Tackling Contextual Cloze Dialogue

Identifying Key Phrases in a Conversation

By Juen Li Choong

Multiple Choice

Receptionist: Welcome to Oceanview Hotel! Do you have a reservation?

Guest: _______________

Receptionist: Let me check our system. What name is it under?

What clue helps decide the best response?

• 'Welcome to Oceanview Hotel!'

• 'What name is it under?'

• 'Let me check our system.'

• 'Do you have a reservation?'

Each dialogue given later contains a missing response. Choose the best clue that helps determine what the response should be.

Multiple Choice

Shop Assistant: This dress is available in blue and red. Which colour do you prefer?

Customer: _______________

Shop Assistant: Alright, let me find that for you.

What clue helps decide the best response?

• 'Which shop is this?'

• 'Let me check our system.'

• 'Alright, let me find that for you.'

• 'This dress is available in blue and red.'

Multiple Choice

Waiter: Would you like anything to drink?

Customer: _______________

Waiter: Sure, I'll bring that right away.

What is the key phrase that gives a clue?

• 'I will get your food.'

• 'Thank you for visiting our restaurant.'

• 'Sure, I'll bring that right away.'

• 'Would you like anything to drink?'

Multiple Choice

Doctor: What seems to be the problem today?

Patient: _______________

Doctor: Let’s take a look at that.

What clue helps determine the response?

• 'Here is your prescription.'

• 'How much does it cost?'

• 'Let’s take a look at that.'

• 'What seems to be the problem today?'

Multiple Choice

Flight Attendant: Chicken or fish?

Passenger: _______________

Flight Attendant: Sure, here you go.

What clue helps determine the best response?

• 'Where is my passport?'

• 'I don’t like flying.'

• 'Sure, here you go.'

• 'Chicken or fish?'

Multiple Choice

Stranger: Excuse me, could you tell me where the train station is?

You: _______________

Stranger: Thanks so much!

What is the best clue for selecting the response?

• 'I love travelling.'

• 'It’s a nice day today.'

• 'Thanks so much!'

• 'Could you tell me where the train station is?'

Multiple Choice

Teacher: Please submit your assignments by Friday.

Student: _______________

Teacher: Yes, that’s fine, but try to submit earlier next time.

What clue helps decide the best response?

• 'Can I order lunch now?'

• 'What is your name?'

• 'Yes, that’s fine, but try to submit earlier next time.'

• 'Please submit your assignments by Friday.'

Multiple Choice

Librarian: You need a library card to borrow books.

Student: _______________

Librarian: Sure! Please fill out this form.

Which phrase is the clue?

• 'Can I borrow your pen?'

• 'What’s your favourite book?'

• 'Sure! Please fill out this form.'

• 'You need a library card to borrow books.'

Multiple Choice

Cashier: Would you like to pay by cash or card?

Customer: _______________

Cashier: Okay, please insert your card here.

What phrase helps decide the response?

• 'This is my favourite store.'

• 'I love shopping.'

• 'Okay, please insert your card here.'

• 'Would you like to pay by cash or card?'

Multiple Choice

Friend: I’m feeling really sick today.

You: _______________

Friend: Thanks, that would be great.

What is the clue?

• 'Where do you live?'

• 'What’s your favourite colour?'

• 'Thanks, that would be great.'

• 'I’m feeling really sick today.'

Multiple Choice

Boss: Could you finish this report by Monday?

Employee: _______________

Boss: Great, I appreciate it.

What phrase gives the best clue?

• 'What’s for lunch today?'

• 'Can I borrow your pen?'

• 'Great, I appreciate it.'

• 'Could you finish this report by Monday?'

Multiple Choice

Tour Guide: This is the oldest building in the city, built in 1750.

Tourist: _______________

Tour Guide: Yes, it took over 50 years to complete.

What phrase helps decide the best response?

• 'Let’s take a photo together.'

• 'I love travelling.'

• 'Yes, it took over 50 years to complete.'

• 'This is the oldest building in the city, built in 1750.'

Complete each dialogue by choosing the most logical response from the options.

Multiple Choice

Shop assistant: Do you need any help? Customer: _______________

• I don’t like shopping.

• No, I don’t want to help.

• I love ice cream!

• Yes, please. I'm looking for a necklace.

Multiple Choice

Waiter: Would you like to see the menu? Customer: _______________

• I love cooking.

• Where is the exit?

• No, I don’t have time.

• Yes, please. What do you recommend?

Explanation Slide...

The customer is responding to the shop assistant's offer for help. The correct choice, 'Yes, please. I'm looking for a necklace,' indicates a willingness to receive assistance, making it the most appropriate response.

Multiple Choice

Receptionist: How can I help you today? Guest: _______________

• It’s my birthday.

• I am very tired.

• The weather is nice today.

• I need to check in, please.

Multiple Choice

Cashier: How would you like to pay? Customer: _______________

• I don’t like shopping.

• This store is very big.

• I love discounts.

• By card, please.

Multiple Choice

Doctor: What are your symptoms? Patient: _______________

• The hospital is big.

• I love medicine.

• I feel hungry.

• I have a fever and a headache.

Multiple Choice

Librarian: Do you have a library card? Student: _______________

• I don’t like books.

• Can I buy a sandwich?

• Where is the exit?

• No, how can I get one?

Multiple Choice

Flight attendant: Chicken or fish? Passenger: _______________

• I don’t eat dinner.

• I’m going on holiday.

• I love aeroplanes.

• Chicken, please.

Multiple Choice

Stranger: Excuse me, can you help me find the train station? You: _______________

• I don’t like trains.

• This is a beautiful city.

• I’m busy right now.

• Sure! It’s down this street on the left.

Multiple Choice

Teacher: Please submit your assignments by Friday. Student: _______________

• Where is my book?

• Can I have more food?

• I love maths.

• Can I submit it on Monday instead?

Multiple Choice

Waiter: What would you like to order? Customer: _______________

• The table is nice.

• I don’t have money.

• Where is the kitchen?

• I’ll have the spaghetti, please.

Multiple Choice

Pharmacist: How can I help you? Customer: _______________

• Where is my phone?

• The sun is shining.

• I love shopping.

• I need something for a sore throat.

Multiple Choice

Bus driver: Where are you going? Passenger: _______________

• I love travelling.

• This bus is blue.

• I have a ticket.

• To the city centre, please.

Multiple Choice

Colleague: Could you help me with this report? You: _______________

• I don’t like paperwork.

• Where is my computer?

• I am busy tomorrow.

• Of course, I’d be happy to help!

Multiple Choice

Shop assistant: What size are you looking for? Customer: _______________

• This store is expensive.

• I like ice cream.

• Where is the bathroom?

• A medium, please.

Multiple Choice

Taxi driver: Where would you like to go? Passenger: _______________

• I like driving.

• Where do you live?

• This car is nice.

• To the airport, please.

Multiple Choice

Doctor: How long have you been feeling sick? Patient: _______________

• This hospital is cold.

• I love sleeping.

• I feel fine.

• Since yesterday.

Multiple Choice

Tour guide: Do you have any questions about the museum? Visitor: _______________

• Where is the gift shop?

• This building is very old.

• The weather is nice today.

• Yes, when was it built?

Multiple Choice

Cashier: Would you like a receipt? Customer: _______________

• I don’t like shopping.

• Where is the entrance?

• I like chocolate.

• No, thanks.

Multiple Choice

Hotel receptionist: How many nights will you be staying? Guest: _______________

• I love hotels.

• I don’t like travelling.

• Where is the restaurant?

• Three nights, please.

Multiple Choice

Restaurant host: Do you have a reservation? Customer: _______________

• I love food.

• This place is nice.

• Where is the menu?

• Yes, it’s under James.

Multiple Choice

Post office worker: How would you like to send this package? Customer: _______________

• This box is heavy.

• I like letters.

• Where is the nearest ATM?

• By express mail, please.

Multiple Choice

Colleague: Could you email me the report? You: _______________

• I don’t like emails.

• Where is my phone?

• I love writing.

• Sure, I’ll send it now.

Multiple Choice

Police officer: Can you describe what you saw? Witness: _______________

• I like crime shows.

• The sky is blue.

• Where is my wallet?

• Yes, it was a red car.

Multiple Choice

Customer service: How can I assist you today? Caller: _______________

• The weather is nice.

• I love talking.

• This phone is old.

• I need help with my internet connection.

Multiple Choice

Bank teller: How can I help you? Customer: _______________

• The bank is big.

• I love money.

• I like sandwiches.

• I’d like to withdraw some cash.

Multiple Choice

Waiter: How was your meal? Customer: _______________

• The lights are bright.

• Where is my car?

• I love cooking.

• It was delicious, thank you!

Multiple Choice

Store manager: Did you find everything you needed today? Customer: _______________

• This store is cold.

• I love shopping.

• Where is my bag?

• Yes, thank you.

The conversation below is out of order. Number them correctly to form a logical dialogue.

Reorder

Reorder the following:
Buying a Gift (Jewelry Shop)

• Welcome! How can I help you?

• I’m looking for a bracelet for my mom.

• I see. We have some beautiful silver bracelets.

• Thanks! She loves silver.

• Great choice! Would you like it in a gift box?

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Reorder

Reorder the following:

Ordering Food at a Restaurant

• Good evening! Are you ready to order?

• Yes, I’ll have the grilled chicken, please.

• Would you like any side dishes with that?

• Yes, I’ll have a side of vegetables.

• Excellent choice! Your meal will be ready shortly.

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Reorder

Reorder the following:

Asking for Directions

• Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the train station?

• Sure! Walk straight for two blocks and turn left.

• Okay, got it. Is it far from here?

• No, it’s just a 10-minute walk.

• Thanks so much for your help!

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Reorder

Reorder the following:

At the Library

• Hello! How can I help you?

• I’d like to borrow a book, but I don’t have a library card.

• No problem! You can apply for one now.

• That would be great. What do I need to do?

• Just fill out this form, and you’ll get your card today.

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Reorder

Reorder the following:

Booking a Hotel Room

• Hello, I’d like to book a room for two nights.

• Of course! Would you like a single or a double room?

• A double room, please.

• Okay! Your reservation is confirmed.

• Thank you! What time is check-in?

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Explanation Slide...

The visitor's response should relate to the museum. 'Yes, when was it built?' is a relevant question about the museum's history, while the other options do not directly inquire about the museum.

Reorder

Reorder the following:

Shopping for Clothes

• Welcome! How can I assist you?

• I’m looking for a black jacket.

• We have several styles. What size do you wear?

• Medium, please.

• Perfect! Let me show you some options.

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Reorder

Reorder the following:

Ordering Coffee

• Good morning! What can I get for you?

• I’d like a cappuccino, please.

• Would you like it hot or iced?

• Hot, please.

• Great choice! That’ll be $4.50.

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Reorder

Reorder the following:

Buying a Train Ticket

• Hello! I’d like a ticket to New York.

• One-way or round-trip?

• Round-trip, please.

• That will be $50. Would you like to pay by cash or card?

• By card, please.

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Reorder

Reorder the following:

Asking for Help at a Supermarket

• Excuse me, where can I find the milk?

• It’s in aisle five, near the cheese section.

• Thanks! Also, do you have almond milk?

• Yes, it’s on the same shelf as regular milk.

• Great! I appreciate your help.

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Reorder

Reorder the following:

Calling Customer Service

• Hello! How may I assist you today?

• I’m having trouble with my internet connection.

• I see. Have you tried restarting your router?

• No, I haven’t. I’ll try that now.

• Let me know if it works. If not, I’ll guide you through another solution.

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Reorder

Reorder the following:

Making a Restaurant Reservation

• Hello, I’d like to make a reservation for dinner.

• Of course! How many people will be dining?

• Four people, please.

• What time would you like to come?

• 7:30 PM, if possible.

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Reorder

Reorder the following:

Returning an Item

• Hello! I’d like to return this shirt.

• May I ask why you’re returning it?

• It doesn’t fit properly.

• I see. Would you like a refund or an exchange?

• A refund, please.

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Reorder

Reorder the following:

Taking a Taxi

• Hello! Where would you like to go?

• To the airport, please.

• Sure! Do you have any luggage?

• Yes, I have one suitcase.

• Okay, let’s go!

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Reorder

Reorder the following:

Ordering at a Fast Food Restaurant

• Welcome! What would you like to order?

• I’ll have a cheeseburger and fries, please.

• Would you like a drink with that?

• Yes, a cola, please.

• Great! That will be $7.50.

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Reorder

Reorder the following:

Calling a Doctor’s Office

• Hello! I’d like to make an appointment with Dr. Smith.

• Sure! What day and time work best for you?

• How about Wednesday morning?

• Dr. Smith is available at 10 AM. Does that work?

• Yes, 10 AM is perfect. Thank you!

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Complete the conversation below by writing a natural response.

Open Ended

At a Restaurant

Waiter: Welcome! Would you like to see the menu?
Customer: __________ (positive or negative response)

Open Ended

Ordering Food

Waiter: Here you go. Do you have any dietary preferences?
Customer: __________ (mention a preference)

Open Ended

Asking for a Recommendation

Waiter: No problem! I recommend __________ (suggest a dish).
Customer: __________ (accept or decline the suggestion)

Open Ended

Shopping for Clothes

Shop Assistant: What size are you looking for?
Customer: __________ (state a size)

Open Ended

Buying a Gift

Shop Assistant: Do you need any help?
Customer: __________ (ask for assistance or decline)

Explanation Slide...

The customer is responding to a bank teller's offer for assistance. The most relevant response is 'I’d like to withdraw some cash,' as it directly relates to banking services, unlike the other options.

Open Ended

Booking a Hotel Room

Receptionist: How many nights will you be staying?
Guest: __________ (state the number of nights)

Open Ended

Taking a Taxi

Taxi Driver: Where would you like to go?
Passenger: __________ (state a destination)

Open Ended

Calling Customer Service

Representative: How can I assist you today?
Customer: __________ (state the problem)

Open Ended

Asking for Directions

You: Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to __________ (place)?

Open Ended

Paying at a Store

Cashier: Would you like to pay by cash or card?
Customer: __________ (choose a payment method)

Use the given scenario to write a short conversation. Leave one missing response for a peer to complete.

Open Ended

You are shopping for a birthday present for your best friend. You enter a store and ask for help from a shop assistant.

📝 Write a conversation between you and the shop assistant.
🔹 Leave one blank response for your peer to complete.

Open Ended

You walk into a café and order a drink and a snack. The barista asks you questions about your order.

📝 Write a conversation between you and the barista.
🔹 Leave one blank response for your peer to complete.

Poll

What was the most helpful part of today’s lesson?

• Understanding how to choose the right response

• Practicing conversations with my classmates

• Learning new words and phrases

• Doing the exercises