Making an Appointment
An elementary phone-conversation dialogue. Learners hear days of the week, times of day, and useful phrases for confirming, refusing, and rescheduling appointments.
Vocabulary
appointment
an arranged time to meet someone, usually for a service
available
free to do something at a particular time
schedule
a plan of times when things will happen
reschedule
to arrange a new time for something
confirm
to say that something is definitely true or arranged
Learning focus
- Listen for dates, times and confirmation language when arranging an appointment.
Before listening
- What phrases can you use to suggest or change a time?
Transcript
Speaker 1
Good morning, City Dental Clinic. How can I help you?
Speaker 2
Hello, I would like to make an appointment with Doctor Lee.
Speaker 1
Sure. Are you available this Thursday afternoon?
Speaker 2
I am afraid not. I work on Thursday afternoons.
Speaker 1
No problem. What about Friday morning at ten?
Speaker 2
Friday at ten is perfect. Is the clinic easy to find?
Speaker 1
Yes, we are on Park Avenue, next to the post office.
Speaker 2
Great. Can I confirm the appointment for Friday at ten?
Speaker 1
Yes, confirmed. We will see you on Friday.
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Comprehension Questions
1. Who does the caller want to see?
2. Why can't the caller come on Thursday?
3. Where is the clinic?
True / False
The appointment is for Friday morning.
True — The caller and the receptionist agree on Friday at ten.
The clinic is next to the bank.
False — The receptionist says the clinic is 'next to the post office.'
Answer key
- Doctor Lee
- They work on Thursdays
- On Park Avenue
Teacher Tips
- Drill 'I am afraid not' and 'That works for me' as fixed phrases for politely accepting or refusing offers.
- Practise the phone opening: 'Good morning, [company]. How can I help you?'
- Follow-up writing activity: students write a short email confirming an appointment.
Extension activity
- Arrange a different appointment with a partner using two alternative times.
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