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train_7000
#Person1#: I wish I could play music like you. When did you learn to play the guitar? #Person2#: Oh, I've been playing since I was 8 and I'm 17 years old now. During that time I learned to play the drum too. #Person1#: What about it? That must be really difficult. #Person2#: In the beginning it really was, but after a few lessons, I got better. Practice makes perfect, you know? For me, the most difficult is the piano. I once tried it but gave up.
music playing
train_7001
#Person1#: Hello, Mike. What are you doing in this part of London? #Person2#: Well, in fact I'm looking for a flat round here. #Person1#: A flat? Do you want to move? #Person2#: Yes, actually. Believe it or not, Mandy and I are getting married. #Person1#: It's great. Congratulations. When did you decide? #Person2#: Only last week. It was when we were staying with her family in Schottland. Now we're trying to find a suitable flat. #Person1#: It will be great to have you as neighbors. I hope you manage to buy one soon. #Person2#: We aren't looking for one to buy. We don't have enough money yet. We want to find somewhere to rent. #Person1#: Yes, of course, that's what we did at first. In fact, in the end my brother lent us some money. That's how we managed to buy ours. #Person2#: Really? Perhaps I'll talk to my family about it. Now, what about a coffee? There's a good place just around the corner. #Person1#: What a good idea.
flat renting
train_7002
#Person1#: Did you grab everything from the car? We should check before we leave this area. We have a long day of hiking ahead of us. #Person2#: Yes, I did it already. Where should we go now? #Person1#: We're going up to the top part of the mountain. #Person2#: Is that where we get the tickets? #Person1#: Yeah, it's about a 20-minute walk from here. #Person2#: That's not so bad. #Person1#: Just wait till we get the tickets. It's a 3-hour hike from there to the top. #Person2#: How far is the lake from the top? #Person1#: Another 40 minutes, we can have lunch at the top or down by the water. #Person2#: We had a late breakfast, so I can wait. I'm excited to see this lake. The guidebook says it changes color throughout the year. #Person1#: That's true, in the fall and winter, it's skyblue because of the light reflecting off tiny pieces of ice in the lake. At this time of year. It turns green because of the plants that grow under the water. #Person2#: That's so cool, it's a good thing I brought my camera.
hiking
train_7003
#Person1#: How do you spend these long winter evenings, Maggie? #Person2#: At home. I don't go out in winter. It's warm and pleasant indoors and I hate going out in the cold. #Person1#: Do you find it rather boring staying at home? I like going to cinemas in theaters. #Person2#: Oh no Jack. I don't find it boring. I listen to the radio, there's always plenty of good music on. Besides, I do a lot of Reading.
staying at home
train_7004
#Person1#: Excuse me, are you going to buy that textbook? #Person2#: Well, yeah, I need it for a class. But it's awfully expensive. #Person1#: Oh, we must be in the same class! Civil engineering? #Person2#: Yes, that's the one! #Person1#: Were you there last Friday for the first class? #Person2#: Yes. I only moved here last Monday, and I registered for the class last Tuesday. By the way, I thought Professor Qian really seemed to know his subject. #Person1#: Yes, his courses are always fantastic, except that he is very strict with his students. Hey, I've got an idea! Why don't we share the cost and use the textbook together? #Person2#: Sounds great. Then let's sit together next class. #Person1#: Sure. Let's pay for it.
course discussion
train_7005
#Person1#: I got something really special in the mail today. It's about classes to help you set up your own Internet business. Doesn't that sound fun? #Person2#: Oh, gosh! I don't know, just how much are these classes? #Person1#: $500 for 5 classes. But they guarantee that you'll have your business set up on a website before your done. #Person2#: Don't you think that's a lot of money? What kind of business would you start anyway? #Person1#: Well, you know how everyone loves my homemade candy? I'm going to start selling it on the web. I'm going to call it www.sweettooth.com. #Person2#: Well, good luck, you know it just might turn out to be a sweet investment.
internet business
train_7006
#Person1#: Hello, I'm from the students' union. We're doing a survey of students' eating habits. Would you mind if I ask you a few questions? #Person2#: Not at all. #Person1#: What's your favorite food? #Person2#: Hamburgers and french fries. #Person1#: What's your least favorite food? #Person2#: I never eat carrots and fish. #Person1#: How many meals do you have a day? #Person2#: Well, I always oversleep, so I never have breakfast. And I'd probably just have a chocolate bar and hamburgers for lunch. So I don't sit down for a meal till evening. #Person1#: OK, and is fresh fruit included in your diet? #Person2#: Not really. I know it's bad, but I'm just not in the habit of eating fruits really.
eating habits
train_7007
#Person1#: Good evening. Do you have any rooms available at the moment? #Person2#: Yes, we do. How many nights do you want to stay? #Person1#: 4. If it's possible. #Person2#: OK, let me see. I'm sorry, sir. I'm afraid we can only give you a room for 2 nights. It's a very busy period right now. We're almost fully booked these days. #Person1#: Alright. I'll just stay for tonight then. It's too late to go to other hotels now. I'll search for another one tomorrow. #Person2#: That's an excellent idea, sir. And thank you for your understanding. So a single room for one night. Here is your key card and your room is on the seventh floor. #Person1#: Thanks. By the way, is there a swimming pool in the hotel? #Person2#: Yes, there is. It's on the fifteenth floor, but it closes at 10:00 PM. So it was closed 45 minutes ago already. #Person1#: That's too bad. #Person2#: We do have a gym that opens 24 hours. It's on the fourteenth floor. #Person1#: Great, thanks for letting me know. #Person2#: You're welcome, sir. Oh, before I forget, breakfast deserved on the second floor from 6:30 to 10:00 in the morning.
hotel service
train_7008
#Person1#: I need my minibar restocked. #Person2#: Everything is gone, sir? #Person1#: There's not a drop left of anything. #Person2#: Is there anything in particular you want? #Person1#: Yes, the Perrier and the Jim Beam hit the spot. Let me have three more of each. #Person2#: Got it. Anything else? #Person1#: I really liked the apples. Bring me a couple of apples, please. #Person2#: Not a problem. Anything else? #Person1#: Oh, yes, one more thing #Person2#: Someone will be up shortly with your order, sir.
order room service
train_7009
#Person1#: I think that you look very cute today. #Person2#: Is that right? This is a brand new outfit. #Person1#: What store did you get it from? #Person2#: I went to Macy's and picked it out. #Person1#: I love your outfit right now. #Person2#: Well, I think you look nice today too. #Person1#: Thanks. I found these new shoes earlier at the store. #Person2#: I think that those are some really nice shoes. What kind are they? #Person1#: These are Chucks. #Person2#: Your shoes look really nice. How much did you get them for? #Person1#: They only cost me about forty dollars. #Person2#: I'm going to go get a pair for myself.
social meeting
train_7010
#Person1#: Oh!!! I have a horrible toothache. #Person2#: You should go to the dentist. #Person1#: I hate dentists. #Person2#: Well, suffer then. If you have a toothache, you have to go to the dentist. #Person1#: It always hurts. I hate going. #Person2#: Stop being such a baby. If it really hurts that much, just let them knock you out. #Person1#: O. K ., O. K ., I ' ll go. #Person2#: Good. You feel better after you do.
toothache
train_7011
#Person1#: What should I do to prepare for a job interview? #Person2#: An understanding of the basic workings of a company and the services or goods it provides is essential. Do you have that? #Person1#: Sort of, but I could know more, I guess. #Person2#: With that understanding, you can figure out what your company is looking for in terms of basic attitude. Right? #Person1#: I think that they are a very formal company. #Person2#: What you wear is important. So keep in mind what is suitable for the company and type of work you will be doing. Need help? #Person1#: I need a lot of help in this area. #Person2#: In addition to clothes we need to think about other basics, OK? #Person1#: Yes, what else should we think of? #Person2#: Be prompt. Don't forget to be friendly and interested. Listen carefully and listen to what they are really asking you. You'll be a hit!
job interview preparation
train_7012
#Person1#: Hello, hot water overflowed from the bathtub. Would you help me? #Person2#: Would you turn off the tap? #Person1#: I did it. #Person2#: Then will you put all the towels under the bathroom door. #Person1#: Ok, I will. #Person2#: I will have our housekeeper come right away. #Person1#: I am sorry, I was too tired to fall asleep. #Person2#: When you woke up, the water was coming out the tub? #Person1#: Right. Can I compensate for the damage with the travel accident insurance?
bathtub damage
train_7013
#Person1#: Excuse me, could you please show me the way to the human resource department? #Person2#: Yeah, but have you made an appointment ahead? #Person1#: Yes, of course. I am Monica. I have made an appointment with your HR manager. #Person2#: Just a minute please. I ' ll make a call to the HR office. Yes, they confirm your appointment. Please come in. it is on the 3rd floor, room 3106. You can take the right elevator as the left on is in maintenance today. #Person1#: Thank you very much. #Person2#: You ' re welcome.
ask for directions
train_7014
#Person1#: hello! What are you reading about in the newspaper? #Person2#: hello! I was exhausted form studying, so I decided to read the newspaper to relax. Unfortunately, the news is so depressing. There has been another murder in the city center. I ' m shocked that the pole #Person1#: people are starting to get frightened by it. Everyone will be relieved when they finally catch the murder. #Person2#: you mean if they catch the murderer. I ' m scared stiff about going into the city center at night. #Person1#: there must have been some good news in the newspaper. I can ' t believe that none of the news stories make you happy or excited. #Person2#: well, there was one good piece of news. You remember the local girl who was dying of a rare blood disease? #Person1#: yes. Her parents were raising money to have her treated in the united states. #Person2#: well, they ' Ve got the money and she ' s going tomorrow for treatment. #Person1#: I ' m so happy for the family! They must be very relieved and excited about that. #Person2#: I ' m sure they are. Oh, and a local man won the lottery. I ' m so jealous! I wish it were me! I buy a lottery ticket every week and I ' m amazed that I haven ' t even won a small prize yet. It ' s so unfair! #Person1#: don ' t be moody! I hope you ' re not tired, because we ' Ve been invited to a party this evening. I know how excited you get about parties.
news discussion
train_7015
#Person1#: I hear you are expecting your family. #Person2#: Yes, my parents, and soon my brother as well. #Person1#: I didn't know you had a brother. #Person2#: Oh, yes, he is two years older than me. He lives in New Zealand so I don't see him that often. #Person1#: Oh, nice. Is he coming on his own or with the family? #Person2#: His son is coming as well. He wants to go to university here in England so they will visit a few universities while they are here. #Person1#: Does your brother have just one son? #Person2#: No, he has two daughters as well. His wife and daughters are visiting her parents. So I won't see them. #Person1#: I'm sure your parents are looking forward to seeing their grandson. #Person2#: Oh yes, they are really looking forward to it. They went to New Zealand last year and loved it. #Person1#: So when are they all coming? #Person2#: My parents are already here. My brother and nephew are arriving on Monday.
talk about family
train_7016
#Person1#: Do you know that the dolphin is the most intelligent animal in the world? #Person2#: Yes. Dolphins have a big brain and they are very smart. They are also the fastest swimmers in the world. #Person1#: They must be amazing animals. #Person2#: They are. I read a story about a dolphin saving a A from drowning in the sea. #Person1#: I read that story too. They seem to be able to understand men. #Person2#: They sure can. Maybe they can interact with men better than monkeys and apes.
dolphin discussion
train_7017
#Person1#: Those are the headlines for today, and now for the international weather report with Mike Sanderson. #Person2#: Thank you, Bob! This past week has been the beginning of Armageddon for many, a series of unprecedented meteorological events occurred around the world. In Switzerland, a major avalanche was reported in the Alps. Fortunately, no one was injured. Due to to the extreme cold this winter, a blizzard has struck the US Midwest, causing classes in schools and universities to be temporarily canceled. Moving to to Latin American, Ecuador has suffered a six month drought that has not only affected farming, but has also forced the closure of the hydroelectric power plant that provides electricity for the entire country. In Chile, a major earthquake that registered seven point five on the Richter scale struck the southern region. Losses are reported to be in the billions. Authorities have not yet released an official statement. #Person1#: Not a great week for the world! Any good news? #Person2#: I'm afraid not, Bob. One of the major volcanoes in Mexico has erupted, causing major floods and landslides in the region. Meanwhile, Mexico's coast has been hit by hurricane Liliana and officials say that all the seismic activity leads them to believe that a tsunami may hit Central America, affecting Honduras, Guatemala and Panama. That's all the news we have for today, but stay tuned for updates on the six o'clock news. Back to you Bob.
weather report
train_7018
#Person1#: God, I didn't realize. I didn't, I didn't know. . . #Person2#: . . . Who you were with? I didn't know whom you were with. #Person1#: Excuse me? #Person2#: Sorry, it's from the Godfather. It's when the, when the movie producer realizes Tom Higgins had emissary of Vito Corleone, it's just before the horse's head ends up in the bed with all the bloody sheets, you know, wakes up, and AAAL! Never mind. #Person1#: You were spying on me, weren't you? You probably rented those children. #Person2#: Why would I spy on you? #Person1#: Because I am your competition which you know perfectly well, or you would not put up that sign just around the corner. #Person2#: The entrance to our store is around the corner. And there's no other way of saying that. It's not the name of our store. It's where it is. And you do not own the phrase around the corner. #Person1#: What is that? What are you doing? You're taking all the caviar! That caviar is a garnish? #Person2#: Look, the reason I came into your store is because I was spending the day with Annabell and matt. And I was buying them presents. I'm the type of guy who likes to buy his way into the hearts of children who are his relative. And there's only one place to find a children's book in the neighborhood. That will not always be the case. And it was yours. And it is a charming little bookstore. You probably sell what 350, 000 worth of books in a year.
interpersonal relationship crisis
train_7019
#Person1#: Melissa? I'd like to invite you to my wife's birthday party. #Person2#: Thanks, Frank. I'd love to come. When is it? #Person1#: Her birthday is on the 9th. We're going to have dinner at a Mexican restaurant, and then maybe go out dancing. #Person2#: Sounds like fun. You can count me in! Just give me directions to the restaurant.
party invitation
train_7020
#Person1#: Hi, Mrs. Henderson. #Person2#: Hi, Steven. Do you have time and chat with me? #Person1#: Of course I have plenty of time. What's new? #Person2#: The new couple next door divorced. Have you heard about it? #Person1#: No. The Hills? Who filed for divorce first? #Person2#: I guess it Is Mrs. Hill. She sued for divorce on the grounds of her husband's misconduct with his secretary. #Person1#: Oh, maybe not. It's just your guess. Do not give currency to idle gossip. #Person2#: OK. I close my mouth.
gossiping
train_7021
#Person1#: Does she make any sense to you? #Person2#: No. It's all Greek to me. #Person1#: She's speaking French, not Greek. #Person2#: I know that. I mean I couldn't understand her at all. #Person1#: Me neither. All I have to do is study French hard. #Person2#: I wish you the best of luck.
daily casual talk
train_7022
#Person1#: How do you usually spend your time, now that you'Ve retired? #Person2#: Well, I nearly always get up at dawn. I don't like sleeping in late. The days are longer in summer than in winter, so I get up in summer. I usually do some exercise when I get up. #Person1#: What do you have for breakfast? #Person2#: I usually have cereal, but sometimes I cook a traditional English breakfast. #Person1#: that sounds nice. How do you spend your mornings? #Person2#: I usually do housework in mornings. I go shopping occasionally. I like to do all my shopping in one bag trip to the supermarket. I always drive to the big supermarket in the city center. It takes about 20 minutes to drive there. #Person1#: How do you spend your afternoons? #Person2#: I usually meet some friends and we play sports together or I might spend some time alone on my hobbies. I spend winter evening watching tv, but I spend summer evening at cultural events if I have time.
spare time activities
train_7023
#Person1#: You see that chick over there? #Person2#: The one in the red shirt? #Person1#: Yeah. Isn't she hot? #Person2#: She's alright. #Person1#: Just alright? !? She's hot! #Person2#: Why don't you go talk to her? #Person1#: You think she's out of my league? #Person2#: Hell no! You're just a chicken that's all. #Person1#: C'mon. I get nervous when I talk to girls. #Person2#: Why don't you go stand next to her for a while and if an opportunity comes up, strike a conversation. #Person1#: What do I talk about? #Person2#: It doesn't matter. You gotta find what she's interested in and go with that. #Person1#: I don't know. . . #Person2#: Do you want me to go talk to her? #Person1#: No. Stay away from her. #Person2#: If you don't do anything, I'll bet somebody else will. #Person1#: Ok already. I'll try.
hit on girls
train_7024
#Person1#: Jack and Mary broke up. #Person2#: it's so sad. They had been together for only two months. Do you know what the matter was? #Person1#: Mary said Jack was cheating on her. Jack was seeing a girl from his hometown. One day, Mary saw them holding hands and ended the relationship immediately. #Person2#: really? I'm very surprised. He doesn't look like a guy who'd ever do that sort of thing, right? #Person1#: no, he doesn't. Anyway, she found out that he had been two-timing her for a long time. #Person2#: maybe it is for the best. They are not suitable for each other because they have nothing in common and are completely different people. #Person1#: how so? #Person2#: he is an extrovert while she is an introvert. He likes parties while she hates them. #Person1#: poor Mary! She really liked him. #Person2#: anyway, she was right to end things and she deserves better. #Person1#: do you think they'll get back together? #Person2#: no, I don't think so. I know Mary. Once she makes a decision, she won't change her mind. #Person1#: I hope she'll recover soon. #Person2#: so do I.
gossiping
train_7025
#Person1#: A funny thing happened to me the other day. #Person2#: Oh, yes? #Person1#: I was just thinking about someone I went to school with, this boy I was quite friendly with in third grade. We used to hang out together - he lived next door - but then my parents moved and I changed schools and never saw him again. #Person2#: Mmm. #Person1#: Well, I was walking down Nan Jing Dong Lu ( Nan-Jing E. Rd. ) during my lunch break thinking about this boy-I have no idea why I was thinking about him. #Person2#: Really? #Person1#: Yes. And suddenly I heard someone call my name. I turned around and there was this man looking at me. I didn't recognize him at all, but he obviously knew who I was. #Person2#: Oh, yeah, that's embarrassing when that happens. #Person1#: You got it. Well, he walked up to me and said my name again and then I realized it was the boy I had been thinking about, the one from third grade!
funny experience sharing
train_7026
#Person1#: What's the matter? You don't look well. #Person2#: I am worried. #Person1#: What about? #Person2#: My exam. #Person1#: Oh, is that all? #Person2#: I feel very nervous about it. #Person1#: Don't worry about it. Try to look on the bright sight of things.
exam worries
train_7027
#Person1#: It's terrible how things have changed. You remember there used to be trees on all these hills. #Person2#: Really? There aren't many left now. #Person1#: No, they've all been cut down and now all the soil is washing away. #Person2#: Were there any animals in the forest? #Person1#: Yes, I can remember it very well that there used to be all sorts of animals and birds. But nowadays you just don't see the birds that you used to see around here.
environment discussion
train_7028
#Person1#: We came too early. There're still three hours before the performance starts. #Person2#: I know. Sorry, I shouldn't have rushed you, but I just couldn't stay at home and wait. #Person1#: Never mind. What about taking a look around the theater? #Person2#: Why not? I'd love to do that. #Person1#: Here we go. There is a museum of the Beijing Opera art. ( They come to the museum of the Beijing Opera art. ) #Person2#: Wow. Look at this. So delicate and beautiful. Did ancient Chinese people really wear them? #Person1#: Not really. They are just opera costumes. Do you like the embroidery? #Person2#: I surely do. They must have had advanced machines in ancient China to do that. #Person1#: No, no, no. They are all handmade, girl. You know, the ancient Chinese women were supposed to be good at needlework. #Person2#: Unbelievable! I could never do that. #Person1#: Very few can. That's why these clothes only appear in the museum. #Person2#: Listen! Some people are singing outside. Is it the opera? #Person1#: Oh, yes. I heard there was an opera fans club. They are probably practicing now. Wanna have a look? #Person2#: Yes, let's do it. #Person1#: Follow me. Make sure not to interrupt them. #Person2#: Of course not. We don't do that.
social meeting
train_7029
#Person1#: Good morning, John. Have you finished reading the novel by Dickens borrowed from the library? #Person2#: No. I caught a cold two days ago. I only finish reading half of it. #Person1#: I'm sorry to hear that. How are you feeling now? #Person2#: I'm feeling better today. #Person1#: How many days do you plan to finish reading it? #Person2#: About more three days, I think. #Person1#: OK. After three days, I will come to you for it. #Person2#: No problem.
ask for information
train_7030
#Person1#: Oh! #Person2#: What fools we were! #Person1#: To think of it! All my old silver! It meant so much to me. #Person2#: And my new car. To think that he simply drove off with everything in my car. That's what hurts me most. #Person1#: What's so terrible too, is the fools we've made of ourselves. #Person2#: I hardly dare call the police. They'll just laugh at us. #Person1#: I'll never get over it. Oh, Harry, it was all so unnecessary. That man!! How could he do this to us after we'd put him up? #Person2#: And his story didn't even hold together. I feel such an idiot.
suffer from robbery
train_7031
#Person1#: Good morning. #Person2#: Ah, hello. Do you have a service for buying Traveller's Cheques? #Person1#: Yes, we do. How can I help? I can give you a simple introduction, if you'd like? #Person2#: That would be wonderful. #Person1#: We usually recommend our clients buy US Dollar Traveller's Cheques, as they can be exchanged for local currency all over the world. They are certainly the most versatile. #Person2#: But what if something happened to them? What would happen to my money? #Person1#: As soon as you purchase your Traveller's Cheques from us, you are covered. No matter if you lose them or they are stolen, we will replace them promptly. All we ask is for you to write down the reference number of each cheque and keep it in a safe place away from the actual cheques. We will need that number if you need to make a claim. #Person2#: OK, I'd like to purchase 500 US dollars worth of Traveller's Cheques, please.
buy Traveller's Cheques
train_7032
#Person1#: May I help you? #Person2#: My daughter. She is missing. I don't know where she is. #Person1#: What dose she look like? #Person2#: She has blond hair and blue eyes. #Person1#: What was she wearing? #Person2#: She has a yellow dress on and red sneakers. #Person1#: When did you last see her? #Person2#: I just saw her down the street. I don't know where she is. I don't know. . . #Person1#: How long has it been? #Person2#: Oh, it's been uh. . . fifteen minutes.
report somebody missing
train_7033
#Person1#: May I help you? #Person2#: Yes, I'm looking for a job as a clerk typist in English. #Person1#: I'm Mary Kelly. May I ask your name? #Person2#: My name is B. How are you, Miss Kelly? #Person1#: I'm glad to meet you, Mr. Zhuang. Sit down, please. #Person2#: Thank you, Miss Kelly. #Person1#: What are your qualifications for being a clerk typist? #Person2#: I can type 120 words a minute and I take shorthand at 80 words a minute. #Person1#: Would you be willing to take a typing and shorthand test? #Person2#: Yes, I would. #Person1#: ( After testing ) Your typing and stenography are pretty good. Would you be interested in applying for the job? #Person2#: Yes, I'd like to give it a try. #Person1#: All right. You need to have an interview with our manager, Mr. McBride. Let's go to his office.
job hunting
train_7034
#Person1#: OK darling, I got some pizzas, potato chips, hot dogs and lots of cheese! #Person2#: Oh John, I thought we said we would start eating right! Remember? Our new healthy lifestyle? That's all junk food! #Person1#: Humph! Right, so what did you get? #Person2#: Well, healthy food, of course! I got some whole wheat bread, skimmed milk, fresh fish and organic carrots. . . #Person1#: Organic? What's organic? Do we need organic carrots. . . ? #Person2#: They were grown without using any chemicals that are harmful to our health. And yes, John, we need organic carrots. . . #Person1#: Oh, so organic vegetables are the ' green'option, right? #Person2#: Yup, better for the environment and better for us! #Person1#: Wait a minute, what's that? . . . Doughnuts? They organic doughnuts, Kelly? #Person2#: I like doughnuts.
healthy eating
train_7035
#Person1#: Does your chicken taste all right? #Person2#: The chicken tastes wonderful, but it is kind of dry. Is your fish OK? #Person1#: My fish has good seasoning but is a little dry. #Person2#: It seems as if they got busy and left it sitting before it got to us. #Person1#: Yes, maybe they are short-handed in the kitchen tonight. #Person2#: Are your vegetables a little mushy? #Person1#: The vegetables seem to not be very fresh. #Person2#: Mine aren't so good, either. #Person1#: I usually enjoy the meals here, so I think that we should tell the waiter that there is something wrong with this meal. #Person2#: I think that we should let someone know. They will probably want to fix the problem.
dine at restaurant
train_7036
#Person1#: Hi. Are you new in this class? #Person2#: Yes, I am. I really don't know anyone. #Person1#: Did you just arrive in this country? You look a little nervous. #Person2#: No. I was here last semester, but I didn't find out about this class in time. So I'm taking it this semester. #Person1#: I took this course last semester too. Now I am taking it again! #Person2#: How is it? Did you learn anything here? Why are you taking it again? #Person1#: Wow, you have a lot of questions! I learned a lot. In fact, that's why I am taking it again. I get lots of practice in speaking, and also in writing. I'm sure you'll be glad you took this course. I'll even help you study if you'd like. #Person2#: That's just what I need. Thanks so much. You'Ve been a big help already.
social meeting
train_7037
#Person1#: Yeah, I'Ve just moved here, and I'd like to activate my cell phone, and I'm not sure if I should go with a prepaid plan, or a monthly rate plan. #Person2#: I see. Well, can I have a look at your phone? Unfortunately, this phone can't be used in the US. it's not compatible with our 3G network. #Person1#: What? Really? I don't really want to have to buy a new phone. #Person2#: Well, you're in luck! You see, if you sign up for our three-year plan, we'll throw in a handset for free. #Person1#: Really? What's the catch? #Person2#: There's no catch! You just choose a plan, sign a three-year contract and, that's it! Actually, we're running a special promotion right now, and we'regiving away a Blackberry Curve with our special Mega Value forty dollar plan. #Person1#: So what does this plan include? #Person2#: Well, you get nine hundred anytime minutes, and you can also enjoy free mobile to mobile calling to other Tel-Mobile clients, one thousand text messages per month, and unlimited evening and weekend minutes. Oh, and we also offer a rollover option. #Person1#: Wow, all this for forty dollars per month? #Person2#: That's right, plus the activation fee, the emergency services fee, the monthly service fee, oh, and any charges for extra minutes, and. . .
cell phone service
train_7038
#Person1#: Gongshan Development Co. , Ltd. may I help you? #Person2#: I'd like to speak to your export manager, please. #Person1#: May I ask who's calling, please? #Person2#: This is Mrs. Wang, from Jane coper. #Person1#: I'm sorry Mrs. wang, but Mr. Fu is not in at the moment. #Person2#: When will he come back, do you know? #Person1#: I suppose he will be back at 10. #Person2#: May I leave message? #Person1#: Of course. #Person2#: Please ask him to give me a call as soon as he return. he has my number. #Person1#: Ok, Mrs. wang. I'll do that. #Person2#: thank you. goodbye.
call someone
train_7039
#Person1#: Have you seen Bill recently? #Person2#: Yes. He's in hospital with a bad back. One morning, he just couldn't get out of bed. His wife called an ambulance and they took him to hospital. He's been there for a few days now. #Person1#: Daisy's in hospital too. She god food poisoning last week. She thinks she got it from some bad seafood. #Person2#: You have to be very careful with seafood. It tastes lovely, but it often causes upset stomachs. Have you heard anything from Tom? #Person1#: He's fine, but he had a fever last week. He probably just had a cold. #Person2#: He might be allergic to pollen. My niece is allergic to pollen. It seems like she has a cold, but in fact it's her allergy. #Person1#: I see. My niece just flew back from Australia to visit. She's got jetlag now. she's just resting today, but we'll probably go out somewhere tomorrow. #Person2#: It's nice that she's back for a while. Thinking of all these ailments, I got a splinter the other day. It took a long time for me to get it out of my skin. Look. #Person1#: Oh, your hand is still sore. You should put some ointment on it to stop the swelling. #Person2#: That's a good idea. You'Ve got a nasty bruise on your hand. #Person1#: Yes, I banged it against to cooker yesterday. It really hurt, but it's OK now. the bruise will disappear soon.
ailments
train_7040
#Person1#: You are from Japan, aren't you? #Person2#: Oh, yes! #Person1#: I love Japan a lot. #Person2#: I am glad to hear that. #Person1#: Let's go to another place where my friend is working, let me pay here. #Person2#: Thank you, I'll pay next then. #Person1#: Oh, I must be going now ; it was nice talking with you. #Person2#: Check, please. #Person3#: 500 US dollars. #Person2#: No kidding! We have only 5 bottles of beer. #Person3#: You had champagne for the girl.
social meeting
train_7041
#Person1#: To start with, may I ask why you chose to work at our company? #Person2#: First, you have had an impressive growth record, ever since the company had been founded for half a century. Second, I can improve myself by working here. #Person1#: Well, please look at the employment contract. I'd like to go over the main details again before signing. First, you will be getting a monthly salary, and no probation is involved. #Person2#: Yes, I get it. Will the medical plan cover me while on duty? #Person1#: Of course. A reasonable number of sick days will be covered by the company. Any extended illness will be covered by insurance. Have you read the other terms of the contract? #Person2#: Yes, I have read. In the contract, I am expected to be available up to two hours past normal working hours. Is that right? #Person1#: Yes, any approved overtime of more than two hours will be paid twice of the salary or take time-off. #Person2#: That's exactly my understanding. #Person1#: Good. Now, you sign here, you can start work the beginning of next month.
employment contract signing
train_7042
#Person1#: Do you have the letter of approval of employment? #Person2#: No, I haven't got one. My employment petition hasn't been approved yet. #Person1#: In that case, you are not allowed to work in China, until you get the employment petition. #Person2#: Ok, I see.
work permission discussion
train_7043
#Person1#: That was a beautiful car. It's a new car, but it's totaled. #Person2#: Well, your insurance covers sufficient money to replace it. So you don't need to worry. #Person1#: I don't think I could afford that kind of car again. I think I'll have to choose something that is not as hard to replace. #Person2#: Since you are not the one who caused the accident, your insurance cost should be the same. #Person1#: What will happen if I chose a smaller car? Would the payments be the same? #Person2#: If you got a smaller car, the cost should be a little less depending on the model, age, and size. Would you still want full coverage? #Person1#: Yes.
insurance discussion
train_7044
#Person1#: Did you hear about Joe? She hasn't eaten for days. #Person2#: Why? What's eating her? #Person1#: Love sick. You know who she's in love with? #Person2#: I don't have the slightest idea. #Person1#: Someone you're living with. #Person2#: What? Not my Dad, I hope!? #Person1#: Come on, Mary, it's your brother, Jack. #Person2#: No kidding! Jack is such a log! He's never dated a girl. #Person1#: The problem with Joe is that she's too shy to tell him. #Person2#: And the problem with Jack is that he seems to have no interest in girls. He's putting his heart into his stamp collection. #Person1#: Well, if you want to help your friend, you should do something about it.
love relationship discussion
train_7045
#Person1#: Ben, what are you doing? #Person2#: Well, I would say that I'm just drifting - - - here, in the pool. #Person1#: Why? #Person2#: Well, it's very comfortable just to drift here. #Person1#: Have you thought about graduate school? #Person2#: No. #Person1#: Would you mind telling me then, what were those four years of college for? What was the point of all that hard work? #Person2#: You got me. #Person1#: Now listen, Ben. Look, I think it's a very good thing that a young man, after he's done some very good work, should have a chance to relax and enjoy himself, and lie around, and drink beer and so on. But after a few weeks I believe that person would want to take some stock in himself and his situation and start to think about getting off his ass.
admonish someone
train_7046
#Person1#: Next please. Hello. How can I help you? #Person2#: I'd like to buy a ticket for New York. #Person1#: Would you like one way or round trip? #Person2#: Round trip. #Person1#: When will you be leaving? #Person2#: When does the next plane leave? #Person1#: In about 2 hours. #Person2#: I'd like a ticket for that flight please. #Person1#: First class or coach? #Person2#: Coach. #Person1#: OK, let me check availability. I'm sorry. Tickets for that flight are sold out. #Person2#: How about the one after that? #Person1#: Let me see. Yes, that one still has seats available. Would you like me to reserve a seat for you? #Person2#: Yes, please. #Person1#: That'll be 120 dollars. #Person2#: OK. #Person1#: Thank you, here's your change.
buy a ticket
train_7047
#Person1#: I want to buy some running shoes. Maybe New Balance. #Person2#: Why do you need running shoes? You aren't a runner. #Person1#: But I exercise at the club. And I use the stepping machine. So I need good running shoes. #Person2#: That's not the same. Maybe you want to buy running-shoe-style shoes, but not real running shoes. #Person1#: What's the difference? #Person2#: There isn't much difference. But there is some difference. For one thing, real running shoes are much more expensive. They have very lightweight materials. They're designed for serious runner #Person1#: And what are running-shoe-style shoes? #Person2#: They look like running shoes. They have the same shape. And you can use them for running too. But they're not so serious. They aren't designed for serious runners. You can use them for exercises. #Person1#: But they aren't as light, right? #Person2#: That's right. If you want a really lightweight shoe, you should buy a high-quality running shoe. #Person1#: That's what I want. For exercising at the club. I can even spend 100 dollars on them. I don't care. #Person2#: But it's a waste of money. You won't really run in them! You don't need such a shoe to use exercise machines. It's just a waste of money. #Person1#: My sister has New Balance running shoes. I want shoes just like hers. I don't care if they're expensive. And they look cool too. #Person2#: Well, do what you like. There are different kinds of New Balance shoes though. You don't have to buy the most expensive. #Person1#: I want the best. My sister said good shoes are very important. For support. They support your feet. #Person2#: Your sister is a fitness expert, huh? #Person1#: No, but she exercises more than me. #Person2#: I really think you are stubborn about some things. But here. Let's look at the New Balance shoes. #Person1#: Here it is. This is what my sister has. #Person2#: Yes, that's it. That's their top model. #Person1#: I wonder if they have my size. #Person2#: Well, we can wait for the assistant to help us, or we can look through the boxes down here. What is your size? #Person1#: Here in America, it's six. #Person2#: Well, here you are. Size six. Woman's. 137 dollars. Wow, what a waste of money! #Person1#: It's none of your business. Let me try them on.
shopping
train_7048
#Person1#: Where did you say you found your schoolbag? #Person2#: It was lying under a tree between the language lab and the library building. #Person1#: How do you like this bag? #Person2#: Yah! It's strong and wonderfully designed. #Person1#: How much is it? #Person2#: 69 dollars and 50 cents. #Person1#: I'll take one tomorrow. Oh. It's 6:30. I know the station gives the news every hour on the hour, but I don't know when they announce the weather. #Person2#: Ten minutes to and ten minutes after the hour. #Person1#: I see.
social casual talk
train_7049
#Person1#: Are you there, Mary? #Person2#: I'm back. My bid on the Buddha is still the highest! #Person1#: How much is my stamp? #Person2#: Don't you want to hear more about my statue? #Person1#: Don't get ahead of yourself. Fat boy isn't yours yet. #Person2#: His name is not fat boy! You can be so rude sometimes.
daily casual talk
train_7050
#Person1#: I'm going to the beauty parlor. Do you want to come too? #Person2#: Sure. Let's go. What are you going to have done? #Person1#: I want to have a foot massage and haircut. #Person2#: A foot massage sounds like a great idea. They are very relaxing. I'd also like to have a mudpack on my face. It's supposed to help with your complexion. #Person1#: Good idea. We should also pedicures and manicures. #Person2#: This could become a very expensive trip to be beauty parlour! #Person1#: I think it's a good idea to pamper yourself occasionally. Don't you agree? #Person2#: Oh, I agree. We both work hard and a little beauty treatment can relieve stress. #Person1#: Maybe we should try a thai massage too. #Person2#: What's special about a thai massage? #Person1#: That's when the masseuse walk on your back and massage you with her feet. #Person2#: Sounds painful!
beauty parlor activities
train_7051
#Person1#: Why have you decided to change jobs? #Person2#: I hope to change because my current job is not within my chosen field. Since my major was international banking, I really hope to work at a bank. #Person1#: Then, why do you want to work for our bank since it's a new establishment in Shanghai? #Person2#: Because your bank is a new one, I think I'll be given more opportunities, and the working conditions and surroundings are so excellent here. #Person1#: It certainly is. But the work is also hard here. You need to put a lot of hard hours on the job to succeed in this field. #Person2#: I expect to work hard , madam. #Person1#: Do you mind going on frequent business traps? #Person2#: No, I enjoy travelling.
job interview
train_7052
#Person1#: How are Zina's new programmers working out? #Person2#: I hate to admit it, but they're good. And fast. The Filipino kid is a genius. #Person1#: So you'll make the Stars. com deadline, and have us up and running next week? #Person2#: It'll be close, but we'll make it. #Person1#: Good. After Stars. com starts paying us, we won't need Vikam's cash anymore. #Person2#: And if we don't need them, we won't need Zina, either.
company affairs discussion
train_7053
#Person1#: Bye, mom! #Person2#: Wait, Jimmy, it's cold outside. Put a hat on! #Person1#: OK. Bye! #Person2#: No, wait, you will be too cold without mittens. #Person1#: Alright. See ya! #Person2#: Hold on, with that wind, you're going to catch a cold. Wear this scarf. #Person1#: Ok, see you after school. . . #Person2#: Oh. . . and ear muffs! Put these on. . . here we go. #Person1#: Mom? #Person2#: Yes, honey. . . #Person1#: I. . . I can't breathe.
family talk
train_7054
#Person1#: Hey, I just finished reading a great book. It's about Steve Jobs. #Person2#: Really? But there are so many books about him now. What makes the one you read so special? #Person1#: Well, the one I read is by Walter Isaacson. It's different from the others, because Steve Jobs himself asked Isaacson to write it. #Person2#: Uhm, were they friends or something? #Person1#: Well, they knew each other well because Isaacson used to work for Time magazine in the 1980s. And he wrote about Apple products. But it was mostly a business relationship I think. #Person2#: So, what's the book about? #Person1#: Oh, his entire life. There's a lot of personal information about Steve Jobs, because so many people, including his wife, kids and closest coworkers, agreed to be interviewed only for this particular book. #Person2#: It sounds interesting. Did you learn anything that really surprised you? #Person1#: I always knew he was a tough person, but I was amazed at how sensitive he was. He actually cries a lot in the book. #Person2#: Really? Wow! I should definitely take a look.
book discussion
train_7055
#Person1#: Hi, sorry I'm late. #Person2#: I have just arrived here too. #Person1#: I plan to drive my car, but Bob has to meet his mother at the airport. #Person2#: You came here by bus? #Person1#: No, by taxi. But there was a jam on the way. #Person2#: OK, be seated please. #Person1#: Thanks a lot, but why do you call me to meet here? #Person2#: I have to ask you for help but let's have dinner first. #Person1#: OK. I hear the dishes here are excellent. #Person2#: OK here is the menu. #Person1#: I'm really hungry after the boring meeting. #Person2#: What about the fried fish and steak? #Person1#: Wonderful! I like fish best. #Person2#: Would you like a cup of tea or coffee. #Person1#: Thanks. But I would like some orange juice. #Person2#: OK. Waiter?
social meeting
train_7056
#Person1#: Mr. Parker. When did you arrive home yesterday evening? #Person2#: At about 8:00 o'clock? #Person1#: What did you do right after you entered your flat? #Person2#: Well, I washed my hands and then watched the Sports News. #Person1#: When did you have supper? #Person2#: At about 8:45 I guess. #Person1#: Did you stay at home all evening? #Person2#: Yes. #Person1#: But your friend said, that he phoned you several times between 8:00 and 9:00. But you didn't answer. #Person2#: Well, I think I was in the bath at that time. #Person1#: No, you weren't, you were not even at home last night, you robbed a bank in James Street.
interrogation
train_7057
#Person1#: I made a reservation earlier this week, but I have to cancel it. #Person2#: No problem, sir. Just tell me your name, phone number, and date of reservation. #Person1#: Great! I'm Rudy Randolph, 818-555-1234, and my reservation was for April 9 to 15. #Person2#: Okay, sir, let me hit the delete button, and your reservation will be cancelled. #Person1#: That was nice and fast. Thanks. #Person2#: Not at all.
Reservation
train_7058
#Person1#: Believe it or not, tea is the most popular beverage in the world after water. #Person2#: Well, people from Asia to Europe all enjoy tea. #Person1#: Right. And China is the homeland of tea. #Person2#: Yes, Chinese people love drinking tea so much. Some even claim they can't live without tea. #Person1#: Do you know there are several catagories of Chinese tea? #Person2#: Yes, I believe there are green teas, black teas and scented teas. Any Others? #Person1#: Well, have you ever heard of Oulong tea and compressed tea? #Person2#: Oh, yeah. Oulong tea is good for one's health. isn't it? #Person1#: You surely know a lot about Chinese tea. #Person2#: Sure, I like drinking tea at teahouses. #Person1#: Oh, so do I. #Person2#: Why don't we go for one now? #Person1#: Great. We can chat while enjoying a cup there. #Person2#: Let's go!
Tea
train_7059
#Person1#: I am an eloquent speaker in the classroom. But when I face a stranger outside, I get tongue-tied and nothing comes out. #Person2#: You should pay close attention to your manner of speaking. Speech is a reflection of personality, you know. You should reflect confidence by speaking in a low voice, loud enough to be heard without being aggressive or overpowering. #Person1#: I will go out of my way to catch the attention of the interviewer. #Person2#: Your speech should not call attention to itself, but should reveal your individuality and ability. #Person1#: I'm very shy. I think I might shake in my boots at the moment I meet the interviewer. #Person2#: You'd better overcome your nervousness. it is considered an indication that you lack self-confidence. #Person1#: Another problem is that I dare not look into their eyes whenever I meet strangers, especially foreigners. #Person2#: In China, it is impolite to look into the senior speakers eyes while speaking. But in Western countries it is the opposite. Eye contact gives a strong feeling of sincerity. Looking downwards or sideways shows that you are either insincere or absent-minded. #Person1#: Is there anything else that I should pay attention to in an interview? #Person2#: Yes. Don't eat onions or garlic before you come. If you do you'll have bad breath. #Person1#: I'll remember to bring gum with me. #Person2#: You should never chew gum or smoke during an interview, even if you are allowed to do so. #Person1#: I remember now. Your advice is very helpful.
Interview advice
train_7060
#Person1#: Hello. Is everything OK, there? #Person2#: I'm having a little trouble with this form. #Person1#: What seems to be the problem? #Person2#: There are two types of L / C here and I'm not sure which one I want. #Person1#: That's right, there's'revocable'and'irrevocable'. We usually go for the irrevocable one, it's the most popular. #Person2#: So, I should choose that one? #Person1#: I would recommend it, yes. Then you just need to complete that form. #Person2#: I see. It's very nice of you to help me. Is this form alright? #Person1#: Yes, that's all in order. Let's get this processed for you, then.
Form
train_7061
#Person1#: Hi, Cindy. I thought I'd missed you. #Person2#: Oh, I am very sorry, Hans. Thank you for waiting for me. You must have been here a long time already. #Person1#: It's all right. #Person2#: I was caught in the heavy rain, or I would have come earlier. I am sorry I kept you waiting. #Person1#: I was in a comfortable place, so really, it's no problem. I am happy to see you. Did the rain hold you up long? #Person2#: Yes. When I came out of the subway, it was raining cats and dogs. And I forgot my umbrella. So I had to wait for the rain to let up. #Person1#: I totally understand.
Rain
train_7062
#Person1#: Lisa, I'm so glad to see you. How are you doing? #Person2#: Fine. I miss you so much, uncle Benjamin. #Person1#: Me too. We haven't seen each other for years. #Person2#: It's been 3 years now. #Person1#: How time flies! Now you are a college student out of a little girl. #Person2#: How is aunty Shirley? #Person1#: Couldn't be better. #Person2#: How has May been? #Person1#: She's been good. She is in grade one in Joy Chain high school. And she dreams to be a volunteer in 2008.
Reunion
train_7063
#Person1#: Hey John, nice skates. Are they new? #Person2#: Yeah, I just got them. I started playing ice hockey in a community league. So, I finally got myself new skates. #Person1#: What position do you play? #Person2#: I'm a defender. It's a lot of fun. You don't have to be able to skate as fast on defense. #Person1#: Yeah, you're a pretty big guy. I play goalie, myself. #Person2#: Oh, yeah? Which team? #Person1#: The Rockets. #Person2#: Really? I think we play you guys next week. Well, I have to go to practice. See you later. #Person1#: All right, see you later.
New Skates
train_7064
#Person1#: Hello! I'm Penny, I moved here just now. #Person2#: Oh, Penny, I'm Leonard, glad to meet you. #Person1#: Nice to meet you, too. I thought I should come and say hello to you. I haven't known anybody. #Person2#: It is hard to get used to a new place, isn't it? #Person1#: Yes. Would you like to come here later to have a coffee? Bring all your family. #Person2#: We'd like to. Can you tell me when we go? #Person1#: About 4. #Person2#: OK. Do you want us to bring something? #Person1#: No, just come here. #Person2#: OK, see you later. #Person1#: Bye.
Moving in
train_7065
#Person1#: Which season do you like best? #Person2#: I like spring. #Person1#: Why? #Person2#: Oh, everything comes back to life in spring and the weather gets warmer. #Person1#: I like spring, too. We can go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air.
Season
train_7066
#Person1#: What do you think are the most important things to do when running a business? #Person2#: Well, there are several things. Of course, you must do everything you can to keep costs down and revenues high. #Person1#: So, do you think workers should be paid as little as possible? #Person2#: No. if you do that, the workers won't like their jobs. They will be less efficient and you will get a high staff turnover. Those things will increase you costs. #Person1#: How can a business maximise revenues? #Person2#: You need to invest in some good advertising. You have to know where your potential customers are and target them. It's no good trying to sell computer games to older people. The market is too small. #Person1#: What else do you suggest? #Person2#: Find out what other companies charge for the same products or services. Price yourself near the low end. Don't be much cheaper than everyone else, because many customers distrust very cheap things. They think that is must be poor quality if it's that cheap.
Running a Business
train_7067
#Person1#: Hey, Dora! What kind of books do you like to read? #Person2#: I read everything I can get my hands on but I like love stories best. What do you think about the love stories? #Person1#: I hate to tell you this, but they are nothing but sob stories. #Person2#: I don't think so. I like them. Then what's your favorite book? #Person1#: I'm fond of history books. #Person2#: Oh, the history books are dull to me.
Stories
train_7068
#Person1#: Good game? #Person2#: Not bad. But too hot for me today. #Person1#: Yes, I know. Kind of hard to concentrate, isn't it? #Person2#: Absolutely. Who were you playing with? #Person1#: Oh, just on my own. I just joined, so I don't really have any partners. #Person2#: Really? Oh, well, in that case we should play together some time. What's your handicap? #Person1#: 16. Yours? #Person2#: No kidding! I'm 16, too. We should definitely play together some time. My name's Bob. #Person1#: Jane. Nice to meet you. #Person2#: Me too. So, do you like the course? #Person1#: Yes, it's fine. However, I personally think the fairways between the greens are a bit too long, especially for such a hot climate. Don't they have carts? #Person2#: Well, they used to, but they got rid of them because of environmental concerns. #Person1#: Oh, that's good. I guess the caddies were pleased. #Person2#: Actually, in my opinion, the carts were better because you don't have to tip them. #Person1#: Yes, but look at it this way, getting rid of the carts probably gives more work to local people, which is a good thing, right? #Person2#: Possibly, but I still miss them! What bothers me is that the heat makes the caddies'life quite hard. One member's caddy fainted last week! #Person1#: How awful, poor guy. #Person2#: Right. Luckily it was on the eighteen hole, quite near the clubhouse, so he didn't have far to carry him. #Person1#: Oh, my God, you're kidding me! He carried him back? #Person2#: Yup.
Golf
train_7069
#Person1#: Your office called and said that the owners had made a counter-offer to my offer to purchase their house. #Person2#: To your offer of three hundred and twenty thousand dollars, the owners have counter-offered three hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars. #Person1#: I think that maybe I should accept their offer. #Person2#: You, of course, have two ways of responding. You can say yes or come up with another offer. #Person1#: I want to make another offer, but I am afraid that they will decline and I will lose this house. #Person2#: There is always a chance that someone could outbid you, but you could try one more offer if you like. #Person1#: I would now like to offer three hundred and thirty thousand dollars as a counter-offer. #Person2#: After the owners get home from work tonight, I will approach them with your offer. #Person1#: Can you tell me how long it will take them to get back to me? #Person2#: I don't think that it will take as long as the response to the first offer.
Housing
train_7070
#Person1#: Can you show me some jade, please? #Person2#: Yes, of course. Do you like a jade necklace? #Person1#: No, but I do like jade bracelets. #Person2#: Here are all kinds of jades. Choose whatever you like, please. #Person1#: Thank you. ( A moment later ) Oh, this one is quite impressive. I'll take it. By the way, do you sell pearl earrings? #Person2#: Yes. Natural pearls or cultured pearls? We have both kinds. #Person1#: I wonder which looks more lustrous. #Person2#: Well, natural pearls are of higher value, but the cultured pearls have equal lustre and are just as beautiful. #Person1#: Oh, I see. I think I prefer a natural one.
Jade
train_7071
#Person1#: Can I help you, sir? #Person2#: Yes, I want to buy some grapes. #Person1#: What kind of grapes do you want? #Person2#: People say grapes from XinJiang are much sweeter than other kinds. Please give me a kilo of that. #Person1#: Ok, wait a moment please. #Person2#: Make sure they are fresh. #Person1#: Trust me.
Grapes
train_7072
#Person1#: Do you have anything in particular that you would like our firm to take into account? #Person2#: Yes, my house is far away from here. May I ask for an apartment? #Person1#: No problem. We will offer you a room with one bedroom and a kitchen. . #Person2#: That's great. Thank you so much.
Firm
train_7073
#Person1#: Hello, this is 5735647 5. #Person2#: Hello, this is John. I wanna speak to Linda, please. #Person1#: This is Linda. #Person2#: Hi, Linda. I want to invite you to a dinner tomorrow evening. #Person1#: Really? What time and which restaurant? #Person2#: At seven thirty pm, Longing Chinese restaurant. And I'll go to your home and pick you up at 7. #Person1#: Ok, I'll wait for you at 7pm at home. Anything else? #Person2#: No, have a nice day! #Person1#: Thank you. Bye. #Person2#: See you.
Invitation
train_7074
#Person1#: Ann, let's go, or we will be late. #Person2#: What time is it? #Person1#: It is already 10:25. #Person2#: Well, we still have about 15 minutes. #Person1#: What time did you say the train is leaving? #Person2#: 12:05. And it takes only 20 minutes to get to the station by bus. #Person1#: Yes, but what will happen if the bus is late? #Person2#: Relax, those buses run every 10 minutes, so we have plenty of time. #Person1#: ( still on the bus. ) What time is it? #Person2#: It is a quarter to twelve. #Person1#: Oh dear, we will miss our train.
Missing the Train
train_7075
#Person1#: Here is my boarding pass. Can you tell me where my seat is? #Person2#: Follow me and I will lead you to your seat. #Person1#: Thank you. Can you please put my luggage in the overhead bin for me? #Person2#: Of course. #Person1#: Thanks so much.
Boarding
train_7076
#Person1#: Hi, Tina, it's Joe. #Person2#: Hi, Joe. #Person1#: What's the weather like there today? #Person2#: It's really cold. It snowed all day and the school closed early. #Person1#: What's the temperature? #Person2#: It's 20 degrees below zero now. It was even colder this morning. #Person1#: Have you heard what the weather is going to be like tomorrow? #Person2#: I was watching the news a little earlier. They said it's probably going to snow tomorrow. #Person1#: I really don't like the winter. I wish it were summer. #Person2#: Me too. How's the weather where you are? #Person1#: It's not too bad, but it's pretty cold here too. I heard it's going to be a little warmer tomorrow.
Weather
train_7077
#Person1#: Hi, I'm John Sandals, and I have a reservation. #Person2#: Would you show me your ID, sir, please? #Person1#: Here you go. #Person2#: Thank you very much. Now, sir, do you have a credit card? #Person1#: Certainly! Would you like my American Express card? #Person2#: Regrettably, Mr. Sandals, we accept only MasterCard or VISA. #Person1#: I thought American Express was accepted everywhere. Never mind. Here's my VISA. #Person2#: Thanks. You're in room 507, a big, nonsmoking room, with a queen bed. Is that okay, sir? #Person1#: Yes, that's just fine. #Person2#: I'm happy to hear that. Here is your key. Just dial 0 if you need anything.
Shopping
train_7078
#Person1#: Be quick. Put our bags in the deposit box. #Person2#: We got a problem. The deposit boxes are all full. We should have come earlier. #Person1#: I told you to hurry up a thousand times. You just put a deaf ear to it. #Person2#: Did you? I didn't hear you. It was too noisy. #Person1#: I surely did! Ask the customer service counter if we can deposit our stuff there. #Person2#: They say we can't. They don't look after customers'stuff. #Person1#: It's all your fault! Now we can't get in shopping. #Person2#: OK, it's my fault. I'll stay here and look after our stuff. You can get in, shopping with Daniel and May. #Person1#: That sounds like a good idea! #Person2#: Hey, don't forget to buy a suit for me. #Person1#: What color do you want? #Person2#: Black, of course.
Check in
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#Person1#: Have you had any publications? #Person2#: Yes. I have published some articles in China Daily and Economist. #Person1#: How about your communication skills? #Person2#: As a journalist, I have strong communication skills. I am good at both discourse management and strategic competence.
Interview
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#Person1#: How was your education going on in Australia? #Person2#: I'm going to graduate this summer. #Person1#: Where are you going to work then, in Australia or back in China? #Person2#: I'm planning to return to China after graduation. #Person1#: Why are you choosing to leave a foreign country? Many people are reluctant to leave the superior living environment abroad. #Person2#: Well, I think personal development is much more important than simply having a superior living environment. #Person1#: Yeah, China's developing so fast and development opportunities can be found almost in every corner of the country.
Plans
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#Person1#: Do you know what exporters consider? #Person2#: Well, they consider some distinct but related problems, such as seeking for a target market or locating the promising customer. An exporter needs to know about the social characteristics of people he is dealing with. #Person1#: Could you talk about it in detail? #Person2#: Ok. You need to know what they like or dislike, what religions they follow. Especially you need to know how they behave, their habits and their way of life, the things that they are used to. Sometimes, people in different countries, have varying outlooks for cultural, political, religious. #Person1#: I understand. Thank you.
Exporter
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#Person1#: I heard you were promoted to general manager of IBM's China Headquarters. #Person2#: That's true. I got the news yesterday. #Person1#: You did a good job for the company. You deserve it. #Person2#: You're flattering me. #Person1#: So. this is your first day in the new position. How do you feel? #Person2#: Not bad. I'm confident. And I like challenges. #Person1#: I believe you are cut out for this position. You're an outstanding individual. #Person2#: Thank you.
Promotion
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#Person1#: Hey. Have you been watching any of the World Cup soccer matches? #Person2#: Well, I was watching until my favorite team was bounced out of the first round of play. I mean, they should have made all the way to the second round, but a whole series of events cost the team the opportunity to prove themselves on the world stage. #Person1#: What do you mean? #Person2#: Well, in the first match, two of their star players were out with nagging injuries, so the rest of the players, unfortunately, just couldn't keep up with the opposing team. #Person1#: Well, that just life. I mean every team is going to have players out with injuries. #Person2#: Yea, but that's beside the point. And, and then, in the second game, the refs made some terrible calls, allowing the opposing team to slip by with a victory. I mean, we were robbed on that one. The refs must have been walking in their sleep! #Person1#: But, didn't one of your own players accidentally kick the ball twice into his own goal? I mean that doesn't sound like a bad call to me. #Person2#: That's just beside the POINT! #Person1#: Really? #Person2#: And finally, our team was ahead in the final watch---I mean they were way out ahead until the other team rallied in the final three minutes of play to squeak out a victory. It was a total embarrassment for our team. Our team was booed. All I can say is that the sun must have been in our players' eyes ... #Person1#: Uh, wasn't it a night game? #Person2#: That's beside the point, too. You just not understanding anything I'm saying. #Person1#: So, who are you rooting for now, seeing that your team has been eliminated? #Person2#: Ah, I can't watch any more soccer, so I've been following an online chess tournament. #Person1#: What?! Now, that has to be the most ridiculous reaction I have ever heard of. So, you're going to completely boycott the rest of the play just because your team got bounced out of the tournament? #Person2#: Ah, forget it. You just don't understand.
World Cup
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#Person1#: When do you want to leave for that seaside town, Martha? #Person2#: I'm not sure yet, but maybe we should leave on Friday after work. It's a long drive, but I'd rather get there late Friday than midday Saturday. We have three days off this time, after all. #Person1#: How long is it? #Person2#: Five or six hours. #Person1#: So you leave at 4:30 right after work and you will be there around 9:00 or 10:00? #Person2#: I suppose so. And we could still have a good night's sleep. #Person1#: What are you going to take? #Person2#: Mostly shorts and T-shirts. #Person1#: You don't think it's going to be a bit cold at night at the seaside? #Person2#: Maybe. I'm going to take a sweater or a light coat--just in case. #Person1#: Hope you have a good time there.
Travel
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#Person1#: Christmas is coming up. Han Meimei, let me ask you a question. #Person2#: Go ahead. #Person1#: Do you celebrate Christmas? #Person2#: No, we have Chinese New Year's celebrations. #Person1#: But Christmas is the biggest holiday of the year. People are busy shopping and preparing presents for relatives and friends before Christmas Eve. #Person2#: That sounds exciting. #Person1#: Children hang their stockings over the fireplace so that Father Christmas can fill them with sweets and toys. #Person2#: What if they don't have a fireplace? #Person1#: No problem. They always find some place to hang them. By the way, what are you going to do at Christmas? #Person2#: My teacher, Professor Smith and his wife have invited me to a Christmas dinner. #Person1#: Sounds great.
Christmas
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#Person1#: Hi, would you like some free candies? #Person2#: Sure. What are you handing these out for? #Person1#: Well, we're trying to gather some volunteers for the day care center. #Person2#: Uh... #Person1#: It's OK. You don't have to volunteer if you eat the candies. #Person2#: I'm just playing around. Actually, I have some free time in the mornings after I go jogging. What exactly do you need? #Person1#: It's wide open right now, everything from playground assistants to diaper changers. #Person2#: Oh, I might pass on the latter. But spending some time on the playground with some small kids might be fun. #Person1#: Well, you're quite warm-hearted. I haven't even mentioned the benefits but you're volunteering. #Person2#: Oh, well, what are the benefits? #Person1#: Well, since you said you'd be likely to take a morning shift, there would be a free breakfast personally prepared by the cook. #Person2#: Great!
Volunteer
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#Person1#: Alright, Sara, we know that you are planning something big for John's birthday. Could you tell us just what you have in your mind? #Person2#: I want to make his birthday a very special event. John has a sister living in France. And I'll send her a plane ticket, so that she can be here for his birthday. #Person1#: Boy! What an excellent plan! That's something special. I kind of guessed you had some secret plan and were waiting for the right time to tell me. #Person2#: Well, I didn't want to say anything until I was sure she could come.
Birthday Surprise
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#Person1#: Look at them! They've the latest Adidas shoes. #Person2#: You've already had a pair of shoes. #Person1#: They cost only $100. #Person2#: $1007 For a pair of shoes? #Person1#: But they are the latest. I just want to get them. There is a match next week. Oh, Mum, please! #Person2#: Ok, this is the last time.
Shoes
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#Person1#: Welcome to Bill's Fabric World. What can I do for you today? #Person2#: I was wondering if you guys also tailor clothes? #Person1#: Sure we do! We have the best tailors in the country! What is it that you need exactly? #Person2#: Well, I'm looking to get a custom-made suit. #Person1#: Excellent! We have the finest cashmeres at affordable prices. How about we get you measured? Let's start off by measuring the width of your shoulders. Now, let's measure the length of your arms and this bit around your neck here. #Person2#: Can you make sure you leave a little extra space in the collar? My neck gets easily irritated. #Person1#: No problem! Now for your pants, let me just measure your waist and the inseam. #Person2#: You might also want to leave a little extra room in the waist area. I tend to gain a few pounds over the holidays. #Person1#: OK. Now you can pick your fabric and pattern design. Please follow me.
Suit
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#Person1#: Could you tell me what university you want to go to, John? #Person2#: Pardon? #Person1#: What university would you enter? #Person2#: University? Why? You asked me last year. #Person1#: Oh, I forget. Sorry. #Person2#: I went to Harvard University. #Person1#: Did you? And what course did you take there? #Person2#: God save me! Is there anything wrong with you? Didn't I tell you? #Person1#: I've not known. Perhaps, I've got a bad memory. #Person2#: I did a B. A. in economics. Remember? #Person1#: Terrific! B. A. , again and again-B. A.
Forgetfulness
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#Person1#: This is the Pan-American Club. May I help you? #Person2#: Yes. I believe you have a luncheon meeting this coming Wednesday. Could you give me some more information about that? #Person1#: Yes, of course. The guest speaker is Professor David of a University, and he'll be lecturing about The impact of the Oil Crisis on Latin America. #Person2#: Mmm, that sounds very interesting.
Meeting
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#Person1#: Mom? #Person2#: What are you doing here down at the beach? I thought you said you were going to buy some things for school? #Person1#: Uh, I did buy some things. #Person2#: Well, what did you buy? What do you have in your backpack? #Person1#: Let's see, I have 3 notebooks, 5 pencils, 2 erasers and... #Person2#: Wait, two smartphones? What do you need with two smartphones? #Person1#: Well, I use one to call you and Dad, and the other to call my uh, my teachers. Yeah, that's it. #Person2#: Right. And what else did you buy? #Person1#: Um, I have a new iPad. You know, my birthday is coming up. #Person2#: Your birthday isn't until June that 6 months away? #Person1#: Well, dad thought it was a good idea. #Person2#: How did you pay for all that? #Person1#: Well, uh, oh, look at the time, I've got to go. Bye mom. #Person2#: Hey, where is my credit card? Come back!
Shopping
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#Person1#: Hi, Mark, how are you? #Person2#: Actually I'm really fed up. It's about Jane. I want to be friends with her, but I just don't know how to make her notice me or... #Person1#: Wait a minute. Look, Jane is in your chemistry class, isn't she? You are good at chemistry. You could offer to help with her chemistry homework. How about that? #Person2#: But she is better than me at chemistry. #Person1#: OK, well, there's a party at David's house on Friday night. You could invite her to go with you. #Person2#: Oh, I don't think I'll need to. David is her cousin.
social skills
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#Person1#: Excuse me, but I think I know you from somewhere. My name is Adam Miller. #Person2#: Righ, Mr.Miller. My name is Laura Elliott. I remember you. You gave a great presentation at the conference last November in San Francisco. It was really an impressive speech. You looked so confident. #Person1#: Oh, thanks for saying so. I'm going to attend this year's conference next month. That's on March twelfth, right? #Person2#: Yes, that's right and I'm supposed to make a presentation this year. This will be the first time for me to present in front of such a large audience, so I'm kind of anxious. I'll see you then.
Conference
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#Person1#: Good morning, I'd like to buy a cake. #Person2#: No problem sir, we have many cakes here, what size would you like? #Person1#: Well, it's for my coworker's birthday, there are 14 people in the office. #Person2#: Well, this cake feeds 12 people and this one behind it feeds 20. #Person1#: I'll take the bigger one, it's better to have too much than not enough. #Person2#: Sounds good, do you want it delivered? #Person1#: Yes. Can you deliver it to my office? The birthday party will be after work at a park near the office.
Cake
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#Person1#: Reception can I help you? #Person2#: Yes, please, this is Mrs. Browning, calling from room 203. #Person1#: Yes, madam, what can I do for you? #Person2#: I'm not sure about the check out time. I mean, how soon do I have to leave my room? #Person1#: Normally, it's by 12:00 o'clock on the day when you leave. #Person2#: Oh dear! #Person1#: Is there a problem, madam? #Person2#: Well, you see, my plane takes off at 5:00 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Can I keep the room a bit longer? #Person1#: I see, you may keep your room until 2:00 PM if you wish. #Person2#: Oh, you are so kind. Thank you very much. #Person1#: My pleasure.
checkout
train_7097
#Person1#: Excuse me, could you tell me where physics 403 is? Has it been moved? #Person2#: OK. Let me check on the computer. Err I'm sorry, but it says here that the class was cancelled. You should have got a notice letter about this. #Person1#: What? I never got it. #Person2#: Are you sure? It says on the computer that the letter was sent out to the students a week ago. #Person1#: Really? I should have got it by now. I wonder if I threw it away with all the junk mail by mistake. #Person2#: Well, it does happen. Err let me check something. What's your name? #Person1#: Woodhouse Laura Woodhouse. #Person2#: OK, Woodhouse. Let me see. Ah, it says here we sent it to your apartment on the Center Street. #Person1#: Oh, that's my old apartment. I moved out of there a little while ago. #Person2#: Well, I suppose you haven't changed your mailing address at the administration office. #Person1#: Yeah, I should have changed it in time.
Mailing address
train_7098
#Person1#: The guy on the phone wanted to speak to Miss Hall and it sounded urgent. #Person2#: But she's not coming until after lunch today. Why don't you call her on her cell phone? #Person1#: That's what I was going to do, but the caller hung up and didn't leave his number. #Person2#: Well, that's bad. I guess if it's really important, he'll call again. But you should call Miss Hall anyway, just to let her know.
Caller
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#Person1#: Want to go with me to get some pizza, Sally? #Person2#: No, Brad, I'm waiting for a package to be delivered. #Person1#: This is why I hate shopping online. It would be faster to just get what you want from the store. Now you have to sit here all day. Is it mom home? #Person2#: No, mom went to work. #Person1#: Just downloaded app to keep track of your package. You can just come back when you get a delivery notice. #Person2#: No, thanks, Mr. Bossy. Even they leave the package for a short time, someone could steal it. #Person1#: Goodness. You just don't want to be seen with your little brother. #Person2#: It's not that. I really did plan to stay home and wait for this package. Why don't we just had pizza delivered? #Person1#: Great! (?) waiting.
Delivery