Speaking

Deimos

Short, practical dialogues where you answer as B.

Core Expression Engine - Day 13
Date: 2026-02-13

Daily Core Expressions

Meeting changes

Today's Useful Phrases
  • Would it be possible to move the pickup time?
  • I will take a rain check.
  • That makes sense, but it is after the deadline.
Phrases
  • Would it be possible to move the pickup time? - Polite request to move the pickup time.
  • I will take a rain check. - I cannot do it now.
  • That makes sense, but it is after the deadline. - Soft disagreement. Reason: it is after the deadline.
Examples
  • Model: A: Would it be possible to move the pickup time? B: I will follow up today.
  • Model: A: I will take a rain check. Thanks for letting me know. B: Thanks, I appreciate it.
Exercises
  • Answer as B: A: That makes sense, but it is after the deadline. B: ____.
  • Rewrite to sound more polite: Move the pickup time this afternoon. -> ____
Core Expression Archive →

Level 1

Survival speaking for daily tasks.

Lesson 1
Read-and-Say Warmup

Read-and-say sentences.

  • Read and say: I need help.
  • Read and say: I have an appointment.
  • Read and say: Please speak slowly.
Lesson 2
Doctor Desk

Role-play based on written dialogs. Answer as B.

  • A: What is your name? B: ____.
  • A: Do you have insurance? B: ____.
  • A: Please have a seat. B: ____.
Lesson 3
Pharmacy Pickup

Role-play based on written dialogs. Answer as B.

  • A: Do you have a prescription? B: ____.
  • A: It will be ready in 15 minutes. B: ____.
  • A: Any questions for the pharmacist? B: ____.
Lesson 4
Grocery Checkout

Role-play based on written dialogs. Answer as B.

  • A: Do you need a bag? B: ____.
  • A: Card or cash? B: ____.
  • A: Your total is twelve. B: ____.
Lesson 5
Ask for Help

Role-play based on written dialogs. Answer as B.

  • A: Can I help you? B: ____.
  • A: It is in aisle five. B: ____.
  • A: Do you want a different size? B: ____.
Lesson 6
Neighbor Talk

Role-play based on written dialogs. Answer as B.

  • A: Your package is here. B: ____.
  • A: Is this your bike? B: ____.
  • A: The elevator is out. B: ____.
Lesson 7
Bus and Taxi

Role-play based on written dialogs. Answer as B.

  • A: Where are you headed? B: ____.
  • A: That is the last stop. B: ____.
  • A: The next bus is in 10 minutes. B: ____.

Level 2

Handle short exchanges with clear details.

Lesson 1
Phone Calls

Role-play based on written dialogs. Answer as B.

  • A: Can I put you on hold? B: ____.
  • A: I will call you back in 10. B: ____.
  • A: What is your callback number? B: ____.
Lesson 2
Appointments

Role-play based on written dialogs. Answer as B.

  • A: Do you want Tuesday or Thursday? B: ____.
  • A: Please arrive 10 minutes early. B: ____.
  • A: We need to reschedule. B: ____.
Lesson 3
Bank Counter

Role-play based on written dialogs. Answer as B.

  • A: How can I help? B: ____.
  • A: Please sign here. B: ____.
  • A: Here is your receipt. B: ____.
Lesson 4
Store Returns

Role-play based on written dialogs. Answer as B.

  • A: Do you have the receipt? B: ____.
  • A: We can exchange it. B: ____.
  • A: The refund goes back to your card. B: ____.

Level 3

Use polite requests in adult situations.

Lesson 1
Polite Requests at Work

Prompt -> better version.

  • Prompt: Give me the report. -> Better: I was wondering if you could send me the report when you have a moment.
  • Prompt: Change the schedule. -> Better: Could we adjust the schedule if possible?
  • Prompt: Call me later. -> Better: Would you mind calling me later when you are free?
Lesson 2
Polite Requests at Home

Prompt -> better version.

  • Prompt: Turn the music down. -> Better: Could you turn the music down a little, please?
  • Prompt: Clean this today. -> Better: Would it be okay to clean this today?
  • Prompt: Move your car. -> Better: I was wondering if you could move your car.
Lesson 3
Polite Requests in Service

Prompt -> better version.

  • Prompt: Fix this now. -> Better: Could you please take a look at this when you have a moment?
  • Prompt: Give me a refund. -> Better: I was hoping to request a refund, if that is okay.
  • Prompt: Change my appointment. -> Better: Would it be possible to move my appointment?

Level 4

Respond to social situations with empathy and soft disagreement.

Lesson 1
Friend Cancels Last Minute

Respond politely and show empathy.

  • A: Sorry, I have to cancel tonight. B: ____.
  • A: It was last minute, my kid is sick. B: ____.
  • A: Can we reschedule? B: ____.
Lesson 2
Coworker Makes a Mistake

Be polite and solve the problem.

  • A: I sent the wrong file. B: ____.
  • A: It was my fault. B: ____.
  • A: Can you help me fix it? B: ____.
Lesson 3
Someone Interrupts You

Soft disagreement and polite response.

  • A: Sorry, can I add something? B: ____.
  • A: I did not catch that, can you repeat it? B: ____.
  • A: Let me jump in for a second. B: ____.

Level 5

Build natural replies in real conversations.

Lesson 1
Meeting Slip

Complete the reply in a natural way.

  • A: Sorry, I totally forgot about the meeting. B: ____.
  • A: It slipped my mind. I can join in 10. B: ____.
  • A: I did not mean it like that. B: ____.
Lesson 2
Schedule Conflict

Complete the reply in a natural way.

  • A: Can we move it to Thursday? B: ____.
  • A: That time does not work for me. B: ____.
  • A: Fair enough. Let us pick a new time. B: ____.
Lesson 3
Social Catch Up

Complete the reply in a natural way.

  • A: Let's catch up sometime. B: ____.
  • A: No worries, thanks for letting me know. B: ____.
  • A: I was wondering if you want to grab coffee. B: ____.