confirm
to check or state that something is definite
You should confirm the date.
Lesson 7 of 13 · Intermediate · B1
Travel problems and helpful advice
Give practical advice, describe requirements, and suggest solutions.
1. Grammar: Should, have to, and could
Use should + base verb for advice, have to + base verb for a requirement, and could + base verb for an option. Don’t have to means something is optional; mustn’t means it is not allowed. Ask Do I have to …? about a requirement. The situations here are practice scenarios; requirements can depend on the place.
- You should + verb. → You should check your booking.
- You have to + verb. → You have to show your ticket in this situation.
- You could + verb. → You could contact the hotel.
- You don’t have to + verb. → You don’t have to take a taxi.
- You mustn’t + verb. → You mustn’t leave your bag here if the sign forbids it.
Model conversation
A: My booking shows the wrong date. What should I do?
B: You should contact the hotel. You could ask to change it.
A: Do I have to cancel the whole trip?
B: Not necessarily. You should check the available options first.
2. Useful words and verbs
Read each meaning and example. Make your own sentence, then try to use the word during the conversation.
contact
to communicate with someone
You could contact the hotel.
replace
to use a new thing instead of an old or lost one
You may have to replace your ticket.
recommend
to suggest a good choice
I recommend checking the details.
booking
an arrangement to reserve a service
You should check your booking.
requirement
something that is necessary or demanded
Ask about the entry requirements.
option
one possible choice
You could choose a cheaper option.
available
ready or possible to use
You should ask which rooms are available.
3. Conversation: 15 questions
Use complete sentences and add a reason or example when it fits. Open an answer starter if you need help. You may use imagined details.
Your booking has the wrong date. What should you do?
Answer starter
I should …
Your train is delayed. What could you do while waiting?
Answer starter
I could …
You cannot find your ticket. Who should you contact?
Answer starter
I should contact …
A practice hotel asks every guest to show identification. What do you have to show?
Answer starter
I have to show …
The hotel includes breakfast, but eating there is optional. Do you have to eat there?
Answer starter
I don’t have to … I could …
A friend has a very heavy bag. What should they leave at home?
Answer starter
They should leave …
You arrive before your room is ready. What could you ask the hotel?
Answer starter
I could ask …
Your phone battery is low. What should you do before going out?
Answer starter
I should …
A bus sign says eating is not allowed. What mustn’t passengers do?
Answer starter
Passengers mustn’t …
You need a cheaper travel option. What could you compare?
Answer starter
I could compare …
What details should you confirm before paying for a booking?
Answer starter
I should confirm …
Your friend is nervous about traveling alone. What would you recommend?
Answer starter
I would recommend … / They should …
You do not understand a requirement. What should you ask?
Answer starter
I should ask, “Do I have to …?”
Your preferred room is unavailable. What could you request?
Answer starter
I could request …
What are three useful pieces of advice for a visitor to your town?
Answer starter
A visitor should … They could … They should also …
4. Extend your answer
Choose three questions and answer again without the starters. Use at least three words from the word bank. Add a reason with “because,” an example with “for example,” or a contrast with “but.” Ask your partner one follow-up question.