English. Let`s start speaking…

I’m doing well.

I’m okay, thanks. Not too bad.

3. Farewells:

Goodbye!

See you soon. Take care!

Have a nice day!

4. Basic Questions:

What’s your name?

Where are you from? How old are you?

What do you like to do?

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Once upon a time there was a little girl. Her name was Goldilocks. She had golden hair.

One day Goldilocks was walking in the forest. She saw a house and knocked on the door. She went inside. Nobody was there.

Goldilocks saw three bowls on the table. She was hungry.

This porridge is too hot! This porridge is too cold! This porridge is just right!» Goldilocks ate all the porridge.

Goldilocks was tired now. «This chair is too big! This chair is too big, too! This chair is just right!» But the chair broke!

Goldilocks was very tired. She went upstairs. «This bed is too hard! This bed is too soft! This bed is just right!»

Soon, the bears came home.

«Someone’s been eating my porridge!» said Daddy Bear.

«Someone’s been eating my porridge!» said Mummy Bear.

«Someone’s been eating my porridge – and it’s all gone!» said Baby Bear.

«Someone’s been sitting on my chair!» said Daddy Bear.

«Someone’s been sitting on my chair!» said Mummy Bear.

«Someone’s been sitting on my chair – and it’s broken!» said Baby Bear.

«Someone’s been sleeping in my bed!» said Daddy Bear.

«Someone’s been sleeping in my bed!» said Mummy Bear.

«Someone’s been sleeping in my bed – and she’s still there!» said Baby Bear.

Goldilocks woke up and saw the three bears. «Help!» She ran downstairs and into the forest. She never came back again.

Introducing Yourself

Phrases: «My name is…”, «I am from…”, «I like…»

Combined Example Introductions:

1. Name: «Hello! My name is Anna.»

2. Country: «I am from Italy.»

3. Hobby: «I like drawing and painting.»

Countries

Students can choose or practice saying where they are from using these country names:

Example Practice: «I am from Spain.» «I am Spanish.»

Hobbies

Here’s a list of common hobbies for students to practice saying what they like:

Reading books

Playing football (soccer)

Drawing or painting

Listening to music

Cooking

Watching movies

Traveling

Dancing

Swimming

Cycling

Playing guitar (or another instrument)

Learning languages

Photography

Playing video games

Running or jogging

Writing stories or poems

Example Practice:

«I like playing football.» «I like reading books.»

Dialogue 1: Emma and Alex

Emma: Hello! My name is Emma. What is your name?

Alex: Hi! My name is Alex.

Emma: Nice to meet you, Alex. Where are you from?

Alex: I am from Spain. And you?

Emma: I am from Canada.

Alex: What do you like?

Emma: I like reading books. What do you like?

Alex: I like playing the guitar.

Dialogue 2: Daniel and Sara

Daniel: Hello! My name is Daniel. What is your name?

Sara: Hi! My name is Sara.

Daniel: Nice to meet you, Sara. Where are you from?

Sara: I am from Italy. Where are you from? Daniel: I am from England. Do you like sports? Sara: Yes, I like soccer. And you?

Daniel: I like basketball.

Sara: Cool! What else do you like?

Daniel: I like listening to music.

Dialogue 3: Maria and Tom

Maria: Hello! My name is Maria. What is your name?

Tom: Hi! My name is Tom.

Maria: Where are you from, Tom?

Tom: I am from Australia. Where are you from?

Maria: I am from Brazil.

Tom: What is your favorite food?

Maria: My favorite food is pizza. And yours?

Tom: I love pasta. What is your favorite color? Maria: My favorite color is blue. What about you? Tom: I like green.

Simple Questions

question words: «What?», «Where?», «Who?» At the Park

Anna: Hello! What is your name? Tom: My name is Tom. And you? Anna: I am Anna. Nice to meet you!

Tom: Nice to meet you too! Where are you from?

Anna: I am from Russia. And you?

Tom: I am from England. Do you like this park?

Anna: Yes, I do. It is very nice. What do you like to do here?

Tom: I like to walk and read books. What about you?

Anna: I like to sit under the trees. I read, too.

Tom: Great! Who is your favorite author?

Anna: My favorite author is Alexander Pushkin. Do you know him?

Tom: Yes! I like his stories!

Vocabulary and Grammar Focus

Questions: «What?», «Where?», «Who?», «Do you like…?»

Responses: «I am…”, «My name is…”, «I like…»

New Words: park, walk, read, trees, author, favorite

New Words

1. Park (noun)

Definition: A public place with grass, trees, and benches where people relax, walk, or play.

Example: «I go to the park to read my book.»

Visual Tip: Show a picture of a park with trees, paths, and people.

2. Walk (verb)

Definition: To move by putting one foot in front of the other at a slow pace.

Example: «I like to walk in the park in the evening.»

Activity: Ask students to act out the action of walking.

3. Read (verb)

Definition: To look at words in a book, newspaper, or story and understand their meaning.

Example: «I read books every day.»

Follow-Up: Show a simple book and ask students, «Do you read at home?»

4. Trees (noun)

Definition: Tall plants with a trunk, branches, and green leaves.

Example: «There are many trees in the park.»

Visual Tip: Use a picture of trees in a park or forest to explain.

5. Author (noun)

Definition: A person who writes books, stories, or poems.

Example: «Alexander Pushkin is a famous author.»

Cultural Connection: Share a famous author from the target language’s culture.

6. Favorite (adjective)

Definition: Something you like the most or more than others.

Example: «Pushkin is my favorite author.»

Activity: Ask students questions like: «What is your favorite book?»

«Who is your favorite singer?»

Form short sentences with each word:

Example: «I like the park.» «I read every day.»

«My favorite color is blue.»

Cultural Insight: Comparing Greeting Customs in Different Regions of England and the USA

England: Greeting Customs

1. Formal and Polite

English greetings tend to be more reserved and polite.

Common greetings:

«Hello» or «Good morning/afternoon/evening» in formal situations.

«How do you do?» – This is a very formal greeting, though less common today.

Handshake: A firm handshake is standard in professional settings or when meeting someone for the first time.

2. Regional Variations:

In London: People may simply say «Hi» or «Hello» without physical contact, as the culture can be more formal and busy. In Northern England (e.g., Yorkshire): You might hear a friendly «Ey up!» or «Alright?» instead of «Hello.»

In Southwest England (e.g., Cornwall): People might say «Morning!» or «Alright, my lover?» – a regional phrase with a warm tone.

3. Casual Situations:

In informal settings, people often greet with «Hi» or «Hey.»

Follow-up question: «You alright?» – This is equivalent to asking, «How are you?» but doesn’t always require a detailed answer.

USA: Greeting Customs

1. Friendly and Outgoing

Americans tend to be more casual and friendly in greetings, even with strangers.

Common greetings:

«Hi» or «Hey» (most common in casual situations). «Hello» is more formal but still widely used.

Follow-up question: «How are you?» – Often used as part of the greeting, though it’s usually rhetorical.

2. Regional Variations:

In the South (e.g., Texas, Georgia): Greetings are very warm and polite. People often say: «Howdy!» (short for «How do you do?»)

«Good morning, y’all!» («Y’all» = «you all»).

Handshakes and even friendly hugs are common.

In the Northeast (e.g., New York, Boston): Greetings can be shorter and quicker due to the fast-paced lifestyle. «Hi,» «Hey,» or a nod of acknowledgment is common.

People may skip small talk altogether.

On the West Coast (e.g., California): Greetings are very laid-back. «Hey, what’s up?» or «Hi, how’s it going?» are common.

Smiles and casual waves often accompany the greeting.

3. Physical Gestures:

In the USA, a handshake is common for formal introductions. Hugs and high-fives are used in friendly and family contexts.

Eye contact and a smile are expected as signs of friendliness and respect.

Summary Chart: England vs USA Greeting Styles

The First Day in the New Town

Hello! My name is Anna, and I am from a small town. Today, I am visiting a new place. «Where is the market?» I ask a kind old woman on the street. She smiles and says, «It is over there, near the big red building.» I thank her and walk in that direction.

At the market, I meet a man. «Hello,» I say. «What is your name?» «My name is James,» he replies. «How are you?»

«I am fine, thank you,» I say with a smile.

James shows me a basket of apples. «These apples are very sweet,» he says.

«How much?» I ask.

«Two coins for one apple,» he replies.

I take a big red apple and pay him. «Thank you!» I say. The apple is very tasty. «You are welcome,» he says.

After the market, I go to the park. It is beautiful! The trees are tall, and the flowers are small but colorful. There is a little boy playing with his dog. I wave and say, «Hello!» He waves back.

In the park, I meet another woman. «What is your name?» I ask. «My name is Maria,» she says. «And who are you?»

«I am Anna,» I reply.

Maria and I talk for a long time. She tells me about her family. She has a sister and a brother. «My sister is young, and my brother is tall,» she says. «What about you?»

«My family is small,» I say. «I have a mother and a father.»

Before I leave, I say goodbye to everyone. «Goodbye!» I wave at the boy, his dog, and Maria.

«Goodbye!» they say back.

It is a lovely first day in the new town, and I am happy to meet so many kind people!

Vocabulary Included:

1. Greetings and expressions: Hello, goodbye, how are you, thank you, you are welcome.

2. Questions: What, where, who, how much.

3. Simple phrases: My name is, I am from, I am fine.

4. Basic vocabulary: Apple, red, big, small, tall, family, mother, father, sister, brother.

5. Cultural context: Visiting the market, talking to strangers, describing family.

Understanding the Simple Grammar Story: «The First Day in the New Town»

This story is an excellent example of a simple grammar text, designed as the first step toward education and language comprehension. It introduces learners to basic sentence structures, essential vocabulary, and everyday conversations in a natural and engaging way.

1. Grammar and Sentence Structure

The story uses basic present and present continuous tenses, which are fundamental for early learners. «My name is Anna.» (Simple Present – stating a fact)

«Today, I am visiting a new place.» (Present Continuous – describing an action happening now)

Learners can see how questions are formed: «Where is the market?» (Wh-question)

«What is your name?» (Basic introduction)

«How much?» (Asking for prices)

2. Essential Vocabulary and Communication Phrases

Greetings and expressions like hello, goodbye, thank you, you are welcome help learners engage in basic social interactions. Simple phrases such as «My name is…» and «I am from…» provide the foundation for self-introduction and small talk. Basic vocabulary (big, small, red, tall, family, mother, father, sister, brother) helps learners describe people, objects, and surroundings.

3. Cultural and Practical Context

The story reflects real-life interactions, such as: Asking for directions («Where is the market?»). Shopping and discussing prices («How much?»). Meeting new people and talking about family («What about you?»).

This helps learners connect language to everyday experiences, making it easier to apply what they learn in real conversations.

4. The First Step Toward Education

By understanding this simple yet meaningful story, learners take their first step in language acquisition. The story builds confidence, allowing students to see patterns, recognize common phrases, and use them in their own speech. It encourages active learning – instead of memorizing isolated words, students absorb language through context, making it more natural and intuitive.

Conclusion

«The First Day in the New Town» is more than just a beginner’s story – it is a stepping stone into language learning. By mastering simple structures, vocabulary, and conversation patterns, learners gain the tools they need to progress to more complex communication. Understanding and applying these foundational elements marks the true beginning of education in any language.

Quiz: «The First Day in the New Town»

Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. What is Anna’s first question in the new town?

a) «Who are you?»

b) «What is your name?»

c) «Where is the market?»

d) «How much is this apple?»

2. What color is the apple Anna buys?

a) Green

b) Yellow

c) Red

d) Blue

3. Who does Anna meet in the park?

a) James and Maria

b) A boy and his dog, and Maria

c) An old woman and a boy

d) Maria and her family

4. How much does the apple cost?

a) One coin

b) Two coins

c) Three coins

d) Four coins

5. How does Maria describe her family?

a) Big and loud

b) Small and quiet

c) She has a sister and a brother

d) She has a dog and a cat

Part 2: True or False

1. Anna is visiting a new city for the first time.

2. The old woman says the market is near a small building.

3. James sells apples at the market.

4. Anna has a brother and a sister.

5. The boy in the park waves back at Anna.

Part 3: Fill in the Blanks

1. Anna asks the old woman, «is the market?»

2. James says, «These apples are very.»

3. In the park, Anna waves and says,»!»

4. Maria tells Anna, «My sister is, and my brother is tall.»

5. At the end of the day, Anna says,»!» to everyone.

Part 4: Open-Ended Questions

1. Who does Anna meet at the market, and what do they talk about?

2. How does Anna describe her family to Maria?

3. What does Anna find beautiful in the park?

4. Why is Anna happy at the end of the story?

5. What would you ask someone if you visited a new town?

Describe the objects or characters using simple sentences

Vocabulary List: Fairy-Tale Scene

1. Cottage

Meaning: A small, cozy house often found in rural or magical settings.

Example: «The cottage glowed warmly, surrounded by colorful flowers.»

2. Tower

Meaning: A tall, narrow building, often part of a castle or standing alone, with a magical or mysterious feel.

Example: «The ancient tower was covered in climbing vines.»

3. Vines

Meaning: Long, trailing plants that climb walls or structures.

Example: «Green vines twisted their way up the sides of the tower.»

4. Wolf

Meaning: A wild animal resembling a dog, often portrayed as clever or mystical in fairy tales.

Example: «The gentle wolf stood near the cottage, watching over the scene.»

5. Cloak

Meaning: A long, loose outer garment often worn in stories by magical or mysterious characters.

Example: «The wolf wore a flowing cloak that shimmered in the sunset.»

6. Roof

Meaning: The top covering of a house or building.

Example: «The cottage had a red roof that stood out against the trees.»

7. Glow

Meaning: A warm, steady light, often soft and inviting.

Example: «The cottage’s windows emitted a welcoming glow.»

8. Sunset

Meaning: The time of day when the sun sets below the horizon, often creating beautiful colors in the sky.

Example: «The pink and golden sunset painted the sky in vibrant hues.»

9. Flowers

Meaning: Colorful, blooming plants that add beauty to a scene.

Example: «Bright flowers surrounded the cottage, adding a magical touch.»

10. Tree

Meaning: A tall plant with a trunk and branches, often creating a natural setting.

Example: «Lush green trees bordered the cozy cottage.»

11. Mystical

Meaning: Relating to a sense of wonder, magic, or the supernatural.

Example: «The mystical atmosphere made the scene feel enchanting.»

12. Whimsical

Meaning: Playful, fanciful, or magical in an imaginative way.

Example: «The whimsical design of the tower felt straight out of a storybook.»

13. Ancient

Meaning: Very old, often evoking mystery or historical significance.

Example: «The ancient tower seemed to hold many secrets.»

14. Cozy

Meaning: Warm, comfortable, and inviting.

Example: «The small cottage looked cozy with its glowing windows.»

15. Enchantment

Meaning: A magical spell or the feeling of being charmed and fascinated.

Example: «The entire scene felt like an enchantment brought to life.»

Short Descriptive Text: Fairy Tale Inspired

The Magical Cottage

In the middle of the dark, green forest stood a small, wooden cottage. Its walls were painted yellow, and its roof was covered with shiny red tiles that sparkled in the sunlight. The front door was tiny and round, with a golden handle shaped like a star.

Next to the cottage, there was a beautiful garden filled with bright, colorful flowers. Blue roses, golden daisies, and purple tulips grew side by side. A stone path led to the cottage, where a white cat with glowing green eyes sat patiently by the door. The air smelled sweet, like fresh honey and blooming flowers.

Inside the cottage, there was a small table made of oak. On the table sat a glass jar filled with shining candies, and next to it, a silver teapot that seemed to hum softly. The walls were decorated with paintings of magical creatures, and in the corner stood a tall, old bookshelf, filled with ancient books that whispered secrets when you opened them.

Vocabulary Match

Match the words to their descriptions:

1. Cottage

2. Garden

3. Teapot

4. Path

5. Cat

Descriptions:

a. A small house in the forest.

b. A stone walkway leading to the house.

c. A furry animal with green eyes.

d. A container used to pour tea.

A place with colorful flowers

Multiple Choice

1. What color were the walls of the cottage?

a) Blue

b) Yellow

c) Red

d) White

2. What shape was the door?

a) Square

b) Oval

c) Round

d) Rectangle

3. What grew in the garden?

a) Trees and bushes

b) Vegetables

c) Blue roses and purple tulips

d) Mushrooms

4. What was next to the glass jar on the table?