Perfect Phrases for ESL: Conversation Skills, Premium Third Edition

Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Who Can Benefit from Using This Book?
Part 1 Phrases for Conversation
	Chapter 1 Small Talk
		Openers: Excuse Me
		Talking About Yourself
		Showing Interest
		Introducing Yourself
		Breaking the Ice
		Staying in Touch
		Saying Good-Bye
		Dialogue: Small World
		Topics for Practice
	Chapter 2 Past Experiences
		Openers: Greetings
		Greeting Friends and Acquaintances
		Making Introductions
		Catching Up
		Past Experiences
		Transitions and Connectors
		Discourse Markers
		Enjoyment and Pleasure
		Expressing Emotions
		Ending the Conversation
		Time Expressions
		Dialogue: Long Time No See
		Topics for Practice
	Chapter 3 Likes, Dislikes, and Interests
		Openers: Feeling Things Out
		Likes
		Dislikes
		Preferences
		Interests
		Desires and Dependency
		Indifference
		Making Offers
		Dates and Invitations
		Expressing Emotions
		Compliments
		Dialogue: What’s for Dinner?
		Topics for Practice
	Chapter 4 Objects and Processes
		Openers: Take a Look!
		Describing Objects
		Properties and Features
		Cost and Estimates
		Use and Availability
		Making Comparisons
		Making Contrasts
		Evaluations and Judgments
		Giving Instructions
		Expressing Emotions
		Dialogue: The New Smartphone
		Topics for Practice
	Chapter 5 Problems and Advice
		Openers: What’s Wrong?
		Stating a Problem
		Asking for Help or Advice
		Identifying the Cause of a Problem
		Sympathy and Understanding
		Advice and Assistance
		Appreciation and Gratitude
		Making Someone Aware of a Problem
		Complaints
		Reassurances
		Reluctance and Avoidance
		Expressing Emotions
		Dialogue: What’s the Matter?
		Topics for Practice
	Chapter 6 Decisions and Goals
		Openers: What Are We Going to Do?
		Options and Alternatives
		Reasons and Purpose
		Advantages and Disadvantages
		Making a Decision
		Indecision and Hesitation
		Setting Schedules and Deadlines
		Goals and Plans
		Encouragement, Recognition, and Congratulations
		Expressing Emotions
		Dialogue: A Tough Decision
		Topics for Practice
Part 2 Phrases for Discussions
	Chapter 7 Opinions
		Openers: Asking for an Opinion
		Stating an Opinion
		Value Judgments
		Generalizations
		Agreeing and Disagreeing
		Supporting an Opinion
		Figures and Statistics
		Making an Argument
		Solutions and Recommendations
		Expressing Emotions
		Dialogue: The Best Idea I’ve Heard So Far
		Topics for Practice
	Chapter 8 Group Discussions
		Openers: Opening the Floor
		Leading a Discussion
		Participating in a Group Discussion
		Interruptions
		Clarification and Explanations
		Misunderstandings
		Managing the Discussion
		In Conclusion
		Dialogue: The Holiday Party
		Topics for Practice
	Chapter 9 Serious Subjects
		Openers: Common Concerns
		Offering Solutions to General Problems
		Levels of Language
		Direct vs. Indirect Language
		Irony, Sarcasm, and Euphemism
		Complaints and Demands
		Rules and Conditions
		Bad News and Good News
		Causes and Consequences
		Certainty and Possibility
		Apologies and Agreements
		Dialogue: A Hard Bargain
		Topics for Practice
Part 3 Phrases for Special Occasions
	Chapter 10 Special Occasions
		Openers: Words of Welcome
		Honors and Awards
		Special Occasions
		Vacations, Holidays, and Trips
		Dining
		Relationships
		Romance
		Personal Notes
		Expressing Emotions
		Dialogue: Happy Birthday!
Part 4 Phrases for Telephone and Video Conversations
	Chapter 11 Telephone Basics
		Making a Call
		Receiving a Call
		Checking Details
		Connecting a Call
		Information and Services
		Emergency Calls
		Telephone Etiquette
		Ending a Call
		Making Small Talk
		Dialogue: Touching Base
		Practice
	Chapter 12 Telephone Messages
		Giving Details over the Phone
		Leaving a Message
		Taking a Message
		Ensuring Communication
		Returning a Call
		Answering Machines, Voice Mail, and Text Messages
		Dialogue: A Message
		Practice
	Chapter 13 Telephone Business
		Making Appointments
		Making Bookings and Reservations
		Changes and Cancellations
		Orders and Services
		Discussing a Problem
		In Conclusion
		Dialogue: Making an Appointment
		Topics for Practice
	Chapter 14 Telephone/Video Conferencing
		Preparing the Call
		Etiquette and Protocol
		Getting Started
		Preliminary Business
		Discussion
		Problems
		Taking Action
		Dialogue: Let’s Get the Ball Rolling!
		Topics for Practice
About the Author
Index