routines for English learners
Dialogue 1: Roommates – Ana and Marcus
Setting: Ana, who recently moved to the USA from Brazil, shares an apartment with Marcus, an American who has been helping her adjust to life in the United States.
[6:30 AM – Alarm sounds]
Ana: (groaning) Oh no, is it morning already?
Marcus: (from his room) Good morning, Ana! Time to wake up and turn off that alarm!
Ana: (yawning) Good morning, Marcus. I’m getting up now. (turns off alarm on phone)
[Ana gets out of bed]
Ana: Mmm, I need to stretch. My back is so stiff. (stretches arms above head)
Marcus: (coming out of his room) That’s good! Americans say “stretching wakes up your body.” By the way, I’m going to take a shower first, okay? It’ll be quick—just 10 minutes.
Ana: Sure, no problem. I’ll take a shower after you. In Brazil, I usually took a shower at night, but here I notice most Americans shower in the morning, right?
Marcus: Yeah, that’s right! Most Americans shower in the morning to feel fresh and awake for the day. Some people shower twice—morning and night—but that’s less common because we try to save water.
Ana: That’s interesting! I’m getting used to the morning shower now.
[15 minutes later – bathroom]
Ana: (brushing teeth) Marcus, I have a question. Do most Americans really floss every day?
Marcus: (laughing) Well, dentists tell us to brush twice a day and floss once a day. To be honest, not everyone does it, but it’s strongly recommended. Dental care is very expensive here, so prevention is important!
Ana: Ah, I see. I’m trying to build the habit. (flosses carefully) Now I need to wash my face and apply my skincare routine.
Marcus: That’s good! Taking care of your skin is important, especially in winter when the air is so dry here.
[Ana’s bathroom routine continues]
Ana: All done! Time to get dressed and choose my outfit. Marcus, is it okay to wear jeans to work at the office? I’m still not sure about American workplace dress codes.
Marcus: It depends on your office! Many American workplaces now have “business casual” dress codes—that means nice jeans or pants with a blouse or sweater. But some offices are more formal. What did your manager say?
Ana: She said “smart casual,” so I think jeans are fine. I’ll wear my nice dark jeans with a sweater.
Marcus: Perfect! That sounds appropriate.
[In the kitchen – 7:30 AM]
Ana: What should I make for breakfast? I’m not used to American breakfast food yet.
Marcus: Well, common options are toast with butter or jam, cereal with milk, oatmeal, eggs, or yogurt with fruit. On weekdays, most Americans eat something quick because we’re always rushing!
Ana: I’ll make scrambled eggs and toast today. Do you want some?
Marcus: That would be great, thanks! I’ll make us some coffee. How do you take yours?
Ana: With milk and a little sugar, please. In Brazil, we drink very strong coffee, but I’m getting used to American coffee now.
Marcus: (laughing) Yeah, American coffee is usually weaker than Brazilian coffee! Here you go—one coffee with milk and sugar.
[They sit down to have breakfast together]
Ana: This is nice—having breakfast with someone. I miss having breakfast with my family back home.
Marcus: I understand. Having breakfast with family or roommates is common on weekends, but on weekdays, many Americans eat alone or even skip breakfast because they’re in a hurry.
Ana: (drinking her coffee) I also need to check my phone for messages. My mom always texts me in the morning. (scrolling through phone) Oh, and I should read the news too.
Marcus: Do you read the news in English or Portuguese?
Ana: Both! I’m trying to read American news in English to improve my language skills. I also check social media to see what’s happening.
Marcus: That’s a great way to learn! Just be careful—don’t spend too much time on your phone in the morning, or you’ll be late! (smiling)
[7:50 AM]
Ana: Oh no, you’re right! I need to pack my lunch for work. I forgot to prepare it last night.
Marcus: What are you taking today?
Ana: I made rice, beans, and chicken yesterday. Is it strange to bring rice and beans to work here?
Marcus: Not at all! Americans bring all kinds of food for lunch—sandwiches, salads, leftovers from dinner, pasta, whatever! Some people buy lunch every day, but that’s expensive. Packing your lunch saves a lot of money.
Ana: Yes, I’m trying to save money. Lunch in restaurants is so expensive here!
Marcus: Definitely. I spend about $15 when I buy lunch, but when I pack lunch, it costs maybe $3 or $4.
[8:00 AM]
Ana: Okay, I’m almost ready. I need to prepare my bag. (packing laptop, notebook, lunch bag, water bottle) Do I need anything else?
Marcus: Do you have your keys, wallet, and phone? Americans call these the “three essentials”—we always pat our pockets to make sure we have them before leaving!
Ana: (checking) Yes, I have everything! I’m ready to go.
Marcus: Great! I’m leaving in five minutes too. Don’t forget to say goodbye!
Ana: Goodbye, Marcus! Have a good day at work!
Marcus: You too, Ana! Remember to lock the door when you leave. We always lock the deadbolt, not just the regular lock.
Ana: I will! See you tonight!
[Ana locks the door carefully and leaves home]
Dialogue 2: The Martinez Family Morning
Setting: The Martinez family—parents Rosa and David, and their teenage daughter Sofia—are getting ready for a busy Monday morning in their home in a Chicago suburb.
[6:00 AM – Multiple alarms sound]
David: (waking up) Time to wake up, everyone! Rosa, did you hear your alarm?
Rosa: (sleepily) Yes, yes, I’m awake. Let me turn off this alarm. (taps phone) Another Monday morning…
Sofia: (from her room) Do I have to get up now? Can I sleep five more minutes?
David: Sofia, you know the rule—no snoozing the alarm on school days! Get out of bed now, please.
Sofia: (grumbling) Okay, okay, I’m getting up…
[Everyone gets out of bed]
Rosa: (stretching) Ugh, my shoulders are so tight. I need to stretch before I start my day. (does arm and neck stretches)
David: I’m going to take a shower first. I have an early meeting today at 8:30.
Rosa: That’s fine. I’ll take a bath tonight instead. Sofia, you can take a shower after your dad, okay?
Sofia: Mom, why do Americans shower so much? My friend Yuki from Japan said that in her country, they take baths at night to relax.
Rosa: That’s true, honey. Different cultures have different habits. Here in the USA, most people shower in the morning because it helps them wake up and feel clean for work or school. But some people prefer evening showers—there’s no one right way!
[Bathroom – 15 minutes later]
Sofia: (brushing her teeth) Mom, my dentist said I need to floss more. Why is flossing such a big deal here?
Rosa: Because dental care is very important in American culture, and it’s also very expensive! If we don’t take care of our teeth, we might need expensive treatments later. That’s why dentists here are very serious about brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
Sofia: Got it. (flosses carefully) Now I need to wash my face and apply my skincare routine. My friend Emma uses like ten different products!
Rosa: (laughing) Skincare is very popular with American teenagers now! When I was young, we just washed our face with soap. But it’s good to take care of your skin—just don’t spend too much money on expensive products.
David: (finishing shaving) Rosa, I’m done in the bathroom. Your turn!
Rosa: Thanks! I need to wash my face and get ready quickly.
[Bedrooms – getting dressed]
Sofia: What should I wear today? It’s so cold outside!
David: Check the weather on your phone. I think it’s 35 degrees Fahrenheit today.
Sofia: That’s about 2 degrees Celsius, right? I’m still learning Fahrenheit! Okay, I’ll wear my warm sweater and jeans.
Rosa: Sofia, make sure you choose an outfit that follows your school’s dress code. Remember, last month they sent a note home about clothing rules.
Sofia: I know, Mom. No tank tops, no shorts above the knee, no ripped jeans with big holes. My outfit is fine! Now I need to style my hair. (blow-drying hair)
[Kitchen – 6:45 AM]
David: What should we make for breakfast today? We need something quick.
Rosa: How about I make toast and cereal? Sofia, do you want eggs?
Sofia: Can I just have cereal? I’m not that hungry in the morning.
David: Sofia, breakfast is important! You need energy for school. In the USA, they always say “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”
Sofia: Fine, I’ll have cereal and a banana. Can someone make me hot chocolate?
Rosa: I’ll make it. David, do you want coffee or tea?
David: Coffee, please—strong! I need the caffeine today. Americans drink a lot of coffee—it’s like our fuel! (laughing)
[The family sits down to have breakfast together]
Rosa: This is nice. I’m glad we can all have breakfast together before we start our busy day. Not all American families do this anymore.
David: That’s true. Many Americans eat breakfast alone or in the car because they’re rushing. Some people even skip breakfast completely.
Sofia: Really? Why?
David: Because many Americans are very busy and don’t make time for meals. But I think eating together as a family is important, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.
Sofia: (eating cereal and checking phone) Oh, I got messages from my friends on the group chat!
Rosa: Sofia, can you please not look at your phone during breakfast? Family time is important.
Sofia: Sorry, Mom. I just wanted to check my messages and notifications. Everyone at school is always on their phones.
David: I know, honey, but let’s try to be present with each other. You can check your phone after breakfast. By the way, I need to read the news quickly. (opens news app on tablet)
Rosa: And I should check social media for a minute. I want to see if anyone commented on the family photo I posted yesterday. (scrolling)
Sofia: (smiling) So you can check your phone, but I can’t?
David and Rosa: (laughing) You make a good point!
[7:15 AM]
Rosa: Okay, everyone, time to finish up! Sofia, did you pack your lunch for school?
Sofia: Oh no! I forgot! Can I buy lunch today?
Rosa: Sofia, buying lunch at school costs $7 or $8 every day. That’s $35 to $40 per week! Packing lunch is much cheaper and healthier.
Sofia: I know, but I didn’t have time to prepare anything last night.
David: Here, take these: a sandwich, an apple, some crackers, and a juice box. I’ll pack your lunch this time, but tomorrow you need to pack it yourself.
Sofia: Thanks, Dad! You’re the best!
Rosa: I’m packing my lunch too. I have leftover chicken and salad from dinner. What about you, David?
David: I have a business lunch today with a client, so I’ll eat at a restaurant. But usually, I pack lunch. It saves money and I know exactly what I’m eating.
[7:25 AM – Final preparations]
Rosa: Everyone, let’s prepare our bags! Sofia, do you have everything you need for school?
Sofia: (checking backpack) Yes—laptop, notebooks, textbooks, lunch, water bottle, my phone charger…
David: (preparing briefcase) I have my laptop, important documents for my meeting, business cards, and my lunch. Rosa, are you ready?
Rosa: Almost! I just need to put my laptop and some files in my bag. I also need to bring my travel mug for coffee.
[7:35 AM – Leaving home]
Rosa: Okay, everyone, time to go! Let’s say goodbye and head out.
David: Have a great day, everyone! Sofia, good luck on your math test today!
Sofia: Thanks, Dad! Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad!
Rosa: Goodbye, everyone! Sofia, remember—your father will pick you up after soccer practice at 5 PM.
Sofia: I know, Mom! See you later!
David: Rosa, did you lock the door? We always need to lock the deadbolt, not just the regular lock.
Rosa: Yes, I locked both locks. In the USA, home security is very important. We always lock the door and leave home safely.
[They all leave together, getting into their cars]
Sofia: Why does everyone in America drive separately? In some countries, families take the train or bus together.
David: That’s a good question. In many American cities and suburbs, public transportation isn’t as common as in other countries. Most people drive their own cars to work, school, and other places. It’s part of American culture, but it’s changing in big cities where more people use trains and buses now.
Rosa: That’s right. And because everything is spread out here, we need cars to get around. Okay, everyone, let’s go! Have a wonderful day!
Cultural Notes for Learners:
General Morning Routine Customs:
- Most Americans shower in the morning rather than at night
- Breakfast is often quick and simple on weekdays
- Coffee is extremely popular—many Americans drink it every morning
- People check phones/news/social media as part of morning routine
- Packing lunch saves money (buying lunch can cost $10-15 per day)
- Time is very important—Americans often rush in the mornings
American Values Reflected:
- Independence: Family members often have separate schedules
- Efficiency: Quick breakfasts and routines to save time
- Health consciousness: Dental care, skincare, healthy eating
- Financial awareness: Packing lunch to save money
- Security: Always locking doors when leaving home
- Technology: Heavy phone and device use throughout morning
Vocabulary Note: These dialogues use B1-level grammar and vocabulary, with some cultural explanations embedded naturally in the conversations.
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