Basic English

for Workplace Communication

✦ A1 – A2 Level | Designed for Working Adults ✦

10 Chapters • Real Conversations • Daily & Workplace English

Based on "Basic English for Workplace Communication" – ILO

About This Course
For anyone who wants to speak better English at work and in daily life (A1–A2 level)

Course Goals 10 Chapters

1. Introduction
Speak English confidently at work
2. Family

Learn everyday phrases and vocabulary 3. Jobs

4. Routines
Understand English spoken to you
5. Home

6. Food
Write simple texts in English
7. Money

Use English in real-life situations 8. Transport

9. Apology

10. Telephone
 How Each Chapter Works

1. Brainstorming 5. Pronunciation

Think about the topic. Share your ideas with classmates. Practice saying words correctly. Stress and sounds.

2. Vocabulary 6. Speaking

Learn key words and phrases. Match meanings, fill blanks. Use English in real conversations with a partner.

3. Input 7. Writing

Listen or read real-life examples andWrite

dialogues.
sentences and short paragraphs about yourself.

4. Language Focus

Learn grammar rules with simple tables and examples.

Chapter 1

Introduction

Basic English for Workplace Communication

Chapter 1 — What You Will Learn

Introduce yourself: name, nationality, job, age

Use the verb BE: I am / You are / He is / She is

Ask and answer questions: What? Where? How?

Learn vocabulary: names, countries, nationalities, jobs

Use contractions: I'm / You're / He's / She's

Have a short introduction conversation

Write a short paragraph about yourself

Chapter 1 — Key Vocabulary

name apartment

What you are called: first name, last name, nickname A home inside a building: "I live in an apartment."

nationality hobby
Where you are from: Ethiopian, Thai, Filipino, Saudi What you enjoy doing: cooking, reading, watching TV

occupation weekend
Your job: nurse, driver, chef, housemaid, guard Saturday and Sunday: "I rest on weekends."

favourite get up

The thing you like most: "My favourite food is rice." Wake up and rise from bed: "I get up at 6 a.m."
Chapter 1 — Real Conversation: Daily Life
Meeting Someone New
Aisha Priya

Hello! My name's Aisha. What's your name? Hi Aisha! I'm Priya. Nice to meet you!

Aisha Priya

Nice to meet you too! Where are you from? I'm from the Philippines. And you?

Aisha Priya

I'm from Ethiopia. Are you married? No, I'm not. I'm single. How about you?

Aisha Priya

I'm married. I have two children! That's wonderful! What do you do here?
Chapter 1 — Real Conversation: At Work
First Day at Work
You (new employee) Employer / Manager

Good morning. My name is Sara. I'm the new Good morning, Sara! I'm Mrs. Chen. Welcome! Where
housekeeper. are you from?
You (new employee) Employer / Manager

I'm from Ethiopia. I'm 28 years old. Nice. And what is your last name?

You (new employee) Employer / Manager

My last name is Tadesse. You can call me Sara. OK Sara. Are you a cook or a cleaner?

You (new employee) Employer / Manager

I'm a housekeeper. I clean and I can also cook. Perfect! Let me show you around the house.
Chapter 1 — Grammar: Verb "To Be" (am / is / are)
Positive Form (+)

Subject Verb Example

I am → I'm I'm from Ethiopia.

He / She / It is → He's / She's She's a nurse.

You / We / They are → You're / They're They're married.

Negative Form (−)

Subject Verb Example

I am not → I'm not I'm not a teacher.

He / She / It is not → isn't She isn't married.

You / We / They are not → aren't They aren't doctors.

Chapter 1 — Grammar: Questions + Key Phrases
Yes/No Questions + Short Answers

Question Yes No

Am I right? Yes, you are. No, you're not.

Is she Italian? Yes, she is. No, she isn't.

Are they married? Yes, they are. No, they aren't.

Key Questions to Ask and Answer

What's your name? → My name's Sara. / I'm Sara.

Where are you from? → I'm from Ethiopia.

How old are you? → I'm 30 years old.

What do you do? → I'm a housemaid / driver / nurse.

Are you married? → Yes, I am. / No, I'm not.

Chapter 1 — Let's Practice!
Fill in the blank with am / is / are:

1. I ___ from Thailand.

2. She ___ a nurse.

3. They ___ married.

4. We ___ not doctors.

Introduce yourself! Write 3 sentences about you:

My name's _______. I'm from _______. I'm _______ years old. I'm a _______. I'm _______ (married / single).
Chapter 2

Family

Basic English for Workplace Communication

Chapter 2 — What You Will Learn

Name family members: mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter…

Use possessive adjectives: my, your, his, her, our, their

Use possessive pronouns: mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs

Use "have / has got" to describe family

Use possessive 's: "My sister's husband is a doctor."

Talk about your family in a conversation

Write a short paragraph about your family

Chapter 2 — Key Vocabulary: Family Members

mother / father grandfather / grandmother

Your parents. "My mother is 55 years old." "My grandfather is 70 years old."

brother / sister uncle / aunt

Children of the same parents as you. Your parent's brother/sister.

son / daughter nephew / niece

Your children. "I have a son and a daughter." Your brother's or sister's children.

husband / wife cousin

Your spouse. "My husband is a driver." Your uncle's or aunt's child.

Chapter 2 — Real Conversation: Talking About Family
At Home / With Friends
Maria Hana

Do you have a big family? Yes! I've got four brothers and two sisters.

Maria Hana

Are your parents still in Ethiopia? Yes. My mother's at home. My father's a farmer.

Maria Hana

Yes. My husband's name is Tesfaye. We've got one

Are you married?
daughter.

Maria Hana

How old is she? She's three years old. Her name is Liya.
Chapter 2 — Real Conversation: At Work
Talking to Your Employer
Employer You

Tell me about your family. Are you married? Yes, I'm married. My husband is in Ethiopia.

Employer You

Have you got any children? Yes. I've got two children. A son and a daughter.

Employer You

Do you call them often? Yes. I call my family every Sunday.

Employer You

Good. Here is the Wi-Fi password for your calls. Thank you so much! That is very kind.
Chapter 2 — Grammar: Possessive Adjectives & Pronouns
Possessive Adjectives & Pronouns

Subject Pronoun Possessive Adjective Possessive Pronoun Example

"My sister is a nurse. The

I my mine
phone is mine."
"Your mother is beautiful.
you your yours
That bag is yours."
"His father is tall. That car is
he his his
his."
"Her daughter is cute. That
she her hers
book is hers."
"Our house is big. That room
we our ours
is ours."
"Their boss is kind. Those
they their theirs
bags are theirs."
Tip: Use possessive adjective BEFORE a noun: "my bag" / Use pronoun ALONE: "the bag is mine"
Chapter 2 — Grammar: Have / Has Got
Positive: have got / has got

I / You / We / They have got ('ve got) "I've got three brothers."

He / She / It has got ('s got) "She's got a big family."

Negative: haven't got / hasn't got

I / You / We / They haven't got "I haven't got a sister."

He / She / It hasn't got "He hasn't got any children."

Questions: Have you got…? / Has she got…?

Question Yes No

Have you got a brother? Yes, I have. No, I haven't.

Has she got children? Yes, she has. No, she hasn't.
Possessive 's: My sister's husband = the husband of my sister
Chapter 2 — Let's Practice!
Write sentences with have got / has got:

1. My brother / two sons → My brother _______ two sons.

2. I / no sisters → I _______ no sisters.

3. She / a car? → _______ she _______ a car?

4. They / three daughters → They _______ three daughters.

Talk about your family! Fill in:

I've got _____ brothers and _____ sisters. My mother's name is _____. My father's a _____.

I _______ (have/haven't) got children. My _______ name is _______.

Chapter 3

Jobs

Basic English for Workplace Communication

Chapter 3 — What You Will Learn

Name different jobs: doctor, chef, driver, nurse, farmer, guard…

Use articles: a / an before jobs (a chef, an artist)

Say what you like and dislike about your job

Use present simple: "I like / I don't like / She likes / He doesn't like"

Use subject and object pronouns: I/me, he/him, she/her, they/them

Talk about your job in a conversation

Write a paragraph about your job

Chapter 3 — Key Vocabulary: Jobs & Occupations

housemaid / housekeeper farmer

Cleans and manages a home. "She's a housekeeper." Grows food on a farm. "My father is a farmer."

chef / cook guard / security

Prepares food in a kitchen. "He's a chef." Keeps a place safe. "He's a security guard."

driver teacher
Drives a car, bus or truck. "I'm a driver." Teaches in a school. "She's a teacher."

nurse cashier

Takes care of sick people. "She's a nurse." Works at a checkout. "He's a cashier at a shop."
Chapter 3 — Real Conversation: Talking About Jobs
With a Friend
Omar Lena

What do you do? Are you a student? No, I'm not. I'm a nurse. What about you?

Omar Lena

I'm a driver. I drive a taxi. Do you like your job?

Omar Lena

Yes, I do. I like meeting people. But I don't like working at

I understand! I don't like working night shifts either.
night.

Omar Lena

What do you like about nursing? I love helping people. That's the best part!
Chapter 3 — Real Conversation: At Work
Talking to Your Employer
Employer You

What was your job before coming here? I was a cook in a restaurant in Addis Ababa.

Employer You

Good! Do you like cooking? Yes, I do. I like cooking very much.

Employer You

What kind of food can you cook? I can cook Ethiopian food, pasta, and rice dishes.

Employer You

Do you like cleaning too? Yes. I don't mind cleaning. I do it every day.
Chapter 3 — Grammar: a / an & Likes / Dislikes
Use a or an before a job

Use A before consonant sounds Use AN before vowel sounds

a chef, a nurse, a driver, a guard an artist, an engineer, an accountant

a teacher, a farmer, a cook an actor, an architect, an electrician

No article with plurals: "They are doctors." (NOT "a

Likes / Dislikes — Present Simple
doctors")

Subject Like / Don't like Example

I / You / We / They like / don't like "I like cooking. I don't like cleaning."

He / She likes / doesn't like "She likes her job. He doesn't like it."

Question Do / Does + subject + like? "Do you like driving? / Does she like it?"
I like it. / She likes him. / We like them. (object pronouns: me, him, her, us, them)
Chapter 3 — Let's Practice!
Write a or an:

1. She's ___ nurse. 3. I'm ___ driver.

2. He's ___ artist. 4. They're ___ engineers.

Correct the mistakes:

✗ 1. She doesn't likes her boss.

✗ 2. He like his job a lot.

✗ 3. We doesn't like working nights.

Write about your job: "I am a ______. I like ______. I don't like ______.
Chapter 4

Routines

Basic English for Workplace Communication

Chapter 4 — What You Will Learn

Talk about daily activities: wake up, cook, clean, go to work…

Tell and ask for the time: "What time is it? It's half past seven."

Use Present Simple for routines: "I wake up at 6. She starts at 8."

Use adverbs of frequency: always, usually, sometimes, rarely, never

Ask "How often?" and answer: "I always / sometimes / never…"

Describe your daily schedule in a conversation

Write a paragraph about your daily routines

Chapter 4 — Key Vocabulary: Daily Activities

wake up / get up make the bed

Stop sleeping and rise. "I wake up at 6 a.m." Arrange your bed neatly after sleeping.

have breakfast cook dinner

Eat the morning meal. "I have breakfast at 7." Prepare the evening meal. "I cook dinner at 6 p.m."

go to work go to bed
Travel to your workplace. "I go to work by bus." Sleep. "I usually go to bed at 10 p.m."

clean the house do the laundry

Tidy and clean rooms. "I clean the house every day." Wash clothes. "She does the laundry on Sundays."
Chapter 4 — Real Conversation: Daily Routines
Chatting with a Neighbour
Amira Fatima

What time do you usually wake up? I always wake up at six o'clock. How about you?

Amira Fatima

I wake up at half past five. I have to cook breakfast first. Do you take a shower in the morning or evening?

Amira Fatima

I usually shower in the morning. I never shower at night. What time do you go to bed?

Amira Fatima

I usually go to bed at ten. I'm always tired! Me too! What do you do on weekends?
Chapter 4 — Real Conversation: Work Schedule
Discussing Your Work Routine
Employer You

What time do you start work every day? I usually start at seven in the morning.

Employer You

What do you do first? First, I always make breakfast. Then I clean the kitchen.

Employer You

Do you take a lunch break? Yes. I usually have lunch at twelve. I rest for 30 minutes.

Employer You

What do you do in the afternoon? I clean the bedrooms and do the laundry.
Chapter 4 — Grammar: Telling Time & Present Simple
Telling the Time

Digital Time How to Say It Example Sentence

7:00 seven o'clock "I wake up at seven o'clock."

7:15 quarter past seven "I leave at quarter past seven."

7:30 half past seven "Breakfast is at half past seven."

7:45 quarter to eight "I start work at quarter to eight."

Present Simple — Daily Routines
7:20 twenty past seven OR seven twenty "Lunch is at twenty past twelve."
Positive Negative Question

I work every day. I don't work on Sundays. Do you work on Sundays?

She starts at 7. She doesn't start at 8. Does she start at 7?

Chapter 4 — Grammar: Adverbs of Frequency

ALWAYS 100% I always wake up at 6.

USUALLY 90% I usually have coffee in the morning.

OFTEN 70% I often cook dinner at home.

SOMETIMES 50% I sometimes watch TV at night.

RARELY 10% I rarely eat fast food.

NEVER 0% I never work on Sundays.

Chapter 4 — Let's Practice!
Tell the time in words:

1. 8:00 → _______________ 2. 9:30 → _______________

3. 10:15 → _______________ 4. 6:45 → _______________

Complete with the right adverb (always / usually / sometimes / rarely / never):

1. I ___ brush my teeth — every single day! (100%)

2. She ___ eats out — maybe once a month. (10%)

3. We ___ cook on Sundays — about half the time. (50%)

Write 3 sentences about YOUR day: "I always ___. I usually ___. I never ___.
Chapter 5

Home

Basic English for Workplace Communication

Chapter 5 — What You Will Learn

Name rooms and places in a home: bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living room…

Name household items: sofa, fridge, table, washing machine, wardrobe…

Use demonstratives: this, that, these, those

Use "There is / There are" to describe what's in a room

Use countable and uncountable nouns correctly

Use prepositions of place: in, on, at, next to, behind, in front of…

Write a paragraph describing your home

Chapter 5 — Key Vocabulary: Rooms & Household Items

living room balcony

Room with sofa & TV. "We watch TV in the living room." Small outdoor area. "I dry clothes on the balcony."

bedroom stairs / lift

Room for sleeping. "There are two bedrooms." To go up/down. "Our apartment has no lift."

kitchen sofa / couch

Room for cooking. "The fridge is in the kitchen." Big comfortable seat. "The sofa is in the living room."

bathroom wardrobe / closet

Room with toilet and shower. "The bathroom is clean." Furniture for clothes. "Put the clothes in the wardrobe."
Chapter 5 — Real Conversation: Describing Your Home
Talking to a Friend
Friend You

Where do you live? Is it far from here? I live in an apartment. It's not too far, about 20 minutes.

Friend You

How many rooms does it have? There are two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room.

Friend You

Is there a garden? No, there isn't a garden. But there's a balcony.

Friend You

What's next to your building? There's a supermarket on the left and a park opposite.
Chapter 5 — Real Conversation: Housekeeping at Work
At the Employer's Home
Employer You

Can you describe the living room for me? Yes. There is a big sofa in front of the TV. There are two
chairs on the left.

Employer You

Is there a cleaning spray under the kitchen sink? Yes, there is. There are also some sponges next to it.

Employer You

Where is the mop? It's behind the bathroom door.

Employer You

Are those curtains clean? Those curtains are clean. These ones here need washing.
Chapter 5 — Grammar: There is / are & This / That / These / Those
There is vs. There are

Use Form Example

One thing (singular) There is / There's "There's a sofa in the living room."

More than one (plural) There are "There are three bedrooms."

Negative (singular) There isn't "There isn't a garden."

Negative (plural) There aren't "There aren't any windows."

This / That / These / Those
Question Is there…? / Are there…? "Is there a lift? / Are there any chairs?"
Singular (one) Plural (many)

NEAR (close to you) This → "This room is clean." These → "These plates are dirty."

FAR (away from you) That → "That chair is old." Those → "Those curtains are new."
Chapter 5 — Grammar: Prepositions of Place
Where is it? — Prepositions of Place

Preposition Use it for… Example

"The milk is in the fridge. She lives in

in Enclosed spaces, cities, countries
Dubai."
"The key is on the table. It's on the
on Surfaces, floors
second floor."
"She is at work. Meet me at the front
at Points, locations
door."

next to / beside Side by side "The bathroom is next to the bedroom."

behind At the back of "The broom is behind the door."

in front of At the front "There's a sofa in front of the TV."

"The kitchen is between the bathroom

between In the middle of two things
and the bedroom."

opposite / across from Facing each other "The bank is opposite the supermarket."
Chapter 5 — Let's Practice!
Fill in: this / that / these / those

1. ___ rooms (far, many) are very clean. 2. ___ kitchen (near, one) is small.

3. ___ chairs (near, many) are comfortable. 4. ___ window (far, one) is broken.

Write sentences with There is / There are / There isn't / There aren't:

1. two bedrooms ✓ → 2. a garden ✗ →

3. a sofa ✓ → 4. any windows ✗ →

Describe your room: "In my room, there is ___. There are ___. The ___ is next to the ___.
Chapter 6

Food

Basic English for Workplace Communication

Chapter 6 — What You Will Learn

Name common foods: vegetables, fruits, meat, drinks, snacks…

Name kitchen items: fridge, pot, frying pan, kettle, oven…

Name cooking methods: boil, fry, bake, grill, steam, roast…

Use some / any with countable and uncountable nouns

Use "There is/are + some/any" to talk about food in the kitchen

Use "Can / Can't" to say what you can and can't cook

Talk about food in a conversation; write about your favourite food

Chapter 6 — Key Vocabulary: Food & Cooking

rice / pasta / bread boil

Staple foods. "There is some rice in the pot." Cook in hot water. "Boil the pasta for 10 minutes."

vegetables fry
Carrots, onions, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes… Cook in hot oil. "She fries the onions first."

chicken / fish / lamb bake

Meat. "She can cook chicken and fish." Cook in an oven. "He can bake bread and cakes."

frying pan grill

Flat pan for frying. "Use the frying pan for the eggs." Cook over direct heat. "We grilled the fish."
Chapter 6 — Real Conversation: Talking About Food
With a Neighbour
Layla Meron

What's your favourite food? I love injera with tibs! What about you?

Layla Meron

I like pasta and rice. Can you cook? Yes! I can cook many dishes. Can you?

Layla Meron

I can cook rice and chicken. I can't bake cakes though. Is there any food in your fridge right now?

Layla Meron

Yes. There's some chicken and some vegetables. But there

I have some bread! Come and eat with me.
isn't any bread.
Chapter 6 — Real Conversation: Cooking at Work
Employer & Housekeeper
Employer You

Is there any milk in the fridge? Yes, there is. There's also some juice and some eggs.

Employer You

Are there any vegetables? There are some carrots and onions, but there aren't any
tomatoes.

Employer You

Can you make pasta for dinner tonight? Yes, I can! Can I use the big pot, please?

Employer You

Of course. Can you also bake bread? I'm sorry, I can't bake bread. But I can fry some flatbread.
Chapter 6 — Grammar: some / any & There is/are
SOME vs. ANY

Use When to use Example

In positive sentences with countable & "There's some milk. / There are some
SOME (positive ✓)
uncountable nouns eggs."
"There isn't any bread. / There aren't any
ANY (negative ✗) In negative sentences
bananas."
"Is there any sugar? / Are there any
ANY (question ?) In questions
Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns eggs?"

Countable — can count Uncountable — cannot count

an egg → two eggs milk (not: a milk / two milks)

a carrot → five carrots rice, bread, sugar, water, coffee

Use: How MANY eggs? / a few eggs Use: How MUCH milk? / a little milk
"Can I have a cup of water?" / "I need a bag of rice." — Use containers/measures for uncountable nouns.
Chapter 6 — Grammar: Can / Can't + Polite Requests
CAN / CAN'T — Ability & Polite Requests

Form Rule Example

"She can cook pasta." (NOT: She cans

can + base verb No changes for he/she/it
cook)

can't + base verb Negative of can "I can't bake bread."

Can + subject + verb? Questions "Can you cook? / Can she fry fish?"
Polite Requests at Work
Short answers Yes, I can. / No, I can't. "Can you cook? — Yes, I can."
Can you wash the dishes, please? → Asking someone to do something

Can I use the oven, please? → Asking for permission

She can cook really well. → Adverb of manner (well, fast, slowly)

He can't cook very fast. → Put adverb at the END of the sentence
Chapter 6 — Let's Practice!
Write some, any, a, or an:

1. Is there ___ milk in the fridge? 2. There are ___ eggs on the shelf.

3. There isn't ___ bread. 4. I'd like ___ orange, please.

Find the mistake and correct it:

✗ 1. She cans cook pasta really well.

✗ 2. I can cooking for many people.

✗ 3. Can you to bring the plates, please?

What can YOU cook? Write: "I can cook ___. I can't cook ___.
Chapter 7

Money

Basic English for Workplace Communication

Chapter 7 — What You Will Learn

Learn money vocabulary: salary, cash, change, banknote, credit card…

Use the Simple Future tense: "I will / I'll buy a house."

Talk about future plans and predictions with "will"

Use shopping expressions: customer and shopkeeper phrases

Practice ordering food in a restaurant

Act out a shopping conversation

Write a paragraph about how you will spend money

Chapter 7 — Key Vocabulary: Money & Shopping

salary expensive

Regular pay. "I get my salary every month." Costs a lot. "This restaurant is very expensive."

cash cheap
Paper money and coins. "Do you pay by cash or card?" Low price. "The market is cheaper than the mall."

change on sale
Money back after paying. "Here's your change: $3." Discounted price. "These shoes are on sale — 50% off!"

credit card save money

Card for buying. "Can I pay by credit card?" Keep money for the future. "I save $100 every month."
Chapter 7 — Real Conversation: At the Shop
Buying Something at a Shop
You (Customer) Shopkeeper

Excuse me, how much is this bag? This one? It's $25.

You (Customer) Shopkeeper

That's a bit expensive. Do you have a cheaper one? Yes! These ones are on sale. They're only $15.

You (Customer) Shopkeeper

Great! I'll take one. Can I pay by card? Yes of course! Is that everything?

You (Customer) Shopkeeper

Yes, that's all. Thank you. Here's your receipt. Have a nice day!
Chapter 7 — Real Conversation: At a Restaurant
Working as a Waiter / Ordering Food
Waiter / You Customer

Good evening! Welcome. Can I help you? Yes please. I'd like a table for two.

Waiter / You Customer

Of course. What would you like to drink? I'll have water, please.

Waiter / You Customer

Are you ready to order your meal? Yes. I'll have the chicken pasta, please.

Waiter / You Customer

That's £12.50. Will you pay by cash or card? Card, please. Keep the change. Thank you!
Chapter 7 — Grammar: Simple Future — will
Will + base verb (Simple Future)

Form Example Contracted form

I / You / He / She / We / They + will I will save money. I'll save money.

Negative: will not She will not spend it. She won't spend it.

Yes/No Question: Will + subject + verb? Will he go to the shop? Short: Yes, he will. / No, he won't.
Will — Common Uses:
WH Questions: When/What/Where +
Where will you buy it? —
will...?
Predictions → "One day I'll be rich." / "She will get a better job."

Promises → "I will call you tomorrow." / "I won't be late."

Plans (on the spot) → "OK, I'll take this one." / "I'll pay by cash."

Do NOT add -s, -ed, or -ing to the verb after will: "She will goes" ✗ "She will go" ✓
Chapter 7 — Key Phrases: Shopping & Restaurant
Shopping Phrases Restaurant Phrases

How much is this? Can I have a table for two?

Do you have a smaller size? What would you like to eat/drink?

Can I pay by credit card? I'll have the chicken, please.

I'll take this one. Is everything OK with your meal?

Is that everything? Can I have the bill, please?

Here's your change. Keep the change. Thank you!

Chapter 7 — Let's Practice!
Write the future form using will / won't:

1. I ___ (buy) a new phone next month. 2. She ___ (not / spend) all her salary.

3. ___ (he / save) money this year? 4. They ___ (be) rich one day.

Put these shopping phrases in order (1–4):

___ "Yes, please. And a water." ___ "Good evening! What would you like?"

___ "Can I have the bill, please?" ___ "Are you ready to order?"

"If I get $1,000, I will ___. I won't ___. I'll also ___."
Chapter 8

Transport

Basic English for Workplace Communication

Chapter 8 — What You Will Learn

Name types of transport: bus, car, taxi, motorbike, plane, train…

Use verbs with transport: drive a car, ride a bike, take a bus, fly…

Use imperatives: "Turn left / Don't stop / Please go straight."

Ask for directions politely: "Excuse me, how do I get to…?"

Give directions: turn left, go straight, take the second right…

Apologize for being late due to transport

Write a paragraph giving directions to a place

Chapter 8 — Key Vocabulary: Transport & Directions

bus / minibus turn left / right

Public transport. "I take the bus every day." Change direction. "Turn left at the traffic lights."

taxi / cab go straight

Private car for hire. "Call a taxi — I'm late!" Continue forward. "Go straight for two blocks."

train / subway traffic lights

Rail transport. "Take the train to the city centre." Red / Yellow / Green signal. "Stop at the traffic lights."

traffic roundabout

Cars on the road. "Sorry, there's a lot of traffic." Circular road junction. "At the roundabout, turn right."
Chapter 8 — Real Conversation: Asking for Directions
In the Street
You Local Person

Excuse me! Do you speak English? Yes, a little. How can I help?

You Local Person

How do I get to the nearest hospital, please? Sure. Go straight ahead for two blocks. Then turn left.

You Local Person

Is it next to the supermarket? Yes! It's on your right, opposite the park.

You Local Person

Is it far? Can I walk? It's about 10 minutes on foot. Not too far!
Chapter 8 — Real Conversation: Being Late & Giving Directions
Talking to Your Employer / Manager
You Manager

I'm so sorry I'm late. My bus was cancelled. That's OK. I just arrived too. My taxi was delayed.

You Manager

Take this road. Turn right at the traffic lights. Go straight

Please tell me — how do I get to the other office?
for one kilometre.

You Manager

Is it next to the bank? Yes. It's between the bank and the pharmacy.

You Manager

Thank you! Should I take a taxi or the bus? Take a taxi — it's faster and not too expensive.
Chapter 8 — Grammar: Imperatives & Giving Directions
Imperatives — Give Orders & Instructions

Form Example

Positive imperative: verb only (no subject) Go! / Come here! / Clean the room! / Bring the food.

Negative imperative: Don't + verb Don't stop! / Don't be late! / Don't forget your keys.
Giving Directions — Key Phrases
Polite imperative: Please + verb Please sit down. / Please don't be late.
Action Expression

Go forward Go straight ahead / Continue straight

Change direction Turn left / Turn right

Pass something Go past the school / Pass the bank

Which road Take the first/second left/right

Chapter 8 — Let's Practice!
Find and fix the mistake in each sentence:

✗ 1. Please doesn't be late.

✗ 2. You turn left here.

✗ 3. Don't to forget your ID card.

✗ 4. Putting the bag on the table, please.

Give directions: How do I get from THIS ROOM to the nearest exit?

Go out of the classroom door. Turn ___ and go ___. Take the ___ on the ___. You will see ___ on your ___.
Chapter 9

Apology

Basic English for Workplace Communication

Chapter 9 — What You Will Learn

Learn when and why to apologize in daily life and at work

Use expressions to make an apology: "I'm sorry / I apologize for…"

Use expressions to accept an apology: "That's OK / No problem."

Give reasons for an apology using Past Simple tense

Use regular verbs in Past Simple: cleaned → cleaned, work → worked

Use irregular verbs in Past Simple: go → went, forget → forgot

Write a short apology email or message

Chapter 9 — Key Phrases: Making & Accepting an Apology
Making an Apology Accepting an Apology

I'm sorry. That's all right.

I'm really sorry. Never mind.

I'm so sorry for... Don't worry about it.

I apologize for... No problem.

Please forgive me for... That's OK.

It's all my fault. I understand.

I won't do it again. OK, please be careful next time.

This won't happen again. Thank you for telling me.

Chapter 9 — Real Conversation: Daily Apology
Apologizing to a Friend
Nura Meron

Meron! Where were you? I waited for one hour! I'm SO sorry, Nura. I forgot our meeting. It's all my fault.

Nura Meron

What happened? My phone ran out of battery. I couldn't call you. I'm
terribly sorry.

Nura Meron

I promise. This won't happen again. Can I buy you a

OK. I understand. But please don't forget next time.
coffee?

Nura Meron

OK, that's fine. Never mind. Let's go! Thank you for understanding!
Chapter 9 — Real Conversation: Apologizing at Work
Apology to Employer / Manager
You Employer

I'm terribly sorry, Ma'am. The food is not ready yet. What happened? I expected dinner at 6 o'clock.

You Employer

I apologize. I started late because I went to buy I see. Next time, please tell me first.
vegetables.

You Employer

Of course. This won't happen again. I'm truly sorry. OK, don't worry about it. How long will dinner take?

You Employer

Only 20 more minutes, I promise. OK. Thank you for telling me.
Chapter 9 — Grammar: Past Simple Tense
Past Simple — Regular Verbs (add -ed)

Base Form Past Simple Example

work worked "I worked here for two years."

arrive arrived "She arrived late yesterday."

clean cleaned "They cleaned the house this morning."

Past Simple — Irregular Verbs (must memorize!)
cook cooked "He cooked dinner last night."
Base Form Past Simple Base Form Past Simple
start started "I started this job last month."
go went come came

forget forgot make made

have had take took

Chapter 9 — Grammar: Past Simple − / ? & was / were
Negative: didn't + base verb

I / You / He / She / We / They didn't + base verb Example

All subjects (same form) didn't go / didn't cook "I didn't finish. / She didn't call."
Questions: Did + subject + base verb?

Question form Short answer YES Short answer NO

Did you clean the room? Yes, I did. No, I didn't.

Was / Were — Past of "to be"

Did she arrive on time? Yes, she did. No, she didn't.
Present Past (+) Past (-) Past (?)

I am I was I wasn't Was I…?

He/She is He/She was He/She wasn't Was he/she…?

You/We/They are You/We/They were You/We/They weren't Were you/they…?

Chapter 9 — Let's Practice!
Write the Past Simple form:

1. go → ___ 2. cook → ___ 3. forget → ___

4. arrive → ___ 5. make → ___ 6. clean → ___

Match the apology to the best response:

1. "I'm sorry I forgot your birthday." A. "No problem. Take your time."

2. "I apologize for being late." B. "Never mind! Happy belated!"

3. "I'm sorry the room is not clean." C. "Don't worry. Please clean it now."

Write a short apology: "I'm sorry I ___ because I ___. This won't happen again."
Chapter 10

Telephone

Basic English for Workplace Communication

Chapter 10 — What You Will Learn

Learn telephone vocabulary: landline, missed call, busy signal, hang up…

Use phrases to start a phone call: "Hello, this is Sara from…"

Ask to speak to someone: "Can I speak to Mr. Ahmed, please?"

Take and leave a message: "Can I take a message? / Please tell him to call me."

Handle problems on a call: "Could you speak louder? / Could you repeat that?"

Use Present Continuous for what's happening NOW

Prepare and perform a short phone conversation

Chapter 10 — Key Vocabulary: Telephone

landline hang up

Phone connected by wires. "Call the landline number." End a call. "Don't hang up! I'm still here."

mobile / cell phone hold on

Phone you carry. "She called my mobile." Wait. "Please hold on — I'll transfer you."

missed call extension

A call you didn't answer. "I have a missed call from you." Extra number inside a company. "Press extension 3."

busy signal leave a message

Sound when the line is in use. "The line was busy." Give information for someone. "Please leave a message."
Chapter 10 — Real Conversation: Calling a Friend
Informal Phone Call
You Amira

Hello! Is this Amira? Yes, this is Amira. Who's calling?

You Amira

Hi Amira! It's Sara. How are you? Sara! I'm fine, thank you. What are you doing?

You Amira

I'm watching TV. Are you busy right now? No, I'm just cooking dinner. What's up?

You Amira

Do you want to meet tomorrow for coffee? Yes! Let's meet at 10 in the morning. Bye!
Chapter 10 — Real Conversation: Formal Work Call
Making & Taking a Formal Call
Receptionist You (Caller)

Good morning. This is Sara Tadesse. Can I speak to Mr.

Good morning, ABC Company. How can I help you?
Chen, please?

Receptionist You (Caller)

I'm sorry, he's not available right now. Can I take a

Yes, please. Could you ask him to call me back?
message?

Receptionist You (Caller)

Of course. What's your phone number? It's 066-321-9988. My name is Sara Tadesse.

Receptionist You (Caller)

I'll pass on the message. Thank you for calling. Thank you very much. Goodbye!
Chapter 10 — Key Phrases: Telephone Conversations

Greet & introduce yourself "Hello, good morning! This is Sara from ABC Company."

Ask to speak to someone "May I speak with Mr. Ahmed? / Is Sara there?"

Say why you are calling "I'm calling about the job opening / to confirm my appointment."

Transfer a call "Please hold on. / One moment, please. / I'll transfer you."

Say someone is not available "Sorry, she's on another call. / He's not here right now."

Offer to take a message "Can I take a message? / Would you like to leave a message?"

Ask caller to repeat/speak up "Could you repeat that? / Could you speak a little louder?"

End the call "Thank you for calling. Have a nice day! Goodbye."
Chapter 10 — Grammar: Present Continuous Tense
Present Continuous — am/is/are + verb-ing

Form Example

I am (I'm) + verb-ing "I'm watching TV right now."

He/She/It is ('s) + verb-ing "She's cooking dinner at the moment."

Negative / Questions
You/We/They are ('re) + verb-ing "They're talking on the phone."
Negative Question Short Answer

I'm not working. Am I working? Yes, I am. / No, I'm not.

SheUse
isn'tin Telephone Conversations: Is she cooking?
cooking. Yes, she is. / No, she isn't.

"What
They aresleeping.
aren't you doing?" — "I'm cleaningAre
the house."
they sleeping?/ "She's on another call." / "He's
Yes, they are. /talking
No, theyto someone."
aren't.
Chapter 10 — Let's Practice!
Write the Present Continuous form:

1. I (cook) dinner. → I ___ ___ dinner.

2. She (talk) on the phone. → She ___ ___ on the phone.

3. They (not / sleep). → They ___ ___ sleeping.

4. (he / clean) the room? → ___ he ___ the room?

Put the phone call in order (1–5):

___ "Could you ask her to call me back, please?" ___ "Good morning. Can I speak to Mrs. Lee?"

___ "Of course. What's your name and number?" ___ "Good morning, Best Hotel."

___ "I'm sorry, she's not available right now."

 Congratulations!
You have completed all 10 chapters!

Introduced yourself and talked about your family

Described your job, home, food, and daily routines

Talked about money, shopping, and transport

Made apologies and had telephone conversations

Used 10 key grammar structures in real situations

Keep practising! English gets easier every day.