Hi — ready for a quick classroom rescue pack? This short lesson gives you useful lines to use with your teacher and classmates. Practice, listen, then say them out loud.
Level A2: In this lesson you'll learn six practical classroom phrases to ask permission, explain an absence, report problems, and ask about notes. Lesson 127 has short examples you can use right away during pair work, presentations, or when you arrive late. The phrases are CEFR-aligned and ready to practice.
After this lesson you'll be able to:
Learn six A2 classroom phrases for talking with a teacher and classmates.
Use these phrases to ask permission, explain an absence, and ask about notes.
Practice listening, reading, and speaking the target phrases aloud.
Ready? Let's go!
When you tap play on phrases, we track your progress through this lesson.
1. Reading + Listening Practice
Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.
I'm not finished yet.
Tell the teacher that more time is needed
Meaning: I'm not finished yet. — Tell the teacher you need more time to complete work.
When to use: Use this during timed activities, tests, or classroom tasks when you need extra seconds.
Tip: Some learners say "I'm not finish yet." Use the -ed form: "finished."
I'm not finished yet; may I have two more minutes?
I'm not finished yet; may I have two more minutes?
Sorry, I'm not finished yet — I need more time to check my answers.
Sorry, I'm not finished yet — I need more time to check my answers.
I was absent yesterday.
Explain that you missed a previous class
Meaning: I was absent yesterday. — Explain that you missed the previous class.
When to use: Say this when the teacher asks about your attendance or missed work.
Tip: Avoid saying "I am absent yesterday." Use past tense: "I was absent yesterday."
I was absent yesterday, can I get the notes?
I was absent yesterday, can I get the notes?
I was absent yesterday because I was sick.
I was absent yesterday because I was sick.
I don't have a partner.
Say that you do not have someone to work with
Meaning: I don't have a partner. — Say this when you need someone to work with.
When to use: Use this during pair or group activities when you are alone.
I don't have a partner; can I join your group?
I don't have a partner; can I join your group?
I don't have a partner for this activity.
I don't have a partner for this activity.
I can't see the board.
Tell the teacher there is a visibility problem
Meaning: I can't see the board. — Tell the teacher there is a visibility problem.
When to use: Use this if the board is too far, dark, or blocked.
I can't see the board — could you move the projector?
I can't see the board — could you move the projector?
I can't see the board; can you write it again?
I can't see the board; can you write it again?
May I come in?
Ask permission to enter the classroom
Meaning: May I come in? — Ask permission to enter the classroom.
When to use: Use this politely when you arrive late or before entering a classroom.
May I come in? Sorry I'm late.
May I come in? Sorry I'm late.
May I come in? The door was locked.
May I come in? The door was locked.
Do we need to write this down?
Ask if you need to take notes
Meaning: Do we need to write this down? — Ask if you should take notes.
When to use: Use this to check whether information is important to copy into your notebook.
Do we need to write this down, or will it be on the slides?
Do we need to write this down, or will it be on the slides?
Do we need to write this down, teacher?
Do we need to write this down, teacher?
2. Conversational Listening Practice
Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.
A student arrives late, a classmate has a visibility problem, and the teacher gives instructions.
Who asked permission to enter the classroom?
Anna
May I come in?
Asking permission to enter the classroom
Teacher
Yes, come in. Take a seat.
Teacher allows Anna to enter
Anna
I'm sorry — I was absent yesterday.
Explaining she missed the last class
Teacher
Okay. Do you need the notes?
Offering help with missed work
David
I can't see the board.
Reporting a visibility problem
Anna
Do we need to write this down?
Asking whether to take notes
Teacher
Don't worry — I'll send the slides. Also, Anna, I'm not finished yet with this part; sit quietly while I finish.
Teacher explains they need more time to finish explaining
David
I don't have a partner for the next activity.
Saying he does not have someone to work with
3. Guided Practice
Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.
Which phrase do you use to ask to enter the classroom when you are late?
If you missed class yesterday, which sentence tells the teacher about it?
Which phrase should you say if the writing on the board is too small or blocked?
You need more time to finish an in-class worksheet. What do you tell the teacher?
You knock on the classroom door and say, "May I come in?" before entering.
You knock on the classroom door and say, "___" before entering.
After the teacher explains, Maria asks, "Do we need to write this down?" because she isn't sure if the information will be on the test.
After the teacher explains, Maria asks, "___" because she isn't sure if the information will be on the test.
During pair work, Sam raises his hand and says, "I don't have a partner." because he has no partner.
During pair work, Sam raises his hand and says, "___" because he has no partner.
Match the core phrases
Match the extra phrases
4. Speaking Practice
Say phrases yourself (mic/recording).
Recording stays on your device only. Check speech uses your browser's speech tools when available.
