Lesson 6: Office Supplies and Their Uses

I. LET'S CHECK IT OUT! 🔬

LET-S CHECK IT OUT

Describe what you see in the picture.

How important are these in the office?

II. LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🎯

highlighter

[ 'hahy-lahy-ter ]

noun

- a fluorescent pen used to mark important text

She used a highlighter to emphasize key points in her notes.

marker

[ 'mahr-ker ]

noun

- a pen with a broad tip used for writing or drawing

The teacher used a marker to write on the whiteboard.

thumbtack

[ 'thuhm-tak ]

noun

- a short pin with a flat head used to attach papers to a board

She used a thumbtack to pin the notice to the bulletin board.

stapler

[ 'stey-pler ]

noun

- a device used to fasten sheets of paper together with staples

She borrowed a stapler from her colleague to bind her report.

correction fluid

[ kuh-'rek-shuhn floo-id ]

noun

- a liquid used to cover mistakes in writing or typing

She applied correction fluid to fix the typo on her report.

post-it

[ pohst-it ]

noun

- a small piece of paper with a re-adherable strip of adhesive on the back, used for temporary notes

He wrote a reminder on a post-it and stuck it to his computer screen.

binder clip

[ 'bahyn-der klip ]

noun

- a device used to hold sheets of paper together, consisting of a strip of metal with a spring

She used a binder clip to keep her documents organized.

clear tape

[ kleer teyp ]

noun

- a transparent adhesive tape used for sealing or attaching objects

He used clear tape to wrap the gift.

mechanical pencil

[ mi-'kan-i-kuhl pen-suhl ]

noun

- a pencil with a replaceable and mechanically extendable lead

He prefers using a mechanical pencil for his drawings.

rubber band

[ 'ruhb-er band ]

noun

- a loop of stretchy rubber used to hold objects together

He used a rubber band to secure the stack of papers.

III. LISTEN AND REPEAT 📢 1.

10.

IV. DIALOGUE PRACTICE! 🎧

Situation:

Emily seeking advice on purchasing various office supplies.

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Emily

Hi, I need some help finding a few office supplies.

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Tom

Sure, I’d be happy to help. What specific items are you looking for?

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Emily

I need a ballpoint pen, a fountain pen, and a highlighter. What do you recommend?

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Tom

For a ballpoint pen, this brand is very reliable. Our fountain pens are over here, and I suggest this highlighter for its bright, long-lasting color.

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Emily

Great. I also need a mechanical pencil and a pencil sharpener.

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Tom

Here’s a mechanical pencil that’s very popular, and this pencil sharpener works well for both regular and colored pencils.

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Emily

Thanks. I also need an eraser and some correction fluid for my mistakes.

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Tom

These erasers are gentle on paper, and this correction fluid covers ink smoothly.

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Emily

I need a memo pad and post-it notes for quick reminders.

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Tom

We have memo pads in different sizes and these post-its come in various colors.

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Emily

I also need letter paper, envelopes, and paper clips for my correspondence.

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Tom

Here’s our selection of letter paper and matching envelopes. These paper clips are durable and come in various sizes.

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Emily

Perfect. I also need a binder clip, clear tape, and double-sided tape.

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Tom

These binder clips are strong and come in different sizes. Here’s our clear tape and double-sided tape section.

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Emily

Lastly, I need packing tape, glue, a stapler, and staples.

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Tom

We have heavy-duty packing tape, strong glue, and this stapler set comes with a box of staples.

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Emily

Thank you so much for your help, Tom.

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Tom

You’re welcome, Emily. Let me know if you need anything else!

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1. What types of pens did Emily ask for, and what were Tom's recommendations?

2. What correction tools did Emily need, and what did Tom suggest?

3. What did Emily need for correspondence, and where did Tom guide her?

V. LET'S CHAT! 💬

Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate questions or responses based on the context.

Customer

Do you have any memo pads for quick notes?

Staff

Customer

I need a ruler for my geometry class. Do you have any?

Staff

Customer

Where can I find thumbtacks to pin up some posters?

Staff

Customer

Do you sell letter paper for writing formal letters?

Staff

Customer

I'm looking for a marker that works well on whiteboards. Any recommendations?

Staff

VI. ROLE PLAYING! 🎬 0. ROLE PLAYING

Situation:

A customer visits a stationery store to buy various office supplies.

Instruction:

One person will be the customer, and the other will be the staff member. Use the learned vocabulary in the conversation.

AS A STAFF MEMBER	AS A CUSTOMER
Greet the customer warmly.	Describe the items you are looking for and their intended use.
Ask about specific items they need help finding.	Ask for recommendations or advice on the best products available.
Provide recommendations and explanations for each product.	Provide details on preferences or special requirements.
Offer additional assistance or suggest related products.	Engage in small talk to make the experience pleasant.
Ensure the customer feels satisfied with their choices.	Confirm the items you want to purchase and thank the staff member.

LET'S KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING 💭

What are some effective ways to use a memo pad to keep track of daily tasks?
How can different types of tape, like clear tape and double-sided tape, be used for various office tasks?
What are some effective ways to keep your desk organized using office supplies like binder clips, memo pads, and post-it notes?
How do you choose between using a ballpoint pen and a fountain pen for writing tasks?