Clarifying Usage Rules
A swimmer wants to understand specific rules, such as dive restrictions, use of personal flotation devices, or lap swimming etiquette.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
clarify
To make something clear or easier to understand, often by explaining it again. Use it when you need more details about rules or instructions.
dive restrictions
Rules that limit where or how you can dive into the water to prevent accidents. Common in pools to ensure safety in shallow areas.
shallow end
The part of the swimming pool where the water is not deep, usually for beginners or wading. Opposite of the deep end.
deep end
The part of the pool with deeper water, suitable for diving or advanced swimming. Always check rules before using it.
kickboards
A floating board used to practice kicking in swimming. It helps beginners focus on leg movements while keeping the upper body afloat.
pull buoys
A flotation device placed between the legs to help swimmers practice arm strokes without kicking. Useful for improving upper body strength.
lap swimming
Swimming back and forth in a pool lane for exercise, like running laps on a track. It's a common way to stay fit.
etiquette
The expected polite behavior or manners in a specific situation, like sharing space in a pool without disturbing others.
circle swimming
A method where swimmers go in a loop in the lane: down one side and back on the other, to avoid collisions in busy lanes.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Could you clarify a few things about the rules?
This polite request uses 'could you' for a formal ask, and 'clarify' to seek explanation. Useful when you're new to a place and need to understand guidelines; it shows respect.
Diving is only permitted in the deep end.
This sentence uses passive voice 'is permitted' to state a rule clearly. It's useful for describing restrictions in public places like pools; remember, 'permitted' means allowed.
Are those generally allowed?
A simple yes/no question with 'generally' meaning usually or in most cases. Great for checking if something is okay to use; add specifics like items to make it practical.
We just ask that you be mindful of other swimmers.
This uses 'ask that' clause with 'be mindful' meaning pay attention or be careful. It's a polite way to give advice on courtesy; common in shared spaces to promote safety.
Is it counter-clockwise, or do we share lanes based on speed?
This question uses 'or' to offer alternatives and 'based on' for conditions. Useful for asking about procedures in activities; it helps clarify how to follow group norms.
We encourage circle swimming, which means you swim on the right side of the lane.
This explanatory sentence uses a relative clause 'which means' to define a term. Helpful for teaching rules; 'encourage' softens the instruction, making it advisory rather than strict.
Thanks so much for clarifying everything.
A grateful response with 'thanks so much' for emphasis and 'clarifying' as a gerund. Use it to end conversations politely after getting help; shows appreciation in service situations.