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Conversation: Talking about roommates
ERIC: So, Michael, what's your new roommate like?
MICHAEL: Well if you have all day,I'll describe him for you. He's quite the character.
ERIC: I don't have all day, dude-but basically-do you get along with him?
MICHAEL: Actually, yeah- but that's only because we hardly ever see each other. The guy sleeps all day. Sometimes he gets up just to go to his classes, and then he comes back to the room and goes back to bed. Then he'll get up at midnight and study all night.
ERIC: Really? You don't eat together, then?
MICHAEL: The truth is, I don't even know when he eats, or where.
ERIC: Then at least he doesn't leave a mess in the kitchen.
MICHAEL: No! The guy is incredibly neat, He actually leaves the bathroom clean every day-and he doesn't seem to have dirty clothes. He's like a ghost.
ERIC: Man, I think you have the perfect roommate!
MICHAEL: What about yours? What's he like?
ERIC: Well, he's the exact opposite of yours. We're a lot alike, and we're together a lot. I mean, we have two classes together and we're in the same fraternity, so we're really good friends.
MICHAEL: Sounds to me like you have the ideal roommate!
ERIC: Well, yes-and no. Mine is a disaster in the house. In the first place, he always leaves a mess in the kitchen; he doesn't wash the dishes or take out the trash. Plus, he throws his clothes all over the place. Not to mention how he leaves the bathroom...
MICHAEL: Come on, Eric-he sounds a lot like you. No wonder you get along so well!
something this fall.
JEN: What do you want to teach? I've heard there are openings for high school teachers in Howard County.
NICOLE: No way!I haven't even applied there. I'd stay at home. Man, that'll be awesome if they need a biology teacher. Thanks for the tip! Which reminds me--waiting tables isn't all bad. On weekends I get pretty good tips. And banking on the info you just gave me, I think I'll follow you back to work and splurge on a new dress!
JEN: Great. I already have in mind some things for you to try on.
Later:
NICOLE: Wow.I love this one. I guess I'm getting ahead of myself,but I have a feeling this is just what I need for the interview with the principal.
JEN: And for the first day of school!
NICOLE: Thanks so much for your help. Now I'm really pumped! I'm so happy I ran into you today.
JEN: Me, too. Let's make sure we get together more often.
NICOLE: Yeah.I promise I'll keep in touch.
JEN: Take care, and let me know what happens. Bye for now.
NICOLE: Bye-and thanks again!
Conversation A: Making an appointment with a doctor
RECEPTIONIST: Drs. Manning and Sharp. How can I help you?
LISA: Hello.My name is Lisa Peterson.I'd like to make an appointment to see Dr. Sharp, hopefully sometime next week.
RECEPTIONIST: And what is it you want to see him about?
LISA: I need a complete physical for a new job I'm about to take.
RECEPTIONIST: Do you have a form that has to be filled out?
LISA: Yes, I do-and it looks like I'll need a pretty thorough exam.
RECEPTIONIST: Can you fax it to me? That way I'll know how much time to allot for your appointment.
LISA: Sure.Can you give me your fax number?
RECEPTIONIST: It's 202-739-5906.
LISA: Good.I'll fax it to you right away. Will you call me back when you get it?
RECEPTIONIST: Right.
Later:
RECEPTIONIST: Hello, Lisa. This is Dr. Sharp's office. I see you're going to need an hour-long appointment, and Dr. Sharp won't be able to do that for at least another month. I could give you an appointment with Dr. Manning next Thursday, though, at 1 p.m.Would you like to take that?
LISA: Um... yes, that sounds fine. Is there anything I should do to prepare?
this area under $1,200 a month-and none of them have dining rooms or balconies. There are modern, secure buildings that are actually near the metro-but they're at least six miles outside of the city.
TED: There's no way I'm going to live way out there. Do you think you could find a two-bedroom place closer in for, say, $1,400 a month? Something I could share with my friend?
SHIRLEY: Let me do a little search this morning and see what I can find. I'm not going to tell you that it's impossible, but I can't promise anything, either. Give me a couple of hours to see what's out there. If I find anything worthwhile, we can go have a look this afternoon. In the meantime, I need you to fill out this form so I have your contact information. As a matter of fact, both you and your friend will have to fill out an application in order to be approved as tenants. I'm assuming you want a one-year lease. Is that right? One more thing you don't have a pet,do you?
TED: Yes, I'm willing to sign a one-year lease, and no, I don't have a pet. And I'll make sure my friend gets rid of his dog. He can leave it with his family-they have a place in the country. I'd better go give him a heads-up right now.
SHIRLEY: Good. Be sure both of you bring your financial and credit information with you.
TED: Right. We'll see you at noon,then. Thank you very much.
SHIRLEY: See you later
Conversation: Helping a classmate
JIM: Hey,buddy, can I ask you a favor?
AL: Sure-what can I do for you?
JIM: I wonder if you'd be willing to lend me your biology notes. I missed a couple of classes when I was sick, and now I'm totally lost.
AL: OK. Why don't we go to the library and copy my notebook and then go to your place and go over the lessons. I'm acing biology this semester, so I'm sure I can get you back on track.
Later:
JIM: Oh, man, that will be a load off my shoulders. I can't thank you enough.
AL: Glad to help. As a matter of fact, I have a favor to ask of you.
JIM: Oh yeah? Don't tell me you need more advice about your girlfriend!
AL: Well, not exactly. It's my sister Jessica coming for the weekend, and need to find her a date. Any chance you'd go out with her on Saturday night? We'd all four go to the theater and then out to eat.
JIM: Look, I already agreed to go to the movies with Ben. But how about if I invite her to go to the movies with us instead? Of course, afterward we'd grab a bite to eat, but it won't be anything fancy.
AL: That sounds great to me,Let me see what Jessica thinks about it,and I'll get back to you ASAP.
JIM: Good. And by the way, thanks again for the help with biology.I think I'm on top of it now.
AL: No problem.Don't hesitate to call me if you have any questions.
Conversation: Advice to a friend
PAT: Hi, Katie- I'm calling you to cry on your shoulder. Do you mind if I come over? I really need to talk to you.
KATE: Of course I don't mind; come over. I'll make a pot of tea. Pat, what's the matter?
PAT: It's just that everything is wrong with my life.In the first place, there are so many problems at work. My boss is really out to get me.He's on my case for every little thing Lately I can't do anything that pleases him. Plus, he makes me so nervous that I'm beginning to make unnecessary mistakes.
KATIE: So, what's the reason for all that?
PAT: It's probably because he has problems at home.But that doesn't give him the right to take it all out on me, does it
KATIE: It's just the opposite.It's at work where he ought to seek a little peace so he can work out his personal problems at home. At least that's what I think.
PAT: I have the impression that nobody is really happy, The situation at my house doesn't exactly cheer me up either. You know what? Those two guys I share the house with don't have a clue about how to keep it clean. They don't lift a finger to help me. Last night I spent two hours cleaning the kitchen while they pigged out on pizza and watched TV. I'm sick and tired of their behavior. But that's not the worst! As if that weren't enough, Brad refuses to talk to me.Like out of the blue he's decided he wants his space. I really feel like throwing in the towel.
KATIE: Calm down, Pat, and let's look at one thing at a time. I don't think things are as bad as they seem right now. For a start, why don't we make a list of the positive things in your life? That way, you'll realize what your strengths are. Then we'll make a plan to begin changing the things that aren't working for you. You shouldn't let yourself get depressed.
PAT: Thanks, Katie.You know, I already feel much better You really know how to cheer me up.
KATIE: I care about you. After all you are my best friend-and have been from the get-go.I know I can count on you for good advice from time to time.
Conversation A: Scheduled events
RAJ: What time does the movie start?
INES: It starts at 7:30, and ends at 9:45.
RAJ: Good, we can go on the bus, and get back home before it's too dark.Is there a bus stop near your house?
INES: Yes. It stops on the corner every fifteen minutes.
RAJ: Perfect.I'm looking forward to seeing this movie.
Conversation B: Plans for the very near future
JENNY: What are you doing tomorrow?
PAULA: I'm going to the beach with my family for a week. We're leaving early-at 6 a.m.
JENNY: Oh, nice! So I guess you're planning to go to bed early tonight.
PAULA: Yeah, I'm gonna pack my bag and try to hit the sack by nine o'clock.
JENNY: Good luck with that! What are you taking?
PAULA: I always pack light for the beach-a bathing suit, a couple of pairs of shorts, some T-shirts, a hat, and lots of sunscreen. How about you?What are you doing next week?
JENNY: I'm going to stay home and catch up on some unfinished projects.
PAULA: Like what?
JENNY: Oh, I have a long list! First I'm going to clean up my office,pay bills, write letters, and take care of a bunch of paperwork. Then I'm going to redecorate my bedroom-paint the walls and get new curtains.
PAULA: Wow.What color are you going to paint it?
JENNY: It's a very light blue. I've already picked it out and bought the paint.
PAULA: Cool.
Conversation C: Long-term plans
EMMA: What do you think you'll do when you finish college?
KIM: Oh, I'll probably stay in the city and look for work here. Then I'll go back home on holidays.
EMMA: I love that idea, but I'll probably go closer to home to get a job. I like being close to my family and old friends. Still life in the big city is certainly tempting!
KIM: Well, maybe you could find a job in a big city closer to home.
EMMA: Yeah, that would be a good happy medium
KIM: On the other hand, since you like to travel, you could possibly get a job in another country--do something exotic.
EMMA: You're right.I might get really bored just doing the same old thing. I'd learn a lot overseas-even pick up another language. It's definitely something to think about.
Conversation D: Predictions for the more distant future
TEACHER: What will the world be like fifty years from now?
ANDY: Just think! People will be living on Mars.
EMILY: I'll bet cars will be replaced by little helicopters, so you'll be able to fly ahead in traffic.
HOLLY: There won't be any more wars.
JULIE: Women will make more money than men.
STACEY: No way! Women will stay home and the men will do all the work.
JOE: There will be a better form of government.
ZACK: People will have forgotten how to talk and will only communicate electronically.
HEATHER: There won't be any disease, and people will live to be 150 years old.
COURTNEY: That will be horrible. It will be so crowded!
ANDY: That's why people will be living on Mars!
Good grief, she's only been here since March, and to top it all off we all know that she was fired from her last job.
TIM: Really. I've heard that her coworkers think she's a bit uppity, like she thinks she's the queen of the office. She's not exactly popular with the other employees. I don't think they'd be happy with her as the boss.
STAN: Well,since I put her name up,I have to say that she seems very bright and competent person. Still, recognize that she lacks experience. And now that you tell me that her personality could cause friction among the employees, then I'll go along with your decision in this case.
Boss: Obviously, we haven't found the ideal person to handle this job. We may have to look outside the company, which I don't particularly want to do. We'll meet here tomorrow at the same time. I'll expect your suggestions-and they'd better be more promising!
if my ankle was broken or not. Thank goodness it wasn't broken, but the upshot was that I wasn't going to play basketball that night. And now I'm stuck with these crutches.
Conversation A: In the present tense
MIKE: Hey dude, what's up? I hear you have a new job. How's it going?
ADAM: Pretty well, so far. I have a lot to learn,but the people are nice, and there's not too much pressure.
MIKE: What do you do?
ADAM: Basically,I'm learning the ropes of management, studying the history of the company so I know how everything works.
MIKE: That's great I hope it all works out for you.
MIKE (retelling the conversation): I asked Adam what was up and told him that I heard he had a new job. I asked him how it was going. He told me that it was going pretty well, so far. He said that he had a lot to learn but that the people were nice and that there wasn't too much pressure. Then I asked him what he did. He answered that basically he was learning the ropes of management and studying the history of the company so that he knew how everything worked. Then I told him that that was great and that I hoped it worked out for him.
EMILY: Yes, I've been there several times.It's great!
RENEE(retelling the conversation): I asked Emily if she had eaten yet, and she told me that she had already bought her lunch. She asked me if I wanted to join her in the park, but I told her that I had made a reservation for two at Kincaid's Restaurant. Then I asked her if she had ever eaten there, and she told me yes, that she had been there several times. She said it was great.
Conversation C: In the past tense
JASON: Where were you last night? We missed you at the party.
GINA: Oh, I had to go to my sister's house. They called her from the hospital at the last minute and asked her to work the night shift, so I went over to babysit for her kids. I ended up spending the night at her place.
JASON (retelling the conversation): I asked Gina where she had been the night before and told her that we had missed her at the party. She said that she had had to go to her sister's house-that they had called her sister from the hospital at the last minute and had asked her to work the night shift,so she had gone over to babysit for her kids. She said she had ended up spending the night at her sister's place.
Less formal:
JASON (retelling the conversation): I asked Gina where she was the night before and told her that we missed her at the party. She said that she had to go to her sister's house-- that they called her sister from the hospital at the last minute and asked her to work the night shift,so she went over to babysit for her kids. She said she ended up spending the night at her sister's place.
Conversation D: In future tenses
BEN: Hi, Jeremy.What are you guys doing tonight? I'm kind of at a loose end since I broke up with Sydney.
JEREMY: Join us, then-we're going to hang out downtown-probably go to several places. Are you up for that?
BEN: Definitely.Where should I meet you? Better still, can you give me a ride?
JEREMY: Glad to.I'll pick you up at your place at 9:30 OK?
BEN: Perfect. I'll look out for you.
BEN (retelling the conversation): I said hi to Jeremy and asked him what he and the other guys were doing that night.I told him that I had been kind of at a loose end ever since I broke up with Sydney. He told me to join them and said that they were going to hang out downtown-probably go to several places. He asked me if I was up for that.I said that I definitely was and asked him where I should meet them. Then I told him that it would be even better if he could give me a ride. He said he would be glad to and told me that he would pick me up at my place at 9:30. He asked me if that would be OK.I said that it would be perfect and that I would look out for him.
Conversation: Living with a vegan daughter
MIGUEL: Say, John, I heard that your daughter has decided to follow a strictly vegan diet. How do you feel about this?
JOHN: Well,I was upset about it at first,but she's fourteen now, and feels strongly about not wanting to cause harm to animals.She's a real animal lover-she's even thinking about studying to be a veterinarian one day. She believes that animals love life and fear death.
MIGUEL: But isn't it true that vegans don't eat dairy or other animal products either? I don't see how using their products hurts the animals.
JOHN: She maintains that the egg and dairy industries cause immense suffering and death as well.
MIGUEL: But aren't you worried that she's not getting enough protein and calcium?
JOHN: To be sure, it's a challenge, she spends a lot of time reading labels and looking for plant-based solutions for all the nutrients she needs. It does seem unnatural to a lot of people in our society. But she's serious about this, and I support her.
MIGUEL: How does this affect the rest of the family? It seems unfortunate to me if the other kids feel guilty about having pizza-or a birthday cake!
JOHN: If that happens,we will do everything we can to put a stop to it Since this is her personal decision, she is the only one who should suffer-or benefit from--the consequences.
MIGUEL: How would you feel if she stopped going to parties or even if her friends stopped inviting her to join them-because she can't eat what's being served?
JOHN: If that happened, of course I would be upset; I would find out how she feels about it, and also point out the social consequences to her. Then we could hopefully come up with a solution.I wouldn't mind inviting all her friends over-and serving them traditional food! But we could also include 'tastes' of vegan food to show them that it's not really scary.
MIGUEL: I can't believe that you are allowing your own daughter to follow this drastic diet! If I were you, I would encourage her to wait until she's at least eighteen.
JOHN: Well, we do believe that eating vegetables is good for your health, and we're passionate about protecting the environment, too. Keep in mind that veganism is becoming more and more popular everywhere and there is scientific evidence that it can improve your health. Plus, there are more and more vegan products on the market every day.