Unit M-Intro Introducing Yourself & Meeting People
like + noun vs. like + verb-ing · Basic Shadowing · Turn-Taking
Progreso General
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Ejercicios: 0/0
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Context: Meeting someone at a social gathering · Pace: Slow, with pauses
Dialogue 1: Meeting Someone at a Party
LauraHi! I don't think we've met. I'm Laura.
MarkHi Laura, I'm Mark. Nice to meet you.
LauraSo, how do you know the host?
MarkOh, Sarah and I used to work together. What about you?
LauraWe're neighbors, actually.
MarkNice! Do you live close by?
LauraYeah, just a couple blocks away.
MarkThat's convenient. So, what do you do, Laura?
LauraI'm a graphic designer. And you?
MarkI'm in marketing. I like your bag, by the way.
LauraOh, thank you! I like finding unique things at flea markets.
Phrases of the day:
• "I like finding unique things at flea markets." — Expresses a liking for a specific activity.
• "Nice to meet you." — Standard greeting when meeting someone. Falling intonation on "you".
• "How do you know [name]?" — Classic follow-up question to break the ice.
• "What about you?" — Returns the question without repeating the whole sentence.
• "I'm in [field]" — Short way to say what you do for a living.
• "By the way" — Introduces a side comment, casual tone.
• "I like finding unique things at flea markets." — Expresses a liking for a specific activity.
• "Nice to meet you." — Standard greeting when meeting someone. Falling intonation on "you".
• "How do you know [name]?" — Classic follow-up question to break the ice.
• "What about you?" — Returns the question without repeating the whole sentence.
• "I'm in [field]" — Short way to say what you do for a living.
• "By the way" — Introduces a side comment, casual tone.
Exercise 1.1: Listen and orderComprehension
Number the sentences in the correct order (1-6):
Correct order:
1. "Hi! I don't think we've met. I'm Laura."
2. "So, how do you know the host?"
3. "Nice! Do you live close by?"
4. "I'm a graphic designer. And you?"
5. "I like your bag, by the way."
6. "Oh, thank you! I like finding unique things at flea markets."
1. "Hi! I don't think we've met. I'm Laura."
2. "So, how do you know the host?"
3. "Nice! Do you live close by?"
4. "I'm a graphic designer. And you?"
5. "I like your bag, by the way."
6. "Oh, thank you! I like finding unique things at flea markets."
Exercise 1.1B: Personalize the Dialogue
Speaking & Writing
Complete the conversation with your own information. Use the vocabulary below for ideas.
A: Hi! I don't think we've met. I'm .
B: Hi , I'm . Nice to meet you.
A: So, how do you know the host?
B: Oh, . What about you?
A: We're , actually.
B: Nice! Do you live close by?
A: Yeah, just away.
B: That's convenient. So, what do you do, ?
A: I'm a . And you?
B: I'm in . I like your , by the way.
A: Oh, thank you! I like .
Vocabulary Ideas:
Names: Laura, Mark, Ana, Ben, Cody, Sarah, Carlos, Maria
Relationships: neighbors, coworkers, classmates, friends, family
Professions: graphic designer, teacher, engineer, nurse, doctor, artist
Fields: marketing, education, healthcare, technology, design
Activities: finding unique things, traveling, reading, cooking, photography
Names: Laura, Mark, Ana, Ben, Cody, Sarah, Carlos, Maria
Relationships: neighbors, coworkers, classmates, friends, family
Professions: graphic designer, teacher, engineer, nurse, doctor, artist
Fields: marketing, education, healthcare, technology, design
Activities: finding unique things, traveling, reading, cooking, photography
Example Answer:
A: Hi! I don't think we've met. I'm Laura.
B: Hi Laura, I'm Mark. Nice to meet you.
A: So, how do you know the host?
B: Oh, Sarah and I used to work together. What about you?
A: We're neighbors, actually.
B: Nice! Do you live close by?
A: Yeah, just a couple blocks away.
B: That's convenient. So, what do you do, Laura?
A: I'm a graphic designer. And you?
B: I'm in marketing. I like your bag, by the way.
A: Oh, thank you! I like finding unique things at flea markets.
A: Hi! I don't think we've met. I'm Laura.
B: Hi Laura, I'm Mark. Nice to meet you.
A: So, how do you know the host?
B: Oh, Sarah and I used to work together. What about you?
A: We're neighbors, actually.
B: Nice! Do you live close by?
A: Yeah, just a couple blocks away.
B: That's convenient. So, what do you do, Laura?
A: I'm a graphic designer. And you?
B: I'm in marketing. I like your bag, by the way.
A: Oh, thank you! I like finding unique things at flea markets.
Exercise 1.2: Identify the functionMatching
Match each phrase with its communicative function:
Correct answers:
"Hi! I don't think we've met." → b) Introduction
"How do you know the host?" → a) Follow-up question
"What about you?" → c) Return the question
"I like your bag." → d) Compliment
"That's convenient." → e) Comment / reaction
"Hi! I don't think we've met." → b) Introduction
"How do you know the host?" → a) Follow-up question
"What about you?" → c) Return the question
"I like your bag." → d) Compliment
"That's convenient." → e) Comment / reaction
Exercise 1.2B: Personalize Your Responses
Speaking & Writing
Write your own responses for each function. Use the vocabulary below for ideas.
1. Introduction:
2. Follow-up question:
3. Return the question:
4. Compliment:
5. Comment / reaction:
Vocabulary Ideas:
Introductions: Hi! I'm ___. / Hello, I don't think we've met. / Hey, I'm ___.
Follow-up: How do you know ___? / What brings you here? / Where are you from?
Compliments: I like your ___ / That's a nice ___ / You have a great ___
Reactions: That's cool! / Awesome! / Really? / No way! / That's interesting.
Introductions: Hi! I'm ___. / Hello, I don't think we've met. / Hey, I'm ___.
Follow-up: How do you know ___? / What brings you here? / Where are you from?
Compliments: I like your ___ / That's a nice ___ / You have a great ___
Reactions: That's cool! / Awesome! / Really? / No way! / That's interesting.
Example Answers:
1. Hi! I'm Carlos. Nice to meet you.
2. How do you know the host?
3. What about you?
4. I like your shoes.
5. That's awesome!
1. Hi! I'm Carlos. Nice to meet you.
2. How do you know the host?
3. What about you?
4. I like your shoes.
5. That's awesome!
Exercise 2.1: Backchaining practicePronunciation
Repeat each fragment from back to front:
→ markets → flea markets → at flea markets → unique things at flea markets → finding unique things at flea markets
→ "I like finding unique things at flea markets."
→ "I like finding unique things at flea markets."
→ you → meet you → to meet you
→ "Nice to meet you."
→ "Nice to meet you."
Practice aloud following the sequence from back to front.
Exercise 2.2: Intonation of "Nice to meet you"Speaking
Practice these intonation variations and record yourself:
1. Falling (neutral):
Nice to meet you ↓
Nice to meet you ↓
2. Rising (surprise):
Nice to meet you? ↑
Nice to meet you? ↑
3. Warm (friendly):
Nice to MEET you (emphasis on "meet")
Nice to MEET you (emphasis on "meet")
Record yourself saying the three variations. Listen and compare your intonation.
Grammar: LIKE + noun vs. LIKE + verb-ing
Like + noun vs. Like + verb-ing
We use like + noun to express a liking for an object or person.
We use like + verb-ing to express a liking for an activity.
• I like your bag. (like + noun)
• I like finding unique things. (like + verb-ing)
We use like + noun to express a liking for an object or person.
We use like + verb-ing to express a liking for an activity.
• I like your bag. (like + noun)
• I like finding unique things. (like + verb-ing)
Exercise 3.1: ClassifyGrammar
LIKE + NOUN or LIKE + VERB-ING?
Correct answers:
I like your bag. → LIKE + NOUN
I like finding unique things. → LIKE + VERB-ING
She likes coffee. → LIKE + NOUN
He likes reading. → LIKE + VERB-ING
They like music. → LIKE + NOUN
We like traveling. → LIKE + VERB-ING
I like your bag. → LIKE + NOUN
I like finding unique things. → LIKE + VERB-ING
She likes coffee. → LIKE + NOUN
He likes reading. → LIKE + VERB-ING
They like music. → LIKE + NOUN
We like traveling. → LIKE + VERB-ING
Exercise 3.1B: Personalize Your Likes
Speaking & Writing
Write your own sentences using LIKE + NOUN and LIKE + VERB-ING.
1. LIKE + NOUN (something you like):
2. LIKE + NOUN (another thing you like):
3. LIKE + VERB-ING (an activity you like):
4. LIKE + VERB-ING (another activity you like):
Vocabulary Ideas:
Nouns: pizza, coffee, music, books, movies, sports, art, fashion
Activities: traveling, reading, cooking, swimming, dancing, singing, painting, writing
Nouns: pizza, coffee, music, books, movies, sports, art, fashion
Activities: traveling, reading, cooking, swimming, dancing, singing, painting, writing
Example Answers:
1. I like pizza.
2. She likes music.
3. I like traveling.
4. He likes reading.
1. I like pizza.
2. She likes music.
3. I like traveling.
4. He likes reading.
Exercise 3.2: Complete the sentencesGrammar
Use like or likes in the correct form:
1. I ___________ pizza — it's my favorite food.
2. She ___________ running in the park every morning.
3. They ___________ movies from the 90s.
4. He ___________ cooking Italian food.
5. We ___________ this song very much.
Correct answers:
1. I like pizza — it's my favorite food.
2. She likes running in the park every morning.
3. They like movies from the 90s.
4. He likes cooking Italian food.
5. We like this song very much.
1. I like pizza — it's my favorite food.
2. She likes running in the park every morning.
3. They like movies from the 90s.
4. He likes cooking Italian food.
5. We like this song very much.
Exercise 3.2B: Personalize Your Sentences
Speaking & Writing
Complete the sentences with your own information.
1. I ___________ (food/drink) — it's my favorite.
2. She ___________ (activity) every weekend.
3. They ___________ (type of music).
4. He ___________ (activity) in his free time.
5. We ___________ (activity/hobby) together.
Vocabulary Ideas:
Food/Drink: coffee, tea, pizza, sushi, chocolate, ice cream
Activities: dancing, painting, reading, cooking, swimming, hiking, yoga
Music: rock, jazz, pop, classical, hip-hop, electronic
Food/Drink: coffee, tea, pizza, sushi, chocolate, ice cream
Activities: dancing, painting, reading, cooking, swimming, hiking, yoga
Music: rock, jazz, pop, classical, hip-hop, electronic
Example Answers:
1. I like coffee — it's my favorite.
2. She likes dancing every weekend.
3. They like rock.
4. He likes painting in his free time.
5. We like hiking together.
1. I like coffee — it's my favorite.
2. She likes dancing every weekend.
3. They like rock.
4. He likes painting in his free time.
5. We like hiking together.
Exercise 3.3: Transform the sentenceGrammar
Change from LIKE + NOUN to LIKE + VERB-ING (or vice versa):
Original: I like your bag.
Original: I like finding unique things.
Original: She likes chocolate.
Original: He likes playing soccer.
Original: They like music.
Possible transformations:
I like your bag. → I like buying bags. / I like having bags like that.
I like finding unique things. → I like the idea of unique things. / I like unique items.
She likes chocolate. → She likes eating chocolate. / She likes chocolate ice cream.
He likes playing soccer. → He likes soccer. / He likes soccer games.
They like music. → They like listening to music. / They like playing music.
I like your bag. → I like buying bags. / I like having bags like that.
I like finding unique things. → I like the idea of unique things. / I like unique items.
She likes chocolate. → She likes eating chocolate. / She likes chocolate ice cream.
He likes playing soccer. → He likes soccer. / He likes soccer games.
They like music. → They like listening to music. / They like playing music.
Exercise 3.3B: Personalize Transformations
Speaking & Writing
Write your own transformations. Create a sentence with LIKE + NOUN and then transform it to LIKE + VERB-ING (or vice versa).
1. Write a sentence with LIKE + NOUN:
Transform to LIKE + VERB-ING:
2. Write a sentence with LIKE + VERB-ING:
Transform to LIKE + NOUN:
Vocabulary Ideas:
Nouns → Activities: coffee → drinking coffee, music → listening to music, books → reading books
Activities → Nouns: cooking → homemade food, traveling → new places, dancing → the music
Nouns → Activities: coffee → drinking coffee, music → listening to music, books → reading books
Activities → Nouns: cooking → homemade food, traveling → new places, dancing → the music
Example Answers:
1. I like pizza.
Transform: I like eating pizza.
2. I like swimming.
Transform: I like the pool.
1. I like pizza.
Transform: I like eating pizza.
2. I like swimming.
Transform: I like the pool.
Vocabulary: Social Introductions
Introductions
- Nice to meet you Standard greeting
- How do you know [name]? Ask about relationship
- What about you? Return the question
- I'm in [field] Say your profession
Conversation Tools
- By the way Introduce a topic
- Actually Softens a correction
- That's convenient Comment
- Close by Near
Like + noun vs. + -ing
- Like + noun Liking for an object
- Like + verb-ing Liking for an activity
- Finding Finding (activity)
- Unique things Unique things
Context: Group conversation at a party · Pace: Slow-medium · Voices: 3 characters
Dialogue 2: Interrupting in a Group Conversation
Ana...and that's when we realized the flight was actually canceled.
BenOh no, that's awful. Wait, can I ask—when was this?
AnaLike, three weeks ago.
CodySorry, can I jump in? Did you get a refund?
AnaEventually, yeah.
BenThat's good at least. Anyway, go on—
AnaWell, actually that's pretty much the whole story.
CodyWow. I like traveling, but stuff like that stresses me out.
Phrases of the day:
• "Sorry, can I jump in?" — Most common and neutral way to enter a group conversation.
• "Wait, can I ask...?" — Politely interrupts to ask for information.
• "Go on / Go ahead" — Gives the turn back to the speaker.
• "Anyway" — Signals you're going back to the main thread after an interruption.
• "Actually" — Softens a correction or unexpected information.
• "Stuff like that" — Generalizes without giving more detail, very common in informal conversation.
• "Sorry, can I jump in?" — Most common and neutral way to enter a group conversation.
• "Wait, can I ask...?" — Politely interrupts to ask for information.
• "Go on / Go ahead" — Gives the turn back to the speaker.
• "Anyway" — Signals you're going back to the main thread after an interruption.
• "Actually" — Softens a correction or unexpected information.
• "Stuff like that" — Generalizes without giving more detail, very common in informal conversation.
Exercise 2.1: Identify the speaking turnsComprehension
Who speaks in each turn? (Ana, Ben, or Cody)
Correct answers:
1. Ana 2. Ben 3. Ana 4. Cody 5. Ana 6. Ben 7. Ana 8. Cody
1. Ana 2. Ben 3. Ana 4. Cody 5. Ana 6. Ben 7. Ana 8. Cody
Exercise 2.1B: Personalize the Group Conversation
Speaking & Writing
Complete the group conversation with your own information. Use the vocabulary below for ideas.
A: ...and that's when we realized .
B: Oh no, that's awful. Wait, can I ask—when was this?
A: ago.
C: Sorry, can I jump in? Did you ?
A: Eventually, yeah.
B: That's good at least. Anyway, go on—
A: Well, actually that's pretty much the whole story.
C: Wow. I like , but stresses me out.
Vocabulary Ideas:
Events: the flight was canceled, we lost our bags, the hotel was overbooked
Time: three weeks, a month, two days, last summer
Actions: get a refund, get compensation, find another hotel
Activities: traveling, flying, road trips, backpacking
Events: the flight was canceled, we lost our bags, the hotel was overbooked
Time: three weeks, a month, two days, last summer
Actions: get a refund, get compensation, find another hotel
Activities: traveling, flying, road trips, backpacking
Example Answer:
A: ...and that's when we realized the flight was actually canceled.
B: Oh no, that's awful. Wait, can I ask—when was this?
A: Like, three weeks ago.
C: Sorry, can I jump in? Did you get a refund?
A: Eventually, yeah.
B: That's good at least. Anyway, go on—
A: Well, actually that's pretty much the whole story.
C: Wow. I like traveling, but stuff like that stresses me out.
A: ...and that's when we realized the flight was actually canceled.
B: Oh no, that's awful. Wait, can I ask—when was this?
A: Like, three weeks ago.
C: Sorry, can I jump in? Did you get a refund?
A: Eventually, yeah.
B: That's good at least. Anyway, go on—
A: Well, actually that's pretty much the whole story.
C: Wow. I like traveling, but stuff like that stresses me out.
Exercise 2.2: Interruption functionsMatching
Match each interruption phrase with its function:
Correct answers:
"Wait, can I ask...?" → b) Ask for specific information
"Sorry, can I jump in?" → a) Enter the conversation
"Go on / Go ahead" → c) Give the turn back
"Anyway" → d) Return to the main thread
"Wait, can I ask...?" → b) Ask for specific information
"Sorry, can I jump in?" → a) Enter the conversation
"Go on / Go ahead" → c) Give the turn back
"Anyway" → d) Return to the main thread
Exercise 2.2B: Personalize Interruption Phrases
Speaking & Writing
Write your own interruption phrases for each function. Use the vocabulary below for ideas.
1. Enter the conversation:
2. Ask for specific information:
3. Give the turn back:
4. Return to the main thread:
Vocabulary Ideas:
Enter: Sorry to interrupt, but... / Can I say something? / I'd like to add...
Ask info: Can I ask you something? / I wonder if... / Could you tell me...?
Give turn: Please continue. / Go ahead. / You were saying?
Return: As I was saying... / Back to the topic... / So anyway...
Enter: Sorry to interrupt, but... / Can I say something? / I'd like to add...
Ask info: Can I ask you something? / I wonder if... / Could you tell me...?
Give turn: Please continue. / Go ahead. / You were saying?
Return: As I was saying... / Back to the topic... / So anyway...
Example Answers:
1. Sorry, can I jump in?
2. Wait, can I ask...?
3. Go on.
4. Anyway...
1. Sorry, can I jump in?
2. Wait, can I ask...?
3. Go on.
4. Anyway...
Exercise 2.3: Backchaining practicePronunciation
Repeat from back to front:
→ in? → jump in? → can I jump in?
→ "Sorry, can I jump in?"
→ "Sorry, can I jump in?"
→ ask? → can I ask? → Wait, can I ask...?
→ on → go on → Anyway, go on
Exercise 2.4: Interruption timingSpeaking
Practice "entering" at the exact moment. Listen to the dialogue and practice:
Ana: "...and that's when we realized the flight was actually canceled."
Ben: "Oh no, that's awful. Wait, can I ask—when was this?" (1-beat pause)
Your turn: "Sorry, can I jump in?" (practice entering on the beat)
Record yourself practicing the interruption timing. Don't interrupt mid-word.
Grammar: Interruption Structures
Structures for interrupting politely:
• "Wait, can I ask...?" — Ask permission to ask a question.
• "Sorry, can I jump in?" — Enter the conversation.
• "Go on / Go ahead" — Give the turn back.
• "Anyway" — Return to the main thread.
• "Actually" — Softens a correction.
• "Wait, can I ask...?" — Ask permission to ask a question.
• "Sorry, can I jump in?" — Enter the conversation.
• "Go on / Go ahead" — Give the turn back.
• "Anyway" — Return to the main thread.
• "Actually" — Softens a correction.
Exercise 3.1: Complete the interruption phrasesGrammar
Use the words: jump, ask, in, go, anyway, actually
1. "Wait, can I _______ ? When was this?"
2. "Sorry, can I _______ in?"
3. "_______ , go on."
4. "_______ , that's pretty much the whole story."
5. "That's good at least. _______ , go on—"
6. "Well, _______ that's pretty much it."
Correct answers:
1. "Wait, can I ask ? When was this?"
2. "Sorry, can I jump in?"
3. "Actually , go on."
4. "Anyway , that's pretty much the whole story."
5. "That's good at least. Anyway , go on—"
6. "Well, actually that's pretty much it."
1. "Wait, can I ask ? When was this?"
2. "Sorry, can I jump in?"
3. "Actually , go on."
4. "Anyway , that's pretty much the whole story."
5. "That's good at least. Anyway , go on—"
6. "Well, actually that's pretty much it."
Exercise 3.1B: Personalize Complete Phrases
Speaking & Writing
Complete each interruption phrase with your own words.
1. "Wait, can I ask...?"
2. "Sorry, can I jump in?"
3. "Actually..."
4. "Anyway..."
Vocabulary Ideas:
Ask: What happened? / When did this happen? / How did it end?
Jump in: I have a question. / Can I add something? / I'd like to say something.
Actually: that's not quite right. / I disagree. / I think you're wrong.
Anyway: as I was saying... / back to the topic... / let's move on...
Ask: What happened? / When did this happen? / How did it end?
Jump in: I have a question. / Can I add something? / I'd like to say something.
Actually: that's not quite right. / I disagree. / I think you're wrong.
Anyway: as I was saying... / back to the topic... / let's move on...
Example Answers:
1. What happened?
2. I have a question.
3. that's not quite right.
4. as I was saying...
1. What happened?
2. I have a question.
3. that's not quite right.
4. as I was saying...
Exercise 3.2: Order the interruptionGrammar
Put the phrases in the correct order for a polite interruption:
___ "Did you get a refund?"
___ "Sorry, can I jump in?"
___ "Go on, sorry about that."
Correct order:
1. "Sorry, can I jump in?"
2. "Did you get a refund?"
3. "Go on, sorry about that."
1. "Sorry, can I jump in?"
2. "Did you get a refund?"
3. "Go on, sorry about that."
Vocabulary: Turn-taking
Interruption Phrases
- Wait, can I ask...? Ask permission
- Sorry, can I jump in? Enter the conversation
- Go on / Go ahead Give the turn back
- Anyway Return to the thread
Softening Words
- Actually Softens a correction
- Well Pause to think
- Like Informal filler
- Stuff like that Generalize
Reactions
- Oh no, that's awful Sympathy
- That's good at least Relief
- Wow Surprise
- Stresses me out It stresses me out
Personalization & Production
Exercise: Personal Introduction
Speaking
Task: Write a short introduction to present yourself to someone new.
Include: your name, what you do, something you like to do, a follow-up question.
Example:
1. Hi! I'm Carlos. I don't think we've met.
2. So, how do you know the host?
3. I'm in software development.
4. What about you?
5. I like traveling to new places.
1. Hi! I'm Carlos. I don't think we've met.
2. So, how do you know the host?
3. I'm in software development.
4. What about you?
5. I like traveling to new places.
Bonus: My Personal Vocabulary Tracker
Extra Practice
Write 5 new words or phrases from this unit that you want to start using. Then write a sentence for each one.
Save this as your personal dictionary!
Unit M-Intro completed. Keep practicing!