EXPLORING ENGLISH EVERYDAY ENGLISH – BASIC

4. TALKING ABOUT PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

Talking about Personal Experiences – Cities / Countries you have visited

Tokyo, Japan New York City, USA

Singapore

Beijing, China

Have you ever been to Tokyo?

Yes, I have. Which of these cities have you ever been to?

Have you ever been to any of these cities?

I’ve been to Tokyo and New York, but not Singapore and Beijing.

Ⓛ Learning Point 1

“Have you ever been to Japan?”

How to use this Exploring English learning series:□ Read the Learning Points marked Ⓛ Learning Point□ Practice the conversations marked ⒸⓅ① to ⒸⓅ② by reading them

aloud or recording them on a voice recorder □ Try the Practice Sheet (downloadable from the site)

What you need:

Time:

25-30 min

□ A notebook □ Writing tools□ [Optional] A voice recording device / voice recorder on

your mobile phone

EXPLORING ENGLISH EVERYDAY ENGLISH – BASIC

4. TALKING ABOUT PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

Talking about Personal Experiences – Types of Food you have eaten

Chinese Fried RiceHong Kong dimsum

Indian CurryKorean street food

Have you ever eaten Indian curry?

No, I haven’t. Which of these foods have you ever eaten?

Have you ever eaten any of these foods?

I’ve not eaten any of them!

Talking about Personal Experiences – Types of Sports / Activities you have

tried

Ice-skating

Bungee Jumping

EXPLORING ENGLISH EVERYDAY ENGLISH – BASIC

4. TALKING ABOUT PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

ParachutingRafting

Have you ever tried rafting?

Yes, I have. I loved it! Which of these sports have you ever tried?

Have you ever tried any of these sports?

Definitely. I’ve tried all except bungee jumping.

ⒸⓅ① Conversation Practice

Jessica: Tom, I’m thinking about going to Mexico. Have you ever

been there?

Tom: Yes, I’ve been there twice.

Jessica: Oh really! So, have you ever eaten Enchiladas Verdes or

Pineapple Pork Tacos?

Tom: I’ve eaten Enchiladas Verdes, but not Pineapple Pork Tacos.

Jessica: I can’t wait to try them when I get there. I also want to go

surfing at Cancun Beach! Have you ever tried surfing?

Tom: No, I haven’t. I’m not too good with water sports. I’ve tried

horse-riding along Cozumel Beach, though. It was fun!

Jessica and Tom are talking about their personal experiences.

EXPLORING ENGLISH EVERYDAY ENGLISH – BASIC

4. TALKING ABOUT PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

Talking about Recent Encounters

Question Answer What have you been doing lately? I’ve been preparing for the TOEFL　

test.

How long have you been studying

for it?

I’ve been studying for it for more

than three months.

Have you been reading the news? Yes, I have.

How long has the recent political

scandal been going on?

It has been going on since January

this year.

How long have you been using this

mobile phone?

I’ve been using it for about two

years.

Have you tried the new Samsung

smartphone?

No, I haven’t.

ⒸⓅ② Conversation Practice

Jessica is having trouble with her Chemistry lecture and wants to meet

Professor Milligan. However, he seems to be away from campus this week.

She goes to the faculty office to look for him.

Jessica: Hi, I need to speak to Professor Milligan from the Science

faculty. Have you seen him this week?

Faculty staff: Hmm.. I’ve not seen him this week, actually. Have you

tried calling him?

Jessica: Yes, I have. I have tried calling him twice but there was

no answer.

Faculty staff: I’m afraid he might be on vacation. Leave your name and

number, and I’ll try to get in touch with him.

Jessica: All right. Thanks.

Ⓛ Learning Point 2

“Have you seen Professor Milligan this week? I’ve been looking for him.”