Dialogue 2

Saturday’s Chores

Son: Dad. Can I go outside to play?

Dad: Well, did you get you Saturday's work done?

Son: Ah, Dad. Do I have to?

Dad: Well, you know the rules. No playing until the work is done.

Son: So, what is my work?

Dad: Well, first you have to clean the bathroom including the toilet. And don't forget to scrub the bathtub.

Son: No, I want to do the family room.

Dad: Well, okay, but you have to vacuum the family room and the hall, and be sure to dust everything. Oh, and don't forget to wipe the walls and clean the baseboards. [Okay.] And after that. [Oh, no.] Next, sweep and mop the kitchen floor and be sure to polish the table in the living room.

Son: Okay. Okay.

Dad: And make your bed and pick up all your toys and put them away. And . . .

Son: More?

Dad: Yeah. And then, how about going out for lunch and getting a big milk shake, but you probably don't want to do that.

Son: No, No. I want to.

Dad: Okay. While you're doing your work, I'll be out in the yard raking leaves and pulling weeds.

Key Vocabulary

• scrub (verb): clean thoroughly by rubbing hard - You'll need to scrub really hard to remove that stain from the table.

• dust (verb): to remove small pieces of dirt - Please dust all the furniture in the front room.

• baseboards (noun): a piece of wood or molding attached along the bottom of a wall where it touches the floor; also called "skirting board" in Britain and Australia - We need to remove the baseboards to put down new tile on the floor.

• sweep (verb): to clean a floor by using a broom or brush to collect dirt - Be sure to sweep the floor before you mop it.

• rake (verb): to gather with a garden tool with a row of plastic or metal teeth at the head - I spent all yesterday raking the leaves in my backyard.

1. What does the boy want to do at the beginning of the conversation? A. go play outside B. watch TV C. play video games

2. What is one thing the boy is NOT assigned to do around the house? A. clean the garage B. vacuum the floors C. wash the walls

3. What does the boy have to do in his bedroom? A. put away his books B. make his bed C. pick up his dirty clothes

4. What is the father going to do while the boy is doing his household chores? A. wash the car B. paint the house C. work in the yard

5. Where will the father and son go after the housework is done? A. to a movie B. out to eat C. to a ball game

Speak about your daily schedule

Talking about your hobbies in English

When you want to get to know someone, ask about their hobbies and interests.

Questions you can ask

What do you like doing? What sort of hobbies do you have? What do you get up to in your free time?

How to reply

In my free time I… When I have some spare time I… When I get the time, I… I relax by (watching TV)

I'm interested in (+ noun / gerund) I'm keen on (+ noun / gerund) I'm into (+ noun / gerund) I enjoy (+ noun / gerund)

You can add "really" or "quite" after "I'm…" for emphasis. "I'm really keen on football."

Giving a longer reply

You can add more details about your hobbies and interests:

I like arts and crafts. I'm a creative / practical person, and like doing things with my hands.

I'm an outgoing person, and like socialising / hanging out with friends.

I enjoy being physically active, and spend a lot of time playing sports and team games.

Saying why you like your hobby

You can also explain why you spend time on your hobby to make the conversation longer and more interesting.

I really enjoy going to the gym because

…it keeps me fit. …it gets me out of the house, you know! …it's sociable. I've met lots of new people. …it gives me something interesting to do with my time. …it's not very expensive, and anyone can do it!

More words that you can use to describe your hobbies: creative fascinating practical cheap enjoyable relaxing different unusual