English Conversation Practice: Shopping, Motorbikes, Barbecues and Supermarket Dialogues

English Conversation Practice

Practise your English with these everyday dialogues. Each one includes gaps marked with numbers to help you improve your speaking and listening skills.

Dialogue 1: Chatting in the Street with a Schoolmate After Class

You: I love those trainers you're wearing today.

Classmate: Thank you. They are brand new.

You: (1) Where did you buy them?

Classmate: I bought them online.

You: Really? (2) I don't like online shopping.

Classmate: Why? Shopping online is cool.

You: I hate waiting for something I've ordered to arrive. It usually takes longer than it should. (3) How long did you wait?

Classmate: Just a couple of weeks.

You: (4) I can't wait that much time!

Classmate: You're really impatient.

You: I know. And (5) How much did they cost?

Classmate: I got them for thirty.

You: Ooh, that's really cheap! They are far more expensive in the shops. (6)

I will buy the same ones.

Classmate: But not in the same colour as mine, please.

Dialogue 2: Trying to Convince Your Mother to Buy You a Motorbike

Your mother: I can't believe you're back to that, again!

You: But, Mum, (1) I've grown up now.

Your mother: I know, but you already have a scooter.

You: That's not cool. (2) It's too slow.

Your mother: I don't care about what other people do. Motorbikes are really dangerous.

You: Mum, you know (3) I'll be very careful.

Your mother: I trust you, but other drivers can cause an accident.

You: My goodness, (4) That's not my fault.

Your mother: OK, I won't think about the bad things. But why are you so crazy about having one?

You: (5) Because it's faster and more exciting.

Your mother: I think what you want is to show off and flirt!

You: Please, Mum, (6) I promise to use it responsibly.

Your mother: I don't know, but I'm sure you'll keep insisting.

Dialogue 3: Planning a Barbecue Party

Your friend: Hi. What's up? Ready to organise our great barbecue party?

You: Hi! Yes, let's get on with it. (1) How many people will be there?

Your friend: About 15, not too many. So, let's start with the place... What about my home?

You: Are you sure? (2) Your house will get dirty.

Your friend: As long as you help me do the clean-up after the party, it's OK.

You: Great! (3) What about the food?

Your friend: Yeah. Let's make a shopping list. We don't have to worry about drinks, my parents are supplying them. For food, I thought about having sausages, chicken brochettes, beef burgers with fries and some snacks.

You: Terrific! But, isn't Elena coming? (4) She's vegan / vegetarian / she's got allergies.

Your friend: True! I'd forgotten. What can we get for her?

You: (5) We can get some vegetables / gluten-free pizza.

Your friend: Any would do! Anything else we need?

You: Of course, what about the music? (6) I have a friend who's a DJ.

Your friend: That's a good idea! You think of everything.

Dialogue 4: Getting Ready to Go to the Supermarket

Dad: We really need to go to the supermarket. Are you coming?

You: (1) I can't, I need to study.

Dad: You're always giving excuses. I'm sorry, but you need to do some chores, debators de crea.

You: You're right, I'll go. (2) What do we need?

Dad: Let's start with the list. Let's see... all the basics, certainly.

You: (3) This is all we need?

Dad: We'll also need some meat and vegetables. I'll make a lasagne later.

You: That's great! (4) It's my favourite food!

Dad: Yes, we all love it. You could learn how to make it.

You: Really? (5) Isn't it very difficult?

Dad: It's not such a complicated recipe.

You: (6) Can I invite friends?

Dad: Of course, your friends are always welcome.