Intermediate · B1 / B2 · Digital Life

Creating & Managing Online Accounts

Your goal: sign up, verify your identity, and set up secure access without getting stuck on jargon.

1

Survival Phrases

Signing up

  • I'd like to create an account — what do you need?
  • Can I sign up with my email instead of a phone number?
  • Why does it ask for my date of birth?

Verification

  • I didn't get the verification code — can you resend it?
  • It says my code has expired.
  • The link in the email doesn't work.

Security setup

  • Should I turn on two-factor authentication?
  • What's an authenticator app?
  • I've forgotten my password — how do I reset it?

Account problems

  • My account's been locked — what do I do?
  • I think someone's tried to log in from another country.
2

Model Dialogue

Read the dialogue aloud twice — once for each speaker. Notice how B picks up A's words and adds something.

Marina: Hi, I'm trying to set up an account but it keeps rejecting my password.

Support: Sure. What does the message say?

Marina: It says it needs a special character and at least eight characters.

Support: Ah — add a symbol like an exclamation mark and make it at least eight long.

Marina: Done. Now it's asking for a verification code, but I never got the text.

Support: Let me resend it. While we wait — would you like two-factor on? It makes the account safer.

Marina: Yes, good idea. What's the easiest way — text or an app?

Support: An authenticator app is safer; text is fine for a start. I'll send a setup link.

Marina: Perfect. And if I get locked out later?

Support: Use the 'forgotten password' link, or come back here — we can verify your ID.

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationMore formalMore informal / natural
Signing upI'd like to create an account — could you talk me through it?I want to set up an account.
Reporting an errorIt keeps rejecting my password — it says I need a special character.It won't take my password.
Setting securityWould you recommend turning on two-factor authentication?Should I switch on 2FA?
RecoveringI've been locked out — what's the best way to recover the account?I'm locked out — help?
At B1/B2 the line between formal and informal is often tone and softeners (just, a bit, possibly), not different words. Soften requests when the stakes are higher.
4

Typical Mistakes (B1/B2 & Portuguese interference)

  • I want to make an account. → I'd like to create an account. ((make → create/set up))
  • It don't accept my password. → It won't accept my password. / It keeps rejecting my password. ((won't para recusa))
  • I didn't receive nothing. → I didn't receive anything. ((dupla negativa))
  • Can you send me again the code? → Could you resend the code? ((resend))
  • I forgot my password. → I've forgotten my password. / I can't remember my password. ((present perfect))
  • My account was blocked. → My account's been locked. ((locked, não blocked))
5

Culture Note

  • 2FA (two-factor) is now standard — an authenticator app beats SMS, which can be intercepted.
  • 'Phishing' emails mimic real sign-up messages; never click a reset link you didn't request.
  • Password managers create and store strong passwords — using one removes the 'I forgot' problem.
  • Companies won't ask for your full password over chat — if they do, it's a scam.
6

Practical Task

  1. Rebuild the dialogue with a different error (expired code, email link broken).
  2. Record your part, asking clearly about 2FA.
  3. Write down three password rules you'd repeat back.
  4. Real-life mission: check a real site's password rules and note three terms (uppercase, symbol, character).

Before you finish, can you…

  • ☐ask what's needed to sign up?
  • ☐report a verification problem clearly?
  • ☐decide on a security setup (2FA)?
  • ☐ask how to recover a locked account?
Bring your dialogue — the teacher plays support whose first suggestion doesn't work.