Starting a new class can be scary. What if I don’t understand the teacher? What if I forget how to ask for something? What if I can’t talk to the other students? Being prepared can help us feel more confident in a new situation. Here are some phrases to help you in the classroom.

To the teacher

• What does… mean? (You don’t understand a word.)
• How do you spell…..? (You don’t know how to write a word.)
• How do you say this word? (You don’t know how the word sounds.)
• Can you repeat it?
• I’ve finished.
• Can you help me with question …?
• I don’t understand this question.
• Where is….?
• I didn’t hear…
• What page are we on?

Getting to know other students

• What’s your name?
• Where are you from?
• What’s your job?
• What are your hobbies?
• Have you been to this school before?
• Have you long have you been learning English?

Working together with other students

• Shall we work together?
• What do you think about question …?
• Can you help me with question …?
• Would you like to do question/role …?
• Do you have a pen/piece of paper?

Discussions

• What do you think about…?
• What’s your opinion?
• I agree/disagree.
• I see your point, but …
• That’s a good point.
• Have you thought about …?

Online classes

• Can you hear/see me?
• How do I turn on the microphone/camera?
• How do I leave the meeting?
• How do I mute the microphone?
• I can’t hear/see you (clearly).
• The connection is poor.
• The connection stopped.
• I will re-start the meeting.

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Which of these phrases do you use in class? Can you think of more to add to the list?