ESL Everyday Functional English 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At a grocery store, the cashier asks 'Will that be all?' What is the most appropriate response?
- Yes, I want more things.
- No, I'm fine, thanks.
- That's everything, thank you. (Correct answer)
- I don't understand the question.
Correct answer: That's everything, thank you.
'That's everything, thank you' directly confirms you are done shopping and is polite.
Question 2: You want to return an item to a store. What should you say to the customer service representative?
- I don't want this anymore.
- I'd like to return this item, please. I have my receipt. (Correct answer)
- Give me my money back.
- This item is broken, take it.
Correct answer: I'd like to return this item, please. I have my receipt.
Using 'I'd like to' is polite and mentioning the receipt shows you are prepared for the transaction.
Question 3: You want to ask for directions to the library. Which sentence is correct?
- Where is the library at?
- Could you tell me how to get to the library? (Correct answer)
- Library, where?
- I need library direction.
Correct answer: Could you tell me how to get to the library?
'Could you tell me how to get to...' is a polite and grammatically correct way to ask for directions.
Question 4: When someone introduces themselves to you, which response is most appropriate?
- Why are you telling me this?
- I already know who you are.
- Nice to meet you. I'm [your name]. (Correct answer)
- Hello, what do you want?
Correct answer: Nice to meet you. I'm [your name].
Responding with 'Nice to meet you' and your own name is the standard polite exchange in English-speaking cultures.
Question 5: At a restaurant, you want to get the server's attention politely. What is the best approach?
- Shout 'Hey!' loudly across the room.
- Snap your fingers at the server.
- Catch the server's eye, raise your hand slightly, and say 'Excuse me.' (Correct answer)
- Walk into the kitchen to find the server.
Correct answer: Catch the server's eye, raise your hand slightly, and say 'Excuse me.'
Making eye contact, using a small gesture, and saying 'Excuse me' is the polite standard for getting a server's attention.
Question 6: A form asks for your 'date of birth.' What information should you provide?
- The date you moved to the United States.
- Today's date.
- The day, month, and year you were born. (Correct answer)
- The year you started school.
Correct answer: The day, month, and year you were born.
'Date of birth' refers to the exact day, month, and year a person was born.
Question 7: A neighbor passes you and says 'How are you doing?' as a casual greeting. The most common informal response is:
- I am experiencing moderate satisfaction with my current life.
- That is a very personal question.
- I prefer not to answer.
- Fine, thanks. How about you? (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Fine, thanks. How about you?
'Fine, thanks. How about you?' is the typical short, friendly response to a casual greeting in American English.
ESL Everyday Functional English 1
At a grocery store, the cashier asks 'Will that be all?' What is the most appropriate response?