01
M: There are so many different kinds of lamps here.
W: I know. We’ve come to the right place, honey.
M: Well, what kind should we get for our living room?
W: (This yellow one looks good.) 02
W: Kevin, did you visit Jamaica last year?
M: Yes, I did. Why do you ask?
W: I was hoping you could recommend some places for me to visit.
M: (Sure. There are many nice spots.) 03
W: Hello, everyone. I’d like to thank all of the team leaders for coming to this meeting today. The CEO has reviewed all of your proposals for eco-friendly features for the company’s automobiles next year. He was quite pleased with all of the ideas, but he noted that one person’s stood out from the rest. It was Brian Collins’ creative idea for a battery recharger. As a reward, he will receive a bonus. I hope everyone enjoyed this competition and will take part in the next one as well.
04
M: My rent is too expensive. I’ve decided to get a roommate.
W: That’s a wise decision. You’ll save a lot of money.
M: Yes. But I’m worried I won’t be able to find someone with a similar lifestyle.
W: Maybe not. But you can also get along with someone who is different.
M: Wouldn’t we fight and disagree about everything?
W: No. As long as you understand each other and treat each other well, you’ll be fine.
M: What if he does things that bother me?
W: Just make some house rules that you both have to follow.
M: That sounds like a good idea.
05
M: Hello, Sharon. Thanks for coming here today.
W: It’s my pleasure. You may not remember, but we’ve worked together before.
M: I do remember. You looked great in that red dress I made.
W: Oh, thank you. That really was a gorgeous dress.
M: Yes... As you know, I’m having a show next month for my new line of clothing.
W: Yes, I’m glad that I can take part. Are the clothes similar to the ones from last time?
M: Actually, they’re not. These are all beautiful wedding dresses.
W: Oh, how exciting!
M: I’m pretty nervous, since I’ve never designed wedding dresses before.
W: Would you like me to try one on?
M: Yes. Try this one. I think it’s your size.
06
M: Amy, let’s look at this book together! Do you like the cover?
W: Yes, I do, Daddy! It looks really cool.
M: Which part do you like?
W: I like the carrot wearing a crown on its head!
M: How about this tree with all the maple leaves?
W: I think it’s pretty. And I like the big words at the top of the cover.
M: That’s the title. Oh, look at this monster! He has two horns on his head!
W: Oh, yes. And his tail looks like a cucumber.
M: I’m wondering if he is a good monster or a bad monster.
W: Daddy, please hurry up and read the story to me!
07
W: Hi, Gus. What are you reading?
M: It’s a guidebook for Indonesia.
W: Indonesia! Don’t tell me you’re planning a trip there!
M: Actually, I am. Why?
W: I’ve always wanted to go there.
M: You should come with me during our winter break!
W: I’d love to, but I can’t afford it.
M: We still have four months. You could save up some money.
W: Well, I saw a sign for part-time jobs at the campus coffee shop a few days ago.
M: You should apply. This is your chance to make a dream come true.
W: All right. I’ll do it right now.
08
M: Honey, what are you doing?
W: I’m gathering some old clothes. If you have any clothes that you don’t wear anymore, please bring them to me.
M: Okay. Is it for the garage sale next weekend?
W: Oh, are we going to have a garage sale?
M: We talked about having one just two days ago!
W: That’s right. Well, I’m planning to sell furniture that we don’t use anymore, but not clothes.
M: Then what are you gathering the clothes for?
W: Actually, one of my friends works at a volunteer organization. She asked me to send some.
M: What are they going to do with the clothes?
W: They will donate them to poor people.
M: That will really help them!
09
M: Welcome to the Canaan Valley Ski Resort. What can I do for you?
W: Hi. I’d like to buy some ski lift tickets.
M: Which kind of tickets do you want, ma’am? Adult tickets are $60.
W: I need one of those and three children’s tickets.
M: Okay. Children under 12 get half off the adult price. How old are they?
W: One is 15, and the other two are 10 and 6.
M: Then two of them can pay the children’s price, and the 15-year-old will be charged the same as an adult.
W: Okay. Here is the money.
M: Here are the tickets and your change.
W: Which lift is for beginners?
M: The one to your left.
W: Thanks.
10
M: Hey, Molly. I read an interesting article this morning.
W: Oh, really? Tell me about it.
M: It says we are exposed to 1.6 mg of electromagnetic waves a day.
W: How is that possible?
M: Many devices, such as cell phones and microwaves, produce them.
W: That sounds dangerous!
M: It’s not harmful in small amounts, but regular exposure could have a harmful effect on our bodies.
W: That’s terrible. How can I protect myself?
M: Well, if you grow certain kinds of plants, they will absorb some of the electromagnetic waves.
W: All right. Is there anything else?
M: Yes. When you talk on your cell phone, hold it away from your face.
W: I’ll keep that in mind.
11
M: Where were you last night? I was trying to call you.
W: I was at the theater. So I had my phone turned off.
M: It must have been a late play.
W: Not really. It started at 8 p.m. and ended at 10 p.m.
M: That’s strange. I kept trying to call you until about 11:00.
W: I must have forgotten to turn my phone back on.
M: Did you go out for dinner after the show?
W: No, I ate with my parents beforehand. But I had coffee with some friends after the show.
M: Oh, I see.
W: Anyway, why did you call?
M: I wanted to tell you that Thursday’s meeting has been rescheduled for today at 4 o’clock.
W: Oh, really? Thanks for letting me know.
12
W: Oh, let’s stop in this bookstore for a minute.
M: Okay, but our flight leaves in 20 minutes. Just quickly choose a bestseller. Here’s the chart.
W: Let’s see. Well, Steve Berry is my favorite author, but I’ve already read that one.
M: Oh, I’ve read Harbor Lights. I really recommend it.
W: Hmm, I’m not a fan of romance novels.
M: All right. Then what kind of books do you like?
W: Mysteries are my favorite, but I also like science fiction.
M: Oh, really? How about this horror novel?
W: Well, generally I don’t like horror novels, but I guess I could try one this time.
M: Yes. We’re in a hurry.
W: Okay, okay. I’ll get this one.
13
[Cell phone rings.]
W: Hello?
M: Hi, Mary? This is Leonard.
W: What’s wrong, Leonard? You sound terrible.
M: I caught a really bad cold.
W: I hope you’re not planning on coming to school.
M: No way. I don’t even know if I can get out of bed.
W: Well, the best thing you can do is to get some rest.
M: That’s what I’m going to do. But can I ask a favor?
W: Sure, what do you need?
M: Can you take notes for me in Ms. Anderson’s class? I’m worried about the exam.
W: Of course. It’s no trouble at all.
M: Great. I don’t want to miss anything.
W: (I’ll show you the notes when you get back to school.) 14
M: Doreen, can I talk to you for a minute?
W: Sure, Dennis.
M: I heard from one of the waitresses that you’re unhappy.
W: Yes. To be honest, I’m thinking about quitting.
M: But you’re the best chef I’ve ever had. Please tell me what’s wrong.
W: I’m just not satisfied with my job. I want to try something new.
M: What if I raised your salary?
W: Thanks for offering, but it’s not about the money.
M: Well, is there anything I can do to convince you to stay?
W: No. I just need some time to think about what I want to do with my life.
M: (Well, let me know when you make a decision.) 15
W: Jimmy and Karen are in the library doing research for a school project. Their teacher recommended that they use a particular book as a resource. They look up the title on the library’s computer and find out where it is located. But when they go to that section, the book isn’t there. They go back to see if it has been checked out, but according to the computer it has not. Jimmy suggests that they look for it on some nearby shelves, but Karen is worried that they have already wasted too much time. In this situation, what would Karen most likely say to Jimmy?
Karen: (Let’s just ask the librarian for help.) 16-17
M: Many people use websites such as Facebook and Twitter to keep in touch with their friends and families. The fact that these sites are free makes them particularly attractive to students.
However, students should know that there are a number of problems related to these sites. The first is that you can easily waste time using them. It’s fine if you are just updating your
information now and again. But if you spend hours every day surfing the pages of your friends, it can keep you from getting your schoolwork done. Even worse, this kind of behavior can lead to Internet addiction. This is a serious problem that can cause students’ grades to drop sharply.
Another problem is the posting of inappropriate pictures and information. Remember that future school officials and employers can see what you’ve posted. Students who choose to use these websites should be sure to use them wisely.