Think about these questions before listening. Share your ideas with a partner.
What appointments do you make? For a doctor? For a haircut?
How do you book an appointment, by phone or online?
What information do you give for an appointment, like your name or the day?
2
Making Plans
Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.
3
Listen to the audio recording and answer the questions.
01Who does the first speaker want to make an appointment with?
Sample answerThe speaker wants to make an appointment with Doctor Smith.
02When does the second speaker want to move their meeting to?
Sample answerThey want to move it to next Tuesday.
03What does one speaker ask about for Friday afternoon?
Sample answerThey ask if there is any time available on Friday afternoon.
04Why can't one of the speakers go to their appointment?
Sample answerBecause they have another plan that day.
4
Key phrases
Vocabulary
Learn these phrases to talk about appointments.
Examples
How about...? — a question to suggest a day or time
This is a friendly way to suggest an option. For example: 'How about Tuesday at 2 PM?'
check my schedule — to look at your calendar to see when you are free
You can say this on the phone. For example: 'One moment, I need to check my schedule.'
free time — a time when you are not busy
You can ask someone: 'Do you have any free time next week?'
let me know — please tell me
Use this to ask for a confirmation. For example: 'Please let me know if Friday works for you.'
something came up — a polite way to say you have a new, unexpected plan
Use this to cancel an appointment without giving details. For example: 'I'm sorry, I have to cancel. Something came up.'
5
Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.
Word bank
01I need to check my to see if I can meet on Tuesday.
02Are you on Friday morning for a coffee?
03Please let me if you can come to the party.
04I'm sorry, I can't talk now. I am very .
05I have a with my boss at 10 AM.
6
Grammar: Using 'can' and 'can't'
Grammar
We use 'can' to talk about what is possible and to ask for things. We use 'can't' (can + not) to talk about what is not possible. These words are very useful for making appointments.
Examples
Can I book an appointment for Tuesday?
Use 'can' at the start of a question to ask for something.
Sorry, you can't see the doctor on Tuesday. He is busy.
Use 'can't' to say something is not possible.
You can see the doctor on Wednesday at 10 AM.
Use 'can' to offer an alternative or say what is possible.
Key points
Use 'can' for possibility and requests.
Use 'can't' for things that are not possible.
After 'can' and 'can't', always use the simple form of the verb (e.g., 'can come', not 'can comes' or 'can to come').
7
Choose the best answer based on what you heard in the audio recording.
01What kind of appointment does one speaker want to cancel?
02What does one speaker ask someone to do?
03What does it mean to 'reschedule' a meeting?
04Which of these topics is NOT mentioned in the audio recording?
8
Maria's dentist appointment
Read the text, then answer the questions.
Maria needs to see her dentist, Dr. Evans. She is very busy this week. She calls the clinic to book an appointment. The receptionist asks, "Can you come on Tuesday at 10 AM?" Maria checks her schedule. She can't come in the morning because she has a meeting. "I'm sorry, I can't make it then," she says. "How about Wednesday afternoon?" The receptionist says, "Yes, we have free time at 3 PM." Maria is happy. "Great! I can come then. Please let me know if anything changes."
01Who does Maria call?
Sample answerShe calls the dentist's clinic.
02Why can't Maria have the appointment on Tuesday morning?
Sample answerBecause she has a meeting.
03Is Maria free on Wednesday at 3 PM?
Sample answerYes, she is.
9
Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.
Is it better to book an appointment online or by phone? Why?
In your country, is it okay to cancel an appointment on the same day? Why or why not?
You have an appointment with a friend for coffee, but you are sick. What do you do? What do you say?