Practice Reading and Dialogue

Alice and Betty had been best friends since high school. They were inseparable and shared everything with each other. One day, Betty confided in Alice that she had fallen in love with a boy from their school, but was too shy to tell him. Alice was supportive of her friend and wanted to help her find the courage to tell the boy how she felt. Alice: “Betty, you have to tell him how you feel. He’s perfect for you!” Betty: “I know, but I’m so scared. What if he doesn’t feel the same way?” Alice: “You won’t know until you try. I promise you, it’s worth it.” Betty: “Okay, I’ll try. But what if he’s not interested?” Alice: “If he’s not interested, you still have me. I’ll always be here for you.” Betty: “Thanks, Alice. You’re the best!” Alice: “No problem. Now go get him!” The next day, Betty told Alice that she had worked up the courage to tell the boy how she felt and he had reciprocated her feelings. Alice was so happy for her friend and they celebrated her newfound love with a special dinner. From then on, Alice and Betty were even closer than before and shared many more happy moments together.

The couple had been together for almost two years, but it had been a rocky relationship. They had both tried to make it work, but it just wasn't meant to be. John and Jane were sitting on the couch in John's living room. Jane had tears streaming down her face as she spoke. Jane: 'I can't do this anymore, John. I'm sorry, but I think we need to break up.' John: 'What? Why? What happened?' Jane: 'It's just not working. We both know it. We've been fighting more and more lately. I think it's best if we just end it now before it gets worse.' John: 'I don't want to end it. I still love you, Jane. We can make this work. We just need to talk and work through our problems.' Jane: 'I don't think that's possible anymore. I'm sorry, but I think this is for the best.' John: 'I understand, but I still don't want to end it. I guess we don't have a choice though.' Jane: 'No, we don't. I'm sorry, John. Goodbye.' John watched as Jane walked out the door. He tried to hold back the tears, but it was no use. He had just lost the woman he loved. He felt broken and alone.

The debate between Islam and Christianity has been going on for centuries, and it's still a very controversial topic. Two people, one Muslim and one Christian, are discussing their different beliefs. Christian: 'I don't understand why you don't believe in Jesus as the son of God. He is a central figure in Christianity and without him, our religion would not exist.' Muslim: 'I understand why you believe in Jesus, but I don't believe in him as the son of God. I believe in one God, Allah, and I don't believe that Jesus is divine.' Christian: 'But the Bible tells us that Jesus is the son of God, and that he is divine. How can you deny that?' Muslim: 'I don't deny the fact that Jesus existed, but I do deny that he is divine. The Quran tells us that there is only one God, and that is Allah. And Allah alone should be worshipped.' Christian: 'But there are so many similarities between Christianity and Islam. Surely that should mean something?' Muslim: 'Yes, there are similarities between Christianity and Islam, but that doesn't mean that they are the same. They are two different religions, and they should be respected as such.'

Humor is an important part of life and making others laugh with witty jokes and stories is a skill that some people have in abundance. Two people, Bob and Susan, were having a conversation about who was the best joker. Bob was convinced that he was the superior in this area. Bob: “I'm the best joker. I can come up with the funniest jokes around.” Susan: “Oh really? I'm pretty sure I'm the best joker. I've been telling jokes since I was a kid.” Bob: “I doubt that. My jokes are the funniest around.” Susan: “I don't think so. I've heard some of your jokes and they're not that funny.” Bob: “You just don't get it. My jokes are hilarious.” Susan: “I don't know about that. But I do know that I can come up with better jokes than you.” Bob: “Prove it then. Tell me a joke and I'll be the judge.” Susan: “Okay, what did one wall say to the other wall? I'm feeling a little crumbed.” Bob: “That's pretty funny. Alright, I'll admit that you may be the better joker.” Susan: “See? I told you so!”