Image of English Learners
1. Walk to the Bus Stop or Train Station
Dialogue 1: Asking for Directions
Scene: Maria is new to the neighborhood and needs to find the bus stop.
Maria: Excuse me, could you help me? I’m looking for the bus stop for the number 42.
Neighbor: Oh sure! You’re actually pretty close. Walk straight down this street for about two blocks. You’ll see a Walgreens pharmacy on the corner.
Maria: Okay, two blocks to the Walgreens…
Neighbor: Right. Then turn left on Main Street. The bus stop is right there, in front of the library. You can’t miss it—there’s a shelter with a bench.
Maria: That’s very helpful. About how long does it take to walk there?
Neighbor: Maybe five or six minutes. The buses usually run every 15 minutes during rush hour, so you should be fine.
Maria: Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.
Neighbor: No problem! Welcome to the neighborhood!
Cultural Notes:
- Americans often give directions using landmarks (stores, buildings) rather than just street names
- “You can’t miss it” is a common phrase meaning something is easy to find
- It’s normal to ask strangers for directions, and most people are happy to help
- Rush hour refers to busy commute times (typically 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM)
Dialogue 2: Walking with a Coworker
Scene: James and his coworker Sofia walk to the train station together.
James: Hey Sofia, mind if I walk with you to the station?
Sofia: Not at all! I could use the company. Did you finish that report for the meeting today?
James: Yeah, I stayed late yesterday to wrap it up. Man, these mornings are getting cold!
Sofia: Tell me about it! I need to start leaving five minutes earlier to warm up my car. Oh, watch out—the sidewalk is pretty icy right here.
James: Thanks for the heads up. I almost slipped yesterday on this same spot. The city really needs to put down more salt.
Sofia: Definitely. Hey, do you have your Metro card ready? The station gets packed around this time.
James: Good thinking. I’ll grab it now so I don’t hold up the line.
Sofia: Smart. Last week someone couldn’t find their card and about twenty people were stuck waiting behind them!
Cultural Notes:
- “Mind if I…?” is a polite way to ask permission
- Americans often make small talk about weather, work, or daily experiences
- In winter, cities put salt on sidewalks and roads to melt ice—this is very common
- Having your payment card ready before entering is considered polite and efficient
- It’s common for coworkers to commute together if they live nearby
2. Wait for Public Transportation
Dialogue 1: At the Bus Stop
Scene: Chen is waiting at the bus stop when another passenger starts a conversation.
Passenger: This bus is running late again. Typical Monday morning!
Chen: Yes, I’ve been waiting about ten minutes already. Do you know if the bus tracker app works well?
Passenger: Oh yeah, it’s usually pretty accurate. You can download it for free—it’s called “Transit” or you can use Google Maps. They both show real-time arrivals.
Chen: That’s good to know. I’m still learning the system here.
Passenger: Where are you headed?
Chen: To the hospital on Fifth Avenue. I start my new job there today.
Passenger: Congratulations! That’s a great hospital. You’ll want the bus that says “Downtown via Medical Center.” Make sure you don’t take the Express—it skips your stop.
Chen: Oh, thank you! That’s really important to know. How can I tell which is which?
Passenger: The Express buses have a red sign in the window. The regular ones have green. Also, the driver usually announces it.
Chen: You’ve been so helpful. I appreciate it.
Passenger: No worries! Good luck on your first day!
Cultural Notes:
- It’s common to make small talk while waiting for public transportation
- Many U.S. cities have apps that track buses and trains in real time
- “Express” buses skip some stops to go faster; regular buses stop everywhere
- Americans often wish each other good luck or congratulate each other, even strangers
- Bus systems vary by city, so it’s smart to ask questions when you’re new
Dialogue 2: Train Platform Conversation
Scene: Nina and another commuter are waiting on a crowded train platform.
Nina: Excuse me, does this train go to Airport Station?
Commuter: This one goes to the Blue Line, but you’ll need to transfer at Central Station to get to the airport. Do you have the Metro app?
Nina: Yes, I downloaded it, but I’m not sure how to read the map.
Commuter: Here, let me show you. See this blue line? That’s us. You’ll take this train for four stops, then get off at Central. Look for signs that say “Red Line – Airport.”
Nina: So I get off, follow the signs, and take the Red Line?
Commuter: Exactly! The Red Line platform is right upstairs. You don’t even have to exit the station, so you won’t need to pay again.
Nina: That’s a relief! How long does the whole trip usually take?
Commuter: With the transfer, probably 35 to 40 minutes. If you’re catching a flight, I’d give yourself at least an hour just to be safe. You never know when there might be delays.
Nina: Good advice. I have a 2 PM flight, so I should be okay.
Commuter: Yeah, you’ll be fine. Oh, here comes our train now!
Cultural Notes:
- Transferring (changing trains) is common in U.S. public transit systems
- Most systems use color-coded lines (Blue Line, Red Line, etc.)
- Asking fellow passengers for help is normal and usually welcomed
- Americans often give time estimates with extra buffer for delays
- You typically don’t pay twice when transferring within the same station
3. Catch the Bus or Train
Dialogue 1: Getting on a Crowded Bus
Scene: Roberto boards a busy morning bus.
Roberto: Good morning. Can I use my phone to pay?
Bus Driver: Yep, just tap it on the reader right here. Hold it still for a second.
Roberto: taps phone Like this?
Bus Driver: Perfect, you’re all set. Move toward the back, please—more people need to get on.
Roberto: moving back Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Passenger: No, go ahead! Do you want the window seat?
Roberto: The aisle is fine, thank you. I’m getting off in a few stops.
Passenger: No problem. pause Sorry, you might get squished—it gets really crowded at the next stop. That’s where the community college is.
Roberto: That’s okay. At least it’s warm in here! It’s freezing outside.
Passenger: Right? I almost turned around and went back to bed this morning!
Bus Driver: announces Next stop: Community College. Please move to the rear to make room.
Cultural Notes:
- Many U.S. buses now accept contactless phone payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Bus drivers often ask people to move back to make room for new passengers
- It’s polite to ask if a seat is taken before sitting down
- Americans often joke about weather or early mornings as small talk
- College students make up a large portion of bus riders in many areas
Dialogue 2: Taking the Train
Scene: Yuki enters a train car and looks for a seat.
Yuki: to seated passenger Excuse me, would you mind if I sit here?
Passenger: Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to take up two seats. moves bag Here you go.
Yuki: Thank you so much.
Passenger: No problem. Are you going far?
Yuki: Just to Union Station. I’m still learning the train system.
Passenger: It can be confusing at first! Pro tip: if you’re not sure where to get off, the conductor announces each stop. You can also follow along on your phone with the Transit app.
Yuki: That’s helpful. What’s a conductor?
Passenger: That’s the person who works on the train—they check tickets sometimes and make announcements. On some trains they walk through the cars.
Yuki: Oh, I understand. Do I need to show my ticket?
Passenger: They might ask to see it, so keep it handy. Usually they just scan the QR code on your phone if you have a mobile ticket.
Train Announcement: “Next stop, Union Station. Doors will open on the left side.”
Yuki: Oh, that’s me! Thank you for your help!
Passenger: You’re welcome! Have a great day!
Cultural Notes:
- It’s courteous to ask before sitting next to someone on public transit
- Keeping bags on seats when the train is crowded is considered rude
- Most U.S. trains announce stops clearly (in English, and sometimes in other languages)
- Mobile tickets are increasingly common and convenient
- Train conductors check tickets occasionally, so keep yours ready
4. Drive to Work or School
Dialogue 1: Carpooling Conversation
Scene: Ahmed picks up his coworker for their morning commute.
Ahmed: Good morning, Lisa! Hop in!
Lisa: Thanks for picking me up! My car is in the shop until Friday.
Ahmed: No problem at all. I’m glad for the company. Plus, we can use the carpool lane—it’ll save us at least ten minutes.
Lisa: That’s smart! I forget about the carpool lane. Do you need to be three people or just two?
Ahmed: Just two in this state. See that lane on the left with the diamond symbol? That’s us.
Lisa: Oh wow, look at all that stopped traffic in the regular lanes! This is so much faster.
Ahmed: Yeah, it makes a huge difference during rush hour. Hey, do you mind if I stop for gas on the way? We can grab coffee at the station too.
Lisa: That works for me! Actually, could you drop me at the north entrance today? I have an early meeting in Building C.
Ahmed: Sure thing. I’ll take the River Road exit instead of Main Street.
Lisa: Perfect. Oh, and here’s $10 for gas this week. I really appreciate you driving.
Ahmed: You don’t have to do that, but thank you. That’s really thoughtful.
Cultural Notes:
- Carpooling (sharing rides) is common to save money and reduce traffic
- HOV/Carpool lanes require 2+ people and use a diamond symbol
- It’s polite to offer gas money when someone gives you regular rides
- Many Americans stop for gas and coffee together at convenience stores
- Planning routes around traffic patterns is part of American driving culture
Dialogue 2: Parent Dropping Off Student
Scene: Diana drives her son Miguel to high school.
Diana: Did you pack your lunch? I don’t want you buying that greasy cafeteria food every day.
Miguel: Yes, Mom, it’s in my backpack. Can you drop me at the west entrance? My friends meet there.
Diana: The west entrance? That’s the opposite side of the school. Why can’t I drop you at the main entrance like usual?
Miguel: Because there’s always a huge line of cars, and it takes forever. The west side is faster.
Diana: Okay, but you’ll need to walk further to your first class. Oh, watch out for that car! Some people don’t use their turn signals.
Miguel: Mom, you’re fine. You’re a good driver.
Diana: I know, but I worry about other drivers. Especially in this drop-off chaos. There—I’ll pull over right here. Don’t forget you have a dentist appointment at 3:30, so I’ll pick you up early.
Miguel: Wait, today? I have soccer practice!
Diana: You’ll have to miss it. We rescheduled this appointment twice already. I’ll call the coach.
Miguel: Okay, okay. What time will you be here?
Diana: 2:45. I’ll text you when I’m in the parking lot. Have a good day, sweetie!
Miguel: Bye, Mom! closes door
Cultural Notes:
- Many American parents drive their children to school (school buses are also common)
- School drop-off/pick-up times create heavy traffic around schools
- Turn signals (blinkers) are legally required but not always used
- Schools often have multiple entrances for drop-offs to manage traffic
- Parents often coordinate schedules around children’s activities and appointments
- Texting parents when arriving is common among families with teenagers
5. Ride Your Bike or Scooter
Dialogue 1: Bike Commute
Scene: Marcus rides his bike and stops at a red light next to another cyclist.
Marcus: Morning! Nice bike!
Cyclist: Thanks! Yours too. Do you commute this way every day?
Marcus: Yeah, it’s about four miles. Beats sitting in traffic, and it’s good exercise. How about you?
Cyclist: Same here! I just started biking to work last month. I’m still learning the safest routes. Do you always take this street?
Marcus: Usually, yeah. It has a bike lane most of the way. But watch out for the construction about half a mile up—the bike lane disappears for two blocks.
Cyclist: Oh, thanks for the warning! What do you do there?
Marcus: You have to merge into the regular traffic lane. Just take the whole lane—don’t squeeze to the side. Cars have to wait, and it’s safer for you.
Cyclist: That makes me a little nervous, but okay. Is there an alternate route?
Marcus: You could turn right on Elm Street and cut through the park, but it adds about five minutes. The trail is really nice though—no cars at all.
Cyclist: That might be worth it until I get more comfortable. Do you have a light on your bike?
Marcus: Yeah, front and back. You definitely need them—it’s required by law after dark, and drivers can barely see cyclists without them.
Cyclist: Good to know. Well, the light’s green. Maybe I’ll see you on the road again!
Marcus: Ride safe!
Cultural Notes:
- Bike commuting is increasingly popular in U.S. cities
- Bike lanes exist in many cities, but infrastructure varies greatly
- Cyclists are legally allowed to “take the lane” when bike lanes aren’t available
- Bike lights are required by law in most states after sunset
- Many cities have bike trail systems that connect to work areas
- Cyclists often share tips about safe routes with each other
Dialogue 2: E-Scooter Ride
Scene: Priya unlocks an electric scooter using her phone and talks to a friend.
Priya: scanning QR code Finally! I’ve been trying to unlock this thing for two minutes.
Friend (on phone): Are you taking one of those rental scooters again?
Priya: Yeah, they’re everywhere downtown. It’s faster than walking and cheaper than Uber.
Friend: Aren’t they dangerous? I heard someone crashed last week.
Priya: You have to be careful. I always wear my helmet, and I stick to streets with bike lanes. The sidewalk is actually illegal for scooters here.
Friend: Really? I see people on the sidewalk all the time.
Priya: Yeah, but you can get a ticket. Plus, it’s dangerous for pedestrians. Oh, hold on—there’s a big crack in the road. slows down Okay, I’m back.
Friend: How much do these cost?
Priya: It’s like $1 to unlock, then 39 cents per minute. My ride to work is about $4. Way cheaper than driving and paying for parking.
Friend: Where do you leave it when you’re done?
Priya: You have to park it in designated zones. The app shows you where. If you park it wrong, they charge you an extra fee.
Friend: Interesting. Maybe I’ll try it. Do you need a special license?
Priya: Nope, just a driver’s license or ID. You upload it to the app when you sign up. Okay, I’m almost at work—talk later!
Friend: Ride safe!
Cultural Notes:
- Rental e-scooters (like Lime, Bird, Spin) are common in many U.S. cities
- Each city has different laws about where scooters can be ridden
- Helmets are strongly recommended, though not always required by law
- Scooters must be parked in designated areas or users face fines
- Pricing typically includes an unlock fee plus per-minute charges
- E-scooters are controversial—some people love them, others see them as dangerous or annoying
6. Listen to Music or Podcasts During Commute
Dialogue 1: Podcast Recommendation
Scene: Two coworkers, David and Keiko, chat before starting work.
David: Morning, Keiko! You look energized today.
Keiko: I just listened to the most interesting podcast on my way in! Have you heard of “How I Built This”?
David: No, what’s it about?
Keiko: It’s about entrepreneurs and how they started their companies. Today’s episode was about the woman who founded Spanx. It was so inspiring!
David: Oh, I love those kinds of stories! Where do you find these podcasts?
Keiko: I use Spotify, but you can also use Apple Podcasts or any podcast app. They’re free! I’m kind of addicted now. My commute used to feel so boring, but now I actually look forward to it.
David: That’s a great idea. I usually just scroll through my phone on the train, but I don’t really get anything out of it.
Keiko: Yeah, I used to do that too. Now I feel like I’m learning something every day. There are podcasts about everything—true crime, history, comedy, news…
David: Do you listen to anything else?
Keiko: I also love “The Daily” from the New York Times—it’s like a 20-minute news briefing every morning. Perfect for my commute length. And sometimes I listen to language learning podcasts to practice my English.
David: That’s smart. I should do something productive with my commute time too. Can you send me those names later?
Keiko: Sure! I’ll text you some recommendations. You’re going to love it!
Cultural Notes:
- Podcasts are extremely popular in the USA for commuters
- Most podcasts are free and available on multiple platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts)
- Many Americans use commute time for self-improvement or entertainment
- Popular podcast genres include news, true crime, business, comedy, and education
- Podcasts range from 15 minutes to 2+ hours
- Americans often recommend podcasts to friends and coworkers
Dialogue 2: Music on the Commute
Scene: Elena and her friend talk while waiting for the bus, both wearing headphones.
Friend: What are you listening to? You’re smiling!
Elena: removes one earbud Just my morning playlist. It really helps me wake up! It’s all upbeat music—pop and Latin stuff.
Friend: I’m the opposite. I listen to calm music in the morning—classical or jazz. I need to ease into the day!
Elena: Everyone’s different! My husband listens to audiobooks on his commute. He “reads” like two books a week that way.
Friend: That’s impressive! I tried audiobooks, but I kept zoning out and missing parts of the story.
Elena: Yeah, it takes practice. He uses Audible. The library also has free audiobooks through an app called Libby.
Friend: Wait, free audiobooks from the library?
Elena: Yes! You just need a library card. You can download books to your phone. My kids listen to them too.
Friend: I had no idea! I’m definitely checking that out. Do you ever worry about not being aware of your surroundings with headphones on?
Elena: Good point. I always keep one earbud out when I’m walking, especially at crosswalks. And I keep the volume low enough to hear cars and bikes.
Friend: Smart. I do the same thing. Oh, here comes the bus! Better put our phones away.
Elena: See you on board!
Cultural Notes:
- It’s very common to wear headphones during commutes in the USA
- Many Americans create playlists for different moods or activities
- Audiobooks are popular, with services like Audible and free library apps (Libby, Hoopla)
- Safety is important—many people keep one earbud out or volume low to stay aware
- Public libraries offer free digital content including audiobooks and music
- Different people have different preferences for commute audio (music, podcasts, audiobooks, silence)
7. Check Work Emails on the Way
Dialogue 1: Train Commute Email Check
Scene: Tomas and a colleague sit on the train together.
Colleague: You’re checking email already? We don’t even get to the office for another 20 minutes!
Tomas: I know, I know. My boss sent three emails before 7 AM. I just want to see if anything is urgent.
Colleague: That’s the problem with smartphones—work never ends! I have a rule: no email before 9 AM.
Tomas: I wish I could do that. But sometimes clients email overnight, and I need to respond quickly. Oh no…
Colleague: What’s wrong?
Tomas: The client wants changes to the presentation before the 10 o’clock meeting. This is going to be tight.
Colleague: Can you work on it during the commute?
Tomas: Not really. The WiFi on this train is terrible, and the file is too big to download on my phone. I’ll have to do it as soon as I get to the office.
Colleague: Will you have enough time?
Tomas: If I skip coffee and go straight to my desk, probably. I might need to ask them to push the meeting back 30 minutes.
Colleague: That’s stressful. You know, some people just don’t respond to emails until they’re actually at work. It sets better boundaries.
Tomas: You’re probably right. But I also don’t want to be surprised when I walk in the door. At least now I have a plan.
Colleague: True. Well, good luck! Let me know if you need help.
Cultural Notes:
- Many Americans check work email during their commute
- Work-life balance is a common topic of discussion
- Some workplaces have “always-on” cultures; others respect boundaries
- Public WiFi on transit is often slow or unreliable
- It’s common to reply to emails before arriving at the office
- Some people intentionally avoid checking email outside work hours
- Americans often discuss the stress of being constantly connected to work
Dialogue 2: Parking Lot Email Check
Scene: Angela sits in her car in the work parking lot, reviewing emails.
Angela: on phone with friend Hey, I just got to work but I’m still in my car. Can I call you back in five minutes?
Friend: Sure! Everything okay?
Angela: Yeah, I just want to read through my emails before I go inside. I like to know what’s waiting for me.
Friend: Don’t you have like an hour-long commute? You couldn’t read them on the way?
Angela: I was driving! It’s actually illegal to text and drive in this state. They have really strict laws about it.
Friend: Oh right, I forgot you drive. I always read emails on the subway.
Angela: Lucky you. I always get to work ten minutes early just so I can sit in the parking lot and catch up. It’s my quiet time before the chaos starts.
Friend: That’s actually not a bad strategy. Like a mental preparation period.
Angela: Exactly. Oh wow, I have 47 unread emails since yesterday afternoon! Most of them are probably not important though.
Friend: How can you tell?
Angela: I scan the subject lines first and look for anything urgent. The rest I’ll deal with at my desk. Okay, I need to go through these. Talk to you at lunch?
Friend: Sounds good. Have a great day!
Angela: You too!
Cultural Notes:
- Many states have laws against texting while driving (with steep fines)
- Some people use pre-work time in parking lots to prepare mentally
- Email overload is a common complaint in American workplaces
- “Subject line scanning” is a strategy to prioritize emails
- Americans often describe their workday as “chaos” or stressful
- Arriving early to prepare is seen as professional in many workplaces
8. Buy a Coffee on the Way to Work
Dialogue 1: Coffee Shop Stop
Scene: Michael stops at a local coffee shop on his walk to work.
Barista: Good morning! What can I get started for you today?
Michael: Hi! Can I get a medium latte with oat milk, please?
Barista: Sure thing! Hot or iced?
Michael: Hot, please. It’s freezing out there!
Barista: Tell me about it! Would you like any flavoring? We have vanilla, caramel, hazelnut…
Michael: No thanks, just the regular latte is perfect.
Barista: For here or to go?
Michael: To go, please. I’m heading to work.
Barista: You got it. Can I get a name for the order?
Michael: Michael. M-I-C-H-A-E-L.
Barista: Perfect. That’ll be $5.75. Are you paying with cash or card?
Michael: Card, please. taps credit card Do you need me to sign?
Barista: Nope, you’re all set! The tip screen will come up if you’d like to add anything.
Michael: adds tip There you go.
Barista: Thanks so much! Your latte will be ready at the end of the counter in just a few minutes.
Michael: Great, thank you!
A few minutes later
Barista 2: Medium oat milk latte for Michael!
Michael: That’s me, thanks! grabs coffee Have a good one!
Cultural Notes:
- Buying coffee before work is an extremely common American ritual
- Baristas will ask for your name to call out when the order is ready
- “For here or to go” means eating in the shop vs. taking it with you
- Digital payment systems often include tip prompts (15-25% is typical)
- Coffee orders can be very customized (milk type, temperature, flavorings, etc.)
- Many Americans spend $3-7 per day on coffee, which adds up significantly
- “Have a good one” is a casual way to say “have a good day”
Dialogue 2: Drive-Through Coffee Run
Scene: Fatima goes through a Starbucks drive-through on her way to work.
Speaker Box: Good morning! Welcome to Starbucks. What can we get started for you?
Fatima: Hi! Can I get a grande caramel macchiato with an extra shot of espresso?
Speaker Box: Absolutely! Would you like that hot or iced?
Fatima: Hot, please.
Speaker Box: Perfect. Anything else for you today? Maybe a breakfast sandwich or pastry?
Fatima: Hmm, actually yes. Can I add a spinach and egg white wrap?
Speaker Box: Sure thing! So that’s one grande hot caramel macchiato with an extra shot and one spinach egg white wrap. Your total is $11.85 at the first window.
Fatima: Thank you!
At the payment window
Employee: Good morning! $11.85 is your total.
Fatima: Here’s my card. hands over credit card
Employee: Thank you! Do you have the Starbucks app? You can earn rewards points on every purchase.
Fatima: I’ve been meaning to download it. Is it free?
Employee: Yes, completely free! You earn stars with each purchase and get free drinks. Plus, you can mobile order and skip the line.
Fatima: That sounds great. I’ll download it today. This is my regular morning stop.
Employee: Perfect! You’ll love it. Here’s your card back, and just pull forward to the next window for your order.
Fatima: Thanks!
At the pickup window
Employee 2: Here’s your caramel macchiato and your wrap. I threw in some extra napkins for the wrap—it can get messy!
Fatima: Oh, thank you! That’s very thoughtful.
Employee 2: No problem! Have a wonderful day!
Fatima: You too!
Cultural Notes:
- Drive-through coffee shops are very popular in the USA
- Employees often upsell (suggest additional items)
- Many chains have loyalty apps that offer rewards and mobile ordering
- Mobile ordering lets you skip the line by ordering ahead on your phone
- Drive-through workers are usually very friendly and cheerful
- Coffee shops often suggest their app to regular customers
- A “grande” is Starbucks’ term for medium size (16 oz)
- Typical drive-through has two windows: payment, then pickup
Learning Tips
Vocabulary to Practice:
- Transportation: rush hour, transfer, carpool lane, bike lane, fare
- Payment: tap to pay, contactless, mobile ticket, fare card
- Directions: landmark, block, intersection, turn left/right
- Workplace: deadline, email, colleague, presentation, client
Cultural Insights:
- Americans value punctuality—being on time matters for work and school
- Small talk with strangers is common and considered friendly, not intrusive
- Tipping is expected in coffee shops (15-25% is standard)
- Many Americans check work email outside office hours
- Public transit etiquette includes letting others off before boarding, moving back in crowded vehicles, and keeping bags out of seats
- Safety while commuting includes being aware of surroundings, especially with headphones
- Technology is heavily integrated (apps for transit, payment, coffee ordering)
Phrases to Remember:
- “Excuse me” – to get someone’s attention politely
- “Thank you so much / I appreciate it” – showing gratitude
- “Do you mind if…?” – asking permission politely
- “Have a good one!” – casual goodbye
- “Could you help me?” – asking for assistance
- “I’m headed to…” – saying where you’re going
- “That’s very helpful/thoughtful” – acknowledging someone’s kindness
About the Author
