Communication Beginnings: An Introductory Listening and Speaking Text for English Language Learners

Chapter 4 47 Grammar Tip: Contractions Contractions are two words joined together by an apostrophe ( ’ ). They are used in casual or informal speaking and writing. Some common examples of contractions I am = I’m He is = He’s She is = She’s We are = we’re I have = I’ve You have = You’ve We have = we’ve Will not = won’t Should not = shouldn’t Is not = isn’t Were not = weren’t Cannot = Can’t Do not = don’t I will = I’ll Practice: Listening for contractions Directions: Listen to the conversations. Write in the missing contractions that you hear. Conversation 1 A. Do you know how to make lasagna? B. No, I ____________________________________________. A. Can you teach me? B. No, I ___________________________________. I ____________________________ know how either. Conversation 2 A. Hi, is Bob home? B. No, he ______________________________________. A. OK. Is Sheila? B. No, she ______________________________________. Conversation 3 A. Hey, __________________________________ going to the cafe. Want to come? B. No, I ___________________________________ . _________________________ got some things to do. A. Ok. We ___________________________ be there long. ___________________________call you later. B. Ok!