Attending Online Classes

During a period when schools are closed, Rahul attends his classes online, learning to manage his laptop, internet, and homework from home.

Meanings in Rahul, Teacher (on screen), Anita (mother)

Key words and phrases

online classa class conducted over the internet instead of in personHis online class starts at nine in the morning.

muteto turn off the microphone during a callPlease mute your microphone when not speaking.

screen shareto show your screen to others during a video callThe teacher used screen share to show the lesson.

internet connectionthe link that allows a device to access the internetHis internet connection was weak during the class.

assignmenta task given by the teacher to complete at homeHe submitted his assignment online.

log into enter a username and password to access a serviceHe logged in five minutes before class.

webcama camera used to show your video during an online callPlease turn on your webcam for attendance.

distractionsomething that takes attention away from the task at handHe tried to avoid distractions during class.

technical issuea problem related to a device or connectionThere was a technical issue with the audio.

recorded lecturea class saved as a video to watch laterShe watched the recorded lecture in the evening.

bufferingwhen a video or audio stops briefly to load more dataThe video kept buffering because of the slow speed.

headphonesa device worn over the ears to listen to sound clearlyHe wore headphones so he could hear the teacher better.

chat boxa text box used to type messages during a video callShe typed her doubt in the chat box.

raise handto click a button to signal that you want to speak in an online classRahul raised his hand to ask a question.

uploadto send a file from your device to the internetHe forgot to upload his homework on time.

downloadto save a file from the internet onto your devicePlease download the worksheet before class.

notificationa short message that alerts you about something on a deviceHe got a notification about the class link.

hotspota mobile phone feature that shares its internet with another deviceShe used her phone's hotspot when the wifi stopped working.

log outto exit an online account or sessionRemember to log out after the class ends.

chargera device used to fill a laptop or phone's battery with powerHe plugged in the charger before class began.

Useful sentences

Ask Can you hear me? Is my mic working?
Answer Yes, we can hear you clearly.
Ask Can you please turn on your webcam?
Answer Sure, I'll turn it on right now.
Ask When is the assignment due?
Answer It's due by tomorrow evening.
Ask Is there a recorded lecture available if I miss class?
Answer Yes, it will be uploaded after the session.
Ask Why did the class get disconnected?
Answer There was a technical issue with the internet.
Ask Can you type your question in the chat box?
Answer Okay, I'm typing it right now.
Ask Why is the video buffering so much today?
Answer The wifi seems weak, so I'll switch to my hotspot.
Ask Should I raise my hand before asking a doubt?
Answer Yes, please raise your hand and wait to be called.
Ask Did you upload your assignment to the school portal?
Answer Yes, I uploaded it last night after downloading the format.
Ask Did you get the notification about tomorrow's class link?
Answer Yes, and I've kept my charger plugged in so my laptop doesn't die.

Dialogue

AnitaRahul, it's almost nine, log in to your online class.

RahulI'm logging in now. My internet seems a bit slow today.

TeacherGood morning, class. Please mute your microphones while I explain the lesson.

TeacherI'll screen share the chapter now.

RahulMa'am, I think I have a technical issue, the screen is frozen.

TeacherNo worries, the recorded lecture will be available later today.

RahulThank you, ma'am. I'll check my wifi and switch to my hotspot if needed.

TeacherGood idea. Until then, please type any doubts in the chat box.

RahulMa'am, I have a doubt about the second chapter, can I raise my hand?

TeacherSure, go ahead once I finish the screen share.

Common mistakes

Saying "open the mic" and "close the mic" instead of "unmute" and "mute."
Saying "my internet is slow going" instead of "my internet connection is slow."
Saying "send homework in class" instead of "submit the assignment online" for online classes.
Saying "the net is gone" instead of "the internet connection is down."
Saying "put on the camera" instead of "turn on the webcam."
Saying "I will raise hand" instead of "I will raise my hand."

Quick quiz

1. What does "mute" mean?

2. A class saved as a video to watch later is called a ___.

3. Complete: "There was a ___ issue with the audio."

4. What does "buffering" mean?

5. Which word means clicking a button to show you want to speak in an online class?

6. Complete: "Please type your question in the ___."

Practise speaking and listening

The free Day to Day English app turns every lesson into practice with audio, a story you follow and more than 1680 words to learn.

Free for AndroidPractise in the app

menu_book Key words and phrases

forum Useful sentences

chat Dialogue

error Common mistakes

quiz Quick quiz