reading dialogue

In the Gym Dialogue 1. Hello, my name is Jane and I'd like to ask a few questions about getting fit. 2. Hi, Jane. What can I do for you? 1. I need to get in shape. 2. Well, you've come to the right place. Have you been doing any exercise lately? 1. I'm afraid not. 2. OK. We'll start off slow. Which type of exercise do you enjoy doing? 1. I like doing aerobics, but I hate jogging. I don't mind doing some weight-lifting, though. 2. Great, that gives us plenty to work with. How often can you work out? 1. Twice or three times a week would be good. 2. Why don't we start with an aerobics class twice a week followed by a little weight lifting? 1. Sounds fine to me. 2. You'll need to start slowly and build up gradually to three or four times a week. 1. OK. What kind of equipment will I need? 2. You'll need a leotard and some sneakers. 1. Is that all? How do I sign up for the classes? 2. We'll need you to join the gym and then you can choose which classes fit your schedule best. 1. Great! I can't wait to get started. Thanks for your advice. 2. No problem. I'll see you in aerobics class!

Betsy: I telephoned you yesterday afternoon but you didn't answer? Where were you? Brian: I was in another room when you called. I didn't hear the phone ringing until it was too late. Betsy: What were you working on?​ Brian: I was photocopying a report that I needed to send to a client. What were you doing when you telephoned? Betsy: I was looking for Tom and couldn't find him. Do you know where he was? Brian: Tom was driving to a meeting. Betsy: Oh, I see. What did you do yesterday? Brian: I met the representatives from Driver's in the morning. In the afternoon, I worked on the report and was just finishing when you telephoned. What did you do Betsy: Well, at 9 I had a meeting with Ms. Anderson. After that, I did some research.​ Brian: Sounds like a boring day! Betsy: Yes, I don't really like doing research. But it needs to be done. Brian: I agree with you on that—no research,no business! Betsy: Tell me about the report. What do you think of it? Brian: I think the report is a good. Tom believes it's good, too. Betsy: I know that every report you write is excellent. Brian: Thank you Betsy, you are always a good friend!

This dialogue focuses on the use of the both the past continuous and past simple. The past continuous is used to speak about actions that were interrupted in the past such as: "I was watching TV when you telephoned."

sking a Question about a Bill Caller 1: Good afternoon, Northwest Electricity, how may I help you? Caller 2: Good afternoon, this is Robert Tips. I have a question about my electricity bill this month. Caller 1: I'd be happy to help you with that Mr. Tips. Can I have your account number? Caller 2: I'm afraid I don't have that with me. Caller 1: It's no problem. I'll just look your name up in our database. Caller 2: Great. Caller 1: Could you give me your address as well? Caller 2: It's 2368 NW 21st Ave., Vancouver, Washington. Caller 1: Yes, I have your account up on my computer. How may I help you? Caller 2: The last bill I received seemed too high. Caller 1: Yes, I see that it was considerably higher than last year. Did you use more electricity? Caller 2: No, I don't think we used any more electricity than the year before. Caller 1: OK, I'll tell you what I can do. I'll mark this and have a supervisor take a look at the account. Caller 2: Thank you. When can I expect an answer? Caller 1: We should have an answer for you by the end of the week. I'll give you an inquiry number. Caller 2: OK, let me get a pen... OK, I'm ready. Caller 1: It's 3471. Caller 2: That's 3471. Caller 1: Yes, that's correct. Caller 2: Thank you for your help.