In this section you can practise the English you need when someone comes to the door, when someone calls you on the phone or when you receive a letter in the post. 

an ESOL learner speaking on the phone

The teacher's phone call

Teachers often need to talk to the parents of children who are in their class about how the child is getting on. This video will help you learn new words, give you listening practice and help you understand and make polite suggestions.

Changing an appointment

Making an appointment by telephone in English can be hard because you need to use clear language and speak calmly. Watch the film and complete the activities so you can learn useful phrases to say when you make or change appointments or plans. 

The teacher’s visit

Watch the film called 'The teacher's visit' and complete the activities so you can feel confident if you have to speak to a teacher about a child starting school.

The noisy television

Has a neighbour ever come to your home and asked you to stop doing something because it was annoying them? Watch the video and complete the activities which will help you understand more about polite requests.

The neighbour

Do you know who lives next door to you? Do you talk to your neighbours? What do you talk to them about? In these activities, you will see what happens when Sunita meets one of her neighbours and learn some phrases that you can use when you talk to your neighbours.

Meter reading

Do you feel nervous if someone comes to your door who you do not know? Sometimes people come to your door because they need to check that you are paying the right amount of money for your household bills.

Charity collection

Charities are organisations that raise money to help people who are in very difficult situations. They collect money in many different ways, and sometimes they come to your home to ask you for money.

Parcel delivery

In these activities, you will learn what to say to the delivery person so you feel confident when you answer your door.

Cold call

Have you ever received telephone calls from people trying to sell you things? In these activities, you will learn what to say if you receive these types of telephone calls, which are called ‘cold calls’.

Wrong number

Have you ever received a telephone call from someone who called you by mistake? In these activities, you will learn what to say if this happens.

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