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knkarthick

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train_12059

#Person1#: Hi, Samantha. Do you have aminute? #Person2#: Hi, Richard. Come in, please. #Person1#: I've been trying to get hold of you all afternoon. #Person2#: I was at the weekly managers' meeting. How are things? #Person1#: Oh, splendid. I have somenews. #Person2#: Good news? #Person1#: Wonderful news...to me, anyway! I've been offered a job for three years as an assistant to Prof. Hayes from Birmingham University. I'll join him in Mexico City. What do you think about that? #Person2#: Wonderful, Richard! Just what you've always wanted, isn't it? Does it mean that you'll leave soon? #Person1#: Next week. But before I go, I'd like to invite you out for dinner - just to thank you for all the help you gave meduring my three-month research work here. Would tomorrow evening be a good time for you? We can go to the Shanghai Restaurant in Chinatown. #Person2#: Fine with me.

Richard got a job he wanted and before he leaves he wants to invite Samantha to dinner to thank her for her help.

train_12060

#Person1#: Hey, I hear you and Stephanie are really getting serious. #Person2#: Yeah, I think she'll be impressed with my new exercise program. #Person1#: What? What are you talking about? What exercise program? What did you tell her? #Person2#: Well, you know, I enjoy staying in shape. #Person1#: Right. #Person2#: First, I generally get up every morning at 5:30 a.m. #Person1#: Oh, yeah. Since when? You don't roll out of bed until at least 7:30 p.m. #Person2#: No, no, and on Mondays and Wednesdays, ... #Person1#: Ah, not another tall tale ... #Person2#: I almost always go jogging for about a half hour, you know, to improve my endurance. #Person1#: Hey, jogging to the refrigerator for a glass of milk doesn't count. #Person2#: Of course, before I leave, I usually make sure I do some stretches so I don't pull a muscle on my run. #Person1#: Right. One jumping jack. #Person2#: Then, I told her that I usually lift weights Tuesdays and Thursdays for about an hour after work. #Person1#: Humph. #Person2#: This helps me build muscle strength. #Person1#: A one-pound barbell. #Person2#: Finally, I often go hiking on Saturdays with my dog. #Person1#: What dog!? #Person2#: Well, and I like hiking because it helps me burn off stress and reduce anxiety that builds up during the week. #Person1#: Oh yeah, those lies. #Person2#: Well, uh, as for Fridays, I sometimes just relax at home by watching a movie or inviting you over to visit. #Person1#: If I buy the pizza. #Person2#: But ... bu ... And on Sundays, I take the day off from exercising, but I usually take my dog for a walk. #Person1#: Forget it. She'll never buy this story.

#Person2# tells #Person1# that #Person2# told Stephanie #Person2#'s exercise program. #Person2# gets up at 5:30 am, goes jogging, and does some stretches. On Tuesday and Thursday, #Person2# usually lifts weight and he goes hiking on Saturday, has a day off on Friday, and walks the dog on Sunday. #Person1# thinks these are all lies and Stephaine wouldn't believe it.

train_12061

#Person1#: Mary, I've got the soup out for the stew. Do you think it needs any more pepper before I serve it? #Person2#: It's really quite nice and we did exactly what the recipe says. Why take a chance of ruining it?

Mary suggests not adding pepper to the soup.

train_12062

#Person1#: Hello, Joan. Why are you late today? You are never late for work. #Person2#: No, I never. But ... #Person1#: Wow! You coat's got very dirty! Did you fall? #Person2#: Yes, I had a terrible experience on the underground train. Listen to this! A man came up to me and pulled out a knife. He pointed it right at me! #Person1#: Oh, no! Are you all right? Did he hurt you? #Person2#: No, he didn't hurt me, but he took my handbag. #Person1#: Then what happened? What did you do? #Person2#: I caught hold of his knife, and he pushed me to the floor. #Person1#: Oh, no! Why did you catch hold of his knife? That's dangerous. #Person2#: I don't know. I didn't think. #Person1#: What did the other passengers do? Did they help you? #Person2#: Yes, they did. Two men ran after the robber and held him. #Person1#: Did the police come? #Person2#: Yeah. The conductor called a policeman, and he took the robber to the police station. #Person1#: Wow! What a story! Thank God you're all right.

Joan is late today for work and she tells #Person1# she was robbed by a man with a knife on the underground, but luckily she didn't get hurt and the robber was taken to the police station.

train_12063

#Person1#: Would you like this one? #Person2#: I don't think that will do. How about the one at your back? #Person1#: This one? #Person2#: No, the other one. . . yes. #Person1#: This one is especially built for hard, continuous play. And every detail of workmanship and material has been carefully checked to make it a dependable one for tournament use. #Person2#: It do look beautiful. Well. I think I'll take it. Now do you have any racket covers? #Person1#: This cover comes with the racket. #Person2#: How much does it come up to? #Person1#: The mark says six hundred yuan, plus tax, it's six hundred and eighty yuan. #Person2#: Do you accept credit cards? #Person1#: Sure. If you'll just wait here, I'll be right with you in a minute.

#Person1# is assisting #Person2# in buying a racket, and #Person2# gets a racket with covers for 680 yuan including tax.

train_12064

#Person1#: Excuse me, do you have A tale of Two Cities? I'd like a copy of it. #Person2#: Who is the author? #Person1#: Charles Dickens. #Person2#: Sorry, we 're sold out right now. Please come back next week. #Person1#: Ok, Thanks.

#Person1# wants to buy a book but #Person2# tells him it is sold out.

train_12065

#Person1#: What are you going to do after you return from Washington? #Person2#: I'm going to stay in the city. #Person1#: What will you do all day? #Person2#: I'm going to work with my father at the store. In the evening, I'll read books. On weekends, I'll go to the beach with my family. #Person1#: Have you ever worked? #Person2#: No, but I can learn. What are you going to do this summer? #Person1#: I'm going to camp. I've gone to camp for four summers. #Person2#: I've never gone to camp. What do you do there? #Person1#: We do many things . In the morning, we go swimming and boating. In the afternoon, we play basketball or tennis. We sit around a camp fire at night. We sing or tell stories. #Person2#: That sounds wonderful. #Person1#: It is wonderful. What's John going to do this summer? #Person2#: I think he's going to the mountains with his parents. #Person1#: Well, so long, Mary. Have fun. #Person2#: You too , Peter. Give my regards to John. I'll see you in September.

Mary and Peter are discussing their plans for summer. Mary says she will just stay in the city and spend time with her family. Peter is going to camp.

train_12066

#Person1#: How are you, Kim? I haven't seen you around for a few days. #Person2#: Oh, I was out sick most of last week. I'm still not completely over it. You'd better not get too close! #Person1#: I'm sorry to hear about that. Why don't you join me for a hot cup of tea? It'll be good for you! #Person2#: Sure, why not? I could use a rest.

#Person1# invites Kim to have a cup of tea.

train_12067

#Person1#: I can't believe the cost of apartments in New York City. #Person2#: Oh, you didn't know that apartments here are considered valuable, even if they are small and crowded? #Person1#: Of course I had heard about that, but now I know how expensive it is to rent a place here. #Person2#: I don't mind paying high rent to live in New York. #Person1#: Why? You pay so much for such a tiny space to live. #Person2#: Yeah, but so what! I'm proud to live in the world's most excting city. And, the salaries here are the highest in the nation, too.

#Person1# is surprised at the expensive renting fee in New York but #Person2# is proud of living here.

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#Person1#: There are lots of new teachers in our class this semester. #Person2#: Yeah, so what do you think about the teachers? #Person1#: To be honest, I like all of them, except for the math teacher. Though he must be quite young, he seems like an old person. He's so boring. #Person2#: I think so too. I don't like him either. Well, who do you like best? #Person1#: It might be the English teacher. What about you? #Person2#: Me, too. She speaks very clearly and doesn't use very complicated words so that it is easy for us to understand her. #Person1#: She is a pretty good teacher! With her help I think I can make great progress in English. #Person2#: Yeah, I like her way of teaching. She told us not to cram for exams, and to pay more attention to communicating than memorizing. #Person1#: I think it's a good way to develop our language ability. #Person2#: Actually, our new math teacher is a good person. He just can't find an appropriate way to teach us.

#Person2# and #Person1# are talking about the new Math and English teachers in their class this semester. They both agree the math teacher is boring but the English teacher has good teaching methods.

train_12069

#Person1#: Good afternoon. Can I help you? #Person2#: Yes, thank God. You speak English? #Person1#: You are a traveler to Spain? #Person2#: Yes, I'm from New York and I thought all people can speak a little English. #Person1#: Well, what seems to be wrong. #Person2#: I have a serious stomachache. I've been up all night with it. And now I've got a bad headache as well. #Person1#: I see. Do you think it's because of something you have eaten? #Person2#: Oh, I think so. I had too much shrimp and fish. It's delicious, but doesn't agree with me.

#Person2# is traveling in Spain and #Person2# finally finds someone knows English to help #Person2# with a serious stomachache.

train_12070

#Person1#: Henry, where did you go for your holiday? #Person2#: I went to Los Angeles. #Person1#: How long did you stay there? #Person2#: I got there on October tenth and returned on the sixteenth. #Person1#: How did you like the city? #Person2#: It's much bigger than I expected, it's really hard to get around. I didn't like the bus service or the subway system there. So I borrowed a car to get around. It's really much more convenient with a car.

Henry tells #Person1# about his trip to Los Angeles and he traveled with a car.

train_12071

#Person1#: Betty, you speak several languages, don't you? #Person2#: Yes, I speak Spanish and French. #Person1#: And what helped you most in learning those languages? #Person2#: Well, I studied both languages in high school and I'm still studying Spanish here at the University. But I think that travel has probably been the most help to me. You see, I've been lucky that I've lived in Europe. Believe me, I didn't speak very well before I moved there. #Person1#: You're right, practice is very useful. #Person2#: I always go to the movies, and whenever I can I watch TV or listen to the radio in the language I'm trying to learn. #Person1#: But I think without some knowledge of the language first. You can't understand all these. #Person2#: Sure, first is a good idea to study grammar, vocabulary. #Person1#: And listening and reading.

#Person1# is asking Betty some tips that helped her in learning different languages and Betty says traveling in foreign countries has helped her a lot.

train_12072

#Person1#: How is your mother feeling these days? #Person2#: Much better, thanks. She'll be back home in a few days. #Person1#: That's wonderful. When will you be back on your job? #Person2#: I think I need a week to take care of her and do some cleaning for her coming home. #Person1#: Why don't you hire someone to do it? In this case you can not only do your job but also have more free time. You're a kind and thoughtful man. I admire you very much. #Person2#: I'm just a very normal son.

#Person1# inquires #Person2#'s mom's condition and compliments him being a kind and thoughtful son to look after his mom.

train_12073

#Person1#: Have you handed in your papers, John? #Person2#: Sorry, Mrs. Smith. I haven't finished them yet. #Person1#: But you must have handed them in by last Friday. And now it's Monday. #Person2#: I am terribly sorry. The problem is I wrote it with my computer, but it failed to work. I need some time to get it repaired. I promise I'll give them to you in 2 days. #Person1#: Alright I'll wait 2 days. But if you break your promise, you know what the result will be.

John didn't hand in his papers on time because his computer was broken, so Mrs. Smith agrees to give him extra two days.

train_12074

#Person1#: I will travel to Southeast Asia this summer, so I need to exchange some US dollars. Can I get the foreign currency at any bank? #Person2#: I don't think you can. In China, our currency is not freely convertible yet. #Person1#: Do you mean there is no way to get any foreign money? #Person2#: No. You can go to the Bank of China to exchange some US dollars at the current exchange rate of the day you exchange them. The maximum amount you can exchange is $ 2, 000. #Person1#: Only $ 2, 000? Are there any other ways to get the money exchanged? #Person2#: The only official way is to go to Bank of China. #Person1#: I'd better take more dollars with me. It seems that I need to borrow some from my friends.

#Person1# wants to exchange some US dollars. #Person2# tells #Person1# the only official way is to go to the Bank of China and the maximum amount is limited.

train_12075

#Person1#: I need something to wash this down. Is there any juice in the fridge? #Person2#: What is that? It looks like something from a swamp! #Person1#: It's a green drink. It's supposed to be full of vitamins and minerals. #Person2#: You know, healthy eating doesn't have to make you gag. #Person1#: The sales lady said that even if I eat right, I wouldn't get enough vitamins. #Person2#: Have you ever tried it? Or are you just going to believe the sales lady? #Person1#: It's easier to drink this once a day than eat fruit and vegetables all day. #Person2#: It may take less time, but I don't know about easier. Yuck.

#Person1# bought a green drink that looks gross but is said to have many vitamins and minerals. #Person2# thinks it's hard to drink it.

train_12076

#Person1#: Good morning. what can I do for you? #Person2#: I'm looking for some earrings for my wife as a wedding anniversary gift. #Person1#: You've come to the right store. We've got a beautiful and wide selection of earrings for you to choose from. #Person2#: I saw a pair of earrings outside your window. Can you show them to me? #Person1#: Do you mean the exquisite pearl earrings? #Person2#: Exactly. How much do you want for them? #Person1#: They're only three thousand yuan. #Person2#: What is this setting made of? #Person1#: Well, it's specially made of a platinum alloy, sir, and the lustre will never fade out. #Person2#: I'II take them. Please wrap them up tor me and give me the receipt. #Person1#: You've made an excellent choice, sir.

#Person2# buys a pair of earrings outside the window with #Person2#'s assistance.

train_12077

#Person1#: Good afternoon! Did you call for a plumber? #Person2#: Yes, yes I did. Please come in! I ' m so glad you came! This old house is falling apart! Come on into the bathroom. See, here, there ' s water leaking everywhere! #Person1#: I see. Let me have a look. It seems that your toilet is clogged, and that ' s why it won ' t flush. Let me just get my plunger. No, that ' s not working either. I suspect that there ' s some sort of foreign object in the pipes that ' s causing a blockage. That ' s what ' s making your toilet overflow. #Person2#: Oh, that must be because of my four-year-old daughter. She is always flushing things down the toilet. You know how kids are. #Person1#: Yeah, I have a little one myself. Anyway, these water pipes are really rusty, so they also should be changed. Thatcould be causing water to not drain completely, that might lead to more problems in the future. I would also suggest fixing this faucet that isn ' t shutting off properly. I could have it all finished by today if it ' s urgent. #Person2#: That would be great! Is it expensive? #Person1#: Let ' s see... I would say about eight hundred dollars.

#Person2#'s toilet is clogged so #Person2# calls #Person1# to fix it. #Person1# checks it and suspects it's due to some foreign object in the pipes flushed down by #Person2#'s daughter. #Person1# also suggests changing the rusty pipes.

train_12078

#Person1#: What's your favorite book? #Person2#: It's Gone With the Wind. #Person1#: Why do you like it best? #Person2#: I enjoy the various characters and the plot. #Person1#: Well. I like the Thom Birds best. #Person2#: Is it very interesting? #Person1#: Sure. I like the writer's language, too. #Person2#: If I have a chance, I'll enjoy the book. #Person1#: Would you like to go to the bookshop with me? #Person2#: That's a good idea. Let's go!

#Person1# and #Person2# talk about their favorite books. They will go to the bookshop together.

train_12079

#Person1#: Well, I'm afraid I must be going now. I have no idea it was so late. #Person2#: Stay for dinner with us. #Person1#: I'm afraid I can't. I have a dinner party at seven tonight. You see, I am going to England the day after tomorrow. #Person2#: Well, I won't keep you then. It was very nice of you to come to see me. #Person1#: It has been a pleasure. Goodbye. #Person2#: Goodbye. Thank you again for coming.

#Person2# tries to keep #Person1# to stay but #Person1# has a dinner party later.

train_12080

#Person1#: Why don't you sit down and relax, darling? #Person2#: I don't want to. #Person1#: Well, come over and talk to me then. #Person2#: Certainly not. #Person1#: May I turn on the TV then? #Person2#: Turn on the TV for what? #Person1#: So that we can sit down together and listen to some music. #Person2#: Listen to the music? And who will cook dinner, will you? #Person1#: I will, but let's go to the disco after dinner. #Person2#: To a disco? Oh, no. You know I hate it.

#Person1# tries to sit down with #Person2# and have some talks, but #Person2# refuses.

train_12081

#Person1#: Do you know a bus that goes to the Gold Line station? #Person2#: Do you live in Pasadena? #Person1#: My house is up in Altadena. #Person2#: You could always take the 264. #Person1#: It'll really take me to the station? #Person2#: It goes all the way there. #Person1#: Do you know what street it goes on? #Person2#: Catch it on Altadena Drive. #Person1#: I would've never known. #Person2#: Now you know. #Person1#: I appreciate you telling me. #Person2#: No problem.

#Person2# tells #Person1# to take the 264 to the Gold Line Station which is on Altadena Drive.

train_12082

#Person1#: I need to find somewhere to park. #Person2#: Off campus or on campus? #Person1#: I need to find a space on campus. #Person2#: Why don't you park in the parking structure for students? #Person1#: Where is the parking structure at? #Person2#: It's on the west side of the campus. #Person1#: Do you know if the parking structure is full or not? #Person2#: It was empty last time I went up there. #Person1#: How long ago was that? #Person2#: I went up there early this morning. #Person1#: Do you think it'll be full now? #Person2#: It might be. You'll have to go see for yourself.

#Person1# needs a place to park on campus. #Person2# suggests #Person1# park in the parking structure.

train_12083

#Person1#: Which season do you like best? #Person2#: I like spring best. It is neither too cold nor too hot. Freezing days make me lazy and stuffy days make me lazier. How about you? #Person1#: I prefer summer, especially the summer evenings. When the sun comes down, it is so nice to take a walk and breathe. After a rain shower, the smell of the air is refreshing. It is also a best reason for ice-cream. #Person2#: How do you get through the stuffy daytime? #Person1#: Well, I have to hide in the air-conditioned rooms. Anyway, it is all worth, just think about the cool evening time.

#Person2# likes spring best while #Person1# likes summer best. Then, #Person1# tells #Person2# how #Person1# gets through the stuffy daytime in summer.

train_12084

#Person1#: I want to say. . . #Person2#: Say it! What is it? #Person1#: That I can't go on any longer without you. #Person2#: You know you shouldn't say that at a time like this. #Person1#: Nancy, I made up my mind you were the only woman for me at the first sight. #Person2#: Too sudden! I'm not ready for it. #Person1#: Forgive me for startling you with the impetuosity of my sentiments. #Person2#: Stop it. No more of that talk. #Person1#: I really love you. #Person2#: No, I shall faint. #Person1#: And I hope so. This is what you were meant for. Say you love me, say yes, say yes. #Person2#: Yes.

#Person1# expresses love for Nancy suddenly. Nancy feels surprised but finally accepts #Person1#'s love.

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#Person1#: Do you see the woman? Is she a teacher? #Person2#: Yes, she is. #Person1#: Does she teach Chinese? #Person2#: No, she is an English teacher. #Person1#: And who's the man in the green beside her? #Person2#: You mean the man wearing jeans? He's her little brother.

#Person2# tells #Person1# the identity of the woman and the man.

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#Person1#: Well, I'm thinking of going to see the ballet Swan Lake by the famous Russian National Ballet Troupe this evening at Beijing Grand Theater. Why don't you join me? #Person2#: I'd like to, but I've got to write a term paper. It will be due by this Thursday. #Person1#: You always work too hard, Jim. As the saying goes, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. You should spare some time for a rest. #Person2#: I know it is no good for my health if I am staying in the classroom all day. But how about my paper? #Person1#: Just take it easy. Come on with me. #Person2#: I'm terribly sorry I can't go with you. Shall we find some other time?

#Person1# invites Jim to see the ballet Swan Lake but Jim has to write a term paper and refuses #Person1#.

train_12087

#Person1#: What sport do you like the most? #Person2#: I like baseball the best. #Person1#: Me too. Did you play when you were a kid? #Person2#: Yeah. I played until I graduated from high school. #Person1#: What position did you play? #Person2#: I think I tried every position, but the last few years, I played third base. #Person1#: I hate third base. It's scary when the ball is coming at you so fast. #Person2#: It was scary at first, but after awhile, I got used to it. If you have fast reflexes, then it's not really a problem. What position did you play? #Person1#: I played outfield. I hated the infield because I never figured out all the bounces. #Person2#: I wish I could play again, but there isn't much opportunities around here. #Person1#: I'm on a softball league. It's not fast pitch, but it's still fun. You wanna join our group? #Person2#: When do you guys play? #Person1#: We play either Tuesdays or Thursdays. #Person2#: Sounds pretty fun. I'll come out and join you next time.

Both #Person1# and #Person2# like baseball best. Since #Person2# tells #Person1# there aren't many opportunities to play it now, #Person1# invites #Person2# to join their softball league.

train_12088

#Person1#: Where are you going? #Person2#: It's Tuesday today. I always go to my class on Tuesday night. #Person1#: I didn't know you were taking any kind of class. Tell me about it. #Person2#: Well, I'm learning how to use math in the business environment. #Person1#: What for? #Person2#: The job market is so competitive nowadays. I want to develop some useful skills. #Person1#: I really admire you for that. How is it going? #Person2#: It's going all right. I'm learning some things for the first time, but I'm also brushing up on some things that I already know.

#Person2# takes classes every Tuesday night because the job market gets more competitive. #Person1# admires #Person2# for that.

train_12089

#Person1#: Your garden is looking beautiful this summer. The flowers are really colorful. #Person2#: Thank you. I have roses, tulips, and daffodils. Do you like the rockery with the smaller flowers? #Person1#: Yes, I do. Those are violets, aren't they? #Person2#: Yes, they are. This afternoon, I'm going to prune the hedge. #Person1#: The lower branches on that tree are hanging very low. Would you like me to cut them off for you? #Person2#: Thank you! That would be very kind of you. I have a saw in the garden shed. #Person1#: When the lower branches are removed, you'll be able to sit under the tree. #Person2#: Tomorrow, I'll cut the grass. Then the garden will lock perfect. #Person1#: Just make sure children don't play in the flower beds and destroy the flowers.

#Person1# admires #Person2#'s beautiful garden. #Person1# offers to help with cutting off the branches, with which #Person2#'s grateful.

train_12090

#Person1#: Are you sure it was him? #Person2#: I used to date him. Of course it was him. #Person1#: You're a nurse at New York General Hospital? #Person2#: Yes, on the cancer ward. And Taylor was there. He walked right by me and didn't even see me. #Person1#: Maybe he was just visiting someone. #Person2#: But you saw how skinny and pale he looks. He has ' cancer patient ' written all over his face.

#Person2# recognizes a guy in the hospital whom #Person2# used to date. The guy seems to have cancer.

train_12091

#Person1#: Why don't we get you some shirts? #Person2#: I want to leave. We've already been here two hours. #Person1#: But we should get you some shirts while we're here. You need summer shirts. #Person2#: I would rather buy them somewhere else. #Person1#: Why? They have everything here. #Person2#: I don't like shopping in malls. I like shopping on the street. There is more variety. #Person1#: Let's just look and see what they have. #Person2#: Alright. #Person1#: What about these shirts? Do you see anything you like? #Person2#: The styles here are too boring for me. I told you. I like street shopping. #Person1#: Oh, come on! Don't be so sour. These are beautiful shirts. I know if we don't buy some today, you will never go shopping by yourself. #Person2#: Sure I would. #Person1#: Here. Look at this shirt. Try it on. #Person2#: Do they have it in LARGE. #Person1#: I don't know. Let me look on the rack. Here is one. LARGE. Try it on. #Person2#: Where is the fitting room? I don't see it. #Person1#: The fitting rooms are over there. #Person2#: Okay, I will try it on. #Person1#: It looks good on you. #Person2#: I look like a nerd. #Person1#: No, it looks great. Why are you always like this when you're shopping? You know it looks good. #Person2#: Well, I don't think it's the best style for me. #Person1#: I think we'll buy this one. And I want you to try on this one too. #Person2#: Alright. Alright. #Person1#: You should be happy I want you to look good. If I let you shop for yourself, you would never buy anything. #Person2#: Yes, maybe. But I like street shopping. There is more variety. I'm sorry. I just don't like malls.

#Person1# wants to buy shirts for #Person2# in the malls and asks #Person2# to try on some, but #Person2# keeps thinking they make him look no good because #Person2# prefers street shopping.

train_12092

#Person1#: Have you made a reservation? #Person2#: Yes, I have booked a table for four. My name is Liu Fan. #Person1#: We have had a window table reserved for you. This way, please. #Person2#: Thanks. #Person1#: You're welcome. #Person2#: Can we see the menu, please? #Person1#: I'll bring it over. #Person2#: Anything good for this evening? #Person1#: We have squirrel shaped mandarin fish, seeds prawn, etc. #Person2#: Very good, we'll take them all.

Liu Fan had a reservation and orders what #Person1# recommends.

train_12093

#Person1#: Can I talk to you for a moment, manager? #Person2#: Yes, of course. What is it? #Person1#: I've decided to leave. #Person2#: Leave? Why? #Person1#: I've worked here for two years. And I want to do something different. #Person2#: What do you mean by something different? #Person1#: I want to live abroad and learn to speak a different language. #Person2#: I'm really sorry. But I understand. #Person1#: Thank you, manager.

#Person1# tells the manager that #Person1# is quitting because #Person1# wants to live abroad.

train_12094

#Person1#: Hi there, I'm Steve Saunders. What's your name? #Person2#: I'm Patti Whitney. Isn't this convention great? #Person1#: Yes it is, better than I expected it would be. The presenters have been first rate. Is this the first conference you've been to? #Person2#: No, I've been coming for the last 3 years. Each year keeps getting better. Where are you from? #Person1#: I'm from Long Island, New York. What about yourself? #Person2#: I'm from the other side of the coast--Los Angeles. #Person1#: Wow. I really like California. . . the weather there is much better than the East Coast. #Person2#: Have you been to California? #Person1#: Just once. Quite a few years ago we took the kids to Disneyland on our vacation. They had a blast. #Person2#: How many kids do you have? #Person1#: Two, a boy and a girl. They're already grown now. #Person2#: Well, California's changed over the last little while. You should come back out sometime.

Steve and Patti both meet each other for the first time at a conference. They introduce themselves and talk about the conference.

train_12095

#Person1#: Do you have your own circle of friends? #Person2#: Yes. I have friends even though I am a man of few words. Just like the old saying goes, ' Actions speak louder than words '. I am a hard-working silent person. #Person1#: What you said was right, but we need to work as a team, how could you make adjustment to that? #Person2#: Teamwork is ok to me, and I hope the team will be complementary in personality. #Person1#: OK, I got it.

#Person1# tells #Person2# he is a hard-working silent person but teamwork is ok for him.

train_12096

#Person1#: Last night I looked for my Indian classmate Barbara. I found her sitting with her legs crossed and quietly practicing. #Person2#: Needless to say, it must be Indian Yoga. #Person1#: Mary, you say something about it. #Person2#: Tracing back, Yoga has a very long history. It was originated before India had approved Yoga and these documents were arranged and written according to the contents passed by mouth to mouth. In other words, Yoga is passed down from ancient times, which cannot be recalled.

Mary tells #Person1# what #Person1# saw #Person1#'s Indian classmate doing last night is Indian Yoga and introduces it to #Person1#.

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#Person1#: Hi, there's a problem with this stereo. I'd like to return it, please. #Person2#: What's the problem? #Person1#: The tape player doesn't work. #Person2#: O. K. Do you have your receipt? #Person1#: Yes, here you are. #Person2#: Thank you. Do you want your money back, or would you like to exchange it? #Person1#: I think I'd like to just get another stereo, please. #Person2#: O. K. Here's a receipt for store credit. Just take it back to the stereo section and one of our salesmen will help you. #Person1#: Thanks a lot. #Person2#: No problem. Thank you.

#Person1# wants to exchange the stereo. #Person2# offers #Person1# a receipt for store credit and asks #Person1# to take it back to the stereo station.

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#Person1#: I'd like to speak to Robert. #Person2#: Speaking. #Person1#: Hello, Robert. This is Frank. I'm coming to Guangzhou on the the 7th and I'd like to call in to discuss the project plan. #Person2#: All right. What time are you coming? #Person1#: Well, my flight leaves at 8 a. m. , and I'll arrive at 10 a. m. Shall we say 11 o'clock? #Person2#: Can we make it 11:30? A customer will come to the office at 11. #Person1#: Oh, yes. That's fine with me. Maybe we can have lunch together. #Person2#: Great. I'll see you on the 7th.

Frank calls Robert to make a business appointment on the 7th. They ultimately decide to meet at 11:30.

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#Person1#: Paul, a company called me for an interview. #Person2#: That's great! You need to prepare for it. #Person1#: How? #Person2#: Get your hair done at a good hair saloon. Tell them you are going for a job interview. #Person1#: OK. #Person2#: Buy a decent suit. #Person1#: Is a white blouse OK? #Person2#: Yeah, fine. And dressing shoes. #Person1#: How about make up? #Person2#: Not much make up.

#Person1# gets an interview opportunity. Paul tells #Person1# how to prepare for it in appearance.

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#Person1#: So, what's new in the kitchen? That refrigerator is new, isn't it? #Person2#: Yes. I needed a large one. Before, I had a separate refrigerator and freezer, but this has both combined into one. #Person1#: That's usual nowadays. You'Ve added a few shelves too. #Person2#: Yes. You know I'Ve been cooking more kind of food recently and I needed some extra space for spices and ingredients. #Person1#: Did you buy new cupboards too? #Person2#: No, I didn't. I gave them a really good clean, so they just look new. The worktop was in poor condition, so I had a new one added. #Person1#: I see that you have bought several new pots and pans and utensils. #Person2#: Yes, I have. I need them to help me with these new dished I'm trying to make. I need a little more practice before I invite guests over. #Person1#: Looking at the spice rack, I'd say you'Ve been learning how to make asian food. #Person2#: Yes. I'Ve always likes Indian and thai food, so I'Ve been trying to make dishes from those countries. I'm pretty good at making curries now, but I still need practice at making thai food. #Person1#: Both kinds of food are becoming popular. Nowadays, it's very easy to pick up the ingredients at the supermarket. #Person2#: I hope you can stay for dinner. I need a guinea pig!

#Person2# gets a new refrigerator, some shelves, new pots, pans, and utensils for the kitchen. #Person2# tells #Person1# that #Person2# is learning to make Asian food recently.

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#Person1#: I'm sorry. Is that bicycle yours? #Person2#: Yes, it is. What about it? #Person1#: I backed into it while I was trying to get into the parking lot. #Person2#: I see. #Person1#: I'm really sorry. I'll face the music. #Person2#: Where did you hit it? #Person1#: Right here. See the scratch? #Person2#: Oh, Yes, I see it now.

#Person1# hits #Person2#'s bicycle accidentally and apologizes.

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#Person1#: Please file all the reports for me. #Person2#: OK. Would you like to file them according to dates? #Person1#: Yes. Will you also make copies and file them using both methods? #Person2#: Yes, I will. #Person1#: Good. Can you please also list all the documents in those old files? #Person2#: When do you expect it to be finished? #Person1#: Before next Friday. #Person2#: All right.

#Person1# asks #Person2# to file all the reports and list all the documents in those old files.

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#Person1#: There was a new quiz show on television last night, but we were just sitting down to dinner when it came on. #Person2#: I watched it and it was great! The first four contestants won only small prizes, but the fifth left with a new luxury car.

#Person1# and #Person2# talk about a new quiz show.

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#Person1#: I want to open a savings account. What's the proper procedure? #Person2#: First, you fill out the application form and then we will issue you a passbook. #Person1#: Is there any minimum for the first deposit? #Person2#: No, even a dollar is all right. Sir, here's your passbook. Just sign your name on it. #Person1#: What is the annual interest rate? #Person2#: It varies from time to time. At present it is 6%. #Person1#: By the way, can I open a checking account too? #Person2#: Sure. But you have to deposit enough money before you write out your checks. #Person1#: Oh, I see. Thank you very much. #Person2#: My pleasure.

#Person1# wants to open a savings account. #Person2# tells #Person1# the procedure and the annual interest rate.

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#Person1#: Hi, Mary. Haven't seen you for ages! #Person2#: Hi, Mr. Jones. Yes, it has been such a long time since we met. #Person1#: Have you made up your mind to take up business as a career? #Person2#: Yes. Actually, I've already started. I began my studies at the beginning of this term. #Person1#: Very glad to hear that. Then what are you going to do when you finish? #Person2#: Oh, I shall go to Hong Kong to practice there, #Person1#: That's a good idea. It must be easy to find a job in Hong Kong. #Person2#: Oh, I think so. You know there are a large number of opportunities for business there. #Person1#: And English is very useful in your job. #Person2#: I think it will be very useful in many ways because there is a lot about business written in English. Besides, Hong Kong is an international trade center. English is useful in almost all walks of life. #Person1#: Then you'll be a very promising businesswoman there. #Person2#: That's my wish. But I have to suffer now. #Person1#: No problem. You can do it well, I'm sure. #Person2#: I hope so.

Mary tells Mr. Jones that she's already taken up business as a career and she will go to Hong Kong to find a job. Mr. Jones believes she will be a promising businesswoman in the future.

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#Person1#: What is the difference between a lesson and a lecture? #Person2#: Well, they are both ways of imparting knowledge, but the main difference is that you participate in a lesson whereas you just listen to a lecture. A lecture is generally given to a much larger group.

#Person2# tells #Person1# the difference between a lesson and a lecture.

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#Person1#: Hey, Hey. Why don't we do something fun next week? We have time off. We never do anything fun. #Person2#: Well ... I don't know. What do you have in mind? #Person1#: Well, I was thinking like .... Okay. Like the library? The library is ... What? The library is boring. We could do that anytime. Listen. How about on Monday we go down to the lake and go swimming at the lake? #Person2#: Ah, I don't know. I think it's going to hot that day, and I might get a sunburn. [ Come on! ] You know how tender ... tender my skin is. #Person1#: wimp! We can do ... Okay. So Monday, we'll go down to the lake. Tuesday, we're going to go mountain biking. Um, it's supposed to be cloudy so your tender skin shouldn't get burned. #Person2#: Oh, that's sounds great ... but I'd probably crash like I did last time and break my arm or something. #Person1#: You didn't break your arm last time. You won't break it this time. Come on. We'll go ... So Monday, we'll go to the lake; Tuesday, we're going to go mountain biking. [ Okay. ] Um, Wendesay I was thinking we could go fishing. Remember the last time we went? I caught like 10 huge fish ... #Person2#: Yeah. I remember. And the only thing I caught was an old boot. And you won't ever, EVER let me forget that one. So, if we do anything, I'd like to enjoy it. #Person1#: Well, okay then. Um, do you suggest? #Person2#: Well, alright. Well, we could stay home and uh, you know ... pop some popcorn and play like Scrabble or another board game. Yeah, something like that .... What? #Person1#: You know, I like board games, but we can do that anytime. Why don't we go ... listen ... Friday or Saturday. We'll do all those things we talked about and then Friday or Saturday, we'll go on a picnic to the mountains. You won't break your arm, you won't get a sunburn. It'll be really pleasant. Let's do that, okay? #Person2#: Well ..... #Person1#: Come on. Let's do it. It'll be fun. #Person2#: Okay. We'll give it a try. #Person1#: Good.

#Person1# and #Person2# are planning to do something fun next week. Ultimately, they decide to go to the lake on Monday, go mountain biking on Tuesday, go fishing on Wednesday, and go on a picnic on Friday or Saturday.

train_12108

#Person1#: Hello, this is Dell China. What can I do for you? #Person2#: I want to order a laptop computer for my wife. #Person1#: Certainly. What type would you like to buy for her? #Person2#: AM520. #Person1#: What color does she want, a black one or a white one? #Person2#: She prefers a black one. #Person1#: All right. Have you decided what size to buy? There are different sizes to choose from, from 13-inch ones to 17-inch ones. #Person2#: Well, I want to buy a 15-inch one. How much does it cost? #Person1#: 5000 yuan, including the postage.

#Person1# calls #Person2# to order a laptop. With #Person2#'s assistance, #Person1# buys a 15-inch black one.

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#Person1#: Now Mr. Hardy, has the situation changed since last night? #Person2#: No, Mrs. Hamilton is still refusing to talk to us. We'd like her to come out peacefully. The police don't want to charge her, but... #Person1#: Well, it's her home. #Person2#: But nobody else refused to move. You see, we're going to build over 300 flats in this area in place of the shabby houses. Families are expecting to move into them next year! It's all being delayed because of one person! #Person1#: But Mrs. Hamilton was born in that house. #Person2#: Of course. But we have promised to give her a modern flat immediately, a very nice flat for an elderly person living alone. #Person1#: So, what happens next? #Person2#: I don't know, but we can't wait forever. The police will have to do something soon.

Mr. Hardy tells #Person2# Mrs. Hamiltion solely refuses to move though she can be offered a nice modern flat immediately. Mr. Hardy will turn to the police for help.

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#Person1#: Bob, do you know who I saw the other day? Old Jake, looking terribly depressed. Did he get pensioned off at last? #Person2#: Yes. They made him retire after 50 years at sea. He is pretty upset about it, but what can you do? He really is pasted. #Person1#: He is all alone, isn't he? #Person2#: Yes, his wife has been dead for years. They had one daughter, Dories. But she went off to town as soon as she left school. And he hasn't heard from her since. I hear she is making good money as a model. #Person1#: Maybe someone could get in touch with her. Get her to come back for a while to help? #Person2#: I don't suppose she come. She never got on with her father. He is bit of a tough character and she is rather selfish. Oh, I expect old Jake will get by. He is healthy at least, comes into a clinic for a check regularly. #Person1#: Are you his doctor? #Person2#: No, my partner doctor Johnson is. #Person1#: That bad-tempered old thing? #Person2#: Oh, he isn't really bad-tempered. He just looks it. He is an excellent doctor, taught me a lot, and he has a very nice family. His wife invites me over there to supper every week. Very pleasant. #Person1#: Yes. I teach their daughter Pen at school. She is a bit careless and lazy about her school work, but a bright little thing and very popular with her age group.

#Person1# tells Bob #Person1# saw Old Jake yesterday. He has retired and is very lonely. Bob hopes Old Jake will get by and tells #Person1# his partner doctor Johnson is Old Jake's doctor.

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#Person1#: You see the list of books for this course? #Person2#: Yes, Dr. Downs said he expects us to have the first five on the list. He is going to discuss them in detail. #Person1#: Are you going to buy them? #Person2#: I don't know. These books are expensive. And I don't have a lot of money on me. #Person1#: How about sharing them with me? #Person2#: Sounds good. #Person1#: Let's do this. I will buy three and you buy two of them. #Person2#: I would rather do it this way: we pay fifty-fifty for the books now. And at the end of the course you can take the books you find more interesting and I will take the ones I like. #Person1#: What if we both like the same books? #Person2#: Come on, we are not going to argue over that, are we? #Person1#: I was just joking. It's definitely a better idea. #Person2#: Then let's get the books as soon as possible.

#Person1# and #Person2# decide to pay the books fifty-fifty required for a course, and they take away the books they like at the end of the course.

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#Person1#: Jane, Professor Keller asked about you today and how you were coming along with the project on pollution. By the way, I handed mine in the day before yesterday. #Person2#: Whoops. I was supposed to give it to her yesterday.

#Person1# tells Jane that Professor Keller asked about her project today.

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#Person1#: John, my dad's new MP3 player seems to be missing. Did you move it? #Person2#: No, I didn't. Isn't it right next to the computer? #Person1#: No, and I don't see it anywhere. I have the feeling one of our party guests took it. #Person2#: Really? What are you going to do now? #Person1#: I'll just tell my parents what happened, I guess. #Person2#: Then they'll know you had people over without permission. Won't they be angry about that? #Person1#: Probably. I wish I'd done that from the start, instead of keeping my plans secret. They'd have said no to a party, and the MP3 player would still be here.

#Person1# tells John #Person1# suspects that a party guest had taken away #Person1#'s dad's MP3 player. #Person1# regrets not telling #Person1#'s parents about holding the party.

train_12114

#Person1#: What can I do for you? #Person2#: Well, has anyone turned in a brown leather wallet? Mine seems to be lost and it has my driver's license in it. #Person1#: Anything else in the wallet? #Person2#: Yes, some family pictures. #Person1#: I think one like that was brought in this morning. Wait here just a minute please.

#Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2# lost a wallet with some family pictures in it. #Person1# thinks one like that was brought this morning.

train_12115

#Person1#: We have a variety of trousers. Which one do you like best? #Person2#: I want to buy one to match my shirt. Can you give me some advice? #Person1#: What about this one? #Person2#: Yes,they seem to be my size and go with my shirt quite well. I will take it.

#Person2# buys a pair of trousers with #Person1#'s assistance.

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#Person1#: Hello, Bobby , It seems that I can't arrive at your home by 12 o'clock. #Person2#: What happened? We're all expecting you , Hans , Dick , Archie. . . #Person1#: I'm so sorry, I've been held up by the damn traffic jam for half an hour. I'd have arrived but for that. #Person2#: I see. Where are you now, Li? #Person1#: Thirty meters ahead is the Waterloo Bridge. #Person2#: It is not far away from home. It is... Let me see, about 20 minutes' walk. Can you walk here?' #Person1#: I've thought of that, but what can I do with my car? If only I had taken a taxi! #Person2#: That's too bad, But don't worry. We'll put off dinner till one o'clock. #Person1#: I'm so terribly sorry to keep you waiting. #Person2#: It doesn't matter. Bye. #Person1#: Bye.

Li calls Bobby to tell him Li can't arrive on time due to a traffic jam. Bobby will put off the dinner till one o'clock

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#Person1#: Who's that? #Person2#: It'me. Susan Taylor #Person1#: Oh, please come in. nice to see you. #Person2#: On, what're you doing? You look as busy as a bee. #Person1#: Yeah, I'm trying to decorate my house. #Person2#: Really, that's cool. Let me see what you've done. #Person1#: But actually it's not done yet. I'm going to get a special pendent lamp. #Person2#: That's all right. Let me see, oh, that lace looks so unique, and it's so creative to make a picture display here. How did you get that idea? #Person1#: It's just a simple decorating. I just want to add my personality to my living space.

Susan drops by at #Person1#'s. #Person1# is decorating the house. Susan compliments #Person1#'s idea of getting a special pendent lamp.

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#Person1#: Do you know next Wednesday is Halloween? #Person2#: No, I don't. What do you do on Halloween? We don't have that holiday in Russia. #Person1#: Well, it's a day when kids dress up in masks and costumes. They knock on people's doors and ask for candy by saying 'trick-or-treat'. #Person2#: Sounds interesting. #Person1#: But it's not just for kids. Lots of people have costume parties. Hey, my friend Peter is having a party. Would you like to go? #Person2#: Sure, I'd love to.

#Person1# introduces Halloween to #Person2# and invites #Person2# to a costume party. #Person2# would love to go.

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#Person1#: Hello, this is Mary speaking. Who's that? #Person2#: It's me, Peter. #Person1#: Oh, hello, Peter, whom do you want to speak to? #Person2#: Can I speak to John? #Person1#: No, you can't speak to him now. #Person2#: Isn't he in right now? #Person1#: Yes, he is in, but he is very busy. #Person2#: What is he doing, may I know? #Person1#: He is getting ready for school. Grandmother is combing his hair. Sister is looking for his coat. Mother is putting textbooks into his schoolbag. Goodbye, I've got to go now. I am holding the door open. The school bus is coming. #Person2#: In that case, I'll ring him again this afternoon. Bye. #Person1#: See you, I'll tell him that.

Peter calls for John but Mary tells him Peter is too busy too to answer. Peter will call later.

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#Person1#: Good morning, doctor Vincent. May I come in? #Person2#: Good morning, ma'am. Of course, how can I be of help? #Person1#: Well it's about school, doctor Vincent. It's just that Alan and I wanted to have a few people over for a dinner party to celebrate finishing my paper and we would particularly like to invite you since you're the chairman, would you please come this weekend on Saturday? #Person2#: I'd be glad to (?), Saturday, did you say? #Person1#: If that's alright for you and Mrs. Vincents? #Person2#: I have to check with Elizabeth but I'm pretty sure it'll be alright. #Person1#: Good. If you could come around 6:30 or 7:00 o'clock that would give us time to chat for a while over a glass of wine before dinner? #Person2#: That sounds fine. We'll be there around 7:00. #Person1#: That would be great. Oh, I'm so pleased that you are Mrs. Vincent will be able to make it. #Person2#: Well, it should be fun and you should celebrate it after all that hard work. #Person1#: Oh, I can never thank you enough. #Person2#: Thank yourself.

#Person1# comes to doctor Vincent's home to invite him and his wife to a dinner party which is held to celebrate finishing their paper. Doctor Vincent gladly accepts the invitation.

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#Person1#: What are you reading, Mike? #Person2#: I'm reading something about how people around the world celebrate the new year. Do you know what people in the southern part of the United States do for good luck in the new year? #Person1#: I have a friend called Lisa from Austin, who once told me people in her city often eat black eyed peas and pork for that purpose, and people in other parts of the country eat sauerkraut with pork sausage on New Year's Day. #Person2#: That's true. Do you know what the Spanish do? #Person1#: Certainly. I've been learning Spanish and from one text I learned that in Spain, as the clock strikes midnight, people eat grapes? #Person2#: Yes, these grapes represent the months of the year, and eating the mall in the first 12 seconds of the New Year guarantees that the year will be filled with good luck. #Person1#: Does the article mentioned what the Chinese do? #Person2#: No, but it says that in the Philippines, many People eat and displayed 12 round fruits to bring them a good year. #Person1#: I really want to learn more. Can I read the article? #Person2#: Certainly, take your time.

Mike is reading an article about how people around the world celebrate the new year, then #Person1# and Mike talk about different celebrations in the southern part of the US, Spain, and the Philippines. #Person1# also wants to read the article.

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#Person1#: Ted, it's really you? I just cannot believe it! You've really put on some weight. #Person2#: Yeah, that's true. Actually, I'm losing weight now. Now I go to the gym at least 3 times a week. So how have you been? #Person1#: Not bad. I've changed my job. You know, now I'm not as busy as before, and I spend more time hanging out with friends and sleeping. #Person2#: Do you also exercise? #Person1#: Not really. But I'm on a diet, I don't want to put on any weight. #Person2#: Well, I think working out works better. I've really fallen in love with exercising. You can give it a shot, too. #Person1#: I'll consider that.

Ted tells #Person1# he's been exercising recently and has lost some weight. #Person1#'s on a diet and Ted suggests #Person1# work out.

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#Person1#: Good afternoon, Mrs.Vale.Please sit down. #Person2#: Thank you. #Person1#: Did you work as a salesperson before, Mrs.Vale? #Person2#: Only as a clerk in a store. #Person1#: I see. Well, consulting is a little different. #Person2#: I'm a quick leamer, Mr.Jenkins. #Person1#: Umm hmm.Do you have a diver's license? #Person2#: Yes, and I'm a very good driver. #Person1#: Fine.We provide a company car for our consultants. #Person2#: Do I have to travel a lot? #Person1#: Oh yes-five days a week.You have to visit customers all over the territory. #Person2#: But how will I get to know the products? #Person1#: You'll have to attend a three-week course. If you do well, the job is yours. #Person2#: How much is the salary? #Person1#: Starting salary is $ 150 a week-plus commissions, of course. #Person2#: How much commission do your consultants get? #Person1#: Five percent. #Person2#: Well, I'm very interested in the job. #Person1#: Fine.The next course starts a week from tomorrow. #Person2#: Thank you. #Person1#: Good luck to you.

Mr. Jenkins is interviewing Mrs. Vale who applies to be a consultant. Mr. Jenkins introduces the job in detail. Mrs. Vale's interested in the job and will attend the course to get the job.

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#Person1#: What date would you like to depart, sir? #Person2#: Do you have any seats for September 16th? #Person1#: Let's see... I'm afraid the 16th is fully booked. But I have seats for the 17th. #Person2#: The 17th will be fine. #Person1#: And what date will you be returning? #Person2#: Hmm, I guess on the 28th. #Person1#: Okay, you ' re booked on American Airlines flight 710, departing JFK at 6:40 p. m. on September 17th. Your return flight is flight 711, departing London ' s Heathrow Airport at 11:15 a. m. on September 28th. #Person2#: Sounds good. Thanks a lot.

#Person1# is assisting #Person2# in booking round-trip flight tickets to London.

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#Person1#: The skirt looks beautiful. Can I try it on? #Person2#: Of course. #Person1#: Well, I think this one is a little too small. Would you please bring me a bigger one? #Person2#: I am sorry the larger ones are out of stock now. But you might be lucky at our Branch.

#Person2# is assisting #Person1# in buying a dress.

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#Person1#: I have learnt how to ride a bicycle. I plan to go to the Water Park by bike this weekend. #Person2#: Well, you know, the traffic in Beijing is sometimes dangerous. Therefore, I have to remind you of something. First, you should obey the traffic rules, don't break in the red light. Second, don't play a joke with your friends when riding on the bike. Third, do not hurry up when riding, or would make an accident. Finally, remember come on the left and go on the right! #Person1#: Oh, my dear sister, I am no longer a baby!

#Person1#'s sister is reminding #Person1# some precautions about riding a bike on the road in Beijing.

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#Person1#: I can't find my purse. Have you seen it? #Person2#: No, I haven't. #Person1#: I'Ve looked everywhere for it. I must have left it somewhere. I hope I haven't lost it. #Person2#: Perhaps you left that at school. #Person1#: No, I had it when I left school this afternoon. #Person2#: Well. Didn't you go around to the Smith after school? You might have left it there. #Person1#: Yes, I'd better give her a call now. #Person2#: But she can't be home now. She might have gone to the library. #Person1#: Perhaps I should call her later.

#Person1# can't find #Person1#'s purse. #Person2# suggests #Person1# might have left it at the Smith.

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#Person1#: What are you going to eat with your sandwich? #Person2#: I think I'm going to eat a piece of fruit. #Person1#: What kind do you like? #Person2#: I really like apples and grapes. #Person1#: What kind of apples do you like? #Person2#: I love green apples. #Person1#: I don't like green apples. #Person2#: Really? Why not? #Person1#: Green apples are too sour for me. #Person2#: So, you like red apples better? #Person1#: Yeah, I love red apples. #Person2#: I think green apples are a lot better.

#Person1# prefers red apples while #Person2# likes green apples.

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#Person1#: Good morning, sir. Could I be of any service to you? #Person2#: Have you got any Chinese paintings? #Person1#: Yes, we have landscape paintings, figure paintings and flower-and-bird paintings. #Person2#: I'd like a flower-and-bird painting. #Person1#: Good. How about this picture of cranes with pine trees? It was painted by a famous Chinese painter in King Dynasty. #Person2#: Oh, they look just like live cranes. I like this picture very much. How much is it? #Person1#: One thousand dollars. #Person2#: It's a lot of money. But the picture is excellent, I'll take it.

#Person2# buys a Chinese painting of cranes with pine trees with #Person1#'s assistance.

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#Person1#: Excuse me, can you tell me the way to the British Museum? #Person2#: Sure. I suggest you take a bus there. It's a bit too long for you to walk there. #Person1#: Which bus should I take? #Person2#: Tour 2. #Person1#: What time does the museum open? #Person2#: It opens at 9:00 from April to October. #Person1#: Thanks a billion.

#Person2# tells #Person1# the way to the British Museum.

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#Person1#: Hi, Jenny. Are still working? #Person2#: Hi, Nancy. Come in please. I'm just putting away on my books. #Person1#: So, you are leaving, aren't you? #Person2#: Yes, I'm going to take a holiday tomorrow. #Person1#: How nice! I can see you are busying packing. I'm sorry to interrupt you. #Person2#: That's all right. I'm almost finished. Do you need my help? #Person1#: Yes, could you please go over this for me? And see if there is any mistake in it? #Person2#: Oh. All right I'll read it soon. #Person1#: Excuse me for taking your time. #Person2#: It's nothing Nancy.

Jenny's packing for a holiday. Nancy requests Jenny to check something for her.

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#Person1#: so. . . what kind of things do you do in your free time? #Person2#: I'm really into watching foreign films. what about you? #Person1#: I like to do just about anything outdoors. Do you enjoy camping? #Person2#: camping for an evening is ok, but I couldn't do it for much longer than one night! #Person1#: have you ever been camping in the Boundary Waters? #Person2#: no, but I've always wanted to do that. I've heard it's a beautiful place to go. #Person1#: it's fantastic. My family and I are very fond of the place. #Person2#: do you have any photos of any of your camping trips there? #Person1#: sure, would you like to see them? #Person2#: that'd be great. What kind of camera do you have? #Person1#: I have a Canon SLR. #Person2#: so, you must be pretty interested in photography then. #Person1#: I'd call it one of my hobbies. Do you know much about photography? #Person2#: actually, I do. I took quite a few photography classes at University. #Person1#: have you heard about the photography exhibit that's going on at the art gallery this weekend? #Person2#: yes, I was planning on going. Are you? #Person1#: yes. In fact, maybe we could go together. #Person2#: that'd be great. what time should I meet you there? #Person1#: how about at 11:00? #Person2#: sounds great. see you then.

#Person1# enjoys camping in free time and #Person2# likes to watch foreign films. They find both of them like photography and they decide to go to the photography exhibition together.

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#Person1#: Hey, Tom. You look tired. Are you all right? #Person2#: I didn't sleep much last night. #Person1#: How come? #Person2#: You know Miao Li-my roommate, he bought a computer last month. He has turned his computer into an electronic playground. He plays football, rides horses, drives racing cars, and does a whole bunch of other games. Every night he keeps me up. #Person1#: Don't you like games #Person2#: I usually get a lot of information on the computer and use E-mail to send messages to my friends. #Person1#: Me too. Recently, I've made many friends on the net. Every day I talk to them and share many interesting things with them. #Person2#: Don't you think it's a sheer waste of both time and money? #Person1#: I'm afraid not. To me getting in touch with each other has more fun than the coolest computer games or the hottest information. #Person2#: Yes.

Tom didn't get enough sleep last night because his roommate Miao Li plays computer games and keeps him up every night. Tom tells #Person1# he just uses the Internet for getting information and sending messages while #Person1# enjoys online chatting very much.

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#Person1#: Have you heard anything about Markweed Inc. ? They have called me back for interview, and I'm considering taking a job with them. #Person2#: Well, to start with, Markweed Inc. has a reputation for being one of the best employers in the field. #Person1#: The best. . . huh? With so many companies out there, how did they establish themselves in such a solid position on top? #Person2#: First of all, they have an excellent benefits package for all employees, even the maintenance staff have health and dental coverage. #Person1#: Really? What about the pay rate? Are the wages pretty high? #Person2#: From what I hear, they are very reasonable. A lot of the prestige the company has built is because they have attacked some high profile employees with their incentives. #Person1#: Well, what about the work environment? Not every one is motivated solely by money. #Person2#: It's a great place to work. They give you fair pay and benefits, and a lot of room to grow. I think if they off you a job, you should definitely take it.

#Person1#'s considering taking a job with Markweed Inc. #Person2# tells #Person1# Markweed Inc. has a reputation for being one of the best employers in the field and explains the reason.

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#Person1#: Lester, you are really fantastic at automobile repair. #Person2#: Thanks, June. But I think I need to be certified as a mechanic 5 before I'm allowed to repair cars for a living. #Person1#: That's not a big problem. There are many small schools for adults like you who can study to be certified. #Person2#: I guess I never thought of that before. #Person1#: And you can easily get a student loan from a vocational school, or from the government. #Person2#: Wow, you'Ve inspired me to do something!

June admires Lester's automobile repair skills and inspires him to study this and get certified.

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#Person1#: Hi dude, you look upset, what's up? #Person2#: haven't been sleeping well recently. #Person1#: what's the problem? #Person2#: every night my roommates watch the Korean soap operas till mid-night. I am not a big fan of Korean shows and I don't know how to tell them to stop without hurting their feelings. #Person1#: well, you can simply tell them you want to sleep, or make an arrangement for a time when the room should quiet down. #Person2#: yeah, I know, but I find these sorts of things hard to say. They won't like it if I tell them to turn off the TV. Now I just hope the show will end soon. #Person1#: I understand. I used to live in a dorm with four people. I was great in some aspects. We always went out and and had fun together. But on the other hand, when I wanted some quiet time, and people kept #Person2#: yeah, I crave my own space. i just so tired of having people around me all time.

#Person2# hasn't been sleeping very well since #Person2#'s roommates watch the Korean soap operas till mid-night and #Person2# finds it hard to tell them about this.

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#Person1#: How long can I keep these books? #Person2#: A month. Don't forget to return them by the due date. #Person1#: What if I can't finish them by then? #Person2#: Bring them back to the circulation desk and renew them. #Person1#: Any terrible fines? #Person2#: Sure.

#Person2# tells #Person1# the rules of borrowing books

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#Person1#: Uncle, have a heart, please lend your new car to me. Only once. #Person2#: Where are you going? #Person1#: I have a big date tonight. #Person2#: You have got a car, haven't you? #Person1#: Oh, please. Only once lend your new car to me.

#Person1# is begging #Person1#'s uncle to lend #Person1# his car.

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#Person1#: Mary, how was your date with john? #Person2#: it's ok. It seems we have a lot in common. #Person1#: oh, really. That is great news. What does he look like? #Person2#: he is tall and slim, fair-haired. #Person1#: sounds like he is pretty cute. What do you think of him? #Person2#: he is a nice guy and very considerate. I was impressed with how smart he was and he has a great sense of humor.

Mary tells #Person1# her date with John went well and she thinks highly of him.

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#Person1#: Look, the printer isn't functioning well. I'Ve pushed the start button. It is suppose to be working now but it remains like a log. What's going on? #Person2#: Let me check. It has a paper jam. #Person1#: I didn't pay attention to that. I will try to get the paper out. #Person2#: Be careful, the cartridge can be very hot.

#Person1# and #Person2# are trying to fix a printer.

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#Person1#: Good morning, sir. Here is the hotel's sauna room. What can I do for you? #Person2#: Yes. This is the first time I've come here. Could you please tell me something about it? #Person1#: Sure Those who have heart disease or high blood pressure are not allowed to take sauna, for their sake. #Person2#: Thank you for telling me about this. What should I do here? #Person1#: First, change your shoes to slippers. Then walk up to the changing room to get prepared for a shower. #Person2#: OK. How about after the shower? #Person1#: After the shower, step into the washroom with birch switches, dip them in the warm water and briskly whisk them over your skin. #Person2#: That sounds comfortable. #Person1#: Yes, then enter the bathroom, There is a stove tired with wood in the room, and on the top of the stove, there is a pile of stones, which keep the heat. Throw some water on the stones, and dry steam is given off.

#Person1# tells #Person2# the kinds of people that cannot take a sauna and then introduces the procedures to enjoy the sauna.

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#Person1#: Both Bob and carl will become somebody in the future. Don't you think so? #Person2#: Yeah. But Bob's talent can't to be named on the same day with Carl's. #Person1#: But Bob is more generous and ready to help. #Person2#: We cannot judge a man totally by that.

#Person1# and #Person2# are talking about Bob and Carl.

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#Person1#: Excuse me, I am Dunlin. I am here about your advertisement for a tourist guide. Are there still any vacancies? #Person2#: Yes. One more is needed. #Person1#: Oh, I'm so lucky. I want to apply for it. #Person2#: But do you have any experience like that? #Person1#: Yes. I have been a guide for two years. #Person2#: OK. Then I want to ask you some questions about the tourist guide. If there wasn accident, for example a tourist falls ill, what would you do? #Person1#: I think I will call the office to send someone to meet us, and escort that person to the nearest hospital without interrupting our trip. #Person2#: If one of them forgot a camera in a restaurant, would you let the tourist bus go back? #Person1#: No. In fact, prior to their boarding the bus and their getting off the bus, I will make an announcement to remind them that they should check their belongings. #Person2#: Well, it seems that you have all the practical experience to handle these cases. I am very glad to welcome you into our company. #Person1#: Thank you. It's my honor.

Dunlin wants to apply for the position of tourist guide, then #Person2# asks Dunlin some questions about the tourist guide. #Person2#'s satisfied with Dunlin's answers and welcomes Dunlin into #Person2#'s company.

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#Person1#: Thanks. Sometimes talking with a friend is a great way to get over something. Do you mind if I vent a little bit? #Person2#: Of course not. If you're feeling bad and want to let your emotions out, you can just say whatever you want to me. #Person1#: Great, because I am really mad at William. I mean, what kind of an idiot wouldn't be able to appreciate a smart, beautiful woman like me? Anybody who would be friends with that guy has to be really dumb. #Person2#: Uh, A. . . you know I'm friends with William. #Person1#: Oh right. . . present company excluded, of course!

#Person1# is expressing #Person1#'s dissatisfaction with William and says everyone being friends with him is dumb, which embarrasses #Person1# since #Person1# is William's friend.

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#Person1#: I am starving. #Person2#: Didn't you just eat? #Person1#: I'm still hungry. #Person2#: We ate everything from dinner. #Person1#: I just need a snack. #Person2#: What are you going to make? #Person1#: I don't have the slightest clue. #Person2#: Go make a sandwich. #Person1#: I'm not sure what kind I want. #Person2#: Why don't you make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? #Person1#: I think I will do that. #Person2#: Maybe you should.

#Person1# is still hungry after dinner. #Person2# suggests #Person1# make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich as a snack.

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#Person1#: I want to get some cable. #Person2#: Do you know what package you want to get? #Person1#: What packages do you have? #Person2#: We have movie channel packages. #Person1#: What else have you got? #Person2#: You can get the sports package. #Person1#: Is there a package with basic and movie channels? #Person2#: We have that package. #Person1#: Let me get that package. #Person2#: Is there anything else you would like? #Person1#: That's everything, but can I add channels later? #Person2#: You will be able to add or get rid of channels another day.

#Person1# gets some cable with basic and movie channels with #Person2#'s assistance.

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#Person1#: Morning, Mum! #Person2#: Morning, Meg. You look not well today? Are you ill? #Person1#: No, I am not ill. #Person2#: Then, What's the matter with you my child? #Person1#: Nothing. #Person2#: Oh, come on, baby. Tell me what happened. #Person1#: I. . . I failed to pass the examination. How I wish I had studied hard. #Person2#: Oh. Take it easy. You can set your aim from today. #Person1#: Ok, Mum. I will not fail the examination next time.

Meg isn't in the mood because she failed the examination. Her mom encourages her to set her aim from today.

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#Person1#: Is this the registration office? #Person2#: Yes, it is. Which department for? #Person1#: I don't know exactly. #Person2#: What's your problem then? #Person1#: I've got a sore throat, a runny nose, and a headache. #Person2#: OK, I will register you with medical department. #Person1#: Medical department? Are you sure? #Person2#: Yes. Just go there! #Person1#: Where is it? #Person2#: It's on the second floor. Have you got your records? #Person1#: Yes. Here you are. #Person2#: OK, here is your registration card.

#Person1# describes #Person1#'s symptoms and registers with the medical department with #Person2#'s assistance.

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#Person1#: You are still a student? #Person2#: Yes, but I will graduate from the Shanghai Finance and Trade school next month. #Person1#: Are you sure you can be a successful cashier? #Person2#: I'm sure. You know my major is statistics and I get excellent records in all of the courses I have taken. #Person1#: That's only for your theory foundation. I am afraid if you have ever handled large amounts of cash before? #Person2#: Yes, my father runs a business so I have opportunity to work in the finance department every holiday. #Person1#: Good. I think you'll make a good cashier. #Person2#: Thank you.

#Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2#'s obtained excellent records as well as practical experience. #Person1# thinks #Person2# will be a successful cashier.

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#Person1#: It seems so strange to be here, burying you, but it's not you. #Person2#: Ashes to ashes and dust to dust. . . #Person1#: This has been the worst and best day of my life, Taylor. They kept you in the hospital, and. . . #Person2#: I'll tell you all about it another day. #Person1#: But you're OK? It was nothing serious, was it? #Person2#: You ladies look very elegant in black. But I don't want you to wear black in my honor for a long time yet to come. So I just get out of there and change another guy's name. All we need to do now is to pretend it was my death.

#Person1#'s burying someone in the name of Taylor. The real Taylor asks #Person1# to keep pretending it was Taylor's death.

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#Person1#: How do you get along with your boss? #Person2#: I had a terrific working relationship with my boss, even though we are very different people. Because I've had a number of bosses, I've come to realize that to make things work, you have to understand what's important to your boss. Then you have to do everything you can to support him ( or her ). It's natural to think about your own agenda first, but if you help your boss, Ifs likely to move your agenda ahead at the same time. My last boss was great in that regard, she appreciated my efforts and rewarded me when I helped her accomplish her goals. #Person1#: What do you think is important in your work? #Person2#: Many are important, intelligence, diligence, information and planning. But the most important, I think, is achieving results.

#Person2# tells #Person1# how #Person2# gets along with #Person2#'s bosses and what #Person2# thinks is important in work.

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#Person1#: May I take your drink order while you are looking over your menu? #Person2#: Yes, do you have a wine list? #Person1#: The wine list is on the second page of your menu. #Person2#: Do you have mixed drinks in this restaurant? #Person1#: Yes, we have a full bar here. #Person2#: I am not sure what I want. Do you have any house specials? #Person1#: Actually, we are famous for our Cuervo Gold margaritas. #Person2#: That sounds good! Please bring me one of those. #Person1#: Would you like that drink blended or on the rocks? #Person2#: I would like it blended. #Person1#: Would you like it with salt or no salt? #Person2#: I would like my margarita with no salt, thank you.

#Person2# orders the house special, a blended margarita with no salt with #Person1#'s assistance.

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#Person1#: Do you want to sign for a Korea language class? #Person2#: What for? Oh, I see, you mean next year our company will expand business to the South Korea market. #Person1#: Right, we have located a business partner in Seoul. The first contact proves to be successful. The general manager of South Korean company has scheduled to pay a visit to us next month. I think it is quite possible to set up a joint venture company with them soon. #Person2#: Well, sounds promising. But I think our company will provide us with the language training courses if it is necessary. We need not bother signing for the language by ourselves. #Person1#: A slow sparrow should make an early start. You know, I am not quick at learning any language.

As the company will expand business to the South Korea market, #Person1# wants to sign for a Korean language course while #Person2# prefers taking the language training courses provided by the company.

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#Person1#: What's the matter with you? #Person2#: I've been having headaches. #Person1#: How long have they been bothering you? #Person2#: Umm... They started about two months ago. Oh, no. It must be about three months ago. At first, I thought as if I had flu because I had a running nose and a bit of a temperature. #Person1#: I see. And do the headaches come on at any particular time? #Person2#: They are usually worse in the morning, especially during the past two weeks. #Person1#: Now let me check if there is anything serious.

#Person2#'s been having headaches and tells #Person1# about the symptoms. #Person1#'ll check if there's anything serious.

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#Person1#: Dad, I'd like a pair of Adidas tennis shoes. #Person2#: Adidas? They're expensive. They're for the Chicago Bulls. #Person1#: No, all the guys as well as girls are wearing Adidas. #Person2#: But none of us ever had Adidas and we used to play quite well.

#Person1# is asking #Person1#'s dad for a pair of Adidas tennis shoes.

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#Person1#: Do you want to go to sleep, or do you want to stay up and watch a movie? I'm pretty tired, but I'm always up for a horror movie. It is Halloween, after all... #Person2#: I'd love to, but not tonight. I ate too much candy, and I'm so exhausted from trick-or-treating all night with the boys from the neighborhood. I need to rest!

#Person1# would like to see a horror movie but #Person2# is too tired from trick-or-treating and needs a rest.

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#Person1#: Do you like our new history teacher? #Person2#: I'm tired of his endless talking. He never gives us a little time to discuss things. #Person1#: You can't say that! He's a very knowledgeable person. #Person2#: But I can't see it.

#Person1# thinks highly of their new history teacher while #Person2# doesn't.

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#Person1#: Hello. Jean Williamson speaking. #Person2#: Oh, it's you, dear. Sorry I had to rush off this morning. How are the boys? #Person1#: I'm taking them to the doctor at twelve o'clock, but I'm sure they're going to be all right. #Person2#: That's good. What about you? #Person1#: Oh, I'm better now, don't worry. I'm going to make a birthday cake for tomorrow. And... I've got a camera for Peter and some records for Paul. #Person2#: You shouldn't have done that. They need to learn how to save money. I'm going to put away some money in the bank for them.

#Person1# phones to check the condition of the family members. Jean tells #Person1# she's taking the boys to the doctor and she's better now.