English for moving abroad: renting and a doctor visit

What you’ll practice

Phrases you actually need after moving abroad: ask about rent, schedule a viewing, book an appointment, and explain how you feel.

Questions

Renting an apartment

• Is the apartment still available?
• What’s included in the rent (utilities, internet)?
• What’s the deposit and the lease term?
• Can I schedule a viewing this week?
• Are pets allowed?

Doctor appointment

• I’d like to book an appointment, please.
• I have a fever and a sore throat. How long is the wait?
• I’m allergic to ___. Is this medication safe?
• Could you write it down, please? (I’m still learning English.)
• Do I need a prescription?

Phrases and vocabulary

Useful phrases

• “Is there anything I should know about the neighborhood?”
• “Could you repeat that more slowly, please?”
• “I’m not sure I understood. Can you explain it in a different way?”
• “The pain started two days ago and it feels like…”

Vocabulary

• deposit: money you pay upfront and get back later (usually)
• lease: a rental contract
• utilities: electricity, water, heating, etc.
• prescription: a doctor’s written order for medicine
• sore throat: pain in your throat

Who this is for

• Learners who need practical spoken English for real situations.
• Professionals preparing for interviews, meetings, relocation, or networking.
• Users who want structured prompts before practicing in Eli.

Common mistakes and better alternatives

• Mistake: “I am agree.” Better: “I agree.”
• Mistake: “Can you explain me?” Better: “Can you explain it to me?”
• Mistake: Long, unfocused answers. Better: 2-4 concise sentences with one example.

Ready-to-use phrases by intent

Starting

• “Let me give you a quick context first.”
• “From my experience, the key point is…”

Clarifying

• “Could you clarify what success looks like in this case?”
• “Do I understand correctly that the priority is…?”

Handling disagreement politely

• “I see your point. I would suggest an alternative approach…”
• “That makes sense, and I would add one risk to consider…”

Mini role-play

A: “Can you briefly explain your approach?” B: “Sure. First, I define the goal and constraints. Then I propose 1-2 options and compare trade-offs.” A: “How do you decide between options?” B: “I use impact, effort, and risk, then align with stakeholders.”

Sample answers

Short answer (A2-B1)

“I usually start with the goal. Then I explain steps and risks. I keep my answer short and clear.”

Strong answer (B1-B2)

“I start by clarifying the expected outcome and constraints. Then I present options with trade-offs, recommend one path, and explain how I would validate it with metrics or feedback.”

FAQ

How long should my answer be?

Aim for 30-60 seconds for a first answer, then expand only if asked.

How many phrases should I memorize?

Start with 10-15 high-frequency phrases and reuse them in multiple scenarios.

How to practice with Eli effectively?

Record 3 takes: baseline, improved structure, and final confident version.