Expressing Life in English: Emotions, Future Plans & Giving Directions

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Daily English speaking practice

English speaking exercises help second language learner practice the language. This involves exercising everyday English vocabulary. This chapter is all about practicing vocabulary to talk about emotions, future plans, and giving directions.

To help you better practice English speaking and achieve fluency, the lessons include:

  • Key vocabulary & phrases
  • Talking about your family
  • Practice exercises
  • Grammar tips

Here is what you’ll master:

  • Express emotions and feelings
  • Making future plans
  • Giving directions

Lesson 1: Vocabulary for Daily Life Situations — Describing Emotions and Feelings in English

How to describe emotions and feelings in English with examples? These English speaking exercises will help you build confidence in everyday conversations.

Common English vocabulary for emotions and daily life situations:

EmotionExample Sentence
HappyI’m really happy today.
SadShe felt sad after the movie.
AngryHe was angry about the mistake.
ExcitedWe’re excited for the trip!
NervousI’m nervous about the test.
TiredThey were tired after the long walk.

Useful Everyday English practice phrases:

  • I feel… / I felt…
  • I’m feeling a bit…
  • It made me feel…
  • I was so…
  • She seemed… / He looked…

Sample Conversation:
A: How are you feeling today?
B: I’m feeling a bit tired, but also excited.
A: What’s making you excited?
B: I’m going to a concert tonight — it’s my favorite band!

Practice Exercise:

  • Complete the sentences with emotions:
    • I feel __________ when I speak English well.
    • She looked __________ after hearing the news.
    • They were __________ during the scary movie.
    • I’m __________ because I have a big presentation tomorrow.
    • He felt __________ when he lost his phone.

For more practices visit: Practice Zone

Quick Tips (English speaking tips):

  • Use body language and tone when speaking — these help show how you feel.
  • Practice describing your feelings in different situations: at school, at home, with friends.
  • Listen to songs or watch movies in English and notice how emotions are expressed.
  • Practicing emotions regularly helps improve English fluency.

Lesson 2: Vocabulary for Making Future Plans in English

Learn how to talk about future activities using “going to,” “will,” and present continuous for planned events. These can help you Improve English fluency.

Key Grammar Structures:

StructureUse Case
be going to + verbIntentions or decisions
will + verbPromises or predictions
present continuousScheduled plans

Learn here: English vocabulary & phrases for making plans

Time Expressions for the Future:

  • Tomorrow
  • Next week / next month / next year
  • Soon
  • In a few days
  • This weekend
  • Later today

Sample Conversation:
A: What are you doing this weekend?
B: I’m going to study for my exams.
A: That sounds intense. Are you meeting anyone?
B: Yes, I’m meeting my study group on Saturday afternoon.

Practice Exercise:

  • Complete the sentences with future plans:
    • I’m going to __________ next weekend.
    • She will __________ when she finishes work.
    • We’re __________ (meet) at the café tomorrow.
    • They’re going to __________ a new project soon.
    • I think it will __________ (rain) later today.

Speaking Prompt:
Talk about your plans for the next 7 days. Use different future forms.

Example:
This week, I’m going to start a new book. On Friday, I’ll visit my aunt. I’m meeting my friends on Saturday for lunch. I think it’ll be a fun weekend!

Quick Tips (English speaking tips):

  • Use “going to” for things you’ve already decided.
  • Use “will” for spontaneous decisions or predictions.
  • Use present continuous for fixed arrangements with people.
  • Practicing future forms daily helps improve English fluency.

Lesson 3: Vocabulary for Giving Directions in English

How to ask for and give directions politely in English? Learn these phrases for real-life travel and navigation so to Improve English fluency.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases:

PhraseUseExample Sentence
Go straightContinue forwardGo straight for two blocks.
Turn left / Turn rightChange directionTurn left at the traffic light.
On your left / On your rightLocation relative to youThe bank is on your right.
Next to / Across fromDescribe nearby landmarksThe café is next to the bookstore.
At the cornerLocation at an intersectionIt’s at the corner of Main Street.
BetweenLocation between two placesThe pharmacy is between the school and the library.
How do I get to…?Ask for directionsHow do I get to the museum?

See here other vocabulary for talking about directions

Sample Conversation:
A: Excuse me, how do I get to the train station?
B: Go straight for two blocks then turn right. It’s next to the supermarket.
A: Thank you!
B: You’re welcome. Have a great day!

Practice Exercise:

  • Fill in the blanks with direction phrases:
    • __________ at the second street.
    • The hospital is __________ the bank and the school.
    • Go __________ until you see the traffic light.
    • The post office is __________ from the park.
    • How do I __________ the nearest pharmacy?

Speaking Prompt:
Describe how to get from your home to a nearby place (school, market, friend’s house).

Example:
From my house, go straight for three blocks. Turn left at the bakery. The school is on your right, next to the library.

Quick Tips (English speaking tips):

  • Use landmarks to make directions easier to follow.
  • Speak slowly and clearly when helping someone.
  • Practice with maps or real places around your neighborhood.
  • These English speaking exercises help you improve English fluency in everyday life.

Lesson 4: Job Interviews Vocabulary to Improve English Fluency

Interviews are high‑stakes situations where clear communication matters. These English speaking exercises prepare you for common questions.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases:

PhraseUseExample Sentence
Tell me about yourselfIntroductionTell me about yourself and your background.
What are your strengths?Self‑descriptionMy strengths are teamwork and problem‑solving.
Why do you want this job?MotivationI want this job because I enjoy teaching.
I have experience in…Sharing skillsI have experience in customer service.
Thank you for the opportunityClosingThank you for the opportunity to interview.

Practice the vocabulary for making an invitation, advice and more

Sample Conversation:
A: Tell me about yourself.
B: I studied business and worked in sales for two years.
A: What are your strengths?
B: I’m good at communication and teamwork.

Practice Exercise:

  • Answer: Why do you want this job?
  • Write a short self‑introduction for an interview.

Quick Tips:

  • Keep answers clear and positive.
  • Practice with a friend to build confidence.
  • Use polite closings to improve English fluency.

Lesson 5: Cultural Events Vocabulary to Improve English Fluency

Cultural events are great opportunities to connect. These phrases will help you describe traditions and experiences.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases:

PhraseUseExample Sentence
I attended…Sharing experienceI attended a music festival last weekend.
It was amazingExpressing opinionIt was amazing to see the parade.
We celebrated…TraditionWe celebrated Independence Day with fireworks.
Have you ever…?Asking experienceHave you ever been to a carnival?
I’d love to…Showing interestI’d love to join next time.

Sample Conversation:
A: Did you go to the festival?
B: Yes, I attended the parade. It was amazing!
A: I’d love to go next year.

Practice Exercise:

  • Fill in the blanks:
    • I attended __________.
    • We celebrated __________.
  • Write a short paragraph: Describe a cultural event you joined.

Quick Tips:

  • Use past tense for events.
  • Add sensory details (colors, sounds, food).
  • Practicing cultural conversations helps build confidence.

Lesson 6: Improve English Fluency: Making Complaints Politely

Complaints are part of real life. These English speaking exercises help you express dissatisfaction politely.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases:

PhraseUseExample Sentence
Excuse me, but…Polite openingExcuse me, but my order is late.
I’m not happy with…Expressing dissatisfactionI’m not happy with the service.
Could you please…?RequestCould you please fix this issue?
I’d like to speak to…EscalationI’d like to speak to the manager.
Thank you for your helpClosingThank you for your help with this.

To master English for different context visit: “Start Here” article

Sample Conversation:
A: Excuse me, but my soup is cold.
B: I’m sorry, I’ll bring you a hot one right away.
A: Thank you for your help.

Practice Exercise:

  • Fill in the blanks:
    • I’m not happy with __________.
    • Could you please __________?
  • Role‑play: Make a polite complaint at a restaurant.

Quick Tips:

  • Stay calm and polite.
  • Use “Could you please…” for requests.
  • Practicing complaints helps achieve fluency in real situations.

Conclusion

English speaking exercises are a powerful way to achieve your dream of fluency. By practicing emotions, future plans, and directions, you’ll build confidence in everyday conversations.

The aim is to master everyday English practice for life. With consistent use of speaking tips, you’ll steadily build confidence and express yourself in English naturally in daily situations.

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By Sabino Manuel

Sabino Manuel a lecturer in English Language.

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