I’m calling to change my reservation (functional language)

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Vocabulary - functional language for hotels

functional language for hotel situations

This is a standalone lesson but it can also be used as part of the set titled:

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this lesson are to:

  • talk about hotel situations and accommodations;
  • work on functional language for hotel situations;
  • watch a video about welcoming a guest to an Airbnb accommodation.

With this lesson, students explore hotel interactions and practise functional language (e.g. Is there anything…, I’m calling to…). They watch a video where an Airbnb host shares some tips and imagine they are staying at that accommodation. Students also talk about the pros and cons of different types of accommodations and do a role-play where they play both a hotel receptionist and a guest.

A2 / Pre‐Intermediate
B1 / Intermediate
75 minStandard LessonPremium Plan

WARM-UP AND FUNCTIONAL LANGUAGE

This lesson on functional language for hotel situations starts with a warm-up. Students look at a photo of two people talking at a hotel desk. They list things they might be talking about. After, they match halves to create sentences spoken by a receptionist (e.g. Is there anything else I can help you with?) and a guest (I’m calling to confirm my reservation.). Next, students read what people say to a receptionist. They complete gaps with the beginnings from the previous task (e.g. Would it be possible to?). Then, they imagine responding as the receptionist. Following that, students work with a partner. They choose situations (e.g. asking about late check-out, etc.) and write conversations between a guest and a receptionist. In the task, students use the target phrases (e.g. I’m calling to…, Would it be possible to…, etc.). Afterwards, they discuss guest experiences and compare hotels with alternative accommodations.

VIDEO AND DISCUSSION

At this point in this lesson on functional language for hotel situations, students watch a video. The video shows an Airbnb host, Abhay, talking about renting a room in his house to tourists. Students choose the correct words and phrases (e.g. Guests get a code/key that opens the door.). After that, students imagine they are staying at Abhay’s house. They politely ask or tell him about different situations (e.g. The Wi-Fi password isn’t working.) using the target phrases. Following that, students imagine they are going on holiday to a big city for a week. They think of the advantages and disadvantages of two types of accommodation (a hotel room and Abhay’s room). Finally, students role-play four hotel situations. They imagine being a hotel receptionist and a guest, and an Airbnb host and a guest. They follow the instructions on the cards they receive and use the language from the lesson.

WORKSHEETS

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  1. Magda Nazaret

    My students were very much engaged in the lesson, I guess due to multiple and varied exercises. The role plays here are great. I would suggest a little bit more than 60min to do it all thoroughly. Thank you, I enjoyed it very much, too!

    1. Ewa

      Thanks for the great feedback!

  2. Blanka Pałucka

    Fantastic resource! My students absolutely loved this lesson—it’s so well-designed, varied, and engaging. The activities are not only interesting but also highly effective in reinforcing the target language. It’s perfect for keeping everyone motivated and involved. Thank you for creating such quality materials! <3

    1. Ewa

      That is so nice to hear, thank you!

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