Starting Everyday Conversations in a U.S. City.

In this first lesson you land in a typical U.S. city and start handling the small but important conversations that shape your day. You practice greeting baristas, cashiers, and neighbors, ordering coffee and small items, and asking for directions or help in a way that sounds friendly and natural to Americans. We compare very formal or British-sounding requests with the shorter, more relaxed phrases you will actually hear at a cafe, drugstore, or corner shop. You notice common patterns for please, thanks, and sorry, and see how much small talk Americans often expect, even for a quick purchase. By the end of the lesson, you can open and close short service encounters smoothly, check information without feeling awkward, and feel more confident that your tone fits local expectations from your very first week in the U.S.

1. Your first coffee stop in the neighborhood.

Picture this: it is your first morning in a new U.S. city. You walk into a small neighborhood coffee shop. The barista smiles and says, "Hi, how is it going?" or maybe, "Hey, what can I get for you today?" You want to sound friendly and confident, not too formal or robotic. In this first block, we will focus on the beginning and end of that tiny conversation. How do you greet the barista? How do you answer their greeting without telling your life story? And how do you close the interaction in a natural American way? You will see a short model dialogue on the screen that shows a very typical exchange between a customer and a barista. I will highlight some key phrases for you: a relaxed greeting, a clear order, and a friendly goodbye. Then you will listen to a similar dialogue and answer a few simple questions in writing. Pay attention to the rhythm: greeting, order, payment, thanks, and a short closing line like, "Have a good one." That pattern will appear again and again in your daily life in the U.S.

Scene: First stop at the coffee shop.

Imagine you just walked into a small cafe near your apartment in a U.S. city. The barista looks up and smiles.

Here is a very typical mini-conversation:

Model dialogue

Barista: Hi, how's it going?

You: Good, thanks. How are you?

Barista: Good! What can I get for you today?

You: Can I get a medium coffee to go?

Barista: Sure. Anything else?

You: That is it, thanks.

Barista: Okay, that will be three fifty.

You: Do you take card or cash?

Barista: Card is perfect.

You: pays Thanks, I really appreciate it.

Barista: No problem. Have a good one.

What to notice.

In the short audio at the top of this block, you heard a similar pattern. A few important points:

• Greetings are short and relaxed. Americans often say Hi or Hey, plus a quick How's it going? or How's your day going so far?
• Answers are also short. A simple Good, thanks or Pretty good, thanks is enough. You do not need to give details unless you want to.
• Service phrases are very direct, but polite. The barista says What can I get for you today? or What can I get started for you? You can answer with Can I get..., I'll have..., or I'd like....
• Closings are friendly. Instead of a very formal Goodbye, people often say Have a good one, Have a good day, or Take care.

Useful chunks from this scene.

• Hi, how's it going?
• Hey, what can I get for you today?
• Can I get a medium coffee to go?
• Do you take card or cash?
• Thanks, I really appreciate it.
• Have a good one.

You will now listen to another customer–barista conversation. Then you will write your answers to three comprehension questions about it.

Practice & Feedback

Listen carefully to the short coffee shop conversation. You can replay the audio a couple of times if you need to. After listening, answer the three questions in full sentences, not just single words. Try to reuse some phrases you saw on the screen, like He ordered... or She says....

1. What drink does the customer order, and is it for here or to go?
2. How does the customer answer the barista's question How's it going?
3. What phrase does the barista use at the very end of the conversation to close the interaction?

Write your answers together in one short paragraph, using clear sentences. Do not worry about being perfect; focus on showing that you understood the key information and the tone of the exchange.

2. Ordering your drink like a local.

Now that you have seen how a typical coffee shop interaction starts and ends, let us look more closely at the middle part: actually ordering your drink. In U.S. cafes, you will usually see a big menu board with sizes, drinks, and maybe extras like flavors or milk options. The good news is that you do not need long, complicated sentences. A clear structure works very well: greeting, then something like, "Can I get a medium coffee to go?" or "I'll have an iced tea for here, please." In this block, I will show you a simple menu and a few natural American-style orders. We will focus on three things: size words like small, medium, and large; the phrase to go or for here; and a few extra details such as no sugar or with oat milk. You will see how short and efficient these orders are, but still polite. Then you will practice by writing your own orders based on the menu. Try to imagine you really are at the counter, talking to a busy but friendly barista.

Reading the menu and choosing your words.

In many U.S. coffee shops, the menu looks something like this:

You do not need to repeat all the numbers when you order. Focus on the size, the drink, and any special request.

Natural order patterns.

Here are some very typical, natural patterns that you heard in the previous block:

• Can I get a medium coffee to go?
• I'll have a small latte for here, please.
• I'd like a large iced tea with no sugar.
• Can I get a small hot chocolate with oat milk?

Notice the order of information:

1. A soft, polite opening: Can I get, I'll have, I'd like
2. Size: small, medium, large
3. Drink: coffee, latte, iced tea
4. Extra details: to go, for here, with no sugar, with oat milk
5. Optional please

This structure is short, but it sounds very natural to American ears.

Payment and quick questions.

After you order, the barista might tell you the price. You can ask:

• Do you take card or cash?
• Can I tap to pay?

If they ask, Is this for here or to go?, you can answer with:

• To go, please.
• For here, thanks.

Next, you will write your own orders using the sample menu above.

Practice & Feedback

Look at the menu in the content above and imagine you are at the counter in that coffee shop. You will practice writing three complete orders as if you are speaking to the barista.

Please write:

1. One drink that is for here.
2. One drink that is to go.
3. One drink with a special detail, for example no sugar, or with oat milk.

For each order, use a natural American pattern such as Can I get..., I'll have..., or I'd like.... Include the size, the drink, and the extra detail. Try to include please in at least one sentence.

Write your three orders as three separate sentences or as a short numbered list. Focus on clarity, word order, and sounding relaxed but polite, like in the examples you just read.

Useful patterns to copy when you write your own orders:

• Can I get a medium coffee to go?
• I'll have a small latte for here, please.
• I'd like a large iced tea with no sugar.
• Can I get a small hot chocolate with oat milk?

3. Asking for help and directions politely.

Ordering coffee is only one part of your new daily life. Very soon you will also need to ask small questions: Where is the restroom? Where does the line start? Which way is the subway? In American English, how you ask can change how people feel about you. A very direct question like "Where is the toilet?" may sound a bit rude. A very formal sentence like "Would you be so kind as to direct me to the lavatory?" sounds strange in a cafe. In this block, we will focus on natural, friendly ways to ask for simple information in public spaces. You will see some typical questions, such as, "Excuse me, do you know where the restroom is?" or "Is this where the line starts?" We will also look at a couple of softening phrases that help you sound relaxed and human: "I am still getting used to the city" and "I am not from here, so I might ask silly questions." Then you will practice turning very direct or very formal sentences into more natural American-style questions in writing.

Asking small questions in a big city.

When you are new to a U.S. city, you will often need small pieces of information. For example:

• You are in a drugstore and you cannot find the restroom.
• You are at a coffee shop and you are not sure where the line starts.
• You are on the street and you need the nearest subway stop.

Natural, friendly question starters.

Here are some very common patterns that feel polite but not stiff:

• Excuse me, do you know where the restroom is?
• Excuse me, is this where the line starts?
• Excuse me, do you know if there's a subway station nearby?
• Sorry, I'm still getting used to the city. Do you know where Main Street is?

Notice the structure:

1. Attention word: Excuse me, or for small problems, Sorry.
2. Soft question: do you know where..., do you know if..., is this where....
3. Information you need: the restroom is, the line starts, there's a bus stop.

Comparing styles.

Look at these pairs. Which one sounds most natural in a U.S. cafe or store?

• Too direct: Where is the toilet?
• More natural: Excuse me, do you know where the restroom is?

• Too formal: Would you be so kind as to inform me where the queue begins?
• More natural: Excuse me, is this where the line starts?

• A bit heavy: I'm totally lost, you must help me find the metro!
• More natural: Excuse me, I'm not from here, so I might ask silly questions. Do you know where the subway is?

These softer forms match American expectations: you recognize the other person is doing you a favor, and you sound friendly, not demanding.

Next, you will practice rewriting some questions in this more natural style.

Practice & Feedback

You will now practice rewriting questions so they sound more natural in everyday American English. Below you will see several examples that are either too direct, too formal, or just a bit odd.

Your job is to rewrite at least four of them using the patterns from the screen, for example:

• start with Excuse me, ... or Sorry, ... when appropriate;
• use soft question forms like do you know where... or is this where....

Try to imagine you are really in a store, cafe, or on the street in a U.S. city. Write your new questions as full sentences. You can also add one extra softening phrase like I'm still getting used to the city if it feels natural.

Write your four (or more) improved questions in a numbered list.

Rewrite these questions in a more natural American style:

1. Where is the toilet?
2. Tell me where the line begins.
3. Would you be so kind as to indicate the nearest underground station?
4. Where can I find the chemist?
5. I need the lavatory, where is it?
6. Which way is the metro, please?

4. Quick small talk with baristas and neighbors.

So far you have focused on the basic information: placing an order, asking where the restroom is, finding the line. But in many U.S. cities, people also expect a tiny bit of small talk, even in very short interactions. Your barista might ask, "How's your day going so far?" or "Got any fun plans for the weekend?" A neighbor in the elevator might say, "Nice day out, huh?" or "You just moved in?". In this block, we will explore how to add one or two friendly sentences that help you sound approachable. You do not need to share anything very personal. Safe topics are the weather, the day, work in general, or simple plans. For example, you can say, "I am still getting used to the city" or "I am still learning how things work here." On the screen, you will see two short dialogues: one with a barista and one with a neighbor in your building. Then you will write your own mini chat-style conversation, where you play yourself and I play the barista. This will help you practice natural, friendly rhythm in real life.

Adding one line of small talk.

Here is a short exchange at the same coffee shop, just a little more friendly.

Cafe small talk

Barista: Hi, how's it going?

You: Pretty good, thanks. How's your day going so far?

Barista: Not bad, a little busy. What can I get for you today?

You: Can I get a medium coffee to go?

Barista: Sure thing. Any fun plans for the weekend?

You: Nothing big, I'm still getting used to the city.

Barista: Nice. Your total is three dollars.

You: Great, thanks, I really appreciate it.

Barista: No problem. Have a good one.

Neighbor in the hallway.

Neighbor: Hey, how's it going?

You: Good, thanks. I just moved in last week.

Neighbor: Welcome! How do you like the building so far?

You: I like it a lot. I'm still learning how things work here.

Neighbor: If you ever have questions, just let me know.

You: Thanks, I really appreciate it.

Safe small-talk topics and chunks.

• The day: How's your day going so far?
• The weekend: Do you have any fun plans for the weekend?
• The city: I'm still getting used to the city.
• Your new situation: I'm still learning how things work here.

The key is one short question or comment, plus a simple answer. You do not need a long conversation, especially if the other person is busy. Next, you will create a short written "chat" between you and a barista, using 4–6 short turns.

Practice & Feedback

Now you will write a mini chat-style conversation between you and a barista at your neighborhood coffee shop.

Please write 4–6 turns in total, for example:

• You
• Barista
• You
• Barista
• (optional) You

Use labels like You: and Barista: at the beginning of each line so it is clear who is speaking. Include:

• a greeting,
• a very short line of small talk (about the day, weekend, or getting used to the city),
• your order (for example, Can I get a medium coffee to go?),
• and a friendly closing.

Try to reuse at least two phrases from the lesson, such as How's your day going so far?, I'm still getting used to the city., Thanks, I really appreciate it., or Have a good one.

Write the whole chat in one message. After you send it, I will respond as if I were the barista and continue the small talk for one more turn.

Example structure for your chat:

You: Hi, how's it going?

Barista: Hey, pretty good. How's your day going so far?

You: Not bad, thanks. I'm still getting used to the city.

Barista: Nice, welcome! What can I get for you today?

You: Can I get a medium coffee to go?

Barista: Sure thing. That'll be three dollars.

You: Thanks, I really appreciate it. Have a good one.

5. Sorry, excuse me, and thank you in busy places.

Daily life in a U.S. city can feel crowded and fast. You stand in line, people walk close to you, someone bumps your shoulder, or you realize you just cut in front of another customer by mistake. In these moments, three little expressions are extremely useful: sorry, excuse me, and thank you. How you use them shows a lot about your politeness and your comfort in American culture. In this block, we will look at common situations in cafes, stores, and on the street where these words appear. For very small problems, Americans often say a quick, light "Sorry" or "Sorry about that". To get someone’s attention or to move past them, they say "Excuse me". And they say "Thanks" or "Thanks, I really appreciate it" very often, even for tiny favors. On the screen, you will see a few mini-scenes with natural phrases like "Is this where the line starts?", "Sorry, go ahead.", and "Could you say that again a bit more slowly?" Then you will write your own short descriptions of what you would say in similar situations, using sorry, excuse me, and thank you.

Mini-scene 1: The line at the cafe.

You walk into a busy coffee shop. You are not sure where to stand.

You: Excuse me, is this where the line starts?

Customer: Yeah, it starts back there.

You: Oh, sorry. Thanks for letting me know.

Mini-scene 2: You accidentally cut in front.

You step in front of someone without realizing there was a line.

Customer: Actually, the line is behind me.

You: Oh, I'm so sorry. Go ahead.

Customer: No worries.

You: Thanks, I really appreciate it.

Mini-scene 3: You did not catch what the cashier said.

Cashier: Your total is fourteen fifty.

You: Sorry, could you say that again a bit more slowly?

Cashier: Sure, it's fourteen fifty.

You: Got it, thanks.

When to use sorry, excuse me, and thank you.

• Sorry: for small mistakes or small inconvenience.
• Sorry, go ahead.
• I'm so sorry, I didn't see you.
• Excuse me: to get attention or to move past.
• Excuse me, do you know where the restroom is?
• Excuse me, can I get by you?
• Thank you / Thanks: to show appreciation, even for small things.
• Thanks, I really appreciate it.
• Thank you so much for your help.

Using these phrases lightly and frequently helps you sound considerate and comfortable in busy American spaces.

Next, you will imagine a few short situations and write what you would say, using these three magic expressions.

Practice & Feedback

Now it is your turn to use sorry, excuse me, and thank you in your own mini-scenes.

Imagine these three situations:

1. You need to get past someone who is standing in front of the restroom door.
2. You bump into a person while leaving the coffee shop with your drink.
3. A stranger holds the door open for you when your hands are full.

Write 5–7 sentences total describing what you would say in these moments. You can write them as three short mini-dialogues or as simple sentences like I would say ....

Use each of these words at least once: sorry, excuse me, and thank you (or thanks). Try to reuse some phrases from the lesson, such as Excuse me, can I get by you? or Thanks, I really appreciate it.

Focus on sounding quick, light, and polite, as if you are really in a crowded cafe.

Helpful phrases from this block:

• Excuse me, is this where the line starts?
• Oh, I'm so sorry. Go ahead.
• Sorry, could you say that again a bit more slowly?
• Excuse me, can I get by you?
• Thanks, I really appreciate it.
• Got it, thanks.

6. Your first morning out in the city.

You have now collected many of the small pieces you need for everyday conversations in a U.S. city: greetings, short answers to "How's it going?", clear coffee orders, polite questions for help, a bit of small talk, and quick uses of sorry, excuse me, and thank you. In this final block, you will put them together into one continuous scene. Imagine your first free morning after moving into your new apartment. You step out into the hallway, meet a neighbor, walk to the corner coffee shop, order your drink, ask a quick question, and then head out into the city. Your goal is to write this story as a series of short lines of dialogue and simple narration. On the screen, you will see a checklist of elements to include and a brief sample to guide you. Then you will write your own version. Try to reuse several chunks from the lesson, like "Hi, how's it going?", "Can I get a medium coffee to go?", "Excuse me, do you know where the restroom is?", and "Have a good one." This is your chance to rehearse your real first mornings in the U.S. so they feel easier and more familiar.

Your first-morning story.

You will now create a short, realistic story of your first morning out in your new U.S. neighborhood. Think of it as a script for your future self.

Checklist of what to include.

Try to include:

• A greeting with a neighbor or someone in your building.
• A short small-talk exchange (for example, about the day, the city, or moving in).
• An order at a coffee shop using size, drink, and to go or for here.
• One short question for information (for example, about the restroom or the line).
• At least one use of sorry or excuse me.
• At least one strong thank you line.
• A friendly closing like Have a good one.

Mini-model (for inspiration).

Narration: I leave my apartment and walk into the hallway.

Neighbor: Hey, how's it going?

You: Good, thanks. I just moved in, I'm still getting used to the city.

Neighbor: Welcome! Have a good one.

Narration: I walk to the corner coffee shop and stand near the counter.

You: Excuse me, is this where the line starts?

Customer: Yeah, right here.

You: Oh, sorry. Thanks for letting me know.

Barista: Hi, what can I get for you today?

You: Can I get a medium coffee to go, please?

Barista: Sure thing. That'll be three fifty.

You: Do you take card or cash?

Barista: Card is great.

You: Great, thanks, I really appreciate it. Have a good one.

This is just one idea. Your version can be different. The important thing is to connect all the pieces you practiced in this lesson into one smooth morning.

Practice & Feedback

Write your own short first-morning script in your new U.S. city. Imagine this really will happen in your life.

Write at least 12–16 lines, mixing short narration and dialogue. You can follow this pattern:

• Narration lines starting with something like Narration: or simply in third person.
• Dialogue lines labeled with You:, Neighbor:, Barista:, Customer:, etc.

Make sure you include:

• a greeting and small talk with a neighbor or someone in your building,
• a visit to a cafe where you order a drink,
• one polite question for information (restroom, line, directions, or payment),
• at least one use of sorry or excuse me,
• at least one strong thank you line.

Try to reuse at least four chunks from this lesson, such as Hi, how's it going?, Can I get a medium coffee to go?, Excuse me, do you know where the restroom is?, I'm still getting used to the city., Thanks, I really appreciate it., or Have a good one.

Do not worry about making it perfect or long; focus on making the story realistic and using natural, friendly language.

Before you write, review this mini-checklist:

• Do I have at least one greeting, like Hi, how's it going? or Hey?
• Did I order a drink clearly, with size and to go or for here?
• Did I ask for help politely, starting with Excuse me or Sorry?
• Did I show thanks with a strong phrase like Thanks, I really appreciate it.?
• Did I end at least one interaction with something like Have a good one.?

Keep this next to you while you write your script.