#1 Please and Thank You – The Magic Words
The two most basic yet powerful courtesy phrases are “please” and “thank you.” Saying “please” when making a request turns a demand into a polite appeal, while thanking someone shows your gratitude for their help. Using these magic words in shops, restaurants, and even at home with family makes life much more pleasant.

#2 Excuse Me – Asking Permission to Interrupt
Need to get someone’s attention? Instead of tapping them on the shoulder, say “excuse me” first. This gives them a chance to pause before you interrupt. Likewise, saying “excuse me” when you burp or sneeze softens any offense.

#3 Pardon Me – Apologizing for Disturbances
You accidentally bump someone with your grocery cart or step on their toes? “Pardon me” politely apologizes for the disturbance. It’s a phrase that acknowledges the other person’s discomfort and asks for forgiveness.

#4 May I… – Making Polite Inquiries
Phrasing requests as questions puts the focus on what the other person wants. “May I use the restroom?” or “May I help with the dishes?” demonstrates courtesy by giving them an easy chance to say no.

#5 How May I Help You? – Offering Assistance
When working in customer service or assisting visitors, greeting them with “How may I help you?” shows readiness to serve without being pushy. An opening question allows them to guide the conversation.

#6 After You – Inviting Others to Go First
Allowing others to go first, especially through doors, signals respect. Phrases like “after you” or “go ahead” reinforce this courtesy. It’s a gracious way to give priority to their time and space.

#7 Excuse the Wait/Delay – Apologizing for Tardiness
Running late for an appointment or dinner plans? Politely state “excuse the wait” or “pardon the delay” when you arrive. This makes your apology specific and demonstrates awareness of having kept them waiting.

#8 No Trouble at All – Downplaying Efforts
When being thanked for a favor, reply “no trouble at all!” This courteous phrase downplays your own burden to highlight the other’s comfort. It’s a gracious way to accept thanks without sounding boastful.

#9 Would You Mind If… – Considering Impositions
Asking “would you mind if…” seeks the listener’s consent rather than demanding. Queries like “Would you mind if I opened the window?” or “Would you mind if we rescheduled?” shows care for their wishes.

#10 May I Take Your Order/Coat/Bag? – Offering Active Help
Simply opening doors for people or standing aside may not be enough. Also offer active assistance. Questions like “may I take your order?”, “may I take your coat?” or even “may I take your bag?” display courtesy by giving needed aid.

The Power of Politeness
Being polite, through words and actions, makes everyone feel validated as worthy of kind treatment. Incorporating these 10 courtesy phrases and questions into daily conversations is an easy way to spread civility. Give it a try – you have nothing to lose but rudeness!”

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Telling and Asking Time
First, state times using “o’clock” for on the hour or “past” and “to” for minutes before or after any hour. For example:
Five o’clock
Ten past three / Twenty to four

To ask the time, use:
What time is it?
Do you have the time?

You can also specifically ask to verify or plan future interactions:
What time does the movie start?
At what time should I arrive at your office?

Discussing Schedules
To discuss schedules and availability, useful phrases include:
I have an appointment at 4 p.m.
My meeting got moved up to 10 a.m.
Are you free this afternoon?
I’m available between 2 and 6 o’clock.

You can also ask direct questions to coordinate schedules like:
When will you have some free time to meet?
When works best for our phone call?
What does your availability look like on Tuesday?

Avoiding Confusion
Because time telling varies by culture and language, confusion can occur. To maximize clarity:
• Specify exact times, days, and dates when possible instead of vague terms like “afternoon”.
• Verify if using 12 or 24 hour time systems.
• Confirm the timezone if coordinating across distances.
• Spell out months instead of using numbers.
• Repeat back scheduled day/time to confirm shared understanding.

Use Cues From Context
Listen for deadline mentions in conversation and tie back to verify timing and next steps. Likewise, pay attention to hints about someone’s schedule to optimize meetings.

In summary, precise time telling and related schedule discussions prevent frustration. Ask clarifying questions, repeat or summarize key timing details, and listen for contextual clues. With some practice, time talk becomes a useful skill set for everyday English encounters.

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Chat Up Neighbors
Even longtime locals gain fresh eyes speaking to those encountering the area’s offerings for the first time. Ask newcomers:
• What surprises did you discover nearby so far?
• How does this community compare to previous ones?
• What local gems have you unearthed?
This highlights aspects otherwise taken for granted to appreciate anew.

In parallel, share your expertise:
• Where do you recommend grabbing groceries or coffee?
• What’s your favorite park, restaurant, unique area shop?
• How walkable/bikeable are the neighborhoods?
As community stewards, describing vibrant features makes transplants feel at home.

Foster Local Business Dialogue
Mom-and-pop store owners and restaurateurs host troves of tales and pro tips. Engage personnel at favored haunts:
• When did you open this charming cafe?
• What inspires your ever-changing menu?
• How do you source ingredients?

Praise and gratitude nurture mutual support between customers and shops shaping the area’s distinct flavor.

Ask Around Essentials
Determine nearby options fulfilling regular needs by surveying neighbors via conversation or community websites/forums. For example:
• Who is your household’s go-to urgent care clinic and why?
• Where can I access affordable dental cleanings lacking insurance?
• What grocery store or food co-op offers the best organic produce?
Pool crowd knowledge identifying reputable staples.

Uncover Local Events
Community calendars, library event listings, park district newsletters overflow with hyperlocal happenings. Avoid sifting through overwhelming event blast emails by asking around:
• What upcoming local events have you excited?
• Are any art fairs, music festivals, street parties worth attending?
• Where can I join recreational sports leagues as a free agent?
Neighboring chatter surfaces selections aligned to your interests faster than aimless digital searches.

Speaking up beyond small talk builds context, common ground and congeniality. Through open dialogue, all contribute to the community mosaic capturing residents’ imagination and loyalty. Listening to those around you weaves tight-knit social connectivity encouraging everyone to look out for and invest in shared spaces.

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Essential Occupational Vocabulary

Stock your lexicon with common career words like:

– Position, profession, occupation, job, work

– Manager, employee, staff, worker

– Duties, responsibilities, tasks

– Skills, strengths, qualifications

– Office, salary, benefits, promotion

Then describe roles using industry terms and action verbs:

“As an automotive engineer, I design vehicle transmission systems integrating hardware and software.”

“The executive assistant coordinates meetings, takes notes and prepares reports for upper management.”

Asking About Employment

Phrase open-ended questions politely, allowing expansive answers about purpose and growth beyond boring titles. For example:

“How would you describe what your work entails day-to-day?”

“What originally attracted you to the publishing field?”

“What skills does that accounting job utilize?”

Follow enthusiasm cues pursuing specifics around satisfying projects or skill-building opportunities versus venting complaints. Offer observations or stories relating shared exposure to their field from your own work or consumer experiences to forge an invested connection.

Consider Cultural and Generational Context

Some cultures discourage boastful presentations of ambitious accomplishments framed around work status. Adjust accordingly to more humble sharing. Recognize varied comfort levels around salary or promotion details depending on age and relative positions. Adapt questions and responses guided by their signaling. Modify vocabulary fitting white or blue collar contexts.

Occupational Exchange Ethics

Listen earnestly for common experiences transcending hierarchy. Offer thoughtful questions, not rapid-fire interrogations. Relate authentically rather than one-upping achievements. Treat all careers with equal respect regardless of prestige perceptions.

Discussing fulfilling work and meaningful contributions need not follow formulaic scripts. With supportive words and demeanor, create space for uplifting confidence and purpose behind the jobs defining our complex roles.

The post Discussing Occupations- People appeared first on Open Up English.

#1 Hardware vs Software – The Tech Device Basics
Hardware represents the physical components of a computing device like the monitor, keyboard, processor chip and more. Software is intangible programs and coding that make the device function like operating systems, applications, browsers. Literate users grasp this difference.

#2 Bandwidth and Connectivity – Understanding Internet Speeds
Bandwidth measures how much data can flow over a network at one time. Greater bandwidth enables faster loading of websites, downloads and video streaming. Connectivity defines your linked access from devices to networks via cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth and Ethernet. Digital fluency requires comprehending these fundamental terms for assessing internet speeds.

#3 Browsing, Cookies and Caching – Appreciating Your Online Experience
Browsing means exploring websites, typically via a browser application like Chrome or Safari. Cookies are files storing site preferences and login info in your browser for convenience. Caching allows devices to temporarily store data to reduce server requests and accelerate repeat site visits. Together, these processes significantly impact one’s online experience.

#4 Phishing and Malware – Recognizing Shady Digital Tactics
Phishing involves emails luring users to fraudulent sites capturing private data. Malware means “malicious software” distributing viruses, spyware or ransomware installed without consent. Understanding these criminal cyberthreats makes one digitally literate enough to better resist such attacks.

#5 Firewalls and Anti-Virus – Identifying Key Security Protections
Firewalls establish boundaries blocking unauthorized network access often via port and protocol filtering. Anti-virus is software detecting and destroying malicious code and malware. Deploying these defenses reflects cognizance of basic digital security best practices.

#6 Troubleshooting Issues – First Steps When Technology Fails
Literacy around basic tech troubleshooting breeds resilience. Slow computer? Try rebooting. App crashing? Force quit and re-open. No signal? Reconnect WiFi. Dodgy website loading? Clear browser history/cache. Freezes still? Close unnecessary programs and tabs. These initial steps can resolve many common glitches and errors.

#7 Passwords and Authentication – Prioritizing Account Security
Understanding best practices around login credentials is essential for avoiding hacking and fraud. Using unique complex passwords and multi-factor authentication when offered makes accounts far more secure. Literate users also utilize password managers, VPNs and avoid opening suspicious attachments/links further maximizing online safety.

#8 Algorithms and AI – Appreciating Automated Influence
Algorithms are programmed step-by-step instructions driving much of our automated world. Understanding their coded decision-making empowers users. Similarly, knowing capabilities and limitations around artificial intelligence like voice assistants, self-driving vehicles and media recommendations allows for more informed adoption.

#9 Open Source and Creative Commons – Exploring Digital Options
Open source software transparently shares programming allowing free community collaboration. Creative Commons licensing gives defined public permissions for online artistic work. Both models represent alternative digitally fluent approaches for legal sharing of code and content.

#10 Digital Footprints and Legacy – Considering Online Impacts
A digital footprint is one’s accumulated online activities, expressions and archives comprising a lifelog of sort. It endures as your legacy. Digital literacy means contemplating and curating this permanent, public and fast-spreading trail wisely by factoring in privacy, security and accuracy.

The Tech Journey Continues
This glossary represents a starting vocabulary for navigating common digital phenomena. But technology persistently advances requiring constant curiosity and learning over time. While invented terms come and go, understanding the evolving digital landscape remains critical for full tech fluency and empowerment.”

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Mind Your Body Language
Smile automatically when possible to broadcast friendliness. Wave briefly if approaching from afar. Make comfortable eye contact without staring bluntly. Angle shoulders towards new acquaintances giving them focal attention. Extend hands upright for handshake offers or downwards when differences require an alternative like namaste or bows. Keep movements slow and open.

Lead with Culturally Appropriate Salutations
In English introductions, lead with formal greetings including Mr., Ms. or Dr. and last name unless instructed otherwise. With international guests, research if bowing, cheek kissing or casual “Hello!” proves more suitable based on their native culture to set the right tone from the start.

Remember and Repeat Names
Fumbling a contact’s name suggests minimal effort invested in the budding bond. After properly hearing their full name, repeat it aloud when responding to reinforce retention. If you forget shortly after, politely ask again rather than guess or avoid addressing them directly. Sincerely requesting a reintroduction makes most feel memorable versus forgettable.

Smooth Ice Breaker Questions
Inquire about mutually known contacts or ask visitors their local origin and intent to gather basic background and stimulate more profound sharing later. Comment on the meeting’s context whether a birthday party, work summit or wedding. Find safe common ground around the gathering topic, food being served or busy weekend plans to kick-start casual exchange.

Sprinkle in Inclusive Language
Default to gender-inclusive pronouns like “they” when identity stays unknown, referring to hypothetical persons and plural groups. Gradually interject more adventurous remarks as rapport ripens over time. But lead conservatively until signals indicate receptivity around risqué humor, politics, or personal disclosures inappropriate for professional relationships.

Follow up post-gathering referencing a specific conversational detail, inside joke or recommendation exchanged. Personalized contact cements sentimental connection so your name earns eager association rather than fading as another forgettable interaction.

With preparations easing awkward edges, introductions bloom into lively dialogue watering seeds for affinity. A minute of forethought around customs, names and icebreakers bears a harvest of meaningful communions able to change lives.

The post Greetings and Introductions- Meeting People appeared first on Open Up English.

Canada is a commonwealth country. This means we used to be a British colony“colony” noun = a land and its people ruled by a foreign empire before we became a nation and gained independence in 1867. However, even after becoming a country, it took us almost 100 years to grow up and get our own flag! Although some citizens and leaders wanted a new national symbol, many refused to part with tradition. No one could agree. There were a few unofficial“unofficial” adj = not declared by a ruling authority emblems“emblems” noun = symbols used for our country, but we continued to fly the British Union Jack as our official national flag until 1965. 

In the 1960’s, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson pushed for a totally new Canadian flag. Not everyone agreed with this. Fifteen people formed a parliamentary flag committee“committee” noun = a group of people working together to make decisions and perform tasks. They had the responsibility of choosing and recommending one design to our nation’s leaders. Let’s just say it did not go smoothly. The “Great Flag Debate“debate” noun = strong argument between opposing sides”, as it was called, was full of strong opinions and division. 

The committee members had to look through thousands of possible designs that people sent them. Finally, they agreed upon a suitable“suitable” adj = acceptable, good flag. It was the famous red and white flag we know today. A man named George Stanley, a Dean of Arts at a military college, was the person who had created and submitted his idea of the red maple leaf between two red stripes. 

Canadian politicians voted to accept it. Then the Queen of England, Elizabeth the second, made it official. February 15th, 1965 was the first time our red and white flag was raised at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada’s capital. The ceremony took place in front of a huge crowd that day. I wonder how George Stanley felt knowing that his country’s new national symbol was his creation?

Where did the leaf idea come from? Since the 1800’s, the maple leaf was being used as a common symbol for Canadian identity. It had appeared everywhere in day-to-day life, so it was the perfect choice for our flag. The maple leaf does not appear on any other national flag. How about the colours? Red and white have been Canada’s national colours since 1921. They are historic colours from both France and England. The dimensions“dimensions” noun = specific size and shape of our flag are completely unique“unique” adj = special, one-of-a-kind to Canada. No other national flag is twice as long as its width. Many flag experts consider our flag to be one of the most beautiful in the world.  

It is considered important to show respect“respect” noun = honour to our national symbol. Here are some do’s and don’ts of using a Canadian flag.

• A Canadian flag should fly alone on its own flagpole“flagpole” noun . It shouldn’t be shared with any other flag.
• No one should wear the flag or use it as a decoration to cover things like furniture, boxes, podiums“podium” noun or statues.  
• People should not write on or attach anything to a Canadian flag.
• No one should burn the flag in public, step on it or let it touch the ground.
• When the Canadian flag is raised, it should not be dirty, ripped, faded or upside down.
• There is a specific process for folding a Canadian flag.
• How you dispose of“dispose” verb = throw out, get rid of an old flag depends on its material. You may privately burn a natural fibre“natural fibre” adj phrase = material we make from a plant such as cotton or linen flag. You may cut a synthetic“synthetic” adj = a man-made material like nylon or polyester flag into strips before throwing it out.
• Anyone’s coffin“coffin” noun may be covered with a Canadian flag during a funeral if they wish – not just a member of the military. 

Did you know our flag went to the top of Mount Everest, the tallest peak on Earth, in 1982? A man named Laurie Skreslet was the first Canadian to successfully climb the treacherous“treacherous” adj = very dangerous mountain. Two years later, the Canadian flag travelled to outer space for the first time, thanks to Canada’s first astronaut, Marc Garneau. He safely travelled aboard the NASA space shuttle Challenger with a team of other astronauts.

Now we know a bit more about our national flag – a symbol recognized and loved by many people around the world. Happy National Flag Day of Canada!

Esther Penner is the creator of Open Up English. She has worked in the English language education industry for over 20 years. She has taught ESL, coordinated international student recruitment, arranged homestay accommodations and done contract writing for educational programming. Esther’s first teaching job in Japan inspired her love of travel and culture. She was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, where she lives with her husband, daughter and grumpy cat Henry.

The post What You Didn’t Know About Canada’s National Flag appeared first on Open Up English.

#1 Climate vs Weather – Defining Differences
First, the terms for weather and climate differentiate localized, short-term atmospheric conditions from regional, long-term patterns. Weather reflects specifics in a precise time and place while climate describes typical trends across decades. This distinction clarifies dialogue.

#2 Cloud Types – Cirrus, Cumulus, Stratus and More
Looking skyward, clouds classify in four main genres: wispy cirrus, puffy cumulus, blanket stratus and vertical nimbus clouds. Identifying their names, variations like stratocumulus, and formations allows for enriched observational discussion even as patterns shift with climate disruptions.

#3 Fronts and Systems – Warm, Cold, Stationary and More
Fronts concentrate climate action zones where air masses of diverse temperatures, pressure and moisture converge, driving precipitation. Warm fronts slope, advancing warm air over cold. Cold fronts sharply swap cold air in. Stationary fronts minimally budge temperature zones. Discussing fronts fosters insightful weather dialogue.

#4 Jet Streams and Ocean Currents – Appreciating Connections
Strong high-altitude winds called jet streams meander aloft, steering storms while indirectly swaying surface conditions. Similarly, prevailing ocean currents like the Atlantic’s Gulf Stream redistribute heat influencing continental weather. Recognizing these interconnected impacts expands environmental exchanges.

#5 Natural Disasters – Floods, Droughts, Storms and More
Using precise terms around extreme weather also elevates understanding, like differentiating floods, tropical storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, heat waves, cold snaps and droughts – all forecasted to worsen with climate change. Having vocabulary for such risks enables disaster prevention talks.

#6 The Urban Heat Island – Cities Change Local Climates
Even local landscapes influence temperatures. Due to vast paved surfaces retaining heat around structures and traffic emitting warmth, dense city centers create “urban heat islands” with temperatures exceeding nearby rural ones, especially at night. Identifying this phenomenon spotlights climate factors right in one’s community.

#7 Carbon Emissions and Greenhouse Gases – Talking Causes
Any dialogue about shifting weather patterns leads to discussing human-created drivers like greenhouse gases that trap heat including carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide alongside hydrofluorocarbons emitted by industrial fertilizers, refrigerants and aerosols. Clarifying terminology exposes issues for debate.

#8 Renewable Energy – Solar, Wind, Hydroelectric and More
Contrasting fossil fuels, carbon-neutral renewable energy harnesses natural patterns like sunshine, airflow, waterways and geology using solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric dams and geothermal pumps to generate cleaner electricity critical for powering communities in age of climate consequences.

#9 Carbon Footprints – Measuring Personal Impacts
A carbon footprint tallies the greenhouse gases individuals and families generate through home energy use, transportation, food choices and consumption. This measurable index representing one’s environmental impact spurs accountability encouraging lifestyle alterations to shrink footprints.

Conclusion – Vocabulary for Climate Consensus
With extreme weather events becoming unexceptional, discussing change requires a vocabulary equal to the challenges ahead. Advancing climate conversations by identifying patterns, human and planetary processes and potential solutions constitutes a crucial starting point for fostering understanding and consensus while time remains to alter societal trajectories for the better.

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