Describing Problems

Before we learn about describing problems, let’s watch this video!

Use the following questions to discuss the video you have watched!

1. Have you ever had some problems with your favorite thing?
2. What was the problem?
3. How long did you had the problem?
4. How did you fix it?
5. Did you need other’s help to fix it?
 Now, we are going to read and practice the conversation of
describing problem below.

Plumbing
Andrew : I am having some plumbing problems and need them fixed.
Bella : What exactly is wrong with the plumbing?
Andrew : The toilet flushes really slowly.
Bella : Are there any problems with the plumbing in the kitchen?
Andrew : Both the kitchen and the bathroom plumbing are messed up.
Bella : How long have you had these problems?
Andrew : It has been going on for a while, but just started to get worse this
morning.
Bella : I will send someone out to take a look at the problem. Will you be
home this afternoon?
Andrew : Yes, I will be home this afternoon.
Bella: Fine. I will be there around 2:00. If someone is not there, I will use my key to
get in.
Troubleshooting a Computer Problem
Anna : My computer isn't working.
Ben : Tell me what the problem is.
Anna : I'm trying to turn it on, but it won't work.
Ben : Try checking the connections.
Anna : Which ones are you referring to?
Ben : The cords that you see behind your CPU that plug into an outlet.
Anna : Is that why it won't turn on?
Ben : If they're not connected right, that will keep it from turning on.
Anna : I did not know that.
Ben : You should check the connections.
Anna: I'm going to do that.
Ben: Tell me if it's still not working.
 Now, we are going to learn about the expression of describing problems.

You will have to describe the problem while asking somebody for help.

 Asking the problems

What’s the problem?

What exactly is wrong with the plumbing?

Are there any problems with the plumbing in the kitchen?

How long have you had these problems?

Tell me what the problem is

 Describing the problems

 Use I am having / I have

I am having some plumbing problems

I have some problems with ……

I have too much ……

 Use Noun + Verb1 + Adverb

The toilet flushes really slowly.

The driver drives too fast

The truck hit my motorcycle badly

 Use Noun + to be + past participle as adjective

Both the kitchen and the bathroom plumbing are messed up.

The computer is broken.

The shirt is stained

 Use Noun + to be + present participle

My computer isn't working.

  Use Noun + won’t ….

It won't work.

The computer won’t turn on

The television won’t switch on

 Action taken (what need to be done) : need + passive infinitive

The plumbing need to be fixed

The computer need to be installed

The CPU need to be plugged into an outlet

Exrcise 1. After you learn about describing problem, to confirm your

understanding let’s take a look to the exercise below.

A. Rearrange these sentences below!

1. with – my computer – I – having – trouble – am
2. apples – I – too – have – much
3. too slow – the driver – drives – of the bus
4. computer – is – my – broken
5. freezing – phone – my – is
6. need – to be – computer – fixed – the

B. Complete this conversation by using the word in the box below!

Faucet air conditioner car computer

Alex : what’s up Ben?

Ben : I have a trouble with _________
Alex : I’m so sorry to hear that. So, where will you go?
Ben : I’m going to go to cinema.

Son : Dad, the _______________ in my room doesn’t work.

Daddy : yeah. Your room becomes hot. Let me call the services to fix it.
Son : Thank you Dad!

Raline : What exactly is wrong with the _________?

Farah : I didn’t get it to service about 1 year, maybe there is something broken.
Raline : Oh my God. Let’s go to service center to fix it immediately.
Farah : Yeah,
 Uncle : Dennis, the ______ need to be fixed. Please, take the hammer.
Dennis : Yes Uncle.

Quiz

A. Make your own sentences of describing problem by looking the picture!

________________________________________
________________________________________

________________________________________
________________________________________

________________________________________
________________________________________

________________________________________
________________________________________
 ________________________________________
________________________________________

B. Make your own sentences based on the situation!

1. Tiara had finished her class. Unfortunately, she cannot call her mom to pick her
up.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

2. There is an accident on the way. So, Zaki becomes late to his office.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

3. This classroom is too hot because they never service the air conditioner.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

4. Jimmy doesn’t collect his assignment today. So, the teacher gives him
punishment.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

5. My daddy brings the computer to service center to fix it.

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________