1. 1. Greetings 2. Introductions
(informal) William: Great party, don’t you think? Are you
Wendy: Hey, Dave! friends of the host?
Dave: Oh, hi, Wendy. What’s up? Ophelia: Yes, actually. Michael and I are friends
Wendy: Not a whole lot. How are things with from school. I’m Ophelia, and this is my
you? friend Lucas.
Dave: Pretty good. Hey, I’ve got to run, but I’ll William: Pleased to meet you. My name is
talk to you later. William. I’m a friend of Michael’s from
Wendy: Alright, good to see you. work.
Dave: Good to see you, too. Ophelia: Nice to meet you, too. Enjoy the party!
Wendy: Bye. William: You, too.
(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 host – person who invites guests
pretty good – not bad actually – truly, in fact
I’ve got to run – I’m busy now. I have no time to talk. pleased to meet you – I’m happy we met
Good morning – depending on the time of day, people also greet one
another with “good afternoon” and “good evening”

2. 3. Making Plans 4. Talking on the Phone
Brad: Hey, Jennifer, what are you up to tonight? Dustin: Hello?
Jennifer: I have to work until six o’clock, but after Mrs. Robinson: Hi, there. May I please speak with
that I’m free. Why, what’s up? Dustin?
Brad: There’s a new movie out I’d like to see. Dustin: Speaking.
Do you want to go? Mrs. Robinson: This is Mrs. Robinson down the
Jennifer: Sure, what are the show times? street. I was wondering if you
Brad: It’s playing at the downtown cinema at could cut my grass on Saturday. I’d
7:00 and 10:30. pay you twenty dollars.
Jennifer: Well, 7:00 might be cutting it close. Let’s Dustin: I would like to, but I may go to the
go to the late show. lake on Saturday with my dad. Can
Brad: Sounds good. I’ll pick you up at 9:00. I call you back?
Mrs. Robinson: Certainly. Talk to you soon.
Dustin: Goodbye.
Mrs. Robinson: Goodbye.
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 down the street – living on the same street, in a different building
late show – the later time, here 10:30 may – might, maybe
I’ll pick you up – I’ll come to your house and then we’ll go together.

3. 5. Giving Directions 6. Going to the Supermarket
Charlie: Excuse me, I seem to be lost. Can you tell Customer: Excuse me, I’m looking for red
me how to get to the History Museum? cabbage. Can you tell me where to find
Farrah: Sure. First go straight down this street it?
until you reach Angel Street. Take a right Worker: Red cabbage is in the produce section.
and go past the Barrymore Hotel. You’ll That’s aisle two.
see a bus stop on your left. Take the Customer: I looked, but there didn’t seem to be
number three bus to the Cameron Park any.
stop. It will let you off in front of the Worker: Let me ask the produce manager and
museum. check in the back for you.
Charlie: Thanks for your help. Do you know how Customer: I’d appreciate it. Thanks.
much the bus fare is? Worker: No problem.
Farrah: It’s only a dollar. Good luck!
Charlie: Thanks again.
I seem to be lost – I don’t know where I am produce – fruits and vegetables
reach – come to aisle – row of goods in a supermarket
bus stop – place where buses stop to let people on and off there didn’t seem to be any – I couldn’t find any
fare – cost to ride in the back – in storage, where supermarkets keep extra goods
appreciate – be thankful for

4. 7. At the Clothing Store 8. Going to the Bank
Clerk: Can I help you, sir? Teller: Good afternoon, can I help you,
Customer: Yes, I’m looking for a dress shirt and a ma’am?
pair of jeans. Customer: Yes, I’d like to withdraw some money
Clerk: Our menswear section is this way. from my account.
Please follow me. What size are you Teller: Certainly. What is your account
looking for? number?
Customer: Medium shirt and for the jeans, 34 long Customer: 8-6-7-5-3-0-9.
34 waist. Teller: Is that checking or savings?
Clerk: Here you are. Why don’t you try these Customer: Savings.
on? Teller: How much would you like to withdraw?
(five minutes later) Customer: One hundred fifty dollars, please.
Clerk: Does everything fit? Teller: Alright, ma’am. I need to see some
Customer: The shirt fits, but the jeans are too big. I identification. Please sign here. And
must have lost some weight. here is your cash. Thank you, and have
a nice day.
Customer: Thanks, you, too.
sir – polite (formal) greeting for a man ma’am – polite (formal) greeting for a woman
dress shirt – formal shirt, usually worn with a suit withdraw – to take money out of a bank account
pair – with pants or trousers, we say pair; also, pair of socks, pair of checking – account from which you can write checks
shoes, pair of glasses savings – account where you save money
menswear section – part of a clothing store where men’s clothing is identification – ID – passport, driver’s license, or a card with a person’s
34 long, 34 waist – in American sizes, 34 inches long and 34 inches picture and personal information
around the waist

5. 9. At a Flea Market 10. At the Gas Station
Buyer: How much for these skis? Attendant: What will it be today, sir?
Vendor: I’ll sell you those for fifty dollars. Customer: Fill her up with unleaded.
Buyer: That’s awfully expensive. Will you take Attendant: Regular or premium?
thirty? Customer: Regular is fine.
Vendor: I can’t just give them away! How about Attendant: That will be 25 dollars. Cash or
we meet in the middle? Forty dollars. I’ll credit?
even throw in the poles. Customer: Here’s my credit card.
Buyer: Sounds good. You have yourself a deal. Attendant: Alright. All set, sir. Thanks, and come
again.
Customer: Thank you.
Flea Market – large market where used items are sold or traded What will it be – What would you like? What will you buy?
awfully – very much Fill her up – fill my car’s gas tank with gasoline
give them away – sell them for too low a price unleaded – a type of gasoline (different than diesel fuel)
how about – said when making a suggestion, similar to let’s Cash or credit? – Will you pay in paper money or use a credit card?
throw in – give in addition, give as extra All set – finished
You have yourself a deal – Okay, I agree.

6. 11. At the Coffee Shop 12. At a Restaurant
Cashier: Can I help you, ma’am? Waiter: Are you ready to order?
Customer: Yes, I’d like two cups of coffee. Diner: Yes, I’d like to start off with a cup of
Cashier: Small, medium, or large? soup. What is the soup of the day?
Customer: Small, please. Waiter: Tomato.
Cashier: Regular or decaf? Diner: That sounds good. Then I’ll have a
Customer: One regular, one decaf, please. chicken sandwich. Please hold the
Cashier: Okay, that will be $3.79. Out of five? pickles.
Your change is $1.21. Here’s your Waiter: Would you like fries and salad with that?
coffee, and this is the decaf. Thank you. Diner: Yes, please.
Customer: Thank you. 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
decaf – without caffeine start off – begin
out of five – the customer gave the cashier $5.00 to pay soup of the day – often, restaurants have a different soup every day
change – when the customer pays more than the price, this money is hold the pickles – do not put pickles on my sandwich
returned to the customer fries – French fried potatoes
out – out of the kitchen and ready for you to eat

7. 13. Table Manners 14. Describing a Good Friend
Mom: What did you make for dinner, honey? Gwen: Have you ever met my friend George?
Dad: Well, we have roast beef, mashed potatoes, Gavin: No, I don’t think so. What does he look
salad, and corn on the cob. like again?
Brother: Smells good, Dad. Let’s eat. Gwen: He has short, curly, black hair. He’s tall
Sister: Can you please pass the potatoes? and thin and always wears a jean jacket.
Mom: Sure, here you go, sweetie. Gavin: Doesn’t ring a bell. I don’t think I’ve met
Dad: Can I cut you a slice of roast beef, son? him. What is he like?
Brother: That’d be great, Dad. Gwen: He’s really talkative, friendly, and smart.
Sister: Oops! I forgot to wash my hands. Excuse He’s a journalist, and he likes to write.
me, I’ll be right back. Gavin: Sounds like a nice guy.
Mom: Everything tastes great, honey. Thanks for Gwen: Yeah, he’s a good friend of mine.
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 again – remind me
Oops! – word of forgetfulness or for when a person makes a mistake Doesn’t ring a bell – I don’t remember anyone/anything like that.
I’ll be right back – I’m going but will return very soon. Yeah – yes

8. 15. Someone is Sad 16. Someone is Excited
Belle: What’s wrong? Why are you crying? Alvin: What happened? Why are you so happy
Sebastian: I just got a call from my uncle. My today?
grandmother has passed away. Simon: I just came from the hospital. My wife just
Belle: Oh no! That’s horrible! I’m so sorry. gave birth to our first child. It’s a boy! I’m
Sebastian: Thanks for your sympathy. Although she a father!
was old, it was very unexpected. Alvin: That’s great news. Congratulations!
Belle: Well, if you need anything, please let me What’s his name?
know. Simon: Theodore David.
Sebastian: I will, thanks. Alvin: Wonderful. Give my best to the new
mom.
Simon: Will do.
call – to talk on the telephone
passed away – died Give my best – send my greetings
let me know – tell me Will do – I will do that.

9. 17. Someone is Angry 18. Fixing Dinner
Wife: What’s wrong, honey? Son: Hey, Mom, what’s for dinner?
Husband: I’m so angry! Today at work, that brown- Mom: Chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and
noser Atkins got a promotion, while I’ve carrots. Can you give me a hand?
been working hard for seven years and am Son: Sure, how can I help?
yet to see even a raise. Mom: Well, start peeling carrots. When you finish,
Wife: That’s crazy! You must be so frustrated. mash the potatoes in the big pot.
Husband: Believe me, I am. Son: No problem. Should I chop the carrots after I
Wife: Oh, dear. Try not to let it get you down peel them?
too much. Mom: That would be great, dear.
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 give me a hand – help me
crazy – unbelievable, strange, or difficult that would be great – yes, please
get you down – make you sad

10. 19. A Family Squabble 20. At the Doctor’s Office
Marcia: Mom! Peter took my new notebook, and Receptionist: Can I help you?
he won’t give it back! Patient: Yes, I have a terrible headache and a
Peter: Did not! stomachache. I would like to see the
Marcia: Did too! doctor.
Mom: Now, Peter, it isn’t nice to take your Receptionist: Do you have an appointment,
sister’s belongings without asking. Please ma’am?
give it back and apologize. Patient: No, I’m afraid I don’t.
Peter: But she started it! Receptionist: Let me speak with the doctor. Maybe
Marcia: Did not! we can squeeze you in before lunch.
Peter: Did too! Patient: Thank you, that would be great.
Squabble – argument appointment – time for a meeting with someone
give it back – return it to me I’m afraid – I’m sorry, but it appears
started it – began the argument squeeze you in – change the schedule to find a time for an appointment

11. 21. At the Dentist 22. At the Pharmacy
Smith: Good morning, I have a 9:30 Pharmacist: Hi, can I help you?
appointment with Dr. Morrisey. Ted: Yes, I’m here to pick up a
Receptionist: And your name, sir? prescription.
Smith: John Smith. Pharmacist: And your name is?
Receptionist: Alright, and you’re here to have a Ted: Ted Leo. I believe my doctor’s office
cavity filled, correct? called it in.
Smith: That’s right. Pharmacist: Mmmhmmm, here it is. Your total is
Receptionist: Has your insurance information $15.52. Please pay at the cashier’s
changed since your last visit? desk.
Smith: No, I’m still with Vicar Insurance. Ted: Thanks.
Receptionist: Okay, please fill out this form, and the
doctor will be with you shortly.
Dr. – doctor pick up – get, take
cavity filled – to fix and fill a hole in a person’s tooth And your name is? – What is your name?
visit – appointment called it in – telephoned the pharmacy to prepare the medicine
shortly – soon

12. 23. At the Post Office 24. Ordering the Newspaper
Postal worker: Hi, how can I help you? (ring ring ring)
Ben: I’d like to send this package. Receptionist: Good morning, Metropolis Daily
Postal worker: Air mail or surface? News, how can I help you?
Ben: Air mail. I would like it to get there Lois: Hello, I’d like to subscribe to the
as soon as possible. newspaper.
Postal worker: Our fastest is two to three day air Receptionist: May I have your name and address,
mail. ma’am?
Ben: That’s fine. Lois: Of course. Lois Lane, 77 Kent
Postal worker: Okay, that comes to $27.55. Street, Apartment C, Metropolis
Anything else, sir? 54321.
Ben: Yes, can you add a roll of stamps to Receptionist: An annual subscription is $40.00.
that? 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
surface – by land or water (car, truck, train, or boat) Metropolis – town or city name (usually followed by a state name)
get there – arrive 54321 – zip code, postal code; every US town or neighborhood has a
comes to – total cost is different five-number code
roll of stamps – many stamps annual – yearly, for one year
bill me – send me the price by mail and I will pay

13. 25. Buying a Cellular Phone 26. Watching Television
Salesperson: Good afternoon, can I help you? DJ: Let’s watch the nature channel. Maybe that
Simon: Yes, I’d like to buy a cell phone. What show Amazing Animals is on.
is your least expensive model? Jesse: Nah, I’d rather watch the basketball game.
Salesperson: That would be the Fokia 22. It is DJ: Well, you have the remote control. You
$89.90. choose.
Simon: I’ll take it. I’ll also be needing a year Jesse: I can’t find any basketball. After I watch the
of service and 100 minutes a month. news, you can watch whatever you want.
Salesperson: That plan costs $26.99 per month. DJ: Sounds fair. My favorite shows don’t come
Your total for today, with tax, comes on until later anyway.
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 show – program on television
a year of service – service for one full year on – now showing
a month – every month, also per month nah – no
activate – begin service Sounds fair. – I agree. No problem.
right away – without delay, very soon

14. 27. The Internet 28. Getting Something Repaired
Steve: Hey, Kate, did you check out my webpage? Technician: Hi, can I help you?
Kate: Yeah, it was great. I loved your blogs about Carrie: Yes, my laptop is broken. I’m not sure
traveling through Europe. if there’s a problem with the battery or
Steve: If you ever need to get ahold of me, just send if it’s something more serious.
me an email. My address is Technician: Uh huh, and when did you first have
SteveO@mail.com. problems with it?
Kate: Okay, I will. Do you know of any good Carrie: Last week when I was at work, the
shopping websites? screen went blank and the computer
Steve: Yeah, you can try buystuff.com or shut down.
superdeal.com. They’re both pretty good. 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.
check out – look at, inspect laptop – small computer you can carry
blogs – diary or journal on the internet uh huh – okay
get ahold of – contact shut down – turned off
SteveO@mail.com – spoken as “Steve O at mail dot com” have a look at – check, inspect

15. 29. Going on a Hike 30. At the Airport
Alexia: Beautiful day for a hike, don’t you think? Clerk: Good afternoon, sir. What is your
Roberto: Yeah, the weather is just perfect. Not too destination today?
hot and not a cloud in the sky. Traveler: I will be flying into Denver.
Alexia: I can’t believe how gorgeous the flowers Clerk: Alright, and what is your name, please?
are this spring. They’re everywhere – Traveler: My name is Lance Bass.
sunflowers, roses, marigolds … Clerk: Yes, here you are. You are scheduled to
Roberto: Hey, Alexia, hurry up and come check out fly from Miami to Denver with a two-hour
this view! layover in Houston. Is that correct?
Alexia: Wow! The mountains are so beautiful, and Traveler: Yes, that’s correct.
the trees are full of buds and leaves. Clerk: Any luggage to check?
Roberto: I wish I had brought my camera to take a Traveler: Nope.
picture of this. Clerk: Can I please see a piece of identification so
Alexia: Me too. I’m glad we decided to take a hike I can issue your ticket?
today. 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
check out – look at boarding pass – ticket to get on the plane
Wow! – word of surprise or wonder Gate A3, Terminal 2 – gate, where the plane waits; terminal, large part
of the airport

16. 31. Discussing Travel 32. At the Train Station
Jake: Hey, Elizabeth, I was thinking about Cashier: Can I help you, ma’am?
going to Europe this summer. Have you Traveler: Yes, I’d like to go to Philadelphia today.
ever been to Europe? Cashier: Okay. There are three trains – morning,
Elizabeth: I’ve only been to France. It was great. afternoon, and night. The 8:00 AM train
Have you seen pictures of the Eiffel has already departed, so would you like to
Tower? take the afternoon or night train?
Jake: Of course I’ve seen pictures of it! Traveler: The afternoon train. What time does it
Elizabeth: Well, pictures don’t do it justice, it’s so leave?
beautiful. Have you ever eaten French Cashier: It leaves at 3:30 PM from Track #9.
bread and cheese while overlooking the Traveler: How much for a ticket ?
Seine? Cashier: $20.00 for coach, $45.00 for first class.
Jake: No, I haven’t. I’ve never been to Europe. Traveler: I’ll take one coach ticket, please. Here is
Elizabeth: Well, if you go, you should definitely do $20.00.
that. And eat a crepe. Have you ever Cashier: And here’s your ticket. Again, your train
ridden in a plane before? departs from Track #9 at 3:30. You are in
Jake: No, I haven’t. This will be my first time. Car #5, Seat 2B. Enjoy your trip.
Elizabeth: It’s a long flight, but it’s worth it. Traveler: Thanks.
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 Philadelphia – a US city in the state of Pennsylvania
the Seine – river in Paris coach – cheaper seats
should definitely do that – I recommend or advise you to do it first class – expensive seats
crepe – flat pastry car – trains have many cars
worth it – valuable, enjoyable although it takes a long time to get there seat – chair number
looking forward to – excited about

17. 33. Rumors 34. Holiday Plans
Mary: Hey, John, did you hear that Nick and Jessica Ruth: Winter break starts tomorrow. What are
broke up? you going to do for the holidays?
John: No, I didn’t hear that. But I did see Jessica at Andrew: I am going to my grandparents’ for
a club dancing with some guy who definitely Christmas. We are going Christmas tree
wasn’t Nick. shopping this weekend. What about you?
Mary: Really? I guess she’s already dating other What are you going to do for the holidays?
people. Ruth: I’ll stay at home with my family and
John: Why did they break up? celebrate Hanukkah.
Mary: I heard that Nick wanted to get married and Andrew: Are you going to buy a Christmas tree?
Jessica didn’t. Ruth: No, we don’t use trees to celebrate
John: Oh, man. He must be heartbroken. Hanukkah. We light a candle every night
Mary: There are plenty of fish in the sea. for eight days. We also exchange gifts
Including me! every night and eat lots of food.
John: Now I seem to remember hearing you had a Andrew: We exchange gifts, too, but only on
crush on Nick at one point. Christmas Day. We will have a big dinner
Mary: Maybe … 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.
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 Winter break – winter holiday
or girlfriends for a person in the world. Christmas – Christian holiday celebrated on December 25th
crush – to like a person Hanukkah – Jewish holiday celebrated for a week in the winter
at one point – one time in the past exchange – give and receive

18. 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