Low-Level ESL
US Life Starter
A practical move-to-America course for A1-A2 learners. Study daily words, customs, and short dialogues for the real situations students meet in the United States.
- 24 daily-life units
- Simple English
- Vocabulary and dialogues
- Japanese or Mandarin explanations
How to Study
Use one unit at a time
Read the English side first. Then read the explanation in your chosen language. Practice the dialogue aloud three times. Change names, places, and prices so the words become useful for your real move.
Unit 01
Arrival and First Week
Goal: arrive safely, answer basic questions, and get through the first days without panic.
Daily Life English
- I just arrived in the United States.
- I am staying at this address.
- Can you please speak slowly?
- I need help finding my ride.
Vocabulary
- arrival
- the time when you get to a place
- address
- the place where you live or stay
- customs
- the airport check for people and bags
- baggage claim
- the place where you get your bags
- ride
- a car trip from one place to another
- emergency contact
- a person to call if you need help
US Customs
- People may ask direct questions. Short, clear answers are normal.
- Keep your passport, visa papers, address, and school or work information easy to reach.
- At the airport, ask staff for help if you are lost. Use simple sentences.
Dialogue
Officer: Where will you stay in the US?
Student: I will stay at 125 Oak Street, Apartment 3B.
Officer: What is the purpose of your trip?
Student: I am here to study English.
Student: Could you please repeat that slowly?
Unit 02
Documents and Official Rules
Goal: protect important papers and understand when official information matters.
Daily Life English
- Is this the official website?
- I need to update my address.
- Can I have a copy of this form?
- Who is allowed to give legal advice?
Vocabulary
- ID
- a card or document that shows who you are
- passport
- a government book for international travel
- visa
- permission to enter or stay for a purpose
- form
- a paper or online page you complete
- deadline
- the last day to do something
- copy
- one more version of a document
US Customs
- Many official websites end in .gov. Be careful with look-alike websites.
- Keep digital and paper copies of key documents in safe places.
- For immigration questions, use official information, your school office, or a qualified lawyer.
Dialogue
Student: I moved to a new apartment.
Advisor: Did you update your address?
Student: Not yet. Where should I do that?
Advisor: Use the official government website or your online account.
Student: Thank you. I will do it today.
Unit 03
Housing and Renting
Goal: rent a room or apartment, ask about costs, and understand house rules.
Daily Life English
- How much is the rent each month?
- Is the deposit refundable?
- Are utilities included?
- Can I see the lease before I sign?
Vocabulary
- rent
- money you pay to live in a place
- lease
- a rental contract
- deposit
- money paid before moving in
- landlord
- the person or company that owns the rental
- tenant
- the person who rents the place
- roommate
- a person who lives in the same home
US Customs
- Read the lease before you sign. Ask questions in writing.
- Take photos when you move in. Keep proof of damage you did not make.
- Quiet hours, guest rules, parking, pets, and trash rules are common.
Dialogue
Student: Is this room still available?
Landlord: Yes. The rent is $850 a month.
Student: Are utilities included?
Landlord: Water is included. Electricity is separate.
Student: Can I review the lease tonight?
Unit 04
Home Setup, Utilities, and Maintenance
Goal: set up home services and report problems clearly.
Daily Life English
- The heater is not working.
- There is a leak under the sink.
- When will the technician come?
- I need to set up electricity and internet.
Vocabulary
- utility
- a home service like electricity or water
- bill
- a request for payment
- maintenance
- repair work for a home or building
- leak
- water coming out where it should not
- appointment window
- a range of time for a visit
- trash pickup
- the day trash is collected
US Customs
- Report repair problems early. Use photos when possible.
- Some apartments require you to sort trash, recycling, and large items.
- Utility bills usually arrive every month. Late payment can add fees.
Dialogue
Student: Hello, I need to report a repair.
Manager: What is the problem?
Student: There is water under the kitchen sink.
Manager: Can a technician come tomorrow morning?
Student: Yes. Please send me the time by text.
Unit 05
Money, Banking, and Payments
Goal: pay safely, understand bank words, and avoid common money mistakes.
Daily Life English
- I would like to open a checking account.
- Do you accept cash?
- Can I pay by card?
- I think this charge is wrong.
Vocabulary
- checking account
- a bank account for daily spending
- debit card
- a card that uses money from your account
- credit card
- a card that lets you borrow and pay later
- fee
- extra money you must pay
- receipt
- proof that you paid
- scam
- a dishonest trick to take money
US Customs
- Keep receipts for returns, rent, deposits, and large payments.
- Never pay a stranger with gift cards, crypto, or wire transfer for an emergency call.
- Ask about monthly fees, ATM fees, minimum balances, and overdraft fees.
Dialogue
Student: I want to open a checking account.
Banker: Do you have an ID and proof of address?
Student: Yes. I have my passport and lease.
Banker: Great. Do you want a debit card?
Student: Yes, please. Are there monthly fees?
Unit 06
Shopping, Returns, and Services
Goal: buy what you need, ask for help, and return items politely.
Daily Life English
- Where can I find laundry detergent?
- Do you have this in a smaller size?
- I would like to return this item.
- Do I need the receipt?
Vocabulary
- aisle
- a path between store shelves
- size
- how big or small something is
- refund
- money returned to you
- exchange
- return one item and get another
- sales tax
- extra tax added at the register
- customer service
- the place or people who help shoppers
US Customs
- The price tag may not include sales tax. The final price can be higher.
- Return rules are different at each store. Keep the receipt and package.
- It is normal to ask staff, "Excuse me, where is...?"
Dialogue
Student: Excuse me, where is the shampoo?
Staff: It is in aisle 8.
Student: Thank you. Also, can I return this towel?
Staff: Do you have the receipt?
Student: Yes, here it is.
Unit 07
Food, Groceries, and Restaurants
Goal: shop for food, order meals, explain allergies, and handle tipping.
Daily Life English
- I am allergic to peanuts.
- Can I get this without onions?
- Could we have separate checks?
- Can I have a box for leftovers?
Vocabulary
- grocery store
- a store that sells food
- produce
- fresh fruits and vegetables
- allergy
- a health problem from some food or thing
- tip
- extra money for service
- leftovers
- food you did not finish
- separate checks
- different bills for different people
US Customs
- In many sit-down restaurants, people usually leave a tip for the server.
- Taking leftovers home is normal. Ask for a box.
- Tell restaurant staff about allergies clearly before you order.
Dialogue
Server: Are you ready to order?
Student: Yes. I would like the chicken salad.
Server: Any changes?
Student: No nuts, please. I have a nut allergy.
Server: Thank you for telling me.
Unit 08
Transportation and Getting Around
Goal: use buses, trains, rideshares, bikes, walking routes, and car-related English.
Daily Life English
- Which bus goes downtown?
- Does this train stop at Central Station?
- I need to renew my driver's license.
- Can you drop me off here?
Vocabulary
- fare
- money paid for a bus or train ride
- route
- the path a bus, train, or car follows
- stop
- a place where a bus or train waits
- transfer
- change from one bus or train to another
- driver's license
- a card that allows a person to drive
- insurance
- paid protection for accidents or problems
US Customs
- Driving rules and license rules are different by state.
- Seat belts are expected. Car insurance is required in many situations.
- For buses, check the route, direction, and last service time.
Dialogue
Student: Excuse me, does this bus go to City College?
Driver: Yes, but you need to transfer at Main Street.
Student: How much is the fare?
Driver: It is $2.50.
Student: Thank you. Could you tell me when we get to Main Street?
Unit 09
Health, Medicine, and Emergencies
Goal: get help when sick, understand care options, and speak clearly in an emergency.
Daily Life English
- I need to see a doctor.
- I have chest pain.
- I need an interpreter.
- Which pharmacy is open today?
Vocabulary
- emergency
- a dangerous situation that needs help now
- urgent care
- a clinic for problems that are not life-threatening
- ER
- emergency room at a hospital
- prescription
- medicine ordered by a doctor
- insurance card
- a card that shows health coverage
- symptom
- a sign of sickness or injury
US Customs
- Call 911 for a serious emergency. Say your address first.
- For non-emergency sickness, a clinic or urgent care may be faster than the ER.
- Ask for an interpreter if medical English is hard. It is important to be exact.
Dialogue
Receptionist: What seems to be the problem?
Student: I have a fever and a sore throat.
Receptionist: Do you have insurance?
Student: Yes. Here is my insurance card.
Student: Can I have an interpreter, please?
Unit 10
Appointments, Time, and Forms
Goal: make appointments, arrive on time, reschedule, and complete common forms.
Daily Life English
- I would like to make an appointment.
- Do you have anything available next week?
- I need to reschedule.
- Which section should I fill out?
Vocabulary
- appointment
- a planned time to meet or get service
- available
- free or possible
- reschedule
- change the time or date
- cancel
- stop a plan
- form
- paper or online questions to complete
- signature
- your written name
US Customs
- Arrive early for medical, school, legal, and government appointments.
- If you cannot go, call or cancel online as soon as possible.
- Dates may be written month/day/year, like 06/15/2026.
Dialogue
Student: I need to make an appointment.
Office: What day works for you?
Student: Tuesday afternoon is good.
Office: We have 2:30 p.m. available.
Student: That works. Thank you.
Unit 11
School, Children, and Family Life
Goal: talk with teachers, understand school papers, and help children join daily routines.
Daily Life English
- My child was absent yesterday.
- Can I meet with the teacher?
- What time is drop-off?
- Do I need to sign this permission slip?
Vocabulary
- attendance
- being present at school
- absent
- not at school or work
- permission slip
- a paper a parent signs to allow something
- drop-off
- the time or place a child arrives
- pick-up
- the time or place a child leaves
- parent-teacher conference
- a meeting between family and teacher
US Customs
- Schools expect regular attendance and messages when a child is absent.
- Teachers often use email, apps, or paper forms to contact families.
- Ask for language help if school papers are difficult.
Dialogue
Parent: My child was sick yesterday.
School Office: Thank you for calling. What is your child's name?
Parent: Her name is Hana Sato.
School Office: Please send a note when she returns.
Parent: Okay. Thank you.
Unit 12
Work, Pay, and Workplace Norms
Goal: understand job basics, schedules, pay words, and polite workplace questions.
Daily Life English
- What is my schedule this week?
- When is payday?
- Can you show me how to clock in?
- I need to ask about my pay stub.
Vocabulary
- shift
- the hours a person works
- payday
- the day workers are paid
- pay stub
- a document showing pay and deductions
- overtime
- extra work hours beyond regular hours
- manager
- a person who leads workers
- break
- a short rest time at work
US Customs
- Work permission, tax forms, pay rules, and benefits depend on your situation.
- Ask questions early if you do not understand a schedule or task.
- It is normal to confirm instructions: "Just to make sure, you want me to..."
Dialogue
Student: Could you show me how to clock in?
Manager: Sure. Use this screen and enter your ID.
Student: Thank you. What time is my break?
Manager: Your break is at 11:00.
Student: Got it. Thank you.
Unit 13
Phone, Internet, and Digital Life
Goal: set up communication, understand common messages, and stay safe online.
Daily Life English
- I need a phone plan.
- Is there a contract?
- Can you text me the address?
- I think this message is a scam.
Vocabulary
- phone plan
- a monthly mobile phone service
- data
- internet use on a phone
- contract
- a legal agreement
- voicemail
- a recorded phone message
- password
- a secret word or code for an account
- two-factor code
- a second code used to protect an account
US Customs
- Many offices leave voicemail. Check it often and call back.
- Do not share passwords or verification codes with callers or strangers.
- Text messages are common for quick plans, but formal issues may use email.
Dialogue
Student: I need a simple phone plan.
Staff: Do you want unlimited data?
Student: Maybe not. I use Wi-Fi at home.
Staff: This plan is cheaper and has no contract.
Student: Good. What is the monthly cost?
Unit 14
Mail, Packages, and Address Changes
Goal: receive letters, write addresses, track packages, and forward mail when moving.
Daily Life English
- My package has not arrived.
- What is the tracking number?
- I need to change my mailing address.
- Please include my apartment number.
Vocabulary
- mailing address
- the address where you receive mail
- ZIP code
- a number code for an area
- apartment number
- the unit number in a building
- tracking number
- a code used to find a package
- forward mail
- send mail from an old address to a new one
- post office
- a place for mail services
US Customs
- Write the apartment or unit number clearly. Missing numbers can cause lost mail.
- USPS mail forwarding helps with postal mail, but it does not update every company or agency.
- Tell banks, schools, doctors, employers, and important offices your new address directly.
Dialogue
Student: I moved last week.
Clerk: Do you want to forward your mail?
Student: Yes. What form do I need?
Clerk: You can do it online or fill out this form.
Student: Thank you. My new address includes Apartment 4C.
Unit 15
Safety, Weather, and Everyday Problems
Goal: stay safe at home and outside, understand alerts, and ask for urgent help.
Daily Life English
- Is this a safe area to walk at night?
- The smoke alarm is beeping.
- There is a power outage.
- I need help, but it is not an emergency.
Vocabulary
- smoke alarm
- a device that warns about smoke or fire
- power outage
- when electricity stops working
- weather alert
- a warning about dangerous weather
- non-emergency number
- a police or city number for problems that are not urgent
- shelter
- a safe place during danger
- flashlight
- a small light you hold in your hand
US Customs
- Call 911 for fire, serious danger, or urgent medical problems.
- For non-urgent problems, use a local non-emergency number or building manager.
- Keep basic supplies: water, medicine, flashlight, chargers, and copies of documents.
Dialogue
Dispatcher: 911. What is your emergency?
Student: There is a fire in my building.
Dispatcher: What is your address?
Student: 45 Pine Avenue, Apartment 2A.
Dispatcher: Leave the building if you can do so safely.
Unit 16
Community, Neighbors, and Social Customs
Goal: build a simple support network and understand friendly everyday behavior.
Daily Life English
- Nice to meet you. I just moved in.
- Do you know where the library is?
- Could you recommend a local doctor?
- Thank you for your help. I appreciate it.
Vocabulary
- neighbor
- a person who lives near you
- library
- a public place with books, computers, and programs
- community center
- a place with local services and activities
- recommend
- say something is good or useful
- small talk
- short friendly conversation
- personal space
- comfortable distance between people
US Customs
- People often use small talk about weather, weekends, pets, or local places.
- A smile and "How are you?" can be a greeting, not a long question.
- Libraries and community centers can help with English, forms, computers, and local information.
Dialogue
Student: Hi, I just moved in next door.
Neighbor: Welcome to the building.
Student: Thank you. Do you know when trash pickup is?
Neighbor: Tuesday morning. Put bins outside Monday night.
Student: That helps a lot. Thank you.
Unit 17
Laundry and Laundromats
Goal: wash clothes outside the home, ask for help, and understand machine and payment words.
Daily Life English
- Which machine is available?
- How much is one wash?
- Do I need quarters or a laundry card?
- My clothes are still wet.
Vocabulary
- laundromat
- a place with washing machines and dryers
- wash cycle
- the washing program on a machine
- dryer
- a machine that dries clothes
- detergent
- soap for washing clothes
- quarters
- 25-cent coins
- lint trap
- the screen that catches cloth dust in a dryer
US Customs
- Do not leave clothes in a machine for a long time after it stops.
- Clean the lint trap before or after using a dryer if the machine has one.
- Some apartments have shared laundry rooms with posted hours and rules.
Dialogue
Student: Excuse me, how do I pay for this washer?
Staff: Use the laundry card machine by the door.
Student: How much is one wash?
Staff: It is $3.25. The dryer is separate.
Student: Thank you. Which cycle should I use for regular clothes?
Unit 18
Dry Cleaning, Alterations, and Pickup
Goal: drop off clothes, ask for cleaning or small repairs, and pick up the right order.
Daily Life English
- I need this suit dry cleaned.
- Can you remove this stain?
- Can you hem these pants?
- I am here to pick up my order.
Vocabulary
- dry cleaning
- special cleaning for delicate clothes
- stain
- a dirty mark on clothing
- alteration
- a change to make clothes fit better
- hem
- make pants, a skirt, or a dress shorter
- pickup ticket
- paper or text used to get your order
- ready date
- the date when your order is finished
US Customs
- Bring the pickup ticket or show the text message when you return.
- Point to the exact stain, missing button, or place that needs alteration.
- Ask the price and ready date before leaving your clothes.
Dialogue
Student: I need this jacket dry cleaned, please.
Clerk: Any stains or repairs?
Student: Yes, there is a stain on the sleeve.
Clerk: We can try to remove it. It will be ready Friday.
Student: Great. I will bring this ticket for pickup.
Unit 19
Taxis, Rideshares, and Airport Trips
Goal: get a ride safely, confirm the destination, and handle pickup problems.
Daily Life English
- Can you take me to this address?
- Are you my driver?
- Can you wait two minutes?
- Please drop me off at this entrance.
Vocabulary
- taxi
- a car you pay to take you somewhere
- rideshare
- a ride booked through an app
- pickup spot
- the place where the driver meets you
- drop-off
- the place where the driver leaves you
- license plate
- the number on the car
- fare
- the cost of the ride
US Customs
- For app rides, check the car, license plate, and driver's name before getting in.
- At airports, rideshare pickup may be in a special area, not directly outside baggage claim.
- Use the app or meter price. Be careful if a stranger offers a private ride inside the airport.
Dialogue
Student: Hi, are you Daniel?
Driver: Yes. Are you going to 18 Maple Road?
Student: Yes, please. Can you drop me off at the front entrance?
Driver: Sure. It will take about 20 minutes.
Student: Thank you. I have two bags.
Unit 20
Gas Stations, Parking, and Car Problems
Goal: buy gas, understand parking signs, and explain simple car trouble.
Daily Life English
- Which pump should I use?
- Can I pay inside?
- My tire is flat.
- Is parking allowed here?
Vocabulary
- gas pump
- the machine used to put gas in a car
- regular gas
- the common, lower-cost type of gasoline
- flat tire
- a tire without enough air
- tow truck
- a truck that moves a broken car
- parking meter
- a machine or app for paid street parking
- ticket
- a fine for breaking a parking rule
US Customs
- Read parking signs carefully. Rules may change by time, day, and side of the street.
- Some gas pumps ask for a ZIP code when you pay by card.
- If the car has a serious problem, move to a safe place before calling for help.
Dialogue
Student: Excuse me, can I pay for gas inside?
Cashier: Yes. Which pump are you using?
Student: Pump 4, please. I need $30 of regular gas.
Cashier: Okay. You can start pumping now.
Student: Thank you.
Unit 21
Haircuts, Salons, and Personal Care
Goal: make simple grooming appointments and describe what you want.
Daily Life English
- I would like a haircut.
- Please trim just a little.
- Can I make an appointment for Saturday?
- How much does it cost?
Vocabulary
- barber
- a person who cuts short hair, often men's hair
- salon
- a place for hair, nails, or beauty services
- trim
- cut a small amount
- bangs
- hair cut across the front of the face
- appointment
- a planned time for a service
- walk-in
- a customer without an appointment
US Customs
- Photos help. Show a picture of the haircut or style you want.
- Some places accept walk-ins, but appointments are safer when you have limited time.
- Many people tip for hair and beauty services. Check the final price before deciding.
Dialogue
Student: Hi, do you take walk-ins?
Stylist: Yes. What would you like today?
Student: Just a trim, please. About one inch.
Stylist: No problem. Do you want layers?
Student: No, thank you. Same style, just shorter.
Unit 22
Clothing Exchanges, Tailoring, and Shoe Repair
Goal: fix clothing problems, exchange sizes, and ask for simple repairs.
Daily Life English
- I need to exchange this for a larger size.
- The zipper is broken.
- Can you replace this button?
- Can these shoes be repaired?
Vocabulary
- exchange
- return one item and get another
- tailor
- a person who changes or repairs clothes
- zipper
- the part that opens and closes a jacket or bag
- button
- a small round part used to close clothing
- receipt
- proof that you bought something
- shoe repair
- a service that fixes shoes
US Customs
- Stores often need the receipt, tags, and unused condition for an exchange.
- Tailors may ask you to try on the clothing so they can mark the correct length.
- Small repairs can cost more than students expect, so ask for the price first.
Dialogue
Student: I bought this shirt yesterday, but it is too small.
Clerk: Do you have the receipt?
Student: Yes. Can I exchange it for a medium?
Clerk: Let me check. Yes, we have one.
Student: Thank you. The tags are still on it.
Unit 23
Recreation, Gyms, Parks, and Local Rules
Goal: join activities, understand memberships, and follow shared-space rules.
Daily Life English
- Do I need a membership?
- Can I try one class first?
- What time does the park close?
- Are pets allowed here?
Vocabulary
- membership
- paid permission to use a place regularly
- trial class
- one class before you decide to join
- waiver
- a form about risk and responsibility
- reservation
- a saved time or place
- posted rules
- rules written on a sign
- quiet area
- a place where people should be calm or silent
US Customs
- Gyms may have contracts, cancellation rules, and extra fees. Read before joining.
- Parks can have rules for pets, alcohol, sports fields, fires, and closing times.
- Shared spaces often expect cleanup. Leave tables, equipment, and rooms ready for the next person.
Dialogue
Student: I am interested in this gym.
Staff: Would you like a tour?
Student: Yes, please. Do you have a month-to-month plan?
Staff: Yes. There is no long contract.
Student: Great. Can I try one class first?
Unit 24
Lost Items, Help Desks, and Service Problems
Goal: explain a problem calmly, ask for the next step, and keep proof.
Daily Life English
- I lost my wallet.
- Who should I speak with?
- Can I get a case number?
- Could you please write that down for me?
Vocabulary
- help desk
- a place or person who helps with problems
- lost and found
- a place for missing items
- case number
- a number used to track a problem
- manager
- a person who can make decisions
- complaint
- a report about a problem
- follow up
- contact again later about the same issue
US Customs
- Stay calm and specific. Say what happened, when it happened, and what you need now.
- Ask for a receipt, email, ticket number, or case number after reporting a problem.
- If the first person cannot help, politely ask who can make the decision.
Dialogue
Student: Excuse me, I left my backpack on the bus.
Staff: What bus route and what time?
Student: Route 12 at about 4:30 p.m.
Staff: Please fill out this lost item form.
Student: Thank you. Can I get a case number?
Trusted References
Useful official links
Use these sites when you need current official information. They are not language practice pages, but they are safer than random search results for important questions.