Students who learn to “Talk About Time” in English can easily plan events and manage schedules. Teaching talking about time involves giving them the right words and phrases to talk about time through real-life conversations.
ESL students often get confused with time expressions or don’t know when to use them correctly.
How can teachers help students use time-related words and phrases accurately?
This post has 15 conversations at different English levels about time. These examples help students practice and understand time talk better, building their confidence in real conversations. ESL teachers can help boost students’ conversational skills, confidence in talking about time and speaking fluency by giving guided practice to them with the help of these sample practice conversations.
Table of Contents
Asking About the Time at a Train Station (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two friends waiting for a train.
Emma: Hey Jake, do you know the time?
Jake: Sure, it’s 3:45 PM.
Emma: Thanks, I thought I was late.
Jake: No worries, we have time.
Emma: Is the train usually on time?
Jake: Usually, but sometimes it’s late.
Emma: Good to know, thanks.
Jake: No problem, happy to help.
Emma: I hope we catch it on time.
Jake: Me too, let’s keep an eye out.
Making an Appointment Over the Phone (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A person calling a hair salon to book an appointment.
Sophia: Hello, Hair Bliss Salon, how can I help you?
Lucas: Hi, can I book an appointment for Friday?
Sophia: Of course, what time works for you?
Lucas: Around 2 PM, is that okay?
Sophia: Yes, that’s fine. What service would you like?
Lucas: Just a haircut, please.
Sophia: Great, you’re all set for 2 PM on Friday.
Lucas: Thank you, see you then.
Sophia: You’re welcome, have a great day!
Checking the Time with a Colleague (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two coworkers on a coffee break.
Liam: Hey Mia, do you know the time?
Mia: It’s almost 10:30 AM.
Liam: Thanks, I lost track of time.
Mia: Happens to the best of us.
Liam: I need to get back to work soon.
Mia: Me too, one more coffee?
Liam: Sure, why not!
Mia: Let’s make it quick then.
Inquiring About Store Hours at a Local Shop (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A customer asking about store hours.
Ella: Hello, what time do you close?
Nathan: We close at 7 PM.
Ella: Thank you, what time do you open?
Nathan: We open at 9 AM.
Ella: Great, see you tomorrow.
Nathan: Looking forward to seeing you.
Ella: Thanks, have a good day!
Nathan: You too, goodbye!
Asking a Neighbor About the Time (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two neighbors chatting in the hallway.
Olivia: Hi Mark, do you know what time it is?
Mark: It’s 6:15 PM.
Olivia: Thanks, I’m running late.
Mark: No problem, happens to everyone.
Olivia: I hope dinner isn’t burnt!
Mark: Just set a timer next time.
Olivia: Good idea, thanks.
Mark: Anytime, see you later.
Scheduling a Meeting Time (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two professionals arranging a meeting time for a project discussion.
Aria: Hello, Mr. Bennett. Could we schedule our meeting for next week?
Mr. Bennett: Of course, Aria. What day works best for you?
Aria: How about Wednesday at 10 AM?
Mr. Bennett: Wednesday works, but can we do it at 2 PM?
Aria: That’s fine. Where should we meet?
Mr. Bennett: Let’s meet in the conference room on the third floor.
Aria: Alright, I’ll mark it on my calendar.
Mr. Bennett: Great. I’ll send you an agenda by Tuesday.
Aria: Perfect, thank you.
Mr. Bennett: You’re welcome, see you then.
Checking Store Hours for a Weekend Visit (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A customer calling a local bookstore to check their weekend hours.
Liam: Hi, I wanted to check your weekend hours.
Sophie: Sure, we’re open from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Liam: Thanks, do you have any special events this weekend?
Sophie: We have a book signing on Saturday at 3 PM.
Liam: Sounds interesting, I might stop by.
Sophie: That would be great! Hope to see you.
Asking a Neighbor About Trash Pickup Days (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two neighbors discussing local services and schedules.
Elena: Hey, Alex. Do you know our trash pickup days?
Alex: Yes, it’s on Mondays and Thursdays.
Elena: Thanks, I always forget.
Alex: No problem, it’s easy to lose track.
Elena: Indeed, thanks for the reminder.
Alex: You’re welcome. Anything else you need to know?
Elena: Not for now, thanks again.
Alex: Anytime, have a good day!
Inquiring About Library Opening Hours (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A student calling the local library to inquire about their hours.
Nina: Hello, what time do you open on weekdays?
Library Staff: We open at 9 AM from Monday to Friday.
Nina: And what time do you close?
Library Staff: We close at 8 PM on weekdays.
Nina: Thank you, are you open on weekends?
Library Staff: Yes, we’re open from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Nina: Great, thanks for the information.
Library Staff: You’re welcome. Have a good day!
Setting a Time for a Coffee Catch-Up (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends planning to meet for coffee after work.
Isabelle: Hey, Leo! Fancy catching up over coffee this week?
Leo: Sure, how about Thursday after work?
Isabelle: Sounds good. Around 5:30 PM?
Leo: Perfect, see you at the café downtown?
Isabelle: Yes, the one near the park.
Leo: Got it. Looking forward to it.
Isabelle: Me too, see you then!
Leo: Bye!
Coordinating International Meeting Times (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Sophia and Raj, business partners working across different time zones, are scheduling a crucial strategy meeting.
Sophia: Good morning, Raj. I’ve been reviewing our project timeline. When are you available for a detailed discussion?
Raj: Hello, Sophia. I have availability on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Which day suits you best?
Sophia: Tuesday works well for me. How about 10 AM EST? That would be 3 PM GMT for you.
Raj: That works. I’ll mark it down. Could we also confirm the agenda in advance?
Sophia: Absolutely, I’ll send it over by Monday evening. Will that give you enough time to prepare?
Raj: Yes, that should be sufficient. Please also include any documents or data we’ll be referencing.
Sophia: Will do. Thanks for confirming, Raj. Looking forward to our discussion.
Raj: Likewise, Sophia. Have a productive day!
Planning a Weekend Getaway with Friends (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Jake and Mia, friends planning a weekend getaway, discuss possible dates and activities for their trip.
Jake: Hey, Mia! Have you thought about our weekend getaway yet?
Mia: Hey, Jake! Yes, I’ve looked at some dates. How about the second weekend in June?
Jake: Sounds good! Any ideas on where we should go? I’m thinking a beach destination.
Mia: A beach sounds perfect. I’ve heard great things about that coastal town you mentioned last time.
Jake: Great! I’ll check accommodation availability for those dates. Shall we book flights together?
Mia: That would be convenient. Let me know the details, and we can book them together.
Jake: Will do. I’ll send you some options later today. Anything specific you’d like to do while we’re there?
Mia: I’d love to try some local seafood and maybe a boat tour. What do you think?
Jake: Sounds like a plan! I’ll look into those activities as well.
Mia: Awesome! Can’t wait. Thanks for taking the lead on this, Jake.
Asking About Museum Opening Hours (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Clara, a tourist, calls a museum to inquire about their opening hours and special exhibitions.
Clara: Hello, I’m planning to visit your museum next week. Could you please tell me your opening hours?
Museum Staff: Certainly. We’re open from 9 AM to 6 PM, Tuesday through Sunday.
Clara: Thank you. Do you have any special exhibitions currently?
Museum Staff: Yes, we have an Impressionist art exhibit running until the end of the month.
Clara: That sounds wonderful. Will there be guided tours available?
Museum Staff: Yes, guided tours are offered daily at 11 AM and 3 PM. Would you like to reserve a spot?
Clara: Yes, please. I’d like to join the 11 AM tour on Wednesday.
Museum Staff: Sure, I’ve reserved a spot for you. Anything else I can assist you with?
Clara: That’s all for now, thank you. Looking forward to my visit.
Discussing Time Management Strategies (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Sarah and Aiden, colleagues, discuss effective time management strategies to improve productivity at work.
Sarah: Hi Aiden, I’ve noticed we’ve been swamped lately. How do you manage your time effectively?
Aiden: Hi Sarah. I use the Pomodoro technique. Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
Sarah: That sounds efficient. I’ve tried it before. Do you plan your tasks in advance?
Aiden: Absolutely. I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance using the Eisenhower Matrix.
Sarah: That’s smart. I’ll try implementing that method. Do you also schedule time for unexpected tasks?
Aiden: Yes, I allocate some buffer time each day to handle unexpected tasks or urgent emails.
Sarah: Good idea. It’s essential to have some flexibility in our schedules. Thanks for sharing your strategies, Aiden.
Aiden: You’re welcome, Sarah. Let me know if you need any more tips!
Coordinating Family Reunion Details (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Olivia and Ethan, siblings organizing a family reunion, discuss potential dates, venues, and activities.
Olivia: Hey Ethan! I’ve been thinking about the family reunion. How about mid-July?
Ethan: Hey sis! Mid-July sounds good. Have you decided on a venue?
Olivia: I was thinking of renting a cabin by the lake. It has space for everyone and some fun outdoor activities.
Ethan: That sounds perfect! Shall we send out a save-the-date email with some details?
Olivia: Yes, let’s do that. I’ll draft an email and share it with you for review.
Ethan: Great! And should we plan some group activities? Maybe a barbecue or a hike?
Olivia: Those sound like fantastic ideas. I’ll include them in the email as options for everyone to choose from.
Ethan: Awesome! Can’t wait to catch up with everyone. Thanks for taking the lead on this, Olivia.
Olivia: Of course, Ethan. It’ll be a memorable reunion!
Conclusion
Practicing these conversations can help students feel more comfortable and confident when talking about time in English, improving their communication skills in everyday situations.
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