ENGLISH CONVERSATION DIALOGUE

BUYING OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINE A: Excuse me, could you help me pick out a lotion? B: Sure, what is the problem? A: I got poison oak while hiking, and I need something to help me with the itching. B: I can suggest a product called Technu that comes in a lotion or cream. A: Which do you prefer? B: Hikers tell me that the cream is best because it stays on longer. A: Is there anything else I can do to help with the itching? B: You can take an antihistamine. A: Thank you so much for all of the information. B: You are welcome. Please feel free to ask me a question any time you need help.

SCHEDULING AN APARTMENT VIEWING A: Hello, I was wondering if I could talk with the apartment manager. B: I am the apartment manager. How can I help you? A: I was wondering if the apartment on Main Street is still available. B: Yes, it's still vacant. Are you interested in seeing it? A: Yes, I would love to see the apartment. B: I will be at the apartment today at 6:00. Can you make it? A: Yes, I can be there at 6. B: Great. I'll see you at 6. Do you know where it is? A: Yes, I have a friend who lives in that neighborhood. B: I'll be bringing an application form. A: OK, should I bring anything with me? B: No. I might need to see your ID card, but that's about it.

GETTING THE DRIVER'S LICENSE A: How can I get my driver's license? B: Have you taken your driving test yet? A: I have yet to take my driving test. B: Okay, first I'm going to need you to fill out the paperwork. A: When can I take my test? B: You'll have to make an appointment for that. A: I would like to make one right now. B: How does Friday sound? A: That would be great. B: What time would you like to take the test? A: If I could do it in the morning, then that would be good. B: Eleven o'clock on Friday morning. See you then.

DECIDING TO BUY THE CAR A: I really like that car and I am thinking of buying it. B: Yes, I agree. Do you want to take it to a mechanic to have it checked out? A: I already took care of that yesterday. B: That's good. Have you discussed the price with the seller? A: Yes, I think we've agreed upon a fair price. B: Have you set up your financing to pay for this car? A: Yes, my parents are going to loan me the money. B: That's good. Would you like me to go talk to the seller with you and drive your car home? A: That would be a great help! B: Glad to be of help. I can't wait to see your new car!

PREPARING FOR A JOB INTERVIEW A: What should I do to prepare for a job interview? B: An understanding of the basic workings of a company and the services or goods it provides is essential. Do you have that? A: Sort of, but I could know more, I guess. B: With that understanding, you can figure out what your company is looking for in terms of basic attitude. Right? A: I think that they are a very formal company. B: What you wear is important. So keep in mind what is suitable for the company and type of work you will be doing. Need help? A: I need a lot of help in this area. B: In addition to clothes we need to think about other basics, OK? A: Yes, what else should we think of? B: Be prompt. Don't forget to be friendly and interested. Listen carefully and listen to what they are really asking you. You'll be a hit!

BUYING A PLANE TICKET A: I want to buy a plane ticket. B: I can help you make your reservation. What is your destination? A: My final destination is Sydney, Australia. B: What is your travel date? A: I am making a reservation for December 12th. B: Would you prefer to leave from Los Angeles International or Burbank Airport? A: I want to fly out of Burbank Airport. B: Would you rather fly in the morning or later in the day? A: I need an afternoon flight. B: I have you booked on a flight in the afternoon. Your tickets will arrive in the mail within 3 days.

OFFERING HELP A: I was wondering if you need any help on your new project. B: Sure! That would be great! Are you good at writing or would you rather do the computer work? A: I would like to help with the computer work. B: Great! We are going to be working in teams of three. Are you OK working with others? A: Yes, I like working like that. B: We will begin next Monday. Would you be available then? A: Yes, I can be there. B: Well, if you could send me your basic background information before next Monday, it would be useful. A: I will send the information to you. B: Well then, thanks for your help. Have a great day!

VISITING A TRAVEL AGENT A: Could you help me with vacation plans? B: Do you know where you will be traveling? A: I am open to suggestions at this point. B: Are you wanting to travel to a tropical climate, or would you like to go somewhere with a cooler climate? A: I would like to travel to a cooler destination. B: I can give you some brochures that could give you some ideas. A: I will look at them right now. B: How much money is in your budget for this trip? A: I think that I can spend about two hundred dollars a day. B: Take your time choosing a destination and, when you've narrowed it down, I'll be happy to help you make a reservation.

HAVING A BLOOD TEST IN THE LAB A: The doctor sent me over here to have my blood drawn. B: Certainly, please have a seat and roll up your left sleeve. A: What is this test for? B: Well, today your doctor wants us to check your white blood cell count. A: What does that tell him? B: Well, if it is elevated, you might have an infection. A: Will the blood test hurt? B: It is only a little pin stick. I am going to put a tourniquet on your arm to puff your veins up. A: Ouch! B: There we go! I got the blood that I needed.

HOTEL RESERVATION A: I need a room for a few days. B: That won't be a problem. Could you please tell me your name? A: John Sandals. That's S A N D A L S. B: Sir, I'm Michelle, and I run the front desk. Please tell me the days you'll be here. A: I'll be there in April: Friday through Monday, the 14th through the 17th. B: We recently changed many things here, sir, including our prices. Do you mind, sir? A: Possibly. What's the actual price? B: The price will be $308 a night. A: $308! That's not bad. B: Very good. Now, Mr. Sandals, about the room, smoking or nonsmoking? A: Nonsmoking, definitely! B: Most of our clients prefer nonsmoking. Now, does a queen sound okay? A: Yes, that'll be just fine. B: One more second, sir. Your reservation is now verified, so all I need is your phone number. A: It's 626-555-1739. B: Let me repeat that: 626-555-1739. Okay, sir, we look forward to seeing you in April!

GRADING POLICY A: I was wondering how you are going to calculate our final grades. B: Grades are based on many things: homework, attendance, quizzes, mid-term, and final. A: What counts the most? B: Actually I look at all of it and let's not forget class participation. A: Do you grade on a curve or use percentages? B: Homework, attendance, and quizzes are sixty percent; the mid-term and final are worth twenty percent each. A: What if we miss something? B: I will allow one unexcused absence; after that you need to contact me ahead of time. A: Will you tell us if we are failing during the year? B: You will be able to track your progress during the year.

REGISTERING FOR A CLASS A: Hello, I need to register for a class. B: What class are you trying to take? A: I want to take a Psychology class. B: Well, there are only two classes open. A: Can you tell me what days the classes are on? B: One class is on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. A: And the other class? B: That class is from ten to twelve on Monday and Wednesday. A: Are you sure these are the only open classes? B: Yes, I am sure. A: Okay, sign me up for the class on Monday and Wednesday. B: Very well then.

MEETING A BLIND DATE A: Hi, is your name Mia? B: Yes, my name is Mia. Are you Rubin? A: Yes, I am Rubin! B: Finally! The infamous Rubin! I've heard so much about you that I feel like I already know you. A: Oh no, I hope they had positive things to say. B: Don't worry. All of the stories were good. How were you able to find me so quickly? A: It was pretty easy to find the beautiful woman in a red dress next to the fountain. B: Well, I guess that kind of narrowed it down! A: Mia, could I interest you in some lunch down the street at my favorite cafe? B: Yes, it's a great day for a little walk and some lunch.

STOPPING THE RELATIONSHIP A: Hi Kara, this is Mike B: Hello Mike. How are things going for you? A: Great, how are you? B: Fine. Everything is just fine. A: Kara, I had a great time the other night and was wondering if you would like to go out again this weekend. B: Mike, I enjoyed your company, but I am getting ready to graduate soon. I really need to focus on my studies. A: Maybe I could help you with what you need to get done. B: It would be better for me to just deal with getting my work done, but thank you for a lovely dinner.

FOODS AVAILABLE AT THE CAFETERIA A: I am absolutely famished. B: Yeah. I am too. A: Where did you want to go for lunch? B: I was thinking we should just go to the cafeteria. A: I don't think I ever got food from the cafeteria. B: I actually like the food there. A: Does the cafeteria sell a lot of different food? B: They have anything you want. A: I was thinking about getting some Chinese food. B: I bought some chow mein at the cafeteria. It tasted great. A: We can eat at the cafeteria. B: I think you'll really like the food there.

INSTALLING HIGH-SPEED INTERNET A: When can I get high speed internet installed? B: You're going to have to make an appointment. A: Can I make one right now? B: When would you like the installation to be done? A: I'm off this Friday. B: The only time we can come on Friday is at 3:00 pm. A: I'm going to need it installed earlier than that. B: I'm sorry, but we're booked up on Friday. A: Is Saturday any better? B: Saturday is perfect. What time would you like? A: Is 11:00 fine? B: That's perfect. See you on Saturday.

ASKING ABOUT WHERE TO GET OFF A: This bus goes all the way to Santa Anita mall, right? B: Yes, it'll take us there. A: Are you positive? B: I always catch this bus. A: How long is this bus ride? B: It only takes half an hour. A: Where do we get off at? B: We can get off the bus right behind Macy's. A: There's a stop right next to the mall? B: Yeah, it's right in the parking lot. A: That's cool. B: Yes, I know.

STUDENT DISCOUNT A: How much does it cost for a bus pass? B: It'll be $65 for a monthly pass. A: Is there anything cheaper than that? B: If you're in school, you can get a student pass. A: How much will that cost? B: The pass is free. A: I don't have to pay for anything? B: You'll only have to pay for the monthly sticker. A: How much is the monthly sticker? B: It's $24 for each month. A: I'll take the student bus pass. B: Okay, I'll get you one.

APPLYING FOR A LIBRARY CARD A: What can I help you with today? B: I need to check out this book. A: Do you have your library card? B: I don't have one. A: Would you like to apply for one right now? B: That's fine. A: I'm going to need you to fill out the application. B: All right. All done. A: All right, now please sign the back of the card. B: Okay. I've signed it. A: That's all there is to it. B: Great. Now can I check out this book?

USING A COMPUTER A: What can I do for you today? B: I would like to use a computer. A: Do you have your library card? B: I sure do. A: There is a wait for the computers. B: That's all right. A: You need to print your name on this list. B: Okay. Now what? A: Once a computer is available, I will let you know. B: How am I supposed to log on to the computer? A: All you do is type in the number on the back of your card. B: That's it? Thank you very much.

MAKING A DEPOSIT A: How are you? B: I'm fantastic! A: What can I help you with? B: I want to make a deposit today. A: Cash or check? B: It will be cash today. A: How much do you want to deposit? B: I need to deposit $300. A: What account will you be depositing this money into? B: Deposit it into my checking account. A: What else can I do for you today? B: That's all I need today. Thanks.

TALKING POSITIVELY ABOUT THE RESTAURANT A: How do you feel about this restaurant? B: I really liked it! A: I really enjoyed the food. B: What did you enjoy the most? A: I enjoyed the fish the most. B: The fish was pretty special, but I loved the dessert. A: The macadamia cake was out-of-this-world! B: I really felt that the service was exceptionally good. A: Yes, the service really added to the experience. B: I am looking forward to returning to this restaurant.

CHOOSING A GOOD RESTAURANT A: Devi, do you have any preference for where you would like to go for dinner for your birthday? B: I don't really know where I want to go. I am having trouble thinking of a particular restaurant. A: There is a great restaurant directory here in the weekend section of the newspaper. B: OK, we could look at that. A: Do you have a particular type of food that you would like? B: I really like Japanese or Thai food. A: That Japanese restaurant, Shogun, got good reviews. B: Oh yeah! I saw a review of that restaurant on television. The reviewer loved it! A: Would that be a place that you might like to go to for your birthday? B: That would work out great! Why don't we call and get a reservation?