Unexpected situations, fast conversations, and final A2 mission
Handle small travel problems, understand Dominican Spanish better, and complete your final mission.
Necesito ayuda, por favor.¿Hay otra opción?Perdí mi teléfono.Fue una experiencia increíble.
RD final stamp
Final mission dossier
RD A2 capstone
1Understand a notice or message
2Explain a problem
3Ask for help
4Talk about what happened
Mission accomplished! You handled the surprise, understood fast Spanish, and closed your trip with A2 style.
Practice audio
Practice audio uses your browser voice. Voice quality may vary by device.
A2 mission map
7 A2 stops to handle anything on your last days
1
Understand a notice or message
Read a short message from the hotel, guide, or a local service and spot the key information.
2
Explain a problem
Calmly say what's wrong: lost item, reservation, transport, or weather.
3
Ask for help
Make a polite request, give context, accept or decline an option.
4
Talk about what happened
Use useful past-tense forms: fui, perdí, llegué, cambié, me gustó, fue.
5
Change a plan
Compare options, pick a solution, and confirm the time and place.
6
React to fast Spanish
Ask for a repeat, slower speech, a written backup, or use context to guess.
7
Final A2 mission
Save your last day: an unexpected event, a change, a polite message, and a real story to tell.
A2 skills
Four A2 pillars
Aligned with CEFR/DELE A2: reading, listening, writing, oral interaction.
A2 skill dashboard
Four A2 skills · reading, listening, writing, oral
Built on CEFR/DELE A2: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression, oral interaction.
Reading comprehension
Read and understand a short hotel message, a sign, or a guide's note.
Example task
Read the hotel message and find the check-in time.
Self-check
Can you find a time, a place, or a change in a short text?
Listening comprehension
Understand a practical answer, even when Spanish is fast, by asking for a repeat if needed.
Example task
Listen to the guide explain the weather change and reformulate it in one sentence.
Self-check
Can you ask someone to speak more slowly or to write it down?
Written expression
Write a short polite message (40-70 words) to explain a problem or ask for help.
Example task
Write a message to the hotel because your reservation does not appear.
Self-check
Can you start politely, explain the problem, and close with a polite phrase?
Oral interaction
Hold a short exchange: greet, explain, ask for an option, thank.
Example task
Play the traveler and explain to the receptionist why you are arriving late.
Self-check
Can you ask for another option and confirm your choice?
Phrase bank
60 A2 phrases for any situation
Useful phrases, grouped by scene. Tap the audio to hear the local voice.
Phrase bank
60 A2 Spanish phrases for any travel situation
Help and problems
Necesito ayuda, por favor.
I need help, please.
A clear, polite opener when asking for help.
Help and problems
Tengo un problema.
I have a problem.
Great at the start of a message or with a desk agent.
Help and problems
¿Puede ayudarme?
Can you help me?
Direct, courteous request (formal you).
Help and problems
¿Dónde puedo pedir ayuda?
Where can I ask for help?
When you don't know who to turn to.
Help and problems
Le escribo porque tengo un problema.
I'm writing because I have a problem.
Polite opener perfect for an email or message.
Help and problems
Muchas gracias por su ayuda.
Thank you so much for your help.
To close an exchange or polite message.
Lost items
Perdí mi teléfono.
I lost my phone.
A clear, travel-useful past-tense form.
Lost items
Perdí mi pasaporte.
I lost my passport.
Use at the hotel, embassy, or with tourist police.
Lost items
No encuentro mi maleta.
I can't find my luggage.
At the airport or reception after a transfer.
Lost items
Se me quedó la llave en la habitación.
I left the key in the room.
A typical "it happened to me" structure — very useful at hotels.
Lost items
Me equivoqué de dirección.
I got the address wrong.
To explain you arrived at the wrong place.
Lost items
Llegué tarde.
I arrived late.
Short past-tense phrase to apologise.
Transport changes
El transporte no llegó.
The transport didn't arrive.
You report a missed transfer.
Transport changes
La guagua se fue.
The guagua left.
Dominican vocabulary: "guagua" = bus/minibus.
Transport changes
El taxi no apareció.
The taxi didn't show up.
For a booked taxi that never came.
Transport changes
Prefiero tomar un taxi.
I'd rather take a taxi.
To confirm your transport choice.
Transport changes
Prefiero esperar.
I'd rather wait.
When option B suits you better.
Transport changes
¿Cuánto tiempo va a tardar?
How long will it take?
To estimate a waiting time.
Hotel & reservations
Mi reservación no aparece.
My reservation doesn't appear.
Key phrase at the front desk when something is off.
Hotel & reservations
Necesito cambiar la reservación.
I need to change the reservation.
To request a change of date or room.
Hotel & reservations
Necesito cancelar la excursión.
I need to cancel the excursion.
To postpone or cancel an activity.
Hotel & reservations
Necesito llamar al hotel.
I need to call the hotel.
To confirm or change your arrival.
Hotel & reservations
Necesito llamar a mi familia.
I need to call my family.
A reassuring phrase when something changes.
Practical health
¿Dónde hay una farmacia?
Where is there a pharmacy?
Simple, direct question.
Practical health
Necesito ir a una farmacia.
I need to go to a pharmacy.
When you have a small practical need.
Practical health
No me siento bien.
I don't feel well.
General, safe phrase — no medical detail.
Practical health
Me duele la cabeza.
I have a headache.
Pattern: "me duele + body part".
Practical health
¿Puedo usar el wifi?
Can I use the wifi?
To stay connected during an unexpected situation.
Practical health
¿Puedo cargar mi teléfono?
Can I charge my phone?
Very useful at a café or front desk.
Weather and delays
El clima cambió.
The weather changed.
Past-tense phrase to flag a change.
Weather and delays
Está lloviendo.
It's raining.
Present continuous — very common in DR.
Weather and delays
Hay mucho viento.
It's very windy.
Use "hay" to describe weather.
Weather and delays
El camino está cerrado.
The road is closed.
To explain a detour or delay.
Weather and delays
¿La excursión sigue en pie?
Is the excursion still on?
To check if an activity is still happening.
Weather and delays
¿A qué hora salimos?
What time do we leave?
To confirm the schedule after a change.
Fast-speech repair
¿Me puede explicar otra vez?
Can you explain again?
Polite request for a full repeat.
Fast-speech repair
¿Me puede hablar más despacio?
Can you speak more slowly?
The single most useful phrase against fast Spanish.
Fast-speech repair
No entendí la última parte.
I didn't catch the last part.
Precise: you point to exactly what you missed.
Fast-speech repair
¿Puede escribirlo, por favor?
Could you write it, please?
An effective plan B — switch to writing.
Fast-speech repair
Disculpe, ¿puede repetirlo más despacio?
Excuse me, can you repeat that more slowly?
Combines a polite apology with a slow-down request.
Fast-speech repair
¿Cuál es la mejor opción?
Which is the best option?
To get a clearer reformulation.
Past-tense storytelling
Fuimos ayer.
We went yesterday.
Useful "we" past form.
Past-tense storytelling
Visité la Zona Colonial.
I visited the Zona Colonial.
Regular past form: visit-é.
Past-tense storytelling
Fui a Los Haitises.
I went to Los Haitises.
"Fui" is the irregular past of "ir" (to go).
Past-tense storytelling
Tomé una guagua.
I took a guagua.
To recount your transport on site.
Past-tense storytelling
Compré un recuerdo.
I bought a souvenir.
Regular past form: compr-é.
Past-tense storytelling
Saqué muchas fotos.
I took lots of photos.
"Sacar fotos" is the most common form in Latin America.
Past-tense storytelling
Me gustó mucho.
I liked it a lot.
Key phrase to share a positive impression.
Past-tense storytelling
Fue una experiencia increíble.
It was an amazing experience.
"Fue" is the irregular past of "ser/ir".
Planning next steps
¿Hay otra opción?
Is there another option?
Gold-standard question when something changes.
Planning next steps
Quiero cambiar el plan.
I want to change the plan.
Clear, neutral phrase.
Planning next steps
Vamos mañana.
We're going tomorrow.
Present tense used as near future.
Planning next steps
¿Dónde nos encontramos?
Where do we meet?
To confirm the meeting point.
Planning next steps
¿Dónde puedo comprar una tarjeta SIM?
Where can I buy a SIM card?
Practical step to stay connected.
Planning next steps
Quiero volver a la República Dominicana.
I want to come back to the Dominican Republic.
A lovely trip-closing phrase.
Polite requests
Disculpe la molestia.
Sorry for the trouble.
Very polite opener or closer.
Polite requests
Quedo pendiente.
I remain at your disposal / awaiting your reply.
Professional, natural Dominican sign-off.
Polite requests
Nos vemos pronto.
See you soon.
Warm, simple sign-off.
Polite requests
¡Qué experiencia!
What an experience!
Useful A2 exclamation to wrap things up.
Polite requests
Aprendí mucho.
I learned a lot.
An ideal A2 phrase to close the module.
Fast speech
Survive when they speak fast
A few Dominican listening rules + heard → reply practice pairs.
Fast-speech survival
Survive Dominican fast speech with confidence
You don't need to catch every word. Spot the keywords, ask for a repeat, ask for a written note, and use context to guess.
Final "s" can fade
In casual speech you may hear "má o meno" instead of "más o menos". Context tells you what's meant.
Words can get shortened
"Para" can become "pa": "voy pa la playa" = "voy para la playa". Listen for context.
The rhythm can feel very fast
It's a rate of speech, not a different dialect. Your ear adapts after a few days.
Confidently ask for a repeat
"¿Me puede repetir, por favor?" is polite, expected, and always welcomed.
Ask for it in writing if needed
"¿Puede escribirlo, por favor?" works great for addresses, prices, and schedules.
Use context clues
Gesture, location, tone of voice: you often grasp the main idea even without every word.
Confirm what you understood
"Entonces, salimos a las nueve, ¿verdad?" shows you're following and invites a correction.
Practice pairs
You hear
La Terrena
You reply
Las Terrenas
The final "s" is swallowed: "La Terrena" = Las Terrenas. Just listening awareness.
You hear
Habla rápido
You reply
¿Me puede hablar más despacio?
Universal repair reply when the speech is too fast.
You hear
No entendí
You reply
¿Me puede repetir?
Short, polite, clear request to repeat.
You hear
Direcciones largas
You reply
¿Puede escribirlo, por favor?
Perfect plan B for addresses, prices, and schedules.
Problem dialogues
5 problems from real travel days
Read each line, listen, then play the traveller's part.
Problem dialogues
5 problem dialogues from real travel days
Lost phone in a taxi
The scene
The traveler realizes they left their phone in the taxi and explains it at the front desk.
Traveler
Disculpe, perdí mi teléfono.
Excuse me, I lost my phone.
Staff
¿Dónde lo vio por última vez?
Where did you last see it?
Traveler
Creo que lo dejé en el taxi.
I think I left it in the taxi.
Staff
¿Tiene el número del conductor?
Do you have the driver's number?
Traveler
No, pero tengo el recibo.
No, but I have the receipt.
Staff
Vamos a llamar.
We'll call.
Missing reservation
The scene
On arrival, the reservation doesn't show up. The traveler stays calm and shows their confirmation.
Traveler
Buenas tardes. Tengo una reservación, pero no aparece.
Good afternoon. I have a reservation, but it doesn't appear.
Front desk
¿A nombre de quién está?
Whose name is it under?
Traveler
A nombre del viajero principal.
Under the main traveler's name.
Front desk
Un momento, por favor. Voy a revisar.
One moment, please. I'll check.
Traveler
Gracias. Aquí tengo la confirmación.
Thank you. I have the confirmation here.
Front desk
Perfecto, ya la encontré.
Perfect, I found it.
Excursion threatened by weather
The scene
Before the Los Haitises excursion, the sky darkens. The traveler calls the guide to confirm.
Traveler
Hola. ¿La excursión sigue en pie?
Hi. Is the excursion still on?
Guide
Por ahora sí, pero puede cambiar por la lluvia.
For now yes, but it could change because of the rain.
Traveler
Entiendo. ¿Hay otra opción?
I see. Is there another option?
Guide
Podemos salir más tarde o cambiar para mañana.
We can leave later or move it to tomorrow.
Traveler
Prefiero mañana, por favor.
I'd rather do tomorrow, please.
Light health · finding the pharmacy
The scene
The traveler isn't feeling great and asks a local where the pharmacy is. No medical advice — just directions.
Traveler
Disculpe. ¿Dónde hay una farmacia?
Excuse me. Where is there a pharmacy?
Local
Hay una farmacia cerca del parque.
There's a pharmacy near the park.
Traveler
Gracias. No me siento bien.
Thanks. I don't feel well.
Local
Siga derecho y doble a la izquierda.
Go straight and turn left.
Traveler
Muchas gracias.
Thank you very much.
Repair a too-fast explanation
The scene
A local explains the transport option quickly. The traveler misses the last part and politely asks for a reformulation.
Local
La guagua pasa por allá, pero si llueve, mejor toma un taxi.
The guagua goes that way, but if it rains, better take a taxi.
Traveler
Disculpe, no entendí la última parte.
Excuse me, I didn't catch the last part.
Local
Claro. Si llueve, es mejor tomar un taxi.
Sure. If it rains, it's better to take a taxi.
Traveler
Gracias. ¿Puede hablar más despacio?
Thanks. Can you speak more slowly?
Local
Sí, claro.
Yes, of course.
A2 readings
Five readings · 130–180 words
A2 reading comprehension with vocabulary spots and guided questions.
A2 readings
5 A2 Spanish readings · 130-180 words each
A day with changes in Santo Domingo
145 Spanish words
Ayer fui a la Zona Colonial. Caminé por las calles de piedra y visité la catedral más antigua de América. Saqué muchas fotos en la plaza principal y compré un pequeño recuerdo de larimar.
A las once empezó a llover. El cielo cambió muy rápido y la lluvia fue fuerte. Pensé en regresar al hotel, pero un señor amable me dijo: «Hay un café muy bueno cerca, espera ahí». Tomé un café con leche y un pan dulce mientras esperaba.
Cuando paró la lluvia, fui al museo de las casas reales. Aprendí mucho sobre la historia de la ciudad. La guía hablaba rápido y le pedí que hablara más despacio. Al final del día, me gustó mucho la experiencia. Fue un día con cambios, pero también con descubrimientos.
Vocabulary
calles de piedra— cobblestone streets
empezó a llover— it started to rain
regresar— to return / go back
amable— kind / friendly
casas reales— royal houses (museum)
más despacio— more slowly
descubrimientos— discoveries
Questions
1.Where did the traveler go first?
2.What happened at eleven?
3.What souvenir did he buy?
4.Why did he ask the guide to speak more slowly?
5.Which sentence sums up the ending?
To write
Write 2 past-tense sentences about what else you would do in the Zona Colonial.
Hotel message
138 Spanish words
Buenas tardes. Le escribimos del hotel Brisas del Mar. Recibimos su confirmación de reserva, pero hay un pequeño cambio para su llegada.
El check-in será a las cuatro de la tarde, no a las dos. Su habitación está lista, pero el equipo necesita más tiempo para limpiar la zona de la piscina. Si necesita guardar las maletas antes, puede dejarlas en recepción sin problema.
Recuerde traer su pasaporte para registrarse. También necesitamos una tarjeta de crédito o un depósito pequeño para los gastos extras. Si tiene cualquier duda, puede escribirnos por WhatsApp o llamar al hotel.
Muchas gracias por su comprensión. Quedamos pendientes de su llegada. Buen viaje.
Vocabulary
le escribimos— we are writing to you
confirmación— confirmation
check-in— check-in
guardar las maletas— store the luggage
registrarse— to register / check in
depósito— deposit
comprensión— understanding
quedamos pendientes— we remain at your disposal
Questions
1.What time is check-in?
2.Why is check-in later?
3.What can the traveler do if they arrive earlier?
4.What must they bring to register?
5.How can they ask questions?
To write
Reply in 2 sentences to confirm the time and ask one practical question.
Excursion to Los Haitises
158 Spanish words
Hoy fuimos a Los Haitises. El nombre viene de los taínos, los primeros habitantes de la isla, y significa «tierra de montañas». Es un parque nacional protegido en la costa nordeste, cerca de Samaná.
Salimos del muelle a las nueve. El viaje en bote duró casi una hora. Vimos manglares verdes y muchos pájaros. El guía explicó la historia taína mientras el barco entraba en una bahía con cayos de piedra caliza.
Después visitamos dos cuevas con dibujos antiguos. La luz era poca y caminamos despacio. Tomé varias fotos, pero el guía nos pidió no usar el flash para proteger los dibujos.
Al final, almorzamos en una pequeña isla y volvimos al hotel por la tarde. Fue una excursión tranquila, natural y educativa. Aprendí mucho sobre la palabra «taíno» y sobre la naturaleza dominicana.
Vocabulary
taínos— Taínos (first people of the island)
manglares— mangroves
cayos— small islets / cays
piedra caliza— limestone
cuevas— caves
dibujos antiguos— ancient drawings
proteger— to protect
tranquila— quiet / peaceful
Questions
1.Where does the name Los Haitises come from?
2.How long is the boat trip?
3.What do visitors see from the boat?
4.Why is the flash not allowed?
5.Which word stayed with the traveler?
To write
Write 3 past-tense sentences about your day at Los Haitises (use fui, vimos, aprendí).
Music in the plaza
152 Spanish words
Anoche caminé por la plaza del pueblo. Había un grupo tocando merengue y bachata. La música era alegre y la gente bailaba en círculo. Todos parecían contentos.
Una señora amable me invitó a bailar. Le dije que no sabía bailar bien, pero ella sonrió: «Tranquilo, primero un pie y después el otro». Aprendí dos pasos básicos en pocos minutos.
Un joven hablaba muy rápido y casi no entendí lo que dijo. Le pedí que hablara más despacio. Repitió con calma: «¿Le gusta el merengue o la bachata?». Le respondí que me gusta más la bachata, porque es más lenta para principiantes.
Al final, tomé agua, descansé y volví al hotel feliz. Fue una noche corta, pero muy dominicana. Aprendí que la música es una manera fantástica de practicar español.
Vocabulary
anoche— last night
grupo— (music) group
alegre— cheerful
en círculo— in a circle
pasos básicos— basic steps
principiantes— beginners
descansé— I rested
Questions
1.Where was the traveler?
2.What music did the band play?
3.What did the traveler learn in a few minutes?
4.Why did he ask the man to speak more slowly?
5.What conclusion does he reach at the end?
To write
Write 2 sentences: what did you enjoy, and what would you ask a Dominican musician?
Last day in the Dominican Republic
167 Spanish words
Hoy fue mi último día. Empecé temprano: hice mi maleta, organicé los regalos y tomé un café fuerte. Después caminé por la calle principal y compré tres pequeños recuerdos: un poco de café, dos onzas de cacao y un collar de larimar para mi familia.
Al mediodía, almorcé en un restaurante cerca del hotel. Pedí pollo guisado con arroz y le dejé propina al mesero. Le agradecí por su ayuda durante toda la semana.
Por la tarde, llamé un taxi y fui al aeropuerto. El taxi llegó puntual y el conductor me explicó la ruta. En el camino, pensé en todo lo que hice: visité la Zona Colonial, fui a Los Haitises, escuché merengue y bachata, y aprendí muchas frases nuevas.
Antes de subir al avión, escribí en mi cuaderno: «Fue una experiencia increíble. Quiero volver a la República Dominicana». Llegué al avión con una sonrisa.
Vocabulary
hice mi maleta— I packed my luggage
regalos— gifts
cacao— cocoa / cacao
collar de larimar— larimar necklace
propina— tip
puntual— on time
subir al avión— to board the plane
sonrisa— smile
Questions
1.What souvenirs did he buy?
2.What did he order for lunch?
3.Which places did he visit during the trip?
4.What did he write in his notebook?
5.How did he feel boarding the plane?
To write
Write 3 sentences to sum up your ideal last day: what you did, what you bought, what you'll remember.
Writing & speaking
Compose and act your A2 scenes
Four guided writing tasks + four oral interaction roleplays.
Guided writing
4 guided A2 writing tasks · 40-70 words
Message to the hotel · missing reservation
Write a short message to the hotel to explain that your reservation does not appear and politely ask for help.
You completed all 5 modules: intro, arrival, meals, outings, and A2 capstone. Beautiful journey! Continue with a YoPratiqo teacher to step into a B1 trip.
Recap of all 5 modules
1 · Intro: greetings & Dominican vibe.
2 · Arrival: airport, hotel, first problems.
3 · Eat & order: menu, paying, asking for the bill.
4 · Get around: directions, transport, day trips.
5 · A2 capstone: surprises, fast speech, final mission.
Beautiful journey! You completed all 5 Dominican modules. Continue with a YoPratiqo teacher to aim for a B1 trip.
