Topic: On the Phone
Mode: Interpretive
Level: Intermediate
Students will be presented with various phone call scenarios and will select the phrase that would be appropriate for that situation.
Components of this activity: A worksheet
Instructions to the teacher
Make a worksheet like this one for your class. Expand and edit the activity as necessary for your context and purposes. Below, the correct answers appear in bold.
Instructions to students
Read each situation and choose the phrase you are most likely to hear.
- You call the doctor to make an appointment.
Can you hold? I am listening. You have the wrong number.
- You call a restaurant to ask about their hours.
I don’t know. Can you call back later? We’re open from 5-9pm.
- You call your friend, John, but his family member answers the phone and tells you that John isn’t home.
Can I take a message? You have the wrong number. Can you hold?
- You are talking with your friend on the phone and then it gets quiet. You think the connection was lost. You ask if your friend is still there.
I am still here. This is a long-distance call. Please leave a message.
- You call the ABC Animal Hospital to make an appointment for your dog.
He’s not at home. Hello, this is ABC Animal Hospital. I don’t know about that.
- You call a pizza restaurant to order a pizza for tonight.
Hello, how can I help you? There is no one by that name here. The phone is ringing.
- You call your friend and explain that you can’t attend her party because you’re sick.
Who is calling? Can you hold? I’m sorry to hear that.