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#Person1#: How do I know what forms to fill out for unemployment? #Person2#: There is a special form to apply for unemployment benefits. #Person1#: How do I get the form to apply for unemployment benefits? #Person2#: You can go online to begin the application process. #Person1#: What type of information will I have to provide to the Employment Development Office? #Person2#: You need to be able to say whom you worked for and when. #Person1#: Will they need anything else from me? #Person2#: You should be able to provide a layoff notice or proof of severance. #Person1#: What should I do after I turn in the application? #Person2#: You need to be interviewed over the phone. They will set up a time for you.

Person2 tells Person1 to fill out a special form online for unemployment benefits and to provide previous working experiences and a layoff notice. Person1 will be interviewed after that.

#Person1#: This is the menu. What would you like to have? #Person2#: I don't know what to have. If you don't mind, I'll just leave the choice to you. #Person1#: With pleasure, sir. May I suggest Steamed stuffed buns and deep-fried twisted dough sticks? They are popular breakfast among Chinese people. #Person2#: OK. Anything to drink? #Person1#: Yes, sir. We usually serve soya-bean milk and jellied beancurd. Which one do you prefer, sir? A #Person2#: I'll try the soya-bean milk this time. #Person1#: So, that's steamed stuffed buns and deep-fried twisted dough sticks, and a Soya-bean milk. #Person2#: That's right. #Person1#: Thank you, sir. Just a moment, please.

Person1 recommends Person2 to have steamed stuffed buns and deep-fried twisted dough sticks. Person2 also orders soya-bean milk.

#Person1#: Mr. McKenna, do you have a second? I need to talk to you about something. #Person2#: Sure, Liv, what can I do for you? #Person1#: Well, I was just wondering. . . you see, I know I'Ve used up all my vacation days this year, but my sister is getting married, and the wedding is overseas, and, well. . . #Person2#: You wanna take some time off, is that right? #Person1#: Well, sir, I was just hoping that I might be able to take some unpaid leave this year. #Person2#: What dates are you planning on taking off? I'll need at least two months notice, so that I can plan for your absence. #Person1#: I was thinking of taking off from September first until the thirtieth. Would you be okay with that? #Person2#: Well, I guess so.

Liv asks Mr. McKenna for some unpaid leave for his sister's wedding although he has used up all the vacation days. Mr. McKenna gives him permission.

#Person1#: Are you new here? #Person2#: This is my first day here. #Person1#: Are you a freshman in college? #Person2#: I started school somewhere else. #Person1#: What school did you transfer from? #Person2#: I started at PCC. #Person1#: What made you transfer? #Person2#: My grades weren't good enough to go here. #Person1#: Did you like PCC? #Person2#: I loved PCC. #Person1#: Good luck here. #Person2#: I'm excited to be here.

Person2 started school at PCC and transferred here because Person2's grades weren't good enough.

#Person1#: Now I understand. But I don't smoke or drink. So what am I supposed to buy in here? #Person2#: You can buy some of these nice butterflies. #Person1#: No, I'm sorry. I don't think it is nice to have butterflies mounted in boxes. It is kind of disgusting. #Person2#: What? You feel sorry for the butterflies? #Person1#: Yes. I think they should just let them fly free, and not try to sell them to foreigners. It is a kind of destruction of nature. #Person2#: Well, I agree with you. I'd rather think that the butterflies are flying around in the mountains. I just wonder if they really catch so many that it affects the butterfly population. #Person1#: Who knows? Hey, I like these jade bears here. #Person2#: How much are they? #Person1#: This one is 2300 dollars. Maybe I should buy it for my mother. What do you think? #Person2#: If you want. Didn't you buy her a small vase already? #Person1#: Yes, but she would like this a lot. She likes to collect little things like this. #Person2#: Alright. Buy it then. I won't buy anything. Well, maybe I'll buy some Cognac. #Person1#: Maybe I could buy some Cognac for my brother. He always drinks it. #Person2#: Let's go ask about it.

Person1 doesn't like butterflies mounted in boxes and wishes let them fly free. Person1 may buy a jade bear in addition to a small vase for Person1's mother, and some Cognac for Person1's brother. Person2 might also buy some Cognac.

#Person1#: How many people are there in your family? #Person2#: My immediate family is quite small. It's just my older step-brother, my mom, my step-dad and me. how about you? #Person1#: I have a large family. I have three older sisters, my twin sister, a younger brother, and parents. #Person2#: I didn't know you were a twin! Are you identical or fraternal? #Person1#: We're identical. I mean, we look exactly the same, but we are complete opposites when it comes to everything else. #Person2#: Interesting. It must be great having a twin sister. Are you best friends, too? #Person1#: We used to be really close, but that all changed once she moved to Shanghai. How about your family? You didn't mention to your biological father. #Person2#: I don't know much about him. He died when I was just a baby. Even though I don't have a blood relationship with my step-father and step-brother, I consider them to be my real family. #Person1#: What about your step-brother's mother? Does he keep in touch with her? #Person2#: No, she also died when my step-brother was little. My mother and my step-father met each other shortly after my father died and became good friends. They ended up getting married a few years later. #Person1#: Sounds like it was meant to be.

Person2 has a step-brother, a step-dad, and Person2's mom. Person2's mom and Person2's step-father met after Person2's father died and got married later. Person1 has a big family including an identical sister who looks the same as Person1 but is different from Person1 in every aspect.

#Person1#: It may comfort you to know that many people attended his viewing. #Person2#: How did they hear? No one called. #Person1#: In times of loss, it is often hard to pick up the phone. But his whole family was here. #Person2#: His mom and dad must be destroyed. He was their only son. #Person1#: And he was so young, with so much life to look forward to. #Person2#: Yes. . . thank you for understanding. We have to go now. #Person1#: This sheet tells the visiting hours and funeral time and location.

Person1 tells Person2 the many people attended the young man's viewing. They were sorry for his death.

#Person1#: You know, Taylor's been in the hospital for a couple of days. #Person2#: And I'm the one who put him there with my football moves. #Person1#: But you're not to blame for them keeping him there. #Person2#: Yeah, what was all that stuff about running tests about anyway? #Person1#: I'm not sure, but we can find out. I bought some crosswords to keep him busy. #Person2#: Great, then let's go visit him. I want to give him some flowers, too, to say sorry.

Taylor was sent to the hospital because of Person2's football moves. Person1 and Person2 will visit him.

#Person1#: Have you been ever been to Disneyworld? #Person2#: When I was young, my parents took me to the one in California. I always forget which, is that one Disneyland or Disneyworld? #Person1#: The one in Florida is Disneyworld and the one in California is Disneyland, so you must have been to Disneyland. #Person2#: That's right. Why do you ask? #Person1#: Well, I've never been to either so I was thinking of going to Disneyworld for my honeymoon. #Person2#: When are getting married? #Person1#: Some time next year. We haven't set the date yet. #Person2#: Congratulations! I had no idea. #Person1#: Thank you. So what do you think? Would we have a good time? #Person2#: Do you like amusement parks? #Person1#: For the most part, yes. Some of the rides are bit too scary for me, though. #Person2#: If you don't think twice about the rides and go on every ride that you can, you'll have a good time. #Person1#: Even the roller coasters that go through tunnels in the dark? #Person2#: Even those. It'll be very romantic, I think. You'll have loads of fun. #Person1#: Thanks for the advice. I'll talk to my fiance about it tonight. #Person2#: I'm sure he'll love the idea. Just throw yourself into it and you'll enjoy it!

Person2 has been to Disneyland in California and Person1 may go there for the honeymoon. Person2 suggests Person1 go on every ride without thinking twice and wishes Person1 to have a good time.

#Person1#: Did you tip the bellboy? #Person2#: Yes, but I don't think it was enough. He looked disappointed. I gave him three dollars. #Person1#: That sounds about right to me, fifty cents a bag. If they think you don't know better, they'll try to get more. #Person2#: It's the same in Balloon. But I definitely think we over-tipped the cab driver. The fare was twenty dollars, and you gave him a five-dollar tip. That's twenty-five percent of the total! Too much! #Person1#: I disagree. He was polite and informative, and he drove smoothly. One should reward good service. #Person2#: I'll sign for dinner and charge it to our room. Let's see. The bill is one hundred dollars. That seems reasonable. How much tip should I leave? #Person1#: Remember last month when we were in Europe? Maybe Californians use that same system they add the waiter or waitress into the bill, so you don't have to leave anything extra.

Person2 thinks the tip for the bellboy wasn't enough while the tip for the cab driver was too much. But Person1 thinks they tipped properly.

#Person1#: How can I lose weight, doctor? I seem to get fatter even when I just look at food? #Person2#: Well, Jim. It is a combination of how much you eat, the type of food you eat, and when you eat your meals. #Person1#: I never eat breakfast though. #Person2#: That's a big mistake, you should always have a good breakfast. You will not run your car without fuel, and yet you expect your body to work without food. #Person1#: I never thought about it that way. #Person2#: I bet you eat a large evening meal, then sit and watch TV or read a book. Then instead of burning off your energy, your body stores it as fat. #Person1#: Oh doctor, I feel so foolish. #Person2#: Way to control is really using common sense when you plan your eating habits. #Person1#: I know doctor, thank you so much.

Jim never eats breakfast and always eats a large evening meal without burning off the energy. Person2 suggests him use common sense to plan his eating habits.

#Person1#: Greg. I want to speak to you for a minute. #Person2#: Yes. Ms. Gray. Is there something wrong? #Person1#: I'm afraid there is, Greg. I don't mind you taking a break. But you'Ve been away from your desk for twenty-five minutes already. #Person2#: I'm sorry, Ms. Gray. I must have lost track of the time. I'll get back to work, now.

Ms. Gray warns Greg that his break is too long and Greg will come back now.

#Person1#: Good morning, everybody. Welcome to IAM Technology. I'm very pleased so many of you could make it here today. My name's Sam Weiss. I'm the Production Manager. I'd like to show you the layout of the factory before we go and visit it. As you can see from this diagram, everything is under one roof. We've designed it this way to help the flow of materials and to avoid bottlenecks. #Person2#: This area here is where we keep our raw materials. The main production area - our machine hall - is situated next to it. Maintenance is situated between the stores and the production area. Just to the right of Maintenance, there are steps up to the Lab and the Admin Section. Process Control is also on the upper level. It's located above the factory floor so that the operators can monitor everything that is going on below.

Sam Weiss welcomes people to IAM Technology and shows people the layout of the factory. And then Person2 tells people the locations specifically.

#Person1#: Hello, this is Mr. Smith in Room 502. Please send up a bellboy. I'm checking out. What time is checking out time? #Person2#: Checking out time is twelve. Guests will avoid an additional days room charge by checking out on time. #Person1#: It's nearly 12:00 now. Will I be charged extra? #Person2#: We won't charge any extra if you'd vacate the room by two o'clock. #Person1#: Thank you very much. May I leave my baggage here until Thursday? #Person2#: Yes. We can put it in our storage room. #Person1#: Will there be any extra charge? #Person2#: There will be no charge on baggage left by guests who have checked out. #Person1#: I see. Please prepare my bill and I will be right down to pay it.

Mr. Smith will check out but still leave his baggage there. Person2 tells him there won't be an extra charge.

#Person1#: How do you like this one? It's nice and cheap It's only thirty-four dollars. #Person2#: Have you got anything cheaper? #Person1#: Sorry. I think that's the cheapest #Person2#: May I try it on? #Person1#: Yes. you can The fitting room is right over there. #Person2#: All right. I think I'll take it.

Person1 helps Person2 try on the cheapest one. Person2 will take it.

#Person1#: Excuse me, are you Dr. Smith? #Person2#: Yes I am. And you. . . #Person1#: I'm David, Joanna's husband. She has to be at work late today. So she asked me to pick you up here. #Person2#: So nice to meet you, David. Call me Bill. It's very nice of you to come here. #Person1#: My pleasure.

Joanna's husband David picks up Bill because Joanna works late.

#Person1#: Good morning. sir. How may I serve you today? #Person2#: I'd like a cup of mocha. #Person1#: Sure. Large or medium? #Person2#: Medium, please. #Person1#: Anything else to go? #Person2#: Yeah. give me a chocolate bar also. #Person1#: You've got it. #Person2#: Please have them wrapped. I'll take them away. #Person1#: Sure. It's seven eighty-nine. #Person2#: Here's eight dollars. Keep the change. #Person1#: Thank you, sir. Have a nice day.

Person2 asks Person1 to wrap a medium cup of mocha and a chocolate bar.

#Person1#: What seems to be the problem, kid? #Person2#: I've got a sore throat, a runny nose and a headache. #Person1#: Ah. . . How long have you been like this? #Person2#: I am not very sure. Maybe for three days. #Person1#: Do you have any stomachache? #Person2#: I guess so. It comes and goes. #Person1#: Open your mouth and say ah. . . God, you are suffering from the swelling of tonsils. #Person2#: Is that serious, doctor? #Person1#: Yes, I am sure that you got the flu. You need a shot. #Person2#: Oh, doctor. Do I have to? I am afraid of needles! #Person1#: Yes, that's for sure. But it is not that bad. It's gonna be all right. #Person2#: Oh, doctor, please. . . #Person1#: Be brave, young man. Only girls cry when given an injection. #Person2#: You are right. I won't cry anymore.

Person2 got a sore throat, a runny nose, and a headache. Person1 thinks Person2 got the flu and needs a shot. Person2's afraid of needles but Person1 encourages him.

#Person1#: Have you got some nice apples in stock today? #Person2#: What about these? They are very fresh and exceptionally juicy. #Person1#: Are they sweet? #Person2#: Very sweet. #Person1#: How much are they? #Person2#: These are a dollar each and those are 75 cents each. #Person1#: All right, I'll have a dozen of the dollar ones. #Person2#: OK. Anything else? #Person1#: Do you have any tangerines? I'd like to have two kilograms. #Person2#: Yes, we've just had some wonderful tangerines in from Tailband. Here they are. #Person1#: How much is it in all? #Person2#: Thirty dollars.

Person1 buys a dozen of apples which are a dollar each and some tangerines.

#Person1#: Excuse me. I'm afraid you're in my seat. You've moved my books. #Person2#: Oh, dear. #Person1#: You must have realized somebody was here. #Person2#: Oh, well, I looked around. There wasn't any other space. I waited a while and nobody came. I'm sorry if I've taken your place.

Person2 is sorry for taking Person1's place.

#Person1#: You must be very busy these days. I heard you are responsible for the meeting arrangements this time. It can be the most important meeting for our company this year. #Person2#: Sure it is. I am up to my ears as time expressed. #Person1#: Do we still use the conference room in the same hotel as last time? You remember? I like that one. #Person2#: If we were in the same conference room, I would not work late these days. That conference room has been booked out. This time our boss wants to hold the meeting in our company. So everything has to be rearranged and checked, like tables, chairs, mean tacks, podium, audio and visual equipments and even the lunch menu. #Person1#: Good preparation will improve the effectiveness of the meeting. I am sure that your hard work will pay off.

Person2 tells Person1 Person2 works late to rearrange and check everything since they will hold the meeting in a different place this year.

#Person1#: Come in, please. #Person2#: Good morning, Mrs. Smith. #Person1#: Good morning. You are Mr. Sun, aren't you? Take a seat, please. #Person2#: Yes, thank you. #Person1#: I've noticed from your resume that you majored in accounting at Peking University. Will you please tell me something about your related courses? #Person2#: In the first academic year we learned Principles of Accounting, and in the following years we learned Cost Accounting, Commercial Accounting, Industrial Accounting, and Management Accounting. #Person1#: Have you taken Accounting for Decision-Making and Control? #Person2#: No, we haven't taken such a course, but we have taken a more specialized course for decision making, by the name of Forecasting and Decision-Making. #Person1#: From your school report card, I can see you did well in every course. But our advertisement says we need an accountant with practical work experience. #Person2#: I forgot to include my experience as an accountant in my resume. In fact, I took a part-time job as an accountant at the Atlantic Trading Company during my second and third school year. I worked three evenings a week there and I did quite well. Here is the recommendation. #Person1#: You can speak English fluently but I wonder if you can deal with bookkeeping and accounting in English. #Person2#: No problem. The professional English course is just English for Accounting. Moreover, as you know, the Atlantic Trading Company is a Sino-Australian joint venture. When I served part-time there, I became well acquainted with accounting operated in English. #Person1#: That sounds fine. Why did you choose to apply to our company? #Person2#: I have a relative working as a manager in your manufacturing department. Her name is Lilling. She told me a lot about your company and I became quite interested. I believe I can have a promising career with the development of this company. #Person1#: Do you know something about the payment we give to our employees? #Person2#: No, can you tell me about it? #Person1#: Of course. As for an entry-level accountant, we pay 1, 500 a month in the first half year. We have a grading system to evaluate your work. If you have made progress, we will certainly raise your salary. For beginners with a CPA certificate, they can earn at least 2, 000 a month. #Person2#: I have passed the five courses required by the Chinese CPA Association, but the certificate won't come to hand until next month. How about that? #Person1#: I hope you can show me your CPA certificate before we reach a decision by the end of July. #Person2#: Thank you, Mrs. Smith. It is really a pleasure talking with you. #Person1#: The same for me. We'll keep in touch with you. #Person2#: Thank you. Good-bye.

Mrs. Smith is interviewing Mr. Sun who tells her about the courses he has attended and his working experience at the Atlantic Trading Company. Mr. Sun is well acquainted with accounting operated in English and he wants to come here because he believes it's promising. Mrs. Smith tells him he can get a higher salary if he has the CPA certificate.

#Person1#: Which route are you interested in? #Person2#: I think the four days'tour from New York to Atlantic City will be fine. #Person1#: That's a good choice. #Person2#: What is the departure date? #Person1#: We have parties every Saturday from June to October.

Person2's interested in a four days' tour. Person1 tells Person2 they have parties every Saturday.

#Person1#: Excuse me? #Person2#: Yes. Can I help you? #Person1#: Well, I bought this skirt here yesterday afternoon. But I got the wrong size. It's too small for my daughter. I wonder if I could refund it. #Person2#: Yes, you could if it's kept intact. But don't you want to get a bigger size? #Person1#: I intended to, but as far as I know, all the skirts of this kind here are of the same size. #Person2#: Are they? In that case, I'll be glad to give your money back. #Person1#: Sorry to have given you trouble. #Person2#: Never mind. It's just my duty.

Person1 asks Person2 to help refund a skirt since it's too small and there isn't a bigger size.

#Person1#: So, now we have covered all the important points. #Person2#: Yes, I think so. #Person1#: Before we draft the contract, let's examine the details. #Person2#: Ok, under this contract, we'll supply you with 600 dozen T-shirts, S, M and L equally assorted, at USD 100 per dozen, CFR London. Shipment in July. Payment by irrevocable sight LC. #Person1#: Perfect. But what I'm concerned about most is the time of delivery . #Person2#: You may rest assured that shipment will be effected within the time limits stipulated in the contract. But there is also one point I'd like to stress. #Person1#: Yes? #Person2#: Your LC must be opened at least onemonth before the time shipment, otherwise we won't be able to catch the ship. #Person1#: No problem. I'll have the covering LC opened as soon as I wetback. In addition, would you tell me by whom the commodity inspection is conducted before shipment? #Person2#: The goods will be inspected by the China Import & Export Commodity Inspection Bureau. It will then issue certificate of quality and a certificate of weight. These will be taken as final and biding. #Person1#: Please remember to use both English and Chinese versions and both versions should be equally valid. #Person2#: Naturally. Each of us keeps one original and two copies. #Person1#: Then I'll come along three days later to put my signature on it. #Person2#: Good.

Under the contract, Person2 will supply clothes to Person1, who will open LC as soon as Person1 went back. The goods will be inspected by the China Import & Export Commodity Inspection Bureau, which will then issue a certificate. Both English and Chinese versions are equally valid.

#Person1#: So, what's your plan for this weekend? #Person2#: I just want to stay at home. #Person1#: How about going to see a movie? #Person2#: Sorry, I've been tired these days. I just want to have a good rest. #Person1#: But I think going to movies is a better way to relax yourself. #Person2#: You're probably right. #Person1#: Maybe we should go out to eat first. #Person2#: Yeah. I think so. #Person1#: I know pizza's been your favorite. Let's meet at Summer Pizza House. I heard they just came out with the new pizza. #Person2#: Really? I haven't been there for a long time. When shall we meet? #Person1#: Well, the movie is at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. #Person2#: Why don't we go to the 2:00 pm show? #Person1#: No problem. We can meet at Summer Pizza House at 11:00 am. #Person2#: Perfect. If so, we can have plenty of time to enjoy our pizza.

Person2's tired but Person1 invites Person2 to hang out to relax. Thus, they'll meet at Summer Pizza House and then watch a movie.

#Person1#: How do you like Hong Kong, Mr. Green? #Person2#: Very much. #Person1#: Are you staying at a hotel? #Person2#: Yes, at the Star Hotel, next door to this building. #Person1#: Oh, yes. #Person2#: It's nearly one o'clock! I'm hungry. Is there a good restaurant nearby? #Person1#: Yes, there are several. Would you like to eat Chinese food or European? #Person2#: Er, European, I think. But would you like to have lunch with me? #Person1#: Well, thank you. I'd like to. #Person2#: Good, would you like to choose a better restaurant? #Person1#: Well, there's Brown's. The food's very good, but I'm afraid it's rather expensive. #Person2#: That's all right, Miss Jiang. Shall we go, then?

Mr. Green likes Hong Kong and stays at the Star Hotel. He invites Miss Jiang to have lunch and she recommends Brown's.

#Person1#: Why, Tom. You look pale. What's wrong with you? #Person2#: Nothing serious. I haven't had much exercise lately, I'm very busy. What do you do in your spare time? #Person1#: I often go to ball games. #Person2#: What's your favorite sport? #Person1#: My favorite summer sport is swimming, and my favorite winter sport is skating. I also like watching track events and gymnastics. You have a favorite sport, don't you? #Person2#: My favorite sport is tennis, but I can't play it well. #Person1#: I like tennis, too. There is a tennis match at our school tomorrow morning. Do you want to go? #Person2#: I'm sorry to say I can't. I want to watch TV. It's a live broadcast of the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games. It will be very exciting. #Person1#: All right. By the way, you should pay more attention to your health. You must have more exercise in your free time. #Person2#: Thank you very much. I will.

Person1 likes swimming and skating, and Tom likes playing tennis. Person1 invites Tom to a tennis match but Tom refuses because he wants to watch the Winter Olympics' opening ceremony on TV.

#Person1#: Look. Jack! That man fell off the ladder. Come and help! He must be injured. #Person2#: He's not moving. Shall we take him to the hospital? #Person1#: We mustn't move him. Leave him where he is. #Person2#: We must get help. I'll go to that phone box and call the First Aid Center. #Person1#: Right. I'll stay here with him. #Person2#: How is he now? #Person1#: He's still not moving, but he's breathing. His head must be hurt. #Person2#: The First Aid Center says they are coming soon. #Person1#: Let's wait until help comes. Look, there they come!

A man fell off a ladder. Jack called the First Aid Center. Person1 stayed with him without moving him.

#Person1#: Did you turn off the lights and check the locks on all doors and windows? #Person2#: Yes, I checked them very carefully. And I told our next door neighbor we'd be gone for two weeks. They promised they'll keep an eye on the house for us. #Person1#: That's great!

Person2 told neighbors to keep an eye on their house.

#Person1#: What do you think of my new painting? I've just finished it. #Person2#: Well, the colors are a little strange, don't you think? #Person1#: Ah, yes. That's the point. It's called Colors. #Person2#: Oh, yes, I see. Well, it's not quite my cup of tea - but then we all have different tastes, don't we?

Person2 thinks the colors of Person1's new painting are strange.

#Person1#: Wow, your coat's got very dirty. Did you fall? #Person2#: Yes, I had a terrible experience on the underground train when I was on the way to work. I tell you, a man came up to me and pulled out a knife. He pointed it right at me. #Person1#: Oh, no. Are you all right? Did he hurt you? #Person2#: No, he didn't, but he took my handbag. #Person1#: Then what happened? What did you do? #Person2#: I caught hold of his knife and he pushed me to the floor. #Person1#: Oh, no. Why did you catch hold of his knife? That's dangerous. #Person2#: I don't know. I didn't think. #Person1#: What did the other passengers do? Did they help you? #Person2#: Yes. Two men ran after the robber and held him. #Person1#: Did the police come? #Person2#: Yes, the police were called and two policemen came and took the robbers to the police station. #Person1#: What a story! Thank God, you are all right.

Person2 met a robber with a knife and another two passengers held the robber. Two policemen took the robbers to the police station.

#Person1#: I haven't seen your father in like 5 years. How is he doing? #Person2#: He's not doing too well. #Person1#: Why? What's wrong? #Person2#: About a year ago, he started feeling weak all the time. #Person1#: Is it due to old age or is he sick. #Person2#: Maybe a little of both. The doctor's can't point out anything specifically. I think it is because he didn't take care of himself during his youth. #Person1#: That makes sense. It's important to take care of your health early in life. #Person2#: That's what my father tells me almost everyday. #Person1#: Well, I hope he starts feeling better. Say hi to him for me. #Person2#: Thanks. I'll let him know.

Person2's father started feeling weak a year ago and keeps telling Person2 the importance of taking care of health early in life. Person1 is sorry.

#Person1#: Sandy. Do you have a minute? #Person2#: Yes, John. I'm on my break. What's going on? #Person1#: Not much. I just wanted to see how you were. How's married life treating you? #Person2#: Great, except for my mother-in-law! Sometimes I think I married her instead of my husband! How about you?

Sandy tells John her marriage is great except for her mother-in-law.

#Person1#: I would like to get some meat today. #Person2#: What kind do you need? #Person1#: I need about a pound of ground beef. #Person2#: The ground beef is $2. 48 a pound. #Person1#: That sounds good. #Person2#: What else would you like? #Person1#: I also need three pounds of chicken breasts. #Person2#: The chicken breasts are $4. 05 a pound. #Person1#: How much will the three pounds of chicken cost altogether? #Person2#: Altogether, it's going to be $12. 15. #Person1#: That will be all for me. #Person2#: All right, let me get your meat for you.

Person2 helps Person1 buy a pound of ground beef and three pounds of chicken breasts.

#Person1#: I watched a very interesting documentary about plants yesterday evening. It was called 'unusual plants' and looked at several species of plants from around the world which have unusual features. #Person2#: Really? Tell me about some of the plants they showed. #Person1#: Well. There was one type of plant that catches insects and eats them. #Person2#: Is that type of plant found in this country? #Person1#: No, it isn't. it's a pity, because I'd like to see it in action. #Person2#: So would I. what other unusual plants did they show? #Person1#: They showed flowers that only provide their nectar to one type of butterfly or bee. The insect has to be the exact size to get the nectar. Other insects cannot get it. Of course, when the insect collects the nectar, it also takes some pollen from one flower to another. #Person2#: That's very specialized. So, the insects and the flowers rely on each other. If one became extinct, the other would too. #Person1#: That's right. That's one reason why it's so important to protect every species. #Person2#: I see. The plants that fascinate me most are cacti. I find it amazing that they can survive in such dry desert conditions. #Person1#: According to the documentary, they have an incredible ability to find water supplies, however small, and then store them without losing much through evaporation. #Person2#: That's why they often have long roots to find water spines instead of leaves, to reduce water loss.

Person1 watched a very interesting documentary about plants. Person1 tells Person2 some of them, including a plant that catches insects and eats them, flowers that only provide their nectar to one type of butterfly or bee, and cacti that can find water supplies and store them.

#Person1#: Hello, Dan. I was sorry to hear that you had an accident last week. How did it happen and how are you feeling now? #Person2#: Well, I was riding on my bicycle along the street, when a taxi driver suddenly made a sharp turn in front of me. I could not stop my bicycle in time and I was knocked down. Fortunately, I only got a broken arm and a broken leg. The doctor said that I would have to stay in hospital for at least a week. #Person1#: Do your arm and leg hurt now? #Person2#: Yes, my leg hurts badly, but I can bear the pain. The only thing that I'm worried about is my classes, you know? Our teacher said next week, we would have our midterm exams. #Person1#: Well, don't worry about the exams. I can help you. #Person2#: Thank you. But I don't really want to stay here that long. Anyway, thank you for coming to see me.

Dan had an accident last week and broke his arm and leg, so he and is worried about the classes. Person1 will help him.

#Person1#: Jerry, is that you? #Person2#: Hey Jenny. How are you doing? I don't think I've seen you in over 5 years. #Person1#: I know, it's been a long time. It's funny to run into you on Christmas Eve. #Person2#: Yeah, isn't that funny? Why aren't you at home with your family? #Person1#: My family doesn't live here. They moved to Texas 3 years ago. #Person2#: I see. Well, why don't you fly home to Texas for the holidays? #Person1#: I have to work tomorrow. Why didn't you go home? #Person2#: I wanted to, but I didn't have enough money to buy a plane ticket. #Person1#: I'm sorry you couldn't go home. How is everything else going? #Person2#: I'm OK but I'm having trouble finding a job. What's up with you? #Person1#: I can't complain. My job is going well, and I have a nice apartment. Since we're both alone for the holidays, we should have dinner together. #Person2#: Sounds good. Let's go.

Jerry meets Jenny on the Christmas Eve. Jerry's having trouble finding a job while Jenny goes well. They will have dinner together since they both can't go home.

#Person1#: John, you seem to be a little bit mad. Did I say something wrong? #Person2#: No, Julia, it's not about you. #Person1#: Oh, then what is it? #Person2#: Haven't you noticed that red car? It keeps trying to cut in. I'll teach that young lady who is the better driver. #Person1#: John, you've been caught by your road rage again. We are not in a hurry anyway. Just let her pass. #Person2#: Ah, sorry, Julia. I just become easily losing my temper when I'm driving. I took these pills an hour ago to make myself calm, but it doesn't seem to work at all. #Person1#: You know the yoga class I've been taking? It really helps me get my inner peace. Why don't you come with me next time and give it to go? #Person2#: Ah, it's so girly. I just can't find a man I know doing yoga, so forget about it.

John has road rage although he took pills to make himself calm. Julia asks him to go to yoga class with her but he refuses.

#Person1#: Good morning, what's wrong? #Person2#: I have been feeling terrible since yesterday morning. I have a runny nose and my throat is sore, but I don't have a cough. #Person1#: Do you have a high fever? #Person2#: Yes, my temperature was 38 degrees celsius yesterday afternoon. And it rose to 39 degrees celsius last night. #Person1#: I will give you some medicine. You should take the medicine 3 times a day and 4 pills each time. #Person2#: When will I start to feel better? #Person1#: Have a good rest, and you will feel better 3 hours after you take the medicine. #Person2#: Thank you.

Person2 feels terrible. Person1 gives Person2 some medicine and asks Person2 to have a good rest.

#Person1#: Hey, what's this? #Person2#: Oh, It's that show where they have to answer questions about the biggest natural wonders. Last week, I may want to trip to Egypt to visit the pyramids. #Person1#: The pyramids? We studied those in school. Let's watch and see when they get to go this week. #Person2#: Oh, wait a minute. That's the same guy. It's the same show as last week. I don't want to see the same thing again. Can we see the film on channel 10? #Person1#: Uh, come on, just for a minute. I haven't seen it, please.

Person2 has watched the show about the pyramids in Egypt but Person1 hasn't seen it.

#Person1#: Lily, are you going to come to the language club? It's every week after school. #Person2#: Which day is it? I can't come on Wednesday or on Thursday. I have dance classes then. #Person1#: It's on Tuesday. So you could come. #Person2#: Well. Tell me more about it. #Person1#: It sounds fun to me. You learn a little bit about a different language each month. We've learned French and Chinese already. And next month, we'll learn some Japanese. #Person2#: Wow, where do the members meet? #Person1#: You know classroom 4, the big room on the second floor? #Person2#: Yes. #Person1#: Well, it's in the smaller room next to it. #Person2#: Room 3? #Person1#: That's right.

Person1 invites Lily to the language club where they can learn a little bit about different languages in classroom 3.

#Person1#: Hello, this is Leslie Caron in the shipping department. Is that Martin Reynolds? #Person2#: Yes, Ms. Caron. Has my package arrived? #Person1#: That's what I'm calling about. Your package has just been unloaded from the truck, but it seems it has been damaged during shipment. The box is crushed at one end. And what should I do? #Person2#: That's terrible. Well, don't let the delivery driver leave. I'll be there in 5 minutes. #Person1#: OK, I will wait for you.

Leslie tells Martin her package has been damaged. Martin will be there.

#Person1#: Did you have a part-time job when you were still in school? #Person2#: No, I was way too busy studying all the time. How about you? #Person1#: Yeah, I worked about twenty hours a week in a pizza restaurant. #Person2#: What was that like? #Person1#: It was always very busy there. #Person2#: What did you do? #Person1#: I stood behind the register and took pizza orders. #Person2#: Did you get any perks on the job? #Person1#: Yeah, I got to eat as much pizza as I could for free.

Person1 has a part-time job while Person2 is too busy to work part-time.

#Person1#: Can you help me find a lotion for a problem I am having? #Person2#: That ' s what I am here for. What questions can I answer for you? #Person1#: I have poison oak, and I need help with the rash that won ' t stop itching. #Person2#: The best product is Techne, and you can buy either the lotion or cream. #Person1#: Which one is best? #Person2#: The cream form is very popular. #Person1#: Can I do anything else to help with the itching? #Person2#: You could also take an antihistamine to help the rash go away quicker. #Person1#: I appreciate you helping me find a solution to the itching. #Person2#: Anytime you have a question, please feel free to ask.

Person1 has poison oak. Person2 helps Person1 find cream and advises Person1 to take an antihistamine to make the rash go away.

#Person1#: Good morning, I made an appointment with Dr. Smith, but I have to change it. #Person2#: When you made your appointment, what day did you choose? #Person1#: My appointment was on Wednesday. #Person2#: At what time was that appointment? #Person1#: It was for 4 #Person2#: I can see the appointment that you had. What day do you need to change to? #Person1#: I want to change to next Tuesday. #Person2#: What time would you prefer? #Person1#: I would prefer three o ' clock in the afternoon. #Person2#: I will put you down for that time. Thank you for calling to reschedule.

Person1 reschedules the appointment with Dr. Smith to three o'clock in the afternoon next Thursday.

#Person1#: Do you have anything to declare? #Person2#: I have a camera and three bottles of whisky. #Person1#: OK. You'll have to pay duty for the whisky. #Person2#: Well, where shall I pay the duty for the whisky? #Person1#: Please wait a moment. I'll make out the duty memo. Here you are. Take this and pay the people over there. #Person2#: I've paid the duty. Here is the receipt #Person1#: Very well. I hope you'll enjoy your stay in China. #Person2#: Thank you.

Person2 pays the duty for the whisky after Person1 asks Person2 whether Person2 has anything to declare.

#Person1#: I'm searching for an old music box. #Person2#: You came to the right place. Any particular decade? #Person1#: If you had a box made in the ' 20s, that would be nice. #Person2#: We just got one in yesterday, so now we have six. #Person1#: Would any of them have dancing figures? #Person2#: Yes, we still have two boxes left that have dancing figures. #Person1#: Oh, they're both so beautiful. Let me have this one, I think. #Person2#: That one truly is a beautiful piece of work, isn't it? #Person1#: One last question #Person2#: Oh, no. Everything we sell here is ' as is. ' #Person1#: I guess I was asking for too much. #Person2#: If it breaks down, maybe you can find a repairman on the Internet.

Person2 helps Person1 search for an old music box with dancing figures. Person1 takes one.

#Person1#: Good morning. Are you Mr. Liu? #Person2#: My name is Liu Lichi. How do you do? #Person1#: How do you do? Please be seated, How is your trip here? #Person2#: Quite good, I think. I came here by bus, and it took me about 15 minutes. #Person1#: Oh, yes. How old are you? #Person2#: Twenty. #Person1#: Hum, still a student? #Person2#: Yes, I'm student of grade 3 in the university majoring in economics. #Person1#: What subjects are you studying? #Person2#: English, math, commercial and legal studies, and accountancy. #Person1#: Have you had any working experience. #Person2#: Well, I worked at a supermarket during last summer holidays. #Person1#: What do you like to do in your spare time? #Person2#: I like sports very much. Besides that, I also like working on a computer in my spare time. #Person1#: How are your English and computer skills? #Person2#: I have passed the CET - 4 and 6. As far as computer is concerned I can use the computer for word processing. #Person1#: Okay. Mr. Liu, we'll inform you of the results within a week.

Person1 asks Liu Lichi some personal information including age, major, working experience, English, and computer skills and will inform him of the results within a week.

#Person1#: Hi, Sarah. The results of questionnaire have come out. We need to discuss it together then write a research report. #Person2#: How is the new product? #Person1#: 30 % of the people are attracted by the style. Buyers always pay great attention to packing. In my opinion, these goods didn't sell well merely because of the poor packing. #Person2#: Yes, I think so. And how about the price? #Person1#: Almost 30 % of the consumers can't accept the price. Maybe we should lower our price a little. #Person2#: Yes, I agree with you. We should add our opinions to the research report. #Person1#: Absolutely.

Person1 and Sarah conclude from the results of the questionnaire that the new product should have attractive packing and a lower price.

#Person1#: Excuse me. I think I have got lost in the Art Gallery. Can you tell me the way to the exit. #Person2#: Sure. Go back and take the third turning on the left. #Person1#: Thank you very much. I have been wondering here for almost half an hour. #Person2#: It is really like a labyrinth.

Person2 tells Person1 where the exit of the art gallery is.

#Person1#: Is this American Airlines? #Person2#: Yes, sir. My name is Ellen. How may I help you? #Person1#: I need to get a flight to Chicago on the 7th in the morning. Can you give me a hand? #Person2#: Certainly, sir. There's a flight at 8: 35 a. m. and one at 10.

Ellen from American Airlines tells Person1 the flight time to Chicago.

#Person1#: My elder aunt feels like vomiting, she is pregnant. #Person2#: She'd better drink plenty of hot water and lie in bed. #Person1#: But she feels like having no appetite at all if she stays at home all day. #Person2#: Don't worry. She will be all right.

Person1's aunt feels uncomfortable during pregnancy and Person2 gives her some advice.

#Person1#: They promised us a sea view. #Person2#: Well, you can just see the sea. Between the factory chimneys. #Person1#: Isn't it awful? I can't bear to look at it. I don't think I can stand this place for two weeks. #Person2#: Well, it can't be helped. We'll just have to put up with it.

Person2 thinks they should put up with the awful place when Person1 complains.

#Person1#: Hello, Is this EYE computers? #Person2#: Yeas, It is. Sewen Jes speaking. How can I help? #Person1#: Actually, I'm calling to complain about your service. The computer I bought last week is faulty. #Person2#: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, sir. What exactly is problem? #Person1#: Well, easily, It doesn't work. It doesn't even start probably. #Person2#: Oh, dear! I'll do well I can.

Person1 makes a complaint call when his new computer doesn't work.

#Person1#: I don't know about you, but I am famished. Are you interested in getting a bite to eat? #Person2#: That sounds great. I'm absolutely starving! What kind of food are you in the mood for? #Person1#: I'd love something spicy. Maybe we could get some Sichuan hotpot. #Person2#: You are a woman after my own heart. I don't know many people who can handle spicy food. Are you sure you are up for hot pot? #Person1#: Sure. If I could, I would eat hot pot every day! #Person2#: Ok, you are really all eyes when it comes to talking about food, aren't you? #Person1#: Well, let's stop dragging our feet and find a Sichuan hot pot restaurant for dinner! #Person2#: Let me think about it for a minute. Let's see. . . oh the name of the restaurant is on the tip of my tongue! Give me a second and it'll come to me. #Person1#: Well. . . ? Have you thought of it yet? #Person2#: No. . . #Person1#: Never mind. There's an authentic tasting hot pot restaurant not far from the China World Trade Towers on Chang An Street. Have you been there? #Person2#: That's it! That's the one I was thinking of! I told you I'd remember it! #Person1#: You really have a big head, don't you.

Person1 suggests eating hot pot and Person2 tries to recall the name of a restaurant. Person1 recommends a restaurant and it happens to be the one Person2 was thinking of.

#Person1#: Why don't you sit down and relax, darling? #Person2#: I don't want to. #Person1#: Well, come and talk to me then. #Person2#: Certainly not. #Person1#: May I turn on the radio then? #Person2#: Turn on the radio? What for? #Person1#: So that we can sit down together and listen to some music. #Person2#: Listen to some music? And who'll cook dinner? Will you? #Person1#: Ok, I will. But let's go to a disco after dinner. #Person2#: To a disco? Oh, no. You know I hate pop.

Person1 suggests Person2 listening to music and going to a disco. Person2 is not interested.

#Person1#: You are quite busy every day. #Person2#: Yes. Work starts at eight and I arrive home after six. #Person1#: So you have to work all day. #Person2#: I can take a break at lunch time, but it is only 30 minutes. #Person1#: I see you sometimes work on weekends, too. #Person2#: Yes, I really don't like it.

Person2 works from 8 am to 6 pm and has a 30-minute lunch break.

#Person1#: Are you excited about your trip next month? #Person2#: Yes and no. I can't wait to go to Europe, but at the same time I am terrified. #Person1#: Why? #Person2#: Well, I have acrophobia. I have a chronic fear of flying. #Person1#: Oh really? I have an uncle who is also terrified of flying. It's not that bad though, I mean, it is pretty scary to be in this big machine flying through the air at seven hundred miles per hour. I actually have arachnophobia. #Person2#: You're scared of spiders? I actually have two more phobias. Acrophobia and glossophobia. #Person1#: I guess that explains why you are afraid of flying, but public speaking is not that bad. #Person2#: Are you kidding? When I get on stage, my palms start to sweat, I get really nervous and I can hardly speak. #Person1#: Well, I must confess I am a bit claustrophobic. I hate being in an elevator for more than 5 seconds. #Person2#: We are such weirdos right?

Person2 is excited to go to Europe but terrified of flying. Person2 has acrophobia and glossophobia. Person1 has arachnophobia and claustrophobia. Person2 thinks they are weirdos.

#Person1#: I don't understand why you always look so happy, so energetic. It seems like you'Ve got good news everyday. #Person2#: Really? Do I look happy all the time? #Person1#: All I know is you look quite differently from other teachers. #Person2#: Oh, do you know why? Actually, it's easy. Because I always exercise. My exercise, I think, is very hard. I often feel very good after conquering these difficulties. I feel alive! #Person1#: Oh, I know. I saw you doing pull-ups one time on the campus and some students trying to imitate you. #Person2#: Yeah, they are doing it for fun. Seldom would people like my exercise. It's difficult and boring. #Person1#: It's true. Many students do the exercise when they have to. We have P. E. once a week. #Person2#: But I think Chinese students need to exercise more. Besides exercise will help them learn new things better. Don't students want to have a good memory? #Person1#: Of course. I didn't know that. I only know exercise makes bodies stronger. I should take some exercise then. Do you have any suggestions? #Person2#: Well, do what you like to do. It can be anything. Jogging, doing aerobics, going bicycling, and playing ping-pong. Absolutely anything. Doing three or more workouts a week is good for you. But remember to do some stretches first. #Person1#: Oh, I know. Thank you.

Person1 asks the secrets of Person2 looking energetic and happy. Person2 suggests Person1 doing exercises like jogging, doing aerobics, and so on and reminds Person1 to do some stretches first.

#Person1#: Isn't it a nice day? #Person2#: It really is. #Person1#: It seems that it may rain today. #Person2#: Hopefully it will. #Person1#: How come? #Person2#: I like how clear the sky gets after it rains. #Person1#: I feel the same way. It smells so good after it rains. #Person2#: I especially love the night air when it rains. #Person1#: Really? Why? #Person2#: The stars look so much closer after it rains. #Person1#: I really want it to rain today. #Person2#: Yeah, so do I.

Person1 and Person2 both like rainy days and they hope it will rain today.

#Person1#: Dad, can I have a pet? I did what you said and passed all of my exams. #Person2#: Then I guess you get to have a pet. Do you know what you want? #Person1#: I want a dog. My friend Mindy's dog just had puppies and she said I can have one. #Person2#: You know who will be responsible for feeding and cleaning and all of that stuff? #Person1#: I know, I know. I will do it all by myself. #Person2#: Have you figured out the costs involved with feeding and caring for it? #Person1#: Yes. It will cost me about $ 50 a month. And I make a little more than that already. #Person2#: Sounds like you've done your homework. I think you're ready for this.

Person1 wants to have a pet and Person2 agrees after Person1 figures out the costs and responsibility of keeping a pet.

#Person1#: Hello, is this housekeeper? #Person2#: Yes ma'am, may I help you? #Person1#: This is room eleven-seven and we have just checked in. #Person2#: Yes? #Person1#: Our room hasn't been cleaned up yet. So would you send one of your housekeepers to clean up our room? #Person2#: Oh, yes, ma'am. We'll come right away then. Your room number and your name, please. #Person1#: Our room number is eleven-seven and my name is Terry Chen. #Person2#: Thank you. Would you hang up and wait?

Terry asks Person2 to send a housekeeper to clean up the room they have just checked in.

#Person1#: Oath, I think I broke my leg. #Person2#: Here, sir, sit down in this wheelchair. #Person1#: Thanks. #Person2#: The doctor will be with you in a moment. I just need to ask you a few questions. #Person1#: All right. #Person2#: Name, age and date of birth, please. #Person1#: John Taylor, 32, May 23, 1970. #Person2#: Health insurance company and policy number? #Person1#: I don't have it. #Person2#: What? #Person1#: I don't have health insurance. #Person2#: Well, this is going to be a very expensive broken leg, Mr. Taylor. #Person1#: Ohhhh!

Mr. Taylor broke his leg and Person2 finds that Mr. Taylor doesn't have health insurance.

#Person1#: Red restaurant. Do you want to make a reservation? #Person2#: Yes, I'd like to book a table for two this evening. #Person1#: At what time? #Person2#: 7:30. By tho way, I would like a table next to the window. #Person1#: No problem, sir.

Person1 books a table for two at Red restaurant.

#Person1#: What are you guys doing over there? #Person2#: What do you mean, Janice? #Person1#: I'Ve been waiting for a response on the Blake Building design for nearly two weeks. #Person2#: I'm sorry, Janice. But we'Ve been waiting on the client. It's out of our hands at the moment.

Janice waits for a response but Person2 says it's out of their hands.

#Person1#: Linda? Is that you? I haven't seen you in ages! #Person2#: Hi George! It's good to see you! #Person1#: What have you been up to? #Person2#: I just opened up my own business not long ago. #Person1#: Good for you! What are you doing? #Person2#: I'm a professional party planner here in the city. I do catering and all that. #Person1#: I knew some day I would be able to profit from your love of fun! #Person2#: Well, I don't know about the profit part yet. But I am really having fun!

Linda tells George that she becomes a professional party planner in which she has lots of fun.

#Person1#: I have never done this before and don't know where to begin as far as making an offer on this house. #Person2#: Hi, just be relaxed. Leave the details of making the offer up to me. Now, please tell me. What were you thinking you should offer? #Person1#: All I know is that I absolutely must have this house! And I think I shall pay three hundred and fifty thousand dollars or more. #Person2#: It is best to start a little low on the first bid to allow for a counter-offer. How about offering three hundred and twenty thousand dollars? #Person1#: I hope that the owners aren't insulted by that offer. #Person2#: Your offering price is not out-of-line. The owners will either take it or make a counter-offer. #Person1#: Does it usually take very long for the owners to get back to you with an acceptance? #Person2#: It usually doesn't take very long for owners to respond to an offer. #Person1#: Should I be in touch with my bank to tell them to get the loan papers ready? #Person2#: The only thing you should do now is relax. You already are pre-qualified for your loan.

Person1 wants to buy a house. Person2 suggests starting low on the first bid to allow for a counter-offer but Person1 worries that it will take very long. Person2 says it won't.

#Person1#: Hello. I need to speak with Allan Cartwright. #Person2#: This is he. May I help you? #Person1#: I certainly hope so, I am about to stop doing business with your office. #Person2#: I'm very sorry, Madam. Can you tell me what the problem is over the phone or would you like me to go to your office?

Person1 wants to stop doing business with Allan. Allan wonders why.

#Person1#: What time is our connecting flight? #Person2#: Let me check. Oh, oh! It's at 3:25. #Person1#: Wow, that's cutting it close! That means we only have 25 minutes to make the connection! What gate is it at? #Person2#: It's at. . . gate 14. #Person1#: Oh, great! That's at the other end of the terminal! #Person2#: OK, so here's the plan ; When we land, run to gate 14! #Person1#: I'm be right behind ya!

Person1 and Person2 talk about their flight and gate number. They run to catch the flight.

#Person1#: May I help you? #Person2#: Yes, I'm looking for a job as a clerk typist in English. #Person1#: I'm Mary Kelly. May I ask your name? #Person2#: My name is Zhuang Lingy. How are you, Miss Kelly? #Person1#: I'm glad to meet you, Mr. Zhuang. Sit down, please. #Person2#: Thank you, Miss Kelly. #Person1#: What are your qualifications for being a clerk typist? #Person2#: I can type 120 words a minute and I take shorthand at 80 words a minute. #Person1#: Would you be willing to take a typing and shorthand test? #Person2#: Yes, I would. #Person1#: Your typing and stenography are pretty good. Would you be interested in applying for the job? #Person2#: Yes, I'd like to give it a try. #Person1#: All right. You need to have an interview with our manager, Mr. McBride. Let's go to his office.

Mary Kelly is looking for a job as a clerk typist in English. Zhuang Lingy asks her to take a test and is satisfied with her.

#Person1#: Good evening, sir. Are you Mr. Jim Stewart from the States? #Person2#: Ah, yes, that's right. #Person1#: Glad to meet you. Mr. Stewart. I'm the guide from Pacific Tour Agency. My name is Zhang Hua. #Person2#: Hello, I was just looking for the guide . #Person1#: I'm always at your service, sir. By the way, did you have a pleasant trip? #Person2#: Not bad. But I've made too many flights these days. I could hardly remember how many take offs and landings I've been through these three days. I think we all feel a bit tired. #Person1#: Well, shall we go to the hotel right now? I've already made a reservation for you. #Person2#: Wonderful. I'm eager to take a sauna as soon as possible. #Person1#: So we must get you to the hotel as soon as possible. I hope to see you refreshed and revitalized tomorrow morning, as we are going to visit the Great Wall. #Person2#: I'm sure we will. Actually, we are looking forward to seeing the great wonder.

Zhang Hua picks up Mr. Jim Stewart and asks him about the trip. The hotel reservation has been made and they will visit the Great Wall after the night rest.

#Person1#: Can you tell me how to reach the bank please? #Person2#: Which bank? There are two, the Allied Irish Bank and the Bank of Ireland. #Person1#: I have an AIR pass card and I want to withdraw money from the bank. #Person2#: You need to go to the Allied Irish Bank which is near the local shopping centre, Dunned Stores. #Person1#: How do I get there. I have no knowledge of this area. #Person2#: Cross the road and turn left at the other side. Walk along the footpath until you reach the traffic lights. You will see a shopping centre on the right hand side. Walk across the road and turn right after the shopping centre. Keep going straight for about 100m and the bank is to your left. #Person1#: It sounds very complicated. How far is it from here? #Person2#: It's not so complicated. It's about five minutes walk from here. I can draw a map for you if you wish. #Person1#: Oh, I would really appreciate that. By the way will I be going North or South? #Person2#: You will be going northwards. You are now in the the Western part of the city and the Allied Irish Bank is situated in the North East. Here's a rough sketch of the area.

Person1 is asking Person2 the way to the Allied Irish Bank when Person1 wants to withdraw some money. Person2 draws a map for Person1.

#Person1#: Hi, what can I do for you? #Person2#: I'd like to send this package to France. Can it be delivered in the next five days? #Person1#: Yes. We offer an overnight service. It'll cost 70 dollars. #Person2#: Ah, that's a bit expensive. Do you have a three-day service? #Person1#: No, but we can get your package to France in one week for 40 dollars. #Person2#: Well, that sounds good. I'll take that. Is the service guaranteed? #Person1#: Yes. We also offer a service where we can track your package. But that will cost 10 dollars extra. #Person2#: Oh, I won't need the tracking service...

Person2 wants to deliver a package and uses a seven-day service with Person1's help.

#Person1#: Your wife told me that you eat out four or five times a week, I really envy you! #Person2#: Don't envy me! It's for business. In fact, I'm sick and tired of restaurant food! Sometimes, I just prefer a home-cooked meal.

Person1 envies Person2 eating outside but Person2 prefers home-cooked meals.

#Person1#: Dad, can I go to a movie with Sharon? #Person2#: Yeah, sure, but wait. Weren't you supposed to get a report card sometime this past week? #Person1#: Well, oh yeah. Can I call Sharon now? #Person2#: Uh-hum. You didn't answer my question. Did you receive it or not? #Person1#: I love you Dad! You're the best! #Person2#: Don't try to butter me up. I can guess that your answer means that you didn't do well in some of your classes? #Person1#: Well, my English teacher is soooo boring, and he blows up every time someone talks. #Person2#: In other words, you're not doing so well? #Person1#: Uh, a C ... minus. #Person2#: Oh. Well, how are you doing in your Spanish class? You said you liked that one. #Person1#: Well, I do, but I forgot to turn in a couple of assignments, and I had problems on the last test. All those verbs tripped me up. I get them all mixed up in my head! #Person2#: Okay, and what about algebra? #Person1#: Ah, I'm acing that class. No sweat. #Person2#: Oh! #Person1#: Can I go now? #Person2#: And how are you doing in history? #Person1#: Oh, that's my favorite class. Mr. Jones is always passing out candy if you know the answers to his questions. #Person2#: Great. Now, I have a bright daughter with tooth decay. #Person1#: Ah, Dad. Can I go now? #Person2#: You can go if you answer my history question. How old am I? #Person1#: Uh, fifty-five? #Person2#: Fifty-five! You just failed a math and history test at the same time! #Person1#: Dad ... #Person2#: Well, okay, but you need to come straight home from the movie, and you need to practice your clarinet. #Person1#: Oh, I forgot about that grade? #Person2#: What? #Person1#: Gotta run, Dad.

Person1 wants to go to a movie with Sharon. Person2 asks for Person1's report card and finds Person1 didn't do well in some classes. Person1 makes excuses for that. Person2 agrees that Person1 can go to the movie but asks Person1 to come straight home from the movie and to practice the clarinet.

#Person1#: Hello. #Person2#: Hi, Tom. This is Diana from the creative writing class. #Person1#: Oh, hi, Diana. What's up? #Person2#: Well, I have a new project which I thought you might be interested in. I'm setting up a writer's group, you know, a support group for people who are trying to get published. #Person1#: Well, how would it work? #Person2#: We get together once a week. I've already arranged for a meeting room in the library, and then we share what we were working on and offer each other some advice. #Person1#: I could use some advice. I'm working on a short story that I'd like to get published in the Campus Literature Review. You've done that, haven't you? Didn't I see a poem of yours in the last issue? #Person2#: Yes, I was so excited to finally see my work in print. It was presented three times. You just have to keep trying if they turn you down. #Person1#: Well, I'm sure the group could help me, but I don't know how much I can contribute. I'm just starting out. #Person2#: That's OK. I know from your comments in class that you will be a valuable member. We will get someone more experienced to help us, too. #Person1#: Sounds great. You can definitely count me in.

Diana asks Tom to join their newly established writer's group to support people who want to get published. Tom asks how it works and thinks he could use some advice so he decides to join it.

#Person1#: Are there any changes in this morning's program? #Person2#: No, we'll go to Collin's garage sale; he has many books for sale. #Person1#: There're so many books for sale in a flea market near this street, too. Why don't you go there? #Person2#: What is a flea market? #Person1#: It is not that different from other markets except that the goods there have been used before. #Person2#: Are there any good books? #Person1#: Of course. If you're lucky, you can find some rare and old ones. #Person2#: It sounds like a good place and we should go there.

Person2 wants to go to Collin's garage sale but changes mind to the flea market after hearing Person1's suggestion.

#Person1#: Here we are, guys, I'm going to stop by Bergner's first. I might just get lucky today. Who knows, some of their dresses might be on SALE. #Person2#: Bergner's? #Person3#: It's a fairly well-known department store. Sort of like Penny's. They've got some quality stuff. Wanna check it out? #Person2#: Why not. #Person1#: I need to get something for Lisa's birthday. She's into name brands. Any suggestions? #Person3#: A Gucci handbag or Calvin Klein T-shirt might be nice. Designer perfume is another option. Which reminds me! I have a 15% discount coupon for Lerner's and Penny's. I hardly ever shop at Lerner's, as I'm not that big on women's clothing. And I rarely shop at Penny's, so go ahead and use the coupons if you can. Here they are. #Person1#: Thanks a lot, Will. That's really very thoughtful of you. #Person3#: My pleasure, Ma'am! #Person1#: Oh no! I was supposed to give Liz a buzz an hour ago! Hope I have a quarter. #Person3#: Need a nickle? #Person1#: Actually, I don't have anything but pennies in change. Does any of you have a dollar in change? #Person2#: Sorry, I don't, but I do have 35 cents on me. Will that be okay for the phone call? #Person1#: Great! I really appreciate it.

Person1 goes to Bergner's discounted dresses first and then goes to Penny's after hearing Person2 and Will's words. Will gives Person1 a coupon to help Person1 choose a gift for Lisa's birthday. Person1 borrows 35 cents from Person2.

#Person1#: You must be very busy these days. I heard you are responsible for the meeting arrangements this time. It can be the most important meeting for our company this year. #Person2#: Sure it is. I am up to my ears as time expressed. #Person1#: Do we still use the conference room in the same hotel as last time? You remember? I like that one. #Person2#: If we were in the same conference room, I would not work late these days. That conference room has been booked out. This time our boss wants to hold the meeting in our company. So everything has to be rearranged and checked, like tables, chairs, mean tacks, podium, audio and visual equipments and even the lunch menu. #Person1#: Good preparation will improve the effectiveness of the meeting. I am sure that your hard work will pay off.

Person2 has been working late to rearrange and check everything in the conference room for the important meeting. Person1 thinks the hard work will pay off.

#Person1#: So it looks like we start selling in the U. S. next year. #Person2#: Did Mr. Lin put you in charge of marketing? #Person1#: He's still not sure whether he wants to put me in charge, or whether he wants to hire an American. But even if he hires an American, I'll probably be transferred to our American office. #Person2#: Where will it be? #Person1#: We aren't sure yet. Maybe L. A. I think L. A. would be the best idea. #Person2#: Is it because of trade negotiations that we can start selling in the U. S. ? #Person1#: Yes, the recent agreements between the two governments have changed everything. Now we have the right to sell in America at a much lower tariff. It's going to be good. We can compete more directly with them. #Person2#: Great. #Person1#: Our computers have a high level of quality now. We can demonstrate it. And our prices will be good. So I think it will really be worthwhile. #Person2#: You seem excited about it. #Person1#: Well, you know I studied marketing in America. So maybe the thought of going back there to promote our brand is kind of exciting to me. I'd love to be part of the team. #Person2#: Do you honestly think we can compete though? All the computer giants are there. #Person1#: Yes, I do. I think we can compete. I think we can make a name for ourselves. It will be hard at first. But if we develop a good advertising campaign, I think we can break into the market. #Person2#: The company will have to choose a good advertising firm. And then there's the problem of quality. How do we convince American buyers that our quality is good? #Person1#: It takes some time. Because even if the quality is high, people won't accept a high tech product unless they recognize the name. Name recognition is crucial. #Person2#: Well, I hope it all works out, John. I think if you're part of the team, things will go well. But you know we'd all miss you here. So I won't say I'm happy to think that you're leaving. #Person1#: That's very nice of you to say. But if we set up an office there in the States, maybe you could try to become part of it. #Person2#: Me? No way. I'm dedicated to the company, but I'm not going to leave Taiwan. I'm happy here.

John tells Person2 he may be transferred to the American office because of the new trade negotiations. John is excited about it because John studied marketing in America. John thinks they can compete with computer giants with high quality. John thinks maybe Person2 could try to work in the States but Person2 is not going to leave Taiwan.

#Person1#: The Johnsons are on their way back. You remember them, don't you? #Person2#: Johnson? I can't place them. #Person1#: We met them in Bermuda last May. #Person2#: They've completely slipped my mind. #Person1#: The couple with the dogs, think back. #Person2#: No, I don't recall a thing about them. #Person1#: Well, I've invited them for brunch. #Person2#: Hmm, I must be getting absent-minded.

Person2 cannot remember the Johnsons no matter how Person1 describes them.

#Person1#: Are you ready to order now, sir? #Person2#: Yes. #Person1#: Would you like an appetizer? #Person2#: Yes. I'd like a crab cocktail. #Person1#: Would you like some soup first? #Person2#: Very well. #Person1#: What kind of soup would you like? #Person2#: I want egg soup. #Person1#: Have you decided on anything? #Person2#: I'd like to have some meat. #Person1#: How about stewed-fried steamed pork? #Person2#: No, thank you. #Person1#: Are you interested in today's special? #Person2#: What is it? #Person1#: Twice cooked spicy pork slices. #Person2#: OK. Let me try it. #Person1#: Anyfhing else? #Person2#: No, thank youB

Person2 orders a crab cocktail, egg soup, and spicy pork slices with Person1's help.

#Person1#: I went shopping without my umbrella yesterday morning. #Person2#: Yesterday morning was beautiful I thought the sunning was going to continue. #Person1#: So did I. that's why I didn't take my umbrella. I got cold in the rain in the afternoon. It was raining cats and dogs. #Person2#: I know. I could not believe it when I got hit by that storm. It was pouring with rain all afternoon. #Person1#: We really have some mysable weather sometime. I wish I would live somewhere which were sunning all year round. #Person2#: If it was sunning all year round there would be drought. You probably would not like it either. #Person1#: I guess you are right. Maybe I just wish the weather could be a little more predictable. #Person2#: The weather forecasters are not good at predicting the weather would be like. Our weather is so changeable.

Person1 didn't take the umbrella when the sun was good in the morning but it rains all afternoon. Person1 likes predictable weather and Person2 says the weather is changeable.

#Person1#: May, could you bring this note to Professor Li for me today? #Person2#: Sure, no problem. Asking for leave again? You have been absent from class five times this semester. #Person1#: I know. But attending Miss Li's class is just waste of time. No more than one third of her students will go to her class. #Person2#: I agree that Miss Li doesn't teach so well. Most students either sleep or do other things in her class. #Person1#: Yeah, my boyfriend plays the video game every time in class with me. Or I chat with my friends through text messages. #Person2#: Fortunately her class is just an elective course, not as important as compulsory courses. #Person1#: Right, so we must spare some time to attend selective courses. #Person2#: But isn't it too impolite to be absent? #Person1#: What can I do? I have things to do in Students' Government. #Person2#: Oh, I thought you just gave an excuse on this note. #Person1#: Sometimes I will try various excuses. But this is my last time asking for leave. Or I will have a bad record. #Person2#: Yeah, besides, your credit will be deducted. That is kind of serious. #Person1#: I have been absented from many classes this semester just because of my work in the Students' Government. #Person2#: You can't write with one hand and draw with the other. #Person1#: I am thinking about quitting my job in the student government. But before that, I must do my job. Bye. Don't forget about that note. #Person2#: You can count on me.

Person1 asks May to hand a leaving note to Professor Li because of student government work. They both think Professor Li doesn't teach well and students always do their own things in the class. Person1 will not aks for leave again in order not to have a bad record.

#Person1#: My word, you do look ill! #Person2#: I'm quite out of thoughts recently. #Person1#: You seem to have something on mind. Promise me, go to see the doctor right now. #Person2#: I'm worrying about my exam. #Person1#: A piece of cake. You'll be successful.

Person1 comforts Person2 who is worried about exams.

#Person1#: You don't look very happy. What seems to be the problem? #Person2#: I've got to write a long composition for my English class and I just can't come up with any idea and it's due tomorrow. #Person1#: That shouldn't be too difficult. Remember those pictures you were showing me last week. The ones from your voyage last winter. #Person2#: Sure, I've got them here some place. #Person1#: Why don't you write about your impressions of the pyramids in Egypt and camel ride you took? #Person2#: That sounds like a good idea. I can also tell about our visit to North Africa, the Holy Land and all of the historical places we visited. #Person1#: Well, now that you're feeling better about this. I think I'll be on my way. I've got to finish my composition too. #Person2#: Thanks for your help. Once I get organized, it won't be so difficult.

Person2 cannot come up with ideas when writing composition and Person1 advises Person2 to write about Person2's impressions of the pyramids in Egypt and the camel ride.

#Person1#: Excuse me. You are Mr. Green from Manchester, aren't you? #Person2#: Yes, I'm glad you recognized me. #Person1#: A man with white hair and a beard, isn't that how you describe yourself in the telex? So it's easy to spot you in any crowd. Let me introduce myself. I am Tan Ling, source manager of Yellow River Import and Export Corporation. How do you do? #Person2#: How do you do? #Person1#: Well, Mr. Green, do you have any unaccompanied luggage? #Person2#: No. I always travel with this bag or with small suitcase only. #Person1#: Let's go then. This way to the front door. Let me carry your bag. #Person2#: No, I wouldn't dream of letting a lady carry things for me. Surely I'm not so old as that yet. #Person1#: Of course not. You look young and energetic in spite of your white hair, Mr. Green. #Person2#: Thank you. I'm glad to hear that. #Person1#: The car is waiting outside to take us to the hotel. I reserved a suite for you at the Phoenix, one of the biggest in Dublin. #Person2#: Do you mean one of the largest suite or one of the biggest hotel? #Person1#: Actually, both the hotel and the suite are rather big. But the biggest ones aren't always the best ones. #Person2#: Quite true. #Person1#: Mr. Green, just wait till you see the suite. You can change it for a better one if you don't happen to like it or move to another hotel if you like.

Tan Ling picks Mr. Green up who is easily recognized by white hair and a beard and will take him to the hotel. Tan reserves a big suite for him at the hotel.

#Person1#: Mister Ewing said we should show up at the conference center at 4:00 o'clock, right? #Person2#: Yes, he especially asked us not to be late. Some of the people from our east york branch office are coming, and he wants to make a good impression on them. How are you getting there? #Person1#: I was thinking of taking my car, but I think I'm just going to take the underground, because there is construction on the highway. What about you? #Person2#: I'll be taking the underground as well. Why don't we go together? I've been to the conference center only once, and I'm not sure if I can find my way around there.

Person1 and Person2 plan to take the underground together to the conference center because Mr. Ewing asks them not to be late.

#Person1#: How can I help you today? #Person2#: I would like to rent a car. #Person1#: Let's see what we can find. We have a large car, a mid-size car and a small car for you to choose from. What size are you looking for? #Person2#: I'll be traveling in the city alone, so a small car is OK. How much is that a day? #Person1#: A small car is $40 a day. How long will you be renting the car? #Person2#: 5 days. #Person1#: OK. Can I see your driver's license and a credit card? #Person2#: Sure, here you are. #Person1#: Would you like me to put the charge on this card? #Person2#: That will be fine.

Person2 rents a small car for 5 days with the help of Person1.

#Person1#: You look a bit unhappy today. What's up? #Person2#: Well, my mom lost her job yesterday. #Person1#: I'm sorry to hear that. Well, I heard that the registered urban unemployment rate reached 4% this year and more than half are women. #Person2#: Supply is outstripping demand in the job market and women are in a disadvantageous position in general. #Person1#: Yes, it's true. What is she going to do? #Person2#: Well. She is thinking of doing some household cleaning or babysitting in the community. #Person1#: That's not bad, it could be a short-term alternative. Your mom can look for another job when the market improves. Things will workout eventually. #Person2#: I just hope she won't feel depressed. #Person1#: How about searching for information on jobs on the internet? #Person2#: That's a good idea, thank you.

Person2's mom lost her job. Person2 hopes mom won't feel depressed. Person1 suggests Person2 searching for information on jobs on the internet.

#Person1#: Mom, I'm flying to visit uncle Lee's family next Saturday. Should I pack my bags today? #Person2#: Yes, I think so. #Person1#: OK. What clothes should I take? I know it's hot there. #Person2#: Yes, but it rains a lot. You can borrow an umbrella or a jacket if it's wet. Just pack some T-shirts. #Person1#: OK. And who is meeting me at the airport? #Person2#: Well, uncle Lee and aunt Wong will be busy, but your cousin Susan can pick you up.

Person1 asks for Person2's idea of packing the bag when visiting uncle Lee's family next Saturday.