Should for Suggestions
Read and listen to four conversations using the grammar.
Conversation 1
Man: You don’t look so good. Are you sick?
Woman: Yes, I think I’m coming down with a cold.
Man: Well, maybe you should go home then.
Woman: But I really need to work.
Man: No, no, no! You should go home and get some rest.
Woman: OK, I guess I can work from home anyway.
Man: No, you shouldn’t work. You should stay in bed.
Woman: OK, I will do that. Thanks for your advice.
Man: No problem. I hope you feel better soon.
Conversation 2
Man: So, how long have you been feeling ill?
Woman: For about three days.
Man: Well, it looks like there’s a flu bug going around.
Woman: OK, is that serious?
Man: No, it is a minor illness, but you should not be around people as it can spread.
Woman: OK, what should I do to get better?
Man: Just get lots of rest and drink lots of water. I will give you some medicine to make you feel better.
Woman: OK, thank you doctor.
Man: If you start to feel worse after a few days, you should call me immediately.
Woman: OK, I’ll do that. Thank you.
Man: You’re welcome. You should feel better in a few days.
Conversation 3
Man: What’s the best way to learn Spanish?
Woman: Well, first you should learn new words every day.
Man: OK, that’s easy. What do you recommend?
Woman: I would download a vocab app. I would try to learn ten words a day.
Man: Only ten words? I think I can learn 50 words a day.
Woman: No, you shouldn’t do that because you won’t remember them. You shouldn’t try to do too much at one time.
Man: OK, I will follow your advice. Thank you.
Conversation 4
Man: Hello, Mrs. Wilson. Thanks for your advice on learning Spanish vocabulary. Your tips worked. Do you have any more ways to learn Spanish?
Woman: Well, you should try to use the words you learn by keeping a journal and trying to use them.
Man: That sounds too difficult. I can’t write anything yet.
Woman: Well, at first you can just draw pictures of new words, like verbs and nouns.
Man: Oh, I like that idea. I’ll give that a try.
Woman: Oh, and you should use spanishlistening.org. It’s a great way to learn Spanish.
Man: Sounds cool! Is it free?
Woman: Yes, it’s free! There are 100s of listening lessons to choose from.
Man: Cool. I’ll check it out. Thanks.
Giving Suggestions
Notice how speakers can use should, would and some phrases to give advice or suggestions.
Should / Shouldn’t
(Q) What should I eat?
(A) You should try the fish.
(N) You shouldn’t eat the salad.
(Q) Should I where this coat?
(A) Yes, you should. It looks good on you.
(N) No, you shouldn’t. It is hot today.
Would / Wouldn’t
(Q) What would you do?
(A) I would go to the park.
(N) I wouldn’t take the bus.
(Q) Would you wear this?
(A) Yes, I would.
(N) No, I wouldn’t.
If you ---- , -----
If you have time, visit the museum.
If you like fish, try the sushi.
If you can afford it, stay at the Ritz.
Imperatives
Check out the mall downtown.
Be sure to wear warm clothes.
Don’t talk to strangers.
Don’t pay more than 20 dollars for it.
Gap Fill: Complete the conversation with the correct word!
Grammar Listening Practice
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