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Hobbies & Leisure Activities

Joining a New Club/Class

Someone is inquiring about or signing up for a new hobby-related club (e.g., photography club, book club) or a leisure class (e.g., pottery, language course), asking about schedules, fees, and what to expect.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Emily (Female)
Hi there! I saw your flyer about the new photography club. I'm really interested in joining. Could you tell me a bit more about it?
2
John (Male)
Certainly, Emily! Welcome! The club is designed for all levels, from beginners to advanced. We meet once a week, on Tuesdays, from 6 PM to 8 PM.
3
Emily (Female)
That sounds great! And what kind of activities do you typically do? Is it more theory-based or practical shoots?
4
John (Male)
It's a good mix. We have workshops on different techniques, like lighting or composition, and then we organize monthly photo walks or themed shoots to put what we've learned into practice.
5
Emily (Female)
That's exactly what I'm looking for! What about the membership fee? And are there any requirements for equipment?
6
John (Male)
The annual membership fee is $50. As for equipment, you just need a camera, any kind really, even a smartphone with a good camera is fine to start. We encourage everyone to use what they have.
7
Emily (Female)
Perfect! I have a DSLR, but I'm still learning how to use it properly. This sounds like an ideal environment to improve. How do I sign up?
8
John (Male)
You can sign up right here at the front desk, or fill out the online form on our website. We accept both cash and card payments. We'd love to have you!
9
Emily (Female)
Great! I'll sign up now then. Thanks for all the information, John!
10
John (Male)
You're very welcome, Emily! We look forward to seeing you at our first meeting next Tuesday!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

flyer

A flyer is a printed advertisement or notice given to people to promote an event or club, like the one Emily saw about the photography club.

interested

Interested means you want to know more or take part in something, as in 'I'm really interested in joining' when expressing enthusiasm for a hobby.

beginners

Beginners are people who are new to an activity and have little experience, like new members in a club who are just starting out.

workshops

Workshops are short training sessions where people learn skills through hands-on activities, such as learning photography techniques in a club.

membership fee

A membership fee is the money you pay to join and be a member of a club, often annually, like the $50 fee for the photography club.

equipment

Equipment refers to the tools or items needed for an activity, such as a camera for photography, and it can be basic like a smartphone.

sign up

To sign up means to register or enroll for something, like joining a club by filling out a form at the front desk or online.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Could you tell me a bit more about it?

This is a polite way to ask for more information about something you're interested in. It's useful when inquiring about clubs or classes. Use 'could' for politeness in requests.

That sounds great!

This expresses positive agreement or excitement about a suggestion. It's a common response in conversations about hobbies to show enthusiasm. Simple present tense for opinions.

What kind of activities do you typically do?

This question asks about usual or common activities in a group. 'Typically' means usually, and it's practical for learning about club routines. Use 'what kind of' to specify types.

It's a good mix.

This means a balanced combination of different things, like theory and practice in activities. Useful for describing balanced programs. 'It is' contracts to 'it's' in casual speech.

What about the membership fee?

This is a way to ask about costs politely after other details. 'What about' introduces a new topic smoothly. Great for practical questions in sign-up situations.

How do I sign up?

This directly asks for instructions on registering. It's essential for joining clubs or classes. Use 'how do I' for personal action questions in the present simple.

You're very welcome!

This is a polite response to 'thank you,' meaning no problem at all. Common in service situations like club sign-ups to end positively.