#Person1#: You'v been work here for nearly a month, how do you feel about the job?
#Person2#: Not bad. Thank you for your help. I am always busy with this job, I feel a bit tired.
#Person1#: I had the same feeling when I first came to work here. but after a period of time, I feel better, I am sure you'll get used to this busy job.
#Person2#: I also feel that work efficiency here is very high. and you have strong working ability and professional skill, it seems that you know all, that's really wonderful!
#Person1#: You know the phrase, the survival the fittest. We have no choices.
#Person2#: That's right, I have to work hard.

Summary: #Person2# thinks the job is busy and tiring. #Person1# comforts #Person2# and #Person2# admires #Person1#'s professional skills and strong working abilities.


#Person1#: Could you send me your story now?
#Person2#: OK, by fax or by email?
#Person1#: The former, please. There is something wrong with my laptop.
#Person2#: But didn't you buy it just a several months ago?
#Person1#: Not that one, I bought that one for my younger brother.
#Person2#: What's wrong with your laptop?
#Person1#: I can't get into the system. I know nothing about computers. I need help.
#Person2#: Maybe I can come over and have a look.
#Person1#: Do you know how to solve the problem?
#Person2#: I majored in computer science when I was in college.
#Person1#: In that case, print your story and bring it here.

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# to send things by fax because #Person1#'s laptop is broken. #Person2# proposes to offer help.


#Person1#: What did her boss say to you?
#Person2#: He asked me to beef up in the work.
#Person1#: Yeah. You look so unhappy recently. What's the matter.
#Person2#: Nothing, thanks. I am just not in the mood these days.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2#'s not in the mood for working.


#Person1#: What class did you have this afternoon, Kate?
#Person2#: A chemistry class. We've got a new chemistry teacher this term.
#Person1#: Who is it?
#Person2#: James Black. He told us to call Jim, not to call him Mr. Black.
#Person1#: Oh, James Black. I know him. He's a little thin man who smiles a lot.
#Person2#: Yes, but many of us are afraid of him.
#Person1#: Really? But I hear he's a very good teacher.
#Person2#: Yes, he is. His classes are always lively and interesting. And we all watch and listen to him very carefully in his class.
#Person1#: It's important to watch carefully when you're studying chemistry, I think.
#Person2#: Jim often says that too, So we are never allowed to do anything without watching.

Summary: Kate tells #Person1# about her new chemistry teacher Mr. Black and his teaching style that Kate isn't allowed to do anything without watching.


#Person1#: Did you do anything fun over the weekend?
#Person2#: I didn't want to go out last weekend, so I decided to stay at home and watch a movie.
#Person1#: Why didn't you want to go out?
#Person2#: I was very tired after working all week. Sometimes on the weekend I don't have enough energy to go out to a movie theater.
#Person1#: Did you download a movie or rent it at the store?
#Person2#: I downloaded it so that I didn't have to remember to return it.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# that #Person2# didn't go out last weekend and stayed at home watching a downloaded movie.


#Person1#: Wow! They've got everything here. All the world's famous brands. Aunt Cindy, what is your favorite brand?
#Person2#: I love all the fashionable things. But my favorite brand is Chanel.
#Person1#: Oh, that's a very expensive brand, but with good reason.
#Person2#: Yeah. Each style is specially designed by world's top designers. So they can always make you look amazing.
#Person1#: I see. Come here. The high heels here look really attractive. But I wonder whether it's comfortable to wear any of them?
#Person2#: Not really, especially at the beginning, if you wear high heels all day long, your feet would hurt. But, no big deal. Women can always get used to that.
#Person1#: It's not a simple thing to be beautiful.
#Person2#: Sure. But everyone loves to be beautiful. Hey, do you think this pair of sunglasses matches the handbag well?
#Person1#: Yeah, very tasteful. And with them, you look even more fashionable. Oh, there are so many French perfumers. Oops, perfumes for guys? So strange!
#Person2#: Come on. Fashion is not only for women. Men also share the equal right to chase fashion. It's the new fashion for men to wear perfumes, which is called cologne.
#Person1#: Oh, really, that's really something new. I'm afraid not everyone can accept it.
#Person2#: It takes time for that. But people's consuming attitudes are changing quickly.
#Person1#: That's true. Well, it's obvious that fashion is not a cheap thing. So, do you spend all your money on it?
#Person2#: No. Fashion is just part of my life, which improves its quality. But also, I'm good at financing. I have a credit card, but I never overdraft.
#Person1#: How is it that you are my mom's sis? You two are so different. She always picks up bargains and spends more than she earns. You do so much better than her.
#Person2#: I have to say that's just the result of difference of our consumptive habits.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person1#'s aunt Cindy are shopping. Cindy loves chasing fashion and her favourite brand is Chanel. Cindy also shares her attitude to men's perfumes and her consumptive habits which are different from her sister's.


#Person1#: What are you doing this weekend?
#Person2#: I'm going to the movies with a friend. How about you?
#Person1#: I'm not sure yet.
#Person2#: Well, did you want to go see a movie with me?
#Person1#: What movie are you going to see?
#Person2#: I'm not sure yet. Is there something you want to see?
#Person1#: There's nothing I can think of.
#Person2#: So, did you want to go?
#Person1#: No, thanks, maybe another time.
#Person2#: Okay, sounds good.

Summary: #Person2#'ll watch a movie and invites #Person1# to come but #Person1# refuses.


#Person1#: I heard Tom was caught stealing something again in the supermarket.
#Person2#: Really? He deserves it! They should teach him a good lesson.
#Person1#: But the word is his brother would go bail for him. Last time it's his father who went bail for him.
#Person2#: Then he is really lucky.

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# Tom was caught stealing but his relatives went bail for him.


#Person1#: Mary, can you tell me how you keep in shape?
#Person2#: You'll never be in shape until you eat less and take more exercise.
#Person1#: Now, tell me what you often eat.
#Person2#: I often eat fish and eggs.
#Person1#: Do you eat a lot of vegetables?
#Person2#: Oh yes, and fruits. I love fruits very much.
#Person1#: What do you like to drink?
#Person2#: Well, I never drink alcohol, coffee or tea.
#Person1#: Whatever would you like to drink?
#Person2#: I drink a lot of milk. I drink milk almost every day.
#Person1#: How often do you exercise?
#Person2#: Well, I walk every day.
#Person1#: It's a good diet and a regular exercise.
#Person2#: Yes, quite right.

Summary: #Person1# asks Mary how to keep in shape. Mary advises keeping a good diet and regular exercise.


#Person1#: Hey Susan, what are you coming as this year?
#Person2#: Coming as?
#Person1#: Yeah. . . for Halloween! We have a big office party tomorrow evening. There's a prize for best costume!
#Person2#: Um. . . I have to confess, I haven't given it much thought. I'm from China and Halloween really isn't celebrated there.
#Person1#: Really! You don't have some kind of Chinese ghost festival?
#Person2#: Oh. . . Sure. We have an entire month! In traditional Chinese culture, Ghost Month is a period when the door between this world and beyond opens up and ghosts come back to earth for a visit.
#Person1#: Cool! A whole month! What do you do during that month?
#Person2#: Well, people sometimes set off firecrackers, some people burn paper money as an offering and many people go to a temple to burn incense. Mainly though, you need to feed the ghosts because they're hungry.
#Person1#: Feed them?
#Person2#: Yeah. . . we set up tables with food, fruit and drinks and offer that to the hungry ghosts.
#Person1#: And then later everyone eats the food?
#Person2#: Yes! How did you guess that?
#Person1#: It makes sense, right? Who else is going to eat it?
#Person2#: Good Point!
#Person1#: But no dressing up like ghosts, right?
#Person2#: No! So. . . is Halloween essentially the same thing as ghost month?

Summary: #Person1# asks Susan about her Halloween costume plan but Susan is from China and doesn't celebrate Halloween. She then tells #Person1# about Chinese ghost festival customs. Susan says China has an entire ghost month and people set off firecrackers and prepare food to feed ghosts.


#Person1#: John, could you come to my office? I need to talk to you.
#Person2#: Sure. I'll be there as soon as I finish this document.
#Person1#: No. Come here right now.
#Person2#: OK.
#Person1#: What's the matter?
#Person2#: I'm sorry to say that we have to let you go, John.
#Person1#: Why? I work very hard.
#Person2#: Well, you're working very hard but not efficiently. And you don't work well with other employees.
#Person1#: Well, some of those other guys are not the same kind I'd like to communicate with, but if that's important to you. I'll try to get along with them.
#Person2#: I'm afraid it's too late. We are downsizing our workforce and you'll have to go.
#Person1#: It's unfair.
#Person2#: We can give you the option of residing rather than being fired, because it will look better on your resume when you apply for another job if you resign.
#Person1#: OK. I need to think about that for a while.
#Person2#: All right, but let me know your decision before the end of the day.

Summary: John is fired because he isn't efficient and doesn't get along well with other employees. #Person2# asks John to think of residing because it's good for him to look for another job.


#Person1#: What courses are you going to take next year?
#Person2#: Well, I am certainly going to take chemistry and physics, but I haven't decided on the other subjects yet. I'd like to take English.
#Person1#: Why are you going to take English with chemistry and physics?
#Person2#: Because I want to study English literature. But I think chemistry is better for getting a job.
#Person1#: Of course it depends on what you are going to do when you leave college. Have you decide what you are going to do when you graduated?
#Person2#: I am going to be a, well, I hope to be a research chemist.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# about the courses #Person2# wants to take next year and #Person2#'s ideal future career.


#Person1#: Hi, Steve, how are things?
#Person2#: Hi, Maggie. Good, thanks. What's new with you?
#Person1#: Oh, I was just wondering if you want to go out tonight.
#Person2#: Well, I was thinking of going to the university library to do a bit of study. What've you got on mind?
#Person1#: I thought we just go for a walk? Maybe down the park near the beach.
#Person2#: Tonight? You must be joking! It's too cold.
#Person1#: Oh, yes. It's too cold. But I still want to go out somewhere. That New Town Cruel Sail is on in the town. How about that?
#Person2#: OK. What time does it start?
#Person1#: Oh, I think it's half past eight, something. I'll get a paper and have a look. Just turn on for a minute. Look, the film (have) got a fantastic review last week.
#Person2#: OK. OK. Where are we going to meet?
#Person1#: It'd be easier if we meet at the cinema.
#Person2#: OK. Where is it?
#Person1#: Oh, you know, the Oyiyang.
#Person2#: Where is that?
#Person1#: Near the town hall at the opposite of the Bank.
#Person2#: Oh, yes. I know where it is. OK. Look, I'll meet you there at fifteen past eight.

Summary: Maggie invites Steve to go for a walk tonight, but it's too cold, so she suggests seeing a movie. Steve agrees and they'll meet at the Oyiyang cinema at fifteen past eight.


#Person1#: We'd like some information, please. We want to go to England.
#Person2#: OK. What do you want to know?
#Person1#: Well, first of all, we want to know the air fare to London.
#Person2#: When do you want to go?
#Person1#: We don't really know, maybe July.
#Person2#: I see. Well, in May and June the fare is 480 dollars, but it's less in March and April. It's only 460 dollars.
#Person1#: And what about July?
#Person2#: It's more in July.
#Person1#: More? How much is it then?
#Person2#: It's 525 dollars.
#Person1#: Oh... I'll think it over before I make the final decision.

Summary: #Person1# wants to know the airfare to London. #Person2# tells #Person1# the fares in different months.


#Person1#: It gives me great pleasure to introduce Mr. . . eh Mr. . .
#Person2#: Miss!
#Person1#: Yeah! May I introduce Mis. . . eh. . . Miss. . .
#Person2#: My name is Jane Brown!
#Person1#: Oh yeah! Would you please welcome. . . Miss Jan Brown.

Summary: Miss Jan Brown is mad at #Person1# introducing her mistakenly.


#Person1#: Good morning, may I help you?
#Person2#: Good morning. I want to remit 1, 000 yuan to my sister in Shanghai.
#Person1#: Please fill out this form.
#Person2#: OK. . . Do I need to put on my sister's name for the receiver?
#Person1#: Yes. You must put on her name and address.
#Person2#: OK, I see. Here you are. Is that OK now?
#Person1#: Let me check. Yes. Your 1, 000 remittance, please.
#Person2#: Here you are. What is the rate?
#Person1#: This rate is one percent. That will be 10 yuan.
#Person2#: OK. When will this remittance arrive?
#Person1#: Generally it will arrive within three days.
#Person2#: That's good.

Summary: #Person1# helps #Person2# remit 1000 yuan to #Person2#'s sister.


#Person1#: Hello!
#Person2#: Hi, Jenny! Jason here. It's great to hear your voice again.
#Person1#: Hi, Jason! Long time no see. How's the hotel?
#Person2#: It's pretty nice, but I'm going to start looking for an apartment soon. Hotel living is not for me.
#Person1#: I know what you mean.
#Person2#: How about you? When are you leaving for Berkeley?
#Person1#: I am leaving in two weeks.
#Person2#: So soon! Well, I'd really like to see you again before you leave. Would you like to go out with me on Friday? I'd like to take you to dinner and maybe a movie or something afterwards.
#Person1#: Oh, I am sorry, Jason. I've already got plans for Friday evening. How about Saturday?
#Person2#: Saturday is fine. I'll make dinner reservations for 7 o'clock. Is that ok?
#Person1#: 7 is fine with me.
#Person2#: Great. I'll pick you up at six thirty.
#Person1#: I'll be waiting.

Summary: Jason calls Jenny and asks Jenny about the time of leaving for Berkeley. They want to see each other before Jenny's leave, so they arrange dinner on Saturday.


#Person1#: I opened my mail, found this eviction notice, and don't know what to do with it.
#Person2#: Actually, it is a 30 - day notice to vacate the premises.
#Person1#: Just for being a few days late?
#Person2#: This isn't the first time you have been considerably late with the rent. I need to start the procedure to evict you.
#Person1#: Are you taking my apartment away?
#Person2#: This is a notice to inform you that the sheriff will evict you in 30 days if you do not pay up on your rent.
#Person1#: Can I keep the apartment if I pay my rent in full?
#Person2#: You can keep the apartment if you stay caught up on your rent. Otherwise, I need to find someone who can make the payments.
#Person1#: I will go write a check right now.
#Person2#: Thank you. I will need a cashier's check or cash, please.

Summary: #Person1# receives an eviction notice. #Person2# asks #Person1# to pay up the rent. Otherwise, #Person1# will be evicted. So #Person1# has to write a check to keep the apartment.


#Person1#: How about going to the cinema tonight?
#Person2#: That's great. What's on tonight?
#Person1#: I am not sure about the name of the film, but I know it's a romantic one.
#Person2#: Romantic? I am afraid I like thrillers better.
#Person1#: Don't you think it's too bloody?
#Person2#: On the contrary, very exciting.

Summary: #Person1# invites #Person2# to a romantic film, but #Person2# prefers thrillers.


#Person1#: Christmas is coming up. Han Meimei, let me ask you a question.
#Person2#: Go ahead.
#Person1#: Do you celebrate Christmas?
#Person2#: No, we have Chinese New Year's celebrations.
#Person1#: But Christmas is the biggest holiday of the year. People are busy shopping and preparing presents for relatives and friends before Christmas Eve.
#Person2#: That sounds exciting.
#Person1#: Children hang their stockings over the fireplace so that Father Christmas can fill them with sweets and toys.
#Person2#: What if they don't have a fireplace?
#Person1#: No problem. They always find some place to hang them. By the way, what are you going to do at Christmas?
#Person2#: My teacher, Professor Smith and his wife have invited me to a Christmas dinner.
#Person1#: Sounds great.

Summary: Han doesn't celebrate Christmas so #Person1# tells Han about Christmas traditions. Han is invited by Professor Smith to a Christmas dinner.


#Person1#: Are there any interesting articles in today's newspapers?
#Person2#: The headlines are all about the presidential election in the united states. Few other stories made the front pages.
#Person1#: Is there anything of interest to us in the business sections?
#Person2#: There's an interesting feature article in the chronicle about doing business in china and the daily news has printed a report about the special economic zone near pairs. We have a subsidiary company l
#Person1#: Are the reports favorable?
#Person2#: Generally, the reporters take positive lines. They do point out a few problems that we need to be aware of, but there's nothing worrying in the reports. In the classifieds, one of our competitors is a
#Person1#: That's interesting. They must be thinking of moving into that market. Are there any interesting editorials?
#Person2#: Not really. They all seem to focus on the election. There have been several letters printed in the chronicle regarding that controversial article on drugs that they printed last week.
#Person1#: I'm not surprised. That article certainly added fuel to the debate. Ok. Thanks. Can you leave two articles and the advertisements with me? I'd like to read them.
#Person2#: Sure. There you are.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# the headlines in today's newspaper are all about the presidential election. There's an interesting feature article about doing business in China but there are no interesting editorials.


#Person1#: I want to buy a black suit.
#Person2#: Certainty. Do you want double breasted suit or single breasted suit?
#Person1#: I prefer single breasted suit.
#Person2#: What about this one? It's a very nice 3-piece suit.
#Person1#: That looks great. Do you have ties here?

Summary: #Person1# prefers a single-breasted suit, and #Person2# recommends one.


#Person1#: Fred, can you tell me how I can open my QQ Zone?
#Person2#: Click your right key of mouse and choose QQ Zone.
#Person1#: Well, I have to provide some of my information, right?
#Person2#: Yep! The nick name for your zone, address, gender and so on. Some of them are privacy, so you have the right to keep secret here.
#Person1#: All information is filled in and now I can design my zone.
#Person2#: You can choose one type to make it as your background, and then find a music player and put your favorite songs into it, so your visitors can enjoy the music after entering into your zone.
#Person1#: Now everything is OK. I can write my blog, right?
#Person2#: Certainly.
#Person1#: ( Half an hour, Janice begins shouting excitedly. ) What's the matter with you?
#Person2#: Look! David gives his following-comment on my first blog. He is my first visitor.

Summary: Fred teacher Janice open her QQ zone, help her filled in all information and teaches her to design her zone. Janice is excited after David left comments on her first blog.


#Person1#: I think I may rent out this apartment that I found.
#Person2#: Oh, really? Where'd you find it?
#Person1#: I was looking through the ads today, and I found it in there.
#Person2#: In the ads? Are you serious?
#Person1#: Yeah, and it's affordable too.
#Person2#: I'd like to hear about this apartment.
#Person1#: First of all, it's absolutely gorgeous.
#Person2#: What is the rent each month?
#Person1#: It's only $ 725 a month.
#Person2#: That's amazing. The rent is very cheap.
#Person1#: I know it is.
#Person2#: It's a good thing that you read that ad today.

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# #Person1# may rent out this apartment that #Person1# found in the ads. #Person2# thinks the rent is amazing.


#Person1#: Hello sir, may I help you?
#Person2#: Yeah, I accidentally dropped my phone in the toilet.
#Person1#: I see. Well, you have come to the right place. We have over one hundred models of more than twenty leading mobile phone manufacturers.
#Person2#: Sounds good. I don't want it to be too expensive, maybe something mid-range.
#Person1#: We have this new ETC smart phone. It comes with the Android OS so you can download applications. It also has a built-in camera, mp3 player and touch screen. It works on the 3G network so you have fast access to the internet wherever you are.
#Person2#: What about Wi-fi?
#Person1#: Of course! You can access the internet from any hotspot as well as from home.
#Person2#: One last thing. Is it waterproof?

Summary: #Person2# accidentally dropped his phone in the toilet and wants to buy a new one. #Person1# recommends one to him.


#Person1#: Hi, Mr. Adams?
#Person2#: Ah, Yes. You must be Kelly. Thanks for coming.
#Person1#: Here's my card.
#Person2#: Oh, the entrepreneurial spirit. It hard to find a good babysitter on a Friday night.
#Person1#: Well, I like watching kids, and I need the extra money.
#Person2#: Well, I heard you were one of the best and most affordable babysitters in the area, and ...
#Person1#: Uh, well, I'd like to talk to you about my new rate increases.
#Person2#: Rate increases?
#Person1#: You see, Mr. Adams. I've consulted with my financial advisor [What?]. Uh, my mother, and she says I should charge more per child since I do cook and clean your house while you're away.
#Person2#: Oh, I see. So, what do you have in mind?
#Person1#: Well, as I see it, I'd like to ask a dollar more per child per hour, and overtime after midnight. Based on my calculations, that's only 10.23% above the going market, and I'm now a certified babysitter with training in CPR.
#Person2#: Oh, I never knew there were courses and certifications in babysitting.
#Person1#: Times are changing, Mr. Adams. I have to figure in expenses for a benefits package to cover college tuition, retirement, and my stock portfolio. Well, I tell my dad what to do.
#Person2#: Ah now, you're pulling my leg. I mean, how old are you anyway?
#Person1#: Old enough to be a tough negotiator.

Summary: Mr. Adams has heard that Kelly was one of the best and most affordable babysitters in the area but Kelly asks for a rate increase. Kelly wants 10.23% above the going market since she's an experienced and certified babysitter.


#Person1#: Do you realize it's November already? Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be here.
#Person2#: Gee, you're right. It's time we decided what we are going to do this year. Do you feel like inviting your sister and her family over?
#Person1#: Sure. After all, they had us over last year.
#Person2#: Good. That's settled. Why don't you give them a call and see if they can come?
#Person1#: Sure. Say, Randy, can you help me with the shopping? We need to get a turkey.
#Person2#: Right. Let's get a nice big one, so we'll have plenty of leftover to make sandwiches with.

Summary: Randy wants to invites #Person1#'s sister and her family for Thanksgiving and #Person1# agrees. They are going to buy a turkey.


#Person1#: I feel very ill, Doctor.
#Person2#: What is the matter with you?
#Person1#: I have a terrible sore throat. I have a headache, too.
#Person2#: Have you been coughing and sneezing?
#Person1#: I cough a lot, but I don't sneeze.
#Person2#: Put this thermometer under your tongue. I want to see if you have a fever. Let me see. Yes. You have a fever.
#Person1#: Is my temperature very high?
#Person2#: No, not very. Here is a prescription. Stay in bed and rest. Drink hot tea. Come in and see me in my office on Monday.

Summary: #Person1# has a sore throat and a headache. #Person2# finds out #Person1# has a fever and offers a prescription.


#Person1#: Room service, what can I do for you?
#Person2#: I have some shirts that need laundering, and I'd like my suit pressed.
#Person1#: There is a laundry form as well as a bag in your room. Pls fill it out and the maid will come pick it up.
#Person2#: How long will it take to get my clothes back?
#Person1#: To press the suit only takes 3 hours. The laundry will be returned to you tomorrow around noon time. Is that all right?
#Person2#: That's all right. Pls send someone to pick it up.
#Person1#: Right away, sir.

Summary: #Person2# asks #Person1# for laundry service and #Person1# says to press the suit only takes 3 hours.


#Person1#: Will I get notification that I qualify for unemployment?
#Person2#: The Employment Development Office will send you a Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award letter.
#Person1#: What is contained in that letter?
#Person2#: In addition to telling you how much you will receive, the beginning and ending dates of your claim will be included.
#Person1#: Will the Award Letter tell me what I need to fill out next?
#Person2#: You will receive a Continued Claim Form and every two weeks, you must turn it in.
#Person1#: When I fill out the Continued Claim Form, what will I need to tell them?
#Person2#: You must show where and when you tried to look for work. If you earned any money, you need to tell them about it.
#Person1#: What other information does the form ask for?
#Person2#: You have to tell them if you were too sick to work on any of the days that you should have been looking for work.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# about the content of the Unemployment Insurance Award letter. #Person2# also tells #Person1# what #Person1# should fill out the Continued Claim Form every two weeks.


#Person1#: How could we advertise our celebrations to mark the centenary of the founding of the university?
#Person2#: I'm sure we could get one or two tv companies to come in. Perhaps the president could invite them and do an interview.
#Person1#: That's a good idea. We could put up some posters in and around the campus with a list of events. It would be quite cheap to do on the campus.
#Person2#: It will be expensive to do outside the campus. Perhaps we could arrange for some sponsorship.
#Person1#: We could contact alumni who work for large, well-know companies. They might be able to arrange cheap advertising in exchange for some free tickets.
#Person2#: Good thinking! We should also print some leaflets for students to distribute.
#Person1#: We should put some information about it on the home page of our university website. When people visit the website, they'll see the information.
#Person2#: We could take out some advertisements to local newspapers. I checked the prices and they are reasonable.
#Person1#: Ok. Let's get to work on our advertising campaign.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# talk about advertising a celebration of the centenary of the university. They want to invite TV companies, put up posters, arrange for sponsorship, and use university websites and local newspapers to advertise.


#Person1#: I'd like to rent a bike for a day. How much does it cost?
#Person2#: It's $20 a day. A day is from 9 o'clock in the morning until 7 o'clock in the evening.
#Person1#: So if I brought the bike back at 7:30, would I have to pay for an extra day?
#Person2#: Yes, and there's a deposit to pay as well. It's $50. Then when you bring the bike back, we'll give you back the $50. But if you didn't bring the bike back before 7:00 PM, we'd keep the money of course.
#Person1#: Well. You don't need to worry. I'll surely bring the bike back at 5 o'clock. Do you have helmets, by the way?
#Person2#: Of course. It's free to rent a helmet. Let's go and choose a bike and helmet for you.

Summary: #Person1# wants to rent a bike with a helmet. #Person2# tells #Person1# there's a deposit. #Person1# promises to bring the bike back on time.


#Person1#: Good morning, sir. Have a seat please.
#Person2#: I would like to know the state of the residential property market right now because I have an apartment to sell.
#Person1#: Sure, here is my business card. I'm James Wilson. Let me explain to you how things are. In recent months, the demand for residential properties has become extremely high. The price of residential properly has risen almost twenty percent.
#Person2#: Really? Since I have to go back to England within the next few months, I would like to sell my apartment as soon as possible.
#Person1#: Don't worry, sir. I think it's a seller's market right now. Let me get down some information about your apartment first. what is your property's address?
#Person2#: Flat C. 15 / F, Tong House, Tai Koo Shing.
#Person1#: What is the square footage of your property? How many bedrooms and living rooms?
#Person2#: Its gross area is approximately nine hundred square feet. There's one living room, one dining room, one master bedroom and two other bedrooms.
#Person1#: What is the orientation and view?
#Person2#: It faces south with a hillside view.
#Person1#: The market price for Tong House is around five thousand Hong Kong dollars per square foot, but it also depends on the internal layout and condition of the house.
#Person2#: I would like to ask for four point five million Hong Kong dollars.
#Person1#: May I have your name and contact number, Sir?
#Person2#: Johnson, and my contact number is 2876543 2. My office number is 2123456 7.
#Person1#: Thank you, Mr. Johnson. May I ask you one more question? When will your property become available?
#Person2#: In about one month.
#Person1#: Also, Mr. Johnson, I would like to remind you my company will charge a commission equivalent to one percent of the transaction price in the event of a successful selling of the property through our introduction.
#Person2#: No problem.
#Person1#: Thank you very much. I will introduce your property to our clients. When they want to see your property, I will give you a call.
#Person2#: Thank you.

Summary: Mr.Johnson wants to know the state of the residential property market because he has an apartment to sell. James explains the current demand is high. Mr.Johnson tells him the address and describes the square footage of his property, the orientation, and the view. They agree on a 1% commission of the transaction price and James will help him sell the house.


#Person1#: Good morning, I am Monica. Are you Mr. White, the manager of finance department? I am the newcomer and also working in the finance department.
#Person2#: Yes, that is me. Nice to meet you, Monica. Welcome on board!
#Person1#: Thank you. I am very happy to have my own office now. I'Ve never had one before. It is very nice.
#Person2#: Well, we have nicer things than that in this company. You will find out soon.
#Person1#: Really? What could that be?
#Person2#: Well, I bet you will love them too. If you need help, just ask me any time. I am in the next door. You can also reach me through the extension 508.
#Person1#: That is very kind of you. Thank you very much.

Summary: Monica is a newcomer. Her manager Mr. White welcomes her and is willing to offer help at any time.


#Person1#: Would you like to play golf with me?
#Person2#: I would like to. but I'm not good at it.
#Person1#: It doesn't matter. I will teach you.
#Person2#: That's great! When will we go?
#Person1#: Tomorrow morning.
#Person2#: All right. What should I take?
#Person1#: Just take your golf club. I will pick you up tomorrow.
#Person2#: Thanks. I will wait for you at my home.
#Person1#: Well, see you tomorrow.

Summary: #Person1# invites #Person2# to play golf together tomorrow and promises to teach #Person2#.


#Person1#: Hi, What's for lunch?
#Person2#: I don't know. What do you want to eat?
#Person1#: I was thinking of pizza.
#Person2#: That's what I ate yesterday.
#Person1#: Well, what do you want to eat?
#Person2#: I wouldn't mind a burger.
#Person1#: I ate a burger just the other day.
#Person2#: We're going to have to compromise.
#Person1#: You could always get a burger, and I can get a pizza.
#Person2#: Sounds good to me.
#Person1#: Where can we go to get both?
#Person2#: We can get both at the cafeteria.

Summary: #Person1# wants pizza while #Person2# wants a burger, so they decide to eat at a cafeteria where they can get both.


#Person1#: It's well known that Abraham Lincoln was the greatest American, you know.
#Person2#: Yes, many American people do think so, and they feel proud of Lincoln. He rose from the lowest to the highest position in the United States.
#Person1#: DO you know how he was killed?
#Person2#: Yes. It was on April 14, 1865. After a very busy day, Lincoln and his wife went to see a play at a theatre in Washington. A 25-year-old man, who was from the South, suddenly shot Lincoln through the head.
#Person1#: Did he die immediately when he was shot?
#Person2#: No, he didn't. He died early the next morning in the hospital.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# think Abraham Lincoln was the greatest American. #Person2# tells #Person1# Lincoln was shot and later died in hospital.


#Person1#: Hi, this is Stephanie. I can't answer the phone right now. I'm away, but feel free to call, leave a message, or text. Alright. Bye.
#Person2#: Uh, hello, uh yeah. Hi, Stephanie, or Steffi. Uh, I can't do this? Oh yeah. Uh. Yes, Stephanie, my name is Ronald, but my friends call me Ron. My parents call me, well, forget about that. Uh, I'm originally from Canada, but I grew in Texas. I'm 24 years old, and uh, I graduated from high school about five years ago, and I'm the manager of an exotic pet shop. We carry all kinds of birds, and snakes, and spiders, and fish. We even have one snake that is about four meters long, but I keep him at home. And oh, yeah. Um, my hobbies. I fish, hunt, and ride horses in my free time. My favorite foods are beef, beef, and beef. I don't eat many vegetables, except potatoes with my beef. And, oh yeah, I sometimes eat apples and beef sometimes. I have two brothers. Both of them live with me because they don't have jobs, and my mom lives with me, and I have three dogs: Brutus, Charlie, and Samantha. Oh, and one more thing. This might seem strange, but I enjoy reading poetry. So, that's about it. I hope to hear from you. You can call me if you want. The number is 789-1350. Yeah, uh, right. Catch later, alligator. Oh, oh, that's so stupid. Uh, oh, Good-bye.

Summary: Ronald, the manager of an exotic pet shop, leaves a message when Stephanie cannot answer the phone. He introduces himself, including his birthplace, age, graduation school, vocation, hobbies, favorite foods, family members.


#Person1#: You look exhausted this morning, Steve.
#Person2#: I am pretty tired. I stayed up nearly all night getting ready for a midterm exam this morning.
#Person1#: Have you gotten the results of the test yet?
#Person2#: Yes, and unfortunately, my grade could have been much better.

Summary: Steve tells #Person1# he stayed up for the exam.


#Person1#: Have you ever seen Bill Gate's home on the internet?
#Person2#: No. what's it like?
#Person1#: It's got its own library, theatre, swimming pool, and a guest house. The house itself has about ten different rooms that are all hooked up to computers so you can get things done in each room through a remote control. It's also located near the sea, so he can park his boats next to his house. It's absolutely amazing!
#Person2#: Would you want to live there?
#Person1#: I think his house is fantastic, but I wouldn't want to live there. You would have to hire one or two people to clean all the rooms in the house, plus a few people to take care of the gardens, and probably an au pair or two to take care of the children. It's just too big of a place to take care of on your own.
#Person2#: What's your dreamhole like then?
#Person1#: My dream home is actually just a small cottage in a quiet village in England.
#Person2#: Would you want to buy an old cottage or build a new one yourself?
#Person1#: Old homes are great because they've got character. I think that's important.
#Person2#: Is that why you wear second-hand clothes as well? Because they've got character?
#Person1#: No, that's just because I don't have enough money to buy new cloths all the time!
#Person2#: I see. If you lived in an old house, would it be decorated in a modern way?
#Person1#: No, I'd definitely try to restore it to its original state. I love to imagine what it'd be like to live in another time in history and living in a house decorated like it would have been 200 years ago would be a great way to feed my imagination even more!

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# about Bill Gate's home #Person1#'s seen on the Internet. #Person1# thinks the house is fantastic but #Person1# doesn't want to live there, then #Person1# talks about #Person1#'s dream home.


#Person1#: Where have you been all this time? The train is about to leave!
#Person2#: Sorry I'm late, but I was waiting for you at the information desk upstairs. It's lucky I thought to look for you here on the platform.

Summary: #Person1# waits for #Person2# at the platform while #Person2# was waiting at the information desk.


#Person1#: What's the matter, Alice?
#Person2#: Sorry, Mr. Harrison. I missed my train.
#Person1#: Why did you miss the train?
#Person2#: Because I left home a little late.
#Person1#: Did you get up late or something?
#Person2#: No. My aunt called me at the last minute.
#Person1#: Tell her not to call you in the morning.
#Person2#: I will, Mr. Harrison. I'm really sorry for being late.
#Person1#: If you are late again, I can't let you pass for this class.
#Person2#: Oh, please.

Summary: Alice's late for the class because she missed the train. Mr. Harrison says she will not pass the class if being late again.


#Person1#: Can I help you find something?
#Person2#: I would like to buy a new fridge.
#Person1#: Is there one in particular that you like?
#Person2#: I was looking at this Kenmore refrigerator.
#Person1#: Ah yes, that is a great refrigerator.
#Person2#: What's so great about it?
#Person1#: It's both affordable and it comes with all the appliances.
#Person2#: What appliances?
#Person1#: It comes with an ice maker, water dispenser, and there is a lot of room inside.
#Person2#: May I see the inside for myself?
#Person1#: Be my guest.
#Person2#: Wow! You're right! This refrigerator is great. I'll take it.

Summary: #Person1# wants to buy a Kenmore refrigerator. #Person2# promotes it to #Person1#. #Person1# likes it and will take it.


#Person1#: OK! Let's get down to business now.
#Person2#: Say it.
#Person1#: As you know, we should work out cautious and detailed plan for our promotion, so as to guide our company to be successful in the new product, L-series.
#Person2#: That's right. And in my opinion, to push the sale of the new products is not an easy task.
#Person1#: I know that. I need to discuss this with Arden. And in his opinion, we should widen the scope of our ads, so newspaper and Internet should be adopted in this campaign.
#Person2#: Could you put it in detail?
#Person1#: Well. We plan to contact www. on-line advertising. com. cn and Shanghai Morning Newspaper to discuss the advertisement schedule.
#Person2#: I think the idea is very good. In the promotion campaign, two or more media are used together, so as to draw customers'attention and keep hold their attention to larger extent.
#Person1#: What kind of media do you recommend?
#Person2#: I think TV is also an effective media, as long as our company is willing to spend more money on it.
#Person1#: Well. Arden just mentioned the paper and the on-sales. And I can talk about TV with him later, because TV promotion gets more and more popular among consumers.
#Person2#: I also think good advertising is essential to call attention to a product and introduce our L-series products. Meanwhile, ads are also the representation of the company's image.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# discuss the details of widening the scope of their ads to promote their new product. #Person1# suggests putting ads on newspapers and the Internet. #Person2# also recommends TV. #Person1# will discuss this with Arden.


#Person1#: How can I help you, Ms. Johnson?
#Person2#: Mmm... First, I'd like to order thirty coats, order number P25J5.
#Person1#: OK, order number P25J5, coats, thirty.
#Person2#: How much are they?
#Person1#: Forty-five dollars each.
#Person2#: OK. And gloves, order number P28D5. How much are they?
#Person1#: Five dollars a pair. How many do you need?
#Person2#: Fifty.
#Person1#: Gloves, fifty pairs, five dollars a pair, P28D5. OK.
#Person2#: And shoes. Mmm... Twenty-five pairs of order number P26T5.
#Person1#: Shoes, order number P26T5, twenty-five pairs at eighteen dollars a pair. Is that OK?
#Person2#: Yes, that's fine.

Summary: Ms. Johnson orders thirty coats, fifty pairs of gloves, and twenty-five pairs of shoes. #Person1# tells him the prices.


#Person1#: Where are you going, Les?
#Person2#: To the pet shop. I want to buy some cat food for Grace's birthday. She loves her cats and I'm sure she'd like to get some cat food.
#Person1#: But it's Grace's birthday, not her cats'. She enjoys reading. Let's get her a book.
#Person2#: OK. Let's go to the book shop then.
#Person1#: I prefer shopping online. It's easier.
#Person2#: OK. Let's use dad's computer. How about this book on cats. It seems to be interesting. It is only $6.00.
#Person1#: That's quite cheap. But she has that book already. Mom gave it to her for Christmas remember?
#Person2#: OK. Not this book. What then? Some sweets?
#Person1#: It's not your birthday. Grace really dislikes eating sweet things and she wants to lose weight.
#Person2#: I know what, she loves flowers. Let's get her some.
#Person1#: Flowers don't last. I prefer to give presents that last. Let's get her a plant then.
#Person2#: I'd love to give her that. Let's check some pages for plants.

Summary: Les and #Person1# are choosing a birthday gift for Grace. They consider cat food, a book, some sweets, and flowers. Then they decide on a plant.


#Person1#: I'll need a parking permit for next semester.
#Person2#: Do you attend school during the day or only at night?
#Person1#: I only attend class part-time in the evenings.
#Person2#: Do you drive a motorcycle or an automobile?
#Person1#: I have both, but I usually use my car to get to school.
#Person2#: Great, the price for that permit is thirty dollars ; cash, check, or credit card?
#Person1#: I'll pay cash.
#Person2#: Do you need to buy a duplicate permit for a second vehicle?
#Person1#: No, thank you.
#Person2#: OK, here is your permit ; enjoy the next semester.

Summary: #Person2# helps #Person1# get a parking permit for an automobile at night for next semester.


#Person1#: Kelly, the guys and I think you should run for senior class president.
#Person2#: Me? Why me? Why not you?
#Person1#: We talked to our older brothers and sisters last night and got the scoop on what that job is all about.
#Person2#: And you think I fit the qualifications?
#Person1#: Yes. Did you know that the senior class president works for the class for life? The job doesn't stop when we graduate.
#Person2#: Really? What is there to do after we graduate?
#Person1#: Every class reunion is organized by the president and council and anything our class does for the school in later years is headed by the president.
#Person2#: I'm honored that you think I would be qualified. But I would really have to think about this first.

Summary: #Person1# thinks Kelly should run for senior class president and tells her about the responsibility of the president. Kelly will think about it.


#Person1#: Is there anything I can do for you, Mr. King?
#Person2#: I'm leaving for Shanghai tomorrow morning. When do I have to settle my bill?
#Person1#: Is it all right for you to pay the bill this evening?
#Person2#: That will do. Where shall I go to pay the money?
#Person1#: At the Cashier's Counter of our hotel, right in the lobby downstairs.
#Person2#: Would you please get the bill ready before supper?
#Person1#: All right. Is your companion leaving for Shanghai with you?
#Person2#: No, he will stay here for two more days. Please keep the room for him.
#Person1#: Shall I make out a single bill or two separate bills?
#Person2#: Two separate bills, please.
#Person1#: OK. I'll surely have the bill ready for this evening.
#Person2#: Will you give the bill to me at around six o'clock?
#Person1#: No problem. By the way, do you have any comment to make on our hotel?
#Person2#: I have had a good stay here. Your service is wonderful. I'm very satisfied with it.
#Person1#: Thank you for your compliments. You're welcome to our hotel again.
#Person2#: OK, I will.

Summary: Mr. King's leaving for Shanghai and he wants to pay the hotel bill this evening. #Person1#'ll have the bill ready around six o'clock. Mr. King's satisfied with the service of the hotel.


#Person1#: Ah! No! Damn it!
#Person2#: It's a blackout. Now I can't see Seinfeld.
#Person1#: So what? I just lost one hour's worth of work.
#Person2#: Really? How could you do that? Don't you save every couple minutes?
#Person1#: No, I didn't save this time. Damn it! And I'm sick of writing this paper. Now I have to write it all over again too.
#Person2#: I've had that problem too many times. So I learned to save. When I'm writing something, I save every three sentences or so. I don't want to lose anything.
#Person1#: I hate computers. Sometimes I think they cause more trouble than they're worth.
#Person2#: What are we going to do now?
#Person1#: I don't know. I feel like going out.
#Person2#: I wonder how much of the city is down.
#Person1#: It doesn't matter. I still can go out and buy a beer.
#Person2#: Maybe. But if there's a blackout, probably the pubs are closed. And besides, I know you have a political science exam tomorrow. I thought you had a lot of reading to do.
#Person1#: Yes, that's true. Damn! I just lost half my paper, and now I can't even do my homework. This is a bad time for this to happen.
#Person2#: I have a flashlight in my closet. If you want to use that to read, you can.

Summary: It's a blackout. #Person1# didn't save and has to write the paper all over again. #Person1# wants to go out and buy a beer but #Person2# indicates that the pubs are probably closed and suggests #Person1# preparing for the exam with the flashlight.


#Person1#: Can I help you?
#Person2#: Yes, today is the first day of the school year. I'm a new student, where should I go?
#Person1#: Well, all the new students will first gather in the meeting room at 9:15, where you'll be introduced to the staff.
#Person2#: Where is that in?
#Person1#: I'll tell you in a moment, but just let me tell you the details of this morning's activities.
#Person2#: OK then.
#Person1#: Firstly, at 9:30 in the hall, which is next to the meeting room. The director of the studies will talk to you about the different courses and their requirements. This should last for about an hour. Then at about 10:30 the students accommodations officer will talk about the student dormitories and some social activities that we offer. That's in the same place. He will finish at about 11:00. Then there'll be a short break, after which you'll be taken to Classroom 2 for a test.
#Person2#: Oh, I did not know I'd have to take an exam!
#Person1#: Take it easy. It just helps us find your level of English and put you in the right class.
#Person2#: OK, I see.

Summary: #Person2# is a new student. #Person1# tells #Person2# the details of this morning's activities. #Person2# is surprised there is an exam and #Person1# says it just helps to find students' level of English.


#Person1#: I went to look at those new houses near the Sports Center this afternoon.
#Person2#: Oh, yes?
#Person1#: They're really nice. There is a lot of space and each house has got 3 bedrooms and a separate shower room.
#Person2#: Hmm...
#Person1#: And there is a garden at the back. John, will you put down your book? Aren't you interested?
#Person2#: Not especially.
#Person1#: But why I thought you wanted to move?
#Person2#: You are the one who wants to move.
#Person1#: But you said the last time your brother stayed. It is impossible to live without an extra bedroom.
#Person2#: I didn't say that. I like this flat. I can walk to work.
#Person1#: You could still walk to work if we move.
#Person2#: It is farther away and it is being far more noisy near the Sports Center.
#Person1#: But it is not exactly quiet living on this main road. It is simply that we need more space. John, will you at least come and have a look at the new houses?
#Person2#: Very well then. But do not expect to change my mind.
#Person1#: OK, we will just look.

Summary: #Person1# tells John #Person1# went to see the houses near the Sports Centre this afternoon. John isn't interested because he doesn't want to move. Finally, John agrees to look at the house but he thinks he won't change his mind.


#Person1#: Hello, may I speak to Mr. Johnson, please?
#Person2#: Speaking. Who's calling, may I ask?
#Person1#: This is the Town Job Center. We've received your e-mail and we have a job you may be interested in.
#Person2#: Can you tell me about it? What kind of job? Where?
#Person1#: Well, a college wants to hire some laboratory assistants. It's the kind of job you would like to do, according to your e-mail.
#Person2#: Yes, I did put that in my e-mail.
#Person1#: Yes. They also want a person who knows how to operate computers, so we think you are just the right person for the position.
#Person2#: What about the pay and the hours?
#Person1#: Let me check that. The pay they are offering is quite satisfactory, but the work hours are a bit irregular. Sometimes early in the morning, and sometimes late in the afternoon.
#Person2#: Well. I am still interested in it, but I need some more details so that I can talk it over with my wife.
#Person1#: Why don't you come here tomorrow?
#Person2#: OK, I'll do that. See you tomorrow morning then. Bye!

Summary: #Person1# calls Mr. Johnson to say they have a job for him. Mr. Johnson wants to know more details so they decide to meet to talk about that tomorrow.


#Person1#: What are your personal weaknesses?
#Person2#: I ' m afraid I ' m a poor talker. I ' m not comfortable talking with the people whom I have just met for the first time. That is not very good for business, so I have been studying public speaking.
#Person1#: Are you more of a leader or a follower?
#Person2#: I don ' t try to lead people. I ' d rather cooperate with everybody, and get the job done by working together.
#Person1#: Do you think you can make yourself easily understood in English?
#Person2#: Yes, in most circumstances.
#Person1#: Are you available for travel?
#Person2#: Yes, I like travelling. I am young, and unmarried. It ' s no problem for me to travel frequently.

Summary: During the interview, #Person2# tells #Person1# about #Person2#'s weaknesses, #Person2#'s ability of teamwork, English skills, and willingness to travel.


#Person1#: Hello everyone, and welcome to our CPR for beginners course. First of all, does anyone know what CPR stands for?
#Person2#: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation!
#Person1#: That's right! We apply CPR in the case of cardiac arrest or pulmonary arrest.
#Person2#: What does that mean?
#Person1#: Well, basically if your heart stops pumping blood, or your lungs stop pumping air, then we need to get them going again! That's when we have to apply this procedure. Let's begin! I need a volunteer.
#Person2#: Me! Me!
#Person1#: Alright, come here and lay flat on your back. Let's suppose this young woman has stopped breathing. We must lift the person's chin so that we clear a pathway for air to get into the lungs. Then we place our mouth over the other person's mouth and blow air two or three times, like this.
#Person2#: Wait, what are you doing? I'm a married woman! You can't just try to kiss me like this!
#Person1#: Madam I'm not trying to kiss you! I am trying to demonstrate how to apply CPR in the case of an emergency.
#Person2#: Well, OK. But no French kissing!
#Person1#: As I was saying, we blow air through the mouth in this manner. Once this is done, we must try to get the heart going again. To do this, we place our hands over the person's chest, and press down firmly two or three times.
#Person2#: Wait, what are you doing! You can't just kiss me then go for second base!

Summary: #Person1# is giving a CPR for beginners course. #Person2# volunteers to help with the demonstration. #Person1# demonstrates how to apply CPR in the case of an emergency but #Person2# thinks it is sexual harassment.


#Person1#: Can I help you?
#Person2#: I'm looking for an MP - 3 player. Which brand is of the highest quality?
#Person1#: I recommend Pioneer.
#Person2#: Which model is the best-seller?
#Person1#: This model is very popular with ladies.
#Person2#: May I have a look at it?
#Person1#: Sure, it's multi-functional. Besides playing music, it can also be used to store documents and make recordings.
#Person2#: Do you have this model in white?
#Person1#: No, but we have it in yellow.
#Person2#: Then I'll take the yellow one.
#Person1#: Please wait a second. I'll get it for you.
#Person2#: Okay.

Summary: #Person2# is looking for an MP-3 player. #Person1# recommends Pioneer and #Person2# takes the yellow one.


#Person1#: You live in Washington, don't you?
#Person2#: No. I work in Washington, but I live in Maryland. My home is in Potomac, Maryland.
#Person1#: How far is it form Washington?
#Person2#: It's not very far. Just about fifteen miles.
#Person1#: So you commute from home to work. How do you like commuting?
#Person2#: It's not bad. I'm used to it now.
#Person1#: How long does it take?
#Person2#: It depends on the traffic. It takes forty-five minutes in the morning, because the traffic is very bad then.
#Person1#: I suppose the traffic is bad at the end of the day, too, when commuters are leaving the city.
#Person2#: Yes. The worst time is between five and six. It sometimes takes me fifty minutes to drive home, if I can't leave Washington before five o'clock.
#Person1#: How long does it take when there's not much traffic?
#Person2#: Only twenty-five minutes. Commuting is easy then.

Summary: #Person2# works in Washington but lives in Maryland. #Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2# takes 45 minutes to commute in the morning and 55 minutes after work if traffic is bad.


#Person1#: What do people do when they create viruses?
#Person2#: A person has to write the code, test it to make sure it spreads properly and then release the virus. A person also designs the virus's attack phase, whether it is a silly message or destruction of a hard disk.
#Person1#: So why do people do it?
#Person2#: There are at least three reasons. The first is the same psychology that drives people to set fire with intention. The second reason has to do with the passion of watching things blow up. Many people have a fascination with things like explosions and car crashes. The third reason probably involves showing off rights.

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# about how to create viruses and the reasons why people do it.


#Person1#: I've just visited your showroom. You surely get a lot of fancy bedsheets. I like them very much.
#Person2#: I'm glad you like them. They are all made of silk. Here on display are all the most popular and favorite products. What items are you particularly interested in?
#Person1#: 20 is very colorful and feels nice. I'd like to start with it. Is it pure silk?
#Person2#: Yes. It is the latest product and is highly recommended because of its fine design and quality. You certainly have an eye for good things.
#Person1#: Thank you for saying that. But what's the unit price?
#Person2#: Here is the catalogue and the price list. You can take a look.
#Person1#: The price seems acceptable. Can you supply the bedsheets now if we order some?
#Person2#: No problem.
#Person1#: That's fine. Then let's sign a contract.

Summary: #Person1# likes the bedsheets in the showroom displayed by #Person2#. They reach an agreement on the price and will sign a contract.


#Person1#: Herman, why are you so excited?
#Person2#: I have met a beautiful girl.
#Person1#: Have you fallen in love?
#Person2#: Yes. At first sight.
#Person1#: Can you describe the situation at that time?
#Person2#: At that time her back was ramrod straight as she sailed by, her tone is best, neither over-passionate, nor too cold.
#Person1#: What's her outlook?
#Person2#: She was pretty, her hair was the color of rich dark chocolate, waving gently to her shoulders. Her complexion was clear and golden.

Summary: Herman has fallen in love with a girl at first sight and he described her outlook to #Person2#.


#Person1#: have you seen the new Cosmo magazine that I was reading this morning?
#Person2#: I think I may have seen it on the kitchen table.
#Person1#: you're right, thanks. There's an interesting interview with a top director about his latest film that I want to finish.
#Person2#: who's the director?
#Person1#: it's Martin Scorsese. You liked his film, The Departed, didn't you?
#Person2#: yes, it was fantastic! Can I read the article when you're finished?
#Person1#: sure. You know it has an online edition, too. You should go online to read if you want to read it now.
#Person2#: that's ok. I'll wait until you're finished. Just out of curiosity, do you have a subscription for that magadize?
#Person1#: no. I don't buy it regularly enough for it to be worthwhile.
#Person2#: how much does the magadize cost?
#Person1#: it's almost three pounds now, and I think they're going to put the price up to four pounds soon.
#Person2#: that's quite expensive. Who is their target audience?
#Person1#: Cosmo mainly has a middle-class readership, but I think circulation will fall dramatically if the price goes up anymore.
#Person2#: I bet you'll still buy it, though. You wouldn't be able to live without your fashion magazine!

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# there's an interview of Martin Scorsese on the new Cosmo magazine and #Person2# wants to read it after #Person1# finishes. #Person1# says Cosmo has a middle-class readership but the circulation will fall if the price goes up.


#Person1#: Yeah, look at all those new buildings going up! Mr. Zhang, the traffic is pretty smooth. But we were told the roads from the airport to downtown were quite crowded and traffic jams could be as long as half an hour.
#Person2#: Yes, they were. But it has already past. The traffic from the airport to downtown has been relieved after the completion of Yan'an Aerial Road.
#Person1#: We've never expected that Shanghai is such a big metropolis, same as New York city. Mr. Zhang, would it be a good idea to rent a car here? I've got an international driver's license with a pretty good record in the States.
#Person2#: That's wonderful. OK. I'll remember that. But I have to warn you that you must drive very carefully in the downtown area, for there're no separate lanes for motor vehicles and bicycles in some places, and still quite a few people don't take road regulations seriously.

Summary: #Person1# is surprised at Shanghai's new building and the smooth traffic. #Person1# wants to rent a car here. Mr. Zhang warns #Person1# must drive carefully in the downtown area.


#Person1#: I need to go to the bank.
#Person2#: But they are closed today.
#Person1#: Closed? Are you kidding? What is it, some kind of holiday today?
#Person2#: Have you already forgotten? What's the date today?
#Person1#: Oh, it's the first of April, April fool's day
#Person2#: You forgot all about it, didn't you?
#Person1#: So I have, but I has reminded me at least one thing I need to remember.
#Person2#: What's that?
#Person1#: Tomorrow is my wife's birthday.
#Person2#: Better not forget that, so kill you if you don't get her something.

Summary: #Person2# lies to #Person1# because it's April Fool's day, which reminds #Person1# that tomorrow his wife's birthday.


#Person1#: How do you know? I thought Taiwanese people didn't have garage sales.
#Person2#: You're right. We're not really into used stuff.
#Person1#: Well, I've grown to like second-hand things. I wouldn't have gotten through university without them!
#Person2#: There aren't many places that sell used things in Taiwan, besides auction websites.
#Person1#: I use those sites. Hey! Let's go check out a flea market later.
#Person2#: Great! I can teach you men a thing or two about shopping!

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# people in Taiwan are not into used stuff, but there are auction websites.


#Person1#: You look really nice today.
#Person2#: Thank you. I just got this outfit the other day.
#Person1#: Really, where did you get it?
#Person2#: I got it from Macy's.
#Person1#: It's really nice.
#Person2#: Thanks again. You look nice today, too.
#Person1#: Thank you. I just got these shoes today.
#Person2#: Really? What kind of shoes are they?
#Person1#: These are called All Star Chuck Taylors.
#Person2#: I really like those. How much did they cost?
#Person1#: They were about forty dollars.
#Person2#: I think I'm going to go buy myself a pair.

Summary: #Person1# admires #Person2#'s outfit. #Person2#'s interested in #Person1#'s shoes.


#Person1#: I'm checking out now. Can I have my bill, please?
#Person2#: Sure. What's your room number, sir?
#Person1#: It's 8736. Here is my key card.
#Person2#: A minute, please. It's 6212 yuan all together. Tax included.
#Person1#: Can I pay with traveler's check?
#Person2#: Sure. Can I have your passport, please?
#Person1#: Here you are.
#Person2#: Thanks. Are you satisfied with your stay here with us, sir?
#Person1#: Very much. The room is cozy and the service is jolly good. By the way, could you deliver my luggage to the airport in advance?
#Person2#: Sure. It will be taken care of, sir. Which flight do you take?
#Person1#: Flight 17. And my luggage should be delivered there by 4 o'clock.
#Person2#: Got it, sir. It'd be great to see you again, sir.
#Person1#: Thank you.

Summary: #Person1# checks out with #Person2#'s assistance. He says he's satisfied with his stay and asks to deliver his luggage to the airport in advance.


#Person1#: hi, my name's Abby. What's your name?
#Person2#: I'm colin. It's nice to meet you. What do you do?
#Person1#: I'm a freelance English teacher. How about you?
#Person2#: I'm in between jobs at the moment.
#Person1#: what kind of job are you looking for?
#Person2#: I'd like to find a job with flexible hours in the IT field.
#Person1#: have you ever thought about becoming a freelance IT consultant?
#Person2#: no. Is it difficult to find such a job?
#Person1#: not if you are good at net-working. Do you like to meet new people?
#Person2#: yes. I'm pretty out-going and friendly.
#Person1#: do you have experience in the IT field?
#Person2#: I have some. I worked in the IT department at a language school for four years in Spain.
#Person1#: do you speak Spanish?
#Person2#: yes, but not fluently.
#Person1#: that's OK. Have you sent your CV out to anyone yet?
#Person2#: I've sent my CV to dozens of companies but nobody has got back to me.
#Person1#: did you write a clear objective in your resume?
#Person2#: no, because I didn't know what I wanted to do.
#Person1#: I think you need to update your CV. Bring it over to my office tomorrow and I'll help you with it.
#Person2#: thanks, I will. I'll see you tomorrow then!

Summary: Abby, a freelance English teacher, advises Colin, who wants to find a job with flexible hours in the IT field, to be a freelance IT consultant and volunteers to help Colin with his CV tomorrow.


#Person1#: You should have been at home and enjoyed a big meal.
#Person2#: Yes. I should have gone to buy the ticket in advance. But now. . .
#Person1#: But now you can stay with friends and enjoy a holiday too.
#Person2#: Right. Let's go and find some fun.

Summary: #Person1# suggests #Person2# stay with friends and enjoy a holiday.


#Person1#: What are you doing?
#Person2#: I'm parking my car here.
#Person1#: No, I'm sorry. It's impossible.
#Person2#: Why not? I don't see a 'No Parking' sign.
#Person1#: This is my parking place.
#Person2#: I don't see a sign with your name.
#Person1#: I park here every day.
#Person2#: Well, I'm parking here today.

Summary: #Person2# is parking but #Person1# says that's #Person1#'s parking place.


#Person1#: Why are you at the police station? What happened to you?
#Person2#: Well, I went to a restaurant after work and after I finished dinner. I went to my car. I tried to open the door. But my key broke in the lock. So I called a slot company and they opened the car for me, then I drove the car home. And when I got home, I found out that this wasn't my car, so I drove back to the restaurant and the owner of the car and the police were there. They arrested me and took me here.
#Person1#: Oh no.

Summary: #Person2# was arrested because #Person2# unlocked and drove a car that isn't his.


#Person1#: David, the woman in this picture holding an animal, is this at a zoo or in a garden?
#Person2#: No. The woman in the picture is my aunt Joanna. She took that picture in the mountains.
#Person1#: What does she do?
#Person2#: She's a biologist. She studies animal species that are brought into our state from other states or countries. Because of her work, she often travels around the world.
#Person1#: Her work sounds very interesting.
#Person2#: Yes, but it's not easy. She often has to sleep in the wild.

Summary: David tells #Person1# the woman in the picture is his aunt Joanna who's a biologist. David introduces her work.


#Person1#: Hi, you must be that new secretary, welcome! I'm Tom Robison from public relations.
#Person2#: Hi, Mr. Robison, Thanks. My name's Lisa Jones, working in sales now.
#Person1#: Please call me Tom, Lisa.
#Person2#: OK, Tom. Have you worked here long?
#Person1#: Yes, over 20 years.
#Person2#: Wow that is a long time. Do you enjoy working here?
#Person1#: Well, yes. I suppose I took the job because err well the money is good, and it's good place to work in, but to be honest, what I re?ally enjoy is the chance to go abroad, just visiting other countries. That's the best thing.
#Person2#: That's nice, for me the best thing about working here is that I live close to the office, I can go home for lunch, and I don't have to worry about the traffic.

Summary: Tom welcomes Lisa who is the new secretary. They talk about working here.


#Person1#: Wow, look at the line. It's worse than I expected. We are lucky we got here an hour earlier. Or else we will definitely have had problems getting tickets. I'm glad we made the effort to come early.
#Person2#: Me too. I learned my lesson the last time I went to a new film. I didn't arrive early enough and ended up with a terrible seat all the way in the front row. Believe me, it was one of the worst movie experiences ever.
#Person1#: Yeah. I hate sitting in the first row.
#Person2#: By the way, it was really nice of you to get this ticket for me. Why don't I show you a bit of appreciation by getting you a drink?
#Person1#: That would be great.
#Person2#: OK. What kind of soda do you want?
#Person1#: Let me see. I'll take a large coke. Thanks a lot.
#Person2#: I'd better get going. You hold my place and I'll be back really quick. Oh, I almost forget. I'd better hold on to my ticket in case you get let in before I get back. If that happens, just save me a seat and I'll meet you inside.
#Person1#: OK. It's a plan.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# go to a theatre early to buy tickets. #Person2# gets #Person1# a drink as an appreciation for #Person1#'s tickets.


#Person1#: What kinds of Tv programes do you enjoy watching?
#Person2#: I like current affairs programes and documentaries, especially wildlife ones. How about you?
#Person1#: I like those kinds of programes too. They're very informative. I think that many people underrate the education value of Tv.
#Person2#: I agree. People often criticize Tv for showing too much sex and violence.
#Person1#: Yeah. And that's so funny because most people prefer watching sex and violence to watching something more educational!
#Person2#: Right. You can't blame the tv stations for showing popular kinds of programes. They need to make money from advertisements shown during and between programes.
#Person1#: In my country, there's a time limit on the advertisements that can be shown. I think it's about six minutes per hour.
#Person2#: That's great idea. But don't the Tv station lose a lot of money because of that?
#Person1#: No. they don't. they simply charge higher prices at peak times. Is there no limit on the amount of advertisements that can be shown on Tv in your country?
#Person2#: Not as far as I know. We have so many advertisements . the interruptions are unbearable sometimes! That's one reason that many people prefer satellite or cable Tv, where you pay a fixed amount each month.
#Person1#: Some people have satellite and cable Tv in my country, but people don't seem to keen to pay for their Tv programes. Besides, the terrestrial channels offer a good range of programes.
#Person2#: Well, there's a wildlife documentary on Tv in a few minutes. Shall we?

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# both like educational programs. #Person1#'s country has a time limit on the advertisements, and people aren't keen to pay for TV programs, while #Person2#'s country doesn't have a limit, but people prefer satellite or cable TV. #Person2# suggests watching a wildlife documentary on TV.


#Person1#: Did you have your own room when you were little Jack?
#Person2#: No, I think for the first 17 years of my life. I always had somebody else in the room with me.
#Person1#: I always wanted my own room you know, because there were 5 kids in our family and we had to share rooms.I had my own room for the first time when I was about 15.
#Person2#: When I had my own room for the first time in my life, I felt very proud and wrote in my diary. I will treasure this new freedom.
#Person1#: Well, many of my friends had their own rooms even when they were young, even as babies. I was so jealous. But there were only 3 bedrooms in our house for 7 people so it was really crowded.

Summary: Jack and #Person1# both wanted their own rooms when they were little, but they had to share rooms with family.


#Person1#: Oh, Linda. You must be so excited about going to study in America.
#Person2#: Oh yes I am. I have always wanted to go to the States. I love meeting new people and making new friends.
#Person1#: Well, I am sure you will.
#Person2#: Well, there is one thing.
#Person1#: What is the matter?
#Person2#: I am a little worried about my host family. You know, in the agreement, I have to do some cooking for them.
#Person1#: Yes?
#Person2#: Well, I am just afraid they won't like my Chinese way of cooking.
#Person1#: Oh, listen, you'll soon learn, and I am sure they will explain to you how they like to get prepared.
#Person2#: Oh, let's hope so.

Summary: Linda is excited about studying in America but she's also worried about cooking for her host family. #Person1# convinces her that she'll learn quickly.


#Person1#: Hello, ma'am. Can I help you?
#Person2#: Yes, please. I'd like a gin and tonic.
#Person1#: Sure, ma'am. Here you are.
#Person2#: Thank you. How much is it?
#Person1#: 25 yuan.
#Person2#: Here's 30. Keep the change.
#Person1#: Thank you very much, ma'am, but we don't take tips in China.

Summary: #Person2# pays for her gin and tonic. #Person1# tells her they don't take tips in China.


#Person1#: Which season do you like the most?
#Person2#: I like summer the most. But at the same time I hate it. I like summer because it's warm. I don't mind the heat and I like the longer days so I can do more activities like swimming, bicycling and many other outdoor activities. I usually take a short vacation during the summer so I always look forward to that. However, the part about summer I hate the most is during the rainy season. When it gets hot along with the rain and the wind, it gets terrible.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# that #Person2# likes summer for the outdoor activities, but hates it for the rain and wind.


#Person1#: You're right. Watching movies at home is way cheaper than going to the theater, too. I like downloading movies too because it's easy and fast.
#Person2#: I agree. And it's very convenient.
#Person1#: Have you ever heard of a movie rental company called Netflix? They send the movies directly to your house in the mail.
#Person2#: Really? That's great! I'm going to try that next time.
#Person1#: Yeah, but I wish they delivered video games too. Then I would never leave my house!

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# like watching movies at home because it's cheaper, easy, and fast. #Person1# recommends Netflix to #Person2#.


#Person1#: How was your holiday to Cyprus?
#Person2#: It was so fantastic I didn't really want to come home.
#Person1#: Did you happen to meet someone?
#Person2#: How did you know?
#Person1#: You always act like this when you'Ve fallen in love. Who is he? How did you meet?
#Person2#: His name is Tony and we met my first night in Pathos. He works with my sister who lives there.
#Person1#: Was it love at first sight?
#Person2#: Not really. I wasn't looking for a holiday romance, but my sister told me that she had promised him that she'd set him up on blind date with me. I didn't think I'd have anything to lose, so I went.
#Person1#: And?
#Person2#: Let's just say that by the third date, we both realized that we had fallen in love.
#Person1#: That happened quickly! Are you going to see him again?
#Person2#: Luckily, his company has a position available here, so he's going to see if he can get relocated.
#Person1#: It sounds like he is madly in love with you. Are you ready for such a serious relationship?
#Person2#: Well, I'm not really a spring chicken anymore. We don't know what will happen.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2#'s romance with Tony whom #Person2# met during the holiday to Cyprus. #Person2# and Tony may develop a serious relationship.


#Person1#: Does she make any sense to you?
#Person2#: No. It's all Greek to me.
#Person1#: She's speaking French, not Greek.
#Person2#: I know that. I mean I couldn't understand her at all.
#Person1#: Me neither. All I have to do is study French hard.
#Person2#: I wish you the best of luck.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# can't understand a woman speaking in French. #Person1# decides to study French hard.


#Person1#: Oxford Travel Agency, how may I help you?
#Person2#: Hello, I'd like to ask about the package tour from Newcastle to London.
#Person1#: Sure, what's your question?
#Person2#: Your website says that the trip starts off every Thursday. Can I join the trip on July thirtieth?
#Person1#: Sorry, I'm afraid it's full. How many people are going?
#Person2#: My husband and our two children will go with me.
#Person1#: 4 people then. There is still enough places on August sixth. Will that do?
#Person2#: That's fine. Any discount for children under 12?
#Person1#: Sorry, the price for children is the same, 700 pounds each person. It's already cheaper than other agencies.
#Person2#: Alright, I'd like to book it. My name is Lisa Garcia and my number is 1-976-344-5829.
#Person1#: OK, Miss Garcia, be sure to pay for it either online or at our agency at least 5 days before departure.
#Person2#: I see, thanks.

Summary: Lisa Garcia calls to ask about the package tour from Newcastle to London. #Person1# recommends the trip on August 16th for her family. Lisa books it.


#Person1#: Tina, my shirt is too tight, isn't it? Some of my friends were laughing at me today.
#Person2#: Yes, it is a little tight. Let's buy you a new one. Oh look here, dear. This shirt costs only $24 on the Internet. I've seen it for 40 in the shops.
#Person1#: But don't you think it looks rather unfashionable?
#Person2#: No, I think it will suit you well. I'm going to buy you one.
#Person1#: On the Internet?
#Person2#: Yes, then we don't have to go out. They say it can be delivered in 48 hours.
#Person1#: But I don't think it's safe to share our credit card information with a stranger.
#Person2#: That's not a problem. They have a third party safety control.
#Person1#: But I can't try it on before buying.
#Person2#: Don't worry. They have different sizes and colors. I will order your size and your favorite color, brown, right?
#Person1#: But what if I'm not satisfied with the quality?
#Person2#: If we are not satisfied. We will return the T-shirt and they will return our money.
#Person1#: Ok, then let's try shopping on the Internet.

Summary: Tina wants to buy #Person1# a new shirt online and persuades #Person1# that there's a third party safety control and they can return the T-shirt if #Person1#'s not satisfied. #Person1# agrees to try.


#Person1#: I'd like to open a savings account. Can you tell me how to do it?
#Person2#: OK. You have to fill out this form and let me see three identification cards or documents.
#Person1#: I have a driver's licence, a membership card and my passport. Will they do?
#Person2#: Let me see them. Yes, they're OK.
#Person1#: What's the minimum amount I can deposit in an account?
#Person2#: You can deposit an initial amount of ten dollars.
#Person1#: Thank you.

Summary: #Person1# opens a savings account with #Person2#'s help


#Person1#: Good afternoon, Steven. Are you coming to class today? We missed you in the lab yesterday.
#Person2#: Uh...Sorry, Miss Smith. I had a mid term exam for my literature course and I... I had to do some last minute revision for it. Yes, I will certainly be at the class today, though. Sorry, I missed the experiment yesterday.
#Person1#: Hmm...I don't really think reviewing for an English literature exam is a very good excuse, do you?
#Person2#: No, you're right. It isn't a good excuse at all. It's just that I did a very similar experiment in chemistry 101 last time, so I felt I probably wouldn't miss too much.

Summary: Steven apologizes for missing the experiment because of the mid-term exam, but Miss Smith thinks it isn't a good excuse.


#Person1#: I can't believe that Anthony is finally getting married!
#Person2#: Yeah well it's about time! He's been living with his parents for 40 years!
#Person1#: Don't be mean. Look here come the bridesmaids! Their dresses look beautiful!
#Person2#: Who are those kids walking down the aisle?
#Person1#: That's the flower girl and the ring bearer. I'm pretty sure they're the groom's niece and nephew. Oh, they look so cute!
#Person2#: I just hope the priest makes it quick. I'm starving. I hope the food's good at the reception.
#Person1#: That's all you ever think about, food! Oh, I think the bride's coming now! She looks gorgeous. Wait, what's she doing? Where's she going?
#Person2#: Oh great! Does this mean that the reception is canceled?

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# about how cute the children at the wedding are and how gorgeous the bride is, but #Person2# only cares about the food.


#Person1#: I wonder what he looks like. Oh, I can't wait to see him! His email said he'd be wearing a white hat. oh, there he is.
#Person2#: hey, Isabelle...
#Person1#: Logan! Why on earth are you hiding here? White hat! Come on! Don't tell me you're the guy! It can't be true.
#Person2#: yes, I am the guy. ...
#Person1#: what a bummer! You set me up?
#Person2#: let me explain. I didn't mean to hurt you...

Summary: Isabelle is waiting for a man excitedly but becomes disappointed when seeing Logan.


#Person1#: Those birds love my yard. See? They are probably looking for worms.
#Person2#: Yeah, they are lucky they can find meals in lots of places. We have to go to the grocery store to buy our food.
#Person1#: True, but I wouldn't want to eat what they do, even if it's free.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# are talking about what birds eat.


#Person1#: Hello, Robert. How was your job-hunting going?
#Person2#: Well, I have an important interview on Saturday. Maybe you could give me some tips on how to make a good impression.
#Person1#: Sure. First, write down something about your education and work experience. Take it to the interview.
#Person2#: All right.
#Person1#: Also, you need to find as much information as you can about the company. You can do this in the library. Have they sent you some brochures?
#Person2#: Yes, but I can do it better on the Internet.
#Person1#: That's a good idea. And another thing, mmm, be prepared to say why you would be good for the job.
#Person2#: Oh, yes. They may want to know what contributions I can make to the company.
#Person1#: And then don't forget to prepare some questions that you would like to ask them. There's usually time for that at the end of the interview.
#Person2#: Why should I ask some questions?
#Person1#: It always makes a good impression if you ask some questions about the job. It shows you really care about what kind of company you will work for.
#Person2#: Thank you so much for all your advice.

Summary: Robert will have an interview and he asks #Person1# to give some tips on making a good impression. #Person1# suggests writing down education and work experience, finding information about the company, saying the contributions, and preparing some questions.


#Person1#: Mom, I hate eating vegetables!
#Person2#: You don't have to eat them. I don't mind.
#Person1#: Thanks, Mom. Can I have dessert now? I love chocolate cake.
#Person2#: No dessert for you unless you eat all of your vegetables.
#Person1#: But I don't like them. It's not fair.
#Person2#: You can have some fruits for dessert. If you eat an apple and a banana, I might let you have a small piece of chocolate cake.
#Person1#: Ok, actually I don't mind eating peas and carrots. But I hate broccoli and cauliflower.
#Person2#: I'll remember that for next time. You'll get extra peas and carrots, but no broccoli or cauliflower, ok?
#Person1#: Thanks, Mom!

Summary: #Person1#'s mom doesn't let #Person1# have desserts unless #Person1# eats all the vegetables, but #Person1# hates broccoli and cauliflower. #Person1#'s mom will remember that next time.


#Person1#: Do you believe in UFO's?
#Person2#: Sure. A UFO is just a space vehicle from another planet. If you think about it, our space shuttles are UFOs.
#Person1#: I've never thought about it like that before.
#Person2#: I've seen photos of UFOs in America before, but they've all looked doctored up.
#Person1#: Do you think that there's life on other planets?
#Person2#: I think there must be.
#Person1#: Why is that?
#Person2#: I don't't think it would make sense if we were the only beings in this whole world. The world is just far too big for that.
#Person1#: Do you think that there's intelligent life trying to contact us?
#Person2#: No, but we're trying to contact them.
#Person1#: I suppose you're right.
#Person2#: I think that countries are working hard to find a planet that we can live on in the future so that when global warming destroys this planet, humankind will not become extinct.
#Person1#: Do you really think that global warming wil destroy Earth some day?
#Person2#: There's a lot of evidence that suggest it will, but I don't think it's going to happen any time soon.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# what a UFO is and believes in its existence. #Person2# thinks countries are working hard to find a planet that we can live on in the future when global warming destroys the planet.


#Person1#: My wife is sick, so I have to cancel a reservation I made.
#Person2#: If you'll just give me your name, phone, and date of visit, I can cancel your reservation.
#Person1#: I'm Rudy Randolph at 818-555-1234, April ninth to the fifteenth.
#Person2#: Mr. Randolph. Okay, one second, sir, and there you go. Your reservation is now cancelled.
#Person1#: I wish everything in life was so simple. Thank you.
#Person2#: Not a problem, sir. Please remember us in the future.

Summary: Rudy Randolph gives #Person2# his personal information to cancel a reservation because his wife is sick.


#Person1#: What are pubs?
#Person2#: Pubs in England are friendly and warm places where you can have a drink and usually a simple meal.
#Person1#: What kind of drinks do people get?
#Person2#: You can get wine and beer in most pubs. Many also serve coffee. You go to the counter to order and pay for your drinks.
#Person1#: When do people go to the pubs?
#Person2#: Pubs are not open all day. They can decide when to open. Most are open for 3 or 4 hours at lunchtime and again from about 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. In busy areas, pubs may stay open from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Are there pubs in China?
#Person1#: Yes. Most of the customers are young people. They like to hang out with their friends after work and have fun.
#Person2#: It is against the law in England to go into a pub if you are under the age of l4. So many pubs provide a special room for children.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# pubs in England are warm places where people get wine and beer. #Person1# says most customers in Chinese pubs are young, and #Person2# mentions the law for children to go into a pub in England.


#Person1#: Do you speak only English in the class, or does your teacher explain everything to you in Spanish?
#Person2#: Oh, we never speak Spanish in class! Miss. Parker speaks to us only in English.
#Person1#: I suppose she's right. Does she speak English very slowly?
#Person2#: Not always. Sometimes we don't understand her. Then she has to repeat what she said.
#Person1#: It must be interesting to study English.
#Person2#: Mario and I are the best students in the class. Miss Parker says that my pronunciation is very good.
#Person1#: Is English pronunciation easy or difficult?
#Person2#: Sometimes it's difficult. Some words look different from the way one pronounces them.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# that they never speak Spanish in the English class and #Person2#'s teacher Miss Parker thinks #Person2#'s pronunciation is good.


#Person1#: Comfort Inn, may I help you?
#Person2#: I ' m looking for a hotel near the convention center.
#Person1#: You ' re in luck! We ' re just a two-minute drive from there. Would you like to make a reservation?
#Person2#: Not just yet. I have one or two questions. How much for a single?
#Person1#: During the peak season, a single room goes for 50 dollars on a night. But we ' Ve got a Single Super Saver Special going on right now, only $ 30 a night. And we ' Ve also extended our checkout time 00 in
#Person2#: That ' s a good deal. Since this is a working trip, I wonder if you have meeting rooms where I can get together with some clients.
#Person1#: Yes, we have five meeting rooms, of various sizes. We can accommodate large meetings and small, informal gatherings as well. Of course, if you have many small meeting, you might consider checking
#Person2#: That sounds great. Do you accept checks?
#Person1#: I ' m sorry, sir, we don ' t. But we do accept all major credit cards.

Summary: #Person2#'s looking for a hotel near the convention center. #Person1# tells #Person2# there's a special on single rooms and they have meeting rooms of various sizes. #Person2# is satisfied.


#Person1#: What are you doing to your house?
#Person2#: We're redecorating our living room.
#Person1#: What are you going to do to it?
#Person2#: First, we're going to change the curtains, then we're going to paint the walls.
#Person1#: What colour are you going to paint them?
#Person2#: Pale yellow.
#Person1#: What else are you going to do?
#Person2#: We're going to put in some new furniture.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# how they will redecorate the living room.


#Person1#: Hello, I bought a China dress in your shop this morning.
#Person2#: Yes?
#Person1#: I bought one size up by mistake.
#Person2#: Oh, did you?
#Person1#: I wonder if you can change it to one size down.
#Person2#: Yes, of course. Will you come with receipt?
#Person1#: Then I'll come to your place later in the evening, and how late is your shop open?
#Person2#: Until 8 o'clock madam. We are looking forward to seeing you.

Summary: #Person1# wants to change a dress bought earlier to a size down. #Person2# is happy to help.


#Person1#: Hi, Sam. Would you like to come for Indian food with us next Friday?
#Person2#: Sure. I love Indian food. Who else is coming?
#Person1#: Jane, Susan, Pete and 2 colleagues of mine.
#Person2#: I have no plans for Friday, so Indian food would be great. Which restaurant do you have in mind?
#Person1#: Susan suggested the one on main street. She says it is very good.
#Person2#: Which one is that?
#Person1#: You know, the one just on the corner with Oxford Street. There is a large drug store next door.
#Person2#: Oh, yes. I know which one you mean. I have never been there, but I looked at their menu once and it did look good.
#Person1#: OK then. I think we will all meet outside.
#Person2#: What time?
#Person1#: At 8:00 o'clock. I will make the reservation.
#Person2#: That's good. See you on Friday.

Summary: #Person1# invites Sam to eat Indian food next Friday. #Person1# tells that Susan recommended the restaurant on Main Street. #Person1# will make the reservation.


#Person1#: Susan, you look great! How is it going?
#Person2#: Not bad! It's good to see you. How is your family?
#Person1#: They're fine. My boy Danny is taking a course in computer.
#Person2#: Is he still working at the store?
#Person1#: Yes, but he wants to change the job. He has a family now and he needs to make more money. How about your children? What's Michael doing these days? Is he still living in California.
#Person2#: Not anymore. He moved to Oregon and now he is raising sheep.
#Person1#: Raising sheep? How does he like it?
#Person2#: Well, it's hard work, but he really likes it. And your daughter, she works in New York, right?
#Person1#: Polly usually works in New York, but she's working on a special project in DC this year.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# talk about their children's lives.


#Person1#: Well, if you have no further questions, then we have done.
#Person2#: Thank you, Mr. Owens, for taking time out of your busy schedule to interview me.
#Person1#: You ' re welcome. I appreciate your coming.
#Person2#: When can I contact you about your final decision?
#Person1#: We need to consider several other applicants and we hope to make a decision by the end of this month. We will call you regardless of whether you are hired or not.
#Person2#: Thanks a lot! I will look forward to the good news. Please call me at this number between nine and eleven in the morning.
#Person1#: Well, I really appreciate your coming today.
#Person2#: The pleasure is mine. It ' s nice talking with you. Good-bye, Mr. Owens.
#Person1#: Good-bye.

Summary: The interview is over. Mr. Owens tells #Person2# he'll inform #Person2# of the final decision by the end of this month. They express their gratitude to each other.


#Person1#: Can you give me some information about getting to the Town Center?
#Person2#: Well, you can drive, but the parking is difficult. It will be quite expensive if you stay there all day.
#Person1#: Yes, we're thinking of going to look around some of the shops, and look at the wall around the city. So we'll probably be there most of the day.
#Person2#: In that case, you'd better take a taxi or the bus.
#Person1#: How much does taking a taxi cost?
#Person2#: It will be about 12 pounds. Actually I'd say it's around 16 pounds, because fares have increased recently. We can book it for you in our travel agency and it will pick you up outside. It only takes about 10 minutes.
#Person1#: Right, I see. What about taking the bus? How much is that?
#Person2#: It's only 2 pounds per person, it's not far from here. You go out of here, turn right on Oak Tree Avenue, and it's about a 5 minute walk down the road. The bus ride is about 15 minutes.
#Person1#: Oh, OK, maybe we could do that.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# about the cost of different ways of transportation to get to the Town Center.


#Person1#: Good morning! May I help you?
#Person2#: Yes. My wife and I are interested in renting a house for the summer.
#Person1#: Do you want a furnished house or an unfurnished one?
#Person2#: Furnished.
#Person1#: Very well. How long do you want the house? All summer?
#Person2#: No, not all summer. Just for six weeks.
#Person1#: I'm afraid I can only rent it for two months.
#Person2#: My holiday is only six weeks, but I think my brother and his family would take it for the other two weeks. Is the house in good condition?
#Person1#: Yes, it is. It was just painted and it has all the modern conveniences.

Summary: #Person2# wants to rent a furnished house for six weeks but #Person1# can only rent it for two months. #Person2# finally accepts.


#Person1#: what kind of qualities do you look for in your friends?
#Person2#: I like people who are open and friendly. Those people are usually more active and fun to be with. I like spending time with my friends. We go to bars together or play sports together.
#Person1#: I don't like to make friends with people who aren't honest. Honesty is very important to me.
#Person2#: I think it's important to most people. The problem is that you can usually only find out if someone is honest by getting to know them.
#Person1#: you can find out from their friends.
#Person2#: if you know any of their friends. You can't rely on your friends to introduce people to you all the time. You have to go out and make the first move sometimes. I also like funny people.
#Person1#: oh, I don't. they don't seem to take anything seriously. You never know when they are joking and when they are being serious.
#Person2#: sometimes it can be hard to tell, but if you know the person fairly well, you can usually see from their expression what they are really thinking.
#Person1#: it seems that we generally like different kinds of people. How is it that we are such good friends?
#Person2#: maybe people don't like to have friends that are all the same. Most people like a little variety in their lives-including a variety of characteristics in their friends.

Summary: #Person1# doesn't like to make friends with people who aren't honest. #Person2# likes funny people while #Person1# doesn't because #Person1# thinks they don't seem to take anything seriously. They are good friends although they like different kinds of people.


#Person1#: Just whose fault is this damage?
#Person2#: The order was in good shape when it left out factory.
#Person1#: It certainly didn't arrive here that way.
#Person2#: We'll make it right with you, of course.
#Person1#: How about taking the damaged portion at a lower price?
#Person2#: What kind of price did you want?
#Person1#: I was thinking of 30 % off.
#Person2#: That will probably be Ok.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# discuss who caused the damage. #Person2# agrees to give #Person1# 30% off.


#Person1#: Mom, I am going to work at a bank in downtown Chicago. I'm going to move there from New York in two months.
#Person2#: That's great! I thought you liked your old job. Why did you get a new job?
#Person1#: I liked my co-workers, but working in a hospital was a very stressful job. I had to work long hours and I am scared of blood! Plus, I had to drive almost an hour to the hospital every morning.
#Person2#: Will you make more money working at the bank?
#Person1#: No, I will make a little less. But if I work hard, I will get promoted.
#Person2#: I thought you were going to look for a new job in California, where your family live. We miss you, and you never have enough time to visit us. Why can't you work at a bank in California?
#Person1#: I am going to work at this bank for a year. Then I will try to transfer to a branch in California near you and dad! I really want to move back to California, but I can't just pick up and leave. Working at this bank will give me some good experience.

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person1#'s mom #Person1# will work at a bank in downtown Chicago. #Person1#'s mom hopes #Person1# can work in California. #Person1# will try to transfer to a branch in California near her and #Person1#'s dad after one year.


#Person1#: I think this house will meet all of your needs, Mr. Jones.
#Person2#: Well, I don't particularly like the neighborhood.
#Person1#: I understand your concern, Mr. Jones, but let's take a look inside.
#Person2#: OK, but I'm really concerned about the neighborhood.
#Person1#: That's OK, Mr. Jones. We're not married to this home.
#Person2#: I guess we can look inside since we're here.
#Person1#: Great. Let's go inside. It's a beautiful home. This is the living area, it's quite spacious.
#Person2#: Uh-huh, I see.
#Person1#: And this is the master bedroom.
#Person2#: It's a beautiful home, but I'm afraid it just doesn't feel right.
#Person1#: What's wrong, Mr. Jones?
#Person2#: It's the lighting, and it just doesn't feel right, sorry.
#Person1#: All right, Mr. Jones. This may not be the right house for you.
#Person2#: That's what I've been trying to tell you.
#Person1#: That's OK, I've got more homes to show you.
#Person2#: That's good to hear.

Summary: Mr. Jones's concerned about the neighborhood but agrees to take a look inside the house. Mr. Jones thinks it's a beautiful home but doesn't feel right.


#Person1#: Those are today's top stories. Now let's go to John for the weather. John, what does the forecast look like for our weekend travelers?
#Person2#: I'm afraid we're in for a rough weekend, Marry. There is a storm system moving through the East Coast. It will be drizzling all day today, and there's a 60 percent chance of thunderstorms this evening. It will be warm and humid all weekend. In the Midwest, expect strong winds and a low of around 40 degrees.
#Person1#: That's pretty chilly for the summer! Will it rain on Saturday?
#Person2#: Unfortunately, yes. It will be clear early Saturday morning but there is a high chance of showers and thunderstorms later in the day. There is a severe thunderstorm warning for some parts of the Southeast. Folks in those areas might see some hail and flooding, especially in areas that have been experiencing record high rainfalls.
#Person1#: That certainly sounds like a dreary Saturday.
#Person2#: It gets better on Sunday, though. The storm systems move east and the skies will clear up at night. It will still be rather cool, with highs in the low 50s. The West Coast will be experiencing some unusually chilly weather, but at least the sun will come out. I advise weekend travelers to be careful, especially while driving. Back to you, Mark.
#Person1#: Thanks John, and there you have it! Looks like it's a weekend to stay at home!

Summary: John and Marry are delivering the weather forecast. John says they're in for a rough weekend because it will rain on Saturday and there is a severe thunderstorm warning. He advises weekend travelers to be careful, especially while driving.