Part 1
Example 1
(In an office)
Tom: What’s wrong, Sandy? You seem upset.
Sandy: I’m not upset, I’m angry. I just found out I was passed up for promotion again.
T: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. I know how you must feel.
S: Thanks-but since you’re a man, I don’t think you do.
T: What do you mean by that? Men aren’t all insensitive, you know.
S: I know, but they certainly do stick together. Henry Wilson got that job instead of me, and I’m sure it’s because he’s a man.
T: I don’t know about that. I mean, Henry has good qualifications.
S: You mean Ｉdon’t? I’ve worked here longer than he has.
T: But maybe his prior work experience makes him more qualified. I really think you’re jumping to conclusions.
S: Oh, come on, Tom! You’ve heard of the “glass ceiling,” haven’t you? This is a classic case of a company trying to keep women out of upper management.
T: Well, if you feel that way, you should complain.
S: You bet I will.
Example 2
(Backstage at a club)
I‘ve never been so nervous in my life. I’m actually going to sing in front of a roomful of strangers-not to mention my girlfriend and my friends. What if I’m terrible? I’ll be mortified. Oh, why did I ever think I wanted to become a professional singers Why couldn’t I just stick to singing in the local chorus, and leave well enough alone? Because this is my dream, that’s why. It’s what I’ve wanted to do ever since I was a kid. Now I finally have the chance. I’d never forgive myself if I passed it up. I know I can do it. I know I’m good. If only I could make my heart stop pounding. OK, take a few deep breaths . . . that’s better. What? It’s time to go on? This is really exciting! Oh, no ... I feel like I’m going to throw up.
Example 3
( In an office)
Kurt: So what did you do this weekend, Felicia?
Felicia: I bought a computer!
K: You, too? It seems like everyone I talk to lately has a computer.
F: Well, yeah. Computers are the future, Kurt. It’s going to be hard to get along without one.
K: I’ve always gotten along fine without one. I think they just complicate your life.
S: No, you’ve got it backwards. Life is getting more complicated. Having a computer makes it simpler.
K: I doubt it. When you have a computer, you end up spending all your time in front of it.
S: Oh, but it’s fun! I spent the whole weekend playing with my computer.
K: See? Computers are just toys for grown-ups.
F: Oh, you’re impossible.
Example 4
( A sales manager calls a sales department meeting.)
Well, everyone, do you know why I called this meeting? You don’t? Then I’ll tell you. Just in case you haven’t heard, we had a 12-percent drop in sales last month. Oh, you heard? Well, if it isn’t too much trouble, I thought you might be able to tell me why you think that happened. I mean, it couldn’t possibly be the sales staff’s fault, could it? I know that every single one of you gave 110 percent, right? So there must be some other reason. Maybe it was the weather - maybe companies make smaller orders when it rains. Or maybe it was our new product. Maybe test marketing results were all wrong, and this product has absolutely no appeal. Come on, don’t be shy -tell me the reasons.
Example 5
(Angie and Ed are walking downtown.)
Angie: Well, would you look at that.
Ed: What? What’re you looking at?
A: See that bookstore across the street there?
E: Yeah, There’s something strange about it?
A: Uh-huh. My little sister Pat just went in there.
E: Well, that isn’t so strange. You told me she lived around here.
A: The strange thing is she went in there with a guy, and they had their arms around each other.
E: Well . . . she’s 22, isn’t she? That sounds pretty normal to me.
A: But I didn’t even know she was going out with anyone!
E: Don’t you think she should’ve told me1 I’m her big sister!
A: Hey, isn’t that them coming out of the store? They’re looking at a book.
E: Let’s see if I can make out the title. Oh, my God!
E: What?
A: It’s “Planning Your Wedding”!
Example 6
(TV commercial)
Here it is, homemakers-the all-purpose kitchen knife you’ve been waiting for-the “Falcon Knife”! It’s called the Falcon Knife because it cuts through the toughest foods easily as a falcon sweeps through the aid Just look at how it slices a sheet of paper in two without a snag! And see how fast it dices onions, chops tomatoes, and cuts up chicken and beef - it even cuts through bone! The Falcon Knife is better than a professional butcher knife, because it’s the perfect size and shape for all your home cooking needs. You might expect to pay 30 or 40 dollars for a knife this good, but here’s the best news of all- for a limited time only, we’ll send you the Falcon Knife, plus this handy vegetable peeler, for only $12.99! That’s right - $l 2.99! So hurry and order today!
Example 7
(On the phone)
Ken: Hi Pam It’s me
Pam: Hi. I bet I know why you’re calling.
K: Really? You know I want some help with this paper I’m writing?
P: Oh . . . is that the reason? I thought it was something else.
K: Well...I called to say hello, too.
P: Oh. That’s very thoughtful of you.
K: Hey, did I say something to upset you?
P: It’s not what you said, it’s what you didn’t say.
K: What I didn’t say...hmm ... let’s see-“Thanks for dinner last weekly”?
P: You’re welcome. But that’s not it. Take another guess.
K: Hmm . how about “I love you”?
P: Well .. that’s not bad, but it isn’t what I was thinking of.
K: OK. Then could it possibly be “Happy birthdays”?
P: Oh, Ken, you remembered!
K: Well, of course! Now, tell me - when can you help me with this paper?
Part 2
Example 1
Mariko: Excuse me, Brian.
Brian: Yes, Mariko?
M: What can you tell me about your friend Keith?
B: Keith Brower? Hmm...He and I are the same age. He works for the city government. Why? Do you like Keith?
M: I don’t know. I think he’s kind of cute. If it’s not too much trouble, I was hoping you could introduce us.
Example 2
Oh, Good. I don’t think I can take another day of this boring job. It’s the same old thing, day after day. It never changes. I come in, punch my time card, sit at my desk, and do paperwork. I never leave the office. There isn’t even a window in this office! It’s so depressing. I really think I need to find a new job.
Every time I walk into this place, I get depressed. It seems like I’m wasting my life working here. There must be something better.
Section 1
U1
(On a street corner in Japan)
Japanese man: Excuse me. Can I help you? You look a little lost.
American woman: I’m looking for the Kabukiza.
J: Oh, are you going to see Kabuki?
A: Yes, if I can ever find the theater. Can you tell me where it is?
J: Yes, of course. Do you see that bank across the street’?
A: The one with the red sign?
J: Yes. Go there and then turn right.
A: Turn right.
J: After you turn right, go straight for about four or five blocks. You’ll come to a big intersection. Cross he street. The Kabukiza will be on your left. You can’t miss it.
U 2
(In a bar)
American man: Hi, there. Do you come here often?
Japanese woman: No, this is my first time.
A: My name’s Jack. Nice to meet you.
J: Nice to meet you, Jack. I’m Yumi.
A: You know, it’s really noisy here. Why don’t we go somewhere quieter and talk?
J: Look, I’m here with some friends tonight. They’re in bathroom. I think I should stay with them.
U 3
(At a party)
Japanese woman: Hello. How are you?
American woman: Fine, thank you. And you?
J: Good. My name is Ayumi Hamada.
A: Nice to meet you. I’m Alice Benson.
J: How long have you been living here, Alice?
A: About four months, but I still don’t know very many people.
J: It’s hard to make new friends. What part of town do you live in?
A: I live in Wakaba ni-chome.
J: Really? l live in Wa~aba ni-chome, too.
A: What a coincidence!
J: Yes. We’re neighbors. I’ll give you my number. Please call me if you’d like to get together for tea or coffee sometime. I’d really like to talk to you more.
U 4
(At Yoko’s house)
Yoko: David, I want to introduce you to my friend, Akira.
David: Hi, Akira,
Akira: Hello David.
Y: Akira is a big soccer fan, just like you.
D: Is that so? What team do you like?
A: I like Kashima.
D: Really? Me, too. I was upset when they lost last night.
A: I know what you mean.
Y: David is an English teacher.
Akira: You don’t say. Maybe you can help me with my English. I used to go to a conversation school, but I quit. I really want to study English again.
U 5
(After seeing a movie)
Harold: What did you think of the movie, Naomi?
Naomi: It was interesting.
H: Really? It put me to sleep.
N: Put you to sleep? Do You mean it made you feel sleepy?
H: Sort of. It was, you know, boring.
N: Oh, I see.
H: Plus, it was just too weird for me.
N: Weird? What do you mean by weird?
H: It was strange, unusual. I couldn’t understand what was going on.
N: I’m sorry, Harold. Would you speak more slowly? My English isn’t very good and I’m having some trouble understanding you.
U 6
(A recording on an answering machine)
“Hi. This is Helen. I’m not home right now, but please leave your name and number after the beep and I’ll call you back. Thank you.” (beep)
Hi Helen. This is Takao. There’s an interesting exhibit of Modern art at the City Museum. I was wondering if you’d like to go see it on Saturday. Give me a call, okay? My number is 3323-0055. Bye.
U 7
(A Japanese is talking to an American who just came to Japan.)
I think you’ll have a good time here in Japan. There are lots of things to see and do. You could go to an onsen hotel, for instance. That’s a hotel with a hot spring bath. The bath feels really good. Plus, they serve delicious food at the hotel, like tempura and sashimi. They don’t serve the food while you’re in the bath, dummy. They give it to you later.
Have you ever had sashimi? It’s slices of raw fish. You dip it in soy sauce. It tastes delicious. Of course, you have to help the chef catch the fish. Just kidding.
U 8
(At a wedding reception)
Hello, everyone. I’m Hiroshi Watanabe. First, I want to give my congratulations to Jack and Betty. They’ve friends of mine for a long time. In fact, I was there when they first met. I’ll tell you how it happened. Jack and I were both freshmen at State University, and we were both really poor. 0ne day, Jack saw a notice for a part-time job. The Art Department needed some men to pose – you know, be models. The job didn’t pay much, but we didn’t care. It seemed like an easy way to make money, so we agreed to do it. We went to the Art Department and the teacher said, “0kay, take off your clothes.” They wanted us to be nude models’ We couldn’t believe it!
All we had to cover ourselves with was a small towel. But guess who one of the art students was. That’s right - Betty.
U 9
(On the phone)
Maori: Hello, Bart This is Saori
Bart: Saori! What happened? We were supposed to have lunch together.
S: I know. I’m really sorry. I forgot all about it.
B: You forgot about it?
S: Yes. Then when I looked in my appointment book. I realized my mistake.
B: I waited for over an hour
S: I’m sorry, Bart, it was very careless of me.
B: That’s okay
S: Listen, I want to make it up to you. Let me take you to dinner next weekend, all right?
And this time I, promise I won’t forget.
U 10
(At the office)
Come on, Alice, don’t be so depressed. I know everything about living in Japan is confusing now, but you’ll get used to it. Trust me. Soon you’ll be able to read train signs and you’ll start to understand what people are saying. It just takes time. You have to be patient. I’m sure it must be tough to be a foreigner here, especially a foreign woman, but don’t give up.
You know something? You’ve already come a long way. I’d hate to see you go back to America now. You’re one of my best friends.
Section 2 海外旅行
U 1
(At a hotel front desk)
Front desk clerk: Hello. Can I help you?
Japanese man: Yes. My name is Taguchi. I have a reservation.
F: OK . . . could you spell your name, sir’?
J: Yes. T-A-G-U-C-H-l.
F: Sir, I can’t seem to find your name on the computer.
J: That’s strange. I made the reservation through ABC Travel in Tokyo.
F: When did you make the reservation, sir?
J: Let’s see . . . I have the form here. I Blade it on the 12th of November. I even paid for the first night.
U ２
(On a train going from Nice to Barcelona)
American woman: Have you been to Europe before?
Japanese woman: Once, for ten days.
A: Where did you go?
J: To London, Paris, Vienna, Rome.. .
A: You went to all those places in ten days?
J: Yes, it was a package tour. We only spent a day or two in each place.
A: That sounds tiring.
J: Yes, it was-but it was very well-organized.
A: And this time you’re traveling on your own?
J: Yes, and I love it. I feel really free. If I like a place, I can stay as long as I want to. And traveling by train, I meet a lot of nice people.
U ３
(At a restaurant in San Francisco)
Waitress: Hi Are you ready to order?
Japanese man: I think so.
American woman (Wife): I’d like the seafood salad, please.
W: OK. We usually serve that with thousand island dressing. Is that OK?
A: Yes, that s fine
J: And I’d like the steak and lobster combination.
W: All right. How would you like the steak cooked, sir?
J: Medium, please.
w: And what kind of dressing on your salad? There’s thousand island, blue cheese, ranch, and the house vinaigrette.
J: Uh . . . what do you recommend?
W: Well, the vinaigrette is very popular.
J: I’ll have that, then. You know, there are so many choices in American restaurants, it can be confusing. In Japan, you don’t usually have choices. You just order, and that’s it.
U ４
(At a flea market)
Salesman: Ah, I see you have excellent taste. That’s a classic art deco necklace.
Japanese woman: So, it was made in the ‘20s?
S: Yes, probably about 1928. And it’s in perfect condition.
J: Yes, it’s beautiful. How much is it?
S: It’s a bargain at 175 dollars.
J: Gee . . . that’s expensive. I can only spend about 100.
S: I’m sorry, ma’am, but I can’t sell it for 100.
J: Well . . . what if I give you 125 for it?
S: No, I really couldn’t go below 150.
J: Hmm . . . I don’t know. That’s way over my budget. I love
the necklace, but 150 is too much. How about 135 dollars?
U ５
(On a guided tour through California)
Guide: This is the famous Santa Monica Pier. It’s appeared in many movies and . .
Japanese man: Excuse me, but can I ask a question?
G: Certainly.
J: I thought the pier had been partly destroyed by a hurricane.
G: Yes, you’re absolutely right. That was several years ago, and the pier was rebuilt after that.
J: Aren’t hurricanes rare in California?
G: Yes very rare. There were some very unusual weather conditions at the time.
J: I think there’s been unusual weather all over the world recently. People say it’s because of global warming.
U ６
(On the U.S. interstate highway)
Police officer: Do you know why I pulled you over, sir?
Japanese man. No, officer. What’s the problem?
P: You were going 65 miles an hour. The speed limit is 55.
J: Really? I read in my guidebook that it’s 65 on the interstate.
P: Well, it is in some places but not everywhere. You have to watch the speed limit signs.
J: I saw one about 20 minutes ago that said 65.
P: But you missed the one after that. This section of the highway has more curves, so the speed limit is 55.
I see. Are you going to give me a ticket?
P: No I’ll let it go this time. But watch the signs, all right?
J: Yes, I will. Thank you, officer. I appreciate your being so understanding. I’ll be more careful from now on.
U７
(At a clothing store)
Japanese woman: Hi. I was here about half an hour ago. Do you remember?
Clerk: Yes, of course. You bought a skirt.
J: That’s right. I just realized l didn’t have my camera. Did you find one’?
C: No, I don’t think anyone’s found a camera.
J: Is it OK if I look around?
C: Certainly. But are you sure you had it when yon came here?
J: Yes, I’m pretty sure I put it down when I tried on the skirtt.
C: I see Let me check the fitting rooms.
J: Thanks. I’ll look around out here.
(A little while later)
C: I’m sorry, ma’am. I didn’t find it.
J: Oh, no. Well, I stopped in a couple of other places after that. I’ll try those places. Thanks for your help.
U ８
(In a taxi)
Driver: Here you go. That’ll be $17 75.
Japanese man: Excuse me, but I think that’s way too much.
D: That’s what the meter says, so that’s the fare.
J: Are you sure there’s nothing wrong with the meter?
D: I know my cab, sir-and I don’t cheat people.
J: I took a cab a longer distance yesterday, and it was only $12.00.
D: The fare is based on distance and time,too.
J: But the cab ride yesterday took more time, too.
D: Look, mister, I go by what the meter says. It’s $17.75.
J: All right, but can you give me the number of your company? I want to ask them what the usual fare is. Could I also get your name and ID number, please?
U 9
(At a theater in New York, during intermission)
American woman: How do you like the play so far?
Japanese woman: Oh, it’s wonderful-except that I can’t understand everything they say.
A: Oh, that’s too bad. Where are you from?
J: Japan. I’m here on vacation. Are you from New York?
A: Oh, no-I’m from Arizona, One of the reasons I came to New York was to see this play.
J: Is that right? You must really like the theater.
A: Well, I really like the lead actor-Doug Richards.
J. Oh, so do I! He’s very popular in Japan.
A: Really?
J: Yes, his movies are all big hits there. He’s such a good actor-and he’s so handsome. I think mostly women go to his movies.
U 10
(At the emergency hospital)
Doctor: Well, Mr. Tanaka, what seems to be the trouble?
Japanese Man: Doctor, I have a terrible stomachache
D: Where does it hurt, exactly?
J: Well, the worst pain is right about here.
D: Uh-huh. When did your stomach start to hurt?
J: About 11 tonight.
D: Have you had diarrhea?
J: No, but I’ve thrown up twice.
D: I see. What did you have for dinner? Any seafood?
J: No, I just had spaghetti and tomato sauce. I don’t think it’s food poisoning - I’ve had that before. This feels different.
Section 3ビジネス
Ｕ１
(A job applicant in an interview)
If your company is interested in expanding its operations in Japan, I think I could be very useful. I know that a concern of many American companies in Japan is communication problems and cultural misunderstandings. I spent a year studying in America, and I think my English is quite good, so I can assist you in communicating with
Japanese staff members.
Also, I think I have some understanding of American culture and how Americans think. And I’m familiar with Japanese business practices. I can help you negotiate with Japanese companies.
U ２
(On the phone)
Wilson: Hello Bill Wilson speaking.
Ms. Fukuda. Hi, Bill. This is Sachiko Fukuda of Imperial Incorporated.
W: Hello Sachiko. What can I do for you?
F: I was wondering if we could change the time of our meeting.
W: You mean our meeting on Thursday mornings?
F: Yes, that’s right.
W: I think it would be all right. What time would you like to change it to?
F: I’d like to change it to Friday afternoon-say, two o’clock? You see, I have to go to Fukuoka for three days. I won’t get back until Thursday night.
U ３
(A business presentation)
Today I’d like to talk to you about our newest camcorder. We call it the 1-2-3. It’s designed to be simple to use. There are very few buttons, and it’s extremely light – only two pounds. It can easily be held in one hand. It has a fixed three-inch viewscreen. As you can see, the 1-2-3 features a stylish white-on-black design. Most camcorders come in only one cclor-black. We’re aiming this camcorder at first-time buyers, especially people who are afraid of technology.
We think the light weight and easy-to-use functions will make this a hot seller. It’s also very reasonably priced at 800 dollars. Now, does anyone have any questions?
U ４
(At a business meeting)
Ms. Conners: We really like your company’s toilets. They’re much better than anything made in this country.
Mr. Iwai: Thank you very much.
C: But to be perfectly honest, the price is a little high.
I: But it’s our standard price.
C: If you could give us a discount - say, 20 percent-I’m sure we could make a deal.
I: Twenty percent? I’m afraid we can’t give you that kind of discount.
C: Well!, we the price is too high.
I: I’m sorry. I guess we can’t do business, then. I wish you had brought up this problem earlier, Ms. Conners. I thought we had already agreed on a price.
U ５
(Asking the boss for advice)
Excuse me, Mr. Hartwood. I have something important I want to discuss with you. Do you remember that deal I was working on with Cornwall, Inc? Last week we signed a
contract. I thought everything was going well, but this morning I got a phone call from their president. It seems that Cornwall wants to renegotiate the contract. They claim that they underestimated the cost of the project. They want to charge us nearly 25 percent more.
I told them I would think about it. Has this kind of thing ever happened to you before? I’d be grateful for any advice you could give me.
U ６
(On the phone)
Livingston: Hello, Ms. Sasaki. This is Arnold Livingston of AJP Enterprises.
Sasaki: Hello, Mr. Livingston. How may I help you?
L: I ordered some glassware from your company. When I opened the box, about half of the items were broken.
S: Oh, my goodness.
L: Needless to say, I’m very disappointed.
S: Of course. I would be, too.
L: I hope your company will replace the broken merchandise.
S: Of course, Mr. Livingston. Send the broken items back to us, and include a copy of your receipt. We’ll replace the broken items and also reimburse you for shipping charges
U ７
(At a business lunch)
Mr. Takada: Have you ever been to this restaurant before, Ms. Brown?
Ms. Brown: No, I haven’t, but it’s very nice.
Mr. Nakamura: Mr. Takada knows all the good restaurants in town.
B: Is that so? Then maybe we should get together for lunch more often.
T: Well, if this project works out, maybe we will.
B: Ah, you’re talking about your idea of having our two companies work together.
T: Yes, exactly. I think we could be very good partners. After all, your company is successful in Asia and our company is successful in America.
U ８
(At a business cocktail party)
Ms. Yamaguchi: Excuse me. You’re Jack Barnett, aren’t you?
Barnett: Yes, that’s right. And you are ...
Y: Noriko Yamaguchi. I work for Nagatomo Securities.
B: Ah, your company recently opened an office here, didn’t they?
Y: Right. But not many people know that-yet.
B: That’s natural. You’ve only been here a short tame
Y: Perhaps our two companies can do som work together. I have a few ideas. If you’ll give me your card, I can fax them to your office.
U ９
(An American businessman and a Japanese businessman at a yakitori-ya)
Mr. Yasuda: Mr. Kelley, in Japan, before we start drinking we always say “Kampai.”
Kelley: Kampai?
Y: Yes. It’s a kind of toast, like saying “Cheers.”
K: I see. What do you say after you drink?
Y: You mean, at the very end?
K: Yes, When everyone’s drunk.
Y: We don’t say anything. Why? Do you say something in English?
K: Yes, we say, “Please call me a taxi.” No, I’m just kidding. Wve don’t say anything, either.
J: Ah, that’s what I like about you, Mr. Kelley. You’re always making jokes. Here, have some of this yakitori. It’s delicious.
U 10
(An acceptance speech at an awards ceremony)
First of all, I’d like to thank all my co-workers here at Interplay Computer Systems. They’ve given me valuable help and advice ever since I joined the company. Without their assistance, I never could have become “Top Salesperson.” I also want to thank my managers. They’re the ones who pushed me to sell more and more computer systems. And I mean, they really pushed me. They pushed me so hard, I knew that one of two things was going to happen-
either I was going to be named Top Salesperson, or I was going to have a heart attack! I’m glad it was the former. Anyway, thank you all again.
Section 4 ネイティブになったつもりで
U 1
(Speaking to a friend)
Well, Joe, I did it. I was hired by XYZ Electronics! This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I feel so happy! My heart is pounding with excitement. Oh, I can’t wait to get to work! They’re going to put me in the mailroom to start, but once they see my talents, I’ll zoom up the corporate ladder.
I have lots of ideas on how to improve the company. l can really help make it grow. Look out, XYZ Electronics, here I come!
U ２
(A wife is complaining to her husband.)
Fred, look at this mess. This apartment is as dirty as a pigsty. I know you’ve been busy gulping down beer and watching sports on TV, but I thought that perhaps you could find time to empty the garbage and vacuum the carpet. I guess that was too much to ask. Oh, I do apologize, Fred. You must think I treat you like dirt.
All I do is cook three meals a day for you, do your laundry, I iron your clothes and feed the dog. How did a wretched woman like me ever get a prince like you? I’m just lucky, I guess.
U ３
(At Harry’s apartment)
Harry: Will you please stop making that noise?
Louise: What noise?
H: That slurping noise when you drink your cola. It really gets on my nerves.
L: Why don’t ‘you just ignore it?
H: I can’t ignore it. It’s too loud. Slurp, slurp, slurp. You sound like my dog, Spot.
L: There’s no need to be so huffy about it.
H: I’m not being huffy. I just don’t like listening to people slurp their drinks. It sounds disgusting. So stop slurping your cola, and everything will be fine.
U ４
(A woman is talking to a friend about her recently deceased father.)
Oh, I miss my father so much. He was such a dear man. And he was so nice to my mother and me. Whenever he went away on business, he would bring us back a present.
Every time I think of him, I get a lump in my throat and start sobbing. We were very close. When I heard that he died, I burst out crying. He was still young. I can’t believe he’s gone.
Last night I cried my heart out. The tears streamed down my cheeks. Why did he have to die? It just isn’t fair.
U ５
(On the phone)
Rick: Sheila did youhear the news about Sandy’?
Sheila: No,what happened?
R: She’s going to star in a movie.
S: You must be kidding. Plain Sandy? Sandy, who never had a date, is going to be a movie star’?
R: That’s right
S: She must be tickled pink
Hey, I just thought of something. Since Sandy is going to star in this movie, maybe I can get a part, too. Wouldn’t that be exciting?
U ６
(A man is talking to his girlfriend.)
I feel terrible. Lately, my life has been going downhill. My boss is mad at me. Today I forgot to meet a client, and the client got really mad. The boss’s face was flushed with anger, and he started yelling at the top of his lungs. But that’s nothing new. He’s always barking orders at me. I wish I had never joined that company. Also, my car broke down. I was driving home from work, and all of a sudden, I heard a clang. Then smoke started billowing out of the engine. It’ll cost 1,000 dollars to fix it. I don’t have that kind of money! And on top of everything else, my dog bit me! That was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
I’ve decided I’m going to live alone out in the country. That way I won’t bother anybody.
U ７
(A woman is talking to a friend.)
It looks like you’ve finished packing. You must be a bundle of nerves, moving all the way to Germany. It’s so far away, and you don’t even know anyone. But I guess you know what you’re doing. Besides, it sounds like a great opportunity to spread your wings. I know you’ve always wanted to live and work in a foreign country I wish you every success there in your new job. I’m sure you’re going to do well.
But don’t forget to write, okay? I’ll write, too. I’m really going to miss you. Take care, all right?
U ８
(Greg goes to his friend Brenda’s office.)
Greg: Brenda, I have a small favor to ask.
Brenda: Uh-oh. What is it this time?
G: I’m a little short of money.
B: So what else is new?
G: I just need a teeny-weeny loan.
B: Teeny-weeny? How much is that?
G: Twenty-five dollars. I hate to ask, but this is an emergency.
You see, it’s my mother’s birthday. I love her to death and want to buy her a nice present. If you lend me the money, I’ll never ask for anything ever again.
U ９
(Two friends are talking.)
Julia: Beth, do you want to do something together on Saturday?
Beth: Yes - let’s go sailing! My friend has a boat.
J: Sailing? I’m afraid l don’t like boats. My stomach churns when they toss and turn on the waves.
B: Oh, come on. It’ll be fun. We can enjoy the sun and the fresh air...
J: You don’t understand, Beth. I can’t swim, and I’m scared to death of boats.
B; All right, all right. Let’s go to the beach instead. We can enjoy the sun and listen to the waves, and you can keep both feet on land.
U 10
(Two friends are walking near a train station.)
Colin: Doesn’t it seem like there are more homeless people on the streets these days? I mean, this station looks like a refugee camp.
George: You’re right. I’m sure the recession is partly responsible for the situation.,
C: Maybe, but I wish the police would sweep these people off the streets. They’re an eyesore.
G: But it’s not a problem for the police to fix; it’s a problem for society to fix.
C: What do you mean?
G: I mean there’s no reason for the police to arrest these people. They haven’t committed any crimes. They simply have nowhere else to go. If you’re really concerned about the homeless, maybe you should do some volunteer work.
