id
stringlengths
1
11
dialogue
stringlengths
29
49.6k
summary
stringlengths
3
21.1k
train_3159
#Person1#: What kind of job are you interested in? #Person2#: I want a job in which I can use English, I would also like to be able to have some responsibility in my work. #Person1#: I really appreciate that I would expect my secretary to be able to work independently and take over some of my ordinary responsibilities, such as answering routine correspondence, taking phone calls for me and sometimes assisting me with personal affairs. #Person2#: Yes, I see. In my previous job, I did typing and filing everyday. #Person1#: Have you had any experience as a guide? #Person2#: Well, not exactly, but I have shown some of my foreign friends around Beijing. #Person1#: Once in a while we have visitors from abroad and I would like to be able to ask my secretary to take them shopping and sightseeing. #Person2#: I think I would like that.
During the interview, #Person1# asks about the job #Person2# likes and #Person2#'s experience and tells #Person2# the requirements to be #Person1#'s secretary.
train_3160
#Person1#: Can you arrange for a candle light dinner for tomorrow? I have been impressed with your restaurant since I had a meeting last time here. #Person2#: Certainly, sir. When should we arrange? #Person1#: Is it possible at 7:30 PM? #Person2#: Surely. #Person1#: Oh, no, no. My wife will take part in her friend's birthday party tomorrow afternoon. So please put it off half an hour later. #Person2#: OK, sir. How about the menu and decoration? How would you like to have it? #Person1#: Can you provide a very romantic candle light dinner in the garden with flowers and music? I want to give my wife a surprise at our twentieth wedding anniversary. #Person2#: Certainly. We will arrange it, sir. #Person1#: Thank you.
#Person1# asks #Person2# to arrange a candlelight dinner tomorrow in the garden of the restaurant with flowers and music to give his wife a surprise at their twentieth wedding anniversary.
train_3161
#Person1#: Hey, Tina! How's the Spanish course going? #Person2#: Tough. Our teacher is using a lot of authentic material. You know, stuff off the radio and TV, he even tapes conversations with his friends and uses them in class. #Person1#: So what are some of the things that make it difficult? #Person2#: Well, the speed for a start. #Person1#: What do you mean? #Person2#: You know, they just talk so fast. I can't understand every word. #Person1#: Maybe you shouldn't try? #Person2#: What do you mean? #Person1#: Well, maybe you should just listen to the keywords. You know, the most important words. #Person2#: But how do I know what they are? #Person1#: Well, there usually the words with the most stress.
Tina thinks the speed of sample conversations makes the Spanish course difficult. #Person1# advises her to just listen to the keywords.
train_3162
#Person1#: Hi, Mark! Have you finished the math yet? #Person2#: Yeah, it was really difficult. #Person1#: Well, I've got 2 free tickets for the Muse Concert. I wonder if you want to go this Saturday. #Person2#: Oh yeah! What time does it start? #Person1#: It starts at 8:00 so I'll call for you around 7:00. #Person2#: Could we make it a little later? I'll go to a basketball match at 3:00 and I won't be back till just before 7:00. #Person1#: OK. Well, 7:15, but no later. The traffic could be quite bad. #Person2#: OK, no problem.
#Person1# has got 2 free tickets for the Muse Concert and invites Mark to go this Saturday. They decide to meet no later than 7:15.
train_3163
#Person1#: Have you been to the ocean yet Sue? #Person2#: No, Edward. My parents are checking in the hotel now. Is it beautiful? #Person1#: It's so crowded there that it's hard to know if it's beautiful or ugly. #Person2#: I read in the travel book that the beaches are popular around noon. #Person1#: Well, your family is smart to come a little bit later then. #Person2#: Do you think there's enough room for a game of volleyball? #Person1#: You might be able to run but there's not enough space to play team sports. #Person2#: I don't like running. #Person1#: You're better off just reading a book or something.
Edward tells Sue that the beach is very crowded and advises her to just read a book there.
train_3164
#Person1#: Hello, I am Miss Gear. I... #Person2#: Oh, good morning, Miss Gear. Come in, please. We have talked on the phone. You'd like to rent the place? #Person1#: Yes, I'd like to have a look at this house. #Person2#: That's quite good. Let me show you around the place. How do you like the location? #Person1#: The place is very convenient. As it's only a 5 minutes' walk from the nearest bus stop. This must be the bedroom. Oh my God. I love the French window. #Person2#: I am very glad that you like it. #Person1#: The living room is big and the kitchen is OK. #Person2#: And this is a very safe building, too. #Person1#: That's good. The advertisement says the rent is $350 a month, right? Could you think about giving me a discount on the price? #Person2#: I am afraid I can't decide it. As for the price, you should discuss with the landlord instead of me. He will be here tomorrow. #Person1#: Many thanks. I'd like to talk it over with my boyfriend this evening. After all, it's a good place.
#Person2# is showing Miss Gear around the house she wants to rent. She thinks it's a good place and decides to talk it over with her boyfriend this evening.
train_3165
#Person1#: Why did you sell the car? #Person2#: It gave me too much trouble. I was spending too much money on it. I was spending more money than it was worth. Unfortunately, of course, when you actually sell the car, you've already spent the money on it, so you lose both ways. #Person1#: Well, what was the trouble with your old car? #Person2#: The engine needed a lot of repairs and the wheels were giving trouble now and then. When I set off on a journey, it gave me a sort of feeling but I might not get to the other end. So I decided to change it. #Person1#: Is the new car good? #Person2#: Yes, it's newer, more comfortable and it hasn't given me any trouble at all. When I set off, I'm quite sure that I'll be able to get to the other end safely.
#Person2# sold the old car because it gave #Person2# too much trouble and cost a lot of money. #Person2# is satisfied with #Person2#'s new car.
train_3166
#Person1#: We are so excited to have you here, Miss Calvin. Thank you for answering some questions and for signing our customers books. #Person2#: No problem. I love meeting the people who read my books. #Person1#: So how did you think of the idea for this book? #Person2#: About 4 years ago, I was taking my dog for a walk. When I saw a very beautiful bird, I started thinking about birds and decided to read about them at the library. I became very interested in birds, and that's how I decided to create the main character in my book. He is a scientist who studies birds. #Person1#: How long did it take you to write the book? #Person2#: I wrote the book in about 2 years. I only spent 3 months thinking of the story, but it took much longer to write it. #Person1#: Do you ever worry you won't be able to think of another idea for a book? #Person2#: All the time, but I always think of more ideas as soon as I finish with the book I'm writing. Reading the newspaper helps me think of ideas. Taking long showers also helps me think of ideas.
Miss Calvin shares how she thought of the idea for her book. She wrote this book in about 2 years. She also talks about how she usually gets inspired for new books.
train_3167
#Person1#: Hi Sue it's me. #Person2#: Well hello, where have you been all day Steve? Mister Smith asked me this morning where you were, but he didn't seem to be looking for you or anything. #Person1#: What did you say? #Person2#: I told him that I didn't know. He seemed very busy, as managers always are. Are you OK? #Person1#: I'm sorry I didn't call you this morning. I've had a cold since Saturday. I haven't eaten much these days, it, it has made me feel really weak. But I'll probably be there tomorrow. #Person2#: Alright we'll go on a business trip next week and don't worry. You should go see a doctor Steve. #Person1#: Thanks, but I'm getting better now. #Person2#: Take care then, bye. #Person1#: Bye bye, Sue.
Sue asks Steve where he has been all day because Mr. Smith is looking for him. Steve has had a cold but he's getting better now.
train_3168
#Person1#: Honey, what's all our stuff doing in the driveway. #Person2#: It's a Newsday Spring cleanup sale. For only $19. 95 we can put a two line classified ad in Newsday for 7 days and with over 2 million readers will get results fast. #Person1#: 2 lines all editions for only $19. 95? That's more than 50% savings off their regular rate. But if Newsday is having a clean up cell, why does our driveway look like a market? #Person2#: Because there's never been a better time for us to turn the things we don't use into cash we can use. #Person1#: You mean appliances, jewelry, furniture exercise equipment? #Person2#: Even your old guitar. #Person1#: 2 lines, all the additions for only $19. 95? Are you sure? #Person2#: Of course I'm sure. I called Rudy. #Person1#: Who's Rudy? #Person2#: He's a classified Newsday sales consultant. He was really nice and helpful. #Person1#: More than 50% off and friendly service. Newsday really does have all we need. #Person2#: Yeah, he is my 2 line add, clean up with Newsday family stuff, including appliances, jewelry and furniture. Kohler said 5168433000. \ #Person1#: That sounds great. #Person2#: Now listen again, please.
#Person2# tells #Person1# about the Newsday Spring cleanup sale. They decide to turn some appliances, jewelry, and furniture exercise equipment that they don't use into cash.
train_3169
#Person1#: Did you have a good weekend, Tina? #Person2#: Yes, I did. I went to the Bluewater World. #Person1#: Really? Who did you go with? #Person2#: I went there with Grace, Jim and Mary. #Person1#: Didn't see his angle with you? #Person2#: Well, she wanted but her uncle and aunt visited her family. So she had to help her mom cook dinner. #Person1#: What did you see there? Did you see sharks? #Person2#: Yes, we did, and we saw a lot of different kinds of fishes. #Person1#: Did you buy any souvenirs? #Person2#: No, I didn't. But Grace bought a souvenir of a seal playing with a ball. And Jim won the T shirt in the gift shop. #Person1#: Didn't Mary buy or win anything? #Person2#: No, she just bought some ice cream and ate all the time. Guess. Who did I meet at the Blue Water World? I met Jake Dean. #Person1#: Jake Dean? The famous actor? You really met him? #Person2#: Yes, he was making a movie there. #Person1#: Did you get a picture with him? #Person2#: I did. Look, here it is.
Tina is telling #Person1# that she went to the Bluewater World with Grace, Jim, and Mary during the weekend. She met Jake Dean and got a picture with him there.
train_3170
#Person1#: I like to book a few seats for hamlet, please. #Person2#: Yes, sir. #Person1#: Have you got any seats downstairs? #Person2#: Yes, we have. #Person1#: How much are they? #Person2#: $3.75 each. #Person1#: Are there any seats for $2.5? #Person2#: Yes, there are. Upstairs. How many? #Person1#: 4 please. #Person2#: For which night? #Person1#: What about Saturday October twenty first? #Person2#: I can give you 4 seats in row 8. #Person1#: How long will the performance last? #Person2#: 2 1/2 hours. #Person1#: Thank you. How much will that be in all?
#Person1# books 4 seats for hamlet for Saturday, October 21st, with #Person2#'s assistance.
train_3171
#Person1#: Paul, how long have you been in the music business? #Person2#: For about 20 years I guess. I've never had another job. No. Never. I've only been a musician. #Person1#: How old were you when you started playing? #Person2#: It was when I was just a kid I taught myself to play. I tried a few instruments. First, the drum. That was when I was only 5 in 1981. After that, it was the piano and then later keyboards. #Person1#: When did you start playing professionally? #Person2#: While I was still at school. I left school at 16. I was playing in a band, working on Saturday evenings in pubs and clubs. When I left school my only ambition was to be in a pop group.
Paul tells #Person2# he has been in the music business for about 20 years. He started playing when he was a kid and started playing professionally at school.
train_3172
#Person1#: Good morning, what seems to be the problem? #Person2#: Good morning, Mrs. Brown. I have a cough and a fever and I feel very tired all the time. #Person1#: And how long have you been feeling like this? #Person2#: Three days now. #Person1#: Let me have a look. Open your mouth, please. Wider, please. Now say 'Ah'. #Person2#: Ah. #Person1#: Now take your shirt off, please. Breathe in, breathe out. OK, you can put your shirt back on now. #Person2#: What seems to be the problem? Do I suffer from bird flu or is there something wrong with my lung? #Person1#: Oh, no. Don't be so nervous. You just have a bad cold. Do you work in an air conditioned office? #Person2#: Yes, I do. #Person1#: I thought so. I see many people who work in air conditioned offices. It's the air conditioning, you see. it's really not very good for your health. #Person2#: So what would you suggest, doctor? #Person1#: I suggest you get out of the office as regularly as possible. Walk around and get some fresh air. That will help. You also need to get more exercise. Do you play any sports? #Person2#: I sometimes play tennis in summer. But to be honest, I'm too busy to get regular exercised. #Person1#: Then I suggest you try playing more often, say, once a week. #Person2#: OK, no problem. Thank you doctor. Bye. #Person1#: Bye.
Mrs. Brown gives #Person2# a check and says #Person2# has a bad cold because of air conditioning. She suggests #Person2# get out of the office as regularly as possible and get more exercise.
train_3173
#Person1#: Hi, Sarah. How's your speech for Professor Grey's class next Monday? #Person2#: Actually, I'm a bit worried. #Person1#: Why should you? What's going on? #Person2#: You know, what I chose to talk about is British history. #Person1#: Really? That is a big topic. #Person2#: Yes. There are so many things to cover. I just can't see how to do it in a 3 minute speech.
Sarah tells #Person1# that she's worried about her speech because she doesn't know how to cover so many things about British history in 3 minutes.
train_3174
#Person1#: Do you remember Sally Green, the swimming star? She was the girl who broke all the records at last Olympics. Where is she now? Last week our reporter Tom Parker went to see Sally in her home, California. #Person2#: Is it true that you don't swim at all now? #Person1#: I'm afraid so. I'm too old. #Person2#: But you are only 20. #Person1#: That's too old for a swimmer. If I swim in an international competition now, I wouldn't win. So I'd rather not swim at all. #Person2#: But don't you enjoy swimming? #Person1#: I used to when I was still small. But if you enter for big competitions, you have to work very hard. I used to get up at 6:00 AM to go to the pool. I had to train before school, after school, and at weekends. I swam 35 miles every week. #Person2#: But you were famous at 15. And look at all these cups. #Person1#: It's true that I have some wonderful memories. I enjoyed visiting other countries and the Olympics were very exciting, but I missed more important things. While other girls were growing up, I was swimming. What can I do?
Sally Green, a swimming star, says she doesn't swim at all now because she's 20 and it's too old for a swimmer.
train_3175
#Person1#: I haven't told you what happened yet, have I? #Person2#: I haven't heard anything. #Person1#: My boss offered me a promotion, and I took it. #Person2#: Are you serious? #Person1#: Yes, I am really excited. #Person2#: That's great. Congratulations. #Person1#: I appreciate that. #Person2#: You have no idea how happy I am for you. #Person1#: For real? #Person2#: I believe you were the best choice for that promotion. I really do.
#Person1# tells #Person2# that #Person1# was promoted. #Person2# feels happy for #Person1#.
train_3176
#Person1#: Can you manage chopsticks? #Person2#: Why not? See. #Person1#: Good mastery. How do you like our Chinese food? #Person2#: Oh, great! It's delicious. You see, I am already putting on weight. There is one thing I don't like however, MSG. #Person1#: What's wrong with MSG? It helps to bring out the taste of the food. #Person2#: According to some studies it may cause cancer. #Person1#: Oh, don't let that worry you. If that were true, China wouldn't have such a large population. #Person2#: I just happen to have a question for you guys. Why do the Chinese cook the vegetables? You see what I mean is that most vitamin are destroyed when heated. #Person1#: I don't know exactly. It's a tradition. Maybe it's for sanitary reasons.
#Person2# can manage chopsticks and likes Chinese food. #Person2# doesn't like MSG because it may cause cancer. #Person1# tells #Person2# it's not true and thinks Chinese cook the vegetables for sanitary reasons.
train_3177
#Person1#: Good afternoon. what can I do for you? #Person2#: I want to pick up my valuables. #Person1#: May I have your key please? #Person2#: Sure. Here you are. #Person1#: Here is your valuable. Is that right? #Person2#: Yes, thank you.
#Person1# helps #Person2# to pick up #Person2#'s valuables.
train_3178
#Person1#: Have you got your invitation yet? #Person2#: My invitation? No, I haven't. My invitation to what? #Person1#: The house warming party. #Person2#: Whose house warming party is it? #Person1#: Tom and Bill Smith. They are both working now you know? And they've bought a new house. #Person2#: Oh, they have? I didn't know. I haven't seen Tom lately. #Person1#: It's out in the suburbs. #Person2#: Have you seen the house? #Person1#: Yes, I have. I went out with them last weekend. #Person2#: Is it nice? #Person1#: Yes, it is. There are three bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, and a big kitchen. #Person2#: There's also a garden. #Person1#: Well, that does sound nice. Have they moved in yet? #Person2#: They are moving today. Tom's taken the day off. He's rented a truck, and they should have all their furniture in the house tonight. #Person1#: When are they going to have the party? #Person2#: Next Saturday night. You should get your invitation today or tomorrow. #Person1#: Wow, that would be something to look forward to.
#Person1# tells #Person2# about Tom and Bill Smith's new house in the suburbs and thinks #Person2# will get the invitation to the house warming party.
train_3179
#Person1#: Why have you changed your job so frequently? #Person2#: My first job was in a well-established company where the division of labour was very clear. I do not have more chances to enrich my experience. Then I got an opportunity to really broaden my experience with a new company that was starting up, but unfortunately, they closed their service in three months'time. I have worked in my present company for a considerable length of time and enjoy the job I am doing now, but I think I have accumulated enough experience to take up more challenging post in a much larger and diversified company where I could make solid contribution.
#Person2# tells #Person1# why #Person2# changed the job so frequently.
train_3180
#Person1#: My German teacher thought it would be a good idea to have German pen friends to write to in German. #Person2#: What a great idea! Now you have a friendly audience to practice with! #Person1#: The only thing is that my pen friend will be writing in English. #Person2#: Oh, he wants to practice his language skills, too. #Person1#: That's right. And there is another pen friend that I'll be writing too. Her name is Olga. #Person2#: Maybe Olga can introduce you to some of her friends who can write to you in German and you can do the same for her with your friends to write her in English. #Person1#: That's a great idea! Why didn't I think of that? #Person2#: I don't know, but you know how to surround yourself with great friends!
#Person2# advises #Person1# to let Olga, #Person1#'s German pen friend, introduce some of her friends to write to #Person1# in German to practice #Person1#'s language skills.
train_3181
#Person1#: Ah! No! Damn it! #Person2#: It's a blackout. Now I can't see Seinfeld. #Person1#: So what? I just lost one hour's worth of work. #Person2#: Really? How could you do that? Don't you save every couple minutes? #Person1#: No, I didn't save this time. Damn it! And I'm sick of writing this paper. Now I have to write it all over again too. #Person2#: I've had that problem too many times. So I learned to save. When I'm writing something, I save every three sentences or so. I don't want to lose anything. #Person1#: I hate computers. Sometimes I think they cause more trouble than they're worth. #Person2#: What are we going to do now? #Person1#: I don't know. I feel like going out. #Person2#: I wonder how much of the city is down. #Person1#: It doesn't matter. I still can go out and buy a beer. #Person2#: Maybe. But if there's a blackout, probably the pubs are closed. And besides, I know you have a political science exam tomorrow. I thought you had a lot of reading to do. #Person1#: Yes, that's true. Damn! I just lost half my paper, and now I can't even do my homework. This is a bad time for this to happen. #Person2#: I have a flashlight in my closet. If you want to use that to read, you can.
It's a blackout. #Person1# didn't save and has to write the paper all over again. #Person1# wants to go out and buy a beer but #Person2# indicates that the pubs are probably closed and suggests #Person1# preparing for the exam with the flashlight.
train_3182
#Person1#: Hello, My name is Candy Brown. May I have your name? #Person2#: Hello, Candy. My name is Jim White. Nice to meet you. #Person1#: Nice to meet you, too. Where are you from? #Person2#: I'm from New Orleans. What about you? #Person1#: I was born here. #Person2#: Really? This is a beautiful town. #Person1#: It's nice talking to you. But I have to go. #Person2#: OK. Can I have your phone number? #Person1#: OK. It's 15066688866. Call me! Bye-bye, then. #Person2#: I will. Bye.
Candy Brown and Jim White exchange their names, where they come from, and phone numbers.
train_3183
#Person1#: Hi, Mary, I didn't see you at work this morning. Are you all right? #Person2#: Oh, I feel miserable. I've got a bad cold, My head is dizzy and my nose is running. #Person1#: Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. Have you seen a doctor or taken any medicines? #Person2#: As a matter of fact I have, The doctor said it'll go away after a day or two. He's prescribed me some tablets. #Person1#: Are you feeling better? #Person2#: Yes, it helps me but I just have to wait and let my system do the work. #Person1#: Do you need anything, grocery? #Person2#: Oh, no, I'm fine. My refrigerator is piled up with food. But if it's not too much trouble for you. I'd like something to read. #Person1#: Sure, I'll get it for you. Books or magazines? #Person2#: I'd like both.
Mary has got a bad cold. She is feeling better after the doctor prescribed some tablets. #Person1# will bring her books and magazines to read.
train_3184
#Person1#: How do you like your work? #Person2#: The work is rather hard, but it's interesting. #Person1#: What do you do? #Person2#: I work in a publishing house. How about you? #Person1#: Mine isn't hard, but it's not interesting. #Person2#: What do you do then? #Person1#: I'm a clerk in a shop.
#Person2# works in a publishing house, which is hard but interesting. #Person1# is a clerk, which isn't hard but not interesting.
train_3185
#Person1#: That sounds pretty good. But isn't downloading music illegal? #Person2#: Not if you pay for it. For example, if you download from iTunes and pay with your credit card, it's legal. #Person1#: OK, I'm going to get iTunes and download some Vanilla Ice songs. #Person2#: Awesome. You'll see that they are really catchy.
#Person2# tells #Person1# it's legal to download music after paying for it. #Person1# will download some songs.
train_3186
#Person1#: Are you ready to go to the bank? #Person2#: Sure, what do you need to do there? #Person1#: There's problem with my bank statement. There's a mistake on it. I also need to withdraw some money some the ATM. #Person2#: I have to exchange some money. #Person1#: that's right. You're going away next week. #Person2#: I also want to see if my salary has been paid into my bank account. There was a problem last week. #Person1#: I have to pay my credit bill too. If I don't pay it soon, the credit card company will charge me interest. #Person2#: Their interest rates are usually quite high. It's a good idea to pay off your credit card debts before they attract interest.
#Person1# is going to the bank to check the bank statement, withdraw some money, and pay the credit bill. #Person2# is going to exchange some money and check the salary.
train_3187
#Person1#: Hey, Susie, what health club do you belong to? #Person2#: Total Fitness, why? #Person1#: Well, I'Ve been going to Athletic Express, but I don't like it there. #Person2#: Really? Why not? I hear it's pretty good. #Person1#: The people don't really work out there. They just stand around and talk all the time. #Person2#: Oh, it's one of those places. #Person1#: Yeah, is your club different? #Person2#: Well, they have different rooms. I lift weights by the pool where there aren't so many people. #Person1#: Do they have a lot of equipment? #Person2#: Yeah, they have all the machines, a pool, and a steam room and sauna. #Person1#: Sounds nice. What about classes? #Person2#: The usual. Aerobics, kickboxing, yoga. They just started a Tai Chi class too. #Person1#: Wow, that sounds great. #Person2#: Well, I have a guest pass. Why don't you come with me tonight? #Person1#: Really? Thanks. I'll stop by when I get off work. #Person2#: Perfect. See you later. #Person1#: O. K. , see you.
#Person1# doesn't like #Person1#'s health club and thinks Susie's club sounds great. Susie has a guest pass and invites #Person1# to come with her tonight.
train_3188
#Person1#: I'll always remember my college days. #Person2#: Oh yeah? #Person1#: It was one of the best times in my life. It was tough, but I made it. I became a college graduate. #Person2#: How did you feel when you graduated? #Person1#: It was a round day for me. My family attend the graduation ceremony. I was so nervous. I couldn't find my cap and gown, but all worked out in the end. #Person2#: What did you do after graduation? #Person1#: I was planning to attend gradate school, but then I was offered a good job doing marketing, so I changed my mind. #Person2#: Sounds like you're happy with your decision. #Person1#: I sure am. So what about you? How did you feel when you graduated? #Person2#: It was also a proud day for me, but I also felt like a kind of loss that day. #Person1#: How could it be? #Person2#: While seeing others going to work or continue their study, I didn't know what I would do. #Person1#: You didn't have an offer? #Person2#: I had one, but I didn't like the job very much. I wanted to attend graduate school, but I was afraid it would be too tough. #Person1#: I think you lack in the power of decision. Once you make your decision, don't be overtaken by misgivings and fear. Just go full steam ahead!
#Person1# and #Person2# both think their graduation was a proud day. #Person1# decided to take a good job doing marketing. #Person2# can't decide whether to continue study or to work.
train_3189
#Person1#: Hi, Sara, what are you reading? #Person2#: Hi, John, I am trying to find a carpenter. #Person1#: Why? #Person2#: Well, I want to build a deck in my back yard. #Person1#: What for? #Person2#: So I can have a special place to hang out with friends, and also do some barbecuing on weekends. #Person1#: That sounds cool. Do you mind if I recommend myself for the job? #Person2#: You? Do you have a carpenter's license? #Person1#: Yes, of course. But I only freelance on weekends with my uncle. #Person2#: Wow! That's cool. So, let me give you some details about the deck I want. #Person1#: Please go ahead, I am listening. #Person2#: I'd like my deck to be at the same level as the back door. #Person1#: Is your back door higher than the ground level? #Person2#: Yes, the back door is about four or five steps higher than the ground. #Person1#: Okay, then you need a deck with a guardrail. #Person2#: I don't like things to be fancy. #Person1#: Don't worry. I will build your deck with a simple but classic look. #Person2#: Hmm, that's good. Can you use cedar or redwood to build it? #Person1#: Cedar is a good choice. #Person2#: Well, let's take the measurements right now.
Sara is trying to find a carpenter to build a deck. John recommends himself. Sara gives him the details about the deck. John will build it with cedar.
train_3190
#Person1#: How good are you at sports, Bill? #Person2#: Are you kidding? I'm terrible! But I love to watch sports. I go to football or baseball games a lot. And I read sports magazines every week. #Person1#: Wow! #Person2#: Do you like sports, Janice? #Person1#: Oh, yes. I like to exercise. But I don't watch sports or buy sports magazines. I don't have much time to do those things. #Person2#: Oh, I see. You know, we spend time doing different sports. How much time do you spend exercising? #Person1#: Well, I guess I exercise about two hours a day. I do aerobics three times a week, and the other days I play badminton with my husband. I always feel good afterward. #Person2#: That's great! I'Ve heard people say that before. #Person1#: Well, why don't you try to get some exercise? It's difficult, but very rewarding. #Person2#: Oh, I'm too lazy to play sports, and I'm not good at anything either. It hardly excites me.
Bill is terrible at sports but he loves to watch sport. Janice likes to exercise but she doesn't watch sports. Janice advises Bill to get some exercise but Bill refuses.
train_3191
#Person1#: Valerie! Hi! Wow how have you been? It's been such a long time! #Person2#: Darlene! Indeed, it's been a while! How have you been? Wow, you look amazing! I love what you'Ve done with your hair! #Person1#: Really? Thanks! I went to that hair salon that you told me about, but enough about me! Look at you! You haven't aged a day since the last time I saw you! What is your secret! #Person2#: Ha ha, come on! Well, I'Ve been watching what I eat, and working out three times a week. By the way, I heard your son recently graduated! #Person1#: Yes, my little Paul is finally a doctor. They grow up so fast you know. #Person2#: He is such a handsome guy. He gets his looks from his mother of course! #Person1#: Thank you! What about your daughter, Pamela? I heard she has passed the bar exam and married recently. #Person2#: Oh yes. She had a beautiful wedding in Cozumel Mexico and we all attended. #Person1#: Such a lovely girl. I hope my Paul is lucky enough to find a girl like that someday! #Person2#: But of course! Well, it's been great talking to you, but I have to get going. #Person1#: Same here! We will catch up soon, maybe over coffee! #Person2#: That would be great! Give me a call! #Person1#: See you soon! Bye! Uhmm. Finally it's over. . . I can't stand that woman or her obnoxious daughter.
Valerie and Darlene haven't seen each other for a while. They greet each other, praise each other and each other's child. But actually, Darlene can't stand Valerie and her obnoxious daughter.
train_3192
#Person1#: This man looks very handsome. Is he married? #Person2#: Sure. He has already married, a father of two boys. #Person1#: Oh, I can't believe it. He looks very young. #Person2#: He took the picture when he was only 21 years old. #Person1#: I see.
#Person1# doesn't believe the handsome man is a father of two boys. #Person2# tells #Person1# the picture was taken when he was 21.
train_3193
#Person1#: Hello, this is Sunshine Trading Company. Can I help you? #Person2#: Yes. I want to apply for the accountant in your corporation and I think it is not beyond attainment. #Person1#: Great. Could you tell me something about cash control? #Person2#: Yes, of course. In accounting, cash means all items that are acceptable for depositing in a bank.
#Person2# wants to apply for the accountant in #Person1#'s corporation. #Person1# asks #Person2# to tell something about cash control.
train_3194
#Person1#: Good morning, I'd like to book a flight from Beijing to Shanghai, please. #Person2#: I see. When are you travelling? #Person1#: I'd like to fly next Friday. #Person2#: Is that a return journey or just one-way? #Person1#: One-way, please. I'm flying back to London from Shanghai. #Person2#: Ok. That will be 1400RMB please. #Person1#: How long is the flight? #Person2#: It's about three hours.
#Person1# wants to book a flight from Beijing to Shanghai next Friday. #Person2# tells #Person1# it will take three hours and charges 1400 RMB.
train_3195
#Person1#: Excuse me, could you tell me how much is the lipstick? #Person2#: It costs only 25 yuan. #Person1#: Oh, it's too expensive. Can't you make it any cheaper? #Person2#: The price is reasonable because the quality is super. #Person1#: But the price is too high. #Person2#: How much would you like it to be, then? #Person1#: What about 15 yuan? #Person2#: Let's meet half way, 20 yuan, OK? #Person1#: All right, I'll take it. #Person2#: I think you've got a real bargain. #Person1#: Thank you.
#Person1# and #Person2# bargain over a lipstick. They make a deal at 20 yuan.
train_3196
#Person1#: I like the Honda Accord you showed me before. I think it's more practical for my needs. #Person2#: Alright, sir. You are making a good choice. Honda has made a lot of design improvements in the new Accord. #Person1#: What does it come with standard? #Person2#: On all our new cars, the standards includeair conditioning, anti-lock brakes, air bags, and an AM / FM stereo with a CD player. But on the Accord, there is another standard item as well. The Accord com #Person1#: Cruise control? I don't like that. #Person2#: Why not, sir? #Person1#: I think it's dangerous. What if I can't turn it off? #Person2#: Well, sir, I know some of our customers are concerned about cruise control. But Honda has never had a single cruise control malfunction that led to an accident. #Person1#: I wish it didn't have cruise control. My wife doesn't like it either. #Person2#: You know, sir, you don't have to use it. You can turn it on or off. If you don't want to use it, you just never turn it on. #Person1#: I suppose. And what about the sunroof? Is that standard? #Person2#: No, the sunroof is optional, sir. #Person1#: I see. Another important question is the time I can get this car. I need a new car rather soon. #Person2#: Well, I can say that the new models will be here in August. If you order one now, we will have it for you in August. #Person1#: That's good enough, I think. What colors does the new Accord come in? #Person2#: We have this new model in red, white, black, or silver. These are the standard colors. Of course you could specially order from various other colors too. #Person1#: My brother has last year's Accord. And his car is a kind of soft purple color mixed with silver. I really like that color. I wonder if I can get that color on my Accord. #Person2#: I know the color you mean. Is this it, sir? #Person1#: Yes, I think that's it. Can I get that on the Accord? #Person2#: Yes, you can. That color is very popular with Honda buyers. So we've kept it available. #Person1#: Well, I think I want to order the new Accord then. It looks like an excellent car. #Person2#: You have made a good choice, sir. I drive an Accord myself. They are very solidly built machines, very reliable. #Person1#: Yes, I know. I think Honda is the most reliable car on the road. I would never change to anything else. The Honda I have now almost never has service problems. It runs smooth as silk. #Person2#: Alright, sir. I will get the paperwork ready for you. Just a moment.
#Person1# likes the Honda Accord #Person2# showed him before, but he doesn't like the cruise control. #Person2# tells him it can be turned off and will have the new car for him in August with the color he wants.
train_3197
#Person1#: I'd like to have a berth ticket to Shanghai. #Person2#: Which train do you want? #Person1#: The 19:00 train. #Person2#: Sorry. There aren't any tickets available for the 19:00 train. #Person1#: When is the next train to Shanghai? #Person2#: The next train will leave at 20 : O5. #Person1#: How much is the ticket? #Person2#: 180 yuan. #Person1#: Here is 200 yuan. #Person2#: Here are your ticket and change.
#Person2# helps #Person1# to buy a berth ticket to Shanghai leaving at 20:05.
train_3198
#Person1#: Pardon me. I need an old music box. #Person2#: Exactly how old a box do you want? #Person1#: Actually, I was thinking about something from the 1920s. #Person2#: We still have six left. #Person1#: Do any of the boxes have dancing figures? #Person2#: Dancing figures are quite popular. Two of the boxes have them. #Person1#: I love the dancing figures. I'll take this music box. #Person2#: Yes, I think you'll be very satisfied with that one. #Person1#: I was wondering, does this come with any kind of warranty? #Person2#: No. But if something goes wrong with it, I know someone who repairs these things. #Person1#: I was just hoping. #Person2#: It's amazing that these things still work as well as they do.
#Person1# buys a music box with dancing figures from the 1920s from #Person2#. #Person2# doesn't have a warranty for it but knows someone who repairs these things.
train_3199
#Person1#: I'm planning on going to the market soon. #Person2#: What are you buying? #Person1#: I don't know what we need. #Person2#: I can check for you, if you'd like. #Person1#: I'll make a list. #Person2#: First, we need eggs, milk, and bread. #Person1#: OK! Do we need any meat? #Person2#: How about some chicken, ground beef, and some steak. #Person1#: What else do we need? #Person2#: Get some snack foods, too, dude. #Person1#: Is there anything else that we need? #Person2#: No, but if you can think of anything else, just get it.
#Person2# helps #Person1# to check the thing they need before #Person1# goes to the market.
train_3200
#Person1#: Are you being served, sir? #Person2#: No, not yet. I just want a haircut. #Person1#: Will you sit here, please? How would you like it cut? #Person2#: I want it short. #Person1#: But it's short already, sir. #Person2#: I mean very short, shorter than it is now. #Person1#: Shall I just trim it? #Person2#: No, You can cut quite a bit off. I like it to be very short all over. Do you see what I mean? #Person1#: Oh, I see. You like the Chinese style, don't you? #Person2#: Yes, in the Chinese style. #Person1#: Would you like to have a shampoo, sir? #Person2#: No, thank you. #Person1#: How about oil or spray? #Person2#: No, nothing of the kind. #Person1#: There! How is that? #Person2#: That's very good!
#Person1# cuts #Person2#'s hair very short in the Chinese style according to #Person2#'s demand. #Person2# thinks it's very good.
train_3201
#Person1#: Hello, it's nice to meet you. #Person2#: I'm glad we're meeting today. Thank you. #Person1#: You're welcome. #Person2#: I would like to talk to you about your daughter. #Person1#: Is there a problem? #Person2#: No, your daughter is great. #Person1#: That's great news. #Person2#: Your daughter is a wonderful student. #Person1#: She isn't messing up in class? #Person2#: Of course not. Your daughter is smart and very well behaved. #Person1#: Well, I'm so glad to hear that she's doing well. #Person2#: It is my pleasure to have her in my class.
#Person2# tells #Person1# that #Person1#'s daughter is a wonderful student. #Person1# feels glad.
train_3202
#Person1#: Is the new computerised stock system in operation? #Person2#: Not quite. The software engineers are testing it just now. #Person1#: Have all the operators been trained on it? #Person2#: Yes, most of them. We trained on a dummy system last month. A couple of people were away so we've organised two more training sessions on the live system for the whole team this week.
#Person2# tells #Person1# the new system is still being tested and the operators have been trained on it.
train_3203
#Person1#: I think these patterns are quite good. Can you give me a price indication of these? #Person2#: Of course, it's my pleasure. We'll quote you the lowest price prevailing. #Person1#: Thank you very much. If your price is suitable, then we can make further discussion of contract. #Person2#: Here is our price list, our terms are cash within three months of date of delivery, if you can pay it within one month. we'll give you a discount of 10 %. #Person1#: Very good. How many goods do you have? #Person2#: Can you tell me how many goods you intend to order? #Person1#: We want to order 900 dozen. #Person2#: The most we can offer you at present is 600 dozen.
#Person1# thinks the patterns are good. #Person2# can give #Person1# a discount of 10%. #Person1# orders 900 dozen. #Person2# only has 600 dozen.
train_3204
#Person1#: I'm from Channel 5 News. #Person2#: How's it going? #Person1#: I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions. #Person2#: Ask away. #Person1#: First of all, did you vote today? #Person2#: I already voted. #Person1#: Who did you vote for? #Person2#: I'm not going to tell you. #Person1#: Why not? #Person2#: My vote is personal. #Person1#: I apologize for invading your privacy. #Person2#: What I can tell you is that I voted for our next President of the United States.
#Person1# from Channel 5 News interviews #Person2#. #Person2# won't tell who #Person2# voted because it's personal.
train_3205
#Person1#: IBA, how can I help? #Person2#: Ah, yes, hello. I'm calling to get some info about your PIN services. You see, my friend also has an account with you and also enjoys shopping on the Internet. She recommended I sign up for this service too. #Person1#: That was a wise decision, if I may say so. Our Personal Internet Banking Service offers online shopping transactions, payment of household bills online, account management. . . #Person2#: I will probably just use it for online shopping. At the moment, I have to meet the seller in person and pay cash, if it's a local seller. #Person1#: This will fix all of that for you. If you use our online payment service, the money will come straight out of your account and go directly into the seller's account, in a secure way.
#Person2# calls #Person1# about their PIN services according to a friend's suggestion. #Person1# tells #Person2# it will fit #Person2#'s needs for online shopping.
train_3206
#Person1#: You're listening to BBC English programme, aren't you? #Person2#: Yes, join us, will you? #Person1#: All right, but it is a bit too difficult for me to understand. #Person2#: Don't worry. Listen to it more often, and you are sure to make progress. As the proverb goes, 'Where there is a will, there is a way.' #Person1#: Thank you for your advice. #Person2#: Don't mention it.
#Person2# advises #Person1# to listen to BBC English programme more often to make progress.
train_3207
#Person1#: Here it is...Friday night. Do you want to go dancing? #Person2#: Well, not really. I'm kind of tired. I had a pretty hard week. But how about going out to listen to some music? #Person1#: How about a little light jazz? #Person2#: Yeah. That sounds nice. #Person1#: What about the Club Blue Note? #Person2#: I've never heard of it. #Person1#: My office manager was there last week. He said both the food and the music were wonderful. #Person2#: Really? What kind of food do they serve? #Person1#: Mostly sandwiches and salads. #Person2#: Is it expensive? #Person1#: He said the prices were very good. So, do you feel like trying it? #Person2#: I'd love to! I'll just get my coat.
#Person1# suggests going dancing but #Person2# would like to listen to some music. #Person1# then suggests a club. #Person2# would love to try it.
train_3208
#Person1#: Hello, what seems to be the problem? #Person2#: Well, I'm not feeling very well at the moment. I'm preparing for the exams and I've been staying up late studying these days. This morning I got up very early to do some work, and I fell on the floor. I came around after a few seconds. #Person1#: Mm. Have you had any other signs of sickness? #Person2#: I've been pretty nervous, and my eyes hurt sometimes. #Person1#: Well, it sounds as if you've probably been overdoing your studying and you're too tired. I don't think there's anything to worry about, and I think you should take it easy for a while and try to get plenty of sleep. #Person2#: Yes, I haven't been getting much sleep lately.
#Person2# is not feeling very well. #Person1# thinks #Person2# has been overdoing studying and advises #Person2# to get plenty of sleep.
train_3209
#Person1#: Did you get to talk to the Browns about their trip to Venezuela? #Person2#: Oh, yes. They said they had a great time. #Person1#: What did they say the weather was like? #Person2#: They said it was extremely cool. They suggested that we take some warm clothes. #Person1#: Uh. Did you ask how the hotels were? #Person2#: It seems they're excellent, and not expensive. #Person1#: Yeah, that's what I've heard. Did they say if they had any language problem? #Person2#: Sometimes. They told me that hardly anybody speaks English except the people in the hotels, but the staff of the hotels are helpful and friendly. #Person1#: Well, that's good. And did they buy much while they were there? #Person2#: No. They advised us not to buy clothes. They're much more expensive than in the States. But they told me you could get gold jewelry for very little.
#Person2# tells #Person1# the Browns had a great time in Venezuela. It was cool. The hotels are excellent and not expensive. The staff is helpful and friendly. They suggest getting gold jewelry there.
train_3210
#Person1#: Hi. #Person2#: Oh, Hi. #Person1#: Are you new in the neighborhood? #Person2#: Oh, yeah. #Person1#: Welcome, welcome to the neighborhood. #Person2#: Oh. #Person1#: Hey, I'm Stacy. I live across the street. #Person2#: Oh, Hi, Stacy. I'm Mark. Mark Jones. #Person1#: Um. Looks like your moving. Do you need any help unloading your moving truck? I can have my husband come or my kids. #Person2#: Um, well, fortunately, the movers are going to do that, but you're welcome to, uh, help carry in a few things out from our car. #Person1#: Yeah, sure, I can get them. So, where are you from? #Person2#: Well, we're from originally from Chicago, but we just moved from a place called Springville. #Person1#: Oh, Springville, that's, uh. Isn't that the ... the north end of the state #Person2#: Yeah, just, yeah, not too far from here. #Person1#: How was your trip? #Person2#: Well, it went pretty well. We hired a moving company, something my company paid for, and it was simply more convenient than packing all our stuff, renting a truck, and then moving everything ourselves. #Person1#: That's nice. How does this moving company work then? Was it pretty good? #Person2#: Yeah. Well, in many cases, you can pack your own things and just have the company load the boxes and your other items on the truck, or they'll pack everything for you, and they can tow your vehicle behind the truck if you like, and they can even, you know, move heavy items like pianos. #Person1#: Wow, that's nice. So, did everything go as planned? #Person2#: Well, pretty much, except our cat disappeared #Person1#: Really? #Person2#: Yeah, about three hours before the movers left ... #Person1#: Did you ever find it? #Person2#: No, and uh, we're not sure if she ran away, got hit by a car, or what. #Person1#: Oh, that must be really hard on your family. Sorry to hear about that. #Person2#: Yeah. #Person1#: Yeah, that must be rough. #Person2#: Yeah. #Person1#: No sign of the cat? #Person2#: Not yet. #Person1#: Uh, I'm sorry. So, um, what do you do for a living? #Person2#: Well, I'm software developer. #Person1#: Oh, what do you do exactly in your job? #Person2#: Well, um, most of the time, I develop educational software for schools. #Person1#: Really? #Person2#: ... Yeah, and at the moment, I'm working on several educational apps for, you know, smart phones. #Person1#: Oh, that's ... that's great. #Person2#: Yeah, it's a really good job. And, so, how about yourself? #Person1#: Well, actually, I'm a high school history teacher. #Person2#: Oh, wow, you know, actually, I've created two apps on world history that you might be interested in. #Person1#: Serious? #Person2#: Yeah. #Person1#: Oh, that sounds great. I'd love to see them. #Person2#: Yeah. #Person1#: By the way, um, you know, we're having a barbecue at our place on Friday. #Person2#: Oh? #Person1#: Why don't you come over ... bring your family and get to know some of the neighbors? #Person2#: Well, let me talk to my wife, but just so you know, we have nine kids. #Person1#: Serious? Nine kids? Wow! #Person2#: Yes, so they might eat all your food. #Person1#: Well, that's no problem. That's a lot of kids, but it'll be fun. Hey ... #Person2#: What? #Person1#: No, just listen. #Person2#: Hey. #Person1#: Did you hear that? Listen, listen. It's coming from over there. It's in one of the ... there something in one of your boxes. #Person2#: No way. Yeah. #Person1#: That sounds ... That sounds like a cat. Is the cat in one of your ... Did you find ... Did the cat get in one of your boxes? #Person2#: I don't know. Let me look. Hey, let me move this box. Yeah. #Person1#: Wow! #Person2#: Oh, no. I can't believe it! I'm sure the family is going to be happy about this. #Person3#: I bet. Congratulations!
Stacy welcomes Mark Jones who just moved into their neighborhood from Springville. Mark had a moving company to help them and had a good trip here except that their cat disappeared. Mark tells Stacy he develops educational software for school and Stacy is a high school history teacher. Stacy invites Mark and his family to their barbecue on Friday. Stacy finds Mark's cat in a box.
train_3211
#Person1#: Don't turn the dishwasher on! The baby just fell asleep. I need a break! I'm exhausted from cooking soup and baking cookies all morning. #Person2#: Oh! I'll run it later, then. Let's sit outside and read while she sleeps.
#Person1# asks #Person2# not to turn the dishwasher on.
train_3212
#Person1#: Excuse me, how can I get to the Riverside Theater? #Person2#: Sorry I didn't earth what you said. #Person1#: Please show me where the Riverside Theater is. #Person2#: Can you speak French? I'm a foreigner here. #Person1#: Oh, wonderful! I come from Paris. Is there a Riverside Theater? #Person2#: OK, let me show you. Walk along the river and take the fourth turn on the left and go down until you reach the second traffic light. Tuna fight, at the end of the road, you'll see the theater. #Person1#: Good heavens! What a long way! #Person2#: Yes, you can take a taxi if you can't remember what I told you or if you don't want to walk a long way. #Person1#: Well, I like walking. It's a fine day for walking, isn't it? And Shakespeare's play is worth such a day and such a long way! #Person2#: It sounds reasonable. I like Shakespeare! #Person1#: Thank you very much. #Person2#: It's a pleasure.
#Person1# asks #Person2# how to get to the Riverside Theater. #Person2# doesn't understand at first but then gives directions to #Person1# when #Person1# speaks French.
train_3213
#Person1#: Every year, the South has the floods. It is an act of God. #Person2#: Do you really think so? #Person1#: Yeah, you have some other ideas? #Person2#: I think, in some way it is an act of God, but in another way, it just is caused by us. #Person1#: For example? #Person2#: We didn't pay attention to the environment, cut down trees and polluted the air. #Person1#: Oh, I see. Fortunately government has taken some action to prevent such things.
#Person1# thinks the floods in the South are an act of God. #Person2# thinks they are also caused by humans.
train_3214
#Person1#: This has got to stop! Another Friday night without a date! What can I do? #Person2#: What about looking through the personal ads on the Internet? That's how I met Steven. #Person1#: Actually, I've tried that. But the people you meet are always different from what you expect. #Person3#: Do you often go to a chat room on the Internet? #Person2#: No, that's the last thing I would do. You never know what kind of people you're talking to. People hide their true status. It's just a waste of time. #Person3#: I bet many people don't agree with you. They think it's very interesting and relaxing. They find an outlet to express their inner feelings, which they may not want to talk about to anyone in person. #Person2#: But a lot of traps too. To tell you the truth, I was trapped one time and it really hurt my feelings. The Internet pal turned out to be homosexual. #Person3#: Well, why don't you join a dating service? A friend of mine met his wife that way. #Person2#: That's not a bad idea. #Person3#: Also, it might be a good idea to check out single's night at the bookstore. #Person2#: Yeah. If I don't find a date, at least I might find a good book!
#Person1# wants to find a date. #Person2# advises personal ads on the Internet. #Person3# advises a chat room, a dating service, and a single's night at the bookstore. #Person1# thinks the latter two are good ideas.
train_3215
#Person1#: Hi, Francis, morning! How are you doing today? #Person2#: I had a bad start of the day. I was stuck in a bad traffic jam on my way and I missed my morning meeting. #Person1#: Indeed, I agree that is not a good start. How about the meeting? You missed anything important? #Person2#: It is ok. My boss briefs me later on. #Person1#: Was he unhappy with you not attending the meeting? #Person2#: Err, kind of. You know this traffic jam is really bad with so many new cars hitting the streets these days.
Francis was stuck in a bad traffic jam and missed his morning meeting. His boss briefs him but was kind of unhappy with him.
train_3216
#Person1#: Thanks for the advice, Mr. Macmillan. I'll keep it in mind. I had better head off though. I'm meeting my husband for dinner. #Person2#: Sure, I'm heading out myself. Enjoy your evening. #Person1#: Thanks, sir. You too. Drive safely, I hear there's a lot ice on the roads. #Person2#: Thanks for the warning! See you tomorrow!
#Person1# thanks Mr. Macmillan for his advice. They say goodbye to each other.
train_3217
#Person1#: That woman is a very good singer. #Person2#: Yes, but she looks like a man. #Person1#: What difference does it make? #Person2#: Female singers are supposed to be pretty. #Person1#: Singers are supposed to sing well. #Person2#: They should look good, too. #Person1#: There are lots of ugly men singers. #Person2#: Men singers don't have to look good. #Person1#: Then neither do women singers. #Person2#: Well, I would never buy her CD. #Person1#: But you would buy her CD if she was pretty? #Person2#: Yes, I would buy all of her CDs.
#Person2# thinks women singers should look pretty but #Person1# thinks they are supposed to sing well.
train_3218
#Person1#: Good evening, ma'am. Do you have a reservation? #Person2#: No, I don't. #Person1#: Awfully sorry, but there are no empty tables left now. #Person2#: Well, can you tell me how long a wait do you think there will be? #Person1#: About 15 minutes I think. Is that OK for you? #Person2#: 15 minutes? That's too bad. I can't wait for so long. #Person1#: I am sorry, ma'am. #Person2#: Are you sure there aren't any empty tables at all? Can you please just check for me? #Person1#: Well, I'll check again for you. #Person2#: OK, I will wait for a moment. #Person1#: I am so sorry for my mistake. There is a table available in the smoking section. #Person2#: Good. #Person1#: But it is in the smoking section. Do you mind, ma'am? #Person2#: I think I have no choice now. #Person1#: Please follow me then. I will show you to your table. #Person2#: Thanks. #Person1#: You're welcome. Your server will be with you right away to take your order. Sorry again for my carelessness. #Person2#: Don't mention it.
#Person2# doesn't have a reservation. #Person1# tells #Person2# she needs to wait for 15 minutes. #Person2# can't wait so she asks #Person1# to check for her again. #Person1# finds her a table in the smoking section.
train_3219
#Person1#: Good morning, Doctor Watson's Office. #Person2#: Hello. My name is John Creamer and I'm hoping I could come in today to see the doctor. #Person1#: Are you a patient of Doctor Watson? #Person2#: Well, no, I'm in town at a conference and the manager of the hotel where I'm staying suggested that I call you. #Person1#: What seems to be the problem? #Person2#: Well, I've got some ringing in my ears. #Person1#: Are you in any pain? #Person2#: Well, just a little irek. #Person1#: The doctor will be busy in the hospital until about 12:00 o'clock. The earliest you could see him would be about 4:30 this afternoon. #Person2#: I'll come then if that's OK? #Person1#: That will be fine. Meanwhile, you should try to take it easy.
John Creamer wants to see Doctor Watson because he has some ringing in his ears. #Person1# schedules him at 4:30 this afternoon.
train_3220
#Person1#: I want to go traveling to Hawaii. #Person2#: That sounds like fun. How do you want to go? #Person1#: I want to go there by sea but I have no idea how much it will cost. #Person2#: I think it depends on the season. #Person1#: Well, of course. I want to go when the weather is nice. #Person2#: Are you going to travel alone? #Person1#: No, my sister and I will travel together. #Person2#: Well, you should go on line and try to find a good deal.
#Person1# wants to go traveling to Hawaii by sea with #Person1#'s sister. #Person2# suggests going online to find a good deal.
train_3221
#Person1#: Dear, can you drive me to the clinic? #Person2#: I'm afraid I can't. #Person1#: Why? #Person2#: Well, my car won't start. I don't know what's the matter with it. #Person1#: Could it be the battery? #Person2#: No, I don't think it could be. I checked the battery two days ago.It must be other problems. #Person1#: Well, I suppose it could be the gas. #Person2#: No, there is plenty of gas. I filled it up yesterday. #Person1#: Perhaps it's the starter then? #Person2#: Yes, that's possible.
#Person2# cannot start #Person2#'s car and #Person1# gives some possible reasons.
train_3222
#Person1#: May, is this the Hall of Ancient China? #Person2#: Yes. Look at these historical relics here, amazing! #Person1#: Why are they all in glass boxes? #Person2#: For protection. Some relics will turn to dust if exposed to air. #Person1#: So there isn't air in the glass boxes? #Person2#: No, there isn't. They are all vacuumed. #Person1#: I wonder how old these things are, thousands of years? #Person2#: Yeah, they all come from a very ancient time. #Person1#: Hey, look at the three-leg cup. I've seen it on TV. #Person2#: The bronze cup was made 4, 000 years ago. It's priceless! #Person1#: Yeah, it has no value at all. Who will use this cup today? #Person2#: Danny, priceless means so valuable that you can't put a price on it. #Person1#: Oh, it does?
May and Danny talk about the historical relics in the Hall of Ancient China.
train_3223
#Person1#: Good morning. My name's Jason Smith. #Person2#: Ah, good morning, Mr. Smith. Nice to meet you. I'm Peter Anderson from Personnel. Do sit down. #Person1#: Thank you very much. #Person2#: Now, have you brought your curriculum vitae with you? #Person1#: Oh, my CV. Yes, here it s. There are three copies. #Person2#: Have you brought your certificates as well? #Person1#: No, I haven't. I'm awfully sorry. Can I send them to you? #Person2#: Yes, that'll be all right. Well, please tell me about your working experience. #Person1#: I haven't been involved in international business, so I don't have any experiences, but I am diligent and I learn very fast. #Person2#: OK, so do you think you can make yourself easily understood in English? #Person1#: Yes, in most circumstances. #Person2#: Are you available for business travel? #Person1#: Yes, I am young, and unmarried. So it's no problem for me to travel frequently. #Person2#: OK. You are good. Hope to see you next time. I'll call you if you get picked for next test. #Person1#: Thank you very much. I'm looking forward to your call.
Peter Anderson interviews Jason Smith. Jason does not have any experience in international business but he introduces his other advantages for this job.
train_3224
#Person1#: I have made up my mind. I am getting a tattoo. #Person2#: Really? Are you sure? #Person1#: Yeah! Why not? They are trendy and look great! I want to get a dragon on my arm or maybe a tiger on my back. #Person2#: Yeah but, it is something that you will have forever! They use indelible ink that can only be removed with laser treatment. On top of all that, I have heard it hurts a lot! #Person1#: Really? #Person2#: Of course! They use this machine with a needle that pokes your skin and inserts the ink. #Person1#: Oh, I didn't know that! I thought they just paint it on your skin or something. #Person2#: I think you should reconsider and do some more research about tattoos. Also, find out where the nearest tattoo parlor is and make sure they used sterilized needles, and that the place is hygienic. #Person1#: Maybe I should just get a tongue piercing!
#Person1# wants to get a tattoo but #Person2# suggests #Person1# reconsider it because it hurts a lot and a tattoo is hard to be removed.
train_3225
#Person1#: I know I'm a blabbermouth, but what do you think she should do, John? #Person2#: Honey, we're in the museum now. We're not here to discuss your coworker's love life. We're here to enjoy the great paintings by Picasso! #Person1#: I know! But it's really important to her! Her whole life could be ruined by this man! #Person2#: You're making a federal case out of it. One unhealthy love affair can't ruin anything. It could even make your life more interesting. #Person1#: Are you serious, John? #Person2#: All I'm trying to say is that life is. . . like. . . er. . . this painting.
#Person1# still thinks about #Person1#'s coworker's love life when visiting a museum but John thinks they should focus on the paintings.
train_3226
#Person1#: I've been thinking of taking I've been thinking of taking a Crazy English course. Do you think it's a good idea #Person2#: Sure! You should do anything you can to improve your English. #Person1#: Really? Do you think English is that important? #Person2#: Of course it is. In fact, I'll even take the course with you if you want. #Person1#: Great! It's always better to do things with a friend. #Person2#: Do you have the phone number? I need to call for registration. #Person1#: No, I left it at home. Sorry! #Person2#: That's OK. I can get it from you later. #Person1#: So, do you want to go somewhere for dinner and practice our English together tonight? #Person2#: All right. I know a great restaurant near here. But, it's a little expensive and I don't have much money with me. #Person1#: No problem. I just got paid. It's my treat. #Person2#: Thank you! I'll be sure to return the favor after our first class, OK? #Person1#: Forget it! That's what friends are for! Besides, I have a VIP card for a discount. #Person2#: Good job! This is going to be a great night! #Person1#: I think so too. Let's go!
#Person2# thinks it important to improve English and will take an English course with #Person1#. They will have dinner and practice English together.
train_3227
#Person1#: What can I do for you? #Person2#: I need a passport. #Person1#: You can apply for one here. #Person2#: When can I do that? #Person1#: If you like, you can apply right now. #Person2#: That would be great. #Person1#: I'm going to need you to complete this application. #Person2#: What else do I have to do? #Person1#: Then I will take your picture for your passport. #Person2#: How long will it take? #Person1#: Your passport will be ready in a few weeks. #Person2#: Thank you. That's perfect timing.
#Person1# helps #Person2# to apply for a passport.
train_3228
#Person1#: Are you ready to go shopping? #Person2#: Not yet. I'm not finished with my research yet. #Person1#: What research? #Person2#: Reading my fashion magazines! How do you think I know so much about all the latest trends? #Person1#: But they're just ads. . . #Person2#: Duh. . . That's the point. The people in the ads are wearing what's in. Plus, there are articles on new trends. . .
#Person1# wants to go shopping with #Person2# but #Person2# hasn't finished reading fashion magazines.
train_3229
#Person1#: Can you tell me where I can park? #Person2#: Are you driving a motorcycle or an automobile? #Person1#: I drive an automobile. #Person2#: Fine. You can either park in the student lot or on the street. Do you know what a handicapped space is? #Person1#: Yes, I have seen those spots. #Person2#: Well, when you see the blue spots with the handicapped logo, do not park there unless you have a special permit. Are you going to be parking in the daytime or the evening? #Person1#: I park in the evenings. #Person2#: Then you also need to be aware of the time limits on the street signs. Have you seen those signs? #Person1#: Yes, I have seen those signs. #Person2#: The signs always tell you how long you can park there and on what days. Do you know how to read the curb colors? #Person1#: Yes, I know what the curb colors mean. #Person2#: Well, just as long as you realize that red means no parking and white means loading and unloading, I think you know what you need to know.
#Person2# tells #Person1# where to park the automobile and some parking rules needing attention.
train_3230
#Person1#: Merry Christmas, Bill! #Person2#: Merry Christmas. Steven! #Person1#: What do you want to do to celebrate Christmas? #Person2#: I'll have supper with my girlfriend and go shopping. What about you? #Person1#: I'll go to church first and then go to a Christmas party. Would you like to come? #Person2#: I'd love to. But I am going to meet my girlfriend right now. See you later. #Person1#: See you.
Steven asks Bill about Bill's plan for Christmas and invites him to a party. Bill would like to join.
train_3231
#Person1#: Don't talk too much, Tom. We are on duty today, we should hurry up. #Person2#: OK. #Person1#: Tom, your task is to clean the blackboard. #Person2#: How about yourself? #Person1#: I'm going to sweep the floor first. #Person2#: Daniel, I am not tall enough to reach the of the blackboard. #Person1#: Stand on the chair, Pig Tom. Use your brain. #Person2#: OK, I've finished cleaning the blackboard. #Person1#: How about the podium? #Person2#: Oh, I forgot about it. I'll get it. #Person1#: Be quick, please. Our teacher and classmates will come soon. #Person2#: I will be done before they come.
Tom and Daniel are on duty and they have to finish their work before their teacher and classmates come.
train_3232
#Person1#: Hello! Do you have a place where I can exercise? #Person2#: Yes, sir. We have a fine exercise facility. #Person1#: I'm happy to hear that. Now, would you tell me where it is? #Person2#: You're actually standing above it. Just take the elevator or stairs down one level. #Person1#: Is the hotel going to charge me a dollar a minute for gym use? #Person2#: No, sir. There's no extra charge. All you need is your room key to open the door. #Person1#: And the gym hours are? #Person2#: Sir, you'll be pleased to know that our gym never closes. #Person1#: One more question, Do you have a trainer? #Person2#: We might be getting one in the near future. But at the present time, no.
#Person1# asks #Person2# the place, the fees, the opening time, and the trainer of the gym in the hotel.
train_3233
#Person1#: Excuse me, how do I get to the Forbidden City? #Person2#: Follow this road and turn right at the second intersection. It'll be right there. #Person1#: Is it far? #Person2#: No, it should only take you about 15 minutes by foot. #Person1#: Thank you.
#Person2# tells #Person1# the way to the Forbidden City.
train_3234
#Person1#: Now that we know what kind of music we will play, we have to decide what each of us will do. #Person2#: Well, I love hip hop dancing, so I should probably dance. Do you know how to rap? #Person1#: Oh yeah! I'm a great rapper. And I know all the Vanilla Ice lyrics by heart. #Person2#: Excellent. I'll start practicing my dance moves.
#Person2# chooses to dance while #Person1# chooses to rap.
train_3235
#Person1#: I'm going to the park to play baseball with the guys. #Person2#: But you promised to play chess with me this afternoon. #Person1#: Yeah, but that was before the guys ask me to join the team. #Person2#: So what? #Person1#: You know how much I want to be on the team, and now there is an opening for me. If I don't go to practise today. They'll get someone else and I'll miss my chance. #Person2#: I don't care about baseball. You know I need to practice for the chess championship and you promised to help with me if I washed the dishes for you last Sunday, and I did. #Person1#: I know, and I will. #Person2#: When? #Person1#: After baseball practice. #Person2#: And then, it'll be dinner time, then homework, and then your Show is on. You are going to break your promise. #Person1#: No, I won't. I'm going to skip TV tonight and work on your chess game with you if that's ok with you. #Person2#: Well, I'd rather do it the way we set up. But if you promise to give me your best game, it's ok with me. #Person1#: No problem, I'll play as hard as I can and give you an extra game to say thanks.
#Person1# wants to break #Person1#'s promise of playing chess with #Person2# this afternoon to practice baseball to join a team. #Person2# agrees if #Person1# gives the best game to #Person2# tonight.
train_3236
#Person1#: Welcome to the International Business Department. How can I help you? #Person2#: Hello. I'm Ms. Dawson from Lexington Software. I need to send these documents to Vietnam via L / C. #Person1#: No problem, I can do that for you right now. Have you checked the documents? #Person2#: I have, but I have never done this before so would it be possible for you to double check them? #Person1#: Of course, that's all part of the service. #Person2#: Thank you. I don't think there should be any problems, but just to be sure. . . #Person1#: Don't worry ; I'm sure it will be fine. If I do have any queries I'll call you, OK? #Person2#: That's fine. Thank you again.
#Person1# will help Ms. Dawson double-check the documents that will be sent to Vietnam via L/C.
train_3237
#Person1#: This is the last of the milk. #Person2#: I know. I intent to go to the store today. #Person1#: Would you get some that new cereal we saw advertise on TV. #Person2#: Which one? #Person1#: You know. The one with the silly art about how advisements have jump up and down. #Person2#: Oh, you mean kikois. #Person1#: Yeah, That's the one. #Person2#: Well. I'll see, sometimes the store don't have some one of new kinds of cereal.
#Person2# will buy #Person1# the new cereal if the store has.
train_3238
#Person1#: How can I travel by air? #Person2#: Have you traveled by air before? #Person1#: No, this is the first time. #Person2#: Let me tell you. First you must buy a ticket. #Person1#: Yes, I know. #Person2#: Then you must go to the airport. #Person1#: Is that all? #Person2#: Not Yet. Listen to me. Don't forget to take your ID card with you. #Person1#: What's an ID card? #Person2#: Something like a passport. #Person1#: Can I board the plane now? #Person2#: No, you also need a boarding pass. #Person1#: Thank you. Now I know how to travel by air.
#Person2# tells #Person1# how to travel by air.
train_3239
#Person1#: what are you doing? #Person2#: I'm just trying to complete today's crossword puzzle. Whenever I get the time, I like to do the crossword puzzles in the paper. #Person1#: you really like brains that make you think, don't you? #Person2#: I guess you could say that. What kind of games do you like? #Person1#: I guess the games I like the most are the ones that I'm good at! #Person2#: Doesn't everyone? Which games are those? #Person1#: Well, I like to play darts. Whenever I go to a bar, I usually play for a few hours. #Person2#: Did you play a lot of games when you were little? #Person1#: My parents used to love to play checkers and dominoes. We used to have family tournaments every weekend. #Person2#: Do you still like playing those games? #Person1#: Not at all. I never really did, to be honest. What about you? Did your family used to play games together? #Person2#: Everyone in my family really enjoys playing card games. #Person1#: Some of my friends play cards on the internet. Have you ever tried that? #Person2#: No, I prefer to play with people I know. #Person1#: How about mah-jong? #Person2#: It's a popular game with some people, but I've never played it. #Person1#: I thought everyone in your country were experts at mah-jong! #Person2#: I hate to disappoint you, but unlike what most people think, we aren't all exactly the same!
#Person1# and #Person2# talk about the games they like. #Person2# prefers the crossword puzzles while #Person2# likes playing darts. #Person1# also says #Person1#'s family used to play some games together but #Person1# doesn't like those games. #Person2#'s family enjoys playing card games.
train_3240
#Person1#: I really hope to reach an agreement with you today that is suitable and beneficial for us both. I've thought through a lot of these details, and I hope we can have a chance to discuss them and resolve any differences this afternoon. #Person2#: Let's get start. What kinds of things do you have in mind? If you let us know the requirements you have from the very beginning, we can work through each one until we can come to an agreement. #Person1#: Firstly, we'd like to discuss a discounted price. If you can give us a discount of 7 % on the high volumes orders, we can pay in 60 days. #Person2#: Huh. . . I think 7 % is little high that might be hard to do. How about this? We'll give you a discount of 4 %, but you can have 90 days credits. #Person1#: Well, that might be acceptable, if you handle the insurance fees. #Person2#: No, you have to take care of the insurance. But we are willing to pay the half transport. Can you accept that? #Person1#: We cover the insurance and half the transport fee, and only have a discount of 4 %. #Person2#: But you'll have 90 days to pay your bill and I'll tell you what. . . I'll also throw in the discount of 10 % on your up front deposit. #Person1#: Done. . .
#Person1# and #Person2# negotiate over the details of their trade, including the discount, the insurance fees, the transport fee, etc. They reach an agreement at the end.
train_3241
#Person1#: it's so great to be here! I'm so excited to help you and my daughter with your new home! #Person2#: we're glad that you're here. Would you like a tour of the house? #Person1#: that'd be great, but could I have a cup of tea first? #Person2#: sure, I'll just go put the kettle on. Why don't you have a seat on the sofa and I'll go take care of things in the kitchen. #Person1#: that would be lovely, thanks. #Person2#: do you take milk or sugar with your tea? #Person1#: I'll take a little milk, but no sugar, please. Make sure you let the tea steep a few minutes before you take the tea bag out of the cup. #Person2#: ok. What do you think about our living room? #Person1#: well, I do like the mantelpiece and the coffee table, but I don't really care for curtains. Did you get them at a yard sale? They look ancient. #Person2#: my parents gave them to us as a house warming gift. #Person1#: oh dear. Well, I suppose they will do for now. do you ever dust in here? It seems a bit dusty in here. #Person2#: your daughter usually does the dusting, and I do the vacuuming. #Person1#: I see. Well, I can help with the chores while I'm here. You two could probably use my help. #Person2#: that's very nice of you to offer. Here's your tea. Be careful, it's still quite hot.
#Person1# comes to help #Person1#'s daughter and #Person2# with their new home. #Person2# serves #Person2# a cup of tea and #Person1# will help with the chores.
train_3242
#Person1#: Madam, what can I do for you? #Person2#: Next week there will be a meeting with the manager of USE Company ; this is an important opportunity for our company to have a new relationship with a new partner. So, I want you to prepare an instruction book with detailed introduction of our products. This introduction will be presented in the meeting. #Person1#: I get it. And. . . ? #Person2#: Remember to add an agenda for this meeting and show our warm welcome to them. #Person1#: How about adding some pictures of our products for the introduction? #Person2#: Good idea! The pictures will illustrate the performance of our products vividly. #Person1#: OK, I will prepare it right now. #Person2#: A, do your best, it's very important. #Person1#: Please trust me. I will finish it very well.
#Person2# asks #Person1# to prepare an instruction book with a detailed introduction of their products and the meeting agenda to welcome a potential partner.
train_3243
#Person1#: I'm very impressed by all the work you've done on your house. Mr. Miller, How long have you been working on it? #Person2#: I first became interested in doing things myself several years ago. I've been doing something on it every now and then for almost a year now. You know, I couldn't afford to pay workmen to do it.
#Person1# appreciates Mr. Miller's work done on Mr. Miller's house.
train_3244
#Person1#: I'm in charge of buying the fruit for the children at our church. I'm so happy to find that apples and grapes are in season. Give me two dozens of each. #Person2#: I hope that they're as good as they look.
#Person1# is buying fruits in #Person2#'s shop.
train_3245
#Person1#: How is the weather today? #Person2#: It's very cold and wet. #Person1#: Are the winters like this every year in this place? #Person2#: Pretty much. But it was a little colder last year. #Person1#: Now I know why people here have thick clothes on. #Person2#: What is the weather like in winter in your country? #Person1#: It's quite different from yours. It's warm and hot in my hometown all year round. #Person2#: You are very lucky then. #Person1#: Well, some people in my country want to have your weather.
The winter in #Person2#'s country is cold while it's warm all year round in #Person1#'s country.
train_3246
#Person1#: Eastern Airlines Agency. Good Morning. #Person2#: Good Morning. I want to book a round-trip ticket. #Person1#: Where are you flying from, and what's your destination, sir? #Person2#: From Montreal to Toronto. #Person1#: What day do you want to fly? #Person2#: I want to leave on Monday the 24th and return on Friday. Do you have any flights in the afternoon? #Person1#: Yes, we do. By the way, will that be first class or economy class? How many people are there in your party? #Person2#: Just myself. And I'd like economy class. #Person1#: All right, there are seats still available. Would you prefer a window, aisle or center seat? #Person2#: Window, please. Thank you.
#Person1# helps #Person2# to book a round-trip air ticket from Montreal to Toronto.
train_3247
#Person1#: Can I order take-out here? #Person2#: Yes, sir. What would you like? #Person1#: I want a hamburger, a medium French fries, a Big Mac meal, and a double cheeseburger, please. #Person2#: Anything else? #Person1#: And a 6-piece chicken nuggets. #Person2#: What kind of drink would you like? #Person1#: A large Coke with extra ice and a milkshake. And please give me several more straws. How much do I owe you? #Person2#: Let me calculate it, er... that comes to $ 14.30. #Person1#: Here's $15. Keep the change.
#Person1# orders some fast food and drinks to take out with #Person2#'s assistance.
train_3248
#Person1#: Now,Mr. Martin. I've just read your own doctor's report. So you haven't been feeling very well lately, is that right? #Person2#: It's... it's my leg, doctor. My right leg. I keep getting a strange pain in it. #Person1#: Could you tell me what the pain is like? #Person2#: It's like... like boiling water running down my leg. It's been getting worse lately, too. I've been losing sleep. #Person1#: You mean the pain's been keeping you awake? #Person2#: Yes, that's right. It's been keeping me awake. #Person1#: Now, tell me, how long have you had this trouble? #Person2#: The pain? For about a year now. #Person1#: Hmm... Have you been getting tired lately after you have had a walk? For example, have you been getting a big short of breath, perhaps? #Person2#: Why, yes! Yes, I have, doctor! #Person1#: Hmm... I think we'd better give you a few tests here in the hospital. #Person2#: Do you think it's serious,doctor? #Person1#: Probably not. #Person2#: But... Doctor Cook, my local doctor, thinks it's only that I've been working too hard lately. #Person1#: That could be the reason. Don't worry, we'll find out soon.
Mr. Martin gets a pain in his leg and goes to #Person1# with his local doctor's report. #Person1# suggests a few tests in order to find the reason.
train_3249
#Person1#: May I help you, sir? #Person2#: Yes, please. I want to buy a personal gift for my brother. He's taking a trip to South America. #Person1#: Is he going by ship or plane? #Person2#: He,s flying. My gift will have to be something light in weight. What can you suggest? #Person1#: What about this tie? It's made of pure silk. #Person2#: My sister already gave him one. I'd like something unusual. Let me look around...oh, that clock looks nice, but... #Person1#: Hey,here is a gift for the man who has everything. #Person2#: Oh,a folding toothbrush! That's a wonderful idea! I'll take it.
#Person1# helps #Person2# to choose a gift for his brother and #Person1#'ll take a folding toothbrush.
train_3250
#Person1#: Do you want your television repaired? #Person2#: Yes, but not by the man you suggested. #Person1#: Why not? The repairmen are very good and the charges are so reasonable. #Person2#: That may be, but I couldn't find the place. #Person1#: But you couldn't miss it. I told you it is at the first right after the railroad bridge. #Person2#: I took that. I went to the end of the road. There is no such place. #Person1#: Wait a minute. Perhaps it is the second right. Yes, I think it is. #Person2#: I should have known, whenever someone says 'You can't miss it', you can be sure that you won't find it.
#Person2# cannot find the place of the repairman suggested by #Person1# and #Person1# finds that #Person1# told #Person2# the wrong way.
train_3251
#Person1#: Tell me about yourself and your past experience. #Person2#: I have worked as an executive secretary for 5 years, first for trading companies, and now I am working for a trust company. I interact well with peers, clients, administrators and bosses. I thrive on challenge and work well in high-stress environments. #Person1#: How are your typing and shorthand skills? #Person2#: I can type 100 Chinese words a minute and take dictation in English at 150 words a minute. #Person1#: Can you operate computers skillfully? #Person2#: Yes, I can. I have received some special trainning in computers. Besides I am good at operating common office machines, such as fax machines and duplicating machines. #Person1#: Sometimes we are very busy and need to work overtime. How do you feel about that? #Person2#: That's all right. But could you tell me how often and how many hours I should work overtime? #Person1#: It just depends. If we have important visiting delegations, you have to stay with us. It's not unusual. #Person2#: Mr. Smith, I's like to ask you a question. #Person1#: OK, please. #Person2#: What specific duties would I perform if I am hired? #Person1#: Nothing different from a secretary's common responsibilities. However, you know, our company is an international trade-oriented company, can you handle English papers and write English correspondence? #Person2#: Yes. I specialized in English secretary studies at college and that's one of the main parts of my present job. #Person1#: What are your salary expectations? #Person2#: I really need more information about the job before we start to discuss salary. Maybe you could tell me what is budgeted for the position. #Person1#: The starting monthly salary would be $, 000, with rises after the half year according to your competence. #Person2#: I think it's acceptable and I really like the job. And when can I know the decision? #Person1#: We'll inform you of our final decision by early July. Do you have any other questions? #Person2#: No. Thank you for the time.
#Person1# gives #Person2# a job interview, asking about #Person2#'s past working experience, computer skills, and English competence. #Person2# inquires about the detailed job responsibilities. #Person2# is satisfied with the proposed salary and will get the decision by early July.
train_3252
#Person1#: Can I take your order? #Person2#: I'll take two value meals. #Person1#: What kind of drink do you want with those meals? #Person2#: One Coca Cola and the other a Sprite, please. #Person1#: You can super-size your meals for only three dollars extra. #Person2#: Yes, I'd like that, then. #Person1#: How about anything for dessert, like an apple pie or ice cream? #Person2#: No, thanks. That will be it.
#Person1# serves #Person2# and #Person2# orders two super-size value meals.
train_3253
#Person1#: You are blue in the face, arn't you? #Person2#: The cat has eaten my fish, I'll kill it. #Person1#: But supposing your son killed like the fish, what do you think then? #Person2#: I'll beat him. #Person1#: So beat the cat, but don't kill it.
#Person1# persuades #Person2# not to kill #Person2#'s cat as it ate #Person2#'s fish.
train_3254
#Person1#: I'm absolutely stuffed. I don't think I've ever eaten so much at one sitting. #Person2#: same here. How did we manage to eat seven jin of dumplings? #Person1#: well, I had five of them. the bill, please. #Person3#: that will be 71 yuan. #Person2#: here's 80. keep the change. #Person3#: I'm sorry, sir? #Person2#: he means, 'Could we get the change please? ' #Person3#: of course, one moment please. #Person2#: what did you mean when you said 'keep the change'? #Person1#: it's called a 'tip'. Think of it as a gift given to the server to show appreciation for their good service. It's common practice in the States.
#Person1# and #Person2# eat many dumplings. #Person1# is trying to give #Person3# a tip but both #Person2# and #Person3# don't understand #Person2#'s word 'keep the change'.
train_3255
#Person1#: Come on in. I am so glad you are here. We have been expecting you. #Person2#: Am I late for the party? Looks everyone is already here. Hope I didn't miss something interesting. #Person1#: No, you are just on time. We haven't really started yet. #Person2#: Great, here are some flowers for you. I hope you like them. I was not sure if the color will suit your new apartment. #Person1#: Thank you, they're beautiful. You can hang your coat over there. Try this new couch, it is so comfortable. You will love it. Want something to drink, tea, coffee, juice or Cola? #Person2#: Don't bother. I will help myself. #Person1#: Make yourself at home. #Person2#: It is such a nice place. #Person1#: Well, I don't mean to boast but all the designs are done by myself and some colleagues are already trying to copy some of them for their new apartments. Look, they are making photos now of my designed kitchen.
#Person2# brings some flowers when coming to #Person1#'s housewarming party. #Person1# did all the designs of #Person1#'s new house and seems to be proud of it.
train_3256
#Person1#: I hear you bought a new house in the northern suburbs. #Person2#: That's right, we bought it the same day we came on the market. #Person1#: What kind of house is it? #Person2#: It's a wonderful Spanish style. #Person1#: Oh, I love the roof tiles on Spanish style houses. #Person2#: And it's a bargaining. A house like this in river side costs double the price. #Person1#: Great, is it a two bedroom house? #Person2#: No, it has three bedrooms and three beds, and has a living room with a twelve-foot ceiling. There's a two-car garage. #Person1#: That's a nice area too. It'll be a good investment for you. #Person2#: Yeas, when will you buy a house? #Person1#: Not untill the end of this year, you know, just before my wedding. #Person2#: Right, congratulations. #Person1#: Thank you.
#Person2# has just bought a Spanish style house at a good price and #Person2# will buy a house before #Person2#'s wedding.
train_3257
#Person1#: The weather in Beijing is just beautiful! #Person2#: Autumn is the best season in Beijing, you know. #Person1#: Yes, I can see. The summer heat is over, and the winter cold is still far away. #Person2#: What is the weather like in Washington at this time of this year? #Person1#: Autumn is also very nice in Washington. #Person2#: Is it very cold in winter there? #Person1#: No, it isn't. But sometimes it snows a lot in winter. #Person2#: Does it rain a lot in summer there? #Person1#: Oh yes! Sometimes it rains very heavily. How about here in Beijing? #Person2#: There's a lot of rain in summer, but it seldom rains in autumn. #Person1#: I feel it's rather dry here. #Person2#: That's true. Many people from the south don't like the weather here. #Person1#: Are you from the south? #Person2#: No, I'm from the north. I was born in Beijing, actually. #Person1#: I see. so this is your hometown?
#Person2# describes the weather of summer, autumn, and winter in Beijing and #Person1# talks about how the weather is like in Washington.
train_3258
#Person1#: Hi, Karen! Where's Tom? #Person2#: He's upstairs. He's having a bath. Tom! #Person3#: Yes? #Person2#: Sam's here. #Person3#: I'm nearly ready. Hello, Sam. Have a cigarette. #Person1#: No thanks, Tom. #Person3#: Have a glass of whisky then. #Person1#: OK. Thanks. #Person3#: Is dinner ready, Karen? #Person2#: It's nearly ready. We can have dinner at seven o'clock. #Person3#: Sam and I had lunch together today. We went to a restaurant. #Person2#: What did you have? #Person3#: We had roast beef and potatoes. #Person2#: Oh! #Person3#: What's the matter, Karen? #Person2#: Well, you're going to have roast beef and potatoes again tonight!
Tom and Sam had roast beef and potatoes for lunch and those are exactly what Karen prepares for their dinner.