English - A1 — Beginner

Asking about opening hours

You are at the entrance of a small local library. You want to know when it opens and closes today.

Finding a bus stop

You are standing on a street corner in a new town. You need to take the bus to the city centre, but you don’t know where the nearest bus stop is.

Returning a faulty item to a shop

You bought a new umbrella yesterday, but it doesn’t open properly. You return to the shop to ask for a replacement or a refund.

Asking for a table in a café

You walk into a small, busy café. You want to sit down and have a drink, but you need to ask if there is a free table first.

Asking for a specific item in a newsagent's

You are in a small newsagent’s shop. You want to buy a birthday card, a newspaper, and some chewing gum, but you can’t see them on the shelves.

Asking about lost property at a train station

You are at a train station and think you left your scarf on the train. You go to the lost property office to ask if they have found it.

Asking about recycling rules at a community centre

You are at your local community centre for the first time. You have some empty bottles and paper to recycle but are unsure where to put them or what the rules are.

Asking about a swimming class schedule

You are at a local leisure centre for the first time. You want to join a beginner swimming class but don’t know when the classes are or how to sign up.

Asking about a local market day

You are staying in a small village for the weekend. You want to visit the local market, but you don’t know which day it is held or where it is.

Asking about a park bench in a public garden

You are visiting a small public garden in your town. You want to sit down and rest, but you don’t see any empty benches. You ask a gardener for help.

Asking about a public toilet location

You are walking in a small town park and need to find the nearest public toilet. You see a park ranger and decide to ask for help.

Asking about a pet’s feeding time at a kennel

You are visiting your friend’s dog at a boarding kennel for the first time. You want to know when the dog is fed so you can plan your visit around mealtime.

Asking about a bike repair service

You are at a small bike shop in your neighbourhood. Your bicycle has a flat tyre, and you want to know if the shop can repair it today and how much it will cost.

Asking about a community noticeboard event

You are at your local community centre and see a noticeboard with posters for events. You want to ask a staff member about an upcoming workshop or activity.

Asking about a post office parcel collection

You are at a small post office to collect a parcel. You need to ask the assistant if your parcel has arrived and where you can collect it.

Asking about a car park payment method

You are in a small town and have parked your car in a public car park. You need to pay for your parking but don’t know if the machine takes cards or only coins.

Asking about a public Wi-Fi password

You are sitting in a small, quiet café in a town you’re visiting. You want to use the free public Wi-Fi, but you don’t know the password. You ask the café worker for help.

Asking about a postbox collection time

You are standing near a red postbox in a small town. You want to post a letter, but you don’t know when the last collection is today.

Asking about a cinema film start time

You are standing in the lobby of a small local cinema. You want to watch a film, but you don’t know when it starts or how much the ticket costs.

Asking about a public bike hire station

You are standing near a public bike hire station in a small town. You want to rent a bike for a short ride but don’t know how to use the station or how much it costs.

Asking about a public phone charging station

You are at a small train station waiting for your train. Your phone battery is very low, and you need to find a place to charge it before your journey.

Asking about a lost glove at a bowling alley

You are at a small local bowling alley. You think you left one of your gloves here earlier, but you’re not sure where.

Asking about a community garden plot

You are visiting a small community garden in your neighbourhood. You want to know if there are any available plots to rent and how much it costs.

Asking about a library book return box

You are outside a small local library after hours. You have a book to return, but the library is closed. You see a book return box and want to confirm if you can leave the book there.

Asking about a pharmacy’s emergency service

You are in a small town pharmacy after normal hours. You need urgent medicine for a headache, but you’re not sure if the pharmacy is still open for emergencies or how to ask for help.

Asking about a museum audio guide

You are visiting a small local museum for the first time. You want to use an audio guide to learn more about the exhibits, but you’re not sure how to get one or if there’s a cost.

Asking about a gym locker rental

You are at a small local gym for the first time. You want to rent a locker to store your bag and coat, but you don’t know how much it costs or how to pay.

Asking about a village hall key collection

You are at a village hall to help set up for a small community event. You need to collect the key to unlock the hall, but you don’t know where to get it or who to ask.

Asking about a public library computer booking

You are at a small local library and want to use a public computer to check your email. You need to ask the librarian how to book a computer and how long you can use it.

Asking about a public barbecue area in a park

You are in a large public park with friends. You see a sign for a public barbecue area and want to use it, but you need to ask a park ranger about the rules and availability.

Asking about a public water fountain location

You are walking in a large park on a hot day. You need to find a public water fountain to refill your bottle, but you don’t see one nearby. You ask a park worker for help.

Asking about a public piano in a train station

You are waiting for your train at a small town station. You notice a public piano in the corner and want to play it, but you’re not sure if it’s allowed or if there are any rules.

Asking about a public picnic table reservation

You are at a small country park with friends. You see a sign about reserving picnic tables for groups, but you don’t know how to book one or if it costs money.

Asking for a quiet room in a community centre

You are at a small community centre for the first time. You want to make a phone call or study, but the main hall is too noisy. You ask a staff member if there is a quiet room you can use.

Asking about a public dog-walking area in a park

You are visiting a large park with your dog for the first time. You want to know where the designated dog-walking area is and if there are any rules you need to follow.

Asking about a public defibrillator in a shopping centre

You are in a small shopping centre and see a sign for a public defibrillator. You want to know exactly where it is located in case of an emergency.

Asking about a public defibrillator in a village hall

You are attending a small community event in a local village hall. You notice a sign about a public defibrillator and want to know where it is located in case of an emergency.

Asking about a public art installation in a park

You are visiting a small park in your town. You see an interesting sculpture or art piece and want to know more about it, such as who made it and what it represents.

Asking about a public defibrillator location

You are walking through a small town centre and notice a sign for a public defibrillator. You want to know exactly where it is located in case of an emergency.

Asking about a public bench donation plaque

You are walking through a small town park and notice a bench with a plaque. You want to know who donated the bench and why, so you ask a passing park volunteer for information.

Asking about a village noticeboard time

You are standing near a community noticeboard in a small village. You want to know what time the noticeboard is updated with new events and information.

Asking about a public defibrillator in a cinema

You are at a small local cinema for the first time. You notice a sign about a public defibrillator and want to know where it is located in case of an emergency.

Asking about a public charging locker at a train station

You are at a small train station and need to charge your phone and laptop before your journey. You see a sign for public charging lockers but don’t know how to use them.

Asking about a public defibrillator in a leisure centre

You are at a local leisure centre for the first time. You notice a sign about a public defibrillator and want to know where it is located in case of an emergency.

Asking about a public noticeboard for local volunteering

You are at a small community centre for the first time. You want to volunteer your time to help with local events or projects, but you don’t know where to find information about opportunities.

Asking about a village hall event setup

You are helping to organise a small event at your local village hall. You need to ask the caretaker where to put chairs and tables and how many are available.

Asking about a charity shop donation drop-off

You are outside a local charity shop. You have some old clothes and books to donate, but you’re not sure if the shop is open for donations today or where to leave them.

Asking about a public storytelling session in a library

You are visiting a small local library with your child. You see a poster about a public storytelling session for children, but you don’t know when it starts or if you need to book a place.

Asking about a public piano practice time in a library

You are visiting a small local library for the first time. You notice a piano in a quiet corner and want to practice playing, but you’re not sure if it’s available for public use or if there are specific times for practice.

Asking about a public art workshop at a gallery

You are visiting a small local art gallery for the first time. You see a poster about a public art workshop and want to know when it starts and if you need to book a place.

Asking about a public tool library

You are visiting a small community workshop for the first time. You need to borrow a hammer and a saw for a DIY project at home, but you don’t know how the tool library works or what you need to do.

Asking about a public book swap box in a park

You are walking through a small park and see a colourful wooden box labelled 'Book Swap'. You want to take a book to read, but you’re not sure how the system works or if you need to bring a book to exchange.

Asking about a public petanque court

You are visiting a small town park for the first time. You notice a flat gravel area with metal balls and want to know if it’s a petanque court, if you can play, and what the rules are.

Asking about a public telescope viewing time

You are at a small observatory in a local park. You see a public telescope and want to know when you can use it to look at the stars or planets tonight.

Asking about a public seed swap event

You are at a small community garden on a Saturday morning. You see a sign about a seed swap event but don’t know when it starts or what you need to bring.

Asking about a public telescope in a park

You are visiting a small park at night with a public telescope for stargazing. You want to know if you can use it and if there are any rules or times for viewing.

Asking about a lost scarf at a theatre

You are at a small local theatre after watching a play. You think you left your scarf in the auditorium, but you’re not sure where to look or who to ask.

Asking about a public defibrillator in a library

You are visiting a small local library for the first time. You notice a sign about a public defibrillator and want to know where it is located in case of an emergency.

Asking about a public piano practice room in a music shop

You are visiting a small local music shop for the first time. You notice a sign for a public piano practice room and want to know if you can use it, how much it costs, and how long you can book it for.

Asking about a public noticeboard for local babysitting services

You are at a small community centre with your young child. You want to find a local babysitter for a few hours next week, but you don’t know where to look for recommendations or contact details.

Asking about a public chess table in a park

You are visiting a small park in your town. You notice a chess table with pieces set up, but no one is playing. You want to know if you can use it and if there are any rules.

Asking about a public defibrillator in a gym

You are at a small local gym for the first time. You notice a sign about a public defibrillator and want to know where it is located in case of an emergency.

Asking about a public defibrillator in a supermarket

You are shopping in a small local supermarket. You notice a sign about a public defibrillator and want to know where it is located in case of an emergency.

Asking about a public defibrillator in a post office

You are at a small local post office to post a letter. You notice a sign about a public defibrillator and want to know where it is located in case of an emergency.

Asking about a public defibrillator in a launderette

You are at a self-service launderette for the first time. You notice a sign about a public defibrillator and want to know where it is located in case of an emergency.

Asking about a public herb cutting in a community garden

You are visiting a small community garden for the first time. You see a sign that says 'Free Herb Cuttings' and want to take some rosemary or mint home, but you’re not sure how the system works or if you need permission.

Asking about a public bike pump in a park

You are cycling in a large public park and notice your bike tyre is flat. You see a sign for a public bike pump but don’t know where it is or if it’s free to use.

Asking about a public piano tuning schedule

You are at a small community centre where a public piano is available for everyone to use. You notice the piano sounds a bit out of tune and want to know when it was last tuned or if it will be tuned soon.

Asking about a public fruit tree in a park

You are walking through a small park in your town. You notice a fruit tree with ripe apples, but you’re not sure if you’re allowed to pick them or if they are for everyone.

Asking about a public toy library

You are visiting a small community centre for the first time with your young child. You see a sign for a public toy library and want to know how it works and if you can borrow toys.

Asking about a public defibrillator in a sports centre

You are at a local sports centre for the first time. You notice a sign about a public defibrillator and want to know where it is located in case of an emergency.

Asking about a launderette machine

You are at a self-service launderette for the first time. You want to use a washing machine but don’t know which one is free or how to start it.

Asking about a local walking trail

You are visiting a small countryside village and want to go for a short walk. You see a sign for a walking trail but aren’t sure how long it takes or if it’s suitable for beginners.

Asking about a public defibrillator in a train station

You are waiting for your train at a small town station. You notice a sign for a public defibrillator and want to know where it is located in case of an emergency.

Asking about a public defibrillator in a church hall

You are attending a small community event in a local church hall. You notice a sign about a public defibrillator and want to know where it is located in case of an emergency.

Asking about a public birdwatching hide

You are visiting a small nature reserve for the first time. You see a sign for a birdwatching hide but don’t know if it’s open to the public or how to get there.

Asking about a public defibrillator location in a leisure centre

You are at a local leisure centre for the first time. You notice a sign for a public defibrillator and want to know exactly where it is located in case of an emergency.

Asking about a lost-and-found box at a swimming pool

You are at a small local swimming pool. You think you left your towel in the changing room earlier, but you’re not sure where to look for lost items.

Asking about a public noticeboard for local classes

You are at a small community centre for the first time. You want to join a local class, like cooking or yoga, but you’re not sure which classes are available or how to sign up.

Asking about a public electric vehicle charging point

You are standing in a small town car park. You need to charge your electric car, but you don’t know where the nearest charging point is or how to use it.

Asking about a public book exchange shelf

You are in a small community centre or café with a public book exchange shelf. You want to take a book to read, but you’re not sure how the system works or if you need to bring a book to swap.

Asking about a public allotment waiting list

You are visiting a small community allotment site for the first time. You want to grow your own vegetables but don’t know if there are any plots available or how to join the waiting list.

Asking about a public piano in a community centre

You are visiting a small community centre for the first time. You notice a piano in the corner of the main hall and want to know if you can play it and if there are any rules.

Asking about a public noticeboard for local clubs

You are in a small community centre and see a noticeboard with posters for local clubs and groups. You want to join a club but don’t know which ones are available or how to sign up.

Asking about a public compost bin in a community garden

You are visiting a small community garden for the first time. You have some fruit and vegetable scraps and want to know where to put them for composting, but you’re not sure where the compost bin is or if you can use it.

Asking about a public poetry board in a library

You are visiting a small local library for the first time. You notice a board with poems written by community members and want to know how to add your own poem or read others.

Asking about a public litter-picking kit

You are walking in a large public park and notice a sign about free litter-picking kits for volunteers. You want to help clean the park but don’t know how to get a kit or what the rules are.

Asking about a public bird feeder in a park

You are walking through a small park and notice a bird feeder hanging from a tree. You want to know if you can refill it with birdseed and where to get the seed.

Asking about a public noticeboard for local babysitting co-op

You are at a small community centre in your neighbourhood. You see a noticeboard with information about a local babysitting co-op and want to join, but you’re not sure how it works or who to ask.

Asking about a public bread oven in a community kitchen

You are visiting a small community kitchen in your neighbourhood for the first time. You see a large brick oven and want to know if you can use it to bake bread, and if there are any rules or times for using it.

Asking about a public storytime session at a bookshop

You are visiting a small independent bookshop for the first time with your young child. You see a poster about a public storytime session but don’t know when it starts or if you need to book a place.

Asking about a public book repair workshop

You are at a small local library for the first time. You notice a poster about a public book repair workshop and want to know when it takes place and if you need to bring any materials.

Asking about a public defibrillator in a village pub

You are visiting a small village pub for the first time. You notice a sign about a public defibrillator and want to know where it is located in case of an emergency.

Asking about a public herb garden in a park

You are visiting a large park in your town. You see a small fenced area with many plants and a sign that says 'Herb Garden'. You want to know if you can go inside and pick some herbs.

Asking about a public telescope in a park at night

You are visiting a small park at night with a friend. You see a public telescope set up for stargazing and want to know if you can use it, when it’s available, and if there are any rules.

Asking about a public chess clock in a park

You are visiting a small park in your town. You see a chess table with pieces set up, but there is no chess clock. You want to play a timed game and ask a park volunteer if one is available.

Asking about a public seed library in a community garden

You are visiting a small community garden for the first time. You notice a wooden box labelled 'Seed Library' and want to know how to borrow or donate seeds for your garden at home.

Asking about a public hearing loop in a theatre

You are at a small local theatre before a play starts. You want to know if the theatre has a hearing loop system for people with hearing aids and how to use it.

Asking about a public piano performance time

You are in a small shopping centre with a public piano in the main atrium. You see a sign saying 'Public Piano Performances' but don’t know when they happen or if you can join in.

Asking about a public telescope viewing session at an observatory

You are visiting a small local observatory for the first time. You see a sign about a public telescope viewing session and want to know when it starts and if you need to book a place.