Course 2: Building on the Basics
Goal: Learn how to ask simple follow-up questions, introduce people, and handle everyday polite conversations naturally.
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Part 1: The “How are you?” Exchange
This is one of the most common ways to start a conversation. It’s a little ritual—answers are usually short and positive.
Ways to Ask Someone How They Are:
How are you? – Classic and universal
How's it going? – Casual
How are you doing? – Friendly, natural
What's up? – Very casual, used with friends
How to Respond (and Ask Back):
Feeling Response (then ask back)
Good/Fine "I'm good, thanks. And you?"
Good/Fine "Pretty good, thanks. How about you?"
Excellent "Great, thanks! How are you?"
Okay/Neutral "Not bad, thanks. And you?"
A bit tired/busy "A little tired, but I'm okay. How are you?"
📌 Tip: In casual conversation, people often say “Good” instead of “I’m well”. That’s perfectly fine.
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Part 2: Making Introductions
Keep introductions simple and clear.
Examples:
"Alex, this is Jamie."
"Jamie, I'd like you to meet Alex." (more formal)
"Have you two met? Alex, this is Jamie. Jamie, Alex."
After the Introduction:
People usually say:
"Nice to meet you."
"It's good to meet you."
"Pleased to meet you." (formal)
Responses:
"You too."
"Likewise."
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Part 3: Keeping the Conversation Going
After “How are you?” you can ask a polite follow-up question:
"How was your weekend?" (Monday)
"Any plans for the weekend?" (Friday)
"How’s your day going?"
"How’s work?" / "How’s school?"
Short answers are fine:
"It was good, thanks. Pretty relaxing."
"Not much, just going to relax. You?"
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Part 4: Saying Goodbye Politely
Instead of just “Bye,” try these friendly alternatives:
Everyday / Friendly:
"It was nice talking to you!"
"Good to see you!"
"Have a good day!" / "Have a great weekend!"
"Take care!"
"See you later!" / "See you around!"
Professional / Slightly Formal:
"Have a good one."
"I should get going. It was nice to see you."
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Practice Dialogue
Scenario: Anna runs into her friend Ben, who is with his colleague Chloe, whom Anna hasn’t met.
Anna: "Ben, hey! How's it going?"
Ben: "Anna! Good to see you. I'm good, thanks. How are you doing?"
Anna: "Pretty good! Just on my way to class."
Ben: "Oh, nice. Hey, Anna, this is my colleague, Chloe. Chloe, this is my friend Anna from college."
Anna: (to Chloe) "Hi, Chloe. Nice to meet you."
Chloe: "You too! Ben's told me a lot about your projects."
Anna: "All good things, I hope! Well, I'd better not be late. It was great seeing you, Ben. Nice to meet you, Chloe!"
Ben: "You too! See you later."
Chloe: "Bye! Have a good class!"
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Practice Tasks
1. Shadow the Dialogue: Read it out loud, copying rhythm and intonation.
2. Write Your Own: Create a dialogue where you introduce two of your friends.
3. Mirror Practice: Look in a mirror and practice the “How are you?” exchange. Play both parts and smile!
✅ Well done! You’ve moved from a simple “hello” to a short, natural, friendly conversation.
Next Challenge: In Course 3, we’ll learn how to ask for and share personal information, like your job, where you’re from, and your hobbies.
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