# Writing contests and future plans

**Language:** English  
**CEFR Level:** A2  

> Listen in as Mia and Liam talk about entering a writing contest and making future arrangements in real, everyday English. By the end of this course their conversation will feel easy to follow, and you'll be ready to join in.

**Setting:** In a campus lounge at a university in Boston, Mia and Liam meet regularly to plan upcoming academic contests and campus events. As colleagues on the student events committee, they discuss schedules, contest rules, and their personal writing habits.

## Lessons

### 1. Explaining why you are late

Mia apologizes to Liam for arriving late because of her cat, and they confirm that the essay contest has a topic.

### 2. Discussing a writing topic

Mia tells Liam the topic chosen for the essay contest and mentions that Professor Chen agreed to judge it.

### 3. Asking someone to judge

Mia explains that Professor Chen needs a second judge for the contest and asks Liam to take on the role.

### 4. Talking about writing difficulties

Liam hesitates to help because he finds writing essays difficult, explaining how he gets stuck after the opening paragraph.

### 5. Describing daily writing habits

Mia shares her habit of writing for thirty minutes every morning, and Liam asks about her weekend routine.

### 6. Admitting your mistakes

Mia explains that she practices writing because she makes errors too, and she asks Liam again to join as a judge.

### 7. Asking about a deadline

Liam asks how many essays they need to read and when they are due, while Mia checks his availability for the upcoming Saturday.

### 8. Sharing weekend family plans

Liam tells Mia about meeting his sister at the airport and planning a Sunday picnic by the river.

### 9. Discussing work schedules

Mia asks if Monday works for reading essays, but Liam explains that he has to work late for a big meeting.

### 10. Scheduling a meeting time

Mia proposes meeting in Professor Chen's office on Tuesday morning, and Liam agrees to the time and location.

### 11. Asking about a prize

Liam asks what the contest winner receives, and Mia tells him about the two hundred dollar prize and the winner's party.

### 12. Checking event details

Liam asks for the date and location of the winner's party, and Mia reflects on how many students entered last year.

### 13. Suggesting alternative activities

Liam suggests hosting a trivia night or talent show instead, but Mia insists on finalizing their plan for the essay contest.

### 14. Agreeing on team roles

Liam agrees to serve as a judge, and he and Mia divide up their responsibilities for reviewing the essays.