#Person1#: We're asking for donations today.
#Person2#: What are you collecting donations for?
#Person1#: We're trying to raise money for the campaigns.
#Person2#: How much are you planning on raising?
#Person1#: As much as possible.
#Person2#: What kind of fundraisers are you doing?
#Person1#: We are going door to door.
#Person2#: You should try actual fundraisers, too.
#Person1#: What else can we do?
#Person2#: Try having a car wash or selling candy.
#Person1#: I didn't think of that.
#Person2#: I know. It'll also help you make more money.

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# they're collecting donations for the campaigns. #Person2# offers some suggestions.


#Person1#: Come again? What are you talking about? Aren't we on the same team now?
#Person2#: Guess again, Dave. I have no intention of leaving invoking. Never did.
#Person1#: What do you mean? You didn't? Oh, no. . . No!
#Person2#: That's right, Dave. I tricked you into giving a confession. And I've recorded every word of it.
#Person1#: But how? So you knew all along I was with WebTracker? How did you know?
#Person2#: I saw your green post-it notes. Nobody else has them.

Summary: #Person2# knew Dave was with WebTracker and tricked Dave into giving a confession and recorded it.


#Person1#: How can I help you?
#Person2#: Yes, I am James Mason from Anderson and Associates Limited. I would like to see Mr. Smith.
#Person1#: Do you have an appointment?
#Person2#: Yes, he knows I'm coming. Our meeting is set for 2 o'clock.
#Person1#: I wonder if Mr. Smith forgot your meeting. I am afraid he left this office this morning and is not expected back until 4 p. m. Let me find out if he made arrangements for someone else to meet with you in his place. Will you please have a seat?
#Person2#: Sure.
#Person1#: Yes, Mr. Mason. I just checked with our office manager, Ms. Terry. She said Mr. Smith briefed her on your project. She is just finishing up a meeting now. She should be with you shortly. Would you like me to show you around while you are waiting?
#Person2#: That would be very nice. Thank you.
#Person1#: Right this way, Mr. Mason. We can start with our front office. When Ms. Terry is ready, you may take the elevator at the front to the 6th floor. There is a conference room already prepared.

Summary: James Mason wants to see Mr. Smith. #Person1# says Ms. Terry will meet him on behalf of Mr. Smith.


#Person1#: Good morning, sir. Can I help you?
#Person2#: Good morning. I have a reservation for a single room with a bath here.
#Person1#: May I have your name, please?
#Person2#: John Bradley.
#Person1#: Just a moment, sir, while I look through our list. Yes, we do have a reservation for you, Mr. Bradley. Would you please fill out this form while I prepare your key card for you?
#Person2#: Yes, can I borrow your pen for a minute please?
#Person1#: Sure. Here you are.
#Person2#: What should I fill in under the room number?
#Person1#: You can just skip that. I will put in the room number for you later on.
#Person2#: Here you are. I think I have filled out everything correctly.
#Person1#: Let me see, name, address, nationality, forwarding address, passport number, place of issue, signature and date of departure. Oh, here sir. You forgot to put that date of your departure. Here let me fill it in for you. Are you leaving in. . . ?
#Person2#: Oct 24th.
#Person1#: Now everything is in order. Mr. Bradley, your room number is 6020. It is on the sixth floor and the daily rate is 90 dollars per night. Here is your key card with all the information on your booking, the hotel services and the hotel rules and regulations on it. Please make sure that you have it with you all the time. You need to show it when you sign in for your meals and drinks in the restaurants and the bars. You also need to show it when you collect your key from the information desk.
#Person2#: Ok, I will take good care of it.
#Person1#: And now if you are ready Mr. Bradley, I will call the bellboy and he will take you to your room.
#Person2#: Yes, I am ready. Thank you.
#Person1#: I hope you enjoy your stay with us.
#Person2#: I will try.

Summary: John Bradley has a reservation at #Person1#'s hotel. #Person1# asks him to fill out the form and prepares his key card, which John needs to have with him all the time. #Person1# will call the bellboy to take John to his room.


#Person1#: ABC Company, my name is Lucy. How can I help you?
#Person2#: Hello, Lucy, this is Monica. I ' m calling for the accountant position. I saw the information about the vacancy on your company ' s website. Is it still available?
#Person1#: Thank you for your interest. The position is still available. Have you already sent your CV to us?
#Person2#: No, not yet. First, I want to check about the availability and see if you could give more information.
#Person1#: It is urgent for us to fill this position now and I would like to stress that English is a must because of the international contacts and most likely traveling abroad very soon. If all these is not problem for you, I recommend you to mention these in your cover letter and send it to me directly.
#Person2#: The notification period of my current job is not that long and I ' m quite profession to English and I am happy with the traveling abroad as I ' m good dealing with the people from other cultures. It makes the whole job even more interesting. I will send my resume to you still this week.

Summary: Monica confirms the availability of the accountant position and stresses the importance of English proficiency. Lucy feels the job suitable and will send a resume to Monica.


#Person1#: I need some more amenities, please.
#Person2#: I'm not sure I'm following you, sir.
#Person1#: Specifically, I'm talking about the little things, like soap and shampoo.
#Person2#: Oh, now I understand! So, you've already used up all your amenities?
#Person1#: No, I'm not even halfway through my supply.
#Person2#: I'm losing you, sir. What's the problem?
#Person1#: What's the use of going to a hotel if you don't take home souvenirs?
#Person2#: Okay, I got it. You're collecting souvenirs!
#Person1#: There you go. My friends expect me to bring home souvenirs.
#Person2#: Have you visited our souvenir shop, sir? It's loaded with all kinds of items.
#Person1#: I've never paid for a hotel souvenir in my life, and I don't intend to start now.
#Person2#: Sir, housekeeping will bring you a basketful of amenities momentarily.

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# for some more amenities because he wants to bring some souvenirs for his friends, but he doesn't want to pay for a hotel souvenir.


#Person1#: Cathy, I'd like to introduce the new microwave stove of mine to you, because it is easy to use.
#Person2#: OK, it so happened I want to buy one.
#Person1#: This microwave stove has many functions. Let me show you. For example, if you want to cook meat, you just need to put meat in it, and press the button with a picture of meat, that's OK. After several minutes, you can eat the delicious meat.
#Person2#: I think it's good, and it suits me, because I'm not good at cooking. Is it expensive?
#Person1#: Oh, it is not so expensive. It only costs me 280 dollars.

Summary: #Person1# is introducing a new microwave stove to Cathy because it is easy to use and has many functions. Cathy thinks it suits her.


#Person1#: Excuse me.
#Person2#: Yeah.
#Person1#: You didn't see someone pick up a blue sports bag, did you?
#Person2#: Sorry?
#Person1#: Yeah, a Big Blue nylon sports bag with a big white Adidas logo on the side.
#Person2#: I said no.
#Person1#: I only put it down for a moment when I went into the restroom, then I came out and...
#Person2#: I can't help you.
#Person1#: I don't believe it. I had a brand new racket in there and 10 new balls and er...
#Person2#: Well, these are public courts Madam, anyone can walk in here, you should be more careful.

Summary: #Person1# wants to know if #Person2# saw someone pick up her sports bag. #Person2# can't help her.


#Person1#: Can you manage chopsticks?
#Person2#: Why not? See.
#Person1#: Good mastery. How do you like our Chinese food?
#Person2#: Oh, great! It's delicious. You see, I am already putting on weight. There is one thing I don't like however, MSG.
#Person1#: What's wrong with MSG? It helps to bring out the taste of the food.
#Person2#: According to some studies it may cause cancer.
#Person1#: Oh, don't let that worry you. If that were true, China wouldn't have such a large population.
#Person2#: I just happen to have a question for you guys. Why do the Chinese cook the vegetables? You see what I mean is that most vitamin are destroyed when heated.
#Person1#: I don't know exactly. It's a tradition. Maybe it's for sanitary reasons.

Summary: #Person2# can manage chopsticks and likes Chinese food. #Person2# doesn't like MSG because it may cause cancer. #Person1# tells #Person2# it's not true and thinks Chinese cook the vegetables for sanitary reasons.


#Person1#: I feel terrible sick, miss. I wonder if I could change my seat to the front part.
#Person2#: Please wait a moment. . I am sorry right now there is no vacant seat. I have to ask.
#Person1#: Thank you.
#Person2#: By the way, hold your bag in case you vomit.

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# to change #Person1#'s seat to the front.


#Person1#: Home at last. Tonight we have a lot of homework though.
#Person2#: Are you saying we don't have time to watch our favorite show tonight? Jane, you know I really don't like our teacher all that much. He gives far too much homework. He criticizes me in front of everyone all the time.
#Person1#: To tell the truth, I don't really like him either. He's kind of boring and not very active. He always looks unhappy too.
#Person2#: Yes, and he also. . .
#Person1#: Do you think we should be talking about him like this behind his back?
#Person2#: Probably not. After all he is our teacher. We should try to find something nice to say. If you can't say something nice you shouldn't say anything at all.
#Person1#: I absolutely agree. It's getting dark. We should finish our homework now.
#Person2#: All right. I want to take a shower first, I'm exhausted.

Summary: Both Jane and #Person2# don't like their teacher, but they soon realize it's not right to talk about their teacher like this behind his back.


#Person1#: Here ' s my passport. I'm a visiting scholar.
#Person2#: Do you have anything to declare?
#Person1#: No, these are all my personal effects.
#Person2#: What's in the bag? Would you mind opening the bag?
#Person1#: Not at all. I don't know what's dutiable. Do I have to pay duty on things for my own use?
#Person2#: NO. You don't have to pay duty on personal belongings.
#Person1#: Thank you.

Summary: #Person2# checks #Person1#'s bag and tells #Person1# there's no need to pay duty on personal belongings.


#Person1#: Which service offered by your bank do you use most?
#Person2#: I use several services. Of course, I deposit and withdraw money quite often. I often use my ATM card to take money out of my current account. I use my bank to exchange money from once currency to another. I often travel abroad, you see.
#Person1#: Do you ever ask you bank for traveller's cheques? They are much safer than carrying lots of cash around.
#Person2#: I sometimes use traveller's cheques, but sometimes I travel to countries where they are hard to exchange for cash.
#Person1#: Do you use your bank to pay your utility bills? I use direct debit.
#Person2#: Yes, I do. It save me a lot of time. I also have standing orders for my subscriptions to magazines.
#Person1#: That's good idea. You don't need to worry about missing an issue of a magazine if you do that. I suppose you have a mortgage too.
#Person2#: Yes. My bank offers very good terms and conditions on mortgage. There's a lot of competition between banks nowadays. Each one is trying to offer better conditions and services than the others.
#Person1#: I have a deposit account with my bank. There are some restrictions on withdrawing money, but the interest rate is much higher.
#Person2#: I don't have one. I prefer to buy shares. My bank also provides a share trading service. It's cheap and easy to use.
#Person1#: That's great. But I prefer to put my money somewhere where the returns are more certain.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# discuss services offered by the bank that they use most, including cheque service, mortgage, and interest rate.


#Person1#: Let's begin by having you tell me about yourself and your background.
#Person2#: I have been working as a paralegal for the last 10 months through an agency that specializes in the legal field. My experience has been supporting attorneys in the field of labor law, where I have been able to apply my paralegal education. I was commended on my ability to take information and break it down into usable facts. I really love research and analyzing facts. My major in college was English, and as a result, my writing skills are my major strength. I am looking for a position where my research and writing skills can be used.
#Person1#: What do you think are the key qualities needed to succeed in the paralegal profession?
#Person2#: Flexibility would certainly rank high in this type of job. In my last position, I supported four lawyers, and it was not unusual for them all to give me high-priority items to do in the same day or week. There were days when I had to stop and prioritize my work just to get a handle on everything. I would discuss the urgency of their work with each of them so I didn't drop the ball. At the same time, I made sure each of them felt like his or her project was important on my agenda. I think communication is probably the next key quality. It really worked well when I talked with each of them, explained my situation, and got their input.
#Person1#: Can you give me an example of a time when you had to work above and beyond your job description?
#Person2#: There was a very important project that had to be researched and completed by the end of the week. Even though I worked extra hours every night for almost two weeks, my boss and I stayed until 2 a. m. for two nights before the final wrap up. It was very rewarding to have put so much effort into a project and see the really great results. My boss gave me a bonus for my extra effort.
#Person1#: Tell me about a time when you had to research a case and encountered some obstacles you had to overcome.
#Person2#: I remember a case that was filled with obstacles. The first thing I did was research through documents and past cases that had similar circumstances. I assembled the facts and then tried to put them together and analyze the next step. I was able to get some input from another lawyer I happened to see at lunch. Through some hard work and fact digging, I was able to find a way to overcome most of the obstacles. I took my findings to my boss and made some recommendations, which she and I discussed and eventually resolved. My boss was impressed with the work I had done.
#Person1#: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
#Person2#: My strengths are my caring about getting the job done. I am very results-driven and have been able to meet all my deadlines in past jobs. As far as weaknesses, I really enjoy my work, and sometimes I put in too much time. But I am aware of my tendency to overwork and have learned to pace myself more.
#Person1#: Tell me about a time when you had a confrontation with a coworker or boss.
#Person2#: I did have an issue with someone who was getting on my nerves. I asked her if I could talk with her one day, and we had a good discussion. It turned out she was not aware of the impact of her actions and that she really needed an explanation of the procedure. I took the time to explain the procedures, and there haven't been any problems since that day.
#Person1#: When do you find a job satisfying?
#Person2#: My biggest satisfaction is when I experience growth in a job. When I first started as a paralegal, I had a lot to learn. But through hard work, advice from some good mentors and continuing education, I have come a long way. I've learned to be flexible when possible and to deal with difficult people in a positive manner.
#Person1#: How would your coworkers describe you?
#Person2#: First, they'll say I have a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I really enjoy working with people. Secondly, they'll say I had great customer service skills. I put the customer first. And thirdly, they'll say that I know the law. I put a lot of effort into my education as a paralegal and take it seriously.
#Person1#: Do you have any questions?
#Person2#: Yes, I do. On a scale of one to 10, what would you say morale was in this company?

Summary: #Person1# interviews #Person2#, who is looking for a position to use #Person2#'s research and writing skills. #Person2# majors in English and has been working as a paralegal for the last ten months. #Person2# thinks flexibility is the key quality of a paralegal. #Person2# gives examples of the time when #Person2# had to work above and beyond the job description, the time of encountering some obstacles when #Person2# had a confrontation with a coworker. #Person2# also talks about #Person2#'s strengths and weaknesses and how coworkers describe #Person2#. #Person2# finds a job satisfying when #Person2# experiences growth in it. #Person2# also asks #Person1# how #Person1# scales morale in the company.


#Person1#: What are you looking at, Jim?
#Person2#: I'm reading an article about the world's homeless population.
#Person1#: Homeless population?
#Person2#: Yes. Sociologists define homeless people as those who have no fixed shelter on any given night. These figures show 5 countries with large homeless populations.
#Person1#: Wow. That's amazing. I never realized that there were so many homeless people in Germany and France.
#Person2#: You know what? Our own country, the USA, ranks number one among these countries.
#Person1#: Certainly not. India tops the list with three million homeless people.
#Person2#: Well, it depends on how you look at it. Although we have a million fewer homeless people than India. We have the highest percentage of homeless people.

Summary: Jim shows #Person1# the statistics of 5 countries with large homeless populations. #Person1# thinks it unbelievable that there were many homeless people in Germany and France. India tops the list but America has the highest percentage of homeless people.


#Person1#: I hear you mid Jacky are engaged at last.
#Person2#: Yes, we are.
#Person1#: When are you getting married?
#Person2#: In the autumn.
#Person1#: That's wonderful. Where's the wedding going to be?
#Person2#: We're not sure yet. Perhaps in San Diego.
#Person1#: Oh, yes. I remembered your parents live there. don't they?
#Person2#: Yes, that's right.
#Person1#: Where are you going to live? We're going to buy a flat or a small house somewhere in the South.

Summary: #Person1# hears #Person2# and Jacky are engaged. They are getting married in autumn and will move to the south.


#Person1#: Hello. May I speak to Brian, please?
#Person2#: Sorry, you have the wrong number. There ' s no Brian here.
#Person1#: Is this 777-9345?
#Person2#: No, it ' s 777-9344?
#Person1#: Oh, I ' m so sorry.
#Person2#: That ' s OK.

Summary: #Person1# wants to find Brain but called the wrong number.


#Person1#: What can I do for you?
#Person2#: I am trying to find this book.
#Person1#: What's the problem?
#Person2#: It doesn't seem like this library has it.
#Person1#: Have you checked the computer?
#Person2#: I have already.
#Person1#: What did it say?
#Person2#: It says the book is on the shelf, but I didn't find it there.
#Person1#: I can always borrow the book from another library.
#Person2#: You can do that?
#Person1#: I'll make the call and contact you when it gets in.
#Person2#: That's fantastic. Thank you.

Summary: #Person2# couldn't find this book in the library. #Person1# will borrow the book from another library for #Person2#.


#Person1#: We want to take a train to New York.
#Person2#: Regular or express train?
#Person1#: How much time would I save if we took the express?
#Person2#: About one hour. The next express train arrives in New York at 3:15.
#Person1#: And how much more do I have to pay for the express?
#Person2#: First class is 24 dollars more, and second class is 15 dollars more.
#Person1#: As long as we can arrive one hour earlier, I don't mind paying a little extra. Then give me one second class ticket on the express, please.
#Person2#: OK, one second class ticket. Here you are.
#Person1#: Thank you.

Summary: #Person1# buys one second-class ticket on the express train to New York with #Person2#'s assistance.


#Person1#: Jane, do you have a pen pal?
#Person2#: Yes, I do. Her name is Alice.
#Person1#: Where is she?
#Person2#: In England. But we don't often write to each other because neither of us has much time. We both have a lot of work to do.
#Person1#: Do you know what your pen pal's hobbies are?
#Person2#: Yes. She enjoys listening to music. Among school subjects, she likes math best.
#Person1#: Are you going to write to her soon?
#Person2#: I'm not sure. I'm pretty busy. But I'll write to her when I have time.

Summary: Jane has a pen pal called Alice, who is in England. Jane tells #Person1# about Alice's hobbies.


#Person1#: Do you want to watch television tonight, Dennis?
#Person2#: Well, there's nothing interesting. But turn it on if you want to.
#Person1#: I want to see that program Changjiang Travel.
#Person2#: Oh, I forgot that was on tonight. I'd like to see it, too.
#Person1#: It comes on at nine o'clock.
#Person2#: Is there any other interesting program?
#Person1#: Yes. I remember there's a football match on Star TV Station.
#Person2#: Oh, great! Let's watch it.
#Person1#: Let me see. Hmm. The paper says it starts at one o'clock tomorrow morning.
#Person2#: One o'clock tomorrow morning? Then I prefer sleeping.

Summary: #Person1# wants to watch the program Changjiang Travel and Dennis also likes it. Then they talk about a football match on Star TV Station at 1 AM.


#Person1#: I've heard that Tom is going to move.
#Person2#: What? Are you sure about that?
#Person1#: Yeah, he is going to move next month.
#Person2#: Where is he going?
#Person1#: He is going to Canada and to live with his son.
#Person2#: What a pity!
#Person1#: Why did you say that? It's a good thing for him to live with his son.
#Person2#: I know that. But it's pity for us to lose such a good neighbour. You know I always appreciate Tom's company.
#Person1#: Me too. But anyway we hope he lives happily in the future.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# discuss that their neighbor Tom is going to move to Canada. They feel pity but wish him well.


#Person1#: May I see your passport, please?
#Person2#: Certainly. Here it is.
#Person1#: You are here on business, I think?
#Person2#: That's right. A German company has invited me for business talks.
#Person1#: How long will you be staying?
#Person2#: Just two weeks.
#Person1#: How many pieces of baggage have you got?
#Person2#: Only one. In this case, I have a camera.
#Person1#: Do you intend to take it out on your departure?
#Person2#: Yes, I do.
#Person1#: According to the regulations, the camera you've brought along for personal use can be passed for the time being duty free, but you will have to take it out with you when you leave the country.
#Person2#: I will.
#Person1#: Well. Have a pleasant stay in Germany.
#Person2#: Thank you.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2# is here on business and have a camera. #Person1# reminds #Person2# should take the camera out when leaving the country.


#Person1#: Good afternoon, sir. You are really a regular customer here. May I ask you why you come here so often?
#Person2#: I'm a newspaper columnist. I write comments for a living. I enjoy working in a coffeehouse.
#Person1#: I see. But isn't it a bit too noisy?
#Person2#: I don't mind. By contrast, I quite like the circumstances, as I can see a variety of people here, who can always give me tremendous inspiration. And the most important thing is coffee as it is my life.
#Person1#: I can see that. Then what is your favorite coffee?
#Person2#: Irish coffee is my favorite. But I can drink any other. I'm not particular on it.
#Person1#: All right. Would you make coffee yourself when you are at home?
#Person2#: Not very often. Making coffee is a bit troublesome. Most of the time, I just buy takeout at Starbucks. And also, I quite like instant coffee.
#Person1#: I think instant coffee is becoming more and more popular. Though its taste is not perfect, it's really cheap and convenient.
#Person2#: Exactly. Nescafe is the world's favorite coffee. People love it all over the world?
#Person1#: Which country makes the best coffee in the world?
#Person2#: Many people think Brazil makes the best coffee. Brazil exports a lot of coffee. But I love Irish coffee. So it's hard to say. Just depends on your taste.
#Person1#: I agree. I heard in the western countries, almost everyone likes coffee. Is that true?
#Person2#: Yes. No doubt about that. For us, coffee is more a living style rather than a simple drink. I heard Chinese people don't drink that much coffee.
#Person1#: No, we don't, especially the old people. But more and more young people fall for coffee.
#Person2#: I suppose so. That's probably why there are so many wonderful coffeehouses in China now.

Summary: #Person2# is a regular customer to the coffeehouse because he can see many people there who give him tremendous inspiration as a newspaper columnist. His favorite is Irish coffee. #Person2# thinks that almost everyone likes coffee in western countries because coffee is more a living style rather than a simple drink. #Person1# thinks more and more young Chinese people fall for coffee.


#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.

Summary: Rudy asks #Person1# to cancel his reservation for April 9 to 15.


#Person1#: Hello, Bill. Nice to see you again. I heard you went into hospital for a few days. I hope everything is OK.
#Person2#: Yes, fine. I was really nervous just before I had the operation, but strangely enough, the operation was over when I woke up.
#Person1#: It must have really hurt afterward.
#Person2#: Well, the nurse gave me plenty of pain killers, but it did feel uncomfortable. I wasn't permitted to eat anything for 48 hours. That was the worst thing.
#Person1#: I bet you are ready for a nice big steak when you got out of hospital.
#Person2#: I certainly was. However, the doctor gave me a list of food I couldn't eat for another 72 hours. And steak was on the list.
#Person1#: Did they take good care of you in the hospital?
#Person2#: Oh, yes. The nurses were very kind. Though they were strict about what I could drink, in the end, I just drank water and nothing else. How I wish to drink some beer now!

Summary: #Person1# asks about Bill's operation. Bill did feel uncomfortable after it. He got many restrictions on eating and drinking but the nurses took good care of him.


#Person1#: Hey, May, look, Is that the the poster of the movie we saw yesterday?
#Person2#: Yes, that's right. That's the poster of the The Witch.
#Person1#: May, I really regret watching it with you last night.
#Person2#: Did it scare you?
#Person1#: Of course not. I just thought the movie was... boring.
#Person2#: Boring? Come on, you clutched to my arm all the time.
#Person1#: Well, I admit. The ghosts were scary.
#Person2#: I like scary movies.
#Person1#: That's Gucci's influence. I love science fiction movies!
#Person2#: Of course you do. They are silly stories just for little kids like you.
#Person1#: Don't call me kid. I am a grownup.
#Person2#: Do you dare watch scary movies with me tonight?
#Person1#: Of course! I can watch them without you!
#Person2#: Oh, really?

Summary: #Person1# and May watched a scary movie yesterday. #Person1# says it was boring. May invites #Person1# to watch scary movies tonight and #Person1# pretending to be not scared.


#Person1#: It's freezing cold. Let me make some coffee to warm us up. Do you want a piece of pie as well?
#Person2#: Coffee sounds great. But I'm going to have dinner with some friends in a while, so I'd better skip the pie.

Summary: #Person2# decides to have #Person1#'s coffee without pie.


#Person1#: Well, how do you feel now?
#Person2#: A bit cold and my headaches terribly. I must have knocked it on the windscreen when my car went into the tree.
#Person1#: Well, you've got a cut on your head. You were lucky that you had fastened your safety belt. Otherwise, you could have been killed or hurt badly.
#Person2#: I won't have to stay in hospital, will I?
#Person1#: No. I think you'll be well enough to go home. Nothing serious. The nurse will dress your wound and then you'd better lie down and rest for half an hour at least. We'll give you this medison for the wound and some painkilling pills.

Summary: #Person2# feels cold and terrible headaches after the car went into the tree. #Person1# tells #Person2# there's nothing serious and to have a rest.


#Person1#: That China-gown of Tang-Dynasty style is so beautiful. Would you show it to me, please?
#Person2#: Absolutely. Here it is.
#Person1#: Could I try it on?
#Person2#: Please do, the fitting-room is over there.
#Person1#: It feels a little tight around the waist. Do you have a bigger one?
#Person2#: I'm sorry. We don't have this color in your size. We have some green ones in your size. Would you please have a look at this green one?
#Person1#: OK. How much does it cost?
#Person2#: It's 486 yuan.

Summary: #Person1# tries on a China-gown of Tang-Dynasty but it doesn't fit. #Person2# has green ones in #Person1#'s size instead.


#Person1#: Good morning. May I help you?
#Person2#: Yes. I'm looking for an apartment, I'd like two bedrooms.
#Person1#: All right. Have a seat, please. Let me ask you a few questions. First of all, may I have your name, please?
#Person2#: My name's Donald Eakins.
#Person1#: How do you spell your last name, Mr.Eakins.
#Person2#: It's E-A-K-I-N-S.
#Person1#: E-A-K-I-N-S.First name, Donald. And what's your present address, Mr.Eakins?
#Person2#: It's 1446 Pine Street.
#Person1#: 1446 Pine. That's in San Francisco, isn't it?
#Person2#: Yes, it is.

Summary: Donald Eakins is looking for an apartment. #Person1# asks about his personal information and his present address.


#Person1#: Good morning , can I help you?
#Person2#: I want to American breakfast with fried eggs sunny side up.
#Person1#: What kind of juice do you prefer , sir?
#Person2#: Breakfast juice and please make my coffee very strong.
#Person1#: Yes , sir. American breakfast with fried eggs sunny side up. Breakfast juice and black coffee. And my correct, sir?
#Person2#: Yes, that's right.
#Person1#: Is there anything else , sir?
#Person2#: No , that's all.
#Person1#: Good morning , sir . I've got breakfast your ordered.
#Person2#: Just put it on the table please.
#Person1#: Do you need anything else , sir?
#Person2#: No , thanks . Oh, yes, could I have some juice for the mini bar?
#Person1#: What kind of juice do you like sir?
#Person2#: Tomato or orange juice , please.
#Person1#: Yes , sir. I'll get them for you right away. Would you please sign this bill first? Thank you , sir.

Summary: #Person1# helps #Person2# order American breakfast with fried eggs and breakfast juice with strong coffee. #Person2# also orders tomato or orange juice. #Person1# asks #Person2# to sign the bill first.


#Person1#: Hello, again. Did you discuss everything with your colleagues?
#Person2#: Yes, yes. It seems that everything is settled.
#Person1#: Have you decided how you would like the salaries paid?
#Person2#: We have discussed it and decided that at the moment we would like the salaries to be paid into the employees's accounts, whether they are currently with this bank or not.
#Person1#: That's not a problem.
#Person2#: Of course, if we are happy with the service after the initial period we will recommend all employees either transfer their accounts to this bank, or open new accounts with you.
#Person1#: Thank you very much. We always welcome new customers.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# they decided to have salaries to be paid into the employees' account and they'll possibly become new customers of the bank.


#Person1#: Good morning, Dr. Ellis' Office.
#Person2#: This is Mrs. Jackson. May I speak to the doctor?
#Person1#: Mrs. Jackson, Dr. Ellis is here. How's that new tooth?
#Person2#: Not so good, doctor. That's what I'm calling about. It just doesn't seem to fit right.
#Person1#: Well, that's to be expected during the first few days after it has been put in. Have you been leaving it in as I told you?
#Person2#: Well, it hurts so much, doctor, especially when I eat.
#Person1#: I understand, Mrs. Jackson. It hurts in the beginning, I know. But it's really better to leave it in, except when you clean it of course.
#Person2#: Well, I did at first, doctor, but it hurt so much that I just couldn't stand it any longer.
#Person1#: Well, maybe we can set it a little more.
#Person2#: Set it right?
#Person1#: Yes. When can you come here?
#Person2#: Oh, right away, doctor, if you don't mind.
#Person1#: Let me see, can you get here by 11:00?
#Person2#: Oh, yes, doctor. I can make it. Thank you. See you then.

Summary: Mrs. Jackson calls Dr. Ellis because her new tooth hurts so much. Dr. Ellis asks her to come to set it a little more.


#Person1#: Lucy, what are your priorities when buying a car?
#Person2#: I guess the first thing is the price, the second is the size, and of course the color will play a role too. But I have to be honest. It is our today's responsibility to take care about our environment. Therefore, I will also pay attention to the fuel consumption of the car. You know, the rise in gasoline prices is huge. So I would rather to consider a smaller car with smaller engine. For which I can also save some tax. Last of the list, I also consider the safety.
#Person1#: What about the environmental factors?
#Person2#: Well, I do prefer the lower emission cars as long as it doesn't cost much. Some environmentally-friendly cars are really expensive.
#Person1#: Sure they are. Some hi-tech devices are built in to make sure they pollute less. Some of these green cars have not become standard. So the production costs are still high. But anyway, we should make efforts to start with.

Summary: Lucy tells #Person1# about her priorities when buying a car, including price, size, color, fuel consumption, and environmental factors.


#Person1#: Sorry! Excuse me! I got your message.
#Person2#: Taylor? Taylor! Is this a joke? Is it really you? But. . . but. . . everyone said you were dead!
#Person1#: That's OK. Just let it out. I'm OK! I was out of town with. . . Femi.
#Person2#: Oh, Taylor! I'm so. . . so happy. But then. . . who's that?
#Person1#: Taylor Smith. But not me. The pallbearers are carrying out the casket. It would be rude to just leave. Let's follow.

Summary: #Person2#'s astonished to get Taylor's message who's thought to be dead. Taylor tells #Person2# the man lying there is not him and he was actually out of town with Femi.


#Person1#: Excuse me, sir. Do you still have an apartment left?
#Person2#: Yes, there is still a one bedroom-apartment left. Do you want to rent it?
#Person1#: Yes, but do you rent rooms by the week? I only want to rent the apartment for 2 weeks. I'm not staying here for long.
#Person2#: Yes, but you need to pay $60.00 a week and the rent is just $200 a month.
#Person1#: That's fine with me. Can I move in today?
#Person2#: Sure, the apartment is just a 5 minute walk away from here. Now I'll show you to it.
#Person1#: Thanks.

Summary: #Person1# wants to rent an apartment for two weeks. #Person2# says it would be more expensive to rent by weeks. But #Person1# won't stay long and #Person2# shows the apartment.


#Person1#: Hi, dear, do you know what the important day is today?
#Person2#: I don't know.
#Person1#: Please think it over.
#Person2#: Oh, I see.
#Person1#: Come on, dear. I know you mustn't forget it.
#Person2#: It's Saturday, a great weekend.
#Person1#: Ur, you really let me down.
#Person2#: Don't be angry with me. I have a bad memory.
#Person1#: No, you haven't. You just don't care about me. You're an indifferent husband.
#Person2#: What day is it on earth?
#Person1#: It's the anniversary of our weeding.

Summary: #Person2# forgets today is the anniversary of #Person1# and #Person2#'s wedding. #Person1# gets annoyed.


#Person1#: Hello, Madam. What can I do for you today?
#Person2#: Hello. I'd like to send 600 RMB in cash to my daughter. How long will it take for her to receive the money?
#Person1#: It's very quick and easy. It just takes 24 hours, we guarantee that. All you need to do is fill in this slip and we can proceed.
#Person2#: Are there any extra charges, like commission?
#Person1#: There is a service commission that you must pay. It's 1 % of the funds to be remitted, so you should pay an extra 6 RIB.

Summary: #Person2# wants to send cash to her daughter, so she is required by #Person1# to pay a service commission.


#Person1#: Mike, I can't catch up with our Chinese teacher very well.
#Person2#: I advise you to take an additional course in some Chinese schools.
#Person1#: What is that?
#Person2#: This kind of school is good at helping people to improve their Chinese.
#Person1#: Will they recommend me the class that suits me?
#Person2#: Sure. You can review the lessons you have learned at school and learn something new there.
#Person1#: That's great. I'll tell my mother about it.

Summary: #Person1# can't catch up with #Person1#'s Chinese teacher. #Person2# suggests taking an additional course in some Chinese schools.


#Person1#: Good morning. Is this where I can get a library card issued to me?
#Person2#: No problem, we have a short form right here; just hand it to me when you are done.
#Person1#: I'm done.
#Person2#: That looks great, but I will also need your driver's license or other form of I. D.
#Person1#: Sure, here it is.
#Person2#: Well, this looks nice. Do you know how to use it?
#Person1#: I am pretty sure how to use it, but can you remind me?
#Person2#: Of course, just remember that all of the needed information is on the card.
#Person1#: I see.
#Person2#: Well, I hope you have a wonderful time on your library visits!

Summary: #Person2# helps #Person1# get a library card and tells #Person1# how to use it.


#Person1#: Could I speak to you for a minute?
#Person2#: What do you want to speak to me about?
#Person1#: I want to talk about this year's election.
#Person2#: Oh, you do?
#Person1#: I am volunteering for the campaign.
#Person2#: What made you decide to volunteer?
#Person1#: I want to be a part of history.
#Person2#: Good for you.
#Person1#: Do you plan on voting?
#Person2#: I will be voting.
#Person1#: You should try and make it early to your polling place.
#Person2#: Thanks for letting me know.

Summary: #Person1# wants to speak to #Person2# about this year's election and reminds #Person2# to vote early.


#Person1#: Who are we going to play with today?
#Person2#: We are playing against Hainan.
#Person1#: Oh, the basketball team from No. 1 College? I know they're a tough team.
#Person2#: Sure they are.
#Person1#: Who's winning?
#Person2#: We are, 27 to 26.
#Person1#: Really? I thought that they'd been killing us by now.
#Person2#: How can it be? We are a tough team as well.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# are playing basketball against the team of Hainan, and they win.


#Person1#: Look at this survey conducted by a website. A quarter of the employees will spend an average of 10 minutes everyday online doing personal things. Hi, Francis, what about you?
#Person2#: Well, I just spend 15 minutes as so checking my stock bonds and booking an air ticket for my mother. Anyway, I have done all my work and it is about the time to leave.
#Person1#: Though our company doesn't have a return policy, limiting the personal use of internet, I don't think the boss will like us to do that.
#Person2#: Certainly, work always comes first.
#Person1#: But it is lucky for us. The company computers don't have software keeping tracks of websites we visit. I have shopped too often online these days.
#Person2#: Well, keep a low profile.

Summary: #Person1# and Francis talk about the time they spend online everyday doing personal things during working hours, and #Person1# thinks they are lucky.


#Person1#: Excuse me. What should I wear if I want to go to an interview?
#Person2#: You should wear a tie to go with your suit.
#Person1#: I am afraid I would tense up during the interview.
#Person2#: It doesn't matter. Just do your best to sell yourself.

Summary: #Person2# advises #Person1# to wear a tie with a suit and do the best in an interview.


#Person1#: Hey, Ann. Wake up. It's time to get out of bed.
#Person2#: Oh, Dad. Do I have to get up right now?
#Person1#: Yes, or you'll be late.
#Person2#: Why didn't my alarm go off today?
#Person1#: It went off 30 minutes ago.
#Person2#: I must have slept right through it.
#Person1#: Rise and shine.
#Person2#: OK. I know.

Summary: Ann's dad wakes her up. Ann finds she slept through her alarm.


#Person1#: Have you seen Dan the Bear?
#Person2#: No, I haven't.
#Person1#: Oh, well, he supposed to give his performance in 10 minutes. All the kids are waiting for him to sing.
#Person2#: Maybe he's out by the fish tank, giving away balloons and talking with the dolphin trainers. Did you check there?
#Person1#: Yes, I did, but they said they hadn't seen him. If you see him, please tell him that he's needed on the small stage as soon as possible.
#Person2#: OK. I'll send a radio message out to all of the security officers and have them look for him. I'm sure he's on his way right now.
#Person1#: Great. Thank you so much for your help. Will I see you at the bar after work tonight?
#Person2#: Yes, but a bit later. I want to get a haircut and change clothes first.
#Person1#: Great. I'll buy you a drink if you can get Dan the Bear on stage on time.
#Person2#: OK. It's a deal.

Summary: #Person1# is looking for Dan the Bear because he's supposed to give his performance in 10 minutes. #Person2# promises to help to look for him.


#Person1#: Here is the document you asked for this morning.
#Person2#: Oh, you are so efficient. I thought you might give it to me tomorrow. Thanks.
#Person1#: You ' re welcome. You know, these days I have been reflecting on my biggest weakness procrastination. The more I think about it, the more I hate myself for being so disorganized. I decided to change the situation as soon as possible. Otherwise I will be more regretful later.
#Person2#: This is encouraging news, good for you! What is your solution, then?
#Person1#: The most useful method is to make plans and set priorities. It helps me to manage time well and get the most important things done at the first place.
#Person2#: Sounds not bad! Better performance isn ' t just about doing a lot more. It is about focusing on the right things to do.

Summary: #Person2# praises #Person1#'s efficiency. #Person1# tells #Person2# it's because #Person1# decided to overcome procrastination and the solutions are making plans and setting priorities.


#Person1#: Do you want to go to the beach tonight?
#Person2#: Sure, which beach are we going to?
#Person1#: I wanted to go to Malibu beach.
#Person2#: I like Santa Monica.
#Person1#: The water there looks so dirty.
#Person2#: I just like the pier they have at Santa Monica.
#Person1#: I like the pier too, because it's beautiful at night.
#Person2#: Is Malibu beach nice?
#Person1#: It's a lot nicer, and I really like it better.
#Person2#: So you want to go to Malibu?
#Person1#: If that's okay with you.
#Person2#: Sure, let's go to Malibu.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# have different ideas at first but decide to go to the Malibu beach tonight.


#Person1#: Thank you for calling the Hillside Gallery. How can I help you?
#Person2#: Hello. Is there a photography exhibition this weekend?
#Person1#: Yes, there is.
#Person2#: How much is the ticket?
#Person1#: Tickets for the gallery are 10 pounds and half price for children, but this includes the painting exhibitions, too. If you only want to see the photography exhibition, it's 7 pounds per person, with half price for children, too.
#Person2#: The gallery's on Flower Street, isn't it?
#Person1#: No, we moved to a different building last year. Our present address is 25 Gardenia Road. It's opposite to the Town Square.
#Person2#: Oh, I see. Does the number 25 bus go by it?
#Person1#: Yes, but I suggest you not take a bus or drive here. You will be stuck in a traffic jam at weekends on this street. The underground is easy and fast.
#Person2#: OK. Thank you for your help.

Summary: #Person2# phones Hillside Gallery for information about a photography exhibition this weekend. #Person1# tells #Person2# about the ticket price and their address and recommends #Person2# to take the underground.


#Person1#: We really were lucky. We got the last available table for two---and we didn't even have a reservation! Did you see the long lines behind us?
#Person2#: Yeah, I'm glad that we didn't have to wait long. I'm starving!
#Person1#: Let's take a look at the menu so we can order. Do you want to choose an appetizer for us to share?
#Person2#: What would you rather have, samosas or poppadoms?
#Person1#: I heard that one of their specialities is the samosa.
#Person2#: Well, let's get a plate of those then.
#Person1#: Sounds good. What are you going to have for your main course?
#Person2#: I think I might have a dahl.
#Person1#: What's in a dahl?
#Person2#: It's got chickpeas and vegetables in a spicy curry sauce with rice.
#Person1#: That sounds nice. Do you want to share some kebabs as well?
#Person2#: Ok. How about some lamb kebabs?
#Person1#: That's my favourite. Do you want to have some wine or beer?
#Person2#: I think I'll have a beer.
#Person1#: Ok, shall I flag down the waitress?
#Person2#: I wouldn't recommend it. I think we should wait until she comes round.
#Person1#: You're right. That might seem a bit rude. It's a good thing I've got you with me!
#Person2#: What would you do without me?

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# are lucky to get the last table without a reservation. They choose a plate of samosa, some lamb kebab, and drinks to share. #Person2# recommends waiting for the waiter to come.


#Person1#: Hey! Ask your mom for more old pictures, OK?
#Person2#: Can't it wait? She's still angry that we sent e-mail wedding invitations.
#Person1#: But we saved your parents so much money. . .
#Person2#: I know. And they're spending enough on the plane tickets to Texas!
#Person1#: Speaking of plane tickets, don't forget to check on the reservations!
#Person2#: OK.

Summary: #Person1# wants more old pictures from #Person2#'s mother but #Person2# says she's still angry about #Person1# and #Person2# sending email wedding invitations.


#Person1#: What's your little caper? Come home so late! We are all worried about you.
#Person2#: Oh, I am terribly sorry. But I was so captivated with the singer at the subway exit. So I forgot the time.
#Person1#: Singing? At the subway exit? Oh, it sounds like someone needs some money.
#Person2#: Oh, no, the guy was a musician who just sang. He played the guitar and sang so many cool pop songs. Many people were drawn to his music and there was no hat on the floor. He sang for appreciation, but not for money.
#Person1#: It is just pop song, you could have sung there too if you want it.
#Person2#: Oh, no, it was a kind of pop art. I like it but I couldn't do it that well.
#Person1#: Honey, just do it next time. Have you heard of the real art in the subway station in Russia?
#Person2#: No, but tell me some. I am interested.
#Person1#: Many oil painting exhibitions are there. That is a kind of Museum Exhibition.
#Person2#: Are there many people there? Do you think people actually like them?
#Person1#: I am sure you will. There are some works, and some students who major in painting interpret the meaning for visitors. And people can enjoy the paintings while waiting for the train.
#Person2#: But I still prefer the pop music in the subway.
#Person1#: Both the pop music and the oil painting are arts, but with different aesthetic values.
#Person2#: Dad, you talk well, but can you appreciate that kind of art?
#Person1#: Not well enough, but I'm learning.

Summary: #Person2# comes home late because #Person2# was captivated by the singer at the subway exit and forgot the time. #Person1# encourages #Person2# to do it next time and tells #Person2# the real art in the subway station in Russia.


#Person1#: Both of the two young ladies are the candidates for the position
#Person2#: The question is we only need one.
#Person1#: Right. The choice is yours, the tall one or the short one?
#Person2#: I should take the taller one for the choice.

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# to decide between two candidates. #Person2# chooses the taller girl.


#Person1#: Well, Bob, what a surprise! It's nice to see you again!
#Person2#: Hello Ann! How long has it been? Wasn't it a year ago Christmas, the last time we saw each other?
#Person1#: You know, I think you're right. How's your wife?
#Person2#: Oh, she's fine.
#Person1#: Is she learning to play the piano? It seems to me I remember something about that.
#Person2#: Oh, she's given that up.
#Person1#: What's she doing these days?
#Person2#: She's all excited about country music. She's going to a night school on Mondays and Thursdays, She's learning to play the guitar. But last year she learned to sing. I think she just enjoys going to school. Next say hello to Mrs. James for me, will you?
#Person1#: How nice for her! Oh, I'm sorry. I must be off. But say hello to Mrs. James for me, will you?
#Person2#: Sure, I will, and remember me to your husband, Good-bye!

Summary: Ann meets Bob unexpectedly who she hasn't met for a year. Bob tells Ann his wife's learning to play the guitar at a night school.


#Person1#: Our current apartment is valued at RMB 700, 000. We can sell it and put that money towards buying the new apartment.
#Person2#: Yeah, but we still need RMB 500, 000. Maybe we can use some of our savings to pay part of it.
#Person1#: And we can take out a loan to pay the rest.
#Person2#: Great, so we can afford the new apartment after all!
#Person1#: Uh huh. . . but we're going to have to cut back on our shopping from now on.

Summary: #Person1# advises to sell the current apartment and buy a new apartment. Then #Person1# and #Person2# decide to take out a loan.


#Person1#: Hello, Mr. Mayhew. How are you today?
#Person2#: I'm just fine, thanks, Jane. I'd like to make a withdrawal from my Current Account, please.
#Person1#: Would you like a balance inquiry first, Mr. Mayhew?
#Person2#: That might be a good idea, yes.
#Person1#: Your balance is 21, 290 RIB. How much would you like to take out today?
#Person2#: I think 2, 000 RMB will suffice, thanks.
#Person1#: Actually, I have a suggestion for you. We've started a new service called Entrusting Deposit Combination - Have you heard about this?
#Person2#: No, I don't think I have. But I would like to hear the full details, if you think it'll be beneficial to me.

Summary: Jane tells Mr. Mayhew his balance is 21,290 RMB, helps him to withdraw 2,000 RMB, and suggests a new service for him.


#Person1#: I had a busy morning.
#Person2#: What did you do?
#Person1#: I watered all the plants.
#Person2#: You have a lot of plants.
#Person1#: Then I did my laundry.
#Person2#: That takes some time.
#Person1#: I took the dog for a walk.
#Person2#: I'll bet he enjoyed his walk.
#Person1#: I vacuumed the entire house.
#Person2#: That's a lot of work.
#Person1#: And then I made lunch.
#Person2#: I'll bet you were hungry!

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# about his busy morning.


#Person1#: What are you reading, Bill?
#Person2#: It's this week's New Scientist. Why?
#Person1#: I was just wondering. It looks interesting, but I've never actually read it myself. It's for real scientists, or can ordinary people like me understand it?
#Person2#: Oh, it's for anyone really. It usually has articles and stories about current affairs about science, as well as papers about new developments in research, I'm reading about a new telephone that allows you to see the person you are speaking to, as well as hear him.
#Person1#: Oh, I've heard about it. Is it on the market yet? Can I buy one?
#Person2#: No, not this one. But the company has made other models to try out on business. This one is special because of its color, and the images moving.
#Person1#: Oh, that's interesting.
#Person2#: You see, the first videophones--that's what they are called--were made in Japan. But they can only show a still black-and-white image, so this videophone is much better than that. Mind you, I'm not sure I'd want one, would you?
#Person1#: Well, no. I don't think I would. I bet it costs a lot of money. Does it say how much it costs?
#Person2#: Yes. The early black-and-white ones cost several hundred pounds. But the one is about costs several thousand pounds.
#Person1#: Hum. Why does anybody want one, do you think?
#Person2#: Business organizations that need to frequently contact overseas organizations would want it. It's like a face-to-face conversation. So maybe a lot of overseas travel can be avoided.
#Person1#: Yes, I suppose so.

Summary: Bill tells #Person1# he's reading this week's New Scientist, and ordinary people can read and understand it. Bill introduces the new telephone he's reading about, which allows people to see the person they'are speaking to. Bill and #Person2# both think they wouldn't buy it.


#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.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2#'s family is coming. #Person2# talks about #Person2#'s brother's family and says #Person2#'s parents are already here and #Person2#'s brother and nephew will arrive on Monday.


#Person1#: Did you see the large crowd on the street corner when you came to school this morning?
#Person2#: Yes, I did. What was that all about?
#Person1#: A serious accident happened. A drunk driver hit a bus full of passengers.
#Person2#: Oh dear! A lot of people must have been hurt or even killed?
#Person1#: You are right! All the injured people were taken to the hospital immediately.
#Person2#: I hope so. Drivers must be careful, especially during rush hour.
#Person1#: I agree with you. We will all be safe if everyone obeys the traffic rules.

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# that a drunk driver hit a bus and it caused a large crowd on the street corner.


#Person1#: Good morning, sir. I'd like to ask you a few questions if I may.
#Person2#: Well, I'm waiting to catch my flight. So I guess I can answer a few questions.
#Person1#: Thank you, sir. First of all how often do you travel?
#Person2#: I travel twice a month.
#Person1#: Where are you flying to on this trip?
#Person2#: I'm flying to Austin Texas.
#Person1#: And where did you fly on your last trip?
#Person2#: I flew to Portland Oregon. I've already been there 3 times.
#Person1#: Really? Do you enjoy traveling for business?
#Person2#: Yes, although I prefer staying in the office.
#Person1#: What do you like most about traveling?
#Person2#: I like visiting new cities and trying out new food.
#Person1#: Thank you very much for your time today.
#Person2#: You're welcome.

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# a few questions about traveling, including the frequency, the destination of this trip and last trip, and the favorite thing about traveling.


#Person1#: Excuse me, ah, was my bedroom cleaned this morning?
#Person2#: Yes, Madam. All the rooms are cleaned in the morning, Madam.
#Person1#: Well, then I have a bit of a problem
#Person2#: Is your room not satisfactory, Madam?
#Person1#: No, it's not that. It's just that I can't find my necklace.
#Person2#: I'm sorry, Madam. Can you tell me a little bit more about it?
#Person1#: Well this morning I left my necklace here on the table by the bed but it's just nowhere to be found.
#Person2#: I will report this to the manager right away, Madam.

Summary: #Person1# lost her necklace after her room was cleaned. #Person2# will report it to the manager.


#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.

Summary: #Person2# spends six hundred and eighty yuan buying a racket with a cover that #Person1# recommends by credit.


#Person1#: Hi, Bob, everything okay?
#Person2#: More or less. There's just one thing bothering me.
#Person1#: Oh? What's that?
#Person2#: Well, you know I have some students studying for their master's degree. One of them tried to give me a gift that kinda made me uneasy.
#Person1#: What gift?
#Person2#: It's an Egyptian carpet. The student came to my office the other day and brought the carpet to show his gratitude. Seeing what gift was, I was really uncomfortable. I mean it's too expensive a gift for a student to give a professor. I don't think I've done anything to deserve that gift, so I refused it.
#Person1#: You refused the gift? That's terrible.
#Person2#: I know, but I really can't accept such an expensive gift. I explained to him why, but he seemed really upset about it. I think he might have taken it the wrong way.
#Person1#: Perhaps. He probably thinks you considered the gift a bribe for a higher grade.
#Person2#: That's what I am worried about. I do understand the respect attached with the gift and I am honored. But I really don't think it's proper for a student to spend a fortune on a gift for a professor. I think we need to have a talk to make sure we are on the same page.

Summary: Bob tells #Person1# a student tried to give him an Egyptian carpet. He thought it was too expensive and refused it, but he's worried that the student might have taken it the wrong way.


#Person1#: Hi, I am looking for a woman named Mia.
#Person2#: I think I am who you are looking for. You have got to be Rubin.
#Person1#: That would be me!
#Person2#: Rubin! Karen and Mike have spoken about you so often that I feel like I've met you before.
#Person1#: I hope that what they had to say was mostly good!
#Person2#: They only said wonderful things about you. You did a good job of finding me.
#Person1#: Finding the beautiful woman in a red dress next to the fountain wasn't all that hard.
#Person2#: Yes, I guess it was a choice of me or the pigeons!
#Person1#: I was hoping that we could take a walk down the street to my favorite cafe.
#Person2#: Lunch sounds great! Let's head on out!

Summary: Rubin meets Mia for the first time. Rubin then suggests a walk to the cafe and Mia agrees.


#Person1#: Are these your triplets? They're beautiful! I'Ve seen other babies who were nothing but skin and bones at their age. You know, they're absolutely identical of you and John! Are you planning on having any more?
#Person2#: Bite your tongue! I'm already at the end of my rope. Some nights I don't sleep at all. John manages to sleep like a log even when the babies are screaming at the top of their lungs.
#Person1#: Well, tell me. How was the labor and delivery?
#Person2#: I wouldn't say that I had the time of my life but at least everything went without a hitch.
#Person1#: Well, hang in there. In twenty years, you'll fell it was well worth it!

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# whether she plans on having more babies. #Person2# refuses because #Person2# even has no time to sleep when they're screaming.


#Person1#: Good morning, native tongue translations. Can I help you?
#Person2#: Yes, I was wondering how much it would cost to translate a document from English into Arabic?
#Person1#: Well, it depends on the kind of document how long it is and when you need it returned. We don't do any translations of textbooks.
#Person2#: It's a cookbook about 20,000 words long. It is not urgent so you can set your own schedule.
#Person1#: Well, ma'am, Arabic is one of the most difficult languages in the world. And there aren't very many translators compared to say Spanish. In other words, the charge for Arabic translation will be higher than for most other languages.
#Person2#: I understand, could you give me an estimate?
#Person1#: For this project, we would charge between 5 and 10 cents per word.
#Person2#: OK, thanks for your time, I think I will keep looking.

Summary: #Person2# wants to know how much it would cost to translate a cookbook from English into Arabic. #Person1# tells her that Arabic is difficult, so they would charge between 5 and 10 cents per word.


#Person1#: Hello, reservation desk. How can I help you?
#Person2#: I'd like to book a room.
#Person1#: What kind of room would you like, Ma'am? We got single rooms, double rooms, standard rooms, suites and deluxe suites.
#Person2#: What's the rate for a standard room?
#Person1#: $ 79 a night.
#Person2#: I'd like a standard room.
#Person1#: What date would you check in, Ma'am?
#Person2#: December 23rd, please.
#Person1#: How long do you plan to stay?
#Person2#: 4 days.
#Person1#: Could you give me your name and phone number?
#Person2#: Nancy Brown. My phone number's 709 678 5634. Nancy Brown .
#Person1#: Thanks. What time will you arrive?
#Person2#: Around 3pm.
#Person1#: Very good. Your reservation confirmation number is NB13579. Thank you for booking in our hotel. Can I help you with anything else today?
#Person2#: No, that's it. Thank you very much.

Summary: #Person1# assists Nancy to book a standard room for $79 a night. Nancy tells #Person1# she will arrive on December 23rd and will stay for 4 days.


#Person1#: What case do you have against the police?
#Person2#: I want to take them to court for arresting me.
#Person1#: I don't understand.
#Person2#: There was no reason for them to arrest me.
#Person1#: They let you go, didn't they?
#Person2#: They released me the next morning.
#Person1#: They detained you at the station?
#Person2#: That's exactly what they did.
#Person1#: Why did they arrest you?
#Person2#: They said I matched the description of a robber.
#Person1#: I get it now.
#Person2#: I'm definitely taking them to court.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# that #Person2# wants to take the police to court because they mistakenly arrested #Person2#.


#Person1#: Excuse me. Do you mind if I ask some things about work for this company?
#Person2#: Not at all. Go ahead.
#Person1#: I've heard that the company is very strict with its staff. Is that true?
#Person2#: Not really, so long as you follow all the regulations.
#Person1#: If you make mistakes in your job, you'll be fired. Is that right?
#Person2#: No. Everyone has a chance to correct his or her mistakes. The most important thing is to be responsible for your work.
#Person1#: Working here involves a busy schedule and overtime. Is that true?
#Person2#: Yes. That's true. We are always busy. The company attaches great importance to high efficiency. Sometimes we have to work overtime, but not always. And we have extra pay for extra work.
#Person1#: It seems that working in a foreign enterprise is not the same as I expected. Thank you for your help.

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# about work for #Person2#'s company. #Person2# tells #Person1# the company emphasizes responsibility and high efficiency and sometimes requires overtime working. #Person1# thinks it's different from #Person1#'s expectation.


#Person1#: Would you honor us with a visit?
#Person2#: I'd love to. Thanks.
#Person1#: When will you be convenient?
#Person2#: Any time will suit me.
#Person1#: Are you doing anything tomorrow?
#Person2#: I'm free tomorrow.
#Person1#: I'll pick you up at about nine o'clock, will it do?
#Person2#: All right, see you then.

Summary: #Person1# invites #Person2# to pay a visit tomorrow. #Person2# agrees.


#Person1#: Hi Jane, please come in and take a seat.
#Person2#: Well, you would like to check the progress of the website-design, right?
#Person1#: Yes, but it seems that we've got some problems with the BBS. The part-time web designer was not as good as what we had thought before. She informed us just now that she could not complete this task.
#Person2#: Well, didn't you talk with her about what she should do at the beginning?
#Person1#: Not really. She was recommended by Sampson and from what he told me, she sounded to be pretty qualified to do the job. I'm not asking for a terrific web design but to build up a structure with all the basic elements of web design.
#Person2#: Did you ask her why she wasn't frank with you in the beginning if she couldn't do the BBS?
#Person1#: I did. But she said it was a communication problem.
#Person2#: So now what do you plan to do since she got the job half done?
#Person1#: On one side, I will not pay her full fees since she wasn't honest with me in the beginning. On the other side, I have to search around for another guy to complete the job.
#Person2#: I agree. That should also teach her a lesson. For us, I think we had better turn to our Part-time Job Center for help. There, we can get a professional to work at it.

Summary: #Person1# asks Jane about the progress of the website design. Jane complains that the part-time web designer wasn't qualified to do the job, but the designer said it was a communication problem. They agree it's better to get a professional designer.


#Person1#: Can you believe the headlines?
#Person2#: What are you reading?
#Person1#: I'm reading about Michael Milliken, the Bond King.
#Person2#: Didn't he sell worthless stocks to people or something? He got arrested for that, didn't he?
#Person1#: He got arrested all right.
#Person2#: If I remember, he got off with a light sentence. Something like three years in a minimum-security prison.
#Person1#: Yup, that's him. He made millions of dollars selling bonds to people and ended up with a pile of cash when they became useless.
#Person2#: I think the government fined him a small amount, and he kept the rest in his foreign bank accounts. He's still a millionaire.
#Person1#: That's the kind of thing in America that gets me mad. Some guy pulls off a stock scheme and makes millions while spending the bare minimum sentence in jail.
#Person2#: I know. And some poor guy that robs a liquor store makes $ 500 at most and ends up in jail for five to ten years.
#Person1#: Yup, you got it. Criminals in America do a lot better if they're white-collar thieves.
#Person2#: So what's Michael Milliken up to these days?
#Person1#: He's giving lectures on business at colleges.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# talk about Michael Milliken who sold worthless stock to people but got away with a light sentence and is still a millionaire. They're angry that white-collar thieves end up a lot better than some poor robbers.


#Person1#: Caroline Menzies speaking.
#Person2#: Could I speak to Diana Curzon?
#Person1#: I'm afraid she's in a meeting at the moment. Who's speaking?
#Person2#: This is John Laing from Dantons.
#Person1#: Can I take a message, Mr. Laing?
#Person2#: Yes, please. I'm actually returning her call. So perhaps you could tell her that I called.
#Person1#: Certainly. Does she have your number?
#Person2#: She must have, but let me give it to you anyway. It's 01705 455623.
#Person1#: 01705. . .
#Person2#: 455623.
#Person1#: 455623.
#Person2#: That's right.
#Person1#: OK. I'll make sure she gets the message.
#Person2#: Thank you.

Summary: John Laing returns Diana Curzon's call, but Diana Curzon is busy. Caroline Menzies will convey the message.


#Person1#: I hear you and James are engaged at last.
#Person2#: Yes, we are.
#Person1#: When are you getting married?
#Person2#: In the spring.
#Person1#: Oh, lovely. Where's the wedding going to be?
#Person2#: Well. . we're not sure yet, probably in St. Albans.
#Person1#: Oh, yes, your parents live there, don't they?
#Person2#: Yes, that's right.
#Person1#: Where are you going to live after you're married?
#Person2#: We're going to buy a flat or a small house somewhere in South London.
#Person1#: Are you going to give up your job?
#Person2#: Yes, probably but I may look for another one when we're settled in.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# about #Person2# and James' getting married and #Person2#'s plan after marriage.


#Person1#: Alex, shall I start the packing?
#Person2#: The packing? No, no, don't worry. We may have to change your plan.
#Person1#: Why?
#Person2#: We may not go to Schottland. We may go to wheels or England instead. We can decide after the weather forecast.
#Person1#: OK. Is it time to watch the forecast for tomorrow on TV?
#Person2#: Yes, listen. northern Schottland will be cold and there may be snow somewhere.
#Person1#: In the north of England, it will be a wet day and rain will move into Wales during the afternoon.
#Person2#: Eastern England will be generally dry and it will be a bright clear day with sunshine, but it may rain during the evening.
#Person1#: In the southwest, it may be foggy during the morning, but the afternoon will be clear and may be windy later in the day.
#Person2#: Now, where are we going?
#Person1#: It's up to you.

Summary: Alex tells #Person1# they may have to change the travel destination according to the weather. They watch the forecast for tomorrow but still can't decide where to go.


#Person1#: Good evening, sir. Can I help you?
#Person2#: Yes. I think I left my digital camera on the train from London earlier today.
#Person1#: Did you, sir? Oh, well, in that case, we'd better fill in a Lost Property Form. Can you tell me your name?
#Person2#: Yes, it's Mark Adams.
#Person1#: OK. Your address?
#Person2#: You mean in Britain or in the States?
#Person1#: How long are you staying?
#Person2#: Oh, I've still got a few months in Britain.
#Person1#: OK, then can you give me your address here?
#Person2#: Right. It's 18 Linden Drive, Laten Essex. Do you want the phone number?
#Person1#: Yes, I'd better have that too.
#Person2#: OK, 0809 45233.
#Person1#: Thanks. And you say it was a digital camera, what make and model?
#Person2#: It's Samsung G302.
#Person1#: OK, got that. Now, you say it was the London train. What time did it arrive in Edinburgh?
#Person2#: At 4:45 this afternoon.
#Person1#: Well then, if we find it, sir, shall we phone you or write to you?
#Person2#: No. I think I will drop in the day after tomorrow to check out.
#Person1#: Right you are, sir. We'll do our best.

Summary: Mark Adams lost his digital camera on the train from London. #Person1# asks him to fill a Lost Property Form and promises to help to look for it.


#Person1#: Where are you going?
#Person2#: I'm going to buy a CD.
#Person1#: Why not listen to music online?
#Person2#: Then I will have to pay quite a lot to listen to music on line, isn't it?
#Person1#: You can audition music on line, and you can audition it off line after downloading it, so you needn't pay for it.
#Person2#: I have downloaded one, but it still can't be listened.
#Person1#: In order to listen to music, you must have the necessary software.
#Person2#: Can you recommend some to me?
#Person1#: Certainly. Realplayer is a good.
#Person2#: Can I download it?
#Person1#: Yes, but you need install it after downloading so that you can use it.
#Person2#: I'll try it tonight.

Summary: #Person2#'ll buy a CD but #Person1# suggests listening to music online. #Person1# recommends a music software, Realplayer, to #Person2#.


#Person1#: Do you have a reservation, sir?
#Person2#: No, I ' m afraid we don ' t.
#Person1#: I ' m sorry the restaurant is full now. You have to wait for about half an hour. Would you like to have a drink at the lounge until there ' s a table available.
#Person2#: No, thanks, I ' ll come back later. May I reserve a table for two?
#Person1#: Yes, of course. May I have your name, sir?
#Person2#: Bruce By the way, can we have a table by the window?
#Person1#: we ' ll try to arrange it, but I can ' t guarantee sir.
#Person2#: That ' s fine.
#Person1#: your table's ready, sir? Please step this way.

Summary: #Person1# tells Bruce the restaurant is full now. Then, Bruce reserves a table for two by the window and will come back later.


#Person1#: How come Jime lost his job?
#Person2#: I didn't say he had lost it. All I said was if he didn't get out and start selling a few cars instead of idling around all day, he might find himself looking for a new job.

Summary: #Person1# misunderstands #Person2#'s words and thought Jime lost his job.


#Person1#: Good afternoon, doctor.
#Person2#: Good afternoon, Mrs. Brown. Well, what's wrong with this little boy?
#Person1#: He is my son, Jim. He's got a cough.
#Person2#: How long has he had it?
#Person1#: Ever since last night.
#Person2#: Has he had anything to eat today?
#Person1#: Yes. He had a little milk and an egg this morning.
#Person2#: Well, Mrs. Brown, I think he's caught a cold.
#Person1#: Is it serious?
#Person2#: No, it's nothing serious, but he'd better stay at home and rest.
#Person1#: Thank you very much.
#Person2#: You're welcome.

Summary: Mrs. Brown takes her son Jim to see #Person2#, the doctor, as Jim got a cough. #Person2# says Jim has caught a cold.


#Person1#: Do you have any other hobbies besides stamp collecting?
#Person2#: Yes, fishing. I go fishing twice a week.
#Person1#: That's very popular too. Every time I passed the lake, I see many people sitting there with fishing rods in their hands, but I've never seen anyone catch anything.
#Person2#: Maybe it's because you lack patience.
#Person1#: Maybe you're right. I went fishing once, I sat till about 4 hours and got nothing. I broke my rod and decided not to fish anymore.
#Person2#: Oh, you didn't have to do that. Look at that man, there must be a huge fish on the end of the line. Let's go over and have a look.
#Person1#: OK. Wow, what a big fish.
#Person2#: So it is interesting to fish with a rod sitting at the lake. Safe, what do you often do in your spare time?
#Person1#: Oh, nothing special I read, watch TV and go to the movies.
#Person2#: Don't you have any hobbies like stamp collecting or things like that?
#Person1#: No, I don't have any hobbies.

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# about #Person1#'s unhappy fishing experience while #Person2# thinks fishing is interesting. Then they see a man getting a big fish.


#Person1#: I'm exhausted. My new exercise is so hard.
#Person2#: I think it is easy. I could work in your class with no problem.
#Person1#: You thing so?
#Person2#: Oh, without doubt. When is the next class?
#Person1#: Tomorrow morning. Try it.
#Person2#: No problem.
#Person1#: Are you going to this class this morning?
#Person2#: Of course, easy. No sweat.
#Person1#: You're no able to move after this class.
#Person2#: Are you kidding me? It's going to be up a piece of cake.
#Person1#: You want to bet?
#Person2#: Yeah, what't the bet?
#Person1#: I bet I can go one hour in your class this morning and not feel a thing.

Summary: #Person1# thinks the new exercise is hard, while #Person2# considers it quite easy so they make a bet.


#Person1#: Isn't he the best instructor? I think he's so hot. Wow! I really feel energized, don't you?
#Person2#: I swear, I'm going to kill you for this.
#Person1#: What's wrong? Didn't you think it was fun? !
#Person2#: Oh, yeah! I had a blast! I love sweating like a pig with a bunch of pot bellies who all smell bad. Sorry, I'm just not into this health kick.
#Person1#: Oh, no, get off it. It wasn't such a killer class. You just have to get into it. Like they say, no pain, no gain.
#Person2#: I am wiped out. Thank you.
#Person1#: Look, next time get yourself some comfy shoes. You're gonna come back again with me, aren't you?
#Person2#: Never! But thank you for inviting me.
#Person1#: Come on. You'll feel better after we hit the showers.

Summary: #Person1# thinks the instructor's the best, but #Person2# isn't into this health kick. #Person1# advises #Person2# to get comfy shoes but #Person2# doesn't want to come back again.


#Person1#: So, we're back in class at last. I didn't see you around this summer, Mary. Did you leave Beijing?
#Person2#: Yeah, I told my parents I wanted to escape Beijing's heat. So they asked me to go to Wuhan to help my uncle with his business.
#Person1#: Wuhan? That's even worse.
#Person2#: Actually, I didn't go. I ended up in Xiamen. My uncle moved there at the last minute. And he asked me to stay with him there and help decorate his new apartment.
#Person1#: Did you find anything fun to do there?
#Person2#: Well, I did have some time to go to the beach, of course.
#Person1#: Wasn't it unbearably hot there?
#Person2#: No, it was surprisingly pleasant.
#Person1#: Did you like the food?
#Person2#: It wasn't terrible, but I must say that seafood isn't really my thing.
#Person1#: That's a shame. All that delicious fresh fish and nobody to appreciate it.

Summary: Mary tells #Person1# about her summer experience. She left Beijing and went to Xiamen with her uncle to help him decorate the new apartment.


#Person1#: Which church do you attend?
#Person2#: I am Mormon, so I go to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
#Person1#: What's the difference between this and other Churches?
#Person2#: Mormons believe that, after the death of Christ and the death of the Apostles 10, their church Christ founded became corrupt and the authority of Christ on earth was lost to men. In 1830, a prophet named Joseph Smith was brought up by God to restore the church.
#Person1#: Then does that mean the other churches are corrupt?
#Person2#: That means that they all have parts of the original gospel, but not all.
#Person1#: Do you believe that Mormons have all of it?
#Person2#: Yes.
#Person1#: Why do you really go to church?
#Person2#: We gather together to encourage each other, because we have common beliefs. We come together and call it church.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2# is Morman and explains the difference between the church #Person2# goes and other Churches. #Person2# goes to church because of the common beliefs.


#Person1#: What are we going to do? I can't get the car out of this ditch. I'm stuck!
#Person2#: I'm worried, Tom. I haven't seen any other cars for almost an hour.
#Person1#: I know. This is terrible. What can we do? This snow doesn't stop falling!
#Person2#: I told you we should have stayed in town today. The weather report said 100 percent chance of snow. Why did you want to come up here?
#Person1#: I wanted to show you the cabin. We only had another half-hour to go.
#Person2#: Well, now we're stuck. What can we do?
#Person1#: I don't know.
#Person2#: I've heard that when this happens, it's important to save energy.
#Person1#: What do you mean?
#Person2#: We're stranded here, Tom. We may be here a long time. We need to conserve the gas in the car. The car's energy is what will keep us warm.
#Person1#: I have plenty of gas.
#Person2#: Yes, but the gas and the battery both have to stay working. We can't just let the car run and run. If we do, it will die soon. Then we'll freeze.
#Person1#: So what can we do?
#Person2#: Turn the lights off. Then, run the car and the heater only about fifteen minutes every hour. That will conserve the heat as long as possible.
#Person1#: Alright. That's a good idea.
#Person2#: I wish we hadn't come up here. Now we'll probably be here for days.
#Person1#: Days?
#Person2#: Yes, it happens. That is what happens in big snowstorms. People get stranded for days.
#Person1#: Oh, my God! It's good we have food.
#Person2#: Probably we'll survive. But turn the car off for about forty-five minutes. Then we'll turn it on again.
#Person1#: Okay, I'll follow your advice.

Summary: Tom and #Person2#'s car is stranded in the ditch in a big snowstorm. They are anxious at first, then #Person2# suggests turning the lights off and running the car and the heater once in a while to save energy. Tom will follow #Person2#'s advice.


#Person1#: The product's selling points is its advanced technoledge.
#Person2#: Unfortunately, it's just too expensive for majority of consumer to afford.
#Person1#: Why is the price so high?
#Person2#: It's not just that the price is high, it's that the overhead to update an entire computer system to be compatible is costly.
#Person1#: Model of computers aren't compatible?
#Person2#: Most current computer systems simply can't handle it because this model truly has extraordinary capabilities.
#Person1#: Maybe after the next generation of technology comes out, the price of this model will become more affordable.
#Person2#: But by then, the technology will be outdated.
#Person1#: True, but our focus has never been affordability anyway. Coastwise, we may not be very competitive, but qualitywise, we definitely have an edge.
#Person2#: That's right, no one else has a product on the market now that is comparable.
#Person1#: This model has advanced technoledge, superior components, it is compact, and it's a top-quality product.
#Person2#: I guess you get what you pay for.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# are talking about a product with advanced technology. #Person2# says it is expensive because the overhead to update an entire computer system to be compatible is costly.


#Person1#: What is your greatest strength?
#Person2#: I think I am very good at planning. I manage my time well so that I can always get things done on time.
#Person1#: What is your weakness?
#Person2#: I always give each job my best efforts, so when others are not pulling their weight, I am frustrated.
#Person1#: What is your greatest accomplishment?
#Person2#: I got the Scientific Research Prize from the Gansu government for my achievements in the Northwest Regional Economy Development Research Project.
#Person1#: Can you work under pressure?
#Person2#: Working under pressure is exciting and challenging. I don't mind. In fact, I am very efficient when certain pressure is exerted on the work.
#Person1#: What are the problems you have encountered in your job and how do you solve them?
#Person2#: There was a time when both the clerical assistant and the secretary resigned at the same time. I then had to handle their work temporarily. The workload was incredibly heavy. So I started to set priorities for the jobs and hired part-time staff to handle routine work. Finally, I managed to keep the operation smooth until we found someone to fill the vacancy.
#Person1#: How do you deal with those who you think are difficult to work with?
#Person2#: I stick to my principles and keep to the rules. Sometimes, they just lack enthusiasm and I get them involved with something constructive. Some of them change their attitude later.

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# some questions including #Person2#'s merits and demerits, greatest accomplishment, whether #Person2# can work under great pressure, what problems #Person2# encountered and how #Person2# solved them, and how to work with difficult people. #Person2# answers them all in detail.


#Person1#: Do you take a bus to and from work?
#Person2#: Yeah, everyday. And there's only one choice. All the other buses are going the other direction.
#Person1#: Hmm. I have the same problem. When I leave work, it's always rush hour. So the buses are always crowded.
#Person2#: Oh, yeah, it's terrible. I will tell you the funniest thing I have seen in China. It's when so many people try to get onto one city bus, and the last guy is squeezed in so tight that the door is tightly pressed against his butt.
#Person1#: That sounds terrible the way you describe it. But you know, not long ago I really suffered on the bus.
#Person2#: What happened? Were you having a hard time getting on a bus?
#Person1#: You just can't imagine! I waited for the first bus but it was too full, so I waited for the second, and it was still very crowded. Then I decided not to wait for the next one, and got on the second bus. It was so full that I had to stand on one foot! No kidding!
#Person2#: Hmm. Good exercise, uh?
#Person1#: Yeah, absolutely!
#Person2#: And it's so much fun. One day, the bodies were so tightly packed that some girl's behind was pressed against my front. I was afraid to put my hands down for fear of accidentally groping her.
#Person1#: You were so happy, weren't you?
#Person2#: What do you think? I'm a good boy.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# both have the problem of taking a crowded bus to and from work. Then they share their terrible experiences that they suffered on the crowded bus. #Person1# once had to stand on one foot on the bus and #Person2#'s body was packed tightly.


#Person1#: How are you going all these days?
#Person2#: Fine, thanks.
#Person1#: But you look depressed.
#Person2#: I have some problem with my work.
#Person1#: Is it serious?
#Person2#: I can solve it, thanks.
#Person1#: How about your family?
#Person2#: Everything is Okay. And as soon as I see my son at home, all my worries vanish into the blue.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2#'s depressed due to some problems with the work but #Person2# can solve it.


#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.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# what an exporter considers and talks about it in detail.


#Person1#: You've had a very dangerous life, haven't you, Joe?
#Person2#: Yes. That's right.
#Person1#: When was your worst accident?
#Person2#: Last year. It was during the British Grand Prix. I knocked into a wall. The car was completely destroyed and my left leg was broken. Luckily nobody was killed.
#Person1#: Is that the only time you've been..., er... close to death?
#Person2#: No, I had a very frightening experience quite recently. I was frightened to death! I thought I was going to be killed at any moment.
#Person1#: Really? When was that?
#Person2#: It was on my way to this studio. I had to drive through London during the lunch hour.

Summary: Joe has had a very dangerous life and tells #Person1# about his worst accident and a very frightening experience recently.


#Person1#: Mr. Brown! How nice to see you, can I help?
#Person2#: I'm not exactly sure if it's your department, but I'd like to ask some questions about qualifying for Comprehensive Credit Granting.
#Person1#: I see. You are one of my favourite customers, Mr. Brown. I'm more than happy to help. For Comprehensive Credit Granting, IBA will grant a promised quota for you, that is, if you qualify. Of course, your credit record, within you field of trade needs to be up to scratch.
#Person2#: How long a period will you look at to determine this?
#Person1#: We will consider the first part of the year, in your particular field, and your credit rating can be no less than class A, during that period.
#Person2#: That sounds simple enough. It's Friday today, I'll be back on Monday morning, first thing, with all of the relevant data. See you then, and enjoy your weekend.

Summary: Mr. Brown is answering #Person2#'s questions about qualifying for Comprehensive Credit Granting. #Person2#'ll be on Monday morning with all the relevant data.


#Person1#: Can I help you?
#Person2#: I'm looking for some suit that I can wear at the office as well as on weekends.
#Person1#: Let me show you a new summer collection. There're several styles that you're just looking for.

Summary: #Person2#'s looking for a suit. #Person1# recommends a new summer collection.


#Person1#: Hello Martin, long time no see. I heard you went to France to study, how was that?
#Person2#: I was only there for a year, then I took a year off to travel around Europe.
#Person1#: Where did you go?
#Person2#: I went to Switzerland first and then Germany in Austria. I was planning to end my trip in Italy, but it didn't work out.
#Person1#: Oh well, is it good to be back?
#Person2#: Of course, but I'm returning to France to finish my degree. It's a four-year program.
#Person1#: Oh, so you're just back to Beijing to visit your family?
#Person2#: Yeah, I'm here for another 2 months.
#Person1#: Any plans?
#Person2#: In July, my mother is turning 70, so we'll do something special for her. Next month we're going to drive to the coast, then I will be back to France before September first.
#Person1#: Good for you, do you think you could fit me into your busy schedule?
#Person2#: Ha, I can always make time for my friends, how about tonight?
#Person1#: Deal.

Summary: Martin tells #Person1# about his experience in Europe. Martin is back in Beijing to visit his family and will return to France to finish his degree. #Person1# and Martin decide to meet tonight.


#Person1#: What's the matter, Paul?
#Person2#: Can you believe this? I locked my keys in the car, and I have to go to the airport to pick up my aunt.
#Person1#: So, what are you going to do?
#Person2#: I don't know. . . Hey, do you think I could borrow your car for a few hours?
#Person1#: I'm sorry, but I really need it this afternoon.
#Person2#: Well, could you drive me home? I have spare keys there.
#Person1#: Sure. That's no problem.
#Person2#: Oh, and Andy? Do you have a quarter for the phone? My wallet's in the car.
#Person1#: Here you go. Anything else?
#Person2#: No, that's it. Thanks. I really appreciate it.

Summary: Paul's keys were locked in the car. Andy drives him home and lends him a quarter. Paul is grateful.


#Person1#: Dutton Hotels. How may I help you today?
#Person2#: I wanted to check rates and availability for your San Francisco location.
#Person1#: Certainly, I can help you with that. Will that be the downtown or waterfront location?
#Person2#: The waterfront location.
#Person1#: What date do you plan to check in?
#Person2#: I'd like to check in on October 12th and check out the 15th.
#Person1#: Okay, let me see what we have. For how many?
#Person2#: One. And, if possible, I'm looking for a non-smoking room.
#Person1#: Sure, we have a non-smoking queen with an ocean view for $189 or a standard room with a courtyard view for $139 a night.
#Person2#: I'd like to book the standard room.
#Person1#: Okay, your last name?
#Person2#: Rama.
#Person1#: And, your first name?
#Person2#: Jeff.
#Person1#: Okay, I have you booked in a standard non-smoking queen, checking in on October 12th and departing the 15th. What major credit card would you like to use to guarantee the reservation?
#Person2#: A Visa.
#Person1#: The number and expiration?
#Person2#: It's 7388-2424-3535-1818 and the expiration is 05/08.
#Person1#: Your confirmation number is PD672. Is there anything else I help you with?
#Person2#: No, that's all. Thanks.
#Person1#: Have a nice day and thanks you for calling Dutton Hotels.

Summary: #Person1# at Dutton Hotels helps Rama reserve a standard non-smoking room with a courtyard view from October 12th to 15th. #Person1# takes credit card information to make a reservation and then gives Jeff Rama the confirmation number.


#Person1#: ... so, I said, let ' s take a break. And since that night, I ' Ve been waiting for him to call, but I still haven ' t heard from him. You don ' t think he ' s seeing someone else, do you?
#Person2#: Come on, don ' t be so dramatic! I ' m sure everything is going to work out just fine.
#Person1#: You think so? Oh, no! How can he do this to me? I ' m sure he ' s cheating on me! Why else wouldn ' t he call?
#Person2#: But, you two are on a break. Theoretically he can do whatever he likes.
#Person1#: He ' s the love of my life! I ' Ve really messed this up.
#Person2#: Come on, hon. Pull yourself together. It ' s going to be alright.
#Person1#: But I... I still love him! And it ' s all my fault! I can ' t believe how immature and selfish I was being. I mean, he is a firefighter, it ' s not like he can just leave someone in a burning building and meet me for dinner. I ' Ve totally messed this up!
#Person2#: You know what, Veronica, I think you should make the first step. I ' m sure he ' ll forgive you...
#Person1#: No, this is not gonna happen! I... I ' Ve ruined everything...
#Person2#: do you hear something?

Summary: Veronica feels regretful that she broke up with her boyfriend. She thinks she was being immature and selfish and she still loves him. #Person2# advises Veronica to apologize first.


#Person1#: Okay, now I'd like to find out more about your last job. I see you spent almost four years at the London Weekly, is that right?
#Person2#: Yes, that's right. To be honest, the first year was quite tough for me. I was really just treated more like an intern. I didn't have many responsibilities and I found it quite frustrating.
#Person1#: So, what changed?
#Person2#: Well slowly but surely I proved myself, and the new editor liked me so he promoted me to features writer.
#Person1#: Wow, a real step up!
#Person2#: Yes, I was responsible for restaurant and food reviews mostly. I spent restaurant years in that position, but to be honest it wasn't an area of journalism I wanted to stay in long-term.
#Person1#: I see, so why did you decide to leave finally?
#Person2#: I just felt that the paper couldn't offer me any new opportunities. I really needed a more challenging role to be honest.

Summary: #Person2# talks about #Person2#'s last job that #Person2# was treated like an intern at first and then a new editor promoted #Person2# to features writer. #Person2# left because #Person2# needed a more challenging role.


#Person1#: How did you find your apartment?
#Person2#: You can check on the bulletin boards at school for local housing.
#Person1#: What if I need a roommate?
#Person2#: There are websites that can hook you up with a roommate.
#Person1#: How much do apartments cost around here?
#Person2#: It depends on what you want. Do you want a one - or two-bedroom apartment?
#Person1#: I just need a one-bedroom apartment.
#Person2#: That will probably cost you around twelve hundred dollars a month.
#Person1#: Would you come with me to look at apartments?
#Person2#: I would be happy to look at apartments with you.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# to check the bulletin board and websites for housing information. Then #Person1# invites #Person2# to look at the apartments.


#Person1#: Slow down! You can't exceed the speed limits.
#Person2#: No, I cann't. I'm in a hurry!
#Person1#: No, you can not. It is dangerous.
#Person2#: Shut up! Now you are in my car, you should listen to me. Or you can get off. I've told you I'm in a hurry. I don't want to waste time on the road.
#Person1#: No. You shouldn't drive like that.

Summary: #Person2#'s speeding because #Person2#'s in a hurry, but #Person1# insists on #Person2# slowing down.


#Person1#: Hi, the lab said that you would be getting my test results in today.
#Person2#: I like you to come in and discuss some further tests that I would like to run.
#Person1#: I think that this is a bad sign.
#Person2#: For now, I would like to run a few more tests to look into some of the problems that you mentioned.
#Person1#: Why wouldn't you tell me over the phone?
#Person2#: If there is any question about test results, we always do a recheck.
#Person1#: I need to come in right away.
#Person2#: I would be happy to see you this afternoon. If you are feeling upset, please bring a friend or relative along.
#Person1#: You are scaring me!
#Person2#: Come on in this afternoon and we will talk. It will be fine!

Summary: #Person2# merely wants to discuss some further tests with #Person2#, but #Person1# treats it as bad news.


#Person1#: I wish our competition will quit poaching our people, when Susan resigned last week to work for the Sunburst, she was our fourth employee to leave us for them.
#Person2#: Have you ever considered that perhaps we have a morale problem among our employees? If everyone is discontent with their work, of course they won't stick arround.
#Person1#: Well, those do leave will soon find out the grass isn't as green on the other side of sense as they thought it was, I know Sunburst is suffering from inbreeding.
#Person2#: Inbreeding is a big drawback from snitching most of their employers from one or two companies.
#Person1#: With Susan leaving, we should probably look to someone new on board.
#Person2#: Our human resource department is working on it, it's not easy to recruit new employees every few month, it's hard to find qualified people.
#Person1#: Maybe we should start shopping around the competitors people.

Summary: #Person1# wish their competition will quit poaching their employees, but #Person2# thinks it's more about a morale problem among their employees and tells #Person1# it's hard to find new employees every few months to fill someone's vacancy.


#Person1#: Do you think it's time to sign the contract, Mr. Simpson?
#Person2#: I'd like to look it over before I sign it.
#Person1#: OK, no problem. I hope there are no questions about the terms.
#Person2#: I am fully satisfied with the terms of this contract.
#Person1#: Shall we sign this contract now?
#Person2#: OK. Where do you want me to sign?
#Person1#: Just sign at the bottom.
#Person2#: OK. ( Sign ) Once a contract is signed, it has legal effect.
#Person1#: You're right. Thank you for your cooperation.
#Person2#: It's my pleasure.

Summary: #Person1# wants Mr. Simpson to sign the contract. Mr. Simpson carefully looks over the contract and signs it.