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.
B: That sounds interesting. I'm a student, and I'm looking for part-time work. A: Well, perhaps you'd like to come in for an interview. B: Yes, I would.
A: Oh, just one thing we didn't mention in the advertisement. Some of our books are in Spanish, so we'd like to hire someone who speaks Spanish. B: Oh, as a matter of fact, I do.
A: Good. Well, let me arrange a time for you to come in for an interview.
A: So what kind of job are you looking for?
B: Well, I haven't made up my mind. I love working with people, and I love traveling. I don't want a job where I'm stuck in an office all day. I want to get out and see the world.
A: Are you interested in working in business? That's where you can sometimes make good money.
B: I'm not really interested in making a lot of money at this point in my life. I'll worry about that later
A: What kind of career are you planning for yourself?
B: I don't know. I think I'd like to have a job where I can help people. Everybody else in my family is in law or business-you know, boring stuff like that. That's just not for me. I know I'd like to work overseas, though. Maybe in a children's hospital in a developing country. But that's a long way away. I have to get into medical school first, and that's not going to be easy!
A: What kind of job do I have in kind? Well, I don't want a regular nine-to–five job. Eventually, I'd like to get into acting-maybe even break into movies. But I guess that won't happen for a while.
B: So what are you doing in the meantime?
A: Well, I work out at the gym nearly every day. I need to be really fit. And I'm taking acting lessons as well so that I feel comfortable in front of the crowd. I just had some pictures taken to show to agents in the city. Would you like to see them? B: Sure.
A boss
A: How do you like your new boss?
B: She's OK. I just wish she'd learn to lighten up a little. A: What do you mean?
B: Oh, she never enjoys a joke. She never laughs. It's hard to even get a smile out of her. A Co-worker