Keeping a conversation going

In this video, Noelia and Bob talk about Spain. Listen to the language they use for keeping a conversation going and practise saying the useful phrases.

Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.

Transcript

Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say!

Do you know what to say when you want to keep a conversation going? Listen out for useful language for keeping a conversation going. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

 

Noelia: Hi, Bob!

Bob: Oh, morning, Noelia.

Noelia: So, what's new? 

Bob: New, hmm, let me think. Hmm … Nothing much. Oh, hang on. My dog Bertie had his 14th birthday on Monday! 

Noelia: Oh, he's getting old then?

Bob: I guess so … but not as old as his owner. 

Noelia: Haha … er, anyway …

Bob: How about you, Noelia? How's it going? 

Noelia: Great, actually. Yeah … all good.

Bob: By the way, I wanted to ask you, where in Spain are you from?

Noelia: I'm from Santander.

Bob: Oh, lovely. Wonderful to grow up near the sea. 

Noelia: Yeah, it was perfect. Ah, I miss the sea. 

Bob: I know what you mean. I used to live in Spain and I absolutely loved it.

Noelia: Really? I didn't know that, Bob! 

Bob: Yeah, I had a little bar on the Costa Brava.

Noelia: Wow! So do you speak Spanish then?

Bob: Oh, not much. Ah, those were the days! Excuse me. Perdona, Noelia. Tengo que irme. Me necesitan en el segundo piso. ¡Hasta pronto! [Excuse me, Noelia. I've got to go. They need me on the second floor. See you soon!]

Noelia: Wow! 


 

Ana: Hello again! Wow! Bob is full of surprises. So, did you notice the useful phrases used for keeping a conversation going? Listen to me and then repeat.

 

So, what's new? 

Let me think ... 

Nothing much. 

Anyway …

How about you, Noelia? 

How's it going? 

By the way, I wanted to ask you ... 

I know what you mean.

Really? I didn't know that! 

 

Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you want to keep a conversation going in English. Bye for now! 

Discussion

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Worksheet95.48 KB

Language level

Average: 4 (30 votes)
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Profile picture for user Grazia Paola Cannavo

Submitted by Grazia Paola Cannavo on Wed, 20/03/2024 - 09:56

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I currently live in a city quite close to the sea. However, when I was younger I lived in a seaside town. I miss the sea: it gives joy and energy during the winter; in summer it refreshes and offers the possibility of great relaxation and fun.

Submitted by Ei Sandar Phyo on Wed, 14/02/2024 - 13:20

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Not really, but I live 15 minutes away from nearby river called Yangon River by riding a bike.

Submitted by ired on Mon, 12/02/2024 - 13:42

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I'm one of the lucky ones who was born near the water. I saw the Bosphorus. the Water has such a relaxing structure as sound and as appearance.

Profile picture for user Azizollah-P

Submitted by Azizollah-P on Tue, 06/02/2024 - 20:33

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In fact, I`ve never lived in scenic of sea and incredibly I`ve never seen sea or ocean up close. I hope ,I`ll buy a flat in front of the sea.

Submitted by DzhusAngela on Fri, 02/02/2024 - 18:32

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I never lived near the sea,but I absolutely want to live near the sea and go to listen the noise by sea,meditate and after go to swim.

Submitted by ddddsky on Mon, 29/01/2024 - 05:35

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"Do you live near the sea?"
No, I don't. Actually, I live in a highland. But I just need to drive for 2 hours to get to the beach.

Submitted by shamzzz12345 on Tue, 05/12/2023 - 09:37

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Nope, I am not. But I'm in love with the sea. Even though it is far away from home, maybe a 30-kilometer drive, my family makes time for it every month.

Profile picture for user noura-elkhwanky

Submitted by noura-elkhwanky on Mon, 04/12/2023 - 22:58

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I was live in my own flat it was in a big building twardes the sea I had enjoyed every moment there I used to drink my coffee every day morning in my balcony during that listen to classic music and enjoy every single minute . That was my long life dream but after fulfill it everything changed . That’s the life . But I still remember all good memories there I have had.

Submitted by Toan3002 on Sat, 02/12/2023 - 01:04

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No, it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes from my house to Vung Tau beach.