A Simple Phone Call in English
Key Vocabulary
| Word / Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| phone | A small machine that you use to talk to people far away. | My phone is on the table. |
| answer | To pick up the phone when it rings and start to talk. | I answer the phone and say my name. |
| message | Words that you leave for a person who is not there. | She left a short message with her name and number. |
| repeat | To say something again. | Can you repeat that, please? |
| polite | Nice and kind in the way you speak. | A polite start is 'Hello, this is Ken.' |
Article
A phone call is when you talk to someone by phone. Sometimes a call in English feels hard. You cannot see their face.
When you answer the phone, say hello. Then say your name. You can say, 'Hello, this is Ken.' This is a good, polite start.
Say each word well. Take your time. They cannot see you, so every word must be easy to hear.
It is okay if you do not know a word. You can ask them to repeat. Say, 'Sorry, can you say that again?' This is okay and polite.
Sometimes they do not answer. You can leave a message. Say your name, your number, and why you called.
Write down important things. Write the day, the time, or a number. This helps you after the call.
At the end, say thank you. Then say goodbye. A short, polite call is a good skill. You will feel better every time.
Discussion Questions
- How do you feel when you make a phone call in English?
- What do you say when you do not understand someone on the phone?
- Do you write things down during a call? What do you write?
- Who do you call most in your daily life?
- Is it harder to talk on the phone or face to face? Tell us why.
References
- British Council LearnEnglish, "Telephone English: basic phrases."
- Cambridge English, "Everyday English: on the phone."