Today's language will be used entirely through speaking — you'll hear it, say it, and use it in a live conversation before the lesson ends.
Get spoken English running before any input.
Djamilya and Indira talk to each other: each shares one good thing and one busy/hectic thing from the last few days. Partner responds and asks one follow-up question before swapping.
A model conversation between two colleagues before a meeting — this is the shape today's language fits into.
For each line below, discuss with your partner which option sounds more natural here, then click your choice. Once every line is chosen, read the whole dialogue aloud together — then swap parts (A becomes B) and read it again.
Same 9 phrases from the dialogue, plus 3 more — check how well they've landed.
Take turns: one of you reads a phrase without flipping the card. Your partner says what it means and gives a one-sentence example of when they'd use it. Then click the card to flip and check together. If your guess was different, explain to each other why your version could also work.
Move the chunks from "recognized" to "instantly usable."
Keep a real conversation going, back and forth, each turn using one chunk from today's list (any order, no repeats). No planning pauses — if you get stuck, keep talking, don't switch to your first language.
Use the chunks inside a realistic work scenario — then repeat with new details.
Read only your own card below. Use at least 4 chunks from today's list during the conversation.
You: heading to the 10:00 meeting, you run into a colleague from Compliance in the corridor. You haven't spoken in about three weeks.
Mention: your team just wrapped up a big audit. Ask about their new hire process.
You: you're from Compliance, on your way to get coffee. It really has been a few weeks since you last spoke to Djamilya.
Mention: you're swamped preparing for a regulator visit. Answer her question about hiring.
Swap and repeat — new details, Indira opens this time:
You: by the coffee machine, you run into a colleague from Digital Banking. It's been since the last town hall.
Mention: you're heading to a conference next month. Ask how their retention numbers look this quarter.
You: you're from Digital Banking, grabbing a coffee before a call. You haven't properly spoken since the town hall.
Mention: your team just launched a new feature. Answer her question about retention.
One last speed pass — pure retrieval, no notes.
Take turns: one of you starts a chunk out loud, the other must finish it or use it correctly in a one-line sentence, within 3 seconds. Keep alternating — no repeats of a chunk already used today. Keep score together if you want the competitive edge.
All 12 phrases from today, for your own review.
| English | Russian |
|---|---|
| How's it going with [project]? | Как дела с [проектом]? |
| Things have been pretty hectic lately. | В последнее время довольно напряжённо. |
| I've been meaning to ask you… | Я давно хотел(а) у тебя спросить… |
| Speaking of which… | Кстати, раз уж об этом зашла речь… |
| So, what have you been up to? | Чем занимаешься в последнее время? |
| It's been a while since we caught up. | Давно не общались. |
| Anyway, how's [team] doing? | Кстати, как дела у [команды]? |
| I heard that you… | Я слышал(а), что ты… |
| That reminds me… | Кстати, это напомнило мне… |
| Let's catch up properly sometime. | Давай как-нибудь нормально пообщаемся. |
| Before we start, how are things on your end? | Прежде чем начнём, как у тебя дела? |
| No rush, but when you get a chance… | Не срочно, но когда будет возможность… |