INTERMEDIATE 04

1.1 Felipe: Well, normally, I live in

Conversation A Santa Monica. But I lost my
apartment last month, so at the
Julia: Hi Felipe. I haven't seen moment I'm staying in one of the
you for ages. How's it going? staff rooms here at the hotel.
Felipe: Oh, hello Julia! I'm fine. Alison: I see ...
How are you? You look great! Felipe: And I'm a front-desk
Julia: Thanks, this is a new receptionist. I greet new guests
haircut. So what are you up to and check them in, give out
these days? keys, things like that.
Felipe: Oh, not much. I'm Alison: Ha! My next question
studying journalism in college was: How long does it take you
because I want to get myself a to get to work? But if you're
better job, but I don't have much living at the hotel, that's not
time because I'm working really very long, is it?
long hours. What about you? Felipe: No, it isn't! It's only two
Julia: Ha, I'm working long minutes from my room to the
hours, too. I'm exhausted! Listen front desk. It sounds great, but
Felipe, I have a friend who's a they always ask me to work
journalist. She works for a really early!
careers magazine and they're Alison: Ouch! So what time do
doing an article on hotel jobs. I you start work in the morning?
think she's looking for people to Felipe: Well, for now, around 5
interview. What do you think? a.m. I don't enjoy that much.
Felipe: Well, OK, why not? It Alison: No, I'm not surprised.
sounds interesting! So, what's your job like?
Felipe: It's interesting, but it's
Conversation B also very tiring, especially when I
work nights.
Felipe: You must be Alison. Hi, Alison: That's hard, after a 5
I'm Felipe, Julia's friend, the hotel a.m. start. What are the best and
receptionist. worst things about the job?
Alison: Nice to meet you, Felipe, Felipe: The long hours aren't
and thanks a lot for agreeing to very nice. But the worst thing is
an interview. Julia says you're that sometimes the guests can
really busy just at the moment. be very, very rude. The richest
Felipe: No problem. I'm doing a people can be the rudest, you
lot right now, but I'm interested know! But then, of course, you
in journalism, and I'm happy to also meet lots of interesting
help you. Errr ... have we met people, and that's one of the
before? You seem familiar. Maybe best things.
on TV? Alison: So, I suppose there are
Alison: I don't think so. I've lots of celebrities in an exclusive
interviewed a lot of people, but I hotel like The Figueroa. Do you
don't normally forget a face. often see the secret lives of the
Felipe: That's strange. I'm sure I stars?
know you from somewhere. Felipe: Well, we certainly have
1.2 famous guests - politicians,
Alison: OK, Felipe, I'd like to ask actors, singers. Madonna was
you a few questions about your here just last week, but I didn't
life here in Los Angeles. First of meet her.
all, where do you live and what Alison: And what's the hotel
do you do? doing for the Academy Awards

1
 Ceremony later this month? 1 He's unfashionable.
Who's staying with you then? 2 He's unlucky.
Felipe: Sorry, that's top secret! I 3 She's unemployed.
can't tell you. But there are 4 It's non-fattening.
some people I'd love to interview 5 They're non-essential.
for my journalism class. 6 He's unhealthy.
1.6
1.3 Q interviews Gaya Kapsis, a
1 Where do you live and what Greek movie extra. From 2004 to
do you do? 2008, she was a vacation
2 How long does it take you to representative and worked in
get to work? Sardinia with a tour company,
3 What time do you start work but she gave up her job when a
in the morning? talent agent saw her and offered
4 What's your job like? her the chance to be a star.
5 What are the best and worst Since 2008, she's been a movie
things about the job? extra, acting in crowd scenes in
6 Do you often see the secret big movies like The Duchess and
lives of the stars? Up in the Air.
7 What are you studying? Gaya now lives in Milan, but she
8 Why did you decide to do this travels all over to act in movies.
job? She's also a part-time model.
9 What were you doing before She hasn't done this for a long
this? time, but she knows that she
10 What are your plans for the loves it. In the future, she hopes
future? to become a celebrity, and to
1.4 use her fame to help raise
Alison: Oh, you're a student?
money for her favorite animal
What are you studying?
rescue charities.
Felipe: Journalism, in fact! So
next time, I'll be interviewing Int: Why did you decide to come
you! to Milan, Gaya?
Alison: So, you're not going to Gaya: Well, I've been interested
be a hotel receptionist forever, in fashion and the entertainment
then? Why did you decide to do world since I was a child. For
this job? And what were you years, I've wanted to live in
doing before this? London, Paris, or New York. I
Felipe: I was working as a
guess that's why I'm here today!
research assistant on a Int: I see. And is there a lot of
newspaper in Mexico City, but work here?
my English was terrible, and I Gaya: Yes. There are a lot of
wanted to see the world. So here fashion designers here. My agent
I am, experiencing travel - other is here, too, so there are
people's travel, from behind a opportunities. As soon as I could,
hotel desk! Don't put that in your I came here to work-as a model
article! and an actress.
Alison: Don't worry. So Felipe, Int: So how long have you
what are your plans for the worked as a movie extra?
future? Gaya: Well, I've been an extra
Felipe: With a bit of luck, I'll be since 2008, but I've only been a
a writer in a year or two, just like model for the last two years.
you. Time has gone by so quickly. I've
Alison: Well, perhaps you'd like lived in New York for nearly three
to interview me about my career years now.
then!
1.5
2
Int: And how long have you lived Gaya: For three years. The last
in Italy? three years have been the
Gaya: Well, I grew up in Greece, happiest years of my life!
but my father's Italian, so I've 1.7
lived in Italy part of the year 1
since 1997. I was in London for a Int: So how long have you
year when I started acting. It worked as a movie extra?
was great, but it was really hard C: Well, I've been an extra since
work-my English wasn't good 2008.
enough! It's improving now. 2
Int: Yes, you're studying at the Int: And how long have you
Bicocca University, aren't you? lived in the U.S.?
How long have you been a C: Well, I grew up in Greece,
student there? but my father's Italian, so I've
Gaya: Since 2009. I'm studying lived in Italy for part of the year
part-time, English and Drama. I since 1997.
really want to do more
3
international movies, and I need
Int: How long have you been a
English for that.
student there?
Int: So, what are the good and
C: Since 2009.
bad sides of being a movie
extra? 4
Gaya: Well, wearing big heavy Int: How long have you had this
costumes all day isn't very nice. ambition?
Oh, and waiting around, C: Well, I've loved animals for a
sometimes for days. You can get long time.
cold and wet and very tired. But 5
the good parts are meeting Int: And how long have you
famous people and traveling the been together?
world to be in fantastic movies. C: For three years.
The parties are great, too! It's 1.8
worth it. 1 How long have you been at
Int: You've said your long-term this school?
plan is to do charity work to help 2 How long have you been in
animals. How long have you had this country?
this ambition? 3 How long have you known
Gaya: Well, I've loved animals for your teacher?
a long time, but I've really 4 How long have you known
wanted to work for a charity your best friend?
since I met my boyfriend, Sam. 5 How long have you known the
He works for an animal person next to you in class?
conservation group. 6 How long have you had that
Int: Do you and Sam plan to hairstyle?
marry? 1.9
Gaya: No, not yet. We'd Appearance and health
definitely like to get married in 1 She's taken up kickboxing.
2 He's given up smoking.
the future, but I want to have a
3 She's having a makeover.
career in modeling and acting
4 He's on a diet.
first. When we have kids, they'll
5 He's getting fit.
grow up very multilingual! Sam 6 She's having cosmetic surgery.
is American, and I'm Greek and 7 She's dying her hair.
Italian. At home, we speak a mix
of English and Italian. DIY (Do It Yourself)
Int: And how long have you been 8 He's fixing a broken faucet. /
together? He's repairing a broken faucet.
3
 9 They're replacing old furniture. Shane: Sorry, I'm much too
10 She's repainting the kitchen. tired. I'll just have something to
11 They're redecorating the drink and then go to bed.
house. Nicki: (long disappointed sigh)
12 He's doing the gardening.
1.10 Part 2
1 I've changed my appearance Shane: Who's that on the
completely. I have a new phone?
hairstyle, and I'm not wearing Nicki: Nobody important. It's
glasses any more because I've just my friend Mona.
just had eye surgery. Shane: What's wrong? You look
2 I started dieting three months upset.
ago, and I've already lost 40 Nicki: Mona says she saw you
pounds. I've stopped drinking with somebody last night.
alcohol and I'm much fitter. I'm a Shane: No, I didn't see anybody
new man! last night. Ohhhhh, hold on!
3 Things are looking a lot better There was somebody.
now. We've repaired the shower Nicki: You're such a liar. Nothing
and floor, but we haven't you tell me is true!
finished repainting the room yet. Shane: Listen, darling, that
4 Jack's looking very nervous. woman was my sister!
He knows about the worms for
dinner, but he hasn't realized Part 3
there are snakes yet! How do Nicki: So why did you meet up
you think he will react? with your sister?
5 She's only been here a week, Shane: Well, she had some
but the nanny's already helped news. She's pregnant! Isn't that
us a lot. Tom was really difficult, terrfic?
but he's changed so much in a Nicki: Wow! That's fantastic!
Shane: Let's go out -
short time.
6 I'm so happy! We've just won somewhere special - and
the competition. And I've learned celebrate!
Nicki: OK, but I thought you
how to dance the tango, too. It's
were too tired to go out?
what I've always dreamed of.
1.13
1.11
Nicki: Listen, Mona. I asked
1 She's 10 She's Shane about that woman you
disgusted. exhausted. saw him with.
2 He's jealous. 11 He's stressed. Mona: Really? And what did he
3 He's 12 He's relaxed. say?
disappointed. Nicki: Well, first of all, he said
4 She's bored. The opposite that he didn't see anyone. I
are: thought he was telling me lies
5 She's excited. bored - again.
interested Mona: Yeah, yeah.
6 He's annoyed. delighted - Nicki: But then he gave me a
7 He's interested. disappointed detailed explanation.
8 She's relaxed - Mona: Which was ...?
delighted. stressed Nicki: He saw his sister! And
9 He's angry. she had some fantastic news -
she's pregnant!
1.12 Mona: Oh, that's wonderful -
Part 1 you must be so happy!
Nicki: There's nothing to do. Nicki: Yes, we are. We've sent
Let's go out. her some flowers and a card to
celebrate. And Shane's buying
4
 me dinner to apologize for all Marina: Haven't you seen Jackie
those late nights at work. Brown? I think that's one of his
Mona: Hmmmm. best. I've read Elmore Leonard's
Nicki: Yes, we're going out. novel Rum Punch, too. Tarantino
Somewhere special. adapted it for the Jackie Brown
Mona: Aaah! Hmm, sounds very screenplay. I read it when the
romantic, you lucky thing! movie came out.
1.14 Antonio: I'd like to see the
1 action movies movie and read the book, but I
2 comedies haven't done either yet - I don't
3 documentaries know why. Which do you think's
4 dramas
better?
5 horror movies
Marina: Well, I think the
6 musicals
movies's even better than the
7 romantic movies
8 fantasy movies book.
9 thrillers Antonio: Huh, I'm not surprised.
10 science fiction I think Tarantino is an awesome
1.15 scriptwriter.
1 Have you ever lived abroad? Marina: Er ... have you ever
2 Have you ever met a famous met him in person?
person? Antonio: Yes, I have actually.
3 Have you ever made a We were in Berlin. That was
movie? about three years ago. He was
4 Have you ever had a very friendly.
boyfriend or girlfriend from Marina: How exciting! Lucky
another country? you! I've never met a famous
5 Have you ever been to a film person. So you must travel a lot,
festival? Antonio?
6 Have you ever had a job you Antonio: Well, I've traveled
really hated? abroad a few times - I went to
1.16 South Africa last year, Iran in
Marina: Oh, sorry! 2008, and I lived in Spain for a
Antonio: That's OK. year or so. I've been to the Berlin
Marina: Oh, you speak English! Film Festival twice. I'm studying
Antonio: Yes, I do. I'm Antonio. to be a director, you see. I
Nice to meet you. finished my first movie last year,
Marina: Hi, Antonio. I'm Marina. but I've never won any prizes or
Antonio: Marina? Welcome to awards!
Sundance, Marina. You're Marina: Your English is very
Brazilian, right? good. Have you ever been here
Marina: Yes, I am. You guessed in the U.S. before?
right. The festival's great, isn't Antonio: No, I haven't. But my
it? Have you seen Quentin girlfriend, Monica, is Scottish. I
Tarantino's new movie? It's think she's around here
premiering here, I think. somewhere. You should meet
Antonio: Oh yes, I have. I saw it her, she's just like you. She's just
last night. I just love his work. gone to get an autograph.
Marina: Me, too. The violence Marina: Oh yes? Whose
scares me, but I think he's very autograph is she getting?
clever. Have you seen all of his Antonio: Johnny Depp's. He's
movies? her favorite star. I think the line's
Antonio: No, I've only seen Pulp probably really long!
Fiction and Kill Bill ... oh, and 1.17
Reservoir Dogs of course. They Mar: Have you seen Quentin
were all amazing. Tarantino's new film?
5
 Radek: Yes, I have. Ruby: To look for sponsors. You
Mar: Have you read the novel see, we did the trip for a charity
Rum Punch? that works with children in South
Radek: No, I haven't. America. They gave us our bikes
Mar: Has your girlfriend been to and all the equipment we
Spain? needed.
Radek: Yes, she has! William: I see ...
1.18 Ruby: And in return, we raised
We were going away on some money for the charity -
vacation. The next morning we around $5,000.
left early for the airport. Then we William: $5,000? Wow! That's a
checked in and went through lot. So, tell me more about the
security. Unfortunately, the trip.
plane was delayed so we took off Ruby: Well, we flew to Quito, in
late. But fortunately, we landed Ecuador, and then we just set off
on time. After that, we picked up on our bikes and rode south!
our baggage and got a taxi to William: On your own?
the hotel. Two weeks later, we Ruby: Yes, just the two of us.
checked out of the hotel and William: Unbelievable! How
came home. Home, sweet home! exciting! So, what were your
favorite places?
So the answers are ... Ruby: Well, we spent half the
1 go away on vacation time in the Andes Mountains.
2 leave (for) They're really beautiful. And I
3 check in for a flight loved the Amazon River. It's just
4 go through security so enormous. Even the upper
5 be delayed Amazon looks like the sea, it's so
6 take off wide in some places!
7 land William: Really? What countries
8 pick up baggage
did you go through?
9 get a taxi to
Ruby: Em... after Quito, we
10 check out of a hotel
spent about a week in Trujillo in
1.19
Ruby: I've just got back from Peru. And we also visited Cuzco
the best trip of my life. It was and Machu Picchu. What a
such an amazing trip. magical place! Then, we rode
William: Really? Where did you into the north of Chile before we
go? crossed into Argentina, where we
Ruby: I cycled through the Andes went from Cordoba all the way to
mountains from Ecuador to Buenos Aires!
Argentina with my boyfriend, William: But, er, wasn't it ...
Alan. dangerous?
William: Wow! That's incredible. Ruby: Not at all. Well, I mean,
You must be exhausted! How we never had any problems. We
long did it take? met some wonderful people and
Ruby: Well, we spent four made loads of friends
months traveling. We started out everywhere. I think South
on the first of October, and we Americans are the friendliest
finished in February. But really, people in the world.
the whole thing took about six Willaim: Uh-huh. That's
months, because it took us two fantastic.
months to get ready and raise Ruby: It was the most
money for the trip. rewarding experience I've ever
William: Raise money? What do had.
you mean?

6
 William: Yeah, it sounds truly (u-u-u)
amazing. Are you making any sun
crazy plans for next year? one
Ruby: In fact, I am. I'm already (oo-oo-oo)
in training! I'm going to climb foot
Mount Kilimanjaro next April. book
Alan can't come. Would you be (schwa sound)
interested? banana
Willaim: You know what? Maybe computer
I would! So, can you tell me
(aw-aw-aw)
some more about ...
wall
1.20
straw
1 It was such an amazing trip.
2 I cycled through the Andes
Long vowels
Mountains, from Ecuador to
Argentina. (ee-ee-ee)
3 We set off on the first of cheese
October. B
4 Really, the whole thing took C
about six months. D
5 We did the trip for a charity E
that works with children in South G
America. P
6 They gave us our bikes and T
all the equipment we needed. V
7 We raised some money for Z
the charity - around $5,000.
8 I loved the Amazon River. (ah-ah-ah)
9 What a magical place! father
10 We never had any problems. bottle
11 We met some wonderful
people. (ei-ei-ei)
12 I think South Americans are cake
the friendliest people in the eight
world. A
13 I'm going to climb Mount H
Kilimanjaro. J
1.21 K
Short vowels
(i-i-i) (oo-oo-oo)
kiss moon
fish U
(a-a-a) W
bag
hat (oh-oh-oh)
(e-e-e) soap
bread O
F
L Vowels with r
M
N (e schwa- e schwa- e schwa)
S hair
X chair
(o-o-o)
dog (ar-ar-ar)
clock car
star
7
 Ben: Oh, since we were
(youeh-youeh-youeh) children. We went to the same
euro school.
poor Sara: Seriously? That's a long
time!
(ieh-ieh-ieh) Ben: Well, yes - almost half my
ear life! We weren't always friends
beer though. We hated each other at
school!
(euh-euh-euh) Sara: Really! Hmm ... so how
bird
long have you been friends?
skirt
Ben: Erm ... We've only really
been friends since we left
(or-or-or)
board school! What about you? How
four long have you known Lisa?
1.22 Sara: Oh, I've known her for
A: So, where do you live? three years. We've worked on
B: I live in Denver. It's a some movies together.
fantastic city! Ben: Ah! How long have you
A: Hmm ... I'd love to go there! both worked in movies?
And what do you do? Sara: Oh, for a long time.
B: I work in a big hotel as a Ben: Wow! And are you an
receptionist. actress?
A: OK. And what time do you Sara: No, I'm not. I'm a extra,
start work? but I really want to be an
B: Really early! I start at 6:30 actress!
a.m. every day. Ben: Really? How long have you
A: Ouch! So why did you wanted to be an actress?
choose to be a receptionist? Sara: Oh ... only since I was
B: I decided to take the job about six!
because I love meeting people. 1.24
A: What were you doing before? Matt Damon was born in 1970 in
B: Before this? Er ... I was Boston, Massachusetts. When he
working on a degree in business was two, his family moved to
in Philadephia. nearby Cambridge. He has
A: You must love traveling! And worked as an actor since 1988,
what are you doing right now? when he got his first part in the
B: You mean apart from talking movie Mystic Pizza - although he
to you?! Well, at the moment I'm only had one line! He said,
enjoying a long weekend here 'Mom, do you want my green
with my husband. Any more stuff?' while he was eating a
questions? lobster! In 1997, he wrote his
A: No, ... er, ... that's all thanks. first screenplay, Good Will
Have a good weekend ... Hunting, with his friend Ben
1.23 Affleck. Matt and Ben have
Lisa: Hi, Sara. Meet my friend, known each other since they
Ben. were children. Over the years,
Sara: Hey, Ben. It's really nice Matt has made many successful
to meet you. movies, including Oceans 11, 12
Ben: You, too, Sara. and 13 and the Bourne trilogy.
Lisa: Oh ... just a minute ... I'll However, he hasn't won any
see who's there ... awards yet for acting. As we all
Sara: So, Ben ... um ... how long know, he has had several
have you known Lisa? girlfriends, but he's been
married to an Argentinian,
8
 Luciana Barroso, for several parking spaces. I couldn't find
years. anywhere to park my car.
2.1 Aisha: Oh, I know! But there are
I love shopping. And, I mean love. always too many cars on
I'm always shopping. It's like a Saturdays, aren't there? I work in
hobby. And, when I don't have the evenings, so I can do my
enough money to buy things, I shopping during the week. It's a
just go window-shopping, you lot easier.
know, checking out what's new in Josh: Lucky you! It wasn't just
clothing stores or shoe stores. We because it was Saturday. You
have a large mall nearby, and I can't use half of the roads at the
hang out there for maybe two or moment, because of the new
three hours on weekends. It's facilities they're adding to the
where I meet all my friends, too. I Waterfall Lakes Mall. I managed
guess I'm kind of addicted. It has to get to the store yesterday, but
a lot of stores, a drugstore and a the whole area feels like a
movie theater, and it's so easy building site. I don't know why
just to drive into the parking lot. they're adding more stores. The
It's free, too! I buy most of my mall is too big already!
food at local supermarkets, I shop Aisha: Uh-huh. Still, I'd prefer to
maybe three times a week, go shopping in places like the
although on weekdays, I prefer to Mall at Millenia than downtown.
get a fresh lunch from the local When I arrived in Orlando ten
deli. Oh, and I love shopping years ago, you could buy most
online, too, comparing prices, things downtown. But now the
looking for bargains ... I even go smaller stores, and even the
on eBay sometimes to see what I good restaurants, are all closing
can find there. Yeah, I guess I'm down, and it's empty at night. I
hooked ... don't really feel safe if I go there
2.2 alone. At the suburband malls,
1 a newsstand a news agent's you'll be able to buy anything
2 a department store a you want. And you won't have
department store problems parking because
3 a movie theater a cinema they're putting in a huge parking
4 a parking lot a car park lot.
5 a bakery a baker's Josh: Hmmm, I'm not so sure. I
6 a deli / delicatessen a deli / think the City Council needs to
delicatessen protect and regenerate the
7 a drugstore / a pharmacy a downtown area. It's getting
chemist's dangerous down there. What
8 a candy store a sweet shop
about older people, or people
9 a clothing store a clothes
without cars? Soon, they won't be
shop
able to go out in their own
10 a shopping mall a shopping
neighbourhoods.
centre
Aisha: Ah, I didn't think of that. I
11 a restroom / a bathroom a
don't really go downtown any
toilet
12 a travel agency a travel more, so I hadn't thought about
agent's the people who can't leave. I still
2.3 think it'll be good to have more
Josh: I tried to go shopping at stores in the suburban malls,
one of the suburban malls on though.
Saturday, but it was really Josh: I don't. We all go shopping
impossible. It was too crowded, too much already and spend too
and there weren't enough much money. And at the same
time, some of the oldest parts of
9
 the city are being abandoned. I Diana: In my opinion, most
don't think more stores will be Americans - drive pretty carefully
better for Orlando. - they don't drive really fast like
Aisha: Well, you could stop we do back home. I think they
shopping completely, you know! drive very well. They always stop
Josh: And get everything on the and wait patiently at pedestrian
internet? crossings, and they never go
2.4 through red lights. I guess that
1 Josh: I couldn't find anywhere may be because there are so
to park my car. many cameras everywhere! They
2 Aisha: I can do my shopping don't drive as noisily or angrily as
during the week. drivers in Greece either. I think I
3 Josh: You can't use half of the was here for a month before I
roads at the moment. heard anyone using their car
4 Josh: I managed to get to the
horn. Yes, they do drive politely
store yesterday.
here. Oh, and there are lots of
5 Aisha: You could buy most
police! A lot of people must park
things downtown.
illegally. But then I suppose that
6 Aisha: You'll be able to buy
must be true everywhere ...
anything you want.
2.8
7 Josh: They won't be able to go
Interviewer: So, you've been a
out.
driving instructor for nearly 20
8 Aisha: You could stop
years now, haven't you, Peter? Is
shopping completely.
2.5 it an easy career to start in?
1 M1: Oh no! Peter: I think it's probably easier
2 F1: Alan! That light was red! now than it was when I started.
3 M2: Come on! Oh, I know, I You have to get a dual-control
know. Oh, tell me about it! Hey! car. That means the instructor
Where do you think you're going? can put on the brakes if things go
Sorry, where were we? wrong. They're very expensive,
2.6 but you don't have to buy your
Megan put on her seatbelt and own these days. All of the larger
turned the steering wheel. She driving schools supply them.
stopped for a pedestrian and Interviewer: And is that different
after that she got stuck in traffic. from when you started?
She was late, so she passed Peter: Yes, it is. For the first ten
another car and went through a years, I had to drive without dual
red light. Then she skidded controls. That was very scary!
across the road and had an Before I got this job, I had to pay
accident. Finally, she parked in a for the cars myself.
reserved parking space and got a Interviewer: I see. So, what
parking ticket! What a day! personal qualities do you need to
be a successful instructor?
So the answers are ... Peter: Well, you must enjoy
1 put on a seatbelt working with people. Of course,
2 turn the steering wheel you have to be a good driver
3 stop for a pedestrian yourself, and understand all the
4 get stuck in traffic rules of the road. Most
5 pass another car importantly, though, you have to
6 go through a red light stay really calm. You can't get
7 skid across the road angry with students or shout at
8 have an accident them, whatever happens.
9 park in a no-parking space Interviewer: Of course! Do your
10 get a parking ticket students sometimes do
2.7 dangerous things, then?
10
 Peter: Some of them do, yes. 8 I won't have to be in
People who are learning are very dangerous, stressful situations.
unpredictable. Some of them are 2.10
very nervous, especially older Javier: OK, the first question is:
women. And some of the men are How fast can you run? So, how
overconfident. One of my fast can you run, Shen?
students had to take his driving Shen: Not very fast! Maybe
test eleven times before he about 5 miles per hour. I'm a slow
passed. He was a student of mine runner!
for over eight years! Not much of Javier: Yeah, so am I. I hate
a teacher, am I? running. Anyway, next question,
Interviewer: And was he your er, huh? I think our English
worst experience? teacher is a bit strange! Listen to
Peter: Well, no ... twice my this. How big would your ideal
students have been in accidents bedroom be?
and destroyed my car - a total Shen: Very small. I don't spend
wreck. much time in my bedroom, so,
Fortunately, I didn't have to pay um, maybe 160 square feet
for a new car, because, of course, would be big enough for me.
I have insurance. But they were Javier: Uh-huh. Well, mine would
nasty experiences. I hurt my back be a lot bigger than that. I'd like
in the latest accident, and I've a TV and a sofa in it, too.
decided to retire in January. I'm Shen: Really? You'd never go
taking a part-time office job out!
instead. Javier: OK. Right, next: How tall
Interviewer: Oh? What do you were you when you were 10
think you'll miss about being a years old?
driving instructor? Shen: Ten? Er, oh, I was really
Peter: Probably the freedom, I short, the shortest kid in my
think. I mean I'll have to work 9 class. It was terrible! I was
to 5 in my new job, er ... and I'm around 4 feet.
not looking forward to that. On Javier: Really? You've grown a
the other hand, I won't have to lot! I think I was around 5 feet.
be in dangerous, stressful But who cares now, anyway? OK,
situations all the time at work, question four ... How deep can
and that will be great! But I have you dive?
met so many people and had Shen: Dive? Not very deep. I get
some real adventures. scared. I can only dive 8 feet or
Interviewer: I bet you have! Tell so.
me more ... Javier: So can I. I can't swim
2.9 very well either.
1 You don't have to buy your Shen: Neither can I. And I hate
own dual-control car. swimming underwater. I don't like
2 I had to drive without dual getting water in my ears.
controls. Javier: Neither do I! I had a
3 You must enjoy working with problem with my ears, so I gave
people. up swimming underwater. Um,
4 You have to be a good driver anyway, number five: How far
yourself. have you traveled today?
5 You can't get angry with Shen: That's easy. Only about 6
students. miles. From my apartment to the
6 I didn't have to pay for a new school.
car. Javier: Me, too. But I live closer
7 I'll have to work 9 to 5 in my than you, so I'll put 3 miles. And,
new job.
11
finally, how old were your parents Javier: Wow! So was I. My Mum
when you were born? told me I was a complete
Shen: Um, they were quite surprise!
young, in their early 20s, I think. I 2.11
was an accident! 2.12

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