Eavesdropping on English with Rosie

Here are 4 ways that you can answer a question that begins with the word did. 

In English, many times, we ask about past activities by using the verb "did+ a present tense verb. This sounds confusing. Why use a present tense verb if you are asking about the past? On this episode we explain the structure of Did+ Subject + Present Tense Verb.

In conversation, how to describe your occupation in present tense.  The questions you might hear are? What type of job do you have?   I am a_____. What type of work do you do?     I work for _____. What do you do for a living?         I am in______.      I work at______.

This episode covers usual questions a server or restaurant employee might ask you in a restaurant and your answer: What would you like? I'll have a ______. What can I get you?  I'll take a_________. Are you ready to order? Yes, I'll try the ____. Do you need more time? No, I'm ready to order. I'll have_______.

Receiving appropriate customer service many times involves using the correct vocabulary word to express your needs accurately.  In this episode we discuss how to reschedule an appointment time by using the word "earlier" and how to reschedule an appointment date by using the word "sooner". 

This conversation is about injuries in the PAST. Notice that the verbs we use are past tense.  Listen for the phrases " I was wondering" and "Let me ask you this". These are two common ways we can start off asking questions: "Let me ask you this, have you ever broken a bone? "I was wondering, if you have ever broken a bone?"  Vocabulary:  broken, bone, stitches, wrist, toe

When we ask each other in English how we feel we are usually referring to how we feel emotionally of how we feel mentally. Answers to this question could include- I feel excited. I feel anxious. I am feeling hopeful. I am feeling down. Things are not good.  We usually have a follow up question- What's going on? Do you want to talk? Is everything ok? And well wishes- I hope things get better. I am...

How are you feeling is a usual question we ask in conversation in English.  We are asking about your physical health. It is usually asked if someone appears to be in pain or not looking like they feel well. Usual answers include -I'm fine. I feel better. I am not so good. I have a headache. etc. We usually answer by offering concern- Oh no! What's wrong? What's the matter? How can I help? etc. Or...

Ago is a useful word for describing events in the simple past.  Ago will follow a noun: weeks ago, months ago, hours ago, days ago, years ago 

This conversation is about a person's experiences and opinions on traveling. Vocabulary to listen for: formal- location, relax, explore, flight informal/slang-vibe, awesome  

Listen to this conversation about traveling by car.  Focus on Vocabulary: interstate, take/took, snacks, restroom, busy, sleep/slept

Listen to this conversation about a trip to New York City.  Focus on vocabulary: (verbs) depart, land (noun) ground transportation American slang: easy- peasy

One common structure for asking questions in English is to use a question word, who, what, where, when, how, or why + did followed by a present tense verb.  Although the question has a present tense verb, the question is asking about the past as indicated by the verb did. Listen to these questions and answers to identify the past tense verbs. 

Listen to this episode and listen for vocabulary: friendship oldest friend closest friend introvert variety 

Listen to identify the 3 favorite grades and why these grades were the favorite ones. 

Listen how English speakers raise their voices at the end of a question. Vocabulary: College, Bachelor's, Masters How many years to get a bachelor's degree? How many years to get a master's degree?

Focus on vocabulary: least, subject, struggle Focus on expression: It runs in the fam(ily).

Listen to this conversation to discover if coffee is a drink that Jakob likes. Why? or why not?  

This conversation is about using the microwave. What details are they discussing about the microwave? Ask: Who? What? When? How Long?  List vocabulary you recognize. List new phrases and vocabulary words you hear. What filler words did you hear? Listen as many times as needed to understand the conversation. 

Listen to this informal conversation about baking. Focus: What is she baking? Which kitchen appliance is she using? What temperature? How long will it take to bake?