PRIMO SEMESTRE / FIRST SEMESTER
A. SALUTI E FORMULE DI CORTESIA / GREETINGS AND POLITE EXPRESSIONS
01. Salutarsi
Greetings, salutations
A group of students meet in the courtyard of an apartment building. Several know each other, while others don’t. They greet and introduce themselves in a cordial manner.
02. Conoscersi
Getting acquainted
Three students meet. They exchange greetings and information about themselves; their ages, where they live, and where they come from.
03. Scambiarsi i contatti
Exchanging phone numbers
While talking, the group exchanges cell phone numbers and email addresses.
04. Ringraziamenti e scuse
Expressions of acknowledgement and apologies
If delayed to an appointment, apologies are in order. These are useful expressions for such a situation.
05. Formule di cortesia
Common Courtesy and its expressions
When invited to study together at a classmate’s home, courtesy dictates announcing oneself by the door intercom before being asked to enter.
06. Presentazioni in famiglia
Meeting the family
A dinner invite with the family can feel overwhelming to a 17 year old; but a good plate of pasta soothes everything.
B. MI PRESENTO / GET TO KNOW ME
07. Parlare di sé
Giving information about yourself
The students are talking on the way home and discuss their families. They’ve moved, or may be thinking of doing so.
08. Hobby e interessi
Hobbies and interests
They enjoy sports, but interests also include chess and music. However, the common love is travel.
09. Fare amicizia
Making Friends
Two students are talking about their studies at the university cafe. One is a senior in high school, the other, a freshman at the university.
10. Rivedersi
Meeting up again
The same students see each other again a few days later and grab a bite. While eating, they talk about their obligations.
11. Incontro casuale
Casual gathering
Gathering at the university cafe is a pleasant routine. One day, something unexpected happens; an encounter with an old friend.
12. Ricordi d’infanzia
Childhood memories
The encounter leads to reminiscing about their younger years at the same school and ends with a dinner invitation.
C. HOBBY E TEMPO LIBERO / HOBBIES AND LEISURE TIME
13. Attività sportive
Sports activities
The beginning of a new school year also brings the return of sports activities. There are choices to be made and the students discuss this among themselves.
14. Le mie preferenze
Choices and preferences
Go to the movies or read a book? Preferences and choices are discussed and compared.
15. Tempo libero
Leisure time
Everyone likes music, but each person has a preference. Some sing in chorus. Others play the guitar; and still others are members of a rap group.
16. Al museo
At the museum
A visit to a museum is an enriching experience. Three friends meet at the museum entrance and discuss how to tackle the visit.
17. Al cinema
At the movies
Young people love going to the movies but agreeing which to see, is never easy; so, they compromise.
18. Una domenica in bici
Bicycle Sunday
Bicycle riding in the historical district of a city is always fun. If it happens to be a “no cars Sunday”, the ride will prove more enjoyable!
D. LO STUDIO E LA SCUOLA / SCHOOL AND STUDIES
19. La scuola
School
At the end of first day classes, the little ones chat about new classmates, while the older ones focus on year end exams.
20. Le materie scolastiche
Fields of study
A dialogue ensues on assignments due and plans for the upcoming days. Which are the preferred subjects, and which the most difficult?
21. Organizzazione della giornata
planning the day
Exams are quickly approaching and the pace is frenetic. Relaxation is not easy to find.
22. Organizzazione della settimana
Planning the week
At year’s end , numerous activities fill the afternoons while morning lessons must still be attended.
23. Gita di classe
Class trip
A class trip is held each year and students’ suggestions are considered; but , a vote determines the final destination.
24. Esame di Lingua e Cultura italiana
Italian Language and Culture Exam
Outside school, three of the students discuss and compare their exam responses once finished.
E. IL TELEFONO – AL TELEFONO / THE TELEPHONE – ON THE PHONE
25. Una telefonata commerciale
A business call
Insistent telemarketers call advertising their special offers. Following are suggestions for handling the calls.
26. Una telefonata di lavoro (prima parte)
A call at work
The telephone is a rapid communication device in a work environment, but it doesn’t always get one connected to the person sought.
27. Una telefonata di lavoro (seconda parte)
A call at work
The telephone is a rapid communication device in a work environment, but it doesn’t always get one connected to the person sought.
28. Segreteria telefonica
Answering machine, voicemail
The phone rings. There is no answer but, voicemail invites us to leave a message.
29. Regalo di compleanno
A Birthday present
Two friends talk on the phone about a birthday party invitation and possible gifts for the celebrant.
30. Prenotazione ristorante
Restaurant reservations
The end of school is celebrated with dinner in a pizzeria. Since the group is large, it is wise to reserve in advance and to choose a less crowded day other than Saturday.
F. A TAVOLA / AT THE TABLE
31. Conversazioni a tavola
Table talk
The table offers a gathering point for family. They talk about food and its preparation, but serious topics sneak in among the jovial conversation.
32. A tavola
At the table
Giacomo’s mom has prepared a delicious meal to welcome him home and to help him rediscover tasty Italian food.
33. Cena a casa
Dinner at home
Giacomo narrates his London stay between courses, emphasizing that it was an intense period of study.
34. Cena tra amici
A dinner among friends
Nothing better than dinner at a friend’s who enjoys cooking; provided he remember the foods you can’t eat.
35. Catering (prima parte)
Catering
If a friend is turning 18, it is tradition to help in organizing a festive, tasty buffet.
36. Catering (seconda parte)
Catering
Given free rein to the imagination, two girls are likely to transform a simple birthday buffet – into a sumptuous wedding banquet.
G. FESTE VARIE / VARIOUS CELEBRATIONS
37. Biglietti d’Auguri
Greeting cards
Two students are invited to a celebration and purchase a gift. They look for the right greeting card, but which to choose among the many?
38. Festività
Celebrations
Each holiday and celebration has particular phrases for extending greetings and every language its unique expressions.
39. Buon anno!
Happy New Year!
How to celebrate the New Year despite a bad cold? Dress warmly and meet your friends in the piazza, of course.
40. Natale in famiglia
Christmas with family
While doing last minute shopping two cousins meet and talk about upcoming Christmas holidays. Their families celebrate together.
41. Ti conosco mascherina!
I know who you are behind the mask!
Carnevale! Everyone takes to the streets to celebrate as is the norm. Guessing who is behind the mask is all part of the celebration.
42. In spiaggia
At the beach
A picture of a sandy beach brings back warm summer memories which are shared with friends.
H. IN AEROPORTO / AT THE AIRPORT
43. Check-in
Check-in
Reservations must be made and luggage must adhere to weight limitations. And, always remember to request a seat assignment!
44. Controlli
Security
Security check can be annoying and tedious; but, a necessity for travelers’ safety.
45. Verso il volo
Boarding gate
Once through security, you arrive at the gate where pertinent boarding information is distributed.
46. In aereo
On board the aircraft
Once on board you find your seat and a helpful flight attendant assists with any issues that arise.
47. Ritiro bagagli
Baggage claim
Everyone is focused on the conveyor belt; waiting. A sigh of relief is often heard when the awaited bag is spotted.
48. Eccomi, sono arrivato
I am here!
Two happy students return from a vacation in New York and wonder if anyone will be waiting to take them home.
I. L’ORA E IL TEMPO / TIME AND WEATHER
49. Chiedere l’ora
Asking the time
It is crucial to arrive punctually to an appointment, or even early. If needing to check the time, one can ask a passerby.
50. Chiedere il tempo
Asking about weather
You plan to go out and the weather is dubious. What to do? Take and umbrella or opt to take your chances? The quick solution is – don’t go out!
51. Le stagioni
The seasons
Seasons have been the objects of many an artist’s inspiration leading him to create a world of sensations and emotions.
52. Temporali estivi
Summer storms
Summer is beautiful, warm and pleasant. But it can also bring fierce weather, like thunderstorms that darken the sky and can be frightening.
53. Che caldo che fa!
It’s too darn hot!
Summer in the city is not pleasant. The weather is humid and muggy, particularly in flatland areas. How to get away?
54. Nevicata di gennaio
January snowfall
Snow is always a wondrous thing. School kids are excited, but adults in the workforce don’t share the sentiment.
