1. Greetings

(informal)

Wendy: Hey, Dave!

Dave: Oh, hi, Wendy. What’s up?

Wendy: Not a whole lot. How are things with

you?

Dave: Pretty good. Hey, I’ve got to run, but I’ll

talk to you later.

Wendy: Alright, good to see you.

Dave: Good to see you, too.

Wendy: Bye.

(formal)

Ricky: Good morning, Lucy.

Lucy: Good morning, Ricky. How are you?

Ricky: Fine, thanks, and you?

Lucy: I’m fine, thank you. Good to see you,

Ricky. Have a good day.

Ricky: Thanks, you too. Goodbye.

Lucy: Goodbye.

how are things – how is life, how are you

pretty good – not bad

I’ve got to run – I’m busy now. I have no time to talk.

Good morning – depending on the time of day, people also greet one

another with “good afternoon” and “good evening”

2. Introductions

William: Great party, don’t you think? Are you

friends of the host?

Ophelia: Yes, actually. Michael and I are friends

from school. I’m Ophelia, and this is my

friend Lucas.

William: Pleased to meet you. My name is

William. I’m a friend of Michael’s from

work.

Ophelia: Nice to meet you, too. Enjoy the party!

William: You, too.

host – person who invites guests

actually – truly, in fact

pleased to meet you – I’m happy we met

3. Making Plans

Brad: Hey, Jennifer, what are you up to tonight?

Jennifer: I have to work until six o’clock, but after

that I’m free. Why, what’s up?

Brad: There’s a new movie out I’d like to see.

Do you want to go?

Jennifer: Sure, what are the show times?

Brad: It’s playing at the downtown cinema at

7:00 and 10:30.

Jennifer: Well, 7:00 might be cutting it close. Let’s

go to the late show.

Brad: Sounds good. I’ll pick you up at 9:00.

what are you up to – what are you doing?

out – in the theaters

show times – time which movies start

playing – showing

cutting it close – not having enough time

late show – the later time, here 10:30

I’ll pick you up – I’ll come to your house and then we’ll go together.

4. Talking on the Phone

Dustin: Hello?

Mrs. Robinson: Hi, there. May I please speak with

Dustin?

Dustin: Speaking.

Mrs. Robinson: This is Mrs. Robinson down the

street. I was wondering if you

could cut my grass on Saturday. I’d

pay you twenty dollars.

Dustin: I would like to, but I may go to the

lake on Saturday with my dad. Can

I call you back?

Mrs. Robinson: Certainly. Talk to you soon.

Dustin: Goodbye.

Mrs. Robinson: Goodbye.

down the street – living on the same street, in a different building

may – might, maybe

5. Giving Directions

Charlie: Excuse me, I seem to be lost. Can you tell

me how to get to the History Museum?

Farrah: Sure. First go straight down this street

until you reach Angel Street. Take a right

and go past the Barrymore Hotel. You’ll

see a bus stop on your left. Take the

number three bus to the Cameron Park

stop. It will let you off in front of the

museum.

Charlie: Thanks for your help. Do you know how

much the bus fare is?

Farrah: It’s only a dollar. Good luck!

Charlie: Thanks again.

I seem to be lost – I don’t know where I am

reach – come to

bus stop – place where buses stop to let people on and off

fare – cost to ride

6. Going to the Supermarket

Customer: Excuse me, I’m looking for red

cabbage. Can you tell me where to find

it?

Worker: Red cabbage is in the produce section.

That’s aisle two.

Customer: I looked, but there didn’t seem to be

any.

Worker: Let me ask the produce manager and

check in the back for you.

Customer: I’d appreciate it. Thanks.

Worker: No problem.

produce – fruits and vegetables

aisle – row of goods in a supermarket

there didn’t seem to be any – I couldn’t find any

in the back – in storage, where supermarkets keep extra goods

appreciate – be thankful for

7. At the Clothing Store

Clerk: Can I help you, sir?

Customer: Yes, I’m looking for a dress shirt and a

pair of jeans.

Clerk: Our menswear section is this way.

Please follow me. What size are you

looking for?

Customer: Medium shirt and for the jeans, 34 long

34 waist.

Clerk: Here you are. Why don’t you try these

on?

(five minutes later)

Clerk: Does everything fit?

Customer: The shirt fits, but the jeans are too big. I

must have lost some weight.

sir – polite (formal) greeting for a man

dress shirt – formal shirt, usually worn with a suit

pair – with pants or trousers, we say pair; also, pair of socks, pair of

shoes, pair of glasses

menswear section – part of a clothing store where men’s clothing is

34 long, 34 waist – in American sizes, 34 inches long and 34 inches

around the waist

8. Going to the Bank

Teller: Good afternoon, can I help you,

ma’am?

Customer: Yes, I’d like to withdraw some money

from my account.

Teller: Certainly. What is your account

number?

Customer: 8-6-7-5-3-0-9.

Teller: Is that checking or savings?

Customer: Savings.

Teller: How much would you like to withdraw?

Customer: One hundred fifty dollars, please.

Teller: Alright, ma’am. I need to see some

identification. Please sign here. And

here is your cash. Thank you, and have

a nice day.

Customer: Thanks, you, too.

ma’am – polite (formal) greeting for a woman

withdraw – to take money out of a bank account

checking – account from which you can write checks

savings – account where you save money

identification – ID – passport, driver’s license, or a card with a person’s

picture and personal information

9. At a Flea Market

Buyer: How much for these skis?

Vendor: I’ll sell you those for fifty dollars.

Buyer: That’s awfully expensive. Will you take

thirty?

Vendor: I can’t just give them away! How about

we meet in the middle? Forty dollars. I’ll

even throw in the poles.

Buyer: Sounds good. You have yourself a deal.

Flea Market – large market where used items are sold or traded

awfully – very much

give them away – sell them for too low a price

how about – said when making a suggestion, similar to let’s

throw in – give in addition, give as extra

You have yourself a deal – Okay, I agree.

10. At the Gas Station

Attendant: What will it be today, sir?

Customer: Fill her up with unleaded.

Attendant: Regular or premium?

Customer: Regular is fine.

Attendant: That will be 25 dollars. Cash or

credit? Customer: Here’s my credit card.

Attendant: Alright. All set, sir. Thanks, and come

again.

Customer: Thank you.

What will it be – What would you like? What will you buy?

Fill her up – fill my car’s gas tank with gasoline

unleaded – a type of gasoline (different than diesel fuel)

Cash or credit? – Will you pay in paper money or use a credit card?

All set – finished

11. At the Coffee Shop

Cashier: Can I help you, ma’am?

Customer: Yes, I’d like two cups of coffee.

Cashier: Small, medium, or large?

Customer: Small, please.

Cashier: Regular or decaf?

Customer: One regular, one decaf, please.

Cashier: Okay, that will be $3.79. Out of five?

Your change is $1.21. Here’s your

coffee, and this is the decaf. Thank you.

Customer: Thank you.

decaf – without caffeine

out of five – the customer gave the cashier $5.00 to pay

change – when the customer pays more than the price, this money is

returned to the customer

12. At a Restaurant

Waiter: Are you ready to order?

Diner: Yes, I’d like to start off with a cup of

soup. What is the soup of the day?

Waiter: Tomato.

Diner: That sounds good. Then I’ll have a

chicken sandwich. Please hold the

pickles.

Waiter: Would you like fries and salad with that?

Diner: Yes, please.

Waiter: And to drink?

Diner: Water is fine, thanks.

Waiter: Okay. Your lunch will be out shortly.

order – say what food you want to eat in a restaurant

start off – begin

soup of the day – often, restaurants have a different soup every day

hold the pickles – do not put pickles on my sandwich

fries – French fried potatoes

out – out of the kitchen and ready for you to eat

13. Table Manners

Mom: What did you make for dinner, honey?

Dad: Well, we have roast beef, mashed potatoes,

salad, and corn on the cob.

Brother: Smells good, Dad. Let’s eat.

Sister: Can you please pass the potatoes?

Mom: Sure, here you go, sweetie.

Dad: Can I cut you a slice of roast beef, son?

Brother: That’d be great, Dad.

Sister: Oops! I forgot to wash my hands. Excuse

me, I’ll be right back.

Mom: Everything tastes great, honey. Thanks for

making dinner.

honey – word for a loved person

corn on the cob – whole corn, not from a can

pass – to give or to hand over

sweetie – word for a loved person

Oops! – word of forgetfulness or for when a person makes a mistake

I’ll be right back – I’m going but will return very soon.

14. Describing a Good Friend

Gwen: Have you ever met my friend George?

Gavin: No, I don’t think so. What does he look

like again?

Gwen: He has short, curly, black hair. He’s tall

and thin and always wears a jean jacket.

Gavin: Doesn’t ring a bell. I don’t think I’ve met

him. What is he like?

Gwen: He’s really talkative, friendly, and smart.

He’s a journalist, and he likes to write.

Gavin: Sounds like a nice guy.

Gwen: Yeah, he’s a good friend of mine.

again – remind me

Doesn’t ring a bell – I don’t remember anyone/anything like that.

Yeah – yes

15. Someone is Sad

Belle: What’s wrong? Why are you crying?

Sebastian: I just got a call from my uncle. My

grandmother has passed away.

Belle: Oh no! That’s horrible! I’m so sorry.

Sebastian: Thanks for your sympathy. Although she

was old, it was very unexpected.

Belle: Well, if you need anything, please let me

know.

Sebastian: I will, thanks.

call – to talk on the telephone

passed away – died

let me know – tell me

16. Someone is Excited

Alvin: What happened? Why are you so happy

today?

Simon: I just came from the hospital. My wife just

gave birth to our first child. It’s a boy! I’m

a father!

Alvin: That’s great news. Congratulations!

What’s his name?

Simon: Theodore David.

Alvin: Wonderful. Give my best to the new

mom.

Simon: Will do.

Give my best – send my greetings

Will do – I will do that.

17. Someone is Angry

Wife: What’s wrong, honey?

Husband: I’m so angry! Today at work, that brown-

noser Atkins got a promotion, while I’ve

been working hard for seven years and am

yet to see even a raise.

Wife: That’s crazy! You must be so frustrated.

Husband: Believe me, I am.

Wife: Oh, dear. Try not to let it get you down

too much.

Husband: It just upsets me.

brown-noser – person who is very nice to the boss so the boss will like

him or her

promotion – increase in job level

raise – an increase in job pay, or salary

crazy – unbelievable, strange, or difficult

get you down – make you sad

18. Fixing Dinner

Son: Hey, Mom, what’s for dinner?

Mom: Chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and

carrots. Can you give me a hand?

Son: Sure, how can I help?

Mom: Well, start peeling carrots. When you finish,

mash the potatoes in the big pot.

Son: No problem. Should I chop the carrots after I

peel them?

Mom: That would be great, dear.

give me a hand – help me

that would be great – yes, please

19. A Family Squabble

Marcia: Mom! Peter took my new notebook, and

he won’t give it back!

Peter: Did not!

Marcia: Did too!

Mom: Now, Peter, it isn’t nice to take your

sister’s belongings without asking. Please

give it back and apologize.

Peter: But she started it!

Marcia: Did not!

Peter: Did too!

Squabble – argument

give it back – return it to me

started it – began the argument

20. At the Doctor’s Office

Receptionist: Can I help you?

Patient: Yes, I have a terrible headache and a

stomachache. I would like to see the

doctor.

Receptionist: Do you have an appointment,

ma’am?

Patient: No, I’m afraid I don’t.

Receptionist: Let me speak with the doctor. Maybe

we can squeeze you in before lunch.

Patient: Thank you, that would be great.

appointment – time for a meeting with someone

I’m afraid – I’m sorry, but it appears

squeeze you in – change the schedule to find a time for an appointment

21. At the Dentist

Smith: Good morning, I have a 9:30

appointment with Dr. Morrisey.

Receptionist: And your name, sir?

Smith: John Smith.

Receptionist: Alright, and you’re here to have a

cavity filled, correct?

Smith: That’s right.

Receptionist: Has your insurance information

changed since your last visit?

Smith: No, I’m still with Vicar Insurance.

Receptionist: Okay, please fill out this form, and the

doctor will be with you shortly.

Dr. – doctor

cavity filled – to fix and fill a hole in a person’s tooth

visit – appointment

shortly – soon

22. At the Pharmacy

Pharmacist: Hi, can I help you?

Ted: Yes, I’m here to pick up a

prescription.

Pharmacist: And your name is?

Ted: Ted Leo. I believe my doctor’s office

called it in.

Pharmacist: Mmmhmmm, here it is. Your total is

$15.52. Please pay at the cashier’s

desk.

Ted: Thanks.

pick up – get, take

And your name is? – What is your name?

called it in – telephoned the pharmacy to prepare the medicine

23. At the Post Office

Postal worker: Hi, how can I help you?

Ben: I’d like to send this package.

Postal worker: Air mail or surface?

Ben: Air mail. I would like it to get there

as soon as possible.

Postal worker: Our fastest is two to three day air

mail.

Ben: That’s fine.

Postal worker: Okay, that comes to $27.55.

Anything else, sir?

Ben: Yes, can you add a roll of stamps to

that?

surface – by land or water (car, truck, train, or boat)

get there – arrive

comes to – total cost is

roll of stamps – many stamps

24. Ordering the Newspaper

(ring ring ring)

Receptionist: Good morning, Metropolis Daily

News, how can I help you?

Lois: Hello, I’d like to subscribe to the

newspaper.

Receptionist: May I have your name and address,

ma’am?

Lois: Of course. Lois Lane, 77 Kent

Street, Apartment C, Metropolis

54321.

Receptionist: An annual subscription is $40.00.

How would you like to pay?

Lois: Can you please bill me?

Receptionist: Certainly. Thank you, and have a

nice day.

subscribe – order, buy

Lois Lane – person’s name

77 Kent Street – building number and street name

Apartment C – apartment/flat number

Metropolis – town or city name (usually followed by a state name)

54321 – zip code, postal code; every US town or neighborhood has a

different five-number code

annual – yearly, for one year

bill me – send me the price by mail and I will pay

25. Buying a Cellular Phone

Salesperson: Good afternoon, can I help you?

Simon: Yes, I’d like to buy a cell phone. What

is your least expensive model?

Salesperson: That would be the Fokia 22. It is

$89.90.

Simon: I’ll take it. I’ll also be needing a year

of service and 100 minutes a month.

Salesperson: That plan costs $26.99 per month.

Your total for today, with tax, comes

to $123.90. Cash or credit?

Simon: Credit. Here’s my card.

Salesperson: Alright, thank you. We will activate

your phone right away.

cell – mobile, wireless

a year of service – service for one full year

a month – every month, also per month

activate – begin service

right away – without delay, very soon

26. Watching Television

DJ: Let’s watch the nature channel. Maybe that

show Amazing Animals is on.

Jesse: Nah, I’d rather watch the basketball game.

DJ: Well, you have the remote control. You

choose.

Jesse: I can’t find any basketball. After I watch the

news, you can watch whatever you want.

DJ: Sounds fair. My favorite shows don’t come

on until later anyway.

show – program on television

on – now showing

nah – no

Sounds fair. – I agree. No problem.

27. The Internet

Steve: Hey, Kate, did you check out my webpage?

Kate: Yeah, it was great. I loved your blogs about

traveling through Europe.

Steve: If you ever need to get ahold of me, just send

me an email. My address is

SteveO@mail.com.

Kate: Okay, I will. Do you know of any good

shopping websites?

Steve: Yeah, you can try buystuff.com or

superdeal.com. They’re both pretty good.

check out – look at, inspect

blogs – diary or journal on the internet

get ahold of – contact

SteveO@mail.com – spoken as “Steve O at mail dot com”

28. Getting Something Repaired

Technician: Hi, can I help you?

Carrie: Yes, my laptop is broken. I’m not sure

if there’s a problem with the battery or

if it’s something more serious.

Technician: Uh huh, and when did you first have

problems with it?

Carrie: Last week when I was at work, the

screen went blank and the computer

shut down.

Technician: Interesting. Well, we’ll have a look at

it. Is there a number at which we can

reach you?

Carrie: Sure. 555-7879.

Technician: Okay, we’ll call you when we find the

problem.

laptop – small computer you can carry

uh huh – okay

shut down – turned off

have a look at – check, inspect

29. Going on a Hike

Alexia: Beautiful day for a hike, don’t you think?

Roberto: Yeah, the weather is just perfect. Not too

hot and not a cloud in the sky.

Alexia: I can’t believe how gorgeous the flowers

are this spring. They’re everywhere –

sunflowers, roses, marigolds …

Roberto: Hey, Alexia, hurry up and come check out

this view!

Alexia: Wow! The mountains are so beautiful, and

the trees are full of buds and leaves.

Roberto: I wish I had brought my camera to take a

picture of this.

Alexia: Me too. I’m glad we decided to take a hike

today.

check out – look at

Wow! – word of surprise or wonder

30. At the Airport

Clerk: Good afternoon, sir. What is your

destination today?

Traveler: I will be flying into Denver.

Clerk: Alright, and what is your name, please?

Traveler: My name is Lance Bass.

Clerk: Yes, here you are. You are scheduled to

fly from Miami to Denver with a two-hour

layover in Houston. Is that correct?

Traveler: Yes, that’s correct.

Clerk: Any luggage to check?

Traveler: Nope.

Clerk: Can I please see a piece of identification so

I can issue your ticket?

Traveler: Here’s my driver’s license.

Clerk: Thank you. Here is your boarding pass,

sir. Your flight will be leaving from Gate

A3 in Terminal 2. Just follow the signs.

Have a good flight.

Traveler: Thanks.

here you are – I found your name in the computer

layover – time waiting for the next flight out of an airport

check – give luggage to put in the storage part of the plane

nope – no

driver’s license – example of identification

boarding pass – ticket to get on the plane

Gate A3, Terminal 2 – gate, where the plane waits; terminal, large part

of the airport

31. Discussing Travel

Jake: Hey, Elizabeth, I was thinking about

going to Europe this summer. Have you

ever been to Europe?

Elizabeth: I’ve only been to France. It was great.

Have you seen pictures of the Eiffel

Tower?

Jake: Of course I’ve seen pictures of it!

Elizabeth: Well, pictures don’t do it justice, it’s so

beautiful. Have you ever eaten French

bread and cheese while overlooking the

Seine?

Jake: No, I haven’t. I’ve never been to Europe.

Elizabeth: Well, if you go, you should definitely do

that. And eat a crepe. Have you ever

ridden in a plane before?

Jake: No, I haven’t. This will be my first time.

Elizabeth: It’s a long flight, but it’s worth it.

Jake: Sounds great. I’m really looking

forward to it. France, here I come!

don’t do it justice – don’t really describe how nice/beautiful it is

the Seine – river in Paris

should definitely do that – I recommend or advise you to do it

crepe – flat pastry

worth it – valuable, enjoyable although it takes a long time to get there

looking forward to – excited about

32. At the Train Station

Cashier: Can I help you, ma’am?

Traveler: Yes, I’d like to go to Philadelphia today.

Cashier: Okay. There are three trains – morning,

afternoon, and night. The 8:00 AM train

has already departed, so would you like to

take the afternoon or night train?

Traveler: The afternoon train. What time does it

leave?

Cashier: It leaves at 3:30 PM from Track #9.

Traveler: How much for a ticket ?

Cashier: $20.00 for coach, $45.00 for first class.

Traveler: I’ll take one coach ticket, please. Here is

$20.00.

Cashier: And here’s your ticket. Again, your train

departs from Track #9 at 3:30. You are in

Car #5, Seat 2B. Enjoy your trip.

Traveler: Thanks.

Philadelphia – a US city in the state of Pennsylvania

coach – cheaper seats

first class – expensive seats

car – trains have many cars

seat – chair number

33. Rumors

Mary: Hey, John, did you hear that Nick and Jessica

broke up?

John: No, I didn’t hear that. But I did see Jessica at

a club dancing with some guy who definitely

wasn’t Nick.

Mary: Really? I guess she’s already dating other

people.

John: Why did they break up?

Mary: I heard that Nick wanted to get married and

Jessica didn’t.

John: Oh, man. He must be heartbroken.

Mary: There are plenty of fish in the sea.

Including me!

John: Now I seem to remember hearing you had a

crush on Nick at one point.

Mary: Maybe …

broke up – they quit being boyfriend and girlfriend

some guy – a man

heartbroken – sad, depressed

There are plenty of fish in the sea. – There are many other boyfriends

or girlfriends for a person in the world.

crush – to like a person

at one point – one time in the past

34. Holiday Plans

Ruth: Winter break starts tomorrow. What are

you going to do for the holidays?

Andrew: I am going to my grandparents’ for

Christmas. We are going Christmas tree

shopping this weekend. What about you?

What are you going to do for the holidays?

Ruth: I’ll stay at home with my family and

celebrate Hanukkah.

Andrew: Are you going to buy a Christmas tree?

Ruth: No, we don’t use trees to celebrate

Hanukkah. We light a candle every night

for eight days. We also exchange gifts

every night and eat lots of food.

Andrew: We exchange gifts, too, but only on

Christmas Day. We will have a big dinner

with all my family.

Ruth: Gifts, food, and family – Hanukkah and

Christmas don’t sound that different.

Andrew: No, they don’t. Well, enjoy your holiday!

Ruth: Thanks, you too.

Winter break – winter holiday

Christmas – Christian holiday celebrated on December 25th

Hanukkah – Jewish holiday celebrated for a week in the winter

exchange – give and receive

35. Studying Abroad

Connie: Phil! I just got a letter of acceptance to

the University of Ulaanbaatar! I’m going

to study abroad next year in Mongolia!

Phil: Congratulations! How long will you be

there for?

Connie: An entire schoolyear.

Phil: Where will you live?

Connie: I’ll live in the student dorms.

Phil: What made you decide to study abroad?

Connie: Well, I love to travel and I really want to

learn about Mongolian culture. Plus, I’ll

get to learn a new language.

Phil: Yeah, I hope you come back speaking

Mongolian fluently. Are you scared?

Won’t you miss your family?

Connie: No, I’m not scared. It’ll be an adventure. I

can always keep in touch with my family

via email and phone calls. Maybe they

will come visit me. You should, too!

Phil: Maybe I will. Good luck next year in

Mongolia. Stay warm.

letter of acceptance – letter inviting a person to study in a university

abroad – in a different country

dorms – dormitory, student housing

fluently – very well, without mistakes

keep in touch – to speak or write, remain in contact

via – through, by