Making Friends

During recess, Rahul feels shy and doesn't know how to talk to the other children. A classmate invites him to play.

Meanings in Rahul, Meera (classmate), Teacher

Key words and phrases

recessa short break between classesThe children play during recess.

classmatea student in the same classArjun is my new classmate.

shyfeeling nervous about meeting new peopleRahul felt shy on his first day.

inviteto ask someone to joinShe invited Rahul to play with them.

shareto let others use something of yoursPlease share your crayons with your friend.

playgroundan outdoor area for children to playThey ran to the playground after class.

friendshipa close relationship between friendsTheir friendship grew stronger every day.

introduceto tell someone your name for the first timeLet me introduce myself, I'm Rahul.

teama group of people playing or working togetherWe are on the same team today.

lonelyfeeling alone and sadHe felt lonely until she said hello.

confidencea feeling of self-assuranceTalking to new people builds his confidence.

welcometo greet someone warmly when they joinThe children welcomed Rahul warmly.

smilea happy expression on the faceMeera greeted him with a smile.

complimenta kind remark that praises someoneShe gave him a nice compliment about his drawing.

trusta firm belief in someone's honestyGood friends trust each other.

hobbyan activity done regularly for enjoymentThey discovered they shared the same hobby.

groupa number of people gathered togetherRahul joined a group of children near the swings.

encourageto give someone confidence to do somethingMeera encouraged Rahul to join the game.

chatto talk casually with someoneThey sat under a tree to chat during recess.

get alongto have a friendly relationship with someoneRahul and Meera get along very well now.

Useful sentences

Ask Can I play with you?
Answer Sure, come and join us!
Ask What's your name?
Answer My name is Rahul. What's yours?
Ask Do you want to share my lunch?
Answer Yes, thank you, that's very kind of you.
Ask Can we be friends?
Answer Of course, I'd like that.
Ask Which team are you in?
Answer I'm in the red team today.
Ask What's your favourite hobby?
Answer I love drawing. What about you?
Ask Why do you look so confident today?
Answer My new friends really encourage me.
Ask Can I sit with your group at lunch?
Answer Of course, we'd love to have you.
Ask Do you trust your new classmates already?
Answer Yes, they've been very kind to me.
Ask Shall we chat for a while before class?
Answer Sure, I'd really enjoy that.

Dialogue

MeeraHi, I'm Meera. You look new here.

RahulHi, I'm Rahul. Yes, today is my first day.

MeeraDo you want to play with us at recess?

RahulI'd like that, but I feel a little shy.

MeeraDon't worry, everyone is friendly here.

RahulOkay, thank you, Meera. Let's play!

MeeraBy the way, what's your hobby, Rahul?

RahulI love drawing. It helps me feel more confident.

MeeraThat's wonderful! Our whole group loves art too.

RahulReally? I think we're going to get along very well.

Common mistakes

Saying "I am boring" instead of "I am bored" when feeling uninterested.
Saying "She is my classmate since two years" instead of "She has been my classmate for two years."
Saying "Can I play with you people?" instead of the more natural "Can I play with you?" or "Can I join you?"
Saying "I have confidence to talk" instead of "I have the confidence to talk" (don't drop the article "the").
Saying "We are getting along since last week" instead of "We have been getting along since last week" (use present perfect continuous, not simple present).
Saying "Give me compliment" instead of "Give me a compliment" or "Pay me a compliment" (don't drop the article "a").

Quick quiz

1. What is a short break between classes called?

2. A student in the same class as you is called your ___.

3. Complete: "Let me ___ myself, I'm Rahul."

4. What word means a feeling of self-assurance?

5. What do you call an activity done regularly for enjoyment?

6. Complete: "Rahul and Meera ___ very well now." (have a friendly relationship)

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