English Survival Situations
Someone is speaking too fast. What can you say politely?
“Sorry, could you speak a little more slowly, please?”
Also acceptable: “Could you repeat that, please?”
Would you rather have to sing every time you speak, or dance every time you walk?
Any answer is correct if they give a reason.
Example:
“I would rather dance every time I walk because it would be embarrassing, but at least I could still speak normally.”
I’m really looking forward ___ the weekend.
I’m really looking forward to the weekend.
What does “I can’t be bothered” mean?
It means “I don’t want to do it” or “I don’t have the energy/motivation to do it.”
Example:
“I should clean the kitchen, but I can’t be bothered.”
What does “worth it” mean?
It means something is good enough to justify the money, time, effort, or trouble.
You ordered coffee, but the waiter brought you tea. What do you say?
“Excuse me, I think there’s been a mistake. I ordered coffee, not tea.”
Would you rather have a rewind button for the last 10 seconds of your life, or a pause button for 10 minutes once a day?
Any clear answer with a reason.
Example:
“I would rather have a rewind button because I could fix small mistakes, like saying the wrong thing or dropping something.”
I accidentally sent the message ___ the wrong person.
I accidentally sent the message to the wrong person.
We got completely __________ away and ordered far too much food.
carried
Full sentence:
We got completely carried away and ordered far too much food.
I’m trying to cut __________ on unnecessary spending this month.
I’m trying to cut back on unnecessary spending this month.
You meet someone new, but after two minutes you forget their name. What can you say politely?
“I’m sorry, could you remind me of your name?”
Also acceptable:
“Sorry, I’m terrible with names. What was your name again?”
Would you rather always know when someone is lying, or always be able to make people believe you are telling the truth?
Any answer is correct with explanation.
Example:
“I would rather know when people are lying because it would protect me from fake people and bad decisions.”
The pizza smelled so good that I couldn’t resist ___ a slice.
eating / having
The pizza smelled so good that I couldn’t resist eating a slice.
What does this phrase mean?
“I was under the impression that the party started at 8.”
“I thought” or “I believed” the party started at 8.
Example:
“I was under the impression that you already knew about it.”
What does this expression mean?
“I’m on a tight budget.”
It means you do not have much money available to spend.
You are at a restaurant and your food is cold, but you don’t want to sound rude. What can you say?
“Excuse me, I’m sorry, but my food is a bit cold. Could you heat it up, please?”
Also acceptable:
“Sorry to bother you, but I think this is supposed to be hot.”
Would you rather be followed everywhere by dramatic background music that matches your mood, or have a narrator describe everything you do?
Any answer is correct, but they must explain clearly.
Example:
“I would rather have dramatic music because it would be funny and less embarrassing than someone narrating my life.”
I tried to keep a straight face, but I burst ___ laughing.
I tried to keep a straight face, but I burst out laughing.
Explain the difference between “sensible” and “sensitive.”
Sensible means practical, reasonable, or showing good judgement.
Sensitive means easily affected emotionally, or aware of other people’s feelings.
Explain the difference between “save up” and “put aside.”
Save up means to collect money over time for a specific thing.
Example:
“I’m saving up for a holiday.”
Put aside means to keep some money separately for later, not always for one specific thing.
Example:
“I try to put aside a little money every month.”
You are at a party or social event, and you want to leave politely. What can you say?
“I should probably get going, but it was really nice seeing you.”
Also acceptable:
“I’m going to head off now, but thank you for inviting me.”
Stronger answer:
“I’ve had a lovely time, but I need to get going. Thanks again for having me.”
Would you rather live in a world where nobody can lie, or in a world where everyone can hear each other’s thoughts for five minutes a day?
Example:
“I would rather live in a world where nobody can lie because it would be more honest, but it could also make relationships more difficult.”
If I had known the film was three hours long, I ___ have brought snacks.
If I had known the film was three hours long, I would have brought snacks.
What does this expression mean, and when would you use it?
“I’m in two minds about it.”
It means you are undecided or unsure because you can see both sides.
Example:
“I’m in two minds about going on holiday in August. It would be nice, but it might be too expensive.”
You want to buy something expensive, but you are not sure if it is a good idea. Give three things you should consider before deciding.
Possible answers:
Can I afford it?
Do I really need it?
Will I still want it in a month?
Is there a cheaper alternative?
Will it improve my life?
Am I buying it because I need it or because I’m stressed/bored?
Could this money be used for something more important?