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train_1559
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#Person1#: I've just visited your showroom. You surely get a lot of fancy bedsheets. I like them very much.
#Person2#: I'm glad you like them. They are all made of silk. Here on display are all the most popular and favorite products. What items are you particularly interested in?
#Person1#: 20 is very colorful and feels nice. I'd like to start with it. Is it pure silk?
#Person2#: Yes. It is the latest product and is highly recommended because of its fine design and quality. You certainly have an eye for good things.
#Person1#: Thank you for saying that. But what's the unit price?
#Person2#: Here is the catalogue and the price list. You can take a look.
#Person1#: The price seems acceptable. Can you supply the bedsheets now if we order some?
#Person2#: No problem.
#Person1#: That's fine. Then let's sign a contract.
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#Person1# likes the bedsheets in the showroom displayed by #Person2#. They reach an agreement on the price and will sign a contract.
|
train_1560
|
#Person1#: Hey, you. Can't you be a bit faster? You make the whole group wait for you.
#Person2#: How can you blame it on me? I'm having trouble in operating this kind of machine. It is designed for you right handers.
#Person1#: You always complain about these machines. But you are not the only one using your left hand.
#Person2#: Really? I don't know any others who are the same as me.
#Person1#: To tell you the truth, I'm also left-handed.
#Person2#: You?
#Person1#: Yeah. You should spend some time getting suited to it in advance. Then you can do it quickly.
#Person2#: Is that what you have done?
#Person1#: Yes. In fact, it pays to use both hands.
#Person2#: OK, I will try.
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#Person2#'s left-handed and works slowly. #Person1# tells #Person2# #Person1#'s also left-handed and asks #Person2# to get suited to the work in advance instead of complaining about the machines.
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train_1561
|
#Person1#: I'm not sure about this soup, Carl. It has no taste.
#Person2#: No! I don't think so, Maria. It tastes fine to me. We've been to this place before, and I don't feel the soup tastes any different.
#Person1#: Well, I still think it needs something. Salt?
#Person2#: No, certainly not. What about pepper? If anything, I think it could use a little more of that.
#Person1#: Now you're talking. That's exactly what it needs. And how about some more onions too?
#Person2#: I don't know about that. You seem to be starting to like food with strong tastes recently.
#Person1#: Oh, really?
|
Maria thinks the soup lacks certain tastes. Carl thinks Maria starts to have a strong taste recently.
|
train_1562
|
#Person1#: Why, Ann, I haven't seen you for ages. How have you been?
#Person2#: Bob, it has been a long time, hasn't it? It must be at least a year.
#Person1#: No. We talked at the Johnson's Christmas party last December. Don't you remember?
#Person2#: That's right. Well, how are you? Still working for the Germen company?
#Person1#: No. I changed my job about 4 months ago. I'm with the World Bank now. How about you?
#Person2#: I'm still working at the University, but I transferred from the German Department to the Spanish Department.
#Person1#: Don't you tell me you speak Spanish, too?
#Person2#: Sure. I grew up in Spain, you know. German was what I studied in college.
#Person1#: All I have ever managed to learn is a little Italian.
#Person2#: Oh. excuse me, someone is knocking at the door. I'll talk to you again later, Bob.
#Person1#: It was nice talking to you, Ann.
|
Bob and Ann haven't seen each other for a long time. They tell each other how they have been doing recently.
|
train_1563
|
#Person1#: Good morning, Miss. I'd like to speak to the manager.
#Person2#: I am the manager, Sir. How can I help you?
#Person1#: Oh, really? It's this radio. It doesn't work.
#Person2#: Mm... did you buy it here?
#Person1#: What do you mean? Of course I bought it here. Look, you switch it on and nothing happens.
#Person2#: Could I see your receipt?
#Person1#: Receipt? I haven't got one.
#Person2#: Oh, you should have got a receipt when you bought it.
#Person1#: I perhaps did. I must have thrown it away.
#Person2#: Ah, well, have you got any other proof of purchase, the guarantee, for example?
#Person1#: No. It must have been in the box. I threw that away, too.
#Person2#: Oh, dear. You really ought to have kept it. We need to know the exact date of purchase.
#Person1#: What? I only bought it yesterday! That young man over there served me. Oh, I paid by cheque. I've got the cheque stub.
#Person2#: That's all right then. Did you check the radio before you left the shop?
#Person1#: Check it? No, it was in the box. I hoped it would work. It wasn't a cheap radio. It's a good make.
#Person2#: You should have checked it.
#Person1#: Come on! Do not tell me what I should have done, and do something! Either give me my money back or give me another raido.
#Person2#: There's no need to get aggressive, Sir. Let me look at it... mm... you see this little switch on the back?
#Person1#: Yes?
#Person2#: It's on 'main', and it should be on 'battery'. You really should have read the instructions.
#Person1#: Oh!
|
#Person1# comes for a radio he bought yesterday that doesn't work. He can't find the receipt but manages to offer the cheque stub. The manager checks the radio and finds that it's because #Person1# didn't read the instructions, he didn't move the switch onto the right position.
|
train_1564
|
#Person1#: What's your favourite game?
#Person2#: I like to play table tennis. How about you?
#Person1#: I like swimming and skating.
#Person2#: Isn't it hard to learn skating?
#Person1#: No, what you need is balance.
#Person2#: Could you teach me how to do it?
#Person1#: Sure, anytime when you are free.
#Person2#: Do I have to buy a pair of skates?
#Person1#: I don't think it's necessary. Why not rent them?
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#Person2# likes table tennis. #Person1# likes swimming and skating. #Person2# requests #Person1# to teach #Person2# to skate.
|
train_1565
|
#Person1#: I've just had my lunch at the cafeteria of our university.
#Person2#: What do you think of the food today?
#Person1#: You have to ask. About as terrible as usual, I'd say.
#Person2#: You know, I think it's about time a group of us speak to some University officials about the quality of the food.
#Person1#: Do you have a good idea?
#Person2#: In my view, we had better get rid of the manager.
#Person1#: Do you think you are the first to think of that? The problem is that the University doesn't want to change another manager.
#Person2#: You mean you've been through this before?
#Person1#: Yes, when I was a freshman, I once did that. I once wrote a letter to the Student Services Official and presented a petition signed by 200 students.
#Person2#: What was his reaction?
#Person1#: He asked me why all the other students didn't sign it as well. I told him we only had time for a sample, but I was sure almost all the students would have.
#Person2#: Why was he so cool towards you? Isn't it a serious question?
#Person1#: That manager has good friends in the University. You know family connections.
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Neither #Person1# nor #Person2# feels satisfied with the food in the university cafeteria. They think the manager should be changed. #Person1# had tried to propose but the Student Services Official was cool because the manager has good friends in the University.
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train_1566
|
#Person1#: Oh, my! I can't go on.
#Person2#: Me neither. I give up or I will die.
#Person1#: I've never seen such hot weather in my life.
#Person2#: I can't agree more. It's like the whole world is boiling.
#Person1#: Look. the temperature has hit 98!
#Person2#: I can't believe it. We used to have such nice weather here all year round.
#Person1#: Yes. How I miss the good old days. Just cool or warm days.
#Person2#: So, what to do now?
#Person1#: I guess we can't do anything until the sun sets down.
#Person2#: You are right. I'm sweating all over.
#Person1#: Let's go back home and take a shower.
#Person2#: Yes. We might cool down in this way.
|
#Person1# and #Person2# cannot stand the heat and miss the old days with nice weather. They will go back home and take a shower.
|
train_1567
|
#Person1#: Why weren't you at the German class last night, Tom? Have you given up?
#Person2#: Well, no...I came back late yesterday and found John sleeping in the chair. He'd been writing a report all day long and he was too tired to go out again, so we gave the lesson a miss.
#Person1#: You've missed quite a lot of lessons lately, haven't you? Are you losing interest?
#Person2#: Yes, I'm afraid so. Neither John nor I have a gift for language. People just laugh at us when we attempt to speak German. How did you and Jane pick it up so quickly and easily? You've hardly been in Germany a month.
#Person1#: It was neither quick nor easy. We'd both studied the language before we came, and we only needed to revise it.
#Person2#: Anyway, all our friends here speak English very well, so we don't really need to learn German.
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Tom explains why he missed the German class yesterday and admits that he has lost interest in German. He thinks it's unnecessary to learn German because all his friends here speak English very well.
|
train_1568
|
#Person1#: Hey, Mary! You have really been gone a long time. How did you do that?
#Person2#: Hi! Well, I talked with my teachers before I left about the work I would miss. Besides, my aunt in Denver made me study a lot there.
#Person1#: I thought she was your rich aunt.
#Person2#: Not very. But she didn't have any children to raise, so she does have some money, even though she was a teacher.
#Person1#: How was the holiday?
#Person2#: Cold, at least three of the days I went. And I saw so many people on the mountain on Washington's Birthday.
#Person1#: The beaches here were full on Washington's Birthday, too. It really was warm here, so lots of people went swimming.
#Person2#: Well, we should have stayed home that day. There were so many people. We took the train over to the mountain, so at least we didn't have to drive. It is a good thing we did-there were so many cars and buses, and no place to park anywhere.
#Person1#: Just like the beaches here.
|
Mary tells #Person1# about her holiday during which she studied a lot. They talk about Washington's Birthday when everywhere was crowded with people.
|
train_1569
|
#Person1#: I really can't stand the way David controls the conversation all the time. If he's going to be at the Christmas party, I just won't come.
#Person2#: I'm sorry you feel that way. But my mother insists that he come.
|
#Person1# complains to #Person2# about David, who controls the conversation all the time.
|
train_1570
|
#Person1#: Are you going to Helen's birthday party on Friday evening?
#Person2#: I wouldn't miss it for the world! It's sure to be fun. She's invited a lot of friends. Do you think everyone will be able to get into her house?
#Person1#: If everyone turned up, it would be very crowded. But a few said that they couldn't go, so I think it should be OK.
#Person2#: Are you taking anything?
#Person1#: I've got her a birthday present and I'll take a bottle of wine too.
#Person2#: That's a good idea. She has bought plenty of food and drinks. It's going to be a noisy party. I hope her neighbours don't mind too much.
#Person1#: Helen gets on very well with her neighbours. I wouldn't be surprised if they went to the party too.
|
#Person1# and #Person2# are discussing whether Helen's birthday party will be crowded and what to take as a gift.
|
train_1571
|
#Person1#: Welcome to McDonald's. Can I take your order?
#Person2#: Please give me this extra value meal, a red bean pie, and one order of vegetable salad.
#Person1#: Would you like something to drink?
#Person2#: A cup of hot orange juice.
#Person1#: Will that be it?
#Person2#: Yes, that's all.
|
#Person2# orders an extra value meal and hot orange juice with #Person1#'s assistance at McDonald's.
|
train_1572
|
#Person1#: Waiter, I would like to order now.
#Person2#: Sure. What do you want to have today?
#Person1#: Cream soup and steak, please.
#Person2#: How do you like your steak?
#Person1#: Excuse me, what does that mean?
#Person2#: Well, there are several kinds of steaks. For example, you can have your steaks medium-rare, medium-well or well-done.
#Person1#: Thanks for your explanation, I would like it well-done.
|
#Person1# orders cream soup and well-done steak with #Person2#'s assistance.
|
train_1573
|
#Person1#: Well, this is not quite the style I want. Have you any suit in fashion?
#Person2#: How is this one? It's the latest, made of cashmere.
#Person1#: Can I try it on?
#Person2#: Sure.
#Person1#: This is much better. How much is it?
|
#Person2# recommends a suit to #Person1#.
|
train_1574
|
#Person1#: Steven! Good to see you brother! How are you? How was your trip?
#Person2#: It was fine. I've been better but, it's great to be home, I've missed you all! How's mom?
#Person1#: She's great! All she ever does is talk about you-her little boy that went to the United States. You're her pride and joy, you know that?
#Person2#: Can't wait to see her. And you? What's new with you?
#Person1#: Well, Nisha and I are expecting! You'll have another nephew or niece soon!
#Person2#: That's great! Wow! Congrats! You two are great together, ya know. You have such a beautiful family. I hope one day I can have that.
#Person1#: Of course, man! Come on! I mean, everything was set here for you to marry Shalini! You know, she's still pining after you. I don't think she'll ever get over you.
#Person2#: What are you talking about? I hardly knew her! How could she be in love with me? I couldn't go through with it even though she is a great woman. No, I left my heart in the United States. I just hope Veronica is happy.
#Person1#: Get over it! You're home now. Everyone here thinks so highly of you, there'll be girls throwing themselves at you. You can marry anyone you want!
#Person2#: I don't want to marry anyone! I want to marry her! Don't you understand?
#Person1#: You are incorrigible.
#Person3#: Steven! My baby how are you! I've missed you so much!
#Person2#: Hey, mom! Great to see you!
#Person3#: You look so thin! Didn't those Americans feed you? Come come, let's have some chai. By the way. . . There is a girl here waiting for you.
#Person4#: Hi Steven.
#Person2#: Veronica! How did you get here? How did you know where I live? I waited for you at the airport but you never showed. . .
#Person4#: I also have some little secrets that I haven't told you about, but we can discuss that later. I realized that I was just scared. Scared of how much I love you and of the commitment that marriage requires. I'm here now. Now there is something I wanna ask you. Steven, will you marry me?
#Person5#: I now declare you, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.
|
Steven just came back from America. #Person1# tells Steven Nisha and #Person1# are expecting their new-born baby and asks Steven to get married soon, but Steven only wants to marry Veronica who's in America. When Steven gets home, he is astonished to find Veronica waiting for him. Veronica expresses her love for Steven and proposes. At last, they get married.
|
train_1575
|
#Person1#: I heard a rumor this morning. . . It seems Trusten Tools is going out of business. Another competitor is going bankrupt. That could be good news for us.
#Person2#: I think you must have heard wrong. The truth is we are going to be taken over by Trusten. We are being bought out, and our company will be merging with our largest competitor. It's not good news at all. . .
#Person1#: What? We are merging with Trusten? I never thought that would happen. Will we be getting new owners? Will it affect our jobs?
#Person2#: Probably. The new owners will be coming to start alignment meetings nextweek. One of the big question is what to call the new conglomerate company.
#Person1#: Wow, with such a big change. We won't have the same name?
#Person2#: It's not only the name of our company that will change. . . I expect that after this acquisition, there'll be a ton of things up in the air.
|
#Person1# shares the rumour that Trusten Tools is going bankrupt. #Person2# tells #Person1# it's fake news and it's their company that will be taken over by Trusten. #Person1#'s astonished and worried about its effect.
|
train_1576
|
#Person1#: I heard that janet has got a new job. She's working for the united investment group. I hear that they pay very well.
#Person2#: I heard that too. She must be making a pocket. Well, good for her.
#Person1#: now, she'll be able to save up for that holiday in the united states.
#Person2#: yes, she will. At the moment, the exchange rate is very favorable, so she should try to go as soon as possible, while it's cheaper.
#Person1#: you're right. By the way, did you hear that tom inherited some money recently?
#Person2#: really? I thought his parents had died several years ago.
#Person1#: they did. He inherited the money form an uncle. I hope he doesn't lose a lot of it in taxed to the government.
#Person2#: dying can be very expensive nowadays! What's he going to do with it?
#Person1#: he said that he would probably invest most of it. He's got a well-paid job, so he doesn't need the money to cover day-to day expenses. He just wants some extra money available for when he retires.
#Person2#: I had some good financial news yesterday too.
#Person1#: really? Have you won a fortune in the lottery?
#Person2#: no, but I got a pay rise of 5% and a hours for all the hard work I've put in recently. I think it was very nice for my boss to show his appreciation in that way.
#Person1#: It certainly was! So, what are you going to do with your windfall?
|
#Person1# and #Person2# talk about Janet's new job working for the united investment group and Tom's inheritance from his uncle. Then, #Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2# got a pay rise yesterday.
|
train_1577
|
#Person1#: Are you really dating with Frank?
#Person2#: Yeah. But in my heart of hearts, I find he's not very much to my liking.
#Person1#: Then why not keep away from him?
#Person2#: The problem is that I just have no one to turn to right now.
#Person1#: That's stupid.
|
#Person1# thinks it stupid for #Person2# to date Frank.
|
train_1578
|
#Person1#: Tomorrow will be my first day at work, what do you think I should be wearing?
#Person2#: Well, if you want to look professional, serious and more conservative, a blue dress, white shirt and not-too-high shoes would be the best choice. But sometimes, very formal clothes will keep you at a distance from your colleagues. It depends on the company's dress code.
#Person1#: Indeed, I found most of the employees dress casually when I went to the interview. Only the manager was in suit and tie and he just came back from a ceremony. It seems that their dress code is not that formal. Probably, I should put on car key and simple shirt.
#Person2#: Whatever you choose, make sure they are neat and clean.
|
#Person2# offers #Person1# some suggestions on what to wear on #Person1#'s first day at work.
|
train_1579
|
#Person1#: How many laguages can you speak?
#Person2#: I can speak French and German.
#Person1#: How well can you speak them?
#Person2#: I can speak German quite well, but I can't speak French very well.
#Person1#: Can you help me to translate these sentences into German now?
#Person2#: No, but I'll be able to tomorrow.
|
#Person2# introduces #Person2#'s language abilities. #Person1# requests #Person2# to translate some sentences into German.
|
train_1580
|
#Person1#: May, look, what's that in the cage?
#Person2#: Don't you know that? It's panda.
#Person1#: Of course I know. I just can't see it very well.
#Person2#: OK, then put on your glasses, and do you know what does the panda eat?
#Person1#: Of course, Bamboo!
#Person2#: That's right.
#Person1#: I also know they are given to other countries as gifts for friendship.
#Person2#: You sound quite knowledgeable.
#Person1#: Not really, panda is my favorite animal.
#Person2#: Actually, it likes milk too.
#Person1#: Any way, in a word, panda is our friend.
#Person2#: Do you know other famous animals in the world?
#Person1#: Yeah, let me think, the kangaroo and koala bear from Australia are very famous.
#Person2#: That's right. OK, let's move on.
|
May tells #Person1# that it's a panda in a cage. #Person1# likes pandas best and knows a lot about them.
|
train_1581
|
#Person1#: Hi, the lab said that you would be getting my test results in today.
#Person2#: I like you to come in and discuss some further tests that I would like to run.
#Person1#: I think that this is a bad sign.
#Person2#: For now, I would like to run a few more tests to look into some of the problems that you mentioned.
#Person1#: Why wouldn't you tell me over the phone?
#Person2#: If there is any question about test results, we always do a recheck.
#Person1#: I need to come in right away.
#Person2#: I would be happy to see you this afternoon. If you are feeling upset, please bring a friend or relative along.
#Person1#: You are scaring me!
#Person2#: Come on in this afternoon and we will talk. It will be fine!
|
#Person2# asks #Person1# to come in and discuss some tests that #Person2# would like to run. #Person1# is worried about the test results.
|
train_1582
|
#Person1#: Are you still learning Chinese?
#Person2#: Yes. But I don't have enough time for it. I have so many other things to do every day.
#Person1#: It is the same with me. I can read Chinese now. But I still find it difficult to speak Chinese and I don't always understand people when they speak Chinese to me.
#Person2#: We don't hear Chinese enough, I think. Do you listen to the radio from China?
#Person1#: Yes, I listen to the news from China almost everyday. That helps me understand Chinese, but not to speak it.
#Person2#: We'd better go to China for a holiday.
#Person1#: Right. That'll be the best way.
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Both #Person1# and #Person2# find it difficult to speak Chinese. #Person2# thinks it's because they don't hear Chinese enough and suggests going to China for a holiday.
|
train_1583
|
#Person1#: Can you tell me where the book A dream of red mansion is?
#Person2#: I'm sorry it's been lent out. What about this one? It's a newly published novel written by a young writer. It has a fast paced plot and the language is easy to read.
#Person1#: OK. I'll take it. By the way, how long can I keep it?
#Person2#: 3 weeks. You can come back and borrow it for longer if you can't finish it in time.
#Person1#: How long can I keep the novel the second time?
#Person2#: The same. 3 weeks. But you can only borrow it twice within a year.
#Person1#: Alright. Thank you very much.
|
#Person1# wants to borrow A Dream of Red Mansion but it's been lent out, so #Person1# borrows another novel.
|
train_1584
|
#Person1#: Thanks for agreeing to this interview, Miss Lerner. OK, so I have a few questions. First, when did you know you wanted to write children's books?
#Person2#: Well, I studied creative writing in college, but after I graduated I worked in advertising. It wasn't until I had my own children that I got interested in children's books.
#Person1#: Did you write one for your kids?
#Person2#: Yes, I did. My best friend drew the pictures for me.
#Person1#: And did they like it?
#Person2#: They loved it. A friend of my husband saw a copy in our home and he showed it to a publisher that he knew. They published it that year. The next year, I wrote 3 more books. Since the beginning, I have had a total of 8 published.
#Person1#: That's wonderful. Thank you so much for your time. This interview will appear in my school newspaper in about 3 weeks. I can send you a copy if you'd like.
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#Person1# interviews Miss Lerner for #Person1#'s school newspaper. Miss Lerner shares her experience of writing children's books.
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train_1585
|
#Person1#: May I come in?
#Person2#: Yes, please.
#Person1#: How are you doing, Madam? My name is During Wu. I am coming to your company for an interview as requested.
#Person2#: Fine, thank you for coming. Mr. Wu, Please take a seat. I am Anne Smith, the assistant manager.
#Person1#: Nice to see you, Mrs. Smith.
#Person2#: Nice to meet you, too.
|
During Wu comes to the company for an interview and the assistant manager Anne Smith introduces herself.
|
train_1586
|
#Person1#: Hi, Mark! Long time no see!
#Person2#: Hi, Alex!
#Person1#: Where have you been?
#Person2#: I just got back from London.
#Person1#: How was your flight?
#Person2#: It was OK. There was a lot of turbulence, though.
#Person1#: That ' s too bad. how long was the flight?
#Person2#: It was 10 hours.
#Person1#: Did you have a layover?
#Person2#: Yes, in paris, France.
#Person1#: Did you buy anything in the duty-free stores?
#Person2#: Yes. I bought two boxed of chocolate? one for me and one for you!
#Person1#: Oh, you didn ' t have to...
#Person2#: It was nothing.
|
Alex tells Mark about his flight, the layover, and the things he bought in the duty-free stores.
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train_1587
|
#Person1#: You get your bus pass?
#Person2#: I'm not going to buy one.
#Person1#: You're not?
#Person2#: I think it's a waste of money.
#Person1#: It actually costs less if you have a bus pass.
#Person2#: How is that?
#Person1#: You can use it however many times you need to.
#Person2#: Is that right?
#Person1#: Yup, and you can keep the money in your pocket.
#Person2#: That sounds nice.
#Person1#: You should go get yours.
#Person2#: Yeah, I think I will.
|
#Person1# persuades #Person2# to buy a bus pass to save money and #Person2# is convinced.
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train_1588
|
#Person1#: Hello! This is Ruby speaking from G. O. T. International Travel Agency. What can I do for you?
#Person2#: I ' d like to make a reservation for my trip from Detroit to Beijing on April 13 on Trans Pacific Airline.
#Person1#: Do you want a single ticket or a round trip ticket?
#Person2#: I ' d like to have a round trip ticket with a one-year open return.
#Person1#: Economy or Business Class?
#Person2#: Economy, please. How much is it?
#Person1#: It will be $ 850.
#Person2#: Very good. Could I get an electronic ticket? I ' m always afraid of losing my tickets.
#Person1#: No problem. How do you wish to pay for it?
#Person2#: Bank of American card. The number is 6786 9182 12300 8657.
#Person1#: Thank you! Would you like an aisle seat or a window seat?
#Person2#: An aisle seat, please. I ' m tall and need to get up and walk pretty often.
#Person1#: No problem. Your ticket is for Trans Pacific Flight 87 from Detroit to Beijing at 3 forty p. m. on April 13. You will arrive at Beijing International Airport at six 35 p. m. on April 14. Your electronic
#Person2#: What time should I arrive at Detroit Airport?
#Person1#: Please be at the airport two hours before your departure to check in. You also need to reconfirm your reservation with the airline at least 7 days prior to your departure.
#Person2#: What happens if I can ' t leave on April 13? Can I cancel my ticket or change the reservation to another date?
#Person1#: Yes, you can, but you will have to pay a penalty of $ 75 for any change or cancellation.
#Person2#: That ' s OK. What are the weight restrictions for checked baggage?
#Person1#: On Trans Pacific international flights, each ticketed passenger is permitted a maximum of two checked bags with a maximum weight per checked bag of 70 pounds.
#Person2#: That ' s great! I can have two bags checked for 70 pounds each. I think I ' m all set. You ' re really efficient. Thank you very much for your help.
#Person1#: Thank you for the compliment and for calling G. O. T. Travel Agency. Have a nice trip!
|
#Person2# wants to make a reservation for a round trip ticket with a one-year open return. Ruby in G. O. T. International Travel Agency helps #Person2# get an electronic ticket. #Person2# chooses the economy class, an aisle seat, and asks for the check-in time, the amount of penalty to change the flight and the weight restrictions for checked baggage.
|
train_1589
|
#Person1#: What happened? Why didn't he win?
#Person2#: Didn't you hear? He was disqualified.
#Person1#: How did that happen? He's so talented! I thought he had a great chance of winning a gold medal!
#Person2#: If he didn't have any drug problems, he would have won.
#Person1#: What? What kind of drugs was he using?
#Person2#: He was taking steroids to make him stronger and faster.
#Person1#: I thought that all athletes were supposed to be regularly tested for drugs.
#Person2#: They are. The only reason they didn't disqualify him until after the race is because the results from the text only came back afterwards.
#Person1#: That's so disappointing. I don't know why top athletes would feel the need to take drugs.
#Person2#: I don't think it's right, but I can understand why they might. Imagine how much pressure there would be to win for your country!
#Person1#: Regardless of how much pressure you're under, there's never a good reason to take drugs.
#Person2#: I agree. Hopefully with the new regulations, fewer athletes will try to cheat with drugs.
#Person1#: Let's hope so.
|
#Person2# tells #Person1# the athlete didn't win because he had drug problems and was disqualified. #Person1# thinks that there's never a good reason to take drugs and #Person2# agrees.
|
train_1590
|
#Person1#: Frank ' s getting married, do you believe this?
#Person2#: Is he really?
#Person1#: Yes, he is. He loves the girl very much.
#Person2#: Who is he marring?
#Person1#: A girl he met on holiday in Spain, I think.
#Person2#: Have they set a date for the wedding?
#Person1#: Not yet.
|
#Person1# tells #Person2# that Frank is getting married to the girl he met in Spain.
|
train_1591
|
#Person1#: My dear, it's five flights up!
#Person2#: That's all right. We'll get used to it. Besides, it is quiet up there. We're little further away from the street and traffic noise and there's no one living over us.
#Person1#: Is the place well-furnished?
#Person2#: Yes, it's pretty bright in there and big enough for our children to play.
#Person1#: What about the kitchen?
#Person2#: The stove and refrigerator are in good working order, and I don't see any loose electric wiring that could cause fires.
#Person1#: Are the plumbing all right?
#Person2#: The plumbing seems OK, too. The toilet flushes and the shower has hot and cold water, and the sinks don't seem to leak.
#Person1#: The place is OK. Let's go there and have a look at it again.
|
#Person1# and #Person2# are evaluating a house which is far from the street. They check the equipment of the house and think it is ok.
|
train_1592
|
#Person1#: Good evening.
#Person2#: Good evening. Could you let us have a double room?
#Person1#: How long will you be staying?
#Person2#: A week or ten days. We'd like to have a quiet room, if possible-not too near the street.
#Person1#: Let me see. Yes, you can have Room 313. It's at the back.
#Person2#: What's the price per day'? And are the meals included or extra?
#Person1#: 20 pounds per day, including breakfast.
#Person2#: All right, we'll take it.
#Person1#: Very good, sir. Will you register, please?
#Person2#: OK.
#Person1#: Thank you. The porter will show you to your room
|
#Person2# registers a quiet double room for a week or ten days and asks for the price and breakfast.
|
train_1593
|
#Person1#: Hello, may I speak to Alice please?
#Person2#: This is she. How's it going?
#Person1#: I've been trying to call you all day.
#Person2#: Sorry about that. I was cleaning up.
#Person1#: It's okay.
#Person2#: So what were you calling me about?
#Person1#: Oh, I just wanted to see if you wanted to hang out tomorrow.
#Person2#: Sure, what did you want to do?
#Person1#: Maybe we can go see a movie or something.
#Person2#: That sounds like fun. Let's do it.
#Person1#: I'll see you tomorrow then.
#Person2#: See you then. Goodbye.
|
#Person1# speaks to Alice and invites her to hang out tomorrow. Alice explains why she didn't answer the phone.
|
train_1594
|
#Person1#: Well, I'Ve looked over your resume, Mr. Peepers.
#Person2#: Please, call me Ted.
#Person1#: Well, Ted, this is a very impressive resume. However, we do have several other applicants to finish interviewing before we can make a final decision. We'll call you by Friday, if that's all right.
#Person2#: That's no problem.
#Person1#: Do you have any other questions?
#Person2#: Well, what kind of salary do you provide?
#Person1#: Salary is based on experience as well as time spent with our company.
#Person2#: I see.
#Person1#: Salary can be negotiated once we officially offer you the job.
#Person2#: Sounds fine.
|
#Person1# thinks Ted's resume is impressive and they will call him by Friday. Ted asks about the salary.
|
train_1595
|
#Person1#: What are you doing over the weekend?
#Person2#: I'm planing to go bolling tonight. Tomorrow I was hoping to see a movie. What about you?
#Person1#: I want to go camping, you know, just get a way for the weekend. I'm not sure I'll be able to, though.
#Person2#: Why not?
#Person1#: Well, I have a lot of work. I'll see how to goes.
|
#Person1# has plans for the weekend, while #Person2# does not decide.
|
train_1596
|
#Person1#: What courses are you going to take next year?
#Person2#: Well, I am certainly going to take chemistry and physics, but I haven't decided on the other subjects yet. I'd like to take English.
#Person1#: Why are you going to take english with chemistry and physics?
#Person2#: Because I want to study english literature. but I think chemistry is better for getting a job.
#Person1#: Of course it depends on what you are going to do when you leave college. Have you beside what you are going to do when you graduated?
#Person2#: I am going to be a, well, I hope to be a research chemist.
|
#Person2# wants to take English with chemistry and physics because #Person2# likes English literature but chemistry is better for getting a job.
|
train_1597
|
#Person1#: Daniel, have you ever heard about the wildlife sanctuary?
#Person2#: Is that different from this kind of zoo?
#Person1#: Yes, of course.
#Person2#: So tell me about it!
#Person1#: There are a lot of wild animals in that place, and also some special rules while visiting.
#Person2#: Special rules?
#Person1#: There, you only have two ways for visiting.
#Person2#: Details?
#Person1#: On their bus or in your own cars, and you won't be allowed to get off the bus until you reach the special region.
#Person2#: Why not?
#Person1#: Because it is dangerous to get out of the car or bus. You can just imagine how fierce the wild animals can be.
#Person2#: That makes sense. But that sounds interesting. Is there one in Beijing too?
#Person1#: Yes.
#Person2#: I prefer to go there next time.
#Person1#: Yeah, sure, you won't be disappointed.
|
#Person1# tells Daniel about the wildlife sanctuary and introduces two ways for visiting. #Person2# tells that people won't be allowed to get off the bus or car when visiting.
|
train_1598
|
#Person1#: you haven't spent much time with Sophia lately. Are you speaking to each other at the moment?
#Person2#: no, we're not. We've been drifting apart for a while.
#Person1#: but you two used to do everything together. I thought you really enjoyed each other's company.
#Person2#: we did, but since she started her new job, all she does is hang out with her new friends from work.
#Person1#: can't you hang out with them, too?
#Person2#: I could, but all they ever talk about is work, so I always end up feeling left out.
#Person1#: maybe you should invite her over for dinner, so it's just the two of you.
#Person2#: I tried that a few weeks ago and she ended bringing a pal from work with her! She's so busy these days that it's just impossible to hang out with her.
#Person1#: it can't be that bad. She was always a really good friend to you.
#Person2#: you're right. She would never talk about me behind my back or hold a grudge. But she just doesn't seem very interested in our friendship anymore.
#Person1#: she's probably just excited about her new job. You should give her some time. It would be a shame to lose such a good friend.
#Person2#: I've given her enough time. I'm over it now.
#Person1#: I still think you two should try to patch things up.
#Person2#: I think I just have to accept the fact that it's time for us to go our separate ways.
|
#Person2# tells #Person1# that #Person2# and Sophia have been drifting apart since Sophia started her new job. #Person1# advises #Person2# to invite Sophia over for dinner and give her some time to patch things up, but #Person2# thinks that it's time for them to go their separate ways.
|
train_1599
|
#Person1#: It's said you will go abroad to pursue your graduate studies.
#Person2#: Yes, I've been thinking about visiting you. I hope to get some advice from you.
#Person1#: Which country do you want to go to?
#Person2#: My field is electronic engineering. Which country do you think I should go?
#Person1#: Were I in your position, I'd go to America.
#Person2#: Which university should I apply to?
#Person1#: There are many universities for you to choose from. Some famous universities such as Harvard, Yale, the University of Michigan, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology are really wonderful places to study, but they are very competitive and expensive. Some smaller universities or institutes are also very nice but much cheaper.
#Person2#: Oh, I see. Thank you very much.
|
#Person2# asks #Person1# for some advice about #Person2#'s graduate studies. #Person1# suggests #Person2# go to America and recommends some universities.
|
train_1600
|
#Person1#: I would like you to meet my family. Can you come to dinner next week at my parents'place?
#Person2#: Yeuks! Do they know anything about me?
#Person1#: Actually, I've told them a lot about you. They are excited to meet you.
#Person2#: I'm a little nervous!
#Person1#: I think you'll like them. My family is pretty laid back.
#Person2#: How Ay people will be there at dinner?
#Person1#: Let's see. there's my mom and dad and my two brothers and one of my sisters.
#Person2#: That's good, I'm usually more comfortable in bigger families.
|
#Person1# invites #Person2# to meet #Person1#'s family. #Person1# asks about who will be there at dinner.
|
train_1601
|
#Person1#: Hi, John. What brings you to town?
#Person2#: Hi, Mary. Lily wanted me to buy her some things for the party.
#Person1#: What do you think of the traffic today?
#Person2#: It's pretty bad.
#Person1#: Yeah. You can say that again. It's noisy too.
#Person2#: I am glad I did not drive a car.
|
John comes to town and thinks the traffic is bad today.
|
train_1602
|
#Person1#: So how did you meet Bill?
#Person2#: I met him through a computer bulletin board.
#Person1#: Oh, really? Which bulletin board?
#Person2#: It was one I used down at the local coffee house called the San Francisco Net. It's been around since around 1991.
#Person1#: I've heard about that, but I've never tried it.
#Person2#: You ought to. One dollar buys you 15 minutes of computer time. A Chat session links you with cappuccino sippers in other cafes and also to home computers on the network.
#Person1#: I have no desire to talk on a network with a bunch of strangers.
#Person2#: That's the whole point. All your inhibitions disappear because you can't see the other person. This network allows you to talk to people whom you normally wouldn't talk to.
#Person1#: I just want a private conversation with one other person.
#Person2#: You can do that. A private session lets two people talk alone. This techno-chat program lets you talk about anything with everybody, without prejudice because you can't see them.
#Person1#: Well, maybe I'll tag along and watch how you talk.
#Person2#: That's fine with me, but we'll have to get there early. Because after 8 pm, there is always a long line.
#Person1#: It's that popular?
#Person2#: It sure is.
|
#Person2# tells #Person1# that #Person2# met Bill through a computer bulletin board. Then they share their opinions about talking on a network with a stranger. #Person1# will tag along and watch how #Person2# talks on the internet.
|
train_1603
|
#Person1#: have you ever thought about your ideal home?
#Person2#: I have, actually ; I'Ve always wanted to build my dream home myself.
#Person1#: what would it be like?
#Person2#: well, it would be spacious and located next to a park, because a nice view is important to me.
#Person1#: how many rooms would it have?
#Person2#: I'd want it to have three bedrooms on a second floor with balconies on each, and one main bedroom on the main floor with an attached en suite. I'd also want a large living room and kitchen connected t
#Person1#: how many bedrooms would your dream home have?
#Person2#: I'd have one guest bathroom in the basement, one attached to the main bedroom, and one upstairs, so a total of three.
#Person1#: how would you decorate your house?
#Person2#: I don't like a lot of clutter, so I wouldn't have lots of things out. I would have a few vases on the mantel piece and some pictures of my family on the walls, but other than that, most things would b
#Person1#: how many TVs would your dream home have?
#Person2#: I think TV is a great waste of time, so I would only have one small TV in the kitchen to watch the news in the morning.
|
#Person2# describes #Person2#'s ideal home to #Person1#, which is spacious and located next to a park. #Person2# tells #Person1# about the number of rooms, how #Person2# would decorate the dream house, and the number of TVs.
|
train_1604
|
#Person1#: Julia, Julia, Julia. My daring Julia, what's wrong with you?
#Person2#: Steven, are you talking to me?
#Person1#: Yes, I have called you three times. What makes you in a daze?
#Person2#: I was thinking about the accident I saw in the morning. I was petrified when two cars collided. I witnessed the traffic accident.
#Person1#: Did someone get hurt?
#Person2#: A driver died instantly. The other one was badly hurt. A poor boy called Peter was killed in the accident too.
#Person1#: What a terrible accident! Who should be responsible for this traffic accident?
#Person2#: I think both. They drove too fast. What's worse, one of them was drunk.
#Person1#: Why do some guys like to drive so fast when they are drunk?
#Person2#: I don't understand. Maybe they feel they are okay and driving fast seems very cool.
|
Steven called Julia but Julia didn't reply because she was thinking about the traffic accident she witnessed. Steven asks about the casualties and who should take the responsibility.
|
train_1605
|
#Person1#: Hello. I need to disconnect my phone, please.
#Person2#: All right. Where do you live, sir?
#Person1#: At 345 Lincoln Avenue. Oklahoma City.
#Person2#: Very well. Why do you want to disconnect your phone, sir?
#Person1#: I'm moving to a new home.
#Person2#: O. K. May I have your name please?
#Person1#: John Smith.
#Person2#: Thank you. Mr. Smith. What's your telephone number?
#Person1#: 555-7658
#Person2#: Thank you. Where should I send your final phone bill?
#Person1#: 623 West Side Drive. New York, New York.
#Person2#: Thank you, Mr. Smith. Your phone will be disconnected after this phone call. Have a nice day.
#Person1#: Thank you, you too.
|
Mr. Smith wants to disconnect his phone because he is moving to a new home. #Person2# helps and asks for some information.
|
train_1606
|
#Person1#: Come on in. Let me show you the house. Isn't it something? Spacious, bright and clean. And the walls were newly painted. Have you ever seen such a nice house?
#Person2#: Not really.
#Person1#: This is the kitchen. Every - thing's new.
#Person2#: It's great!
|
#Person1# shows #Person2# the house. #Person1# thinks that the kitchen is great.
|
train_1607
|
#Person1#: Good morning, and welcome to Live Tech. It is my honor to make this presentation for you. Let me begin by explaining some of our digital cameras'selling points. You will see immediately that they are very stylish, but what you can't see is the cutting-edge technology inside. All of our cameras are light, compact, and easy to use.
#Person2#: Can I take a look at one of those?
#Person1#: Be my guest. Live Tech's digital cameras combine point-and-shoot simplicity with the ability to easily turn pictures into great-looking prints. Furthermore, it allows users to transfer pictures to a computer while the camera recharges.
#Person2#: Can I take a picture of you? Seeing is believing.
#Person1#: Sure, Just push the button, like. . .
#Person2#: I think I can figure this out. Let's see if this works as advertised. Say'cheese!'
#Person1#: I think you will find these are the best digital cameras on the market today.
#Person2#: I think the quality of the photos will speak for themselves.
|
#Person1# is making a presentation about digital cameras' selling points and explains the advantages and functions to #Person2#. #Person2# takes a picture and thinks the quality of the photos will speak for themselves.
|
train_1608
|
#Person1#: Good morning, sir. Have a seat please.
#Person2#: I would like to know the state of the residential property market right now because I have an apartment to sell.
#Person1#: Sure, here is my business card. I'm James Wilson. Let me explain to you how things are. In recent months, the demand for residential properties has become extremely high. The price of residential properly has risen almost twenty percent.
#Person2#: Really? Since I have to go back to England within the next few months, I would like to sell my apartment as soon as possible.
#Person1#: Don't worry, sir. I think it's a seller's market right now. Let me get down some information about your apartment first. what is your property's address?
#Person2#: Flat C. 15 / F, Tong House, Tai Koo Shing.
#Person1#: What is the square footage of your property? How many bedrooms and living rooms?
#Person2#: Its gross area is approximately nine hundred square feet. There's one living room, one dining room, one master bedroom and two other bedrooms.
#Person1#: What is the orientation and view?
#Person2#: It faces south with a hillside view.
#Person1#: The market price for Tong House is around five thousand Hong Kong dollars per square foot, but it also depends on the internal layout and condition of the house.
#Person2#: I would like to ask for four point five million Hong Kong dollars.
#Person1#: May I have your name and contact number, Sir?
#Person2#: Johnson, and my contact number is 2876543 2. My office number is 2123456 7.
#Person1#: Thank you, Mr. Johnson. May I ask you one more question? When will your property become available?
#Person2#: In about one month.
#Person1#: Also, Mr. Johnson, I would like to remind you my company will charge a commission equivalent to one percent of the transaction price in the event of a successful selling of the property through our introduction.
#Person2#: No problem.
#Person1#: Thank you very much. I will introduce your property to our clients. When they want to see your property, I will give you a call.
#Person2#: Thank you.
|
Mr.Johnson wants to know the state of the residential property market because he has an apartment to sell. James explains the current demand is high. Mr.Johnson tells him the address and describes the square footage of his property, the orientation, and the view. They agree on a 1% commission of the transaction price and James will help him sell the house.
|
train_1609
|
#Person1#: Could I see that automatic camera?
#Person2#: Of course. This camera is easy to operate.
#Person1#: Where is it made?
#Person2#: It's made in China.
#Person1#: Is it expensive?
#Person2#: Not very expensive.
#Person1#: I'll take this one.
#Person2#: OK. Do you want any film?
#Person1#: Yes, give me two rolls of Kodak color film.
#Person2#: Here you are.
|
#Person2# introduces the automatic camera to #Person1# and #Person1# will buy the camera and some films.
|
train_1610
|
#Person1#: Excuse me. I need some storybooks in easy English. Do you have anything like that?
#Person2#: Well, there are a lot of storybooks upstairs in our children's section. Some are written for young children, others for teens. Maybe some of them will suit your needs.
#Person1#: I'll go take a look. Thanks for your help.
#Person2#: You're welcome.
|
#Person2# tells #Person1# about the location of the storybooks.
|
train_1611
|
#Person1#: Hey, Devi, have you thought about where would you like to go to dinner on Friday for your birthday?
#Person2#: I am not sure. I don't know that many restaurants around here.
#Person1#: You know, we could look online at the local Internet sites.
#Person2#: Good. Let's take a look!
#Person1#: What kind of food would you like?
#Person2#: I enjoy Thai or Japanese the best.
#Person1#: This one, Shogun, looks good.
#Person2#: Oh yes, I've heard of that one. Everyone I've spoken with says that it is great!
#Person1#: Would you like to go there then?
#Person2#: I think that that would be a really good choice! Let's call and make a reservation.
|
#Person1# and Devi to look online at the local Internet sites and decide a restaurant for Devi's birthday.
|
train_1612
|
#Person1#: I really like the record you lent me the other day.
#Person2#: I'm glad you like it.
#Person1#: And thank you very much for letting me keep it so long.
#Person2#: Not at all.
#Person1#: I'm most grateful. Everyone in our class enjoyed it.
#Person2#: I'm glad.
#Person1#: Would you mind my keeping it for another week?
|
#Person1# thanks #Person2# for the record that #Person2# lent and wants to keep it for more time.
|
train_1613
|
#Person1#: Good day. How can we assist you?
#Person2#: I need to get a Letter of Credit. Is this the right window?
#Person1#: It certainly is. Do you have your contract and Import License?
#Person2#: Yes, right here in my brief case. Just a moment, please.
#Person1#: Thanks. What you need to do now is deposit 100 % of the guaranteed funds of your contract into your account with us.
#Person2#: That's done. There is more than enough to cover the contract amount in our account.
#Person1#: That's great. We will have to charge you 250 RMB for that service, though. Could you please fill in this? Thanks.
|
#Person2# wants a Letter of Credit. #Person1# asks for #Person2#'s contract and Import License and charges #Person2# 250 RIB.
|
train_1614
|
#Person1#: Good morning. I came in answer to your advertisement for a salesperson.
#Person2#: I see. Will you walk this way, please? What experience have you had?
#Person1#: I'm afraid I haven't had any experience in just this sort of work. I'm studying business administration in college. I want to get a job that would tie in with my studies.
#Person2#: Have you got any selling experience at all?
#Person1#: I worked in a department store in a small town last summer vacation.
#Person2#: Now tell me about your educational background.
#Person1#: I graduated from Beijing University. I majored in business administration.
#Person2#: What courses have you completed?
#Person1#: The courses I completed are marketing, business law, business English, statistics, marketing principles, sales management, distribution theory, economies and psychology.
#Person2#: What subjects did you like most at university?
#Person1#: I liked sales strategies most.
#Person2#: Why would you like to work with us?
#Person1#: It's an interesting job, and your company is one of the best known. Although I have no work experience as a salesperson, the job description you sent was very interesting. It's a job I've been dreaming of when I was at university.
#Person2#: What are your future plans and what kind of expectations do you have of the company?
#Person1#: I have an interest in marketing and I would consider graduate study in business in the future. I think my goals will become more clear as I gain experience in sales and marketing.
#Person2#: Good. Do you know anything about this company?
#Person1#: Yes, a little. As you mentioned just now, yours is an American capital company. As far as I know your company is a world famous one which produces cosmetics and skincare products.
#Person2#: Have you got anything to ask me?
#Person1#: Will traveling be required in this position?
#Person2#: Yes.
#Person1#: How often?
#Person2#: Three times a year at most. How do you feel about this?
#Person1#: That's fine.
|
#Person1# comes in answer to #Person2#'s advertisement for a salesperson. #Person2# asks #Person1# about #Person1#'s working experience, education background, the course #Person1# completed, #Person1#'s favourite course, the reasons for why #Person1# wants to work in their company, #Person1#'s plans and expectations, and what #Person1# knows about the company. #Person1# asks about the frequency of traveling.
|
train_1615
|
#Person1#: How do you understand the organizational structure of a company?
#Person2#: The organizational structure is the company's framework of communication and authority.
#Person1#: Is it true that just like a human skeleton that defines their shapes, companies have structures that define theirs?
#Person2#: Yes, you are right.
|
#Person2# explains the organizational structure of a company to #Person1#.
|
train_1616
|
#Person1#: Anna, come in, please.
#Person2#: Yes, Mr. Green. What would you like me to do?
#Person1#: I need a bus ticket to Seattle.
#Person2#: What time do you want to leave, Mr. Green?
#Person1#: Well, tomorrow morning, as early as I can. I have an appointment before noon.
#Person2#: There's a bus every thirty minutes starting at 5:30 a.m.
#Person1#: In that ease, I'd like to leave then. Wait... My wife's going to drop me off here on her way to work. Could you book me a 6:30 ticket instead?
#Person2#: Sure. Will it be one way or round-trip?
#Person1#: Oh, I probably should buy a round-trip ticket now, since I'll be coming back tomorrow evening. Oh, is there a bus around 6?
#Person2#: Yes, there's one at 5:45. You'd get back before 8 o'clock?
#Person1#: OK, I'll take that one. I told my wife we'd see a movie at 9:30.
|
Mr. Green wants Anna to help him book a bus ticket to Seattle at 6:30 tomorrow morning and a round-trip ticket back at 5:45 pm.
|
train_1617
|
#Person1#: Good afternoon. Can I help you, sir?
#Person2#: I made a reservation last week by the name of Benjamin. We've just arrived.
#Person1#: A minute, please. Benjamin... Oh, yes, here it is. One double room for a whole week. Here is the registration card. Would you please fill this form out, sir?
#Person2#: Love to! (A few minutes later) Done! Here you are.
#Person1#: Thank you. Now everything is in order. Your room number is 8715.
#Person2#: Is it on the 87th floor?
#Person1#: No, sir. In China, eight is a lucky number. It's actually on the 7th floor.
#Person2#: Thank you. By the way, is there a dressing table in the room?
#Person1#: Yes. A traditional wooden one.
|
#Person1# gives #Person2# the registration card and tells the room number. Room 8715 is on the 7th floor because 8 is a lucky number in China.
|
train_1618
|
#Person1#: Ok, so what happened when you got to the airport?
#Person2#: Well, I waited in a queue for ages and finally it was my turn to come up to the desk. I was asked to present a visa.
#Person1#: Yes, you need a visa. Your travel agent should have told you.
#Person2#: But I think I was there six years ago.
|
#Person2# waited for too long at the airport without a visa prepared
|
train_1619
|
#Person1#: What are you reading, Bill?
#Person2#: It's this week New Scientist. Why?
#Person1#: I was just wondering. It looks interesting. But I've never actually read myself. It's for real scientists, or can ordinary people like me understand it?
#Person2#: Always for anyone, really. It usually has articles or stories about current affairs about science, as well as papers about new development in research. I'm reading about new telephone that allows you to see the person you are speaking to as well as see him.
#Person1#: Oh, I heard about it. Is it on the market yet? Can I buy one?
#Person2#: No. Not this one. But the company has made other models to try on business. This one is special because its color and image is moving.
#Person1#: Oh, that's interesting.
#Person2#: You see the first video phones. That's what they are called. They made in Japan. But they can only show still black and white image. So this video phone is much better than that. Mind you, I'm not sure I want one, would you?
#Person1#: Well, no, I don't think a word. I bet it costs a lot of money. Did it say how much it costs?
#Person2#: Yes. The yearly black and white one costs several hundreds pounds. But one in the story is about to cost several thousands pounds.
#Person1#: Hmm, what does anybody want one, do you think?
#Person2#: Business organizations that need frequent contact overseas want it. It's like a face-to-face conversation, so maybe a lot of overseas travels can be avoided.
#Person1#: Yes, I suppose so.
|
Bill is reading New Scientist and introduces it to #Person1# that everyone can understand it. Bill tells that this one is special because its color and image are moving so #Person1# cannot buy it on market. Then they discuss the first video phones about the price and who wants it.
|
train_1620
|
#Person1#: Hey, I know you. You're James, right? James Roberts.
#Person2#: Amanda Brown. Wow! It's been a long time.
#Person1#: Yeah. Oh, are you going to the class reunion in two weeks?
#Person2#: Uh, I heard about it, but I'm not sure. Where is it?
#Person1#: The reunion is going to be held at the Mountain Country Club across from City Park.
#Person2#: And what time does it start?
#Person1#: I think it starts at 6:00.
#Person2#: And how much does it cost?
#Person1#: It's twenty dollars a ticket, and that includes dinner and entertainment.
#Person2#: What kind of entertainment are they going to have?
#Person1#: They're going to have a live jazz band and dancing.
#Person2#: And who is organizing the event?
#Person1#: Do you remember Chad Phillips?
#Person2#: Uh, wasn't he the quarterback on the football team?
#Person1#: Right. Well, he married Sarah Rogers, and they are in charge of the event. So, what do you think? Are you going?
#Person2#: I don't know. I never really fit in in high school. I was kind of a loner. I also remember asking Sarah out on a date, and she turned me down. She said she was sick, and it turned out she went out with someone that same night. It could be a little awkward.
#Person1#: Hey, why don't we go together?
#Person2#: Are you sure?
#Person1#: Yeah.
#Person2#: Well, sure. Why not. To be honest, I always thought you were very nice. I just never had the guts to ask you out.
#Person1#: Well, here's your chance.
#Person2#: Sounds great. So, what's your number so I can call you?
#Person1#: It's 435-923-6017.
#Person2#: 6017, Okay. Where do you live?
#Person1#: I only live two blocks south of the old high school.
#Person2#: Okay. I remember where you live. Let me call you a few days before to confirm things.
#Person1#: Sounds good. It should be fun.
|
Amanda Brown meets James Roberts and tells James about the class reunion in two weeks. James asks about the starting time, the cost, types of entertainment and the organizer. Then James told Amanda that he was turned down by the organizer's wife. Amanda gives James her number to let him ask her out and James thinks Amanda is nice.
|
train_1621
|
#Person1#: I've got a new boss.
#Person2#: Oh, what's he like?
#Person1#: Well, he's got dark hair and brown eyes.
#Person2#: Yes.
#Person1#: And a white sports car.
#Person2#: Um, that's good.
#Person1#: Yes, but he's got a wife and 3 children as well.
|
#Person1# tells #Person2# the appearance, and family of #Person1#'s new boss.
|
train_1622
|
#Person1#: I want to buy a wallet.
#Person2#: Here are all the wallets with various designs. How about this one ? It is quite fashionable.
#Person1#: May I pick it up?
#Person2#: Of course.
#Person1#: Do you have one of better quality?
#Person2#: This one is much better, but it is also much more expensive.
#Person1#: There is no problem about the price. How much is it?
#Person2#: Two hundred and thirty-five yuan.
#Person1#: OK, I'll take it.
|
#Person2# recommends wallets to #Person1# and #Person1# buys the one with better quality and higher price.
|
train_1623
|
#Person1#: Hi, Lisa!
#Person2#: Hi, Kate!
#Person1#: I'm looking for the registration. Do you know where the registration is?
#Person2#: Yes, it's right over there in Room 133 on the right.
#Person1#: Excuse me, is this registration?
#Person3#: Yes, I need some information for your registration card.
#Person1#: OK.
#Person3#: What's your full name?
#Person1#: Lisa Smith.
#Person3#: What's your school address?
#Person1#: 820 University, Box 4348, Chicago, Illinois.
#Person3#: Your telephone number?
#Person1#: 431-893-7323.
#Person3#: Thank you.
|
Kate tells Lisa the room number for registration. #Person3# asks Lisa some information for registration.
|
train_1624
|
#Person1#: Excuse me, I'm looking for your casual short-sleeved shirts. Can you tell me where those are?
#Person2#: Right over here, sir. What size do you wear?
#Person1#: Medium.
#Person2#: These here are all mediums.
#Person1#: Thank you. I think I'll take this one, and these pants as well. They're a present for a friend.
#Person2#: Shall I gift-wrap them for you, sir?
#Person1#: Yes, please.
|
#Person2# shows #Person1# where shirts are and asks #Person1#'s size. #Person1# buys a shirt and pants as gifts for a friend.
|
train_1625
|
#Person1#: Has your son started school yet, Tom?
#Person2#: Next week, it's going to be quite a shock for him!
#Person1#: He'll get used to it. They always do. I still remember when my daughter started. Are you going with him on his first day?
#Person2#: You bet. I wouldn't miss it!
|
Tom tells #Person1# he will go with his son on the first day of school.
|
train_1626
|
#Person1#: Any plans tonight?
#Person2#: Not really, do you?
#Person1#: Well, I am wondering if we took a hang-out for a drink or something. You know, I just came back from a really tough interview. I was quite nervous during the interview. I really want to have the job. Right now, I am still a little on the edge. I am not sure if I could convince them during the interview.
#Person2#: Take it easy. It is all over now. How was it going, anyway?
#Person1#: I don't know. I think I did well in the paper exams. I was prepared to answer a lot of questions, but they didn't ask those as I expected. To my surprise, the manager tried to talk about the Chinese poesy with me.
#Person2#: That's strange. But probably, it is the new interview technique they call it 'Getting to know you more personally'. What about your answers?
#Person1#: Just did my best.
|
#Person1# invites #Person2# to have a drink because #Person1# had a tough interview. #Person1# tells that he did well in the paper exam but the questions he was asked were strange.
|
train_1627
|
#Person1#: Do you know Sally?
#Person2#: Sally? She is a bachelor girl. She is an excellent designer. Many of the company's advertisements are her child trains.
#Person1#: Why is she still single? She must have a face that would stop a clock.
#Person2#: Oh, quite the other way round. She is a knock-out. She devotes much of her time to her career.
|
#Person2# tells #Person1# Sally is an excellent designer but she is still single because she devotes herself to her career.
|
train_1628
|
#Person1#: I was looking for books on small business startups and I think these are perfect. I'm going to start my own company in my back office.
#Person2#: That sounds interesting. So you'd like to check all these out?
#Person1#: Yes, for a few days at least.
#Person2#: No problem then. I'll just need to see your library card.
#Person1#: I'm afraid I've lost it.
#Person2#: That's alright. Could you just tell me your library account number?
#Person1#: I'm sorry. I don't remember it.
#Person2#: We can look it up for you. Just give me your username for the library website and I'll find your account number.
#Person1#: Oh, dear. I don't usually use the website.
|
#Person1# wants to borrow some books and tells #Person2# that #Person1# lost the library card and forget the card number and library website username.
|
train_1629
|
#Person1#: Hi. Very glad to meet you here.
#Person2#: Hi. Have we met before?
#Person1#: Aren't you the woman who gave the computer lecturer at the city library last winter?
#Person2#: Yes, it's me. You look familiar. Were you there in my class then?
#Person1#: Yes, sure. I'm so glad I took your lecture and I've benefited quite a lot from it.
#Person2#: Thanks. It's also rewarding for me to do something meaningful in my spare time.
#Person1#: Oh, I thought you were a IT engineer or something like an expert in this profession.
#Person2#: Not exactly, but I know a bit about computer.
#Person1#: I thought that it would be impossible for me to learn how to use a computer at my age, but now I'm exchanging emails with my grandchildren. They say I am learning fast and well. It's the happiest thing after my retirement.
#Person2#: That's great. Giving a lecture after work is a good experience for me because that is a change of pace from my daytime job as a sales representative.
#Person1#: That's right.
|
#Person1# tells #Person2# that #Person1# has benefited a lot from #Person2#'s computer lecture. After retirement, #Person1# feels happy while learning computer and exchanging emails with #Person1#'s grandchildren. #Person2# thinks that giving lecture is a change of space after work.
|
train_1630
|
#Person1#: Did you see those robots? They were so smart. I can't believe how many different kinds there were at the technology show. They could do so many things too. Even activities that I thought could only be done by human hands.
#Person2#: It's really amazing.
#Person1#: I understand why they say that China's future is in robots, they will change society.
#Person2#: That's exactly what I'm afraid of. Can we predict what the consequences will be?
#Person1#: Well, it is hard to say.
#Person2#: I'm worried what the average person will experience as they communicate with robots on a daily basis. We are already surrounded by technology day and night in this modern society. Will some people completely lose the ability to form relationships with other people? These are some of the questions I'll be researching for my term paper.
#Person1#: I understand your concerns, but I think our country needs to become more competitive, with other countries that are also developing this technology.
#Person2#: We can ask professor Smith to talk a bit more about this in his next class.
|
#Person1# and #Person2# talk about robots at the technology show. #Person2# is afraid that robots will make people unwilling to socialize, while #Person1# believes that robot technology needs to be developed to become more competitive.
|
train_1631
|
#Person1#: Phil, you said you're a teacher. And did you study education in college?
#Person2#: No, I studied construction. Actually I worked as a designer when I was younger. That was a really great job. But I kind of came into teaching just to try something different.
#Person1#: Do you like electronic products?
#Person2#: Yeah, I do. My favorite is my laptop. I think everyone should have a laptop now because it's so useful. I can watch movies, download music from the Internet and most important, I can write reports on my students on my laptop. It's just amazing what you can do today.
#Person1#: Any other products you especially like? An MP4 player or an iPad?
#Person2#: No, I suppose I would have to say my digital camera. I'm absolutely useless had taking photographs. I always miss the main part of the picture, however, with a digital camera, I can keep taking photos again and again until I know I've got the one I actually want. The digital Camera is perfect for me. I can choose only the photos I want.
#Person1#: Yeah, I agree. I use cameras a lot for my website. I couldn't make it without them.
|
Phil tells #Person1# he was a designer before becoming a teacher. Phil likes his laptop because he can watch movies, download music, and write reports on it. He also likes to use his digital camera to take photos.
|
train_1632
|
#Person1#: Alice, what's your favorite movie of the year twenty seventeen?
#Person2#: I must say it's Wonder Woman. When the movie was released in June last year, my parents were eager to take me to see it.
#Person1#: Why did your parents want to take you to watch it so much?
#Person2#: They considered it quite a different movie. You know, it is really rare to see a female action hero in a big budget movie. And it was also directed by a woman. I guess my parents wanted to show me that women could be powerful too.
#Person1#: So do you think that the movie was a big success?
#Person2#: You bet. It made more than 400 million dollars in ticket sales in the United States. In fact, there were only two bigger money makers among that years movies.
#Person1#: Did you watch any other movies directed by women in twenty seventeen?
#Person2#: Certainly. Women were in charge of more than 60 films in that year, including Before I Fall, Lady Bird and Battle of the Sexes. Among these three, I preferred the last.
|
Alice tells #Person1# her favorite movie is Wonder Woman which her parents took her to watch because it involves in a female hero and is directed by female. Alice also watched other movies directed by women.
|
train_1633
|
#Person1#: So, Claire, you're into drama.
#Person2#: Yes, I have a master's degree in drama and theater. At the moment, I'm hoping to get on to a PhD program.
#Person1#: What excites you about drama?
#Person2#: Well, I find it's a communicative way to study people and you learn how to read people in drama. So usually I can understand what people are saying even though they might be lying.
#Person1#: That would be useful?
#Person2#: Yeah, it's very useful for me as well. I'm an English lecture, so use a lot of drama in my classes, such as role plays. And I asked my students to create mini dramas. They really respond well. At the moment, I'm hoping to get on to a PhD course. I'd like to concentrate on Asian drama and try to bring Asian theater to the world's attention. I don't know how successful I would be, but here's hoping.
#Person1#: Oh, I'm sure you'll be successful.
|
Claire wants to get on to a PhD program in drama because she thinks that it is a communicative way to study people and wants to bring Asian theater to the world's attention.
|
train_1634
|
#Person1#: How long will it take for our order to be delivered?
#Person2#: Let's see. You are importing fifty containers of textiles from China. They should be able to place your order before the end of next week. It will take 2 days for shipping to the port city of Ningpo. The freight will take 3 weeks on the open ocean and will arrive in Los Angeles approximately a month from today. Domestic shipping will be your responsibility, you can make arrangements with the pier in Los Angeles.
#Person1#: Fine, we will handle domestic shipping, but what about customs? Will we have to pay tariff on our imports? I hope we don't run into any problems with the border control.
#Person2#: No, the Chinese company has that all worked out. With the paperwork you receive with the shipment, you should be good to go.
|
#Person2# says that #Person1#'s order of fifty containers of textiles will arrive in Los Angeles approximately a month from today with no tariff.
|
train_1635
|
#Person1#: Could you tell me something about your family?
#Person2#: OK. There are five people in my family, Father, mother, elder brother, younger sister and I.
#Person1#: Are your brother and sister still in school?
#Person2#: My brother has found his job and my sister is still in college.
#Person1#: What does your father do?
#Person2#: My father is a middle school teacher.
#Person1#: What about your mother?
#Person2#: My mother is a housewife.
#Person1#: Are you married?
#Person2#: I am not married yet and I live alone now.
#Person1#: Do you need to support your family?
#Person2#: No, my father and brother are doing that.
#Person1#: Have you finished school?
#Person2#: Yes, I have already graduated.
|
#Person2# is introducing #Person2#'s family to #Person1#. There are five members, father, mother, elder brother, younger sister, and #Person2#.
|
train_1636
|
#Person1#: Now people are talking about world recession which started more than a year ago. Can you give us your personal assessment of the situation of the global economy?
#Person2#: As you know, we are in a very special time. This is a very hard time for many countries ' economics, both developed and developing. I think the current economic situation could be described as synchronized slowdown of major economies.
#Person1#: What is the direct impact of the terrorist attack upon your country's economy?
#Person2#: Once the US economy is in trouble due to the terrorist attack, the impact could be quickly felt in the rest of the world.
#Person1#: What challenges is your country's economy facing at the moment?
#Person2#: We do face a lot of challenges because there is still much uncertainty about the world economy. It's very important for us to strike a proper balance between investment in fixed assets and household consumption.
|
#Person2# thinks there is a synchronized slowdown of major economies and the US economy is in trouble due to the terrorist attack. They face many challenges because there is still much uncertainty.
|
train_1637
|
#Person1#: May I know where you are going?
#Person2#: Yes. I want to go to Beijing Hotel.
#Person1#: I'm sorry. You are going in the wrong direction.
#Person2#: Oh no! What shall I do?
#Person1#: Don't worry. You can get off at the next stop and go across the street through the overpass. The bus stop is right there.
#Person2#: Thank you very much.
#Person1#: My pleasure.
|
#Person1# shows the correct direction to the Beijing Hotel for #Person2#.
|
train_1638
|
#Person1#: Wei! This is a first time you didn't bargain!
#Person2#: Bargain? I'd feel way too guilty.
#Person1#: But you could have saved money.
#Person2#: From a sweet ma?! It's not worth it. Plus, I'd happily pay more for these things I bought!
#Person1#: F. Y. I . , there is a flea market nearby, but maybe you're done...
#Person2#: Ha! I'm just warming up! Please take me there now!
|
Wei bought something without bargaining and asks #Person1# to take her to a flea market.
|
train_1639
|
#Person1#: Did you promise me to get the bread?
#Person2#: Well, I remember walking pass the baker shop.
#Person1#: But you forgot to get the bread.
#Person2#: I'm afraid so. I don't remember you telling me about it.
#Person1#: Well, I certainly did.
#Person2#: What would you let me do now?
#Person1#: You are free. You can go now.
#Person2#: Really? You are so kind.
#Person1#: I'll do with the cake.
#Person2#: No. That's not enough. I've got some cereal.
|
#Person2# forgot to get the bread for #Person1# and offers some cereal to #Person1#.
|
train_1640
|
#Person1#: Can you pick up some things from the store for me?
#Person2#: Of course, what do you need?
#Person1#: I need a few things, I'll give you the list.
#Person2#: Is there something else you need that you can think of?
#Person1#: Everything I need is on the list.
#Person2#: Do you want me to make any other stops while I'm out?
#Person1#: Since you asked, would you pick up my medicine from the pharmacy?
#Person2#: Is it ready to be picked up?
#Person1#: I believe so.
#Person2#: No problem. I'll do that for you.
#Person1#: I really appreciate you doing this for me.
#Person2#: It's no problem at all.
|
#Person1# appreciates #Person2# picking up things from the store and medicine from the pharmacy for #Person1#.
|
train_1641
|
#Person1#: I would like to pick a time to look at houses with you.
#Person2#: Would mornings or afternoons be best for you?
#Person1#: It is easier for me to take off work in the afternoon.
#Person2#: It is best if we can go during the week ; does that work for you?
#Person1#: Because of work, I can only go look at houses on the weekend.
#Person2#: Would you like to meet at the real estate office, or should I pick you up at home?
#Person1#: If you could pick me up at home, that would be great.
#Person2#: We could spend most of the day looking at houses to see all that we have to see.
#Person1#: That might be a little too much, but we'll see how it goes.
#Person2#: I will fax you a schedule as soon as I contact the owners to confirm the times.
|
#Person1# and #Person2# will look at houses at the weekend. #Person2# will fax #Person1# a schedule as soon as #Person2# contacts the owners to confirm the times.
|
train_1642
|
#Person1#: There is a tornado warning on. My mother just told me she heard it on the radio.
#Person2#: What is a tornado warning?
#Person1#: It means that a tornado has been seen somewhere in the area.
#Person2#: Really? In New Berlin?
#Person1#: No. Not necessarily in town. But in southern Wisconsin somewhere. A tornado has been spotted. They have two stages here. This is what is called a ' tornado watch. ' That means that the weather conditions are perfect for a tornado.
#Person2#: I understand. They think a tornado might come.
#Person1#: Yes. People should look out, because maybe there will be tornadoes coming. So it's called a ' watch. '
#Person2#: And the second stage is called a ' tornado warning '.
#Person1#: Yes. If a tornado has been spotted, they announce a ' tornado warning '. So if there's a tornado warning on, it means a tornado is out there somewhere.
#Person2#: It's scary.
#Person1#: Well. Tornadoes can be dangerous, it's true. If we hear something like a loud train coming, then we have to go in the basement.
#Person2#: What do you mean ' a loud train '?
#Person1#: That is what tornadoes sound like. They sound like trains. They're very loud.
#Person2#: But if you hear them coming, isn't it already too late?
#Person1#: Maybe. It depends on the tornado. Some can move across the ground at 200 miles an hour. That is very fast. Others aren't so fast.
#Person2#: Have you seen a lot of them?
#Person1#: I've only seen one in my life. I was looking out the window. It was around two miles away. It was very interesting to watch. But it was heading toward my friend's house. So I quickly called them on the phone.
#Person2#: Did it hit their house?
#Person1#: No, it didn't. But they are glad I called them.
#Person2#: What were they doing when you called?
#Person1#: They were all sitting in the living room watching TV. They had no idea a tornado was coming toward their house. If it had hit them, they could have all been killed.
#Person2#: That's terrible. Do many people die in tornadoes?
#Person1#: Not so many really. But a lot of houses are destroyed sometimes.
|
#Person1# says that there is a tornado warning on, which means that a tornado has been seen somewhere in southern Wisconsin. #Person1# explains to #Person2# the two stages of a tornado. The first is a 'tornado watch' and the second is a 'tornado warning'. #Person1# also indicates that not so many people die in tornadoes, but a lot of houses are destroyed sometimes.
|
train_1643
|
#Person1#: The band is pretty good. How do you like the music?
#Person2#: It's very nice. I haven't heard live music in a while. This is fun.
#Person1#: Well, then, may I invite you for the next dance?
#Person2#: Of course. But I'm afraid I'm not much of a dancer. . .
#Person1#: Don't worry. I'm not much of a dancer myself.
#Person2#: You're dancing so well.
#Person1#: You dance beautifully too.
#Person2#: When did you learn to dance?
#Person1#: In college. But I don't dance very often. What's your favourite dance?
#Person2#: It's hard to say. It depends. But I love the waltz.
|
#Person1# invites #Person2# for the next dance. They both think that the other side dances well. #Person2# loves the waltz.
|
train_1644
|
#Person1#: Oh, hi Pam. When did you get back from Canada? How was it?
#Person2#: The day before yesterday. I only visited Montreal and Ottawa, but I had a great time.
#Person1#: Which city did you like better?
#Person2#: That's hard to say. . . I think Ottawa is prettier. It has better sightseeing, too. A lot of museums and galleries.
#Person1#: And what's Montreal like? What did you think of it?
#Person2#: Montreal is more exciting. It has better shopping. The stores are cheaper and more interesting.
#Person1#: Which one has better nightlife?
#Person2#: Oh, Montreal of sure. It has more restaurants and clubs. They say Montreal is the most exciting city in Canada.
#Person1#: Well, I've always wanted to see Vancouver. I've heard it has the most beautiful views.
|
Pam came back from Canada the day before yesterday. He thinks that Ottawa is prettier and Montreal is more exciting with better nightlife.
|
train_1645
|
#Person1#: well, I finished my last final today.
#Person2#: the end of all the hard work for my master's. what a nice feeling to get my degree!
#Person1#: do you want to attend the convocation?
#Person2#: certainly. After years of hard work, I wouldn't miss it. By the way, where can I find cap and gown?
#Person1#: do you want to have them made or do you want to rent them?
#Person2#: oh, I think they're provided by the school for that special day.
#Person1#: no. those you have to provide for yourself.
#Person2#: what do most of the students do?
#Person1#: well, most of them only need a cap and gown for that particular convocation service, but some of the education majors have had them made, because they will be faculty members, and they'll need them for student commencement each year.
#Person2#: then, I might as well have them made.
#Person1#: Mary, don't move. Stand right there. It's a good shot. The background is very pretty.
#Person2#: hold it a second. I want to fix my hairpin.
#Person1#: it doesn't matter. Say'cheese'.
#Person2#: here's Lisa. May I take a picture with her?
#Person1#: Certainly. Ok, got you.
|
Mary feels very nice to get her degree and will attend the convocation and have the cap and gown made. #Person1# takes some photos for her.
|
train_1646
|
#Person1#: So, have you seen all three The Lord of the Rings movies?
#Person2#: Yes, but I didn't really like the third one at all.
#Person1#: That's the Return of the King, right?
#Person2#: Yeah. Even though the customs were brilliant, I didn't think it was as good as the first two. What did you think?
#Person1#: I thought the special effects were amazing, but I got a bit confused. The plot was too complicated for me.
#Person2#: Did you read the books before you watched the movies?
#Person1#: No. did you?
#Person2#: Yes, I've read them many times. I think it's much easier to follow for people who were already familiar with all the characters.
#Person1#: Yes, trying to keep track of all the characters was quite confusing for me.
#Person2#: I also think that it was much better in the theatre than at home.
#Person1#: Most movies are. Another problem for me was the film was dubbed in German with English subtitles.
#Person2#: That happens a lot in non-English speaking countries.
#Person1#: I heard that The Return of the King was nominated for 11 Oscars.
#Person2#: Actually, they not only had 11 nominations, but they won 11 Oscars, too!
|
#Person2# thinks that the third one of The Lord of the Rings movies was not as good as the first two. #Person1# didn't read the books before watching the movies so #Person1# got a bit confused.
|
train_1647
|
#Person1#: Are you a happy married man?
#Person2#: Yes, I am. My wife and I understand each other.
#Person1#: You are a lucky man. How about Mr. Smith.
#Person2#: I don't know. But they say that Mrs. Smith wears the pants in the house.
#Person1#: You mean she bosses her husband around?
#Person2#: That's right. She is pretty, but she wants to control everything in his life.
|
#Person2# is a happy married man but Mrs. Smith bosses Mr. Smith's around.
|
train_1648
|
#Person1#: I'd love that. I'm so glad I quit. It's time for a change.
#Person2#: Does that mean you're going to take my advice?
#Person1#: Yes. I'm looking for a position as a chef.
#Person2#: I might be able to help. . .
#Person1#: I'm sure you have great connections.
#Person2#: We'd like to open another restaurant. . . with you as the head chef and manager. . .
#Person1#: Really? You have that much faith in me? And Giovanni agreed to it? Does he know who I am?
#Person2#: Yes. But you know him. He's just worried that you're not Italian. . .
#Person1#: He's prejudiced, isn't he?
#Person2#: No. He's afraid that no one will cook as good as his mother did.
#Person1#: Ah! I know a way to convince him that Americans can make good Italian food!
#Person2#: How's that?
#Person1#: You'll see next week. I'll come by one day at lunchtime.
|
#Person2# would like to open another restaurant with #Person1# as the head chef and manager, but Giovanni is afraid that no one will cook as well as his mother did. #Person1# will convince him that Americans can make good Italian food.
|
train_1649
|
#Person1#: Hello. What can we do for you today?
#Person2#: I've just had some money sent from Germany, in Euros.
#Person1#: OK, could you give me your details and I'll see if it has cleared. We need your banking details and some ID. A passport or something like that?
#Person2#: I have my passport right here, and here are the account details. The name, number. . .
#Person1#: Mr. Jurgen, yes, the remittance has been successful.
#Person2#: That was quick! I didn't expect it to come through so quickly. Yes, that is good news. The full amount should be 20, 000 Euros, is that right? I'd like to withdraw 5, 000 Euros worth of local currency, if that's possible.
#Person1#: Not a problem, Sir. Please fill in this exchange form and show me your passport.
|
Mr. Jurgen wants to withdraw 5,000 Euros worth of local currency from the remittance of 20,000 Euros in his bank account.
|
train_1650
|
#Person1#: Excuse me, could I ask a favour?
#Person2#: Sure, go ahead.
#Person1#: Could you tell me where the canteen is?
#Person2#: Sure, I can take you there actually.
#Person1#: Oh, I don't want to trouble you.
#Person2#: It's fine. I was heading there anyway.
|
#Person2# will take #Person1# to the canteen.
|
train_1651
|
#Person1#: What's your name?
#Person2#: My name is Wang Lin. My English name is Linda.
#Person1#: A nice name, isn't it?
#Person2#: Yeah, like it very much. My name has become a part of me.
#Person1#: Where do you live?
#Person2#: I live in the Haitian District.
#Person1#: Oh, It's really far from here. May I ask how old you are?
#Person2#: Yes, I'm 38 years old.
#Person1#: You look very young.
#Person2#: Thanks.
#Person1#: Where is your birthplace?
#Person2#: My birthplace is Yentai.
|
#Person1# is asking Wang Lin about her address, age, and birthplace.
|
train_1652
|
#Person1#: Good afternoon, sir, is there anything I can do for you?
#Person2#: Yes. I can't find my sweater. I have my laundry sent to you yesterday but when the washing is done. I find my swatter missing.
#Person1#: Well, it's our fault. We are sorry for that. Would you please fill out the form? We will pay for you.
#Person2#: That's fine. Maybe you should be more careful.
|
#Person2# finds his sweater missing after washing. #Person1# will pay for him.
|
train_1653
|
#Person1#: Mr. Smith, I would like to get right to the point here. First, we need to talk about how much each company will pay.
#Person2#: Well, we want to have the largest share. Our company is much larger than yours, and we have been in business longer.
#Person1#: Let's look at that another way. The major point is the value that we add, not who has been in business longer, or is bigger.
#Person2#: What are you thinking about?
#Person1#: We do not want to place ourselves in an inferior position. We are a good, small company---that's why you are interested.
#Person2#: Then, what would make you feel more comfortable?
#Person1#: If you take a 75 % position in the venture, we would take a back seat to you.
|
Mr. Smith wants to have the largest share, while #Person1# doesn't want to be placed in an inferior position. If Mr. Smith takes a 75 % position, #Person1# would take a back seat.
|
train_1654
|
#Person1#: Hey, Ken. . . I need to talk to you.
#Person2#: Sure. . . what's up?
#Person1#: Can we step into the conference room? This is a more private conversation.
#Person2#: Sure. . .
#Person1#: Ok. . . I'm just going to lay it all out on the table, What do you think of Vincent's management style?
#Person2#: Well, Vincent has only been CEO for a couple of years and. . . well. . . um. . .
#Person1#: I don't want to put you on the spot. Here's what I'm getting at, I don't think Vincent is the man for the job.
#Person2#: Really? And what led you to this conclusion?
#Person1#: As I see it, he lacks the proper vision. His style is more about survival, and he's not taking the company anywhere. He's treading water instead of swimming.
#Person2#: Well, I confess I've had my doubts about his abilities before. It seems he mainly got the job because his famous aunt pulled some strings.
#Person1#: I've been with this firm for 26 years and I'd hate to see it go down the drain due to poor leadership skills.
#Person2#: Me too. But what can we do? This isn't a reality TV show. . . we can't just vote him out.
#Person1#: Yes and no. . . We can't ask for a show of hands on who thinks he should be fired, but we can introduce a vote of no confidence at the next board meeting.
#Person2#: Interesting idea. You might be on to something.
|
#Person1# asks Ken about his opinion of Vincent's management style because #Person1# doesn't think Vincent is the man for the job of CEO. Ken confesses that he has had doubts about his abilities before. #Person1# thinks they could introduce a vote of no confidence at the next board meeting.
|
train_1655
|
#Person1#: Hey Mark. What are you doing?
#Person2#: Just watching some TV.
#Person1#: Anything interesting on?
#Person2#: Not really. Just watching the sports highlight on ESPN.
#Person1#: So I take it you're pretty bored too.
#Person2#: Just killing time until I find something to do. What are you going to do?
#Person1#: It's Saturday and we are sitting at home doing nothing. What's wrong with us?
#Person2#: You wanna shoot some hoops?
#Person1#: I already tried to call up some of the guys, but they are all busy.
#Person2#: Where's your girlfriend? I thought you were going out with her today.
#Person1#: She's out shopping with her friends.
#Person2#: Let's go to Starbucks and think of something to do then.
#Person1#: Aright. Do you have any cigarettes?
#Person2#: I only have a couple left. Why don't you pick some up on the way.
#Person1#: Ok. See you there in about 30 minutes.
#Person2#: Aright. See you there.
|
Both #Person1# and Mark are bored on Saturday. So they decide to go to Starbucks and think of something to do together.
|
train_1656
|
#Person1#: Kenvir? Hi, it's Alice. I'm very sorry that I have a big favor to ask you again.
#Person2#: How big, Alice? Last time you said that, I ended up working overtime 4 nights.
#Person1#: Well, I've got a huge load of typing and Mr. Brown has insisted I get it done by tomorrow afternoon. Could you help me to type half of it?
#Person2#: All right, Alice. But this is the last time. I also have a lot of work to do.
#Person1#: Thank you, Kenvir. You're so kind.
|
Alice asks Kenvir to help her finish half of the typing. Kenvir tells her that it is the last time.
|
train_1657
|
#Person1#: I'm a bit worried about you going shopping by yourself this afternoon.
#Person2#: Oh don't worry, I'll be fine.
#Person1#: But what will you do if you need to know the price of something?
#Person2#: If I need to know the price, I'll just look at the label.
#Person1#: Ok, but what will you do if you want to check the size of the clothes?
#Person2#: I'll try them on.
#Person1#: And what will you do if you don't have enough cash?
#Person2#: Then I'll just use my credit card.
|
#Person1# is a bit worried about #Person2# going shopping alone. #Person2# tells #Person1# that #Person2# will be fine.
|
train_1658
|
#Person1#: Susan, we're going to need those data before tomorrow.
#Person2#: I know. I'm just waiting for confirmation on one of them. I can get them to you by tomorrow morning.
#Person1#: Yeah? All right. Thanks, Susan.
#Person2#: That's all right.
|
Susan can get the data to #Person1# by tomorrow morning.
|
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