Trung tâm Ngoại ngữ Bách Khoa – ĐHQG TP.

HCM 1
 LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS in ENGLISH
1) Greetings & Goodbye:
Saying hello:
Alex: Hi! My name is Alex
 Hi, hello.
Litterman, the new
 Good morning, good afternoon, good manager.
evening.
 How are you? William: Hi! I'm William
 How are you doing? O'Brian. Nice to meet
 How do you do? you, Mr Alex
Responding to greeting: Litterman.
 Hi, hello. John: William, please meet
 Good morning/Good afternoon/Good Mr Steve Lynch, my
evening. assistant
 I'm fine thank you (thanks)/Okay! Thank
you (thanks)/Can't complain/Not bad. Steve: How do you do!
 How about you/And you? William: How do you do!
 How do you do?
Introducing yourself:
 My name is ...
 I'm ....
 Nice to meet you; I'm ...
 Pleased to meet you; I'm ...
 Let me introduce myself; I'm ...
 I'd like to introduce myself; I'm ...
Introducing others:
 Jack, please meet Nicolas.
 Jack, have you met Nicolas?
 I'd like you to meet Liza.
 I'd like to introduce you to Betty.
 Leila, this is Maria. Maria, this is Leila.
Saying goodbye:
 All right, everyone, it's time to head off.
 Anyway, guys I'm going to make a move.
 See you later / tomorrow / soon.
 Talk to you later!
 I'm so sorry, I've got to rush off / run!
 Take care! Bye!
 So Long!
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  It's been lovely to see you.
 It was great to see you.
 Have a good day.
 Farewell! (final goodbye)

2) Expressing Likes & Dislikes:

Likes:
Tom: Hello, darling. Do you
 I like…
fancy watching a film
 I enjoy… tonight?
 I’m keen on…
 I love... Ann: Oh, no thanks, I don't
 I adore… really feel like watching
 I ‘m crazy about… a film tonight. How
 I’m mad about… about going out instead.
Dislikes: Tom: OK. Do you feel like
 I don’t like… going to the theater?
 I dislike...
Ann: Oh, no. I hate it. Do you
 I hate…
like eating at the new
 I abhor… Chinese restaurant?
 I can’t bear...
 I can’t stand… Tom: I don't mind. The
 I detest... Chinese cuisine is
 I loathe... alright.
Neither like nor dislike: Ann: Well I really love it.
 I don’t mind… Let's go.
 I don’t care…

3) Asking for and Giving permission:

Asking for permission:
Liza: Please mum, can I use
 Can I go out, please?
the computer?
 May I open the window, please?
 Please, can I have a look at your photo? Mum: No, dear you can't. It's
 Please, may I taste that hot dish? time to go to bed.
 Do you mind if I smoke? Liza: May I read a story
 Would you mind if I asked you before I sleep?
something?
 Is it okay if I sit here? Mum: Sure! But try to sleep
 Would it be all right if I borrowed your early.
mobile Phone? Liza: Thanks a lot mummy.
Giving permission:
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  Yes, please do.
 Sure, go ahead.
 No problem.
 Please feel free.
Refusing to give permission:
 No, please don’t.
 I’m sorry, but that’s not possible.
 I'm afraid, but you can't.

4) Making and Responding to Offers:

Making offers:
Tom "Can I help you?"
 Can I… ?
 Shall I… ? Ann: "No thanks, I'm just
 Would you like … ? having a look."
 How about ...?
Accepting an offer:
 Yes please. I'd like to. Tom: "Shall I help you with
 That would be very kind of you. your math problem?"
 Yes please, that would be lovely. Ann "Yes, please. That
 Yes please, I'd love to. would be very nice of
 If you wouldn't mind. you."
 If you could.
 Thank you, that would be great.
Declining an offer: Tom: "I'll do the washing, if
 It's OK, I can do it myself. you like."
 Don't worry, I'll do it. Ann: "Don't worry, I'll do
 No, thanks it."
 No, thank you

5) Making and Responding to Invitations & Appointments:

Making an invitation:
Mike: Do you want to dance?
 How about going to the movies?
 Care to come over for lunch? Ann: No thanks. I'm a bit
 Do you want to go to the movies tonight? tired right now
 Would you like to go to the theater Mike: How about having a
tomorrow? drink?
 Would you be interested in going to the
stadium next Sunday? Ann: Sure, I'd love to!
 How do you fancy going to the restaurant
for dinner?
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  I was just wondering if you would like to
come over for a drink.
 We'd be delighted to have you over for
my birthday party.
Making an appointment:
 Are you available/free on Tuesday?
 Can we meet next week?
 Would this weekend be okay for our
online meeting?
 Is next week okay for the visit?
 Is it possible to book an appointment with
Dr. Johnson at 10am?
 I wonder if I can book an appointment to
see the lawyer today? Julia: Good morning. Dr.
Accepting an invitation: Albright's office. This
 Sure. What time? is Julia speaking.
 I'd love to, thanks.
John: Good morning. It's
 That's very kind of you, thanks.
John Smith calling.
 That sounds lovely, thank you.
 What a great idea, thank you. Julia: How can I help you?
 Sure. When should I be there? John: I’d like to make an
 Yes, Monday is fine for me. appointment with Dr.
 Yes, next week would be fine/perfect. Albright.
Declining an invitation:
 I can't. I have to work. Julia: Ok! Hold on for a
 This evening is no good. I have an moment... Let me see!
appointment. Is next Wednesday
 I'm busy tomorrow. Can I take a rain convenient for you?
check* on that? John: I'm sorry. I am not free
 That's very kind of you, but actually I'm on Wednesday.
doing something else this afternoon.
Julia: How about Thursday?
 Well, I'd love to, but I'm already going
out to the restaurant. John: Sorry, Thursday is
 I'm really sorry, but I've got something going to be a little
else on. difficult for me to
 I really don't think I can - I'm supposed to come. I'd prefer Friday,
be doing something else. if that's available.
 I’m sorry but I won’t be available on Julia: Is 9:00 pm a lot for
Tuesday for the meeting. you?
Cancelling an appointment:
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  Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen John: Yes, that would be
business, I will be unable to keep our perfect be.
appointment for tomorrow afternoon.
Julia: If you can't come for
 Would it be possible to arrange another any reason, please
time later in the week? contact me.
 I’m afraid that I have to cancel our
meeting on Wednesday, as something John: Sure! Thank you very
unexpected has come up. much.
 You know we were going to meet next Julia: You're welcome.
Friday? Well, I'm very sorry, but
something urgent has come up.
 I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to meet
you after all. Can we fix another time?

6) Expressing emotions:
Shocks:
Ann: I just can’t believe he
 I was shocked to hear…
won the first place.
 I was stunned by…
 I was taken aback by… Tom So what? I don’t care!
 … came as a complete shock to me! Ann: But he didn’t even
 I’m in a complete shock now! review the lessons!
Disbelief:
 I just can’t believe… Tom: Maybe it’s just luck.
 I can’t imagine… Who knows!
 It’s unbelievable!
 It’s incredible!
Indifference:
 So what?
 Who cares!
 I don’t care!
 It’s all the same to me.
 I have no preference.
 I suppose so.
 It doesn't matter to me
 Whatever
 Who knows!
 Why should I care?
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  It makes no difference to me.

7) Expressing Obligation & Prohibition:

Expressing obligation:
Police: Don't you know that
 I have to finish my work before this
you must stop when
evening.
the traffic lights are
 I must see the doctor soon because I don't red?
feel well.
 It is obligatory that I stop when the traffic Driver: Sorry sir. I was so
light turn red. absent-minded that I
 It is necessary that I take a taxi. I'm late. didn't pay attention to
 I had to work extra hours to pay my bills. the traffic lights.
 I'll have to borrow money. Police: Well sir, you'll have
Expressing prohibition: to pay a fine!
 Parking is strictly prohibited between
these gates.
 Students aren't allowed to come too late
to school.
 Drivers mustn't park their cars here.
 It is forbidden to walk on grass.
 Smoking isn't permitted in hospitals.

8) Asking for and Giving Advice & Suggestions:

Asking for advice:
Stu: I'm terrible at English
 I've got a bad toothache. What do you
and I think I should do
suggest?
something about it. What
 What do you advise me to do? do you advise me to do?
 What should I do?
 What ought I to do? Tea: I think you should try
 What's your advice? this website. It's a
 If you were me, what would you do? fantastic website for
Giving advice: beginners.
 If I were you, I would go to the dentist. Stu: I've heard about it, but
 Why don't you go to the dentist? what do you think I
 You'd better brush your teeth regularly. should start with?
 You ought to/should avoid eating sweets.
Tea: You'd better start with
 If you take my advice, you'll go to the the lessons. Then, try the
dentist. exercises.
 It might be a good idea to brush your
teeth on a regular basis.
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  I advise you to brush your teeth on a
regular basis.
 Have you thought about seeing a dentist?
Declining to give advice:
 I don't know what to advise, I'm afraid.
 I wish I could suggest something, but I
can't.
 I wish I could help.
 I'm afraid I can't really help you.
Making suggestions:
 Let’s revise our lessons. Alice: You know Alan, why
 What about going to the cinema tonight? don't we go to the
 Why don't we do our homework? cinema to watch
 Couldn't we invite your grandmother to Titanic?
our party?
Alan: No, let's not. We've
 Shall we have a walk along the river?
seen the film many
 What would you say to a cup of coffee?
times before. What
 Don't you think it’s a good idea to watch about going to the
TV now? library? We have to
 Does it matter if we use your car? finish our school
Accepting suggestions: project!
 Yes, let's.
 Yes, I'd like/love to. Alice: That sounds like a
 What a good idea! good idea. But when
 Why not? we finish let's go to the
café.
 Yes, with pleasure.
 Yes, I feel like taking a walk. Alan: Yes, I'd love to.
 That sounds like a good idea.
Refusing suggestions:
 No, let's not.
 No, I'd rather not.
 I don't feel like it.
 I dislike going for a walk.
 What an awful / bad idea!

9) Complaints & Apologies:

Complaining:
Ann: Hello, I would like to
 I have a complaint to make. ...
register a complaint. I
 Sorry to bother you but... reserved an ocean
 I'm sorry to say this but...
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  I'm afraid I've got a complaint about... view, but I am staring
 I'm afraid there is a slight problem with... at the street.
 Excuse me but there is a problem about... Tom: I apologize for the
 I want to complain about... inconvenience,
 I'm angry about... unfortunately all of our
Apologizing: ocean view rooms are
 I do apologize for... taken.
 I must/would like to apologize for...
Ann: I'm afraid that is not
 I am so sorry for...
good enough. I
 I shouldn't have...
reserved that room for
 It's all my fault. a reason. Can you
 I'm ashamed of... upgrade me to a better
 Please, forgive me for... room with a window
 Excuse me for ... view?
 I'm terribly sorry for...
 Pardon me for this... Tom: I'm sorry Ma’am,
unfortunately there is
 Please, forgive me for my....
not much we can do in
 Please, accept my apologies for...
this situation, our
Negative response to complaint:
corporate office has
 Sorry there is nothing we can do about it.
outlined specific
 I'm afraid, there isn't much we can do actions to take in this
about it. situation, and I am
 We are sorry but … is just alright. afraid they are not very
Accepting apologies: flexible on this point.
 That's all right.
 Never mind.
 It doesn't matter.
 Don't worry about it.
 Don't mention it.
 I quite understand.

LEARNING ENGLISH via FILMS

1) Common mistakes when learning English with movies:
 Watching a movie which is trendy or recommended by a friend without
asking if this movie is suitable to learn English with.
 Having no set-up steps to learn and only focusing on enjoying movies.

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  Not estimating the time needed to learn English with movies and
eventually quitting.
2) Suggested steps to learn English via movies:
Choose a suitable movie
 Your interest in the movie: You are the one who knows exactly what type
of movies you enjoy. Is it comedy, science fiction or romantic?
 Your English level: A movie with too many complicated vocabularies
may not be a good choice
 Your time: Don’t waste your time with a movie which is too long, if you
still have other things to do. Short film or TV series with episodes should
be considered
 The availability of subtitles: A movie with bilingual subtitles would be the
best
Watching the whole movie at once with subtitle
 This is quite a relaxing period. Watching the whole movie will give you
the idea of how the story is told, and it’ll become easier to split it into
separated scenes.
 If you’re not confident with your English level, you can choose bilingual
subtitles. And if your level is intermediate or advanced, try to watch with
only English subtitles.
 The purpose of this step is to understand the story that the movie tells.
Therefore, you should only look up the meaning of keywords, but not all
of the new vocabularies. Just enjoy the movie when practicing this step.
Watching a separated scene, save new vocabularies and structures
This is the most important step to actively learn English. You can start this step
whenever you want after step 2, but remember to make sure that you still
understand the movie plot. If you can manage to learn with every scene of the
movie, that would be great. However, choose your most favorite scene to master is
also a wise way to start.
 Watch the scene with English subtitles to know new vocabularies and
sentence structures. You may need a dictionary, a notebook and a pen for
new vocabularies and sentence structures.
 Watch again to listen and repeat. You can pause, loop or slow down. Look
for new words pronunciation if you are not sure. Try to IMITATE the
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 mouth position, accent, intonation and even facial expression of the
characters.
 You can also record your own voice and compare the result with the
original ones. Spend as much time as possible for this step until you can
speak at the same speed as the characters. (Shadowing technique)
Mastering Listening and Speaking skills
You should want to understand what is going on in the movie without looking at
the subtitles and repeat the characters’ saying without pausing the video. Just focus
on one short scene at a time.
3) Good places to start learning English with movies
 Netflix is an American media-services. Its content focuses on movies and
TV shows. Now, Netflix is available in many countries and offer users a
great source of updated movies with subtitles.
 Iflix: Although its source of movies is not as huge as Netflix, iflix is still a
good choice for movie lovers because of its lower cost. Considered as
“Netflix of developing countries”, iflix headquartered in Malaysia.
 YouTube: The world’s most popular source of video including movie
scenes, of course. With a lot of videos with subtitles, YouTube is truly a
wonderful site to learn English.
 eJoy Go: A part of eJOY-English, eJOY Go can be accessed using the
same account you have for eJOY. One of many special benefits of eJOY
app is that you can search for new words’ meaning just by a click right
when watching without having to pause. You can also save the words you
want for later review.

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 LEARNING ENGLISH via SONGS

1) Why learn English through music

 Culture: The lyrics of English songs are full of references to the local
culture. For example, see how The Kinks (UK) talk about tea and toast in
the song Autumn Almanac. English songs are like a window into the
culture behind the language. They show how Brits and Americans live
and how they think about the world. You won’t find this information in a
textbook.
 Accents: English is spoken in many different accents by people across the
UK and America. The voices in songs make it easier to hear this in action
and understand the differences between them. For example, Arctic
Monkeys sing in a Yorkshire (northern) accent, while Blur sing in a
cockney (London) accent.
 Slang: English song lyrics often use slang words and phrases instead of
Standard English. This is useful because it will teach you common
informal phrases used by native speakers today.
 Pronunciation: It’s hard to know how a word is pronounced unless you
actually hear it. Songs are a fantastic way to hear English words spoken
(or sung) by a local Brit or American. You can try to copy this
pronunciation so you sound more natural when speaking English.
 Access: Listening to music can be possible when other methods of study
are not. For example, in the car, in the shower, or just walking around the
house.
 Memory: The best English songs are “catchy” and will stay in your head
for days. This makes it easier to remember any new words and
expressions through repetition.
 Fun: Learning English with your favourite songs is fun! Studying with
music from time to time can help you take a break from boring textbooks
and stay motivated.
2) How to use music to practise English
Choosing good songs for learning:
 not too long (1–3 verses)

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  not too fast (easy to sing along)
 in everyday English (not too many new or difficult words)
 clear (you can easily hear all the words).
Practising pronunciation:
 Find the song lyrics online, or find a music video with subtitles
(Lyricstraining.com, Lyricgaps.com, Lyricstranslate.com)
 Print out the lyric if needed. Read the song lyrics out loud. Look up any
unknown words in a dictionary. (www.lexico.com,
dictionary.cambridge.org)
 Listen to the song and read the lyrics at the same time.
 Try singing along without looking at the lyrics. Remember, they don’t
have to get it perfect straight away! It’s actually more effective to repeat
regularly.
Practising listening, reading and writing skills
 Creative writing: Listen to a song. After 10–20 seconds, pause the music
to draw whatever comes into the head. Play another 10–-20 seconds,
pause and draw again. Keep doing this until the song finishes. Then write
a short story to go with the pictures.
 Reading: Print out some song lyrics. Cut up the lyrics into separate lines
or verses. Ask your child to guess the correct order. Now listen to the
song to check if it’s right.
 Listening: Choose 10 words from a song. Then choose two or three extra
words that aren’t in the song. Write the words in a random order and give
the list to your friends. Play the song and ask them to tick the words they
hear.
 Listening: Print out some song lyrics. Change 5–10 words. Then listen to
the song. Ask your friends to ‘spot the differences’.

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