Download - Dialogues23
1. Greetings
(informal)
Wendy: Hey, Dave!
Dave: Oh, hi, Wendy. What’s up?
Wendy: Not a whole lot. How are things with
you?
Dave: Pretty good. Hey, I’ve got to run, but I’ll
talk to you later.
Wendy: Alright, good to see you.
Dave: Good to see you, too.
Wendy: Bye.
(formal)
Ricky: Good morning, Lucy.
Lucy: Good morning, Ricky. How are you?
Ricky: Fine, thanks, and you?
Lucy: I’m fine, thank you. Good to see you,
Ricky. Have a good day.
Ricky: Thanks, you too. Goodbye.
Lucy: Goodbye.
how are things – how is life, how are you
pretty good – not bad
I’ve got to run – I’m busy now. I have no time to talk.
Good morning – depending on the time of day, people also greet one
another with “good afternoon” and “good evening”
2. Introductions
William: Great party, don’t you think? Are you
friends of the host?
Ophelia: Yes, actually. Michael and I are friends
from school. I’m Ophelia, and this is my
friend Lucas.
William: Pleased to meet you. My name is
William. I’m a friend of Michael’s from
work.
Ophelia: Nice to meet you, too. Enjoy the party!
William: You, too.
host – person who invites guests
actually – truly, in fact
pleased to meet you – I’m happy we met
3. Making Plans
Brad: Hey, Jennifer, what are you up to tonight?
Jennifer: I have to work until six o’clock, but after
that I’m free. Why, what’s up?
Brad: There’s a new movie out I’d like to see.
Do you want to go?
Jennifer: Sure, what are the show times?
Brad: It’s playing at the downtown cinema at
7:00 and 10:30.
Jennifer: Well, 7:00 might be cutting it close. Let’s
go to the late show.
Brad: Sounds good. I’ll pick you up at 9:00.
what are you up to – what are you doing?
out – in the theaters
show times – time which movies start
playing – showing
cutting it close – not having enough time
late show – the later time, here 10:30
I’ll pick you up – I’ll come to your house and then we’ll go together.
4. Talking on the Phone
Dustin: Hello?
Mrs. Robinson: Hi, there. May I please speak with
Dustin?
Dustin: Speaking.
Mrs. Robinson: This is Mrs. Robinson down the
street. I was wondering if you
could cut my grass on Saturday. I’d
pay you twenty dollars.
Dustin: I would like to, but I may go to the
lake on Saturday with my dad. Can
I call you back?
Mrs. Robinson: Certainly. Talk to you soon.
Dustin: Goodbye.
Mrs. Robinson: Goodbye.
down the street – living on the same street, in a different building
may – might, maybe
5. Giving Directions
Charlie: Excuse me, I seem to be lost. Can you tell
me how to get to the History Museum?
Farrah: Sure. First go straight down this street
until you reach Angel Street. Take a right
and go past the Barrymore Hotel. You’ll
see a bus stop on your left. Take the
number three bus to the Cameron Park
stop. It will let you off in front of the
museum.
Charlie: Thanks for your help. Do you know how
much the bus fare is?
Farrah: It’s only a dollar. Good luck!
Charlie: Thanks again.
I seem to be lost – I don’t know where I am
reach – come to
bus stop – place where buses stop to let people on and off
fare – cost to ride
6. Going to the Supermarket
Customer: Excuse me, I’m looking for red
cabbage. Can you tell me where to find
it?
Worker: Red cabbage is in the produce section.
That’s aisle two.
Customer: I looked, but there didn’t seem to be
any.
Worker: Let me ask the produce manager and
check in the back for you.
Customer: I’d appreciate it. Thanks.
Worker: No problem.
produce – fruits and vegetables
aisle – row of goods in a supermarket
there didn’t seem to be any – I couldn’t find any
in the back – in storage, where supermarkets keep extra goods
appreciate – be thankful for
7. At the Clothing Store
Clerk: Can I help you, sir?
Customer: Yes, I’m looking for a dress shirt and a
pair of jeans.
Clerk: Our menswear section is this way.
Please follow me. What size are you
looking for?
Customer: Medium shirt and for the jeans, 34 long
34 waist.
Clerk: Here you are. Why don’t you try these
on?
(five minutes later)
Clerk: Does everything fit?
Customer: The shirt fits, but the jeans are too big. I
must have lost some weight.
sir – polite (formal) greeting for a man
dress shirt – formal shirt, usually worn with a suit
pair – with pants or trousers, we say pair; also, pair of socks, pair of
shoes, pair of glasses
menswear section – part of a clothing store where men’s clothing is
34 long, 34 waist – in American sizes, 34 inches long and 34 inches
around the waist
8. Going to the Bank
Teller: Good afternoon, can I help you,
ma’am?
Customer: Yes, I’d like to withdraw some money
from my account.
Teller: Certainly. What is your account
number?
Customer: 8-6-7-5-3-0-9.
Teller: Is that checking or savings?
Customer: Savings.
Teller: How much would you like to withdraw?
Customer: One hundred fifty dollars, please.
Teller: Alright, ma’am. I need to see some
identification. Please sign here. And
here is your cash. Thank you, and have
a nice day.
Customer: Thanks, you, too.
ma’am – polite (formal) greeting for a woman
withdraw – to take money out of a bank account
checking – account from which you can write checks
savings – account where you save money
identification – ID – passport, driver’s license, or a card with a person’s
picture and personal information
9. At a Flea Market
Buyer: How much for these skis?
Vendor: I’ll sell you those for fifty dollars.
Buyer: That’s awfully expensive. Will you take
thirty?
Vendor: I can’t just give them away! How about
we meet in the middle? Forty dollars. I’ll
even throw in the poles.
Buyer: Sounds good. You have yourself a deal.
Flea Market – large market where used items are sold or traded
awfully – very much
give them away – sell them for too low a price
how about – said when making a suggestion, similar to let’s
throw in – give in addition, give as extra
You have yourself a deal – Okay, I agree.
10. At the Gas Station
Attendant: What will it be today, sir?
Customer: Fill her up with unleaded.
Attendant: Regular or premium?
Customer: Regular is fine.
Attendant: That will be 25 dollars. Cash or
credit? Customer: Here’s my credit card.
Attendant: Alright. All set, sir. Thanks, and come
again.
Customer: Thank you.
What will it be – What would you like? What will you buy?
Fill her up – fill my car’s gas tank with gasoline
unleaded – a type of gasoline (different than diesel fuel)
Cash or credit? – Will you pay in paper money or use a credit card?
All set – finished
11. At the Coffee Shop
Cashier: Can I help you, ma’am?
Customer: Yes, I’d like two cups of coffee.
Cashier: Small, medium, or large?
Customer: Small, please.
Cashier: Regular or decaf?
Customer: One regular, one decaf, please.
Cashier: Okay, that will be $3.79. Out of five?
Your change is $1.21. Here’s your
coffee, and this is the decaf. Thank you.
Customer: Thank you.
decaf – without caffeine
out of five – the customer gave the cashier $5.00 to pay
change – when the customer pays more than the price, this money is
returned to the customer
12. At a Restaurant
Waiter: Are you ready to order?
Diner: Yes, I’d like to start off with a cup of
soup. What is the soup of the day?
Waiter: Tomato.
Diner: That sounds good. Then I’ll have a
chicken sandwich. Please hold the
pickles.
Waiter: Would you like fries and salad with that?
Diner: Yes, please.
Waiter: And to drink?
Diner: Water is fine, thanks.
Waiter: Okay. Your lunch will be out shortly.
order – say what food you want to eat in a restaurant
start off – begin
soup of the day – often, restaurants have a different soup every day
hold the pickles – do not put pickles on my sandwich
fries – French fried potatoes
out – out of the kitchen and ready for you to eat
13. Table Manners
Mom: What did you make for dinner, honey?
Dad: Well, we have roast beef, mashed potatoes,
salad, and corn on the cob.
Brother: Smells good, Dad. Let’s eat.
Sister: Can you please pass the potatoes?
Mom: Sure, here you go, sweetie.
Dad: Can I cut you a slice of roast beef, son?
Brother: That’d be great, Dad.
Sister: Oops! I forgot to wash my hands. Excuse
me, I’ll be right back.
Mom: Everything tastes great, honey. Thanks for
making dinner.
honey – word for a loved person
corn on the cob – whole corn, not from a can
pass – to give or to hand over
sweetie – word for a loved person
Oops! – word of forgetfulness or for when a person makes a mistake
I’ll be right back – I’m going but will return very soon.
14. Describing a Good Friend
Gwen: Have you ever met my friend George?
Gavin: No, I don’t think so. What does he look
like again?
Gwen: He has short, curly, black hair. He’s tall
and thin and always wears a jean jacket.
Gavin: Doesn’t ring a bell. I don’t think I’ve met
him. What is he like?
Gwen: He’s really talkative, friendly, and smart.
He’s a journalist, and he likes to write.
Gavin: Sounds like a nice guy.
Gwen: Yeah, he’s a good friend of mine.
again – remind me
Doesn’t ring a bell – I don’t remember anyone/anything like that.
Yeah – yes
15. Someone is Sad
Belle: What’s wrong? Why are you crying?
Sebastian: I just got a call from my uncle. My
grandmother has passed away.
Belle: Oh no! That’s horrible! I’m so sorry.
Sebastian: Thanks for your sympathy. Although she
was old, it was very unexpected.
Belle: Well, if you need anything, please let me
know.
Sebastian: I will, thanks.
call – to talk on the telephone
passed away – died
let me know – tell me
16. Someone is Excited
Alvin: What happened? Why are you so happy
today?
Simon: I just came from the hospital. My wife just
gave birth to our first child. It’s a boy! I’m
a father!
Alvin: That’s great news. Congratulations!
What’s his name?
Simon: Theodore David.
Alvin: Wonderful. Give my best to the new
mom.
Simon: Will do.
Give my best – send my greetings
Will do – I will do that.
17. Someone is Angry
Wife: What’s wrong, honey?
Husband: I’m so angry! Today at work, that brown-
noser Atkins got a promotion, while I’ve
been working hard for seven years and am
yet to see even a raise.
Wife: That’s crazy! You must be so frustrated.
Husband: Believe me, I am.
Wife: Oh, dear. Try not to let it get you down
too much.
Husband: It just upsets me.
brown-noser – person who is very nice to the boss so the boss will like
him or her
promotion – increase in job level
raise – an increase in job pay, or salary
crazy – unbelievable, strange, or difficult
get you down – make you sad
18. Fixing Dinner
Son: Hey, Mom, what’s for dinner?
Mom: Chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and
carrots. Can you give me a hand?
Son: Sure, how can I help?
Mom: Well, start peeling carrots. When you finish,
mash the potatoes in the big pot.
Son: No problem. Should I chop the carrots after I
peel them?
Mom: That would be great, dear.
give me a hand – help me
that would be great – yes, please
19. A Family Squabble
Marcia: Mom! Peter took my new notebook, and
he won’t give it back!
Peter: Did not!
Marcia: Did too!
Mom: Now, Peter, it isn’t nice to take your
sister’s belongings without asking. Please
give it back and apologize.
Peter: But she started it!
Marcia: Did not!
Peter: Did too!
Squabble – argument
give it back – return it to me
started it – began the argument
20. At the Doctor’s Office
Receptionist: Can I help you?
Patient: Yes, I have a terrible headache and a
stomachache. I would like to see the
doctor.
Receptionist: Do you have an appointment,
ma’am?
Patient: No, I’m afraid I don’t.
Receptionist: Let me speak with the doctor. Maybe
we can squeeze you in before lunch.
Patient: Thank you, that would be great.
appointment – time for a meeting with someone
I’m afraid – I’m sorry, but it appears
squeeze you in – change the schedule to find a time for an appointment
21. At the Dentist
Smith: Good morning, I have a 9:30
appointment with Dr. Morrisey.
Receptionist: And your name, sir?
Smith: John Smith.
Receptionist: Alright, and you’re here to have a
cavity filled, correct?
Smith: That’s right.
Receptionist: Has your insurance information
changed since your last visit?
Smith: No, I’m still with Vicar Insurance.
Receptionist: Okay, please fill out this form, and the
doctor will be with you shortly.
Dr. – doctor
cavity filled – to fix and fill a hole in a person’s tooth
visit – appointment
shortly – soon
22. At the Pharmacy
Pharmacist: Hi, can I help you?
Ted: Yes, I’m here to pick up a
prescription.
Pharmacist: And your name is?
Ted: Ted Leo. I believe my doctor’s office
called it in.
Pharmacist: Mmmhmmm, here it is. Your total is
$15.52. Please pay at the cashier’s
desk.
Ted: Thanks.
pick up – get, take
And your name is? – What is your name?
called it in – telephoned the pharmacy to prepare the medicine
23. At the Post Office
Postal worker: Hi, how can I help you?
Ben: I’d like to send this package.
Postal worker: Air mail or surface?
Ben: Air mail. I would like it to get there
as soon as possible.
Postal worker: Our fastest is two to three day air
mail.
Ben: That’s fine.
Postal worker: Okay, that comes to $27.55.
Anything else, sir?
Ben: Yes, can you add a roll of stamps to
that?
surface – by land or water (car, truck, train, or boat)
get there – arrive
comes to – total cost is
roll of stamps – many stamps
24. Ordering the Newspaper
(ring ring ring)
Receptionist: Good morning, Metropolis Daily
News, how can I help you?
Lois: Hello, I’d like to subscribe to the
newspaper.
Receptionist: May I have your name and address,
ma’am?
Lois: Of course. Lois Lane, 77 Kent
Street, Apartment C, Metropolis
54321.
Receptionist: An annual subscription is $40.00.
How would you like to pay?
Lois: Can you please bill me?
Receptionist: Certainly. Thank you, and have a
nice day.
subscribe – order, buy
Lois Lane – person’s name
77 Kent Street – building number and street name
Apartment C – apartment/flat number
Metropolis – town or city name (usually followed by a state name)
54321 – zip code, postal code; every US town or neighborhood has a
different five-number code
annual – yearly, for one year
bill me – send me the price by mail and I will pay
25. Buying a Cellular Phone
Salesperson: Good afternoon, can I help you?
Simon: Yes, I’d like to buy a cell phone. What
is your least expensive model?
Salesperson: That would be the Fokia 22. It is
$89.90.
Simon: I’ll take it. I’ll also be needing a year
of service and 100 minutes a month.
Salesperson: That plan costs $26.99 per month.
Your total for today, with tax, comes
to $123.90. Cash or credit?
Simon: Credit. Here’s my card.
Salesperson: Alright, thank you. We will activate
your phone right away.
cell – mobile, wireless
a year of service – service for one full year
a month – every month, also per month
activate – begin service
right away – without delay, very soon
26. Watching Television
DJ: Let’s watch the nature channel. Maybe that
show Amazing Animals is on.
Jesse: Nah, I’d rather watch the basketball game.
DJ: Well, you have the remote control. You
choose.
Jesse: I can’t find any basketball. After I watch the
news, you can watch whatever you want.
DJ: Sounds fair. My favorite shows don’t come
on until later anyway.
show – program on television
on – now showing
nah – no
Sounds fair. – I agree. No problem.
27. The Internet
Steve: Hey, Kate, did you check out my webpage?
Kate: Yeah, it was great. I loved your blogs about
traveling through Europe.
Steve: If you ever need to get ahold of me, just send
me an email. My address is
Kate: Okay, I will. Do you know of any good
shopping websites?
Steve: Yeah, you can try buystuff.com or
superdeal.com. They’re both pretty good.
check out – look at, inspect
blogs – diary or journal on the internet
get ahold of – contact
[email protected] – spoken as “Steve O at mail dot com”
28. Getting Something Repaired
Technician: Hi, can I help you?
Carrie: Yes, my laptop is broken. I’m not sure
if there’s a problem with the battery or
if it’s something more serious.
Technician: Uh huh, and when did you first have
problems with it?
Carrie: Last week when I was at work, the
screen went blank and the computer
shut down.
Technician: Interesting. Well, we’ll have a look at
it. Is there a number at which we can
reach you?
Carrie: Sure. 555-7879.
Technician: Okay, we’ll call you when we find the
problem.
laptop – small computer you can carry
uh huh – okay
shut down – turned off
have a look at – check, inspect
29. Going on a Hike
Alexia: Beautiful day for a hike, don’t you think?
Roberto: Yeah, the weather is just perfect. Not too
hot and not a cloud in the sky.
Alexia: I can’t believe how gorgeous the flowers
are this spring. They’re everywhere –
sunflowers, roses, marigolds …
Roberto: Hey, Alexia, hurry up and come check out
this view!
Alexia: Wow! The mountains are so beautiful, and
the trees are full of buds and leaves.
Roberto: I wish I had brought my camera to take a
picture of this.
Alexia: Me too. I’m glad we decided to take a hike
today.
check out – look at
Wow! – word of surprise or wonder
30. At the Airport
Clerk: Good afternoon, sir. What is your
destination today?
Traveler: I will be flying into Denver.
Clerk: Alright, and what is your name, please?
Traveler: My name is Lance Bass.
Clerk: Yes, here you are. You are scheduled to
fly from Miami to Denver with a two-hour
layover in Houston. Is that correct?
Traveler: Yes, that’s correct.
Clerk: Any luggage to check?
Traveler: Nope.
Clerk: Can I please see a piece of identification so
I can issue your ticket?
Traveler: Here’s my driver’s license.
Clerk: Thank you. Here is your boarding pass,
sir. Your flight will be leaving from Gate
A3 in Terminal 2. Just follow the signs.
Have a good flight.
Traveler: Thanks.
here you are – I found your name in the computer
layover – time waiting for the next flight out of an airport
check – give luggage to put in the storage part of the plane
nope – no
driver’s license – example of identification
boarding pass – ticket to get on the plane
Gate A3, Terminal 2 – gate, where the plane waits; terminal, large part
of the airport
31. Discussing Travel
Jake: Hey, Elizabeth, I was thinking about
going to Europe this summer. Have you
ever been to Europe?
Elizabeth: I’ve only been to France. It was great.
Have you seen pictures of the Eiffel
Tower?
Jake: Of course I’ve seen pictures of it!
Elizabeth: Well, pictures don’t do it justice, it’s so
beautiful. Have you ever eaten French
bread and cheese while overlooking the
Seine?
Jake: No, I haven’t. I’ve never been to Europe.
Elizabeth: Well, if you go, you should definitely do
that. And eat a crepe. Have you ever
ridden in a plane before?
Jake: No, I haven’t. This will be my first time.
Elizabeth: It’s a long flight, but it’s worth it.
Jake: Sounds great. I’m really looking
forward to it. France, here I come!
don’t do it justice – don’t really describe how nice/beautiful it is
the Seine – river in Paris
should definitely do that – I recommend or advise you to do it
crepe – flat pastry
worth it – valuable, enjoyable although it takes a long time to get there
looking forward to – excited about
32. At the Train Station
Cashier: Can I help you, ma’am?
Traveler: Yes, I’d like to go to Philadelphia today.
Cashier: Okay. There are three trains – morning,
afternoon, and night. The 8:00 AM train
has already departed, so would you like to
take the afternoon or night train?
Traveler: The afternoon train. What time does it
leave?
Cashier: It leaves at 3:30 PM from Track #9.
Traveler: How much for a ticket ?
Cashier: $20.00 for coach, $45.00 for first class.
Traveler: I’ll take one coach ticket, please. Here is
$20.00.
Cashier: And here’s your ticket. Again, your train
departs from Track #9 at 3:30. You are in
Car #5, Seat 2B. Enjoy your trip.
Traveler: Thanks.
Philadelphia – a US city in the state of Pennsylvania
coach – cheaper seats
first class – expensive seats
car – trains have many cars
seat – chair number
33. Rumors
Mary: Hey, John, did you hear that Nick and Jessica
broke up?
John: No, I didn’t hear that. But I did see Jessica at
a club dancing with some guy who definitely
wasn’t Nick.
Mary: Really? I guess she’s already dating other
people.
John: Why did they break up?
Mary: I heard that Nick wanted to get married and
Jessica didn’t.
John: Oh, man. He must be heartbroken.
Mary: There are plenty of fish in the sea.
Including me!
John: Now I seem to remember hearing you had a
crush on Nick at one point.
Mary: Maybe …
broke up – they quit being boyfriend and girlfriend
some guy – a man
heartbroken – sad, depressed
There are plenty of fish in the sea. – There are many other boyfriends
or girlfriends for a person in the world.
crush – to like a person
at one point – one time in the past
34. Holiday Plans
Ruth: Winter break starts tomorrow. What are
you going to do for the holidays?
Andrew: I am going to my grandparents’ for
Christmas. We are going Christmas tree
shopping this weekend. What about you?
What are you going to do for the holidays?
Ruth: I’ll stay at home with my family and
celebrate Hanukkah.
Andrew: Are you going to buy a Christmas tree?
Ruth: No, we don’t use trees to celebrate
Hanukkah. We light a candle every night
for eight days. We also exchange gifts
every night and eat lots of food.
Andrew: We exchange gifts, too, but only on
Christmas Day. We will have a big dinner
with all my family.
Ruth: Gifts, food, and family – Hanukkah and
Christmas don’t sound that different.
Andrew: No, they don’t. Well, enjoy your holiday!
Ruth: Thanks, you too.
Winter break – winter holiday
Christmas – Christian holiday celebrated on December 25th
Hanukkah – Jewish holiday celebrated for a week in the winter
exchange – give and receive
35. Studying Abroad
Connie: Phil! I just got a letter of acceptance to
the University of Ulaanbaatar! I’m going
to study abroad next year in Mongolia!
Phil: Congratulations! How long will you be
there for?
Connie: An entire schoolyear.
Phil: Where will you live?
Connie: I’ll live in the student dorms.
Phil: What made you decide to study abroad?
Connie: Well, I love to travel and I really want to
learn about Mongolian culture. Plus, I’ll
get to learn a new language.
Phil: Yeah, I hope you come back speaking
Mongolian fluently. Are you scared?
Won’t you miss your family?
Connie: No, I’m not scared. It’ll be an adventure. I
can always keep in touch with my family
via email and phone calls. Maybe they
will come visit me. You should, too!
Phil: Maybe I will. Good luck next year in
Mongolia. Stay warm.
letter of acceptance – letter inviting a person to study in a university
abroad – in a different country
dorms – dormitory, student housing
fluently – very well, without mistakes
keep in touch – to speak or write, remain in contact
via – through, by