Practise introductions, friendly offers and questions that help a newcomer join in. Suggested level: A2–B1.
Allow about 25–35 minutes. Read once for meaning, listen without reading, then repeat with the text. Complete the activities before opening the answers.
What you will practise
- Introduce two people using a shared interest.
- Offer practical information without assuming knowledge.
- Ask before sharing contact details.
Listen and watch
Synthetic narration; one voice reads both roles. Teaching slides with timed captions. Use your player’s speed control, and pause to repeat. This is a self-study pilot, not an assessed qualification.
Download audio · Download video · Captions · Full media transcript
Read: a real-life situation
Nadia is attending a local book group for the first time. She knows nobody there. Omar greets her at the door and says, ‘Welcome. Is this your first visit?’
Nadia says yes. Omar shows her where to leave her coat and explains that the discussion starts at seven. He says, ‘Would you like a cup of tea?’ Nadia accepts.
Omar introduces her to Helen. ‘Nadia, this is Helen. You both enjoy travel writing.’ Helen asks Nadia what she has read recently. Nadia does not have to introduce herself to the whole room.
At the end, Omar explains when the group meets again. He asks, ‘Would you like me to send you the details?’ He does not add Nadia to a group chat without asking. A welcome includes useful information and a real choice.
Model dialogue
Omar : Welcome. Is this your first visit?
Nadia : Yes, it is. Where can I leave my coat?
Omar : Over here. The discussion starts at seven. Would you like some tea?
Nadia : Yes, please. Thank you.
Omar : This is Helen. You both enjoy travel writing.
Helen : Nice to meet you. What have you read recently?
Useful vocabulary
- a newcomer
- someone who is new to a place or group
- to join in
- to take part with other people
- a shared interest
- something that interests both people
- the details
- the information needed for an arrangement
- Nice to meet you.
- a friendly expression when you first meet someone
Language focus
Use This is + name to introduce another person. Would you like + noun offers something: Would you like some tea? Would you like to + verb offers an activity: Would you like to join us? In What have you read recently?, have + past participle asks about recent experience without naming a specific finished time.
Pronunciation practice
Practise ‘NICE to MEET you’ and ‘Would you LIKE some TEA?’ Listen for the main stressed words. The final sound of shared links naturally to interest in shared interest. Use the audio as a model, but do not worry about copying every detail of one voice.
Check your understanding
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What information does Omar give about the discussion?
Show answer
It starts at seven.
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What do Nadia and Helen both enjoy?
Show answer
Travel writing.
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Does Nadia have to speak to the whole room?
Show answer
No.
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What does Omar do before sending the next meeting details?
Show answer
He asks whether Nadia would like to receive them.
Complete the phrases
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This ___ Helen.
Show answer
is
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Would you ___ some tea?
Show answer
like
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You ___ enjoy travel writing.
Show answer
both
Speak
Person A is visiting a club, class or workplace for the first time. Person B welcomes them, gives two practical details and introduces them to Person C. Ask before sharing a phone number or adding anyone to a chat. If studying alone, practise a welcome for a setting you know.
Write
Write a 50–70 word welcome message. Include the place, start time, one practical detail and a friendly offer. Avoid assuming that the reader knows the group’s usual arrangements.
Read a model answer
Hello Nadia. We look forward to welcoming you to the book group on Tuesday. We meet in the library’s small room at seven. You can leave your coat on the hooks beside the door. You do not need to prepare a speech. Would you like me to send the reading list before the meeting? Please let me know.
Go further
How could you welcome somebody who prefers to listen quietly at first? Give two examples of helpful language.
Reflect on your learning
Can you complete the three aims above without reading the model? Choose one expression to use in a new situation. The suggested level is guidance, not a formal assessment.
Adapted for language learning from the original JustLearn (JL) article: making room for the newcomer. Prepared with AI assistance; synthetic narration. No individual teacher review or voice impersonation is implied.