Locating a Specific Title
A customer is looking for a book with a known title but can't find it on the shelves and approaches a staff member for assistance.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
excuse me
A polite phrase used to get someone's attention or interrupt them gently, like starting a conversation in a store.
specific
Means particular or exact, not general. Use it when you want something very precise, like a specific book title.
title
The name of a book, movie, or song. In bookstores, ask for the title to find what you're looking for.
fiction
A type of book that tells made-up stories, not real events. Many bookstores have a fiction section for novels.
out of stock
Means something is sold out and not available right now. Common in shopping when items are temporarily unavailable.
copies
Multiple versions of the same book or item. Use it to talk about how many are available, like 'a few copies in stock'.
shelf
A flat surface in a store or library where books are placed and displayed for customers to see.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm looking for a specific book but I can't seem to find it. Would you be able to help?
This is a polite way to ask for help in a store. 'Can't seem to find it' softens the statement to sound less direct. Use it when you need assistance locating something. The question 'Would you be able to help?' is a conditional polite request.
Certainly! What's the title you're looking for?
A helpful response offering assistance. 'Certainly' means 'of course' and shows eagerness. 'What's the title you're looking for?' uses a contraction and focuses on key information. Useful for service workers to gather details quickly.
It's called 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig.
This introduces a book by its title and author. 'It's called' is a common way to name something. Include the author for clarity. Practice this pattern for recommending or asking about books: 'It's called [title] by [author]'.
We usually keep that in the fiction section, near the front of the store. Have you checked there?
Gives location details using 'usually keep' for habitual placement. 'Have you checked there?' is a present perfect question to confirm actions. Useful for directing customers and politely asking about their efforts.
Yes, I did, but I couldn't spot it. Maybe it's out of stock?
Responds to a question with 'Yes, I did' (past tense confirmation) and contrasts with 'but'. 'Couldn't spot it' means couldn't see it. 'Maybe it's out of stock?' suggests a possibility. Use this to explain problems and guess reasons.
Let me check our system for you.
Offers to look something up politely with 'Let me' (permission to act). 'Our system' refers to a computer database. This is practical for customer service when verifying availability.
It looks like we have a few copies in stock. Let me walk you over to the exact spot.
Reports information with 'It looks like' for tentative statements. 'A few copies in stock' means some available. 'Let me walk you over' offers personal guidance. Useful for reassuring customers and providing help.
Oh, that would be wonderful! Thank you so much!
Expresses gratitude enthusiastically. 'That would be wonderful' is conditional for future help. 'Thank you so much' emphasizes thanks. Use this to show appreciation in service situations.