Monday, March 28, 2011

Dialogues

After looking around, I found several dialogues from a few websites that are actually how people speak in America and would be a good exercise for English speakers to read over. Read it aloud, read it with a friend... It's important to read dialogues because they will help you with your speaking. They will teach you new vocabulary, new sentence structure, and they will get you accustomed to reading and speaking with the correct grammar. Try reading them out loud. Go through one dialogue a day and your reading comprehension and speaking will improve over time. Make sure to look up words you don't understand.



Dialogues!
Daily life:
GOING TO A MOVIE
Arif Siswanto, Michele Moreno
Listen to Part One

I
George: No problem.
George: Okay good.
George: Bye, Heather.

Listen to Part Two

II
(Ten minutes later... inside the theater.)

Listen to Part Three

III
Heather: I hope so, too.

Dating

Dialogue 1
John likes Jenny, but he's afraid to ask her out. His friend Jack is trying to encourage him.
John: Hey, Jack, is Jenny coming with us?
Jack: Yes. Why?
John: Nothing. I'm just asking.
Jack: Just asking? But why is your face burning like mad? Ah-huh, someone has a crush on Jenny, doesn't he?
John: Who has a crush?!
Jack: Come on, John, don't be such a chicken. If you like her, you've got to tell her. Maybe she likes you.
John: But I don't have the guts to ask her out.
Jack: What're you so afraid of?
John: I'd totally die if she turned me down.
Jack: But that's better than keeping everything to yourself. You've got to let her know. Come on! You've got to take a chance!
John: I don't know....Well, maybe, you're right, but how am I going to tell her?
Dialogue 2
John has a new girlfriend. His friend Jack is envious....
John: Hi, Jack, long time, no see!
Jack: Yeah! How's everything going?
John: Not bad! At least I'm still alive.
Jack: Just alive? I heard you're going out with Jane.
John: Where did you get that idea?
Jack: Oh, come on. Jane is a very nice girl, someone you meet only once in a lifetime.
John: Yeah, you're right. I'm not boasting, but she's really as beautiful as she is intelligent.
Jack: Well, I really envy you for finding such a girl.
Dialogue 3
Jane's friend Michelle tells Jane that she's lucky to have Jack as her boyfriend because....
Michelle: I heard you're going out with Jack.
Jane: Yes. To be frank, I really love him to death.
Michelle: You're so lucky!
Jane: Why do you say that?
Michelle: Why? Are you kidding me? A boy like him is so hard to find. So caring, so patient, and, did I mention, so handsome?
Jane: It's very nice of you to say so.
Michelle: Well, it's not a compliment. I'm saying it from the bottom of my heart! It's obvious that he's head over heels in love with you.
Jane: I sure hope so.
Dialogue 4
Jenny's boyfriend is a very nice person, but her friend Katie is concerned about his age....
Katie: Jenny, I know you like John a lot, but what do you like about him?
Jenny: Well, there's just something about him. Don't you think so?
Katie: Really? What's this something?
Jenny: Well, he's mature, handsome, gentle, and successful. I think he's my Mr. Right!
Katie: He's certainly mature, but don't you think he's a little old for you? He's almost twice as old as you are!
Jenny: Well, age shouldn't be something that comes in the way of a person's marriage. As long as we love each other, age is not an issue. It never has been!
Katie: But what will others think about it?
Jenny: I don't care what others will think about us. I just know I love him and he loves me. And that's all that matters.
Dialogue 5
Tom wants to settle down and start a family, but his girlfriend Monica is not ready yet. Therefore, they have to break up....
Jack: Hi, Tom, how have you been?
Tom: Not very well.
Jack: Why? What happened? You look so down!
Tom: Nothing.
Jack: Come on. For a man who's so down, there're usually two reasons. Either his career is going downhill, or he has a broken heart. You're so successful, so....
Tom: Well, you're right. I just broke up with Monica.
Jack: Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you two were made for each other.
Tom: Well, you never know. I'm ready for a commitment and want to settle down, but she says she wants to pursue her career while she's still young.
Jack: Well, it's always difficult to choose between career and family.
Tom: Maybe you're right.
Jack: John, I don't know what to say to comfort you, but cheer up! There's plenty of fish out there and you'll find your perfect match!
Tom: Yeah, but it's hard to forget her at the moment. You know, we were together for almost five years. It's really hard....
Dialogue 6
Mike has recently broken up with his girlfriend because....
John: Hi, Mike, we're having a party tonight, wanna come join us? You can bring your girlfriend.
Mike: Well...er...I'm breaking up with Cathy.
John: What happened? Did you have a big fight?
Mike: No. She's really a very nice girl....
John: Yeah, she's pretty and caring.
Mike: Well, she's really caring, but sometimes it's too much...and uh...I kind of want a break, you know...some room for myself.
John: Did you talk with her about it?
Mike: I've tried, but...it didn't work.
John: Oh, I'm really sorry to hear that. When are you going to tell her?
Mike: Maybe tonight, I don't know. I don't know how to tell her.
John: I know she's head over heels in love with you and she'll really be hurt.
Mike: I know....

Ordering Lunch

Going to a Party

When planning to go to a party, we need to consider two things. 1) Who will we be talking to, and 2) What are some likely topics. In this lesson you will see three sample conversations. Conversation A , Dan is calling Kay to confirm the party's information and accept the invitation. In Conversation B, Dan arrives at the party, greets Kay, the hostess, and offers her some wine he brought. Finally in Conversation C, Dan meets the other guests, then makes "small talk" and future plans with them. Requests are also made and received. Remember, any conversation needs to incorporate clarification strategies to be sure of the information. Many miscommunications have not only resulted in embarrassment, but even disaster. Various clarification strategies are used throughout the three conversations. Please read the notes, which will help you understand the text.

Conversation A

Listen to Conversation A

(Dan calls Kay)
Dan Hello Kay. It's Dan. I just received the invitation to your party.
Kay Can you make it?
Dan Well, let's see. It's next Saturday night, 7:00 pm, at 201 Liberty Lane, Champaign. Right?
Kay That's right. I hope you can come?
Dan It would be my pleasure. Can I bring anything?
Kay Just yourself.
Dan Ok, I'll be there with bells on. I'm looking forward to it. Thanks.
Kay Bye.
Dan See you then.

Conversation B

Listen to Conversation B

(Dan and Kay upon his arrival.)
Dan: Hello.
Kay: Hi, come in. Glad to see you.
Dan: (inside) Thanks for inviting me. I brought some wine.
Kay: Oh, how nice. Let me take it to the kitchen. Go on into the living room. I think you know most everyone.

Conversation C

(Dan and the other guests.)
Listen to Conversation C

Dan: Fine. How about you?
Bill: Super! Let me introduce you to my niece, Claire.
Claire, this is Dan--he works with me at the office.
Claire: Hello, Dan.
Bill: Dan, this is my brother John's daughter, Claire.
Dan: Pleased to meet you. I didn't know John had a daughter? Where's he been hiding you?
Bill: She's been living out East with his wife's sister. She just moved back.
Dan: What part of the East, Claire?
Claire: Boston, near the harbor.
Dan: It must be quite a change--coming back here?
Claire: It is, but I'm glad to be back and see all my freinds.
Bill: Hey, Dan. Do you still play golf?
Dan: Not as much as I would like.
Bill: Claire plays. Maybe we could all play sometime soon?
Dan: That sounds great. How about tomorrow morning?
B.&C.: Sure, say 7:00, out at Harrison Park?
Dan: Great, 7 A.M. at Harrison. I'll look forward to it.
Kay: (rejoining the group) I see you've met Elizabeth.
Dan: Elizabeth? I thought your name was Claire?
Claire: It is. My aunt just calls me by Elizabeth.
Dan: Well, I've not only met Elizabeth, but the three of us are off to the greens in the morning.
Kay: She'll probably whip the both of you! Ha Ha.
Bill: Dan, could you pass me that newspaper? Let's see what the weather's supposed to be.
Dan: Sure, here you go.
Bill: Thanks.
Claire: How often do you play, Dan?
Dan: Well, this year I've only played twice. How about you?
Claire: I was playing weekly in Boston-- with my aunt, but since I came home I haven't played once.
Bill: The report is a humdinger. I guess the leftovers from hurricane Opal are gone.
Dan: So are you saying it is supposed to be nice tomorrow?
Bill: I sure am. It says it will be sunny and dry--perfect weather.
Kay: Enough about golf. How's your dancing? Hey, Pete. Would you turn up the stereo? We've got a party going on!

Shopping in America

Conversation C

Complaining about Some Purchases

[Three weeks after Anna, Will, and Masahiro went to the mall]
Anna: Hi Masahiro! How's it going?
Masahiro: Fine, I guess. How about you?
Anna: Busy. Guess who's coming our way?
Will: Hi guys! What's up?
Anna: Nothing much. We just ran into each other.
Will: That's nice. So Masahiro, how's the coffee maker working?
Masahiro: Actually, it doesn't work well. It was a waste of money. I guess I should have shopped around for a good one.
Anna: Why don't you take it back?
Masahiro: I'd like to, but I've misplaced the receipt.
Will: Well, if it's any consolation, my shopping wasn't all that great either. I wish I'd never bought Stephanie a necklace. Just last night she was telling me how she wished she had Liz Taylor's new perfume.
Anna: That makes three displeased shoppers. Guess what? The camera I bought and shipped to Mike just this morning is now on sale! It's a pity that I bought it then. Then again, I guess I shouldn't complain. It was a good buy, even though I didn't get the best deal on it. Anyway, Masahiro, I suggest you look for that receipt and just go to the Complaints Department and say "I'd like to exchange this, please." It's as simple as that. And Will, it's not too late for you to ask for a refund.

Shopping in America

Conversation B

(At the mall)
Masahiro:Bergner's?
Will: It's a fairly well-known department store. Sort of like Penny's. They've got some quality stuff. Wanna check it out?
Masahiro: Why not.
Anna: I need to get something for Lisa's birthday. She's into name brands. Any suggestions?
Will: 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 (handing them over).
Anna: Thanks a lot, Will. That's really very thoughtful of you.
Will: My pleasure, Ma'am!
Anna: Oh no! I was supposed to give Liz a buzz an hour ago! Hope I have a quarter (checks her purse).
Will: Need a nickle?
Anna: Actually, I don't have anything but pennies in change. Does any of you have a dollar in change?
Masahiro: Sorry, I don't, but I do have 35 cents on me. Will that be okay for the phone call?
Anna: Great! I really appreciate it. I'll make it quick. Do you guys want to go ahead?
Masahiro: We'll wait.
Will: Just don't forget us.
Anna: I won't. Why don't we just meet here in 30 minutes?
Will: Sounds good. I guess I'll just look around.
Salesperson: Can I help you, Sir?
Will: No thanks, I'm just looking. Well, just out of curiosity, how much is that necklace?
Salesperson: Twenty-nine, ninty nine.
Will: Really! My sister's birthday is tomorrow. She loves jewellry. I just wasn't sure I could afford it.
Saleperson: You'll find that a lot of our stuff is amazingly affordable.
Will: Well, that's certainly nice to know. I'll take it.
Saleperson: It's a good choice. I'm sure she'll love it.
Will: Let's hope so.
Salesperson: Cash or charge, Sir?
Will: Charge, please. Do you accept Discover?
Salesperson: Yes, we do.
Will: Great.
Salesperson: That comes to thirty one, ninty-nine with tax (handing him the charge sheet). Please sign next to the "X."
[Meanwhile, in another section of the store]
Salesperson: Do you need some help, Sir?
Masahiro: Well, I'm looking for . . . let's see. I've forgotten the name again! It's used to make fresh coffee.
Salesperson: A coffee maker?
Masahiro: That's right.
Salesperson: Well, we have a few in kitchenware, which is upstairs.
Masahiro: Thank you.
Salesperson: You're welcome.
[minutes later]
Anna: Oh, there you are, Masa! What did you get?
Masahiro: Just a simple coffee maker.
Anna: Good choice. And you, Will? Find anything interesting?
Will: A necklace for Stephanie's birthday.
Anna: Lucky her!
Will: Did you get anything?
Anna: Just a couple of silly earrings that I liked. I hope I wear 'em! I did a lot of window shopping.
Will: That can't hurt.
Anna: True. Well, do you guys need anything else from this place?
Masa: One last thing. Oh no! I've forgotten what you call it?
Will: Just describe it and we'll probably figure out what it's called.
Masa: It's a crystal container for flowers with long stems. I need to get one for my Mom.
Anna: Oh! A VASE!
Masa: That's it!
Anna: They should have a bunch in giftware.
Will: Let's go get one.
Anna: I'm going to have to stop by Jewel on my way home. Is that okay with you guys? I'm almost completely out of groceries.
Will: No problems. I could pick up a couple of things, too.

Shopping in America

Conversation A:

INTRODUCTION
Conversation A is a typical conversation about shopping in the United States. Masahiro is an international student who has just arrived from Japan, and Anna and Will are introducing him to the shopping scenario in America.
Listen to Conversation A

Will: Yup! Or Circuit City. I like Best Buy the best, though.
Masahiro: Why?
Will: Coz they usually have the best deals. They have sales on their TVs and CD-players every once in a while.
Anna: Hum. I'll bet they send you their glossy ads loaded with so-called "SALES"!
Masahiro: (laughs)
Anna: Well, I still think the CD-player I bought from them was a rip off.
Will: I'll admit some of their items are high-priced, but at least the shopper's guaranteed quality. There are very few places that have such a wide selection.
Masahiro: I need to buy disks, at least two disk holders, note cards, transparencies, and that kind of stuff.
Will: For office supplies, I suggest Office Max.
Anna: Or Comp USA. One good thing about living in a campus town, though, is that you can easily get that stuff at any of the bookstores. No doubt they do overcharge. I try to get around that by shopping around.
Masahiro: Shopping around?
Anna: Yes. That simply means you go to different stores, check out the prices of items you need and purchase them from the store(s) with the lowest price or prices.
Masahiro: I see. Sounds very practical.
Will: And time-consuming, too!
Masahiro: Where is Office Max located?
Anna: There's one in the mall, so we can stop by there this afternoon.
Masahiro: Great! Thanks.
Will: Hey, Masa. Just so you know, you can always run to the discount stores whenever you're out of something you need right away. There are several around campus.
Anna: That's right. And they carry pretty much everything a student needs. Pop, pasta, eggs, hair spray . . . you name it!
Will: They don't usually carry milk, though, so you might want to walk down to White Hen (Pantry), Walgreens, or some other convenience stores close by.
Anna: I wouldn't advise you to buy things in bulk from such stores, though. I mean, do your major shopping at the specialized stores. It's much cheaper, and more convenient in the long run.
Masahiro: Good advice!
Will: Sort of like Mom's!
Anna: Hey, watch it!
Will: Just kiddin'!
Masahiro (laughs). Life sounds great in this town! Oh! Before I forget, guys, where can I rent movies? I love watching movies in my spare time.
Anna: Me too! Let's see. There are two video stores close to your apartment. Lucky you! One's Blockbuster, and the other's That's Rentertainment. I believe they both have specials on weekdays, right Will?
Will: Yup. But not for the new releases. It's usually a buck each for the older movies.
Anna: Are you guys ready to go to the mall?
Masahiro & Will: Sure.
Anna: Masa, don't forget to take your shopping list with you.
Masahiro: Thanks for reminding me.
Anna: You're welcome. What are we waiting for? Let's go.

A VISIT TO THE ADVISOR


In this conversation, an international student has been asked to see her advisor. The advisor has something very important to discuss with the student.

Student: You wanted to see me?
Advisor: That's right. We need to have a serious talk.
Student: About what?
Advisor: Your attendance--or rather, lack of it.
Student: OK, so I've ditched class a few times . . .
Advisor: A few times? I've been told you've missed six out of eight times in two different classes! That's really setting yourself up to fail.
Student: Oh, come on. Those classes are really boring!
Advisor: But they're also required, so that doesn't matter. You're about to be in big trouble.
Student: What's the big deal about missing some classes?
Advisor: The big deal is that you're here on a student visa.
Student: So?
Advisor: So if you don't attend class regularly, you won't be a full-time student--which your visa requires. You'll be out of status.
Student: What are you gonna do? Turn me in to the Immigration Police?
Advisor: Oh, of course I'll have to report you if you continue missing your class, but I'm going to do something else first.
Student: Like what?
Advisor: Like faxing your father.

Asking for the Way


Policeman: Which bank? There are two: the Allied Irish Bank and the Bank of Ireland.
Visitor: I have an AIB pass card and I want to withdraw money from the bank.
Policeman: You need to go to the Allied Irish Bank which is near the local shopping centre, Dunnes Stores.
Visitor: How do I get there. I have no knowledge of this area.
Policeman: 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.
Visitor: It sounds very complicated. How far is it from here?
Policeman: It's not so complicated. It's about five minutes walk from here. I can draw a map for you if you wish.
Visitor:Oh, I would really appreciate that . By the way will I be going North or South ?
Policeman: 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.

At the Library
Librarian: Can I help you?

Apartment Hunting
Bill is looking for a new apartment. He just moved to a new city in order to start studying at a university. He is at a Rental Agency in the new city.
Bill: Thank you.

Dinner Reservations over the phone
Complete Conversation
Caller 1: Good Evening Brown's Grill how may I help you?
Caller 2: Hello, I'd like to make a dinner reservation for Friday.
Caller 1: Certainly, I'd be happy to help you with that. How many people are there in your party?
Caller 2: There'll be four people.
Caller 1: ... and what time would you like to make a reservation for?
Caller 2: Let's say at seven o'clock.
Caller 1: I'm afraid we don't have anything available then. We could seat you at six o'clock or at eight o'clock.
Caller 2: Oh, OK. Let's make the reservation for eight o'clock.
Caller 1: Fine, eight o'clock on Friday evening for four people. May have your name?
Caller 2: Yes, it's Anderson.
Caller 1: Is that Anderson with an 'e' or an 'o'?
Caller 2: Anderson with an 'o'.
Caller 1: Thank you. Great. I have a table for four for the Anderson party at eight o'clock on Friday evening.
Caller 2: Thank you very much.
Caller 1: You're welcome. We'll see you on Friday.
Caller 2: Yes, see you then. Good bye.

Taking a Message On the Phone
Receptionist: Janson Wine Importers. Good Morning. How can I help you?
Caller: Could I speak to Mr Adams, please?
Receptionist: Who's calling please?
Caller: This is Anna Beare.
Receptionist: Sorry, I didn't catch your name.
Caller: Anna Beare. That's B E A R E
Receptionist: Thank you. And where are you calling from?
Caller: Sun Soaked Vineyards
Receptionist: OK Ms Beare. I'll try and put you through. … I'm sorry but the line's busy. Would you like to hold?
Caller: Could I leave a message?
Receptionist: Certainly.
Caller: Could you tell Mr Adams that our shipment will be postponed and that the 200 cases ordered should arrive next Monday.
Receptionist: Shipment delayed … arriving next Monday.
Caller: Yes, and could you ask him to call me back when the shipment arrives?
Receptionist: Certainly. Could you give me your number please?
Caller: Yes, it's 503-589-9087
Receptionist: That's 503-589-9087
Caller: Yes, that's right. Thanks for your help. Goodbye
Receptionist: Goodbye.
Key Vocabulary
to catch a person's name
to be busy / to be engaged
to hold the line
to leave a message
shipment
to postpone
to be delayed
to call someone back

Standard Business Questions
Business Reporter: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.
Manager: It's my pleasure
Business Reporter: Who do you work for?
Manager: I work for Springco.
Business Reporter: What does Springco do?
Manager: Springoco distributes health products throughout the United States.
Business Reporter: Where is the company based?
Manager: Springco is located in Vermont.
Business Reporter: How many people do you employ?
Manager: Currently, we have 450 people on staff.
Business Reporter: What's your annual revenue?
Manager: Our gross revenue is about $5.5. million this year.
Business Reporter: What type of distribution services do you provide?
Manager: We distribute to both wholesale and retail outlets.
Business Reporter: What sort of internet presence do you have?
Manager: We have a storefront, as well as an online forum.
Business Reporter: Is your company public?
Manager: No, we are a privately held company.
Business Reporter: What type of logistical structure do you have?
Manager: We ship from four regional warehouses.
Business Reporter: Where are your products manufactured?
Manager: Most of our products are manufactured abroad, but a number are also produced here in the United States.

Making a Doctor’s appointment
Caller 1: Dr. Peterson's office. How may I help you?
Caller 2: I'd like to make an appointment to see the doctor.
Caller 1: Certainly, are you ill at the moment?
Caller 2: Yes, I'm not feeling very well.
Caller 1: Do you have a fever, or any other symptoms?
Caller 2: Yes, I have a slight fever and aches and pains.
Caller 1: OK, Dr. Peterson can see you tomorrow. Can you come in the morning?
Caller 2: Yes, tomorrow morning is fine.
Caller 1: How about 10 o'clock?
Caller 2: Yes, 10 o'clock is fine.
Caller 1: May have your name?
Caller 2: Yes, it's David Lain.
Caller 1: Have you seen Dr. Peterson before?
Caller 2: Yes, I had a physical exam last year.
Caller 1: Yes, here you are. OK, I've scheduled for ten o'clock tomorrow morning.
Caller 2: Thank you.
Caller 1: Drink plenty of warm fluids and get a good night's sleep!
Caller 2: Thank you. I'll do my best. Goodbye.