Essential English Questions for School, Socialising & Travel

Useful Questions You Can Ask on Your First Day of School

Prepare for your first day of English school by learning some simple questions that will make it easier for you to learn English.

Placement test, welcome reception, first lesson, new faces everywhere, and many new things to see. Your first day of school will be intense and exciting.

Prepare yourself by learning a few simple questions that will help you get through those moments when you feel lost, stressed, confused, or just too tired to think but still need to communicate.

Confidence is something you will gain over time as you learn. In the meantime, here are some helpful questions to get you started, prepare for your studies, and feel good about your decision to learn English abroad!

Questions You Can Use at School or in Class

1. If you didn’t understand what someone said… ask:
   “Can you repeat (e.g., the last word, the second question), please?”
2. If someone is speaking too fast… ask:
   “Can you slow down a bit, please?”
3. If you don’t know the meaning of a word… ask:
   “What does (e.g., ‘articulate’) mean?”
4. If you don’t know how to pronounce a word… ask:
   “How do you pronounce (e.g., giraffe)?”
5. If you don’t know how to spell a word… ask:
   “How do you spell (word)?”
6. If you want to leave the classroom (e.g., to go to the bathroom)… ask:
   “Can I be excused?”
7. If you want someone to go with you somewhere… ask:
   “Would you like to go to the library/canteen/school café with me?”
8. If you want to start a conversation with another student… ask:
   “Which class are you in?”
9. If you want to talk to a teacher or school staff member and don’t know where to find them… ask:
   “Where can I find (staff member’s name) office?”
10. If you can’t find a specific room or classroom… ask:
    “Where can I find the (e.g., library)?” or “How can I get to the (e.g., library)?”

Questions for Socialising at School or Outside

1. “What are you planning to do this afternoon?”
2. “Where are you planning to go (specify time, e.g., tomorrow/this weekend)?”
3. “Where are you staying?”
4. “How far is your accommodation from school?”
5. “What is your host family like?”
6. “Are you enjoying your time in (destination name)?”
7. “What is your favourite place in (destination name)?”
8. “Have you been to (place name)?”
9. “Which café/restaurant do you enjoy going to?”
10. “Have you been (e.g., surfing, swimming, diving)?”

Questions You May Need When You’re Out and About

1. “Where is the closest supermarket?”
2. “Where can I catch the bus to (place name)?”
3. “Where can I buy (item name)?”
4. “Where can I find (place name)?”
5. “Can you help me find this (place name)?”
6. “How far is (place name) from the school?”
7. “Is there a (e.g., ATM, pharmacy, hairdressing salon) in the area?”
8. “Is there a post office nearby?”
9. “How can I get there? / Can I get there by bus or train?”
10. “Which direction should I walk in to get to (place name)?”

Final Tips

We hope you found these questions useful. Now, make sure to practise them as soon as you get the chance!

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