Receiving Instructions and Keys
Your neighbor provides you with specific instructions for each plant (e.g., 'this one needs less water', 'use the fertilizer for that one'), and hands over a spare key.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
appreciate
To appreciate means to feel grateful for something someone does for you. Use it to thank others politely, like 'I appreciate your help.' It's common in friendly conversations.
water
As a verb, water means to pour liquid on plants to help them grow. In this context, it's about caring for plants: 'water my plants' means give them water regularly.
fertilizer
Fertilizer is a substance added to soil to help plants grow better. It's useful when talking about gardening: 'use this fertilizer once a week.'
soil
Soil is the earth or dirt in which plants grow. Check it to see if plants need water: 'the soil feels damp' means it's a little wet.
damp
Damp means slightly wet, not dry. For plants, 'slightly damp soil' is ideal – not too wet or dry. Use it for describing moisture levels.
spare key
A spare key is an extra copy of a key for entering a house or door. Neighbors might give you one for help: 'here's the spare key to my front door.'
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is wireless internet connection. In casual talk, offer it to guests: 'feel free to use the Wi-Fi' means you can connect your device to my internet.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Thanks again for agreeing to water my plants while I'm away.
This sentence expresses repeated thanks and specifies the help needed. 'Thanks again' shows ongoing gratitude; 'while I'm away' explains the time period. Useful for politely asking favors from neighbors.
No problem at all! Happy to help.
A casual way to agree to help without hesitation. 'No problem at all' means it's easy for you; 'happy to help' shows positive willingness. Use this to respond kindly to requests.
Just show me the ropes.
This idiom means 'teach me how to do it' or 'give me instructions.' It's informal and useful when you're new to a task, like helping with plants for the first time.
Got it.
A short way to say 'I understand' or 'I remember.' It's quick and common in conversations to confirm instructions. Use it to show you're following along without repeating everything.
Make sure their soil feels slightly damp.
This gives clear care instructions using 'make sure' for emphasis. 'Slightly damp' describes the right condition. Useful for explaining simple rules in everyday tasks like plant care.
That's everything!
Means 'that's all the information' or 'nothing more to add.' It's a natural way to end explanations. Use it when wrapping up instructions to signal completion.
Have a great trip!
A friendly goodbye wishing someone well on travel. 'Have a great' is a common pattern for positive wishes. Use it to end conversations positively when someone is leaving.