Conversation Questions and Activities to Aid in the Learning of English
Arranged according to tense, topic, and levels of difficulty
By Prof. Mark McDowell, M.A. Mark’s ESL World ~ http://www.marksesl.com
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calm down (with or
without an object; with an object, separable): become calm /
less agitated or upset; help someone become calm / less agitated or upset.
"Why are you so upset? Suzie didn't intend to spill orange juice on you. Calm
down!"
"I know Ralph is upset, but can you calm him down? He's making so much
noise that he's irritating everyone in the office."
(not) care for (1. inseparable): like; want.
Note: This phrasal verb is usually negative, though it may be used
affirmatively in questions.
A: "Would you care for something to drink? We have coffee, tea, or
orange
juice."
B: "Could I have water, please? I don't care for coffee, tea, or juice."
care for (2. inseparable): take care of; supply care to; attend / watch..
"Amy's father got out of the hospital last week. The family is caring for him at
home."
catch on (no object): develop understanding or knowledge of something.
"Bill had never used a computer until
he took this class, but he caught on very
quickly and is now one of the best students."
catch up (with) (often without an object; with an object, inseparable): stop being
behind.
"Terry stopped to rest for a few minutes. He'll catch up / catch up with us
later."
check in (to) (inseparable): register for / at a hotel, conference, etc.; let someone
know officially that you have arrived.
"My plane will arrive around 5:00 PM. I should be able to check into the hotel
by 6:00 or 6:30."
"When you arrive at the convention, be sure to check in at the registration
desk."
check off (separable): make a mark to indicate that something on a list has been
completed.
"Here are the things you need to do. Please check each one off when you've
finished it."