Example: ordering coffee and checking an option
Understand the exchange first. Then change one detail: the size, drink or type of milk. This lets you use a familiar construction in a new situation.
— Can I have a small coffee, please? — Of course. Would you like milk? — Yes, please. Do you have oat milk? — Yes, we do. Anything else? — No, thank you. That’s all.
- Can I have…? — a polite request.
- Do you have…? — asking whether something is available.
- That’s all. — a way to finish the order.
A ten-minute practice session
Ask Bonnie to simplify her replies, suggest a word or explain a mistake. Give an approximate level; an initial exchange can help you adjust the difficulty.
| Time | Task |
|---|---|
| 2 minutes | Recall a few expressions from the previous session |
| 3 minutes | Try a short dialogue in the chosen situation |
| 3 minutes | Review two or three mistakes and try correcting them |
| 2 minutes | Use the expressions in a slightly different situation |
Make repetition useful
You can ask for a brief review at the end instead of an assessment after every sentence. This leaves more room for the conversation itself.
- Choose a goal such as travel, introductions, work emails or everyday conversation.
- Ask for important corrections after each reply while keeping the conversation moving.
- Reuse a few familiar expressions in a new setting next time.
- When it becomes easy, add a condition: a question, refusal, change of plan or longer answer.