Virtual ATM Activity

Screenshot of the ATM practice activity available at www.gcflearnfree.org.

Here is a real-world simulation which is great for both listening and reading practice. It focuses on the steps necessary to use an ATM in English. Take a look at the screenshot of the activity which is posted above. The lady you see (at the top of the picture) in the mirror of the machine is trying to withdraw some money from her bank account. You will have to complete her transaction for her.

The activity has a recording of her voice, and she will give you some instructions. You will also see her instructions printed next to the right side of her face. First, you must insert the ATM card by dragging it with your mouse pointer into the slot on the right side of the machine. Then, you will have to use the mouse pointer again to click the buttons on the number pad to enter her PIN (personal identification number) to access her accounts. Then, you will have to click on the buttons to the right of the ATM screen to make the correct selections.

If you follow her instructions correctly, the ATM will give you some cash. Simply click on it to take it. Also, don't forget to take the ATM card and the receipt before leaving! Lastly, if you need her to explain or repeat one of her instructions, simply place your mouse pointer over her face. Do this once to get her to explain her instruction, and do it twice to get her to repeat it. Click here to start the activity. Good luck!

If you would like to speak English clearly (like the lady at the ATM), you should check out the Speak English like an American course (aff). It's great for accent reduction and improving pronunciation!

Virtual Directions

This activity will help you to learn how to follow basic directions in English. Try to complete this activity using only the "street view" on the map. If you are not sure how to use this view for Google Maps, then you can click here to get instructions. After you follow my directions, write down the name of the building where you arrive. When you are finished, check your answer using the drop down box at the bottom of this post. If you don't arrive at the correct location then reload this page (which will reset the map), start again from the beginning, and try to determine where you made your mistake. Good luck!


You are now facing the corner of 13th Street and F Street in Washington D.C.


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1. Go to the corner and turn left.

2. Walk three blocks and make a left (turn left).

3. Go past the church, and make a right (turn right) at the light (the traffic light).

4. Walk 1 block to the intersection of 9th Street and G Street.

5. Continue straight through the intersection, and walk until you get to the intersection of 7th Street and G Street.

If you followed my directions correctly, you should be facing a building with a large movie poster and a McDonald's restaurant just below the poster. What is the name of this building? You may have to turn right and walk around the building to find the sign which will tell you its name.

When you think that you have found the name, click on the drop down menu below to see the correct answer. Here is a clue: the name of the building is on a large sign which is attached to the building itself.

Click on the button to check your answer. Answer: Verizon Center

When traveling through an English speaking country, it's a good idea to have a portable translator with you for those times when you stop someone on the street to ask for directions, and you don't understand what he or she tells you. Ectaco has some of the best portable translators and dictionaries for English. Some of their products can even speak words in English, and this can help you to improve your pronunciation. Click here to visit their website (aff).

dump someone

Image acquired from Wikimedia Commons and used with permission. Image attribution: public domain via BotMultichillT.

Explanation:

In the photograph posted above, you can see a dump truck unloading some dirt. It can dump almost any substance in almost anyplace. However, when we speak of dumping a person in English, a dump truck isn't actually used! Sometimes when a person is in a romantic relationship, he or she comes to realize that the relationship was a big mistake. At that point, he or she will speak to the other person and indicate that it's time to end the relationship. The person who is unwanted is the one who gets dumped.

Note: The word "dumped" is considered to be a form of negative communication in English. If you end a romantic relationship with someone, and you want to be respectful to that person, then you should say, "We broke up."

When my girlfriend becomes tired of all my annoying habits, she will end our relationship. She can then say to her friends that she dumped me!

Example:

Gary: You look depressed, John. Is something wrong?

John: Yeah. I'm going through a difficult time right now. My girlfriend dumped me yesterday.

Gary: Oh, that's too bad. How did that happen?

John: You see, we went to her house for dinner, so I could meet her family. There was a lot of food, and we all put a lot on our plates. When we finished our meal, my girlfriend asked me to step outside with her for a moment. Then she dumped me, and told me not to call her anymore.

Gary: But that doesn't explain why she dumped you.

John: Well you see, throughout the whole dinner I talked with food in my mouth, and by the time we finished, her whole family had pieces of food all over their faces.

Gary: Oh man! That's disgusting! You're an animal! I can see why you got dumped!

John: Yeah, you're right, but I'm not worried because I can always find another girlfriend!

Gary: Oh yeah? Where do you think you'll find another woman who'll go out with you?

John: Good question. There must be someone out there who'll go out with a guy who talks with food in his mouth. Is your sister still single?

Gary: Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Don't even think about it!

Listening practice link:

Although it's always unpleasant to dump someone, there are ways to do it with respect. The following video entitled 5 Tips for Dumping Your Relationship (nicely) will help you to understand this idiom in English and show you how to end a romantic relationship with total politeness.

Would you like to practice English from anywhere you go? If so, you should check out some of the talking dictionaries and translators (aff) from Ectaco.