I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]

Introducing yourself to others is important, whether it be to a pen friend (pen pal), a friend you meet online, or through a common acquaintance. So, what are some common topics of conversation when you meet people for the first time?

HELPFUL TIP: Don’t be afraid to ask people to repeat their names if you forget them. Using people’s names in conversation shows that you are interested in them, and this can lead to a continued friendship.

II. Listening Exercises [Top]

Listen to the conversation by pressing the “Play Audio” button and answer the questions. Press the “Final Score” button to check your quiz.

1. Where did the man and woman first meet?

A. at a party

B. at school

C. at a friend’s house
2. What is the woman’s name?

A. Sharon

B. Susan

C. Sherry

3. In what field is the woman majoring?

A. engineering

B. computer science

C. education

4. What major is the man considering most at this time?

A. international business

B. accounting

C. marketing

5. Do you think the woman is interested in going out with the man?

A. yes

B. no

Score =

Correct answers:


Man: Hi. Uh, haven’t we met before? You look so familiar.

Woman: Yeah. We met on campus last week, [Yeah!] and you asked me the same question.

Man: Oh, oh really? I’m sorry, but I’m terrible with names. But, but, but . . . Let me guess. It’s Sherry, right?

Woman: No, but you got the first letter right.

Man: I know, I know. It’s on the tip of my tongue. Wait. Uh, Sandy, Susan. [Nope. So, was I that memorable?] Wait, wait. It’s Sharon.

Woman: You got it . . . and only on the fourth try.

Man: So, well, Sh . . ., I mean Sharon. How are you?

Woman: Not bad. And what was your name?

Man: It’s Ben, but everyone calls me B.J. And, uh, what do you do, Sh . . . Sharon?

Woman: I’m a graduate student majoring in TESL.

Man: Uh, TESL . . . What’s that?

Woman: It stands for teaching English as a second language. I want to teach English to non-native speakers overseas.

Man: Oh, yeah. I’m pretty good at that English grammar. You know, verbs and adjectives, and uh . . . Hey, that’s sound really exciting. And do you need some type of specific degree or experience to do that? I mean could I do something like that?

Woman: Well, most employers overseas are looking for someone who has at least a Bachelor’s degree and one or two years of experience. [Oh!] And what do you do? Are you a student on campus?

Man: Yeah, but, uh . . . I guess I’m mulling over the idea of going into accounting or international business, but I guess I’m now leaning towards a degree in marketing.

Woman: Oh, uh, . . . Well, I have to run. I have a class in ten minutes.

Man: Oh, okay. And, uh, by the way, there’s this, uh, dance on campus at the student center tonight, and I was wondering if you’d . . . you know . . . like to come along.

Woman: Oh really? Well, perhaps . . . .

Man: Okay, well, bye.

Key Vocabulary [Top]
  • on the tip of one’s tongue (idiom): to be at the point of remembering something
    - Oh, what is her name again? It’s on the tip of my tongue, but I just can’t remember it.
  • memorable (adjective): worth remembering
    - College graduation was a real memorable experience for me.
  • major (verb, also noun): have as your main field of study
    - My brother wants to major in education.
  • overseas (adverb): in a foreign country
    - My family lived overseas for several years.
  • mull over (verb): think over
    - My brother wants to mull over different job offers before he makes a decision.