Survival English 1

Survival English for American English Learners 1

Click below to access each lesson:

• Introducing Yourself
• Asking for Directions
• Grocery Shopping
• Making a Doctor’s Appointment
• At the Pharmacy
• Opening a Bank Account
• Renting an Apartment
• Calling 911 in an Emergency
• Using Public Transportation
• Talking to a Teacher or School Official
• At a Job Interview
• Understanding a Pay Stub
• Dealing with a Utility Bill
• At the Post Office
• At the DMV
• Handling a Problem at a Restaurant
• Enrolling in ESL or Community College Classes
• Calling About a Job Listing
• At the Social Security Office
• Handling a Conflict with a Neighbor
• At the Laundromat
• Making Small Talk
• Calling to Dispute a Bill or Charge
• Visiting the Emergency Room
• Renewing a Visa or Immigration Document

Welcome to Survival English for American English Learners, an all-in-one educational reference for new immigrants/adult American English learners at the Beginning-High to Intermediate-Low level (CEFR A2-B1 level)

25 Topics, each on its own section, include:

• Part 1 — Dictionary — all 20+ terms with definition + example
• Part 2 — Dialogue — full conversation with setting, key phrases, and Language Notes box
• Part 3 — Article — all 6 article sections at B1 level, ending with a Quick Tips box

25 Topics • 3 Parts Per Topic • All-in-One Reference

Part 1: Comprehensive Dictionary

500+ terms with definitions and context sentences

Part 2: Real-Life Dialogues

Natural conversations modelling key survival English skills

Part 3: Informational Articles

B1-level explanations with cultural context and practical tips

Table of Contents

01.  Introducing Yourself

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (9 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to make a great first impression in American social and professional settings

02.  Asking for Directions

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (11 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to find your way in American cities and neighborhoods

03.  Grocery Shopping

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (10 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to shop for food and household items confidently in American supermarkets

04.  Making a Doctor’s Appointment

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (13 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to navigate the American healthcare system and schedule medical visits

05.  At the Pharmacy

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (12 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to pick up prescriptions, understand medications, and save money on drugs

06.  Opening a Bank Account

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (13 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to start a relationship with an American bank and manage your money safely

07.  Renting an Apartment

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (13 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to find housing, understand lease agreements, and protect your rights as a tenant

08.  Calling 911 in an Emergency

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (13 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to respond quickly and effectively in life-threatening situations in America

09.  Using Public Transportation

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (12 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to navigate buses, trains, and transit systems in American cities

10.  Talking to a Teacher or School Official

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (12 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to communicate effectively with your child’s school and advocate for their education

11.  At a Job Interview

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (14 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to prepare for and succeed in an American job interview

12.  Understanding a Pay Stub

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (12 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to read your paycheck, understand deductions, and manage your earnings in America

13.  Dealing with a Utility Bill

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (13 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to understand, manage, and dispute household utility bills in America

14.  At the Post Office

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (13 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to send mail, ship packages, and use USPS services in the United States

15.  At the DMV

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (13 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to obtain a driver’s license, navigate the DMV process, and understand American traffic law

16.  Handling a Problem at a Restaurant

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (12 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to address issues with food, service, and billing at American restaurants

17.  Enrolling in ESL or Community College Classes

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (13 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to access higher education, English learning programs, and financial aid in America

18.  Calling About a Job Listing

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (13 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to respond to job advertisements and make a strong first impression by phone

19.  At the Social Security Office

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (13 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to apply for a Social Security Number and understand the Social Security system

20.  Handling a Conflict with a Neighbor

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (12 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to resolve disputes politely, protect your rights, and maintain positive relationships in shared housing

21.  At the Laundromat

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (14 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to wash clothes at a shared laundry facility and care for your clothing in America

22.  Making Small Talk

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (13 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to start and maintain casual conversations in American social and professional settings

23.  Calling to Dispute a Bill or Charge

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (14 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to identify billing errors, assert your consumer rights, and get refunds in America

24.  Visiting the Emergency Room

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (15 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to navigate emergency medical care, communicate with hospital staff, and manage healthcare costs

25.  Renewing a Visa or Immigration Document

Part 1: Dictionary (21 terms)   |   Part 2: Dialogue (13 exchanges)   |   Part 3: Article (6 sections)

How to maintain valid immigration status, navigate USCIS, and work with immigration professionals