Breaking Off a Conversation

Rapid speech · Conversation strategies · Upper Intermediate B2

1

Tessa and Becky

Look at the photo of Tessa and Becky. Who do you think they are?
Tessa and Becky
2

Video Part 1 — First meeting

Watch the video and answer the questions.
▶ Watch Video Part 1
a) Are Becky and Tessa friends? How do you know?
b) Why does Becky have to go?
3

Video Part 2 — Bumping into Tom

Watch Video Part 2. Are these sentences true or false?
▶ Watch Video Part 2
a) Becky and Tom are married.
b) Becky is free this evening.
c) Becky is in a hurry.
4

Breaking Off a Conversation

Look at these ways to break off a conversation. Which words do we usually not say in rapid speech? Click to cross them off.
1 I really must go now.
2 I must run.
3 I've got no time to talk now.
4 I'll see you tomorrow.
Listen to check. Track 1.16
🎧 Track 1.16
5

More ways to break off — what's missing?

Look at some more ways to break off a conversation. What words has the speaker left out? Type them in the box at the start of each phrase.
1 must be off now.
2 talk to you later.
3 can't talk just now.
4 nice talking to you.
6

Rapid Speech — Not fast enough!

In rapid speech we often leave out sounds. Listen to the phrases below.
Which sound is left out? Is it a consonant sound or a vowel sound?
🎧 Track 1.16
1 must go
2 must run
3 got to go
4 can't walk
7

Put the conversation in order

Read the conversation. Drag the tokens to put B's replies in the correct order.
A: So how was your holiday?
B: Put B's reply in order:
Drag tokens here…
A: OK, well, have a nice evening.
B: Put B's reply in order:
Drag tokens here…
8

Video Part 3 — Becky's new job

Watch Video Part 3. Make notes to answer the questions.
▶ Watch Video Part 3
1. Sam explains three things to Becky. What are they?
2. What does Phil do in the café?
3. Why do they call him 'JK'?
4. Who's Emma?