a friend for coffee. How about you?
B: I’m just watching a movie at home.
A: Sounds good. By the way, do you know a good café near here?
B: Yes, there’s a nice place next to the park.
A: Great, thanks! It was nice talking to you.
B: You too. Take care!
Why this works
- and/but/so flow.
- Present continuous for plans (I’m meeting…).
- Topic shift (By the way…).
- Polite close (It was nice talking to you. Take care!).
Swap-ins (make your own)
- Weather: sunny, windy, rainy, warm, cool
- Hobbies: running, painting, gaming, gardening, cycling
- Work: office, factory, school, shop, hospital
- Places: near the station, opposite the bank, at the corner