1

Hello

A: Hello.
B: Hello.
A: I'm David Clark.
B: I'm Linda Rivera.
C: Are you a teacher?
D: No, I'm not.
C: Oh, are you a student?
D: Yes, I am.
E: Are you from the United States?
F: No, I'm not.
E: Where are you from?
F: I'm from Canada.
G: Hello, Kenji.
H: Hi, John, how are you?
G: Fine, thanks. And you?
H: Fine, thanks.

Excuse me!

I: Excuse me!
J: Yes?
I: Are you American?
J: Pardon me?
I: Are you from the United States?
J: Yes, we are.
I: Oh, I'm American too. Are you here on vacation?
J: No, we aren't. We're here on business.
J: Please sit down.
I: Thank you.
J: Coffee?
I: Yes, please.
J: Cream?
I: No, thanks.
J: Sugar?
I: Yes, please.
K: Where are you from?
I: I'm from Los Angeles.
K: Are you here on business?
I: No, I'm not. I'm on vacation.

What is it?

Anna: What is it? Is it a fly?

Mike: No, it isn't.
Anna: Is it a mosquito?
Mike: Uh... Yes. Yes, it is.
Anna: Oh, no! It isn't a mosquito, Mike. It's a bee!

What's your name?

Mr. Stern: Good evening.

Desk clerk: Good evening, sir. What's your name?
Mr. Stern: Stern. My name's Thomas Stern.
Desk clerk: Oh, yes, Mr. Stern. Room 15. Here's your key.
Mr. Stern: Thank you.
Desk clerk: You're welcome.
Bell captain: Is this your suitcase?
Mr. Stern: No, it isn't.
Bell captain: Oh, is that your suitcase over there?
Mr. Stern: Yes, it is.
Mrs. Johnson: Good evening.
Desk clerk: Good evening. What are your names, please?
Mr. Johnson: Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson.
Desk clerk: Oh, yes. Here's your key.
Bell captain: Are these your suitcases here?
Mr. Johnson: No, they aren't.
Bell captain: Oh, I'm sorry. Are those your suitcases over there?
Mr. Johnson: Yes, they are.

Mrs. Johnson: Is this our room?

Mr. Johnson: What's the number?
Mrs. Johnson: Fourteen.
Mr. Johnson: Oh, no. No, it isn't. That's our room

number 13!

I'm cold

A: Brr!
B: Are you cold?
A: Yes, I am.
B: Well, I'm not. I'm hot!
It's late
A: The plane's late.
B: Yes, it's very late.
C: Are they tired?
D: No, they aren't tired. He's hungry and she's thirsty.
E: They're tired.
F: Yes, they are.
G: This is terrible! I'm very angry!
H: I'm sorry, ma'am.
I: Is that book good?
J: Yes, it is. But it's very sad.

K: Phew! I'm hot!

L: Yes, That coat's very warm!

There's a nice apartment

Realtor: This is a nice apartment, Ms. Garcia. Look, here's a

floor plan.
Eva: Mmm...
Realtor: There's a living room. There's a kitchen, a bedroom, and
a bathroom.
Eva: Is there a balcony?
Realtor: Yes, there is.
Eva: And a dining room...is there a dining room?
Realtor: No, there isn't a dining room. But there is a dining area
in the living room.
Realtor: Well, this is the kitchen.
Eva: Oh, it's very small.
Realtor: Yes, it isn't very large. But there's a stove, a refrigerator,
and a space for a dishwasher. There are some cabinets,
and...um...there's a small shelf under the sink.
Eva: Are there any windows in the bathroom?
Realtor: No, there aren't. But there are two large windows in the
bedroom.
Eva: Good. It's a very nice apartment. Uh, where is the
bathroom?

Requests

A: Hi. A cola, please.

B: Regular or large?
A: Regular, please.
B: There you go.
A: Thanks. How much is that?
B: $1.15.
A: Thank you.
B: You're welcome.
C: Could you pass the salt, please?
A: Sure. Here you are.
C: Thanks.
A: And the pepper?
C: No, thanks.
C: Could I have your phone number?
A: It's in the phone book.
C: What's your last name?
A: It's in the book, too.
C: Very funny.
A: OK. It's 639-7701.

Uniforms

How do you do? My name's Tiffany Gonzales, and I'm a flight

attendant for Air USA. This is my uniform
a blue skirt, a pink
blouse, and a black jacket. It's very stylish.
Carlos da Silva is a soccer player for Brazil. His shirt is yellow
and green, and his shorts are blue and white.
Hi there. I'm Brian... and I'm Diane. We're lifeguards at Bay
Beach. Our uniforms aren't very stylish
white shorts, orange Tshirts, and green caps.
Adriana Papadopoulos is a fire fighter in a small town in Kansas.
Her jacket is red, her hat is brown, her pants are gray, and her
boots are yellow.
Brandon Timmons and Jason Davis are baseball players for the
Bayport Seagulls. Their pants are white, and their shirts are black
and orange.

Whose is it?

Dan: Hi there, Erica.

Erica: Hello, Dan. Wow! What's that?
Dan: It's a 1936 Cord.
Erica: It's beautiful! Is it your car?
Dan: No... no, it isn't.
Erica: Whose car is it?
Dan: It's Jessica Montana's car.
Erica: Jessica Montana? Who's she?
Dan: She's my boss.

10

There's some oil in the bottle

Steve: Kelly! Where's the oil?

Kelly: What?
Steve: Where's the oil? There isn't any oil in the cabinet.
Kelly: There's some oil right there...in the bottle on the shelf.
Steve: OK. Sorry.
Steve: Are there any onions?
Kelly: Sure.
Steve: Where are they?
Kelly: They're right here. There are some on the table.

11

An American restaurant

Customer: Waiter! I'd like the menu, please.

Waiter: There you go, sir.
Customer: Thanks... I'd like some soup.
Waiter: Tomato soup?
Customer: Yes, and I'd like a steak.
Waiter: Rare, medium or well-done?
Customer: Medium, please.
Waiter: Which vegetables would you like?
Customer: I'd like some potatoes, some peas...oh, and a green
salad.
Waiter: Certainly, sir. Would you like dressing on your salad?
Customer: Please.
Waiter: Which salad dressing would you like, sir? French?
Italian? Thousand Island? Oil and vinegar...?
Customer: Oil and vinegar, please.

12

Computer game

OK. That's you on the first level. Go right. Be careful. Don't

touch the bomb! Stop. Jump! That's right. Now go up the ladder.
Go right. Quick! Don't open the door. Go left. Jump! Be very
careful. Jump again
don't touch the soldiers. Go up the ladder.
Don't go left, go right. Jump! Don't go up the ladder. Jump again.
Get Maria and Marco. Press jump twice. OK, now go back.
Jump! Go up the ladder. Go right. Go left. Jump fast! Go up the
ladder and save the princess. Press jump twice. Now, go down
the ladder and go left. That's the gold. Press jump twice. OK,
thats level one.
Robbie the Robot
Good. Listen to me, Robbie. Turn the vacuum cleaner off. That's
right. Now, turn the TV on... That's great! Now turn the TV off.
Go to the door. Open it. Fantastic! Come here. Give me the
newspaper. Thank you... Go to the windows. Close them. Now go
to the door. Go out. Walk to the front door. Open it. Go out
and...Robbie! Robbie! Come back here! Robbie! Where are you?
Robbie...!

13

Who's happy?

Look at this woman. Her name's Donna Walton. These are her
three children, Jane, Darryl, and Michelle. Donna's an English
teacher. She's not rich, and she's not famous.
Look at her house. It's small and there's no pool. There are three
bedrooms in the house.
Donna's car is old. It's slow and uncomfortable. There's no radio
or cassette player in her car. There's an engine, a steering wheel,
and there are four wheels and two doors. Donna isn't happy. She'd
like a big house, a new car, and a lot of money.
Look at this man. His name's Zach Zebedee. He's a rock star. He's
very rich and famous. Look at his house. It's large and expensive,
and there's a swimming pool in the backyard. There are ten
bedrooms in the house.
Zach's car is new. It's a white Lincoln stretch limo. It's fast and
comfortable. In his car there's a climate control system, a CD
player, a VCR, a phone, and a fax machine.
But Zach isn't happy. He'd like a small house, a small car, and a
family
with two kids.

14

My dad can do everything!

Sally: My dad's really wonderful. He's big and strong and

handsome.
Annie: Really? Well, my dad can do everything.
Sally: Can he? What?
Annie: He's really smart. He can speak a hundred languages.
Sally: A hundred! What languages can he speak?
Annie: Well, he can speak Spanish, Italian, French, German,
Japanese, Arabic, and, uh, a lot more.
Sally: Well, my dad is very athletic.
Annie: Athletic?
Sally: Uh-huh. He can swim, ski, and play football, tennis, and
baseball.
Annie: Oh, well, can your dad cook?
Sally: Cook? No, he can't.
Annie: My dad is a wonderful cook.
Sally: Really?
Annie: Yes, and he can paint and play the piano, too.
Sally: Oh. My dad can't do that. But my mom is beautiful and
smart and she can...

15

Choices

G: Please come in.

H: Thank you.
G: Sit down.
H: Thanks.
G: Would you like tea or coffee?
H: A cup of coffee, please.
G: How about a cookie?
H: No, thanks. I'm on a diet.
I: Excuse me...
J: Yes, can I help you?
I: I'd like a pair of shoes, please.
J: What color would you like?
I: Brown.
J: What size are you?
I: Seven. Can I try them on?
J: Sure.

K: Hi. A frozen yogurt, please.

L: What flavor? Strawberry, chocolate, or vanilla?
K: Strawberry, please.
L: In a sugar cone or in a cup?
K: In a cup, please.
L: There you go. That's a dollar ninety-five.

16

What do they have?

Hi there, fans. My name's Courtney Dallas. I'm a famous actress

a superstar! I'm from Los Angeles. I have an apartment in New
York and a house in Hollywood with a swimming pool and a
tennis court. I have a new Mercedes and a lot of money in the
bank. I'm married and I have three wonderful children. I have
everything. Life's great!
Hello. My name's Ike Proudfoot. I'm from Alaska. I have a small
cabin in the woods. I don't have a car, a TV, a radio, or a phone. I
don't have a job. I don't have any money, and I don't have a
family. I don't have anything, but life's fantastic out here.
Hello there. Our names are Tina and Chuck Jackson. We're from
Chicago. I'm a nurse and Chuck has a job in a factory. We don't
have a big house, but we have a nice apartment. We have two
cars. I have a new Honda. Chuck doesn't have a new car. He has
an old Chevrolet. It's beautiful. And we have two great kids.
Life's good.

17

At customs

Customs Officer: Good morning. May I see your passport?

Ralph: Sure. Here it is.
Customs Officer: Thank you. Hmm. OK. Do you have anything
to declare?
Ralph: No, I don't.
Customs Officer: You have six suitcases. Is that right?
Ralph: Yes, that's right.
Customs Officer: What do you have in your cases?
Ralph: Clothes. And I have some compact discs and some
perfume.
Customs Officer: How much perfume do you have?
Ralph: One bottle.
Customs Officer: OK. And how many CDs do you have?
Ralph: Um...three.
Customs Officer: Fine. Do you have anything else?
Ralph: No, I don't.
Customs Officer: Good. Now open this suitcase, please.
Ralph: Huh? What?
Customs Officer: Open your suitcase. Now, let's see. Well, look
at this. You have three portable CD players, five... no, six large
bottles of perfume, and a lot of CDs.

18

Which one?

Lucy: Hi, George. It's a great party.

George: Thank you. How about some more salad?
Lucy: Thanks.
George: Which plate is yours?
Lucy: That one's mine.
George: Which one?
Lucy: The empty one!
George: Charles and Lucy would like some more coffee.
Linda: OK. Which mugs are theirs?
George: Uh, the blue one's his, and the white one's hers.
Linda: Are you sure?
George: Um, I don't know.
Linda: George! Give them fresh mugs. There are some on the
shelf.
Charles: Good night and thanks for a lovely evening.
George: Now, which coats are yours?
Charles: Those coats are ours.
George: Which ones?
Charles: The black one and the gray one.
George: Ah, yes...
Charles: Thanks. The gray one's mine, and the black one's hers.

19

Travel

M: Excuse me.
N: May I help you?
M: I'd like some information about the trains.
N: Where to?
M: Montreal.
N: When?
M: Tomorrow.
N: Morning or afternoon?
M: Evening. Around six o'clock.
N: OK. There's one at 6:40.
M: Thanks.
O: Excuse me, is this seat taken?
P: No, it isn't.
O: Is it OK if I sit here?
P: Yes, of course.
O: Is that your newspaper?
P: Yes, it is.
O: May I borrow it for a minute?
P: Yes, sure.

Q: Good morning. May I see your ticket, please?

R: Yes. Here it is.
Q: OK. Do you have any luggage?
R: Yes, one suitcase.
Q: Put it right here.
R: Can I carry it on the plane with me? It isn't heavy.
Q: No, I'm sorry. It's the wrong size.

20

What are they doing?

Laura: Hello.
Jamie: Hello, Laura. Is Scott there?
Laura: Oh, hi, Jamie. Yes, he is. But he's busy.
Jamie: Is he working?
Laura: No, he isn't working. He's in the kitchen.
Jamie: What's he doing?
Laura: He's cooking.
Jamie: What are you doing?
Laura: I'm reading.

21

Can you help me?

Carlos is a student. He's staying with the Flynns, a family in

Boston.
Carlos: Mrs. Flynn, can you help me? I'm doing my homework,
and I can't understand this word.
Mrs. Flynn: Which one? Oh, that's difficult. I'm sorry, Carlos. I
can't help you now. I'm watching TV. I can help you later.
Carlos: Oh? What are you watching?
Mrs. Flynn: I'm watching an old Western with Clint Eastwood.
Carlos: Can Mr. Flynn help me?
Mrs. Flynn: Well, no, he can't. Not now. He's reading.
Carlos: What's he reading?
Mrs. Flynn: He's reading a magazine.
Carlos: What about Kate?
Mrs. Flynn: Oh, she can't help you now. She's talking on the
phone.
Carlos: Who's she talking to?
Mrs. Flynn: I don't know. You're asking a lot of questions
tonight, Carlos!
Carlos: Yes, I know. I'm practicing my English.

22

Shopping

S: Can I help you?

T: Pardon me?
S: Can I help you?
T: Oh, no thanks. I'm just looking.
U: Can you show me some cameras, please?
V: Sure. What make do you want?
U: I'd like a Minolta.
V: This one's very good. It's a new model.
U: How much is it?
V: $180.
U: Oh, that's too expensive.
V: How much can you spend?
U: Around $100.
V: Here's one at $99.50.
U: Great! Can you show it to me?

W: Good morning.
X: Good morning. How may I help you?
W: I'm looking for a textbook.
X: What's the title?
W: Instant English. Do you have it?
X: Yes. It's over here.
W: How much is it?
X: $12.00.
W: May I see it, please?
X: Sure. There you go.
W: Thank you.
X: Your English is very good. Are you studying it?
W: No, I'm teaching it!

23

The fashion show

And now, ladies and gentlemen, here's Julia. Julia's wearing a

white silk blouse and a black skirt. It's made of wool. She's
wearing tan shoes, and she's carrying a tan leather bag with a gold
chain. Thank you, Julia.
Now, here's Wayne. He's wearing dark blue wool pants and a
light blue wool sport coat. He's wearing a yellow cotton shirt and
a red and yellow striped silk tie. Thank you, Wayne.

24

Going to the movies

Victor's standing outside the movie theater. He's waiting for his
friend Tania. He's looking at his watch because she's late. An old
man's coming out of the theater. A young woman's going into the
theater. A boy's running up the steps. A woman's buying a ticket
from the cashier. Some people are standing in line outside the
movie theater.
Now Victor's in the theater with Tania. He's sitting between Tania
and a man with a mustache. A woman's sitting in front of him.
Victor can't see the movie because she's wearing a hat. A man's
sitting behind Tania. He's eating potato chips. Tania's angry
because she can't hear the movie!
This is a scene from the movie. In this scene, a beautiful young
woman's lying across the tracks. She's shouting Help! because a
train's coming along the tracks. It's very near. It's coming around
the bend now...

25

What's on TV tonight?

Melissa: Hi, David. I'm home.

David: Hi. How are you?
Melissa: I'm tired. How about you?
David: I'm tired too.
Melissa: What time is it?
David: It's a quarter to seven.
Melissa: What's on TV tonight?
David: There's a good program on PBS at a quarter after nine
Best Animated Movies of the Year.
Melissa: Yes...and there's a great movie on channel two at eight
o'clock, after Fifty-nine Minutes.
David: Oh, wait a minute. There's a baseball game on at seven.
Melissa: Oh, I can't watch that. Look! There's ballet on channel
thirteen. It's beginning now.
David: But Melissa, it's my favorite team. It's a very important
game. It's the World Series!
Melissa: Well, you can watch it on the portable TV in the
bedroom.

26

In prison

Tim: Tomorrow we're going to leave this place!

Fred: Yeah. What are you going to do first?
Tim: Well, I'm going to rent a big car, meet my girlfriend, and
take her to an expensive restaurant. We're going to have lobster
and caviar. What about you, Fred?
Fred: My wife's going to meet me outside the prison. Then we're
going to visit her mother.
Tim: Your mother-in-law? You're kidding!
Fred: No, I'm not. I'm going to work for my wife's mother.
Tim: Really? You're not going to work for your mother-in-law!
Fred: Well, she has a little diner in Chicago.
Tim: What are you going to do there?
Fred: I'm going to be a dishwasher.
Tim: What? Wash dishes? Well, I'm not going to work. I'm going
to have a good time!
Fred: You're lucky. I'm going to rob a bank next week.
Tim: Are you crazy? Why?
Fred: Because I'm happy here in prison!

27

A wedding

This is an American wedding. The bride and groom are leaving

City Hall. The bride is wearing a long white gown and carrying a
bouquet of flowers. The groom is wearing a tuxedo and a purple
carnation. He's holding her hand. Their friends and relatives are
throwing rice. The bride and groom are both smiling because
they're very happy.
In a few minutes, they're going to get into a white Cadillac and
drive to a hotel for the reception. They're going to have dinner,
and the bride and groom are going to cut the cake. Some people
are going to make speeches, and their parents are going to cry!
Then everyone is going to dance.
Later on, the bride and groom are going to change their clothes.
Then they're going to leave the reception and drive to the airport.
They're going to fly to Acapulco in Mexico for their honeymoon.
They aren't going to tell anyone the address of their hotel!

28

Computer dating

Interviewer: Hello. Come in, please.

Mr. Jennson: Good afternoon. My name's Jennson...Magnus
Jennson. I'm...uh...looking for a woman friend.
Interviewer: Please sit down, Mr. Jennson. May I ask you some
questions?
Mr. Jennson: What about?
Interviewer: Well, about music, for example. Do you like music?
Mr. Jennson: Yes, I do. I like military band music and classical
music.
Interviewer: Do you like rock music?
Mr. Jennson: No, I don't! And I don't like jazz.
Interviewer: Uh-huh. OK. Food...Do you like foreign food?
Mr. Jennson: No, I don't. I like meat and potatoes.
Interviewer: OK. How old are you, Mr. Jennson?
Mr. Jennson: What? Listen here, young man. I don't like these
personal questions!
Interviewer: Oh, well, uh, can you fill out this form later and
mail it to me?

29

A scene from a movie

Larry: Please marry me, Jacqueline. I want you. I need you. I

love you.
Jackie: I'm sorry, Lawrence, but I can't.
Larry: Oh, Jackie, why not?
Jackie: Well, Larry. I like you... I like you a lot... But I don't love
you.
Larry: But Jackie, love isn't everything.
Jackie: Oh, Larry, you don't understand... For me, love is
everything.
Larry: Do you...love another man, Jackie?
Jackie: Yes, Larry, I do.
Larry: Not...Michael Kennedy?
Jackie: Yes, Michael Kennedy.
Larry: But he doesn't want you. He's engaged!
Jackie: I know.
Larry: But Jackie, Mike isn't a rich man. I can give you
everything. What do you want? Clothes? Money? Travel? A
house in Palm Beach?
Jackie: No, Larry. I don't want those things. I only want Mike.

30

Asking for assistance

Y: Excuse me.
Z: Yes?
Y: Do you have any change?
Z: What do you need?
Y: I need some quarters.
Z: Sure. How many do you want?
Y: Can you change a dollar bill?
Z: Yes, I think so. Here are four quarters.
E: Hello.
I: Hello. How can I help you?
E: Could you repair these boots?
I: Sure. What's the problem?
E: They need new heels.
I: No problem. When do you need them?
E: As soon as possible.
I: Is Thursday afternoon OK?
E: Yes. That's great.

A: Excuse me.
R: Yes?
A: Is there a parking lot near here?
R: Yes, there is.
A: Is it far?
R: No, it's not. Turn right at the first traffic light. It's on the left.
A: Thank you.
R: You're welcome.

31

An interview

Arnold Rivera, the TV news reporter, is interviewing Mrs.

Cornelia Vandergilt for the program Real People.
AR: Well, Mrs. Vandergilt, please tell our viewers about an
ordinary day in your life.
CV: Well, I wake up at eight o'clock.
AR: Really? Do you get up then?
CV: No, of course I don't get up at that time. I have breakfast in
bed, and I read The New York Times.
AR: What time do you get up?
CV: I get up at ten.
AR: What do you do then?
CV: I read my letters and dictate the answers to my secretary.
AR: And then?
CV: At eleven I take a walk with Jimmy.
AR: Jimmy? Who's Jimmy?
CV: Jimmy's my dog.
AR: Oh. What time do you have lunch?
CV: I have lunch at twelve-thirty. I eat alone.
AR: Oh, I see. Well, what do you do after lunch?
CV: I rest until six o'clock.
AR: And at six? What do you do at six?
CV: I get dressed for dinner. I have dinner at seven o'clock.

AR: Yes, well, what do you do after dinner?

CV: I read or watch TV. I take a bath at nine-thirty. And I go to
bed at ten.
AR: You certainly have a busy and interesting life, Mrs.
Vandergilt. Thank you.
CV: You're welcome.

32

Every day

Mac's a truck driver. He's twenty five years old. He works five
days a week. He gets up at six o'clock every day. He eats an
enormous breakfast. He drinks two cups of coffee. Then he kisses
his wife good bye. He leaves for work at six thirty. He has
lunch at a hamburger place. He comes home at five o'clock. He
has dinner and watches TV. He goes to bed at ten o'clock.

33

What's my Job?

Hosts: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to What's

My Job? We have three famous people here
Dr. K. Walter
Eisenstein, the scientist; Bonita Moreno, the movie star; and Rude
E. Mallet, the rock star. They're going to ask the questions. Now
here's our first contestant. OK, Dr. Eisenstein...
Dr. Eisenstein: Umm, do you work outside?
Contestant: No, I don't.
Dr. Eisenstein: I see. Do you work in an office?
Contestant: Well, yes. Yes, I do.
Dr. Eisenstein: Do you wear a uniform?
Contestant: No, I don't.
Host: Next, Bonita Moreno.
Ms. Moreno: Oh, is your job important?
Contestant: Yes, it is.
Ms. Moreno: Do you get a big salary?
Contestant: Yes, I do.
Ms. Moreno: Do you have any special diplomas?
Contestant: Yes, I do.
Host: Thank you, Bonita. Now, Rude E. Mallet.
Mr. Mallet: What's happening...? Do you work with your hands?
Contestant: Yes, I do.
Mr. Mallet: Do you work on weekends?

Contestant: No, I don't.

Mr. Mallet: Do you travel in your work?
Contestant: No, I don't.
Host: That's the ninth question! Now you can ask one last
question.
Ms. Moreno: Are you a doctor?
Contestant: No, I'm not. I'm a dentist.

34

Karaoke

Lemon Computers, Inc., always has an end-of-the-year party for

its workers. They usually have dinner and then they dance. This
year they're doing something different. They're having a karaoke
party.
Travis: Come on, Brittany. Sing us a song!
Brittany: No way!
Travis: Why not?
Brittany: I never sing in public!
Travis: But you can sing.
Brittany: Well, I often sing in the car. But that's different. I'm on
my own then.
Travis: Only in the car?
Brittany: Well, I occasionally sing in the shower. But everybody
sometimes sings in the shower.
Travis: Well, there you go. You can sing.
Brittany: Travis, I really don't want to.
Travis: What's your favorite song?
Brittany: I don't know. I hardly ever listen to rock music. I
usually listen to opera.
Travis: They don't have opera, Brittany. You know that. Come
on! Think of a song.
Brittany: Oh, all right!
Travis: Ladies and gentlemen! Our next singer is Brittany Young
from the Sales Division...
Brittany: You always ask me questions, I never tell you lies...

35

A questionnaire

Arthur McNair works for a market research company in San

Francisco. He's asking people about their free time:
AM: Excuse me, ma'am.
Janet Ross: Yes?
AM: I'm from Market Research, Inc. May I ask you some
questions?
JR: Uh, yes, all right.
AM: Thank you. First, what time do you usually get home from
work?
JR: Um, I usually get home about six o'clock.
AM: When do you usually have dinner?
JR: I usually eat about seven, but I sometimes eat at eight or
nine. My husband works too!
AM: What do you usually do after dinner?
JR: Well, I sometimes go out, but I usually stay home and read or
watch TV.
AM: How often do you go out?
JR: Oh, not often...about once or twice a week.
AM: Do you often see your friends?
JR: Yes, I do. Pretty often. I sometimes visit them, and they
sometimes visit me.
AM: Do you ever go to the movies?

JR: Oh, yes.

AM: How often?
JR: Well, occasionally... I like horror movies: Frankenstein or
Dracula.
AM: What about the theater? Do you ever go to the theater?
JR: Yes, I do, but not often. In fact, I hardly ever go to the
theater.
AM: Do you ever go to the ballet?
JR: No, never. I don't like ballet.
AM: Well, thank you, Ms. Ross.
JR: May I ask you a question?
AM: Yes?
JR: What do you do in your spare time?
AM: I ask questions, Ms. Ross. I never answer them.
JR: Oh!

36

What do they do every day?

Hello. My name's Chuck Seeger. I'm a pilot for Global Airlines. I

fly 747s. I'm not working today; I'm playing golf. It's my favorite
sport.
This woman's a violinist. Her name's Michiko. She plays the
violin in the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She isn't playing the
violin right now. She's dancing with her boyfriend.
This is a picture of Joan and Dave. They teach English at a
language school in San Francisco. They aren't teaching right now.
They're in a restaurant. They're talking about their students.
This is Cynthia Graham. She dances for the New York City
Ballet. She isn't dancing right now. She's taking a bath in her
hotel room. Later she's going to dance at the White House for the
president and his guests.

37

Well or badly?

There's a baseball game on TV today. The New York Rebels are

playing the Chicago Blue Socks. They are both good teams. They
usually play well. But today the Rebels are playing very well, and
the Blue Socks are playing badly.
William Zanzinger often has accidents. This is his fourth accident
this year. He's a bad driver because he's a fast and careless driver.
He drives fast, carelessly, and badly.
John Gonzalez is an excellent driver. He always drives slowly,
carefully, and well. All his friends say, Johns a good driver!
Hes very careful.
Susan Yamakawa works very hard. Shes a fast worker. Her boss
often says, Ms. Yamakawa works hard eight hours a day. Shes a
hard worker and a good employee.

38

Leisure time

A: What are you doing this weekend?

B: I'm going out of town.
A: Oh? Where are you going?
B: I'm going to Cape Cod.
A: For how long?
B: Just for two days.
C: Would you like to come to a party?
D: Well, uh, I'd like to. When is it?
C: Saturday night.
D: Oh, sorry. I'm busy on Saturday.
C: What are you doing?
D: Uh...I'm doing my homework.
C: Your homework?
D: That's right.
C: Well, maybe some other time.
D: Right. Uh, thanks anyway.

E: Would you like to dance?

F: OK.
E: Do you come here often?
F: Sometimes.
E: Do you live near here?
F: No, I don't.
E: Where do you work?
F: In a bank.
E: Do you like it?
F: It's OK.

39

Lost in Niagara Falls

Bill: Excuse me, I'm looking for the Skylon Tower.

Woman: Pardon me?
Bill: I'm looking for the Skylon Tower.
Woman: It's right behind you. You're standing right in front of it.
Bill: Where can I find the boat trip to the Falls?
Man: Ah, you want the Maid of the Mists Plaza. Walk along this
street
it's the Niagara Parkway. Stay near the river; the road
goes around to the right. The entrance to the boat trips is just
around the bend on your right. You can't miss it.
Bill: Sorry. Could you repeat that?
Bill: Pardon me. How do I get to the United States?
Woman: Just go straight ahead. Go across the Rainbow Bridge
and you're there! This side's Canada, that side's the U.S.A.
Bill: Which are the Canadian Falls?
Man: They're on our right. The Horseshoe Falls is another name
for the Canadian Falls.
Bill: So, the American Falls are across the river on our left.
Man: That's correct.

40

Personal information

A: AMC Movie Theater. How can I help you?

B: Id like two tickets for Aladdin, please.
A: For when?
B: Saturday at four oclock.
A: December 26th, four oclock. Thats $9. How would you like
to pay?
B: Visa. Card number 9999 8160 2277 4538.
A: And whats your name?
B: Lee. William Lee.
A: And the expiration date on the card?
B: July of next year.
C: Are you a student here?
D: Yes. Its my first day.
C: What are you studying?
D: E.S.L.
C: Oh, where are you from?
D: Sao Paulo in Brazil.
C: Are you a student in Brazil?
D: No, Im not. I work for an airline.
C: Oh, really? Which one?
D: Varig. Do you know it?

E: Hello, Id like a membership card for the Recreation Center.

F: The Center is for the Brentwood area only.
E: Yes, I know.
F: Do you live, work, or go to school in the area?
E: I go to school here.
F: Do you have a student ID?
E: Its right here. Im a student at Brentwood College.
F: OK. Can you complete this form? I also need a passport
photograph and $20.
E: Is there a student discount?
F: Yes. Theres a discount of twenty-five percent. Twenty dollars
is the discount price.

41

Where were you?

Princess Amelia of Silvania is on a skiing trip to Aspen,

Colorado. Princess Amelia employs three security guards.
Theyre outside her hotel now. Theyre talking to a photographer.
The Princess has a lot of problems with photographers!
Guard: OK. Dont move! Whats your name, bud?
Justin: Hanson. Justin Hanson. I work for The National
Questioner.
Guard: Right! You were here yesterday.
Justin: No, I wasnt.
Guard: Yes, you were. You were here yesterday afternoon.
Justin: I wasnt! I was in Denver yesterday.
Guard: Yeah? What about Saturday? Where were you on
Saturday?
Justin: Uhwhat time?
Guard: Two oclock. Where were you at two oclock?
Justin: Uh, I was here, on the ski slope.
Guard: Right! And where were you on January 12th?
Justin: I cant remember.
Guard: It was a Wednesday.
Justin: Oh, really? No, I cant remember.
Guard: I can. You were in New York. Outside Princess Amelias
hotel. And where were you at seven oclock this evening?

Justin: Im not answering any more questions.

Guard: Yes, you are, bud. You were outside the swimming pool.
With your camera. And the Princess was in the pool.
Justin: OK. But there wasnt any film in my camera.
Guard: Yeah, right. OK, open your camera!

42

Vacations

Diane: Hi, Joe. Where were you last month?

Joe: Oh, hi, Diane. I was on vacation.
Diane: Really? But you were on vacation in January.
Joe: Yes, I was in Colorado in January.
Diane: Where were you last month?
Joe: I was in Florida.
Diane: Florida? What was it like?
Joe: Fantastic! The weather was beautiful and the ocean was very
warm.
Diane: What was the hotel like?
Joe: Excellent! There was a swimming pool and a private beach.
And there were three restaurants.
Diane: What were the people like?
Joe: They were very friendly.
Diane: Was Suzanne with you?
Joe: Yes. She loves the sun.
Diane: What about your children? Were they with you?
Joe: No, they werent. They were with their grandparents in
Chicago.

43

Return from space

Phil Strongarm, the astronaut, is talking about his journey to the

moon. Opel Winford, the TV personality, is interviewing Phill.
Opel: Well, Phil, welcome back to Earth.
Phil: Thanks, maam. Uh, Ms. WinfordI mean, Opel.
Opel: Did you have any problems on the trip into space?
Phil: We didnt have any serious problems, but it certainly wasnt
a picnic.
Opel: What do you mean?
Phil: We didnt have a bath or shave for two weeks.
Opel: Oh, really?
Phil: Yes. It wasnt very comfortable.
Opel: What about food? Was that a problem?
Phil: Well, we didnt have any normal food.
Opel: What did you have?
Phil: We had some food tablets and other kinds of food in tubes.
Opel: Are you going to the moon again, Phill?
Phil: I hope so, um, Opel. It was uncomfortable and
difficultbut it was wonderful.

44

Did you get everything?

Ron Carter goes downtown every Saturday. He went downtown

last Saturday. He usually plays pool with his friends. He played
pool last Saturday afternoon. After he leaves the pool hall, he
usually goes to the supermarket and gets the food for the week.
He got the food last Saturday. He usually comes home by bus.
But last Saturday he came home by taxi.
Sue: Ron, is that you?
Ron: Yes, Sue. Im back.
Sue: Did you come home by taxi?
Ron: Yes, I did. The bags were very heavy.
Sue: Did you get everything?
Ron: Yes. I gotwell, almost everything.
Sue: Almost everything?
Ron: Well, I went to the butcher, but they didnt have any steak.
Sue: They didnt have any steak?
Ron: No, so I got some hamburgers.
Sue: Did you go to the bakery?
Ron: Yes, but I didnt get any bread.
Sue: You didnt get any bread?
Ron: Well, no, they didnt have any bread. But they had some
rolls, so I got some rolls.

Sue: How many rolls did you get?

Ron: Uh, I cant remember.
Sue: Ron?
Ron: Yes?
Sue: What time did you go to the store?
Ron: UhI went at five oclock. The shelves were empty!

45

In the office

Jane: Hello, Gloria.

Gloria: Hi, Jane. Did you enjoy lunch?
Jane: Yes, I did. Did you finish those reports?
Gloria: Yes, I typed them. Theyre on your desk.
Jane: Did you photocopy them?
Gloria: Yes, I photocopied everything. And I mailed the letters
too.
Jane: Good. Thank you.
Gloria: Youre welcome. Oh, Mr. Thompson was here.
Jane: Mr. Thompson? Did he call for an appointment first?
Gloria: No, he didnt.
Jane: What time did he arrive?
Gloria: About two oclock. But he only waited about five
minutes.
Jane: Thats strange. What did he want??
Gloria: He probably wanted some free advice.
Jane: Did anybody telephone?
Gloria: No, nobody.
Jane: Oh, no!
Gloria: Whats the matter?
Jane: You mailed the letters
Gloria: Yes, of course.

Jane: But I didnt sign them!

Gloria: I signed them with my name.
Jane: Phew! Thank you, Gloria. That was great.

46

The Legend of Willy the Kid

Willy the Kid arrived in Dodge City one evening. He walked into
the saloon, and looked slowly around the room. Everybody was
afraid. Willy had two guns.
The sheriff was in his office. He was asleep.
The barkeeper rushed into the sheriffs office. Willy the Kids in
town!
The sheriff hurried to the saloon.
Give me your guns, Willy
the sheriff shouted to Willy.
This town is too small for both of us
Willy replied calmly.
They walked into the street. The sheriff waited. Willy moved his
hand toward his gun The sheriff pulled out his gun. He fired
twice. The first bullet missed Willy. The second killed him.
Two cowboys carried Willy away.
That was the end of Willy the Kid.

47

Foreign vacations

Marias a student at Yale University. She studies Spanish, and she

goes to Mexico every summer. She sees interesting places, lies in
the sun, and eats a lot of Mexican food. She always flies to
Mexico with AeroMexico.
Professor Hopkins teaches Spanish at Yale University. Hes
Marias teacher. He went to India last summer. He saw the Taj
Mahal and rode on an elephant. He wrote postcards to all his
friends. He flew with Air-India.
Marias parents went to Italy last year. They toured the country
by bus. They saw a lot of interesting places. They ate spaghetti in
Rome, drank coffee in Venice, and took a lot of photographs. The
sun shone every day. They flew to Italy with Alitalia.
Paulos from Brazil. He traveled around the United States last
summer. He stayed there for a month. Of course, he ate
hamburgers and drank soda. He met a lot of interesting people.
He bought a lot of souvenirs and took them back to Brazil. He
flew there with Varig.

48

Survivors

Bill Craig and Chris Alonso are test pilots. Last year their plane
crashed in the Pacific Ocean. They were in a rubber lifeboat for
four weeks.
They didnt have much water, and they didnt have many things
to eat. They had a few bananas and a little apple juice from their
plane. They caught a lot of fish.
They had only a little chocolate. They had only a few crackers
and a few apples. They lost a lot of weight.
After four weeks they were lucky. They saw a ship and it rescued
them. They wrote a book about their experience. Its called
Survivors.

49

Fifth Avenue

Misha Botnick is the director of Fifth Avenue. Its the morning

after the first performance. Hes speaking to the performers.
Misha: Well, guys, I worked hard. You worked hard. We all
worked hard What happened last night?!... You were terrible!
The show was terrible! Whitney!
Whitney: Yes, Mr. Botnick?
Misha: Look, Whitney. Youre a good singer. You usually sing
well.
Whitney: Thank you, Mr. Botnick.
Misha: But last night you sang badly, Whitney. What happened?
Whitney: I dont know, Mr. Botnick I sang the last song well.
Misha: I sang the last song well. You forgot the words,
Whitney! Why are you laughing, Jason?
Jason: Sorry, Mr. Botnick.
Misha: Jason, youre famous. Youre a great dancer. I saw you
dance in Boston. You danced very well. Youre the star of this
show.
Jason: Im sorry about last night, Mr. Botnick. I had one or two
problems
Misha: One or two! First you lost your shoe. Then you danced
badly in the love scene
Jason: I only had one shoe, Mr. Botnick.
Misha: And finally, Jason, finally you fell into the orchestra
pit.

50

Talking about the past

G: Hi, there. Im David and Im your waiter for today. Are you
enjoying your vacation?
H: Yes, thanks.
G: Is this your first day in Orlando?
H: No, we came here two days ago.
G: Where are you from?
H: Canada Were from Toronto.
G: Did you go to a theme park yesterday?
H: Yes. We went to Universal Studios.
G: Did you have a good time?
H: Yes, thank you.
G: Great! Now, what can I get you for breakfast?
I: What did you do last weekend?
J: I went to Tampa.
I: Really? How did you go?
J: I went by car.
I: How long did it take?
J: It took about two hours.
I: Did you have a good time?
J: Yeah, great.

K: Excuse me. I left my glasses here this morning.

L: Where did you leave them?
K: Over there. I was at the table by the window.
L: Well, youre lucky. The waiter found them about an hour ago.
K: Thank goodness! I was really worried.
L: There you go. He gave them to me a few minutes ago.
K: Yes. Those are mine. Theyre new. I lost my last pair.

51

The Six OClock News

Good evening. This is the Six OClock News from Washington

with J. C. Kennedy and Warren Wolf.
Last night there was an earthquake in Mandanga. The earthquake
destroyed the Central Bank. Many buildings fell down. The
Mandangan army is the capital. They are helping survivors. The
Red Cross sent planes with food and medicine to the area this
morning.
The Virginia police are looking for two climbers in the Blue
Ridge Mountains. The climbers left yesterday morning to climb
Mount Blue. It began to snow heavily yesterday afternoon. The
police sent out a search party last night. They spent the night on
the mountain, but they didnt find the climbers.
Yesterday, Washington, D.C. mayor, Nancy Burns, opened a new
rehabilitation center in the D.C. Hospital. She met all the doctors
and nurses, and spoke to the first patients. Mrs. Burns does a lot
of work with the disabled.
And thats the news for tonight. Now, over to Jasmine Gonzalez
for the weather report

52

Dinner with a star

Harriet Dormer won a magazine contest. The prize was dinner in

Hollywood with a movie star. Shes having dinner with Kevin
Costley, the actor.
Harriet: Why, Mr. Costley, this is a change. I dont usually eat in
restaurants, you know.
Kevin: Well, youre eating in a restaurant tonight. Do you like it?
Harriet: Ooh, yes, Mr. Costley. Its wonderful.
Kevin: Please dont call me Mr. Costley. My friends always call
me Kevin.
Harriet: All rightKevin. And were having filet mignon. I
normally have franks and beans on Mondays. You see, my
husband doesnt like restaurants.
Kevin: Tell me about your husband. Whats he doing now?
Harriet: Hes just over there. Hes recording a video for me.
Could you wave to him, Mr. CosI mean, Kevin?
Kevin: Sure. Whats his name?
Harriet: Andrew.
Kevin: Hello there, Andy! Good to see you! Hows it going?
Harriet: Thank you.
Kevin: Would you like a drink? Champagne, maybe?
Harriet: Oh, I never drink alcohol. A diet soda, please.
Kevin: Fine. Id like a diet soda, too. Im filming tonight.
Harriet: Uh, Kevincan I ask you a question?

Kevin: Sure, Harriet.

Harriet: Well, its very difficult.
Kevin: Go ahead. Ask me.
Harriet: Well, I read some stories in The National Questioner
about you, and youre my favorite actor and all, and I just wanted
to ask you
Kevin: Yes?
Harriet: Well, is that really your hair or is it a wig? Oh, Im
sorry. That wasnt very polite.
Kevin: Thats OK. Its all mine. You can try it. Give it a good
pull Argh!
Harriet: Yes, its yours. Im very sorry.

53

An investigation

Last night at 9:18 PM, Mr. Scott Shaw, a high school principal,
was walking from his office to his car when he was attacked from
behind. The attacker hit the principal on the head. The police
think the attacker was a student. They are going to question every
student in the school both male and female.
A police officer questioned the victim at the hospital last night:
Police officer: What can you remember about the attack, Mr.
Shaw?
Mr. Shaw: Well, I was working late last night.
Police officer: What time did you leave your office?
Mr. Shaw: At about a quarter after nine.
Police officer: Are you sure?
Mr. Shaw: Yes, I am. I looked at my watch.
Police officer: What did you do then?
Mr. Shaw: Well, I locked the office door, and I was walking to
the parking lot when somebody hit me on the head.
Police officer: Did you see the attacker?
Mr. Shaw: No. He was wearing a mask over his face.
Police officer: He? Oh, so it was a man!
Mr. Shaw: Well, Im not really sure. Nono, I dont know.
Police officer: Tell me, Mr. Shaw, how did you break your leg?
Mr. Shaw: Well, when they were putting me into the ambulance,
they dropped me!

54

Pictures from the past

Josh is visiting his mother. Hes with his new girlfriend, Rosa.
Rosa: Thats a nice picture of Josh, Mrs. Ryan. Did you take it?
Mrs. Ryan: Yes. Photographys my hobby. I have a lot of
pictures of Josh.
Rosa: Oh, really? May I see some?
Mrs. Ryan: Why, yes. Theres an album here.
Josh: Oh, no, Mom! Not the photographs! Please!
Rosa: Shh. I want to see them. Oh, wow!
Mrs. Ryan: Look, Josh could sit up when he was six months old.
Rosa: Thats really cute!
Mrs. Ryan: And he could talk when he was a yearlook.
Josh: This is awful. Please, Mom
Mrs. Ryan: Be quiet, Joshua. When he was three he could swim.
Rosa: Really? I couldnt swim until I was five or six.
Mrs. Ryan: This is a picture on the beach
Josh: Mom! Im not wearing any clothes in that picture!

55

Miami Police Squad

Laura: This is a very important job, Duane.

Duane: Right, boss. What do I have to do?
Laura: You have to fly to Bermuda tonight.
Duane: Bermuda, huh? I have a girlfriend there.
Laura: I know that! But you cant visit her.
Duane: Sure, boss. Where do I have to stay?
Laura: You have to go to the Palm Tree Hotel. Stay in your room
and wait for Eric. Eric has the Picasso painting.
Duane: Which passport do I have to use?
Laura: The British one. And dont forget, you have to speak with
a British accent. They cant discover your real nationality!
Duane: OK. Do I have to drink tea?
Laura: Yes, you do!
Duane: Oh, no, boss! I hate tea.

Tony: OK, Carmen. We have to get that painting. Heres the

plan. Go to the Palm Tree Hotel
Carmen: Do I have to reserve a room?
Tony: No, you dont. We reserved a room for younext to
Duane Skinners room.
Carmen: Do I have to stay in the room?
Tony: No, you dont, but you have to watch Skinner all the time.
You have to find that painting!
Carmen: Do I have to contact you every day?
Tony: No, you cant! Its too dangerous for you.
Carmen: Why?
Tony: Because Duane Skinners a very dangerous guy.
Carmen: OK. Is that everything?
Tony: Oh, and you have to speak with a British accent. He cant
discover that youre an American police officer.

56

Telephoning

M: Hello?
N: Hello. Is Akiko Nakamura there?
M: Whos calling, please?
N: Travis Bergman.
M: Please hold.
N: Thanks.
M: Uh, hello. Im sorry, but Akikos out.
N: Oh. When do you expect her back?
M: Im not sure.
N: Could you take a message?
M: Yes, of course.
O1: Nynex. What city?
P: San Diego.
O1: Thats area code 619. Please dial 619-555-1212 for Directory
Assistance in that area.
O2: Pacific Bell. What name and city?
P: Gonzalez. 1854 Camelia Drive, San Diego.
Tape: The number is area code 619-451-0239.

Q: Hotel operator.
R: Hello. Can I call direct to Rio de Janeiro from my room?
Q: Yes. First press 9 for an external line. Wait for a tone, then
press the international access number 011.
R: OK. What next?
Q: Then press the country code55 for Brazil, and the area code.
R: Right. Rios 21, I think.
Q: Thats correct. Then just press the local number.
R: Thats great. Thank you.
Q: Youre welcome.

57

On the moon

The Eagle has landed on the moon! Astronaut Phil Strongarm is

speaking to Mission Control in Houston.
Mission Control: Hello, Phil. Can you hear me?
Strongarm: Yes, I can hear you clearly.
Mission Control: What are you going to do next?
Strongarm: Im going to open the door.
Mission Control: Hello, Phil. What are you doing now?
Strongarm: Im opening the door.
Mission Control: Phil! Have you opened the door?
Strongarm: Yes, Ive opened it! I can see the moon, and its
fantastic!

58

Wheres it gone?

Kelly: OK. Which way is the car?

Mark: Its in space 34. Its this way.
Kelly: I cant see it.
Mark: No, Kelly. Its gone!
Kelly: Are you sure?
Mark: Yes. It was in space 34. It isnt there now. Its gone,
Kelly. It really has gone. This is terrible! Its only two months
old.
Kelly: Come on! Wheres it gone? This is a high-security parking
garage. You cant get out without the ticket, and you have the
ticket.
Mark: But space 34 is empty
and its the right number. I
wrote it on the ticket.
Kelly: Let me see. Oh, Mark. It hasnt gone! Were on the wrong
floor! Look, this is floor C. The cars on floor D.
Paul: Hey, Bill, can you lend me $10?
Bill: Sorry, I cant. I havent been to the bank today.
Paul: Oh, I havent been there either, and I need some money.
We could go now.
Bill: No, the banks closed. Its too late. Why dont you ask Pete?
Paul: Has he been to the bank?
Bill: Yes, he has. He always goes to the bank on Mondays.

59

What have you done?

S: Oh, no!
T: Whats wrong?
S: I cant find my pen.
T: Really? Ha ha ha.
S: It isnt funny.
T: Oh, yes it is.
S: It is? I dont understand.
T: Well, you have to look carefully.
S: Ive looked everywhere.
T: No, you havent. Look behind your ear.
S: Oh.
U: Watch out! Ive just washed the floor.
V: No, you havent.
U: Yes, I have.
V: Well, you havent done a very good job. Look over there.
Youve missed a spot.
U: Youre right. Heres the mop.

X: Im so bored.
Y: Well, do something.
X: What, for example?
Y: Wash your hair.
X: Ive already washed it.
Y: Call your friend Susan.
X: Ive already talked to her today.
Y: Clean your room.
X: Ive already cleaned it.
Y: Then do the dishes.
X: Havent you done them yet?
Y: No, I havent.
X: Oh, all right.

60

City and country

Gina: Jeff! Ive got a new job! Im going to live in New York.
Jeff: You are? I lived in New York five years ago.
Gina: Did you like it?
Jeff: Not very much.
Gina: Why not?
Jeff: Well, there were too many people, and there was too much
noise.
Gina: I love crowds and noise!
Jeff: Well, I dont. And I dont like pollution.
Gina: What do you mean?
Jeff: There isnt enough fresh air in New York.
Gina: But you can go to concerts and the ballet and Broadway
and
Jeff: I never had enough money for all that. The rents are very
high.
Gina: Why is that?
Jeff: Because there arent enough apartments.
Gina: Well, I still prefer big cities.
Jeff: But why?
Gina: I was born in a small town. It was too quiet and too dull.
Jeff: You were lucky.

Gina: I dont think so. There wasnt much to do. Thats why
young people go to New York.
Jeff: But New Yorks too expensive for young people.
Gina: They still go. They want excitement.
Jeff: Well, I dont want excitement. I just want a quiet life, thats
all.

61

Europa Tours

Elmer Colt is from Kansas. Hes on a 14-day tour of Europe. The

tour started in London. At the moment hes in Prague. Its the
eighth day of the tour. Hes already been to seven courtries and
stayed in the principal cities.
Hes never been to Europe before, and hes already seen a lot of
new places. Hes done a lot of interesting things, and the tour
hasnt finished yet.
Elmer: Hello, Mom? Is that you?
Mrs. Colt: Oh, Elmer, yes. How are you? Where are you now?
Elmer: Im fine. Ive just arrived in Prague, Mom.
Mrs. Colt: You havent sent us any postcards yet.
Elmer: Yes, I have. Ive sent one from every city.
Mrs. Colt: Have you been to Paris yet, Elmer?
Elmer: Yes, I have.
Mrs. Colt: Have you been to Vienna yet?
Elmer: No, I havent. Were going to Vienna tomorrow.
Mrs. Colt: Elmer! Are you still there?
Elmer: Yes, Mom.
Mrs. Colt: How many countries have you seen now?
Elmer: Well, this is the eighth day, so Ive already seen eight
countries.
Mrs. Colt: Have you spent much money?

Elmer: Well, uh, yes, Mom. Ive bought a lot of souvenirs, and I
want to buy some more. Can you send me a thousand dollars?
Mrs. Colt: All right, Elmer. Elmer, are you listening to me?
Elmer: Sure, Mom.
Mrs. Colt: Have you taken many pictures, Elmer?
Elmer: Yes, Ive taken a lot. Ive used three rolls of film!
Mrs. Colt: Have you met any nice girls yet?
Elmer: Oh, yes, Mom. Theres a girl from Texas on the tour.
Weve done everything together.
Mrs. Colt: Elmer! Elmer! Are you still there?

62

Have you ever?

A: Have you ever studied a language before?

B: Yes, I have.
A: Oh, which one did you study?
B: I studied Spanish in high school.
C: Have you ever been to a big wedding?
D: Yes, I have.
C: Whose wedding was it?
D: It was my brothers.
E: Have you ever seen a fire?
F: Uh, yes, I have.
E: When did you see it?
F: I saw a bad fire in Detroit in 1992.
G: Have you ever eaten sushi?
H: Yes, I have.
G: Where did you eat it?
H: Maria and I ate sushi in Hawaii last year.

I: Have you ever had the flu?

J: Yes, I have.
I: When did you have it?
J: I had it last winter.
K: Have you ever broken a bone?
L: Yes, I have.
K: What did you break?
L: I broke my leg.

63

Dr. Finkels invention

Dr. Finkel is an inventor. He has just designed a new machine.

The machine can change people. His assistant, Boris, is going to
try the machine for the first time.
Boris: Is it safe, doctor?
Finkel: Oh, yes. Yes, of course it is, Boris.
Boris: Im afraid, doctor.
Finkel: Nonsense! This machine is going to change you! Youre
going to be a better person, Boris. Stronger! Uh, thinner!
Healthier! Happier!
Boris: Im happy now, doctor.
Finkel: Well, youre going to be happier. And more intelligent.
Boris: Im intelligent now, doctor.
Finkel: Uh, yes. Well, youre less intelligent than I am, Boris.
Just get into the machine
Boris: But doctorooh! Uh!... Wah! Wah!
Finkel: Hmmm. Yes. And younger, too. Sorry about that, Boris.
Boris: Mommy! I want my mommy

64

A hard life

Jerry Floyd is talking to his grandfather about his new job:

Its terrible, Grandpa. I have to get up at seven oclock
because I have to catch the bus to work. Because Im new, I have
to make the coffee at work. I have to work hard during the week.
Im only happy on weekends. I dont have to work then.
His grandfather isnt very sympathetic:
I had to start work when I was fourteen. I lived in West
Virginia, and there wasnt much work. I had to work in the coal
mines. We had to work twelve hours a day. We didnt have to
work on Sundays, but we had to work the other six days of the
week. When I was eighteen, World War II started. I joined the
army. I had to wear a uniform, and I had to go to Europe. We had
to obey the officers. A lot of my friends died. When I was sixty, I
had to go into the hospital because of the dust from the mines. It
was the only quiet time in my life. I didnt have to work, and I
didnt have to earn money. I retired when I was sixty-five.
Nowadays I dont work, and I dont have to get up early. But I
have to live on my pension, and life is still difficult. So, Jerry, I
dont feel sorry for you.

65

The trivia game

Candice: OK. Its my turn. Three. One, two, three. Im on blue.

Jeremy: Blue. Thats Geography. Whats the biggest country in
the world?
Candice: Uh, Canada.
Jeremy: No. Russias bigger than Canada. Its the biggest
country in the world.
Candice: Thats not right! In my geography book, the U.S.S.R.
was the biggest, but Russia is smaller than the U.S.S.R.
Jeremy: It doesnt matter, Candice. Russia is smaller than the
U.S.S.R., but its still bigger than Canada. Your turn, Megan.
Megan: OK. Six! Whats that?
Jeremy: Nature. What is the most intelligent animal in the
world?
Megan: Thats easy. Humans are the most intelligent.
Jeremy: No.
Megan: What do you mean, no?
Jeremy: The answer on the card is whales. Whales have the
biggest brains.
Megan: But thats not the same thing!
Jeremy: Thats the answer on the card. OK, its my turn.

66

CN Tower

Jodie and Adam are on vacation in Toronto. Theyre visiting the

CN Tower.
Jodie: Did you get the tickets?
Adam: Yes. Theyre here. Wheres the line for the elevators?
Jodie: Its this way. Are you OK, Adam?
Adam: Uhyes. Its justwellI dont like heights, thats all.
Adam: Uh, I feel dizzy.
Jodie: The views better over here, Adam. You can see farther.
Adam: Dont go too near the window.
Jodie: Come on! You can see the city better from here.
Adam: Whats that down there?
Jodie: Its an airplane. Its landing at the airport.
Adam: But its below us.
Jodie: Can we go up to the space deck? Thats the highest level.
Its 33 stories higher than this one.
Adam: What? Do we have to?
Jodie: Its the highest public observation gallery in the world. We
have to see it.
Adam: Uhall right.

Jodie: This is fantastic! Its the most exciting place Ive ever
been to! Think about it, Adamwere on the tallest building in
the world!
Adam: I am thinking about it.
Jodie: Come over here. This is the best view. You can see
Niagara Fallsand its 100 miles away. Oh, sorry. Are you OK?
Adam: Not really. I feel worse!
Adam: Ah! Were on the ground again. I feel better already.
Jodie: Thanks for coming up with me.
Adam: Thats OK, Jodie. Do you know something? Im not
going to be afraid of heights again!

67

Ill do it!

Mr. Burnette: Come in!

Withers: Sir?
Mr. Burnette: Who are you?
Withers: My names Withers, sir. Im your new personal
assistant.
Mr. Burnette: Wheres Mrs. Sherman? I want my coffee!
Withers: Ill get it, sir.
Withers: There you go, sir.
Mr. Burnette: Thank you, Smithers.
Withers: Uhits Withers, sir.
Mr. Burnette: Its hot in here. Will you open the window,
please?
Withers: Yes, sir. Ill get you a glass of iced water, too.
Mr. Burnette: Good. Please be quick.
Mr. Burnette: Will you bring me the suggestions box, Zithers.
Withers: Of course I will, sir. Uhwhere is it?
Mr. Burnette: In the cafeteria. People can put suggestions about
the company in it.
Withers: Ill get it right away.

Mr. Burnette: All right, Blithers. Lets see it!

Withers: There are a lot of suggestions, sir.
Mr. Burnette: Well, lets hear them!
Withers: Yes, sir. This is the first one. Why doesnt Burnette
speak politely to people? Next, Why dont the bosses remember
our names? And another, Why dont we begin work at 11 AM?
Old Burnette does And another
Mr. Burnette: Old Burnette, eh? Who wrote the suggestions?
Did they sign them?
Withers: Uh, no, sir.
Mr. Burnette: Find their names, Zithers.
Withers: I will, sir.
Mr. Burnette: And dont tell anybody about the suggestions.
Withers: I wont, sir.

68

Comparing things

A: Are you ready?

B: Yes. Lets go down for breakfast.
A: I like your room.
B: Its the same as yours.
A: No, it isnt. Its different from mine.
B: Is it?
A: Yes, it is. Its bigger, and it has a better view.
C: Hi, Sarah. Good to see you.
A: Good to see you, Sam. Are you staying here?
C: No. Im at the Ambassador. Its down the street.
A: How is it?
C: Well, it isnt as modern as this hotel, but its very comfortable.
A: How long have you been at this conference?
C: As long as you have. Two days.
A: Thats funny. I havent seen you before.
C: Really? I saw you in the coffee shop. I waved, but you didnt
see me.

A: Did you enjoy that presentation?

B: Not really. Did you?
A: No. Ive heard a lot of boring speakers before, but hes the
most boring speaker Ive ever heard!
B: Are you going to the next presentation?
A: No. Are you?
B: No, Im not. Lets go and have a cup of coffee.

69

Something, nothing, anything, everything

A: Good morning.
B: Good morning. How can I help you?
A: I want some seats for Tuesday night. Are there any left?
B: No, Im very sorry. There are no seats left. Every seat is
reserved.
C: Doctor, I think theres something in my eye.
D: Let me have a look.
C: Everything looks funny and it hurts.
D: I cant see anything. No, Im sure theres nothing there.
E: Theres somebody in the other office!
F: I didnt hear anybody.
E: Take a look, please.
F: OK. No, theres nobody there. Everybodys gone home.
G: What are you looking for?
H: My pen. Its somewhere in this room.
G: Have you looked everywhere?
H: Yes, but I cant find it anywhere.

70

Four lives

Herbert Burke, James Brody, Gina Rossi, and Charles Phillips all
went to the same school. They finished elementary school in 1978
and high school in 1984. Theyve had very different careers.
Herbie Burke became a politician four years ago. Hes very
successful. He bought a country house three years ago and bought
a Jaguar at the same time. Hes been a Congressman for four
years.
Jimmy Brody was very lucky. He won a lottery in 1991 and
moved to a Pacific island. He bought a luxury yacht the next year.
Hes still on the island. Hes been there since 1991. Hes had his
yacht since 1992.
Gina Rossi and Charlie Phillips fell in love at school. He gave her
a ring when they finished high school. She wears it every day,
and shes never taken it off. They got married in 1988, and
theyre still in love. They moved to Arizona in 1993.

71

An electronic world?

Flight attendant: Pardon me, sir. Is everything here yours?

Mr. Gabriel: Yes, thats right.
Attendant: Im sorry, sir. You cant use any electronic
equipment during takeoff and landing.
Mr. Gabriel: Why not?
Attendant: Its an airline regulation, sir. You can use the CD
player during the flight, but Im afraid you cant use the laptop
computer or the portable phoneor the portable TV.
Mr. Gabriel: But I have to use my computer. I need it!
Attendant: Im very sorry.
Mr. Gabriel: But I cant live without it! What am I going to do
for two hours?
Attendant: You can read, sir.
Mr. Gabriel: Read? But I dont have any books.
Attendant: Ill get you a magazine, sir.

72

Battle of the Bands

This is the national Battle of the Bands contest. All of the bands
have played, and in a moment were going to hear the result of
the contest. The two finalists are Dixie Chickens and Technocrat.
All of the members of Technocrat are from Philadelphia. Theyre
on the left
all of them are wearing black suits and silver shirts.
All of the members of Dixie Chickens are from Atlanta, Georgia.
None of them are wearing suits.
The announcer is Tina Rivera. Shes standing with one of the
members of Dixie Chickens and one of the members of
Technocrat. Both of them are guitarists. Neither of them has been
on TV before. Both of them are nervous and neither of them is
smiling!
Now the judges have voted, and Tina has announced the result.
Dixie Chickens have won the contest! All of them are smiling.
The members of Technocrat arent happy. None of them are
smiling. Some of the people in the audience are cheering, but
some of them are booing.
Some of them preferred Dixie Chickens but some of them
preferred Technocrat. The prizes are great
both of the bands
are going to get record contracts.

73

Special occasions

A: Can I help you?

B: Yes, I want to send some flowers to my mother in Chicago.
A: What kind of flowers would you like?
B: Well, what do you recommend?
A: Roses are very nice at this time of year.
B: OK. A dozen pink roses, please.
A: Would you like to include a message?
B: Yes. Just say, Happy Birthday, Mom. Love, Cindy.
C: Mrs. Martinez?
D: Yes, Paul?
C: This is a present for you.
D: A present for me? What a nice surprise! Can I open it now?
C: Yes, of course.
D: Ooh! Candy! I love candy. Thank you very, very much, Paul.
C: Thank you, Mrs. Martinez. Youve been very kind to me.

E: Its been a wonderful party. Thank you very much.

F: But you cant go yet! The partys just beginning!
E: Im sorry, but I really have to. I have to catch the last train.
F: Dont be silly. Ill give you a ride. Where are you going?
E: Montreal!
F: Oh, well. Thanks for coming, and thanks for the present.
E: Youre very welcome. Ill see you soon.
F: See you.