Notes from Lesson 8 (27/03/26)

Lesson 8 – Today is Friday “the” 27th “of” March

 What we did today

  • cleaning equipment vocabulary review
  • cleaning vocabulary review
  • Hotel vocabulary and dialogues
  • Pronunciation “uh”

  

  • a spray cleaner, cleaning product
  • to polish the furniture
  • to disenfect the toilet, the kitchen worktops
  • an air freshener
  • Open the window to air the room  (= let in fresh air)

 

Homework – vocabulary practice

  • Use a damp cloth  to wipe the kitchen counters/sides/ the kitchen worktops.
  • A bucket is needed to carry water for mopping.
  • Clean the windows with glass cleaner and a cloth.
  • If there is broken glass on the floor, sweep it up with a dustpan and brush  
  • I sweep the kitchen floor every morning
  • to sweep up crumbs and glass from the floor (collect it)
  • Use a sponge to clean the bathroom sink.       (spunge)
  • Use a plunger to unblock the sink.
  • A toilet brush is used to clean the toilet bowl.
  • Dust the furniture with a duster/damp cloth.       (mop = floor only)
  • Use a bin bag/garbage bag to collect rubbish/garbage.
  • Use rubber gloves to protect your hands while cleaning.
  • Polish wooden surfaces with furniture polish
  • A scrubbing brush/ a scourer is good for scrubbing stubborn stains.  (stains = coffee stains, blood stains, fat/grease/oil stains)
  • Use a tea towel/kitchen cloth to do the drying up    (= to dry your dishes)
  • Use clothes pegs to hang up the washing on the washing line.
  • Use window cleaner and a cloth to clean the windows.

 

Stubborn stainscan’t be removed easily, they refuse to go.

kitchen towel like toilet roll for kitchens

stålull – metal scourer

 

 

 

Discussion

 

·      What cleaning tasks do you do at home? Which is the most important for you?

·      Which cleaning tools and products do you use the most?  

·      Which cleaning tasks did you do yesterday?   I did the washing up

·      Can you share a good cleaning tip?

·      Do you think children should help with household chores? Which tasks and at what age? How do you encourage children to do them?

 

 

My mother used to clean the kitchen every day.   (the past that won’t come back)

I usually clean the kitchen every day.

When I was a student I usually cleaned the kitchen every day.

 

My mother used to make her own clothes. She was very good at making her own clothes.

My grandmother used to tell me about her childhood  (special nostalgic memory)

Doing chores in the house teaches children responsibility

It stops them from being lazy!

My apartment gets very dusty in the spring’.

dust bunnies  (= dust rabbits)  (dammråttor)

a bunny – children’s name for a rabbit

dog – doggy  (to children)

Tips for cleaning the oven?

You can clean the oven/the microwave with white vinegar.  Leave it in the oven for 15 minutes at 50-60 degrees and then scrub/wipe the oven

ättika = white vinegar, natural

pickling vegetables

Use bicarbonate of soda to unblock the drain, the pipes

 

Checking in at a hotel and asking about what to do in the area

Key vocabulary

At the hotel

  • Reservation / booking
  • Reception / front desk
  • Check-in / check-out
  • ID / passport
  • Single room / double room / twin room/family room
  • Suite / deluxe room / standard room   “sweet”
  • Key card
  • Deposit   (= money up front)
  • Complimentary (free)
  • Available / fully booked
  • Upgrade
  • Late check-out
  • Cancellation

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Wi-Fi
  • Ensuite bathroom    ”on-sweet”
  • Balcony / terrace
  • Mini-bar
  • complimentary chocolates  (free of charge)
  • Room service
  • Towels
  • shampoo, conditioner, soap = toiletries
  • a shower cap
  • a safe to store valuables
  • a hairdryer
  • coffee maker, tea-making facilities
  • a kettle and tea bags
  • dressing gown and slippers
  • bath towels and hand towels, a bath mat
  • coathangers , clothes hangers
  • coatpegs to hang up your coat, jacket

 

Hotel Facilities

  • Gym / fitness centre
  • Spa / sauna
  • Swimming pool
  • Restaurant / bar
  • Business centre
  • Conference room
  • Parking / valet parking   ”vall-ay”
  • Laundry service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • play area for the children, kid’s club  (in a resort)

Local area

  • Sightseeing
  • Attractions
  • Landmark – the London Eye, Big Ben
  • Public transport/transportation (US) – bus, train
  • Guided tour
  • Museum / gallery
  • Local cuisine – Swedish cuisine: meatballs,  baked potatoes
  • fika = cafés where you can take a coffee
  • fikapaus = coffee break/ tea break
  • Shopping district
  • Nightlife
  • Park / waterfront

We provide the refreshments (drinks and snacks)

 

  1. Useful Phrases

Checking in

  • “I have a reservation/booking under the name…”
  • “I’d like to check in, please.”
  • “Could/can I see your ID, please?”
  • “Your room is ready. Your room isn’t ready yet”
  • “What time is check-out?”
  • “Is it possible to get a late check-out?”

 

Asking about the room

  • “Does the room include breakfast?”
  • “Is Wi-Fi free?”
  • “Can I have a room with a view?”
  • “Is there air conditioning or heating?”
  • Is there a ceiling fan?
  • “Can I upgrade my room?”

Asking about facilities

  • “What facilities does the hotel offer?”
  • “Is there a gym or a pool?”
  • “Do you have a spa or sauna?”
  • “What time does the restaurant open/close?”

 

Asking about the area

  • “What is there to do nearby?”
  • “Can you recommend any attractions?”
  • “How do I get to the city centre?”
  • “Are there any good restaurants around here?”
  • “Is there public transport nearby?”

 

Dialogue 1 – Checking in

Receptionist: Good afternoon. Welcome to the hotel. How can I help you?
Guest: Hi, I’d like to check in. I have a reservation under the name Johnson.
Receptionist: Of course. May I see your passport, please?
Guest: Certainly. Here you go.
Receptionist: Thank you, Mr. Johnson. I see you’ve booked a double room for three nights, is that correct?
Guest: Yes, that’s right.
Receptionist: Perfect. Your room is on the third floor. Here is your key card.
Guest: Thank you. Is breakfast included?
Receptionist: Breakfast is not included in your booking, but you can add it for an additional fee. It’s served from 7 to 10 a.m.
Guest: I see. I might add it tomorrow.
Receptionist: Of course, just let us know at the front desk.  “frunt”
Guest: Thanks. What time is check-out?
Receptionist: Check-out is at 11 a.m. on your departure day.
Guest: Great, thank you very much.
Receptionist: You’re welcome. Enjoy your stay!

👉 Your turn:

Create a similar dialogue. Change and include:

The guest’s name

The length of stay (number of nights)

The floor number

Whether breakfast is included or not

The check-out time

One extra question from the guest (e.g., about breakfast, Wi-Fi, or facilities)

 

Dialogue 2 – Asking about the room

Guest: Excuse me, does the room include breakfast?
Receptionist: Yes, breakfast is complimentary and served from 7 to 10 a.m.
Guest: Great. Is Wi-Fi free?
Receptionist: Yes, it’s available throughout the hotel.  “avay-labbul”
Guest: Can I have a room with a balcony?
Receptionist: Let me check… Yes, we can upgrade you for an additional fee.     “a-deesh-a-null”

👉 Your turn:
Make a new dialogue. Include:

  • A different room feature (e.g., air conditioning, view, minibar)
  • A different request (not balcony)
  • A response (yes / no / extra cost)

 

Dialogue 3 – Hotel facilities

Guest: What facilities does the hotel offer?  fass-sill-ee-tees
Receptionist: We have a gym, a swimming pool, and a spa with a sauna.
Guest: That sounds nice. What time does the gym open?
Receptionist: It’s open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Guest: Do you have a restaurant?
Receptionist: Yes, it’s on the ground floor and serves local and international cuisine.  “kwi-zeen”

👉 Your turn:
Create your own version. Include:

  • At least 2 different facilities
  • Opening times
  • One follow-up question

 

Dialogue 4 – Asking about the local area

Guest: What is there to do nearby?
Receptionist: There are several attractions within walking distance, including a museum and a park.
Guest: That sounds good. How do I get to the city center?
Receptionist: You can take the metro. The station is just around the corner.     metro = the subway (USA)  the underground (UK)
Guest: Are there any good restaurants nearby?
Receptionist: Yes, there are many excellent places serving local cuisine.

👉 Your turn:
Make a new dialogue. Include:

  • 2 places to visit
  • 1 way of transport
  • 1 food recommendation

 

Dialogue 5 – Maintenance / Housekeeping Request

Guest: Hello, I have a problem with my room. The air conditioning isn’t working “izzunt”, and it’s very warm inside. I tried adjusting the temperature, but nothing happens.

Receptionist: I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll send maintenance to check it as soon as possible.  “eye-yull”

Guest: Thank you. Also, the bathroom hasn’t been cleaned properly, and there are no fresh towels.  “kleend”

Receptionist: I apologise for that. I’ll ask housekeeping to clean your room and bring fresh towels.

Guest: Thank you. How long will it take?

Receptionist: Maintenance should arrive within 20 minutes, and housekeeping shortly after.

Guest: Great, thank you for your help.

Receptionist: You’re very welcome.

 

👉 Your turn:

Make your own dialogue. Include:

A detailed description of the problem

What the guest already tried (if anything)

A maintenance issue

A housekeeping issue

A response with timing or solution

 

Dialogue 6 – Booking a tour

Guest: Hi, can you recommend something to do in the area?
Receptionist: Yes, we offer guided city tours and boat trips.    “tår”   awful    tawrs
Guest: That sounds interesting. How can I book one?
Receptionist: I can book it for you at the front desk.
Guest: Perfect, I’d like to join a tour tomorrow.
Receptionist: Certainly, I’ll arrange that for you.

👉 Your turn:
Create a similar dialogue. Include:

  • A different activity (e.g., museum visit, bike rental)
  • A day/time
  • A booking request

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pronunciation “uh”   the schwa

 

fun, sun. bun, under, crumb, thumb      breadcrumbs

does, come, done, underdone, onion, country, oven, cover    uhniuhn

lion, station, nation, creation, solution, meditation, frustration, communication   “-uhn”

London, sponge, stubborn, wonder, wonderful, balcony  ball-kon-ee”

 

“kt”

blocked, parked, shocked, stacked, licked, liked,winked, blinked, worked, walked, talked

“pt”

dropped, dripped, sipped, shipped, shopped, whipped cream, hoped, skipped