home.
B: Oh, Dad. I'd like to help, but I have to call Laurie. It's really important.
A: Aimee, I think the dog is trying to tell you something!
B: Well, I can't possibly take him out right now. I'm doing my nails
(14) Hi. I'm your new neighbor
A: Hi. I'm your new neighbor, George Rivera. I live next door. B: Oh, hi. I'm Stephanie Lee.
A: So, you just moved in? Do you need anything? B: Not right now. But thanks. A: Well, let me know if you do. Um, by the way, would you mind turning your stereo down? The walls are really thin, so the sound goes right through to my apartment. B: Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't realize that. I'll make sure to keep the volume down. Oh, by the way, is there a good Italian restaurant in the neighborhood? A: Yeah. There's a great one a couple of blocks from here. Try their lasagna. It's delicious!
A: Hello. I'm sorry to bother you, but I think your car is parked in my space downstairs. B: Really?
A: Yes. Do you drive a blue Honda? B: Yes, I do.
A: Well, there's a blue Honda parked in space 13 and that's my space.
B: Oh, I'm so sorry. My son must have put it in the wrong space. Ours is the one right next to yours-number 12. Let me get my keys, and I'll go right down and move the car. A: Thanks.
B: And I'll make sure my son doesn't do it again. A: I appreciate it.
A: Gee, Bob, you're really late. You said you'd be here at six, and look at the time: It's almost six thirty!
B: I'm really sorry. Tell you what: I'll pay for dinner. A: Oh, it's all right. You don't have to do that.
B: No, I want to pay. You had to wait for me almost half an hour. A: Well, hey, OK-if you insist. Thanks!
A: Hi, Sally. What happened to you on Sunday? B: Sunday? What do you mean?
A: You don't remember? I had a party, and I invited you.
B: Oh, gosh. Of course you did-and I completely forgot about it. I was busy all day helping my brother with his car, and I guess I just forgot. Sorry. How did the party go, anyway?
A: It was great, but we missed you. B: Gee, now I really feel bad.
Unit 8
(15)Did you know next week is Halloween?
A: Did you know next week is Halloween? It's on October 31
B: So what do you do on Halloween? We don't have that holiday in Russia. A: Well, it's a day when kids dress up in masks and costumes. They knock on people's doors and ask for candy by saying words“Trick or treat!” B: Hmm. Sounds interesting.
A: But it's not just for kids. Lots of people have costume parties. Hey… my friend Pete is having a party. Would you like to go? B: Sure. I'd love to.
A: So are we going to wear costumes to the party? B: Of course. That's half the fun. Last year I rented this great Dracula costume, and this year I'm going as a clown.
A: A clown? Yes, you would make a good clown. B: Hey!
A: Oh, I'm just kidding. What about me? What kind of costume should I wear? B: Why don't you go as a witch? I saw a terrific witch outfit at the costume store.
A: A witch… yeah, that's a good idea. So after I scare people, you can make them laugh.
(16)You look beautiful in that kimono, Mari.
A: You look beautiful in that kimono, Mari. Is this your wedding photo? B: Yes, it is.
A: Do most Japanese women wear kimonos when they get married?
B: Yes, many of them do. Then after the wedding ceremony, the bride usually changes into a Western bridal dress during the reception. A: Oh, I didn't know that.
A: Did you get married in a church, Mari? B: No, the ceremony was held at a shrine. A: Oh, a shrine…
B: Yes, we were married by a priest in a traditional Shinto ceremony. A: Hmm. And who went to the ceremony? B: Well, only the immediate family attended the ceremony… you know, our parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters…
A: And what about the reception? What was that like?
B: Lots of friends and relatives came to the reception…about a hundred people. And the first thing happened was that the main guests gave formal speeches.
A: Speeches?
B: Yes, and then after that, all the guests were served a formal meal. While everyone was eating and drinking, lots of other guests gave short speeches or sang songs. Some of the speeches were funny. A: Sounds like fun! B: Yes, the songs and speeches are all part of the entertainment during a wedding reception. And then, at the end of the reception, each guest received a present for coming to the wedding.
A: A present from the bride and groom? B: Yes, it's a Japanese custom. A: What a nice custom!
Unit 9 Back to the future
A: Ugh! I feel awful. I really have to stop smoking. B: So why don't you quit?
A: Well, if I quit, I might gain weight! B: A lot of people do, but...
A: And if I gain weight, I won't be able to fit into any of clothes! B: Well, you can always go on a diet.
A: Oh, no. I'm terrible at losing weight on diets. So if my clothes don't fit, I'll have to buy new ones. I'll have to get a part-time job, and...
B: Listen, it is hard to quit, but it's not that hard. Do you want to know how I did it?
A: Well, giving up smoking isn't really as hard as you think. I managed to do it, so it can't be that difficult. You should try nicotine gum. You chew it just like regular chewing gum, and you don't feel like smoking. B: Well, I guess it's worth a try.
A: The neighborhood sure has changed!
B: What was this place like before, Grandpa?
A: Well, there used to be a grocery store right here on this corner. Hmm. It was pretty quiet. Not many people lived here then. B: These days, the population is growing fast.
A: Yeah. I bet they'll tear down all these old buildings soon. In a few years, there will be just malls and high-rise apartments. B: Hey, that doesn't sound too bad! A: No, but I'll miss the old days.
A: How long have you been living here? B: Oh, for over twenty years.
A: And have you noticed a lot of changes during that time?
B: Oh, yes, quite a few. This is a much nicer place to live now than it used
to be. It's much greener. When I first moved here, there weren't many trees around. But over the last few years, the city has planted trees everywhere. It's made such a difference.
A: How do you like living here?
B: Well, it's an interesting city. But you really need a car here; otherwise, you can't go anywhere. There used to be a good bus system, but there isn't anymore. A: Why is that? B: Oh, I think they expect everyone to have a car, so they don't bother to provide decent bus service. It's getting worse and worse. These days, you have to wait for ages for a bus. And when one finally shows up, it's usually full!
A: I can't believe how much this neighborhood has changed! B: What do you mean?
A: Well, when Joe and I first bought this house-that was almost 20 years ago, of course-there were lots of young couples with little children living on this street.
B: I don't see any kids out today.
A: That's because they've all grown up and moved out of their parents' house. Just about the only young children we see around here these days are the grandchildren when they come to visit. It's gotten way too quiet around here.
Unit 10 I don't like working on weekends!
A: Any interesting jobs listed on the Internet today?
B: Well, there are a lot of retail jobs-selling clothes and stuff. But you have to work Saturdays and Sundays. A: Hmm. I hate working on weekends
B: Hmm… so do I. Oh, here's a job in sales. It's a job selling children's books to bookstores.
A: That sounds interesting.
B: Yeah. Let's see. You need to have a driver's license. And you have to work some evenings.
A: I don't mind working evenings during the week. And I enjoy driving. So, what's the phone number? B: It's 7983455
A: Delta Education.
B: Hello. I'm calling about the job you advertised for a salesperson. Is it still available? A: Yes, it is.
B: Well, can you tell me something about the job?
A: Sure. Our company sells educational books for children. We're looking for part-time salespeople to promote our books to local bookstores.