English Club : Learn English : English Speaking : Greetings

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Greetings in the Classroom

It is polite to greet a new student that joins your class. Introductions immediately follow this type of greeting.

Tips

Say hello and exchange names.

Exchange nationalities.

Engage in one line of small talk (weather, surroundings, news).

Useful Phrases

I'm from...(city or country)*

I hear it's beautiful/hot/expensive there.

How do you like it here?

How long have you been here?

*Learners often say "I come from..." instead of "I'm from...". Native speakers use "come from" for things or animals, not people: The toys come from China. Milk comes from cows.
Pair Practice

Listen and read:

A: Hello. I'm Sasha.
B: Hi Sasha. I'm Brent. (hold out hand to shake)
A: Nice to meet you Brent. Where are you from?
B: Chicago, Illinois. And you?
A: I'm from Australia. I live in a small town near Sydney.
B: Australia. Wow. I've always wanted to go there. How long have you been in Canada?
A: I just arrived this week. It's my first day of school.
B: Really? I think you'll love Vancouver. It's not too hot and not too cold.

Further Practice for Pairs

Add a third speaker and create your own lines.

Add an unexpected interruption (attendance being called, lesson starting).

Write the next four lines between the two speakers.

Write an inappropriate line and explain why it should not be part of the greeting.

Create a new dialogue that takes place between people in a classroom setting.