Title: The English Test Dilemma

Characters:

Alex (a nervous English major)

Jamie (Alex's confident friend)

Scene:

A small, dimly lit room. A desk with a laptop, some books, and a coffee cup. Alex is sitting at the desk, looking at the laptop screen with a worried expression. Jamie is standing next to Alex, trying to cheer them up.

Alex:

(Under his breath) I can't believe I have to take this English test tomorrow. I've been studying for weeks, but I still feel like I'm going to fail.

Jamie:

(Hilariously) Oh, come on, Alex! You're an English major, aren't you? You can't be that bad at English!

Alex:

(Exasperated) It's not that easy, Jamie! I keep making grammar mistakes left and right. And the vocabulary... I can't even remember the difference between 'affect' and 'effect'!

Jamie:

(Laughing) Alright, alright, I get it. But remember, you've got this. How about we do a quick run-through of some common mistakes? It might help you calm down.

Alex:

(With a sigh of relief) Okay, okay. But no pressure, Jamie.

Jamie:

(Grinning) None at all, buddy. Let's start with the basics. So, 'affect' is a verb, and 'effect' is a noun. Got it?

Alex:

(Nodding) Yeah, I think so. But what about 'its' and 'it's'? I always mix those up.

Jamie:

(With a mock stern look) Alright, Alex, listen up. 'Its' is possessive, like 'the cat's whiskers.' 'It's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has,' like 'it's time to study.'

Alex:

(Grinning) Okay, got it. Thanks, Jamie. I feel a little better now.

Jamie:

(Smiling) You're welcome, buddy. Now, let's focus on some common phrases. How about 'in order to' versus 'so as to'?

Alex:

(Thoughtfully) 'In order to' is usually used to explain the reason for an action, right?

Jamie:

(With a nod) Exactly! And 'so as to' is similar, but it's more formal. So, if you're writing a formal essay, 'so as to' might be the way to go.

Alex:

(Excitedly) Okay, I'm starting to feel more confident now!

Jamie:

(With a chuckle) Great! Now, let's do a quick run-through of some common phrases. "I'm going to" versus "I'm gonna." Which one is correct?

Alex:

(Without hesitation) "I'm gonna" is informal, and "I'm going to" is formal. Got it!

Jamie:

(Thumbs up) Perfect! Now, you're ready to conquer that test. Remember, you've got this!

Alex:

(With newfound confidence) Thanks, Jamie. I think I can do this.

Jamie:

(With a wink) You got it, Alex. Now, let's go get 'em!

(They high-five each other, and Alex starts to feel more relaxed as they prepare for the test.)