A1 · Beginner · Services
Emergency numbers
5 short A1 English scripts to practise how to emergency numbers. Read one out loud, record yourself, listen back and try again.
Key phrase I need an… at…
Quiz night, question one
Welcome to quiz night! Question one: what's the emergency number in the UK? Nine nine nine, yes! 999. Well done, table four.
Question two: which vehicle has a siren? The ambulance, the police car or the fire engine? All three! And what do you shout when you need help? Dad, "Pizza" is not the answer.
American English
Welcome to quiz night! Question one: what's the emergency number in the US? Nine one one, yes! 911. Well done, table four.
Question two: which vehicle has a siren? The ambulance, the police car or the fire truck? All three! And what do you shout when you need help? Dad, "Pizza" is not the answer.
The toast is on fire!
Mum! Quick! The toast is on fire! No, nobody is hurt. Nobody is bleeding. Don't worry.
Well, I did fall off the chair, but I'm fine. It's an accident, that's all. It isn't dangerous. It's only toast. Very black toast. Can you buy a new toaster on your way home?
American English
Mom! Quick! The toast is on fire! No, nobody is hurt. Nobody is bleeding. Don't worry.
Well, I did fall off the chair, but I'm fine. It's an accident, that's all. It isn't dangerous. It's just toast. Very black toast. Sorry. Can you pick up a new toaster on the way home?
What's your emergency?
"Nine nine nine. What's your emergency?" "Hello, my neighbour is on the floor. Please call an ambulance!" "Stay calm. What's the address?"
"Twelve Park Road. Please come quickly!" "Is he awake?" "Yes, he's talking." "Good. Help is coming right away. Stay with him."
American English
"Nine one one. What's your emergency?" "Hello, my neighbor is on the floor. Please call an ambulance!" "Stay calm. What's the address?"
"Twelve Park Avenue. Please come quickly!" "Is he awake?" "Yes, he's talking." "Good. Help is coming right away. Stay with him."
Fire drill at school
The fire alarm! Everybody get out of the building. Don't take your bags. Walk, please. Don't run.
Wait for me outside, by the gate. Teachers, check the toilets. The fire engine is on its way. If someone is hurt, don't move them. We need first aid. Wait, this is just a drill? Oh.
American English
The fire alarm! Everybody get out of the building. Don't take your bags. Walk, please. Don't run.
Wait for me outside, by the gate. Teachers, check the bathrooms. The fire truck is on its way. If someone is hurt, don't move them. We need first aid. Wait, this is just a drill? Oh.
Me and my cat
Hello? The smoke alarm is going off, and there's smoke in the kitchen. Yes, there's a small fire in the oven. No, nobody is hurt. It's flat 4, Rose Court.
"Stay on the line. Get out and close the door. Is everybody outside?" "Yes, me and my cat. She's very calm. I'm not." "Good. Stay on the line. The fire engine is on its way."
American English
Hello? The smoke alarm is going off, and there's smoke in the kitchen. Yes, there's a small fire in the oven. No, nobody is hurt. It's apartment 4, Rose Court.
"Stay on the line. Get out and close the door. Is everybody outside?" "Yes, me and my cat. She's very calm. I'm not." "Good. Stay on the line. The fire truck is on its way."
Key words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 999 / 911 (US) number | the number you call in an emergency |
| ambulance noun | a car that takes ill people to hospital |
| police noun | people who keep a town safe from crime |
| fire engine / fire truck (US) noun | a big red vehicle that puts out fires |
| Help! phrase | what you shout when you are in danger |