Speaking: Specific Purposes B1
Handling Basic Travel Scenarios
Scenario 1: Checking into a Hotel 🏨
Listen to this conversation between a traveler, Mr. Sok, and a hotel receptionist.
Receptionist: Good evening, sir. Welcome to The City Centre Hotel. How can I help you?
Mr. Sok: Hello, I have a reservation under the name 'Sok'.
Receptionist: Let me check... Yes, Mr. Sok. A double room for three nights. May I have your passport, please?
Mr. Sok: Of course. Here it is.
Receptionist: Thank you. Your room is 904. Here is your key card. Breakfast is from 7 AM to 10 AM.
Mr. Sok: Great, thank you. What time is check-out?
Receptionist: Check-out is at 11:30 AM, sir.
Mr. Sok: Perfect. Thanks for your help.
Scenario 2: Asking for Information 🗺️
Now, let's listen to a traveler, Lina, asking for help at an airport information desk.
Lina: Excuse me, I'm a bit lost. Could you help me?
Officer: Of course. Where are you trying to go?
Lina: I'm looking for the gate for my flight to Kuala Lumpur.
Officer: Okay. You need to take the airport shuttle train to Terminal C.
Lina: I see. Where can I find the shuttle?
Officer: Just follow the signs. Go down this escalator, and you will see it on your right.
Lina: That's very helpful. Thank you so much!
Key Phrases for Your Trip 🔑
At Your Hotel
- I'd like to check in. I have a reservation under the name...
- What's the Wi-Fi password?
- What time is breakfast served?
- Could you please call a taxi for me?
The Polite Formula for Asking Questions
- Step 1 (Get Attention): "Excuse me..."
- Step 2 (Ask Your Question): "Where can I find...?" / "How do I get to...?"
- Step 3 (Show Thanks): "Thank you for your help."
Tips for Successful Travel Talk
💡 Listening for Key Information
Sometimes the answers can be fast. Focus on listening for the most important words.
- When checking in, listen for: Numbers (room number, floor) and Times (breakfast time, check-out time).
- When asking for directions, listen for: Place words (left, right, straight) and Verbs (follow, go, take, turn).
Don't be afraid to ask for repetition! A useful phrase is: "Sorry, could you say that again, please?"
Practice Your Skills 🎯
Activity 1: Choose the Best Phrase
Read the situation and choose the best phrase to use.
- You arrive at your hotel. What is the first thing you say?
a) "Where is my room?"
b) "I want a room now."
c) "Hello, I'd like to check in, please."
→ Best Phrase: c) It's polite and clear. - You are in a train station and cannot find the ticket office. What do you say?
a) "Ticket office. Where?"
b) "Excuse me, where can I find the ticket office?"
c) "I need to buy a ticket right now."
→ Best Phrase: b) It uses the polite formula.
Activity 2: Travel Role-Play
Work with a partner. One person is the traveler, the other is the hotel receptionist or information officer.
- Hotel Check-in: The traveler should check in and ask two questions (e.g., about check-out time and Wi-Fi).
- Asking for Information: The traveler should politely ask for directions (e.g., to the nearest ATM or coffee shop).
Switch roles and do it again!
Vocabulary
- Reservation An arrangement for a room in a hotel to be kept for you.
- Check-out The act of leaving and paying for your room at a hotel.
- Shuttle A bus or train that travels regularly between two places, like airport terminals.
- Directions Instructions that tell you how to get to a place.
Your Communication Mission ⭐
Your mission is to use these skills in the real world. The next time you are in a coffee shop or store, try to use the polite formula to order or ask for something:
"Excuse me... Can I have...? Thank you."