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autoeval-eval-bazzhangz__sumdataset-bazzhangz__sumdataset-18687b-2355774138

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Evaluation on the Hub 34

train_3695

#Person1#: Next please! Hello sir, may I see your passport please? #Person2#: Yes, here you go. #Person1#: Will you be checking any bags today. #Person2#: Yes, I'd like to check three pieces. #Person1#: I'm sorry, sir. Airline policy allows only two pieces of checked luggage, at twenty kilograms each, plus one piece of carry-on luggage. I will have to charge you extra for the additional suitcase. #Person2#: What? Why! I am taking an intercontinental flight! I'm flying sixteen thousand kms! How am I supposed to only take two, twenty kilo bags? That's absurd! #Person1#: I am sorry, sir, there's nothing I can do. You cannot board the flight with that large bag either. Carry-on bags must fit in the over-head compartment or under your seat. That bag is clearly too big. #Person2#: Now I see. You charge next to nothing for an international ticket, but when it comes to charging for any other small thing, you charge an arm and a leg! So tell me, miss, how much will I have to pay for all of this. #Person1#: Let's see. . . six hundred and twenty-five US dollars. #Person2#: That's more than my round-trip ticket!

#Person2# checks three pieces of luggage and #Person1# tells him only two pieces of checked luggage are allowed. #Person2# is angry about the extra charge of an additional suitcase and the cost is more than #Person2#'s round-trip ticket.

luggage checking

train_11838

#Person1#: We are doing Secret Santa at the office again this year. #Person2#: Whose name did you pick? #Person1#: I got Jacob. Any ideas what to get him? #Person2#: Booze! #Person1#: Yeah, you ' re right. Can ' t go wrong with that.

#Person2# suggests #Person1# give Booze to Jacob.

Secret Santa

train_4335

#Person1#: Hey! A real cook gets down and dirty. Besides, I think I look good covered in baking mix. . . #Person2#: What concoction are you making? #Person1#: Well, your making cinnamon toast inspired me to go out and buy a waffle maker. #Person2#: Awesome! I'm in heaven. Let me help. They're so easy. #Person1#: I know. You just add milk, eggs and a little oil to the baking mix and stir. . . #Person2#: And then you just pour the batter into the waffle iron. . .

#Person1# is inspired by #Person2# to cook and #Person2# teaches #Person1# how to make waffles.

bakery

train_1941

#Person1#: What seems to be the problem? #Person2#: Your secretary seems to think she is being harassed. #Person1#: What? You've got to be kidding me! #Person2#: I wish I were, but i am deadly serious. She said you invited her to dinner last week. #Person1#: Of course I did. As recognition for a job well done. Once a month I invite the most productive employee to dinner. #Person2#: Well, there is no problem there. But she seemed to think that you were angry when she refused, and that your motives are personal and not professional. #Person1#: I think she's misinterpreted my intentions. What happens now? #Person2#: Our harassment policy requires that we have a meeting with the HR manager and Miss Brown. It's quite serious. You could be reprimanded, or even fired if we find evidence that you were pressuring #Person1#: I understand that. But I hope that we can get to the bottom fo this and show Miss Brown that she misunderstood my reaction. #Person2#: That's the purpose of the meeting. Sometimes a mediated conversation will straighten things out, and a little discussion and apology can calm the waters.

#Person2# tells #Person1# #Person1#'s secretary, Miss Brown, thinks she is being harassed by #Person1#. #Person1# thinks Miss Brown misinterpreted #Person1#'s intentions. #Person2# says a meeting will be held to see whether #Person1# needs to be reprimanded or not.

sexual harassment

train_4840

#Person1#: Are you having a party? #Person2#: Yes, I am throwing a party for my cousin Sheila. #Person1#: That sounds fun. Is it her birthday? #Person2#: No, she's graduating from nursing school. The family is very proud of her. #Person1#: That's wonderful. Does she live here in Houston? #Person2#: No, she lives in Dallas. But she will be moving to New York next year after she gets married.

#Person1# and #Person2# talk about #Person2#'s cousin Sheila who is graduating from nursing school.

talk about Sheila

train_11667

#Person1#: Excuse me for being late to work. #Person2#: Where have you been? #Person1#: My car broke down. #Person2#: That's too bad. Please try to fix it so that it doesn't happen again. #Person1#: Yes, I'll work on it. #Person2#: Thank you, have a seat. We are working on the new project #Person1#: Great! Fill me in. #Person2#: Let's take a look at the Campbell Project. #Person1#: I don't understand the projected revenues. #Person2#: Let's take another look at it for those of you who don't understand.

#Person1# is late for the meeting because of the broken car. #Person2# fills #Person1# in.

new project

train_8262

#Person1#: Hey, Joy. I like Jimi Hendrix more than the Beatles. #Person2#: Jimi Hendrix was a great guitar player. But I think the Beatles were better than Hendrix. #Person1#: Why do you think so? #Person2#: They had great lyrics and great songs. It's a big band, Billy. #Person1#: But I still love Hendrix more than the Beatles. #Person2#: It seems that you are a big guitar fan, Billy.

Billy likes Jimi Hendrix more than the Beatles while Joy thinks the opposite.

musician discussion

train_5472

#Person1#: I'm going to the bank. #Person2#: What do you need to do? #Person1#: I need to withdraw some money. #Person2#: How are you going to do that? #Person1#: I'll just use the ATM. #Person2#: What's that? #Person1#: It's the Automatic Teller Machine. #Person2#: It gives you money? #Person1#: I just insert my debit card into the machine. #Person2#: And it gives you money? #Person1#: Well, it gives me money, but it's my own money. #Person2#: Oh. What good is that? I thought it gave you free money.

#Person1# needs to withdraw some money from the ATM and introduces the ATM to #Person2#.

the ATM

train_2907

#Person1#: Have we agreed where we're going to meet John on Sunday? #Person2#: Well, I talked to the others and nobody seemed to have any idea where they wanted to go. #Person1#: I thought we were going to that restaurant.., what was it? #Person2#: ... the McDonald's at the end of Beijing Road--I suggested it a long time ago. #Person1#: Well--I think we should agree on that. #Person2#: OK, shall I phone the others now? #Person1#: No, thanks. It is better for me to do that!

#Person1# and #Person2# agree to meet John at a McDonald's. #Person1# will phone the others.

meet at McDonald's

train_10145

#Person1#: So, Fred, what are your plans for after graduation? #Person2#: Well, I've already got a job waiting for me back in my hometown. #Person1#: That's cool. Have you already found an apartment to live in? #Person2#: I'm planning on living with my parents. Won't you? #Person1#: I couldn't even if I wanted to. My parents told me that if I went home, then I'd have to find my own place. #Person2#: You mean they're kicking you out? #Person1#: Not really, they just don't want me living at home. My older sister did that, and she lived at home for seven years. Once she started living at home, it got harder and harder for her to move out. #Person2#: Well, it's not like my parents want me to live at home the rest of my life. They said that it's ok if I move back home to begin with, but they want me to find a place of my own after a year or so. #Person1#: My parents just didn't handle my older sister very well, and because of that, they want me to be more independent. They think that it's important that I should learn how to live on my own. #Person2#: I know I need to learn that myself, but I just don't have the money for it at the moment. Living at home allows me to save up some money before I started finding a place.

Fred has got a job in his hometown and is planning on living with his parents. #Person1#'s parents don't want #Person1# living at home. They want #Person1# to be more independent. Fred thinks he needs to learn to live on his own too but he doesn't have the money.

live alone

train_3929

#Person1#: How may I help you? #Person2#: Hi, I would like to rent a car. #Person1#: Sure, did you make a reservation? #Person2#: No, I decided to rent one when I got off the plane just now. Is that OK? #Person1#: Of course. I was just checking. So how many days do you need the car for? #Person2#: Can I just do 4 days for now and make the rent longer through a phone call later? #Person1#: In that case, I suggest you go for 7 days, which will give you a 20% discount. And if you choose to return the car after 5 days, you can get the rest of your money back. #Person2#: OK, I will do that. Can I return the car at the train station? #Person1#: Yes, you can.

#Person1# wants to rent a car without a reservation, and #Person2# suggests #Person1# rent a car for 7 days with a discount.

renting a car

train_7351

#Person1#: Hello, Helen. #Person2#: Hi, Steven. #Person1#: How are you today? #Person2#: I'm very well, Thank you. And you? #Person1#: I'm fine, thanks. How is Tony? #Person2#: He's fine, Thanks. How's Emma? #Person1#: She's very well, too, Helen. Goodbye, Helen. Nice to see you. #Person2#: Nice to see you, too, Steven. Goodbye.

Helen and Steven greet each other and the people they know.

greet each other

train_6169

#Person1#: What happened? #Person2#: That's it, my lease is up. I have to move. #Person1#: What? Why? Can't you renew it? #Person2#: The owner apparently is selling this place to make way for the construction of a parking lot. #Person1#: Well, I can help you pack. We should start looking for a new place for you ASAP. #Person2#: I think I might move in with my parents for a couple of months until I can find something. You know how hard it is to find a decent place around here. I'm gonna have to put most of my stuff in storage for a while. #Person1#: Well, let me know if there's anything I can do to help out. #Person2#: Actually, would you mind looking after my pet tarantula and snake for a couple of weeks?

#Person2# has to move because the owner is selling the place. #Person2# decides to move in with #Person2#'s parents and asks #Person1# to look after #Person2#'s pet tarantula and snake.

move

train_11306

#Person1#: Hi Mrs. Marten, Guess what? I've decided that I want to play a sport. I'm thinking about joining one of the teams at school. #Person2#: That's a great idea Joe, which sport do you want to play? #Person1#: I'm not sure, which one I'd be good at. I can run really fast, but I'm not very good at throwing or catching a ball. #Person2#: Um, well, you probably shouldn't play baseball or football then, and you wouldn't be very good at basketball either. #Person1#: Is there a swim team? Maybe I'd be better at that. #Person2#: We were supposed to have a swim team this year. But we didn't get enough money. I'm sorry Joe. #Person1#: Oh well, I guess I can find something else to do. Thanks for your advice. #Person2#: No problem, maybe we can look at the different clubs on campus you could join instead. Can you come back to see me after class? I'll be in the school volunteers office.

Joe tells Mrs. Marten that he wants to join a sports team but he is not good at throwing or catching a ball, so he wants to join a swim team but the school doesn't have it.

sport team

train_10288

#Person1#: Waiter, a menu please! #Person2#: Here you are. #Person1#: Thank you. Could you tell me the specials today? #Person2#: The special today is fried chicken, and beef is good too. #Person1#: Ok, let's think about it for a minute. #Person2#: Well, I'll be back in a minute.

#Person1# asks the waiter for a menu and today's specials.

restaurant service

train_3209

#Person1#: Did you get to talk to the Browns about their trip to Venezuela? #Person2#: Oh, yes. They said they had a great time. #Person1#: What did they say the weather was like? #Person2#: They said it was extremely cool. They suggested that we take some warm clothes. #Person1#: Uh. Did you ask how the hotels were? #Person2#: It seems they're excellent, and not expensive. #Person1#: Yeah, that's what I've heard. Did they say if they had any language problem? #Person2#: Sometimes. They told me that hardly anybody speaks English except the people in the hotels, but the staff of the hotels are helpful and friendly. #Person1#: Well, that's good. And did they buy much while they were there? #Person2#: No. They advised us not to buy clothes. They're much more expensive than in the States. But they told me you could get gold jewelry for very little.

#Person2# tells #Person1# the Browns had a great time in Venezuela. It was cool. The hotels are excellent and not expensive. The staff is helpful and friendly. They suggest getting gold jewelry there.

trip to Venezuela

train_249

#Person1#: I would like to make an offer on this house, but I don't know much about the process. #Person2#: As your realtor, I am here to take care of this process. How much were you planning on offering? #Person1#: I really like the house and will pay the full asking price of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. #Person2#: We want to leave ourselves some bargaining room. Let's offer three hundred and twenty thousand dollars. #Person1#: That sounds good, but I don't want this house to get away from me. #Person2#: The market is fairly down right now, so the offer is a realistic one. #Person1#: When will we know if they accept the offer? #Person2#: The owners usually respond to an offer within a few days. #Person1#: Should I be contacting my bank in the meantime? #Person2#: You are already pre-qualified for your loan, so you are in good shape.

#Person1# follows #Person1#'s realtor's advice and offers a price lower than the full asking price of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars on a house that #Person1# really likes.

make house offer

train_11874

#Person1#: Alice, your father is amazing. He's 90 years old and he lives alone in that big house. #Person2#: I know. He doesn't like to ask anyone for help. My dad insists on paying his own bills and taking care of himself! #Person1#: That sounds like my Grandmother. She was always stubbornly independent. #Person2#: It seems that folks like my father and your grandmother are determined to be on their own. #Person1#: They see their independence as a kind of character strength. #Person2#: Sometimes they are too independent.

#Person1# and Alice think #Person1#'s grandmother and Alice's father are stubbornly independent.

independent life

train_1609

#Person1#: Could I see that automatic camera? #Person2#: Of course. This camera is easy to operate. #Person1#: Where is it made? #Person2#: It's made in China. #Person1#: Is it expensive? #Person2#: Not very expensive. #Person1#: I'll take this one. #Person2#: OK. Do you want any film? #Person1#: Yes, give me two rolls of Kodak color film. #Person2#: Here you are.

#Person2# introduces the automatic camera to #Person1# and #Person1# will buy the camera and some films.

automatic camera

train_7212

#Person1#: Mm. . . How do I get this ticket machine to work? #Person2#: Well first put your money in. #Person1#: Ok, I'Ve done that. #Person2#: Then just press this button. #Person1#: Oh it's printed the ticket already. Thank you very much. #Person2#: You're welcome.

#Person2# tells #Person1# how to use the ticket machine.

Ticket machine

train_8072

#Person1#: We have made some adjustment on the prices. And this is renewed price list. #Person2#: Thank you for allowing us 3 % reduction, but still we find your price is on the high side. #Person1#: This is our rock-bottom price, and we can't make any further reduction. #Person2#: If so, we find it difficult for us to go on with our talks. #Person1#: Then what ' s your counter-offer? #Person2#: This is our counter-offer. #Person1#: We are sincere to make business with you, but the difference between your counter-offer and our price is too great. #Person2#: So are we. Our counter-offer is in line with the world market. #Person1#: How about meeting each other half-way in order to conclude the business? #Person2#: Agreed.

#Person1#'s price and #Person2#'s counter-offer have a great difference. They agree to meet each other half-way to conclude the business.

make an agreement

train_1619

#Person1#: What are you reading, Bill? #Person2#: It's this week New Scientist. Why? #Person1#: I was just wondering. It looks interesting. But I've never actually read myself. It's for real scientists, or can ordinary people like me understand it? #Person2#: Always for anyone, really. It usually has articles or stories about current affairs about science, as well as papers about new development in research. I'm reading about new telephone that allows you to see the person you are speaking to as well as see him. #Person1#: Oh, I heard about it. Is it on the market yet? Can I buy one? #Person2#: No. Not this one. But the company has made other models to try on business. This one is special because its color and image is moving. #Person1#: Oh, that's interesting. #Person2#: You see the first video phones. That's what they are called. They made in Japan. But they can only show still black and white image. So this video phone is much better than that. Mind you, I'm not sure I want one, would you? #Person1#: Well, no, I don't think a word. I bet it costs a lot of money. Did it say how much it costs? #Person2#: Yes. The yearly black and white one costs several hundreds pounds. But one in the story is about to cost several thousands pounds. #Person1#: Hmm, what does anybody want one, do you think? #Person2#: Business organizations that need frequent contact overseas want it. It's like a face-to-face conversation, so maybe a lot of overseas travels can be avoided. #Person1#: Yes, I suppose so.

Bill is reading New Scientist and introduces it to #Person1# that everyone can understand it. Bill tells that this one is special because its color and image are moving so #Person1# cannot buy it on market. Then they discuss the first video phones about the price and who wants it.

New Scientist

train_7436

#Person1#: Okay, well I ' m sure you have a number of questions to ask me regarding the position. #Person2#: Yes, well Miss Childs did give mean overview of the position over the phone, but there were some details I ' d like to clarify. #Person1#: Well feel free to ask me anything, and I ' ll try to fill in the details. #Person2#: Could I first ask about the remuneration package? #Person1#: Yes, of course. That ' s quite an important point, isn ' t it? As a junior sub editor we offer a starting salary of 150, 000 HK dollars per annum. This doesn ' t include a generous housing allowance also. #Person2#: I understand. And are there other bonuses included? #Person1#: Well, apart from full health insurance we do offer a company staff bonus scheme linked to readership numbers. But we could go through all the details of that at a later date. #Person2#: Well, Mr. Parsons, I am flexible when it comes to salary. The opportunity to work in Hong Kong for you is the most important thing for me. #Person1#: Excellent. Well, what other questions do you have Rebecca?

Rebecca wants to clarify some details regarding the job. Mr. Parsons tells Rebecca about the remuneration package, bonuses included, and salary.

details regarding the job

train_2832

#Person1#: I'm happy to hear about your friend's wedding, sir. For your jacket, would you like a more traditional 3 button or a modern 2 button? #Person2#: Let's go with the 2 button. I'm not as slim as I used to be, you know. #Person1#: No problem, sir. And for your white shirt, would you like your shirt to show past your jacket sleeves, if so we'll have to adjust the sleeve length of the jacket by 1/2 of an inch. #Person2#: Sure, let's do that. I think it makes me look more modern. #Person1#: I completely agree and at least this will work for anniversary parties and business events as well.

#Person2# chooses a modern 2 button design for the jacket and prefers the shirt to show past the jacket sleeves.

custom-made suits

train_8528

#Person1#: Peter, it's time to go home now! Hurry up! #Person2#: Ten more minutes, mom. Please! #Person1#: Honey, it's almost noon. We have to go home and make lunch for your sister. #Person2#: I bet she will hang around with her mates after school. #Person1#: Peter, it's a quarter to twelve. Let's go home now!

Peter's mom hurries Peter to go home.

family

train_435

#Person1#: Good morning. I'm from the New York book review. Could I ask you some questions about your latest book? #Person2#: Sure. Take a seat... what would you like to know? #Person1#: First, I've heard that your latest book is based on a true story. #Person2#: That's correct. It's a murder mystery based on actual murders that book place in Florida several years ago. The main character-the police invesigator-is based on the man who investigated the case. #Person1#: How do you research your books? #Person2#: I always visit the places that I use as setting for stories. Readers like things to be as factually correct as possible-even in fiction! I usually base my characters on people I have met. Most character are a mixture of the characters of two or more people. #Person1#: I really like your books. I've just finished this one. I read it from cover to cover in a single day. Congratulation on making the bestseller list yet again! #Person2#: Thank you. Let met sign it for you ... there you go. #Person1#: Oh! Thank you very much. I heard that you are currently writing a collection of short stories. What are the stories about? #Person2#: There's a real mix of stories in the book. I haven't finished all of them yet, though. Many of them are short detective stories, but there are also horror stories and sci-fi ones. If you give me your business card, I'll make sure you get an advance copy to review. #Person1#: Thanks very much. I'm sure it will sell well. I can't wait to read it. Here's my card. Thank you for you time.

#Person1# interviews #Person2# and asks #Person2# some questions about #Person2#'s latest book. #Person2# tells #Person1# how #Person2# researched the books and the story background. #Person2#'s writing a collection of short stories, and many of them are short detective stories. #Person1# can't wait to read it.

interview

train_5307

#Person1#: Peter, where have you been? #Person2#: I've been play Pac Man in the student union. #Person1#: Oh, you're wasting your time on computer games again! #Person2#: Not really, Mary. I've been busy this week and I need a break. #Person1#: Why don't you buy a computer and some of those games? Then you can play at home. Home computers are getting cheaper. #Person2#: How do you know that? #Person1#: I've been thinking of buying a home computer too.

Peter has been playing Pac Man in the student union. Mary suggests Peter buy a home computer.

home cumputer

train_5706

#Person1#: Sir, the plane will be landing in Moscow in 20 minutes. Please remain seated. #Person2#: I'm sorry. I just wanted to get something to drink. I'm so thirsty. Can you bring me a glass of water? #Person1#: Sure, I'll be back with it in just a minute. Please wait for a moment. #Person2#: Thank you very much. By the way, what's the weather like in Moscow now? #Person1#: It's very cold. You should probably put on your coat before you get off the plane. #Person2#: Thanks for reminding me. #Person1#: You're welcome.

#Person1# will get #Person2# some water and tells #Person2# it's cold in Moscow now.

flight service

train_5107

#Person1#: Excuse me. Could you give me some directions? #Person2#: What are you looking for? #Person1#: A gas station. My car ran out of gas two blocks back. #Person2#: Walk straight ahead until you come to the second traffic light. Then turn right. #Person1#: Do you know the name of the street? #Person2#: I can't remember, but it's the second light. #Person1#: By the way, do you know the price of the gas now? #Person2#: I'm afraid I don't. But I do know the price has gone up. #Person1#: Thanks a lot.

#Person2# points out the way to the gas station for #Person1# and knows the price has gone up.

the gas station

train_737

#Person1#: So, how's your work? #Person2#: Good. How about you? #Person1#: I am going to resign. A few of the new staff have already left. Obviously, a lot of similar jobs pay much better salaries. #Person2#: But your company is huge. Can't they afford to pay the staff decent wages. #Person1#: But we have a policy of paying according to seniority in the company, so new employees get quite low salary, no matter how excellent they have done. #Person2#: That's shortsighted. By the time the workers are experienced and contributing. They are likely to go. #Person1#: That's why I am going to leave. #Person2#: But you have already worked there for five years. #Person1#: I am worried about my future. I can't believe that our company is as big as it is. The company can only continue to grow by taking care of its staff. #Person2#: Well. The management doesn't seem to think that way. Anyways, you have to think twice before you act. #Person1#: Thank you. I will.

#Person1# talks about the plan to resign because of the low salary and #Person1#'s worry about the future. #Person2# suggests #Person1# should think twice before the act.

resign

train_1279

#Person1#: Would you like to order now? #Person2#: This all looks good! I think we know what we want. #Person1#: Please let me point out the chef's special, which is blackened catfish. #Person2#: I am dieting, so could the chef prepare the food with no extra sauce? #Person1#: We are always happy to adjust our cooking to meet your needs. #Person2#: Could you tell me if there are any entrees that are vegetarian? #Person1#: The cashew broccoli noodles or the cheese and veggie enchiladas would be an excellent choice. #Person2#: I am going to go with the grilled shrimp with garlic sauce. I would like the garlic sauce on the side. #Person1#: Would you like your salad brought to you with your entree, or would you like it served now? #Person2#: You can serve our salads with our dinner.

#Person2# is dieting and wants vegetarian entrees. #Person1# gives some recommendations and will serve #Person2#'s salad with #Person2#'s dinner.

order food

train_9077

#Person1#: Hi, what're you reading? #Person2#: An old book Death on the Nile. Have you read it? #Person1#: Not yet, but I saw the movie. Could I borrow it when you finish reading? #Person2#: Sure. But you need to be patient.

#Person1# wants to borrow the book that #Person2# is reading.

reading

train_3118

#Person1#: What am I supposed to do with this plastic cup? #Person2#: That cup is for a urine sample. #Person1#: How, exactly, does this work? #Person2#: This particular test calls for you to urinate into the cup after you have urinated a little into the toilet. #Person1#: When I finish, what should I do then? #Person2#: You need to leave the cup in the cubby in the restroom, and the lab tech will get it from the other side. #Person1#: What is my doctor testing me for? #Person2#: If there are bacteria in your urine, it could mean an infection somewhere. #Person1#: Will I know the results right away? #Person2#: Your doctor will be contacting you with the results.

#Person2# tells #Person1# about how to use the plastic cup for a urine sample and what the doctor is testing #Person1# for.

test sampling

train_10521

#Person1#: Hello, Susan. #Person2#: Macman Dossor, my favorite customer. How are you? #Person1#: I'm fine. I heard you weren't well. #Person2#: Well, I was away for a couple of weeks. But I am fine now. Er, you were going to the States, weren't you? #Person1#: Well, I didn't make it. What I've been doing is reorganizing the whole department nonstop since I saw you, and I just haven't had a moment to myself. This is the first time I've been in here since Christmas. #Person2#: Well, it's good to see you again. Are you ready to order?

Macman Dossor, Susan's favorite customer, comes to Susan's restaurant. They talk about how they've been recently.

at the restaurant

train_7296

#Person1#: What qualities do you think a senior executive should possess? #Person2#: Generally speaking, he needs creativity, the ability to communicate, sense of personal responsibilities, the ability to solve problems and so on. #Person1#: Do you have all these qualities? #Person2#: Yes, I have all of them. I am totally competent to be a senior executive.

#Person2# tells #Person1# that #Person2# has all of the qualities of a senior executive.

qualities

train_915

#Person1#: How long have you played the piano? You're great. #Person2#: Thanks, I've been playing since I was 9 and now I'm 17. I have to practice for 2 hours every day, but I love it. #Person1#: That's good. Since you do it so much, I wouldn't be able to sit still that long. Why do you like it? #Person2#: Well, now that I have more experience I write my own music. I feel creative and I enjoy making people happy as they listen to me. #Person1#: That's cool. I feel that way when I play soccer. When I play I feel good about using my skills and people like to watch me, you know what I mean? #Person2#: Exactly.

#Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2#'s been playing the piano since the age 9 and #Person2# feels good when playing. #Person1# says #Person1# feels the same way when playing soccer.

play the piano

train_466

#Person1#: Can I help you, madam? #Person2#: Yes, I'm looking for a cap. Size 16. #Person1#: Would you like to try this one on? #Person2#: Yes. It's a bit tight. Have you got a bigger one? #Person1#: All right. How about this one? #Person2#: Yes, that's fine. I'll take it. Can I pay by check? #Person1#: Of course, madam.

#Person2# purchases a suitable cap by check with #Person2#'s help.

Buying cap

train_5712

#Person1#: Good afternoon, what flights do you have from London to Paris? #Person2#: We have two direct flights. Would you like a morning one or an afternoon one? #Person1#: The morning one, please. I want to go coach. #Person2#: Single or return? #Person1#: Single please.

#Person2# helps #Person1# order a single direct flight to Paris.

booking flight

train_2629

#Person1#: What shall we do this weekend? #Person2#: Do you have something special in mind? #Person1#: No. not really. I just thought it might be fun to do something new. #Person2#: Do something for a change, you mean? #Person1#: Yes, something different. #Person2#: I usually go shopping and have my hair cut during the weekend and you usually watch football matches on TV. #Person1#: Yes. you often have tea with your friends. And I sometimes play cards with my friends. We have seldom done anything together since we were married. #Person2#: Now I've got an idea. Why don't we go for a picnic this weekend? #Person1#: Good idea! I will choose the place and you can prepare the food.

#Person1# and #Person2# plan to go for a picnic this weekend to do something different.

weekend plan

train_1935

#Person1#: what date is it today? #Person2#: why? #Person1#: look at the girls in the street. They all have bunch of flowers. Is it Valentine's Day? #Person2#: Oh, yes! I completely forgot about it. #Person1#: did you have a fight with Jack? #Person2#: no, but now he'll be in trouble. What's a boyfriend for? To forget about Valentine's Day? #Person1#: come on, dear! You forgot it, too. #Person2#: you know, it's OK for a girl to forget these ' big days ', but for a guy, to do that is unforgivable. #Person1#: is that your phone? #Person2#: oh, it's Jack. Excuse me. #Person1#: wow! good timing. #Person2#: he asked me out to a dinner tonight. How about joining us? #Person1#: come on! three's a crowd! #Person2#: so what? #Person1#: just go! it's Valentine's Day!

#Person2# tells #Person1# that Jack'll be in trouble because #Person2# thinks he forgets Valentine's Day. But then Jack calls #Person2# and invites her to dinner.

Valentine's Day

train_2226

#Person1#: What can I do for you? #Person2#: Yes, I made a reservation for 3 days for April 3rd to 6th, and my name is Sara. #Person1#: Yes, what's the problem? #Person2#: Well, I want to extend it for 2 more nights. #Person1#: So you will stay until 9th? #Person2#: Yes. #Person1#: OK, we'll make the correction for you. #Person2#: Thank you.

#Person1# helps #Person2# extend the reservation for 2 more nights.

hotel service

train_8214

#Person1#: Hello. Excuse me. #Person2#: Yes. Can I help you? #Person1#: Do you remember me? I just had lunch here a half hour ago. #Person2#: Of course I remember you. #Person1#: I think I lost my wallet here. #Person2#: Oh, no. Really? I didn't see anything. #Person1#: Really? You didn't find a wallet? #Person2#: No, I didn't. Would you like to go look by the table with me? #Person1#: Yes, I would. It's not here. And it's not on the floor.Has anyone sat at this table since we left? #Person2#: No. It's been empty the whole time. #Person1#: Hmm. I don't know how it could have happened. #Person2#: I remember, sir, that your friend took the bill.You didn't pay for the lunch yourself, did you? #Person1#: No. My friend did. #Person2#: Then are you sure you took your wallet out of your pocket while you were here? #Person1#: No, I'm not sure. But I usually take out my wallet when I sit down.It ' s uncomfortable to sit on it. So I usually put it next to me on the table. #Person2#: Maybe you lost it before you came here. Or maybe you left it at home. #Person1#: I don't think it's at home. I think I had it when I left the house.But what should I do? #Person2#: Well, the first thing you should do is make sure it's not at home.Then, if it isn't, you need to call your credit card companies and cancel your cards. Next, you need to replace whatever you lost, your driver's license, things like that. #Person1#: Should I call the police? #Person2#: You can if you want. But the police usually don't do anything about lost wallets. #Person1#: Hmm. I'll go home and check. Maybe you're right. Maybe it's at home. #Person2#: I'm sorry we couldn't find it, sir. #Person1#: Thanks for your help.

#Person1# thinks he lost his wallet at #Person2#'s restaurant. #Person2# helps #Person1# look for it but doesn't find it. #Person2# advises #Person1# to check if the wallet isn't at home.

lost wallet

train_7094

#Person1#: Excuse me, but I think I know you from somewhere. My name is Adam Miller. #Person2#: Righ, Mr.Miller. My name is Laura Elliott. I remember you. You gave a great presentation at the conference last November in San Francisco. It was really an impressive speech. You looked so confident. #Person1#: Oh, thanks for saying so. I'm going to attend this year's conference next month. That's on March twelfth, right? #Person2#: Yes, that's right and I'm supposed to make a presentation this year. This will be the first time for me to present in front of such a large audience, so I'm kind of anxious. I'll see you then.

Miller meets Laura and finds out they've met at the conference before, Laura was impressed by Miller's speech. Miller will attend this year's conference and Laura will be presenting as well.

Conference

train_678

#Person1#: Hi, I would like to purchase a one way ticket to Brussels, please. #Person2#: Certainly sir, this is our train schedule. We have an express train departing every morning and an overnight train that departs at nine pm. #Person1#: How long does it take to get there? #Person2#: About twelve hours. We currently have tickets available only for first class on the express train. If you ' d like, you can choose a sleeper on the overnight train which is a bit less expensive. #Person1#: Yeah, I think that is the best option. Do you serve food on the train? Twelve hours is such a long time! #Person2#: Yes, of course. There is a dining car towards the front of the train where they serve meals at all times. We do provide complimentary water and coffee for all of our passengers. #Person1#: Great! I ' ll take it. #Person2#: Here you are sir. Your train leaves from platform number nine at nine on the dot. Remember to be here at least thirty minutes before your scheduled departure time or else you might miss your train! #Person1#: I understand. Thank you very much! #Person2#: Have a great trip.

#Person1# would like to purchase a one-way ticket to Brussels. #Person2# recommends a sleeper on the overnight train which takes twelve hours and serves food. #Person1# takes it.

ticket

train_4688

#Person1#: Hi, Lucy, you are very popular with people around you, what are your tricks? #Person2#: Thank you for saying so. I don't know, probably because I like sharing my experience and knowledge with them. I think this kind of communication helps to improve our work efficiency and also helps to get along with colleagues. #Person1#: Sharing knowledge can be very settled and some second stances. People may think you are telling them how to do their work. If they take it personally, they feel angry at you and even become reluctant to support you at work. #Person2#: That is true. Some people will misunderstand your intention and lets you do it in the long threatening way. For example, it is not sensible at all to arguing with the others or correcting someone in front of other people. To show your friendliness and willingness to share is much more important than to show off. #Person1#: You are quite right. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I learned a lot. #Person2#: You're welcome.

Lucy thinks she is very popular because she likes sharing her experience and knowledge with people around. Lucy reminds #Person1# to show friendliness and willingness to share than to show off.

how to communicate

train_1547

#Person1#: David, would you like something to eat? #Person2#: No, I'm full. #Person1#: Do you want something to drink? #Person2#: Yes, I'd like some coffee. #Person1#: Sorry, I don't have any coffee. #Person2#: That's OK. I'll have a glass of water. #Person1#: A small glass, or a big one? #Person2#: Small please. #Person1#: Here you are. #Person2#: Thanks. #Person1#: You're welcome.

#Person1# asks David if he wants something to eat or drink. David'll have a small glass of water.

drink

train_1578

#Person1#: Tomorrow will be my first day at work, what do you think I should be wearing? #Person2#: Well, if you want to look professional, serious and more conservative, a blue dress, white shirt and not-too-high shoes would be the best choice. But sometimes, very formal clothes will keep you at a distance from your colleagues. It depends on the company's dress code. #Person1#: Indeed, I found most of the employees dress casually when I went to the interview. Only the manager was in suit and tie and he just came back from a ceremony. It seems that their dress code is not that formal. Probably, I should put on car key and simple shirt. #Person2#: Whatever you choose, make sure they are neat and clean.

#Person2# offers #Person1# some suggestions on what to wear on #Person1#'s first day at work.

work wearing

train_5946

#Person1#: OK, I got my vacation early this year, so as soon as school's out the first of June we have 2 weeks to have fun. We've talked about this before, and have chosen 2 possibilities. A trip across Canada or explore Florida, which will it be? #Person2#: I'd like to go to Florida. I've always wanted to visit Orlando. #Person1#: We should get on the internet and check flight schedules as soon as possible. I remember a ticket costs $500. They may still have that promotion where a second person flies for half price. That means the four of us can go for the cost of 3. #Person2#: Orlando here we come, but we won't spend the whole 2 weeks there, will we? I heard Saint Augustine was cool and there's Daytona Beach, where you can drive on the beach. #Person1#: Your mother and I will take care of the driving and make hotel reservations. So you and Tim will plan the sightseeing. Is that a deal? #Person2#: Yeah, great. #Person1#: Only one rule, each person gets to take one suitcase. #Person2#: But I have a lot of clothes I want to take. #Person1#: I'll help you pack.

#Person1# and #Person2# are planning the travel to Florida. #Person1# advise checking flight schedules as soon as possible. #Person2# thinks they can also visit Saint Augustine. #Person2# makes the deal with #Person1#, and the only rule is each person takes one suitcase.

travel plan

train_11609

#Person1#: you're rather energetic today. What's going on? #Person2#: nothing really. I think I've had a few too many coffees. #Person1#: free coffee is one of the perks at this place, isn't it? #Person2#: it's the only perk of this job! How's your day going? #Person1#: not that well. I've got that Monday morning feeling today. #Person2#: why is that? #Person1#: my boss has been breathing down my neck all day. I can't wait for the weekend! #Person2#: your boss is a real salve-driver, isn't he? #Person1#: you can say that again! He won't even let us check our personal email at work! #Person2#: that's not just your boss. No one is allowed to send personal emails from the office. #Person1#: really? I didn't know that it was against company policy. #Person2#: maybe your boss isn't so horrible after all! #Person1#: no, he is. Some bosses will bend the rules a bit sometimes, but not my boss. He always follows the rules to a T. #Person2#: try not to let it bother you too much. #Person1#: thanks. I better get back to my work before my boss yells at me again! #Person2#: ok, I'll see you in a bit. #Person1#: alright. See you later!

#Person2#'s energetic because #Person2# has too much coffee. #Person1#'s boss breathes down #Person1#'s neck and doesn't allow #Person1# to check personal emails. #Person2# says that's normal, but #Person1# still insists #Person1#'s boss is too strict.

office talk

train_11903

#Person1#: I need order in the court! #Person2#: I am ready to make my plea. #Person1#: What do you plead? #Person2#: I plead not guilty. #Person1#: All the evidence indicates that you are guilty. #Person2#: I realize that, but I am not guilty. #Person1#: Is that right? #Person2#: I had nothing to do with the crime that was committed. #Person1#: Who is the guilty party? #Person2#: I'll tell you if you let me go. #Person1#: I'd be glad to make a deal with you. #Person2#: I am willing to tell you that information.

#Person2# pleads not guilty but the evidence indicates the opposite. #Person2#'ll tell #Person1# the truth if #Person1# lets #Person2# go.

interrogation

train_8950

#Person1#: I'm Miss Sherman. What seems to be the problem? #Person2#: Well, apparently I'Ve run up quite a bill. I was under the impression that the Junior Executive Holiday Package only cost 250 dollars per night. I'Ve just been informed that it's actually 500 do #Person1#: That's true. For the Junior Executive Room. . . three nights. . . yes, your bill should be $ 1, 500 #Person2#: But I definitely was led to believe that a three-night stay would be $ 750. #Person1#: The advertised rate is based on double occupancy. #Person2#: When I booked the room, your staff didn't mention this. And the brochure and your promotional mailings do not mention that. #Person1#: Are you quite sure? #Person2#: Yes. Have a look. #Person1#: I see. I had no idea our advertising was so misleading. It is here, but it's in the fine print on the last page. #Person2#: Perhaps you could arrange to provide me with a new bill that reflects the advertised rate. #Person1#: Normally I couldn't do that. But under the circumstances, I'll see what I can arrange. Customer satisfaction is our primary aim. #Person2#: Thank you.

#Person2#'s bill is much higher than expected and insists #Person2# wasn't informed of the price. #Person2# demands a new bill that reflects the advertised rate and Miss Sherman promises to arrange.

bill inquiry

train_4627

#Person1#: Daniel, here is some money for the tickets. #Person2#: OK, it's my pleasure. How many tickets? #Person1#: Oh, like a gentleman. Two tickets for two people. #Person2#: But I am only half a person as you and they charge both of us the same price tickets. #Person1#: They may unless we get a half-price ticket for you. #Person2#: Dad, it makes no sense. #Person1#: You may ask if you can take a half-price ticket. #Person2#: Yeah, I make certain. A half-price ticket cuts us one point five Yuan.

Daniel's Dad gives money to Daniel to buy tickets and Daniel will ask for a half-price ticket.

buy ticket

train_6061

#Person1#: Graham, why are you always on the phone with Jane? #Person2#: Because we are partners in our science lab. Why are you so jealous? #Person1#: The other night when you came home there was lipstick on your right cheek. How do you explain that? #Person2#: My aunt Mary just flew in from Cleveland and she laid one right on my right cheek. #Person1#: Are you sure? #Person2#: Of course I am. I only love you, Amy. #Person1#: Okay, I'm sorry. I believe you. #Person2#: Why do you always accuse me like that? #Person1#: Because you are the most handsome boy at the university and I love you so much! I guess I just go crazy sometimes. That's all. #Person2#: Oh, Amy. I am the luckiest guy in the world. #Person1#: Why? #Person2#: Because I am loved by the most beautiful girl in the world! #Person1#: Oh. Graham. I love you so much and I really believe in our love.

Amy is so jealous because Graham is always on the phone with Jane and there was lipstick on his right cheek yesterday. Graham promises that he only loves Amy.

couples quarrel

train_10368

#Person1#: Print shop. Seam speaking. #Person2#: Hi, Sean. It's Mary in Mr. Emory's office. I placed an order for 1, 000 bound copies of a staff manual last week. #Person1#: It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to complete a job like that. #Person2#: Well, I was hoping you would do me a big favor. That was supposed to be a rush order, I forgot to tell you. I'm getting a lot of flak from my boss.

Mary calls Sean to change her print order to a rush order.

print order

train_10810

#Person1#: What's your products'competitive edge? #Person2#: You have probably noticed that our products'prices are competitive. Besides. we can provide more superior products than other companies at the same price. #Person1#: We need your detail explanation. #Person2#: It means that if you place a big order, we usually allow 15 % for a trade discount. And our products feel more slip, colorful and faddish than others. You can have a look. #Person1#: It sounds good, and how about its quality? We only look for the best. #Person2#: We always sell the best. You can believe us at this point. #Person1#: OK! How long dose it take you to deliver if we order 1000 pieces of silk? #Person2#: Within 2 weeks once we receive your orders.

#Person2#'s products' competitive edge is price and quality. #Person2#'s products take 2 weeks to deliver to #Person1#.

product

train_9037

#Person1#: Hello, Mr. Black, how are you? #Person2#: Fine, thank you, and how are you? #Person1#: Very well, thank you. It's nice to meet you again. I am awfully sorry for not being able to meet you at the airport, as I was busy yesterday. I do hope you had a very enjoyable trip from New York. #Person2#: Yes, a very pleasant journey indeed. Thank you. #Person1#: How are you getting along with your business? #Person2#: Not bad. The fur market is not very brisk lately, but the selling season is advancing near. I hope there will be more buyers in the market this year. #Person1#: I hope we can do more business together. Though we are satisfied with our past trade record, there are still possibilities for more business. In the meantime, let's discuss other spheres of cooperation, such as investment, technology transfer and technical assistance.

#Person1# and #Person2# meets at the airport. #Person2# hopes there will be more buyers. #Person1# hopes they can have further cooperation for more business.

further cooperation

train_7072

#Person1#: Do you have anything in particular that you would like our firm to take into account? #Person2#: Yes, my house is far away from here. May I ask for an apartment? #Person1#: No problem. We will offer you a room with one bedroom and a kitchen. . #Person2#: That's great. Thank you so much.

#Person2# asks for an apartment because #Person2#'s house is far from the firm.

Firm

train_4279

#Person1#: Good morning. My name is Penny White. I'm new here. #Person2#: Nice to meet you. My name is Tyler Smith. Let's go to your office desk, follow me please. #Person1#: OK. #Person2#: Here is your working place. Nancy will come to show you how to set up the telephones. I'm going to call her now so that you can get started. Is that OK? #Person1#: Yes, that's OK. I'm glad to get started. #Person2#: If you have any further questions, just ask me. #Person1#: OK. Thank you very much. #Person2#: You are welcome. Have a nice day.

Tyler greets with Penny and is going to call Nancy to help Penny set up the telephones.

office desk set-up

train_8019

#Person1#: Sunshine Travel Agency, Nick speaking. #Person2#: Hi Nick, it's Pat. #Person1#: Hi, did you get the tickets for Mrs. King? I sent them this morning. #Person2#: Yeah, they arrived about an hour ago. Look, I hate to do this to you, but... #Person1#: Ooh, ooh, where does she want to go? #Person2#: She needs to arrive in Miami by March twentieth. The head office move the sales meeting to Miami, so she needs to attend the sales meeting there before the opening of the Chicago office. #Person1#: So she still wants to go to Chicago? #Person2#: Yes, she still has to be there on March twenty third and then she's moved the interview in Los Angeles to the twenty fourth. #Person1#: Oh, that's no problem. Leave it to me!

Pat calls Nick to book tickets to Miami for Mrs. King before she goes to Chicago.

tickets

train_11157

#Person1#: Good morning, Mister Black. #Person2#: Good morning. Could you help me please? I'm looking for some books for my mother. #Person1#: OK. What kind of books is she interested in? #Person2#: She's very fond of romantic love stories. #Person1#: I see. What about this one? Has she read it before? #Person2#: I'm not sure. But she probably won't remember the story even if she has. She's very forgetful. #Person1#: How old is she? #Person2#: She'll be 90 next year. #Person1#: No wonder! Remember to renew it if she can't finish reading it within half a month. #Person2#: Yes, I will. Thank you very much. #Person1#: You are welcome.

Mister Black asks for #Person1#'s help to find some books for Black's mother, and #Person1# recommends one about romantic stories.

choose a book

train_11918

#Person1#: Which social problem do you think the government needs to concentrate on most? #Person2#: I think housing is a big problem. There are thousands of homeless people on the streets. #Person1#: How would you solve the problem? #Person2#: I have a good idea to solve it. The government could provide some money for homeless people to build their own homes. #Person1#: It would probably be very expensive. #Person2#: I think the government can afford it. Besides, there are many advantages. Homeless people would find it easier to get jobs if they had an address. They would learn some useful skill for finding jobs i #Person1#: It's not a bad idea. I think education is the biggest problem at the moment. Schools don't seem to have enough money to educate kids properly. #Person2#: If we are to invest more money to education, we will need to raise taxes. That wouldn't be popular with voters. #Person1#: Most voters what everything both ways. They want the government to pay for lots of things, but without increasing taxes. #Person2#: The government should show that it is using money efficiently. Sometimes you hear about how the government has wasted money on a project. #Person1#: Yes. The government has limited funds and must show that it is using the money responsibly

#Person2# thinks housing is a big social problem and the government should offer some money for the homeless. #Person1# thinks education is the biggest problem. They both think the government should use money responsibly.

social problems discussion

train_9468

#Person1#: Harry, let's play some ping-pong today. #Person2#: I'd love to play a set or 2, but my right arm hurts. I decided to stop playing ping-pong until it feels better. #Person1#: Well, how about going skating? #Person2#: I'd like to, but my knee hurts, too. #Person1#: Harry, stop making excuses. You're just lazy. #Person2#: No, I'm not. You know there's a basketball match on TV today. Let's just stay at home and watch it. #Person1#: OK, you stay. And I'll play with Helen.

#Person1# asks Harry to play ping-pong or go skating but Harry wants to watch TV. #Person1# will play with Helen.

do sports

train_10479

#Person1#: May I take your drink order while you are looking over your menu? #Person2#: Yes, do you have a wine list? #Person1#: The wine list is on the second page of your menu. #Person2#: Do you have mixed drinks in this restaurant? #Person1#: Yes, we have a full bar here. #Person2#: I am not sure what I want. Do you have any house specials? #Person1#: Actually, we are famous for our Cuervo Gold margaritas. #Person2#: That sounds good! Please bring me one of those. #Person1#: Would you like that drink blended or on the rocks? #Person2#: I would like it blended. #Person1#: Would you like it with salt or no salt? #Person2#: I would like my margarita with no salt, thank you.

#Person2# is ordering drinks and asks about the house specials. #Person1# recommends Cuervo Gold margaritas, so #Person2# takes the blended one with no salt.

order drinks

train_7618

#Person1#: I'm searching for an old music box. #Person2#: You came to the right place. Any particular decade? #Person1#: If you had a box made in the '20s, that would be nice. #Person2#: We just got one in yesterday, so now we have six. #Person1#: Would any of them have dancing figures? #Person2#: Yes, we still have two boxes left that have dancing figures. #Person1#: Oh, they're both so beautiful. Let me have this one, I think. #Person2#: That one truly is a beautiful piece of work, isn't it? #Person1#: One last question #Person2#: Oh, no. Everything we sell here is 'as is. ' #Person1#: I guess I was asking for too much. #Person2#: If it breaks down, maybe you can find a repairman on the Internet.

#Person1# is searching for an old music box made in the '20s with dancing figures. #Person2# recommends two and #Person1# chooses one.

old music box

train_4146

#Person1#: It's my first visit to Prague, I'll be here for three days for a conference, then I have a day on my own to do some sightseeing before I head back home. What do you suggest I see when I'm here? #Person2#: There are many interesting places you should be sure to see. One problem is transportation, however. Because the city is very old, the roads are narrow and congested. If you only have three or four days to visit, you don't want to spend them waiting in traffic in a cab. I suggest you take the subway. #Person1#: The subway? But is there a subway station next to my hotel? I have to go between the conference center and the hotel several times a day. . . #Person2#: No worries, there's a subway station at the conference center itself, and a shuttle from your hotel to the conference center that takes only 5 minutes. When you do your personal sightseeing, you can first take the shuttle to the conference center, then hop on the metro. #Person1#: Is it expensive to ride on the underground? #Person2#: You can get a daily pass that will allow you to travel unlimited for the whole day for about 6 dollars. Otherwise, you can pay by trip, which is about 50 cents to 2 dollars each trip, depending on how far you go. #Person1#: Is it easy to get lost? #Person2#: No, no. . . . it's very hard to get lost. There are two lines, one that goes in a circle, the other that is straight. If you get lost, there are always subway attendants that can help you find your way.

It is #Person1#'s first visit to Prague. #Person2# states a transportation problem within the city before giving advice to #Person1# in several interesting places, and gives a guide of taking the subway in the city, as well as suggests a daily pass for subway taking.

visiting Prague

train_11598

#Person1#: We are willing to participate in the bid which you advertised in China Daily. Would you please tell me the detail of the tender conditions? #Person2#: You will receive the tender notice next month and you'll find the information. #Person1#: OK! Our company is very interested in the tender. I am sure that we will do our best to win the bidding in building the factory. #Person2#: I believe your corporation will try your best and I understand fully your feeling, if your tender conditions proved be suitable for our general conditions of tender, we will accept your submission of tender. #Person1#: Maybe I have asking too many questions today. #Person2#: That's all right. You can contact me later if you have other questions after you read the tender notice. #Person1#: Fine, thanks a lot. Bye! #Person2#: Bye!

#Person1# will participate in the bid and asks #Person2# for tender conditions. #Person2# says if #Person1#'s tender conditions are suitable for #Person2#'s, they will accept the submission.

business deal

train_8788

#Person1#: Peter, you're learning to drive, aren't you? Do you go to the AA driving school? #Person2#: Actually, it's called the ABC driving school. #Person1#: Is it expensive? #Person2#: I've had 10 lessons already and each one is 14 pounds. #Person1#: I see. And is the teachers car new? #Person2#: Yes, and it's not a big car, so parking is easy. #Person1#: Where are you going to take your driving test? #Person2#: I failed it last a week. #Person1#: Did you hit something or? #Person2#: The traffic lights were red, but I didn't see them and I couldn't brake in time. #Person1#: Never mind. You can take the test again. Tell me about your teacher. Is he friendly? #Person2#: He's OK. He's quite young and interesting to talk to but my father will give me my next lessons. He's cheaper.

#Person1# asks Peter about the driving school Peter goes to. Peter failed the driving test last week and will learn from his father.

driving school

train_1075

#Person1#: What would you like to have in your breakfast, bread, egg or sandwiches? #Person2#: Bread. #Person1#: And milk or orange juice? #Person2#: Orange juice. #Person1#: What would you like for lunch, pork, mutton or beef? #Person2#: I think mutton is best. #Person1#: What kind of drink do you like most, red wine, beer or champagne? #Person2#: I like champagne. #Person1#: And among apples, oranges and bananas, which is your favorite? #Person2#: Banana of course. #Person1#: Do you always have meals outside or in your house? #Person2#: I always have meals outside, because I'm not good at cooking.

#Person1# interviews #Person2# about what #Person2# would like for breakfast and lunch, #Person2#'s favorite fruit, and where #Person2# always has meals.

interview

train_7625

#Person1#: I hear scientists in the US have discovered a new AIDS vaccine. #Person2#: Does it work? #Person1#: I don't know. The report says it is better than the old vaccines. #Person2#: Don't count on it. I think the best way to prevent AIDS is to keep yourself clean by having clean sex and keeping a regular sex partner. #Person1#: Right. That's why doctor say AIDS prevention means cleanness.

#Person1# says scientists have discovered a new AIDS vaccine but #Person2# thinks the best prevention is to keep yourself clean.

AIDS

train_8944

#Person1#: Millions of amateur investors like you, have to rely on a dizzying array of financial newspapers, magazines and commentators to get investment information. #Person2#: Yes. It's sometimes scary if you think of the tremendous amount of media we face every day. #Person1#: It's like information overload, not to mention the reliability of these papers and magazines. #Person2#: Which financial magazines and newspapers do you think do the best job of checking facts? #Person1#: Well, for example, The Wall Street Journal is very, very good. Even though it's used on occasion ( as all news organizations are ) by Ces or bankers who leak their mergers in advance in order to get a positive spin. #Person2#: I like to read Fortune. #Person1#: Good. Fortune is usually ahead of the curve. And Business Week is very solid, too. #Person2#: Where does a broadcast company get most of their information? I hope it's not just from press releases. #Person1#: A good broadcast company usually does far more than press releases. Their people go out and do real reporting, talking to people at the stock exchange, fund managers, analysts, etc. #Person2#: But sometimes when a flimsy report, or even a rumor gets on television, there's going to be a terrible'echo chamber'effect. #Person1#: You are right about that.

#Person1# and #Person2# talk about financial information. #Person1# thinks The Wall Street Journal does the best job of checking facts while #Person2# likes reading Fortune. #Person1# thinks a broadcast company usually does more but #Person2# also mentions its hazards.

financial information discussion

train_1549

#Person1#: I saw an interesting program on TV last night. It was about elderly people. #Person2#: And what did the program say? #Person1#: It said that people with a positive attitude tend to live longer and happier. #Person2#: I think that many physicians now agree with that idea. #Person1#: And the TV program also said that physical exercise helps people deal with stress. #Person2#: And the most active older people seem to enjoy some kind of physical exercise. My father is over 60 years old, and he lifts weights every day.

#Person1# tells #Person2# about an interesting TV program about elderly people.

TV program

train_11253

#Person1#: I can't seem to find the cereal aisle. #Person2#: You'll find the cereal by the breakfast foods. #Person1#: What breakfast foods? #Person2#: They're over by the oatmeal and the breakfast bars. #Person1#: Oh, I think I know what you're talking about. #Person2#: Can I help you with anything else? #Person1#: Could you tell me where the dishwashing detergent is? #Person2#: You'll find that by the paper towels. #Person1#: Oh, I didn't think of that. #Person2#: That's where it'll be. #Person1#: Well, thank you very much. #Person2#: If you need anything else, please feel free to ask me.

#Person2# tells #Person1# where to find the cereal aisle and the dishwashing detergent.

ask for help

train_9354

#Person1#: One thing I love our boss for is that he always knows when to give you a pay raise without being asked for. #Person2#: Really? How can he be so sure about the timing? #Person1#: He just knows either by your excellent performance at work or by the annual review. #Person2#: Well. This must save lots of employees from worrying about how to write a salary increase letter. You know how tough it is. Do all the employees receive the same pay increase annually? #Person1#: Actually not! Our company pays for performance. #Person2#: I like this system. It will encourage the best employees and motivate those who want to make a change at work.

#Person1# says #Person1#'s boss always knows when to give employees pay raise according to their performances and #Person2# likes the system.

pay raise

train_670

#Person1#: Good morning, International Student Office. May I help you? #Person2#: I'd like to talk to the director about my plan to go home next week. #Person1#: Are you one of the students from England? #Person2#: No, I'm from the United States. I came last May. #Person1#: I see. The director can see you next Monday. Do you prefer morning or afternoon? #Person2#: Morning is better for me. #Person1#: Would 9:00 o'clock be alright? #Person2#: That suits me fine. #Person1#: Good. We'll expect you then at 9:00 o'clock on Monday morning. #Person2#: Thank you very much.

#Person2# wants to talk to the director about the plan to go home next week. #Person1# helps #Person2# book the time.

make an appointment

train_11962

#Person1#: Would you like a ticket to the concert tonight? I bought it on the spur of the moment. I forget I would visit my professor to discuss my paper. #Person2#: Thanks. I'd like to go. I haven't been to any concerts this month.

#Person1# can't go to the concert and gives #Person2# the ticket.

concert

train_12138

#Person1#: Uncle, have a heart, please lend your new car to me. Only once. #Person2#: Where are you going? #Person1#: I have a big date tonight. #Person2#: You have got a car, haven't you? #Person1#: Oh, please. Only once lend your new car to me.

#Person1# is begging #Person1#'s uncle to lend #Person1# his car.

borrow a car

train_479

#Person1#: Did you hear what's going on downtown today? All the workers from the factory are staging a demonstration in the streets. Not one of the two thousand employees showed up for work today, and they have gathered outside the city hall to demand better working conditions for all factory employees. #Person2#: Wow, sounds chaotic. . . . two thousand people in the streets carrying picket signs and shouting slogans. What gave them the motivation to finally organize and call management on the substandard working conditions? #Person1#: I think they gained courage after the mayor's speech last week on equality and opportunity for all town citizens. Anyway, the sentiments have been brewing for quite some time. I mean, we all know the working conditions at the factory are quite horrendous. #Person2#: So what kind of demands do they have? What are they asking for specifically? #Person1#: They want raises and medical insurance, and I think they want to clean up the factory's safety hazards. That's probably the most important issue.

#Person1# tells #Person2# that today all the two thousand workers gather outside the city hall demanding better working conditions. #Person1# thinks they probably most want to clean up the safety hazards.

workers' strike

train_11273

#Person1#: How do you like this waltz? #Person2#: It's very nice. I like it very much. #Person1#: Well, then, may I invite you for the first dance? #Person2#: My pleasure. But I'm afraid I'm not much of a dancer, and I suppose you dance often. #Person1#: Me? Oh, no. In fact, I only took up dancing quite recently. #Person2#: Oh, really? But you're doing the waltz wonderfully well. #Person1#: I'm glad you say so. You dance beautifully too. It's lucky that I got you as a partner. #Person2#: Thank you for your compliments. It's just you are a good leader. Do you like the foxtrot and tango? #Person1#: Yes. And what dances do you like best? #Person2#: Disco is my favorite. I like it better than any other dances because it can release one's hidden feelings, and is a healthy exercise. But I don't do the rock and roll nor break-dancing. #Person1#: Oh, well, the music has stopped. Thank you for the dance. #Person2#: My pleasure.

#Person1# invites #Person2# for the first dance and compliments her beautiful dance. #Person1# asks #Person2#'s favorite dances, and #Person2# says #Person2# likes Disco and doesn't like the rock and roll nor break-dancing.

dance

train_2038

#Person1#: What do you think about the apartment so far? #Person2#: It is beautiful. #Person1#: You don't have any problems with how it looks? #Person2#: Actually, there is a problem. #Person1#: Like what? #Person2#: There are some stains that were left in the carpet. #Person1#: Those stains will be cleaned out of the carpet before you move in. #Person2#: Oh, is that right? #Person1#: Yes. Now what other problems do you have? #Person2#: That was the only problem that I saw. #Person1#: Well, I'm glad that everything else is to your liking. #Person2#: I honestly love it.

#Person2#'s satisfied with the apartment except for some stains on the carpet. #Person1# assures #Person2# they'll be cleaned before #Person2# moves in.

apartment

train_6683

#Person1#: Is Jack still staying idle everyday? #Person2#: No, he has mended his way. After his father died, he set his hand to the job of putting his business affairs in order. #Person1#: Really? He is so competent now. #Person2#: You can't imagine what he is like now.

#Person1# and #Person2# are talking about Jack who becomes competent after his father died.

become competent

train_2155

#Person1#: Hi Peter, what are you doing? #Person2#: I am reading some papers about stock. #Person1#: Ah, Great! I happen to want to ask you something about it! #Person2#: Yes, sure. What it is? #Person1#: When it comes to select a fund, many people will always read 'Past performance is not an indication of future results', do you believe that? #Person2#: Maybe it is right since everything is possible. You know the market changes quickly these days. #Person1#: Do you really think so? But I still have doubted those funds with bad stock performance. For me, a stock record is the very important criteria to decide which to buy. I really want to decrease the risk reach the minimum and achieve the maximum returns. #Person2#: If you refuse to take risk, you can't have better returns. #Person1#: Sure, maybe you are right. I will think about it. Thanks a lot! #Person2#: You are most welcome.

#Person1# wants to reach the minimum risk and achieve maximum returns, but Peter says if #Person1# refuses to take risk, #Person1# can't have better returns.

returns and risks

train_5417

#Person1#: Can I help you, sir? #Person2#: I'm looking for some winter clothes for my wife. #Person1#: This is a good time to purchase clothes in our shop. We are having a preseason sale on all our winter clothes. Everything for winter is 20% off. #Person2#: I think my wife may favor the sweater in the shop window. Do you have any skirts that go with this sweater? #Person1#: Sure, look at this section. #Person2#: I especially like this flowery skirt. My wife will look elegant in it. #Person1#: You have good taste. It is very popular this year. #Person2#: I don't think the green one suits the sweater, though. Do you have any skirts in light colors? #Person1#: Look at the shelf on your right. #Person2#: Oh yes. I'll take the white one. How much is it? #Person1#: That will be $240 after the discount.

#Person2# is looking for winter clothes for his wife, and #Person1# shows the sections. Then #Person2# pays for a white skirt at 240 dollars after discount.

clothes purchse

train_3541

#Person1#: Mum, I can't find my socks for basketball. Have you seen them? #Person2#: Let me see. Are they white? #Person1#: Yes. Where did you see them? #Person2#: I saw them in the sitting-room just now. You may go and get them. #Person1#: Oh. Here they are! #Person2#: You should put your things away. #Person1#: OK. I will.

#Person1# can't find #Person1#'s socks for basketball. #Person2# saw them in the sitting-room.

socks

train_9138

#Person1#: He has a long head, I bet he will do well in his business. #Person2#: He does, he started five years ago and now ends up the richest among us. #Person1#: When we were students, he was no good in any subject. #Person2#: It seemed to be useless to study well when we were young if we examine his case.

#Person1# and #Person2# are talking about their richest classmate who didn't study well.

classmate

train_7544

#Person1#: Professor Wang looks so handsome today. He is wearing a light brown suit and a pink tie. #Person2#: He always wears an extremely becoming suit with tie. #Person1#: He's quite particular about what he wears, especially about his ties. He gets different tie each day. #Person2#: A light brown suit and a pink tie today, and a light blue shirt and a blue tie yesterday. A perfect match! #Person1#: The tie is necessary for man. It makes you look so attractive in a super tie. #Person2#: Match is important ; well, the way of tying is also important. #Person1#: My father dose not know how to tie a tie, for he often wears a cravat. #Person2#: My father wears a tie every day, but he can't do it himself. My mother helps him with his tie every morning. #Person1#: You mother is not only a patient mother but also a gentle wife.

#Person1# and #Person2# are talking about Professor Wang's outfit and outfit matching. They both think the tie is necessary for man. Match and the way of tying are also important. Both of their fathers don't know how to tie a tie.

tie

train_5403

#Person1#: I just went to the doctor, and he said that according to my BMI, which means Body Mass Index, I am officially overweight. Do I look fat to you? #Person2#: I mean, you could lose a few pounds, but I certainly don't think you look fat. Did he suggest anything to help you lose weight? #Person1#: He just said the usual stuff, like 'eat less and exercise more'. I guess I could cut out soda... #Person2#: Maybe you should cut out the sweets. #Person1#: I eat sweets when I'm stressed out, so that's going to be hard. I guess I should go to the gym tomorrow. I'm a member, but I never go. #Person2#: I thought we were going to that new restaurant tomorrow after work. We've been talking about it for weeks. #Person1#: Well, it's probably not healthy for me to be going out to eat, you know? The gym seems like a smarter choice. Come to think of it, maybe I'll go to the grocery store tonight and stock up on healthy options, too.

#Person1# is overweight, and the doctor advises #Person1# to eat healthily and exercise more. #Person2# suggests eating outside, but #Person1# thinks the gym is a smarter choice.

weight-losing suggestions

train_1833

#Person1#: It's so relaxing, taking a walk in the country. The air is so fresh and clean. #Person2#: would you like to live in the country? I'm not sure I'd like it. #Person1#: I can see a lot of advantage and disadvantage. The problem is that, for me, each advantage has its own disadvantage. #Person2#: What do you mean? #Person1#: Well, I hate the noise in the city, but I love being around lost of people. The problem is that you can't have lots of people and have peace and quiet. The two just don't go together. #Person2#: I see what you mean. I love being far away from a city, but I hate being so far away department stores and sports facilities. #Person1#: People can't have it both ways. If you live in the country, it is often less convenient. If you live in a city, it is noisy, but there's more to do. #Person2#: I would love to be surrounded by hills and streams. They're so much better to look at than concrete, rows of parked cars and tall buildings. #Person1#: I would love to hear the birds singing and feel the fresh breeze on my face. When the wind blows in the city, you get dust in your mouth and in your eyes. #Person2#: The view from the hill is so beautiful and relaxing. There's so sign of pollution. The village looks so peaceful. #Person1#: Just remember that in that village there's nothing to do. There's not even a pub or restaurant. There's just one small shop with a poor selection of goods. #Person2#: You're right. I would have to travel to the city at least once a week to go shopping and see friends. I would hate living in the country!

#Person1# and #Person2# talk about the advantages and disadvantages of living in the country. Both of them love the tranquility of the country and hate the noise of the city. #Person2# finally thinks #Person2# would hate living in the country because of the inconvenience to shopping and seeing friends.

living in the city

train_9324

#Person1#: What time is it? #Person2#: Ten to nine. #Person1#: Your watch is ten minutes slow. So it's should be nine sharp. I'm gonna be late again. What will be my excuse this time? It should be set the alarm for seven thirty. #Person2#: Don't cry over spilled milk, Fred? Could you stay with me a few minutes? #Person1#: What? Why? What's wrong with you? #Person2#: I just hate being alone at home with nothing to do about listen to the clock ticking.It ' s so lonely and boring. My sickness makes it worse. When will I recover? #Person1#: You will be fine in the couple of month, just be patient. I've got to woke now, I'll be late. #Person2#: You only care about your work. #Person1#: Sorry, baby, you are everything to me. all I do just for our family. #Person2#: Stay just a few minutes longer, OK? #Person1#: OK, I'll leave at 9:15, Is that all right? #Person2#: Yes. #Person1#: I'll spent more time with you in the future, Dina. #Person2#: Thank you.

Fred is in a hurry to work but Dina asks him to stay with her longer because she hates being alone and is sick. Fred compromises to stay for another 15 minutes.

ask for stay

train_4752

#Person1#: Can you tell me the differences between a letter and a memorandum, Miss Thong? #Person2#: Certainly. A letter must be sent out of the company and must be mailed or posted. A memorandum is a communication within an organization. #Person1#: Should we use the layout we use for a letter when we write a memorandum? #Person2#: No, not necessary. Usually we have a set form which is printed. We just fill in the printed forms and send it to the person or the offices concerned in the company. #Person1#: Of course, let me find one for you.

Miss Thong tells #Person1# the differences between a letter and a memorandum and says it's not necessary to use the layout when writing a memorandum.

letter and memorandum

train_1803

#Person1#: Can I help you, sir? #Person2#: I want to have a haircut. #Person1#: Please take a seat. Do you need a shampoo? #Person2#: How much is a regular haircut without shampoo? #Person1#: $ 10. #Person2#: And how much for haircut with shampoo? #Person1#: The total charge is $ 15. #Person2#: Since it is, I need a haircut with shampoo. #Person1#: Well, what shampoo do you prefer? #Person2#: SEEK, please. #Person1#: ( 5 minutes later ) What sort of hairstyles do you like? #Person2#: What hairstyle do you feel will look best on me? #Person1#: I think a crew cut is the most suitable for you. #Person2#: I have the same idea as you.

#Person1# says the total charge of a haircut with shampoo is $15 and advises a crew cut for #Person2#.

have a haircut

train_2379

#Person1#: Are we going to have dinner tonight? #Person2#: What are you planning on making? #Person1#: I'm not cooking dinner. #Person2#: The only way you're eating tonight is if you cook. #Person1#: I'm not sure what to cook for dinner. #Person2#: I don't know. What do you want to eat? #Person1#: I have a taste for some chicken and potatoes. #Person2#: That sounds delicious. #Person1#: So are you planning on cooking it? #Person2#: I already told you that I'm not cooking tonight. #Person1#: I'll cook dinner. #Person2#: I already know. Start cooking.

#Person1# asks #Person2# what #Person2# is going to cooking for dinner. #Person2# refuses to cook so #Person1# will cook.

cooking dinner

train_6674

#Person1#: Hit ' em high, hit ' em low. Class of ' 93, let's go! #Person2#: Hi there, everyone. We hope you're having a good night! #Person1#: Wasn't that football game great! I just knew we'd win! #Person2#: The night is young, folks. Get some food and mingle with those faces from yesterday. #Person1#: Later we'll let you know who the King and Queen of the Reunion will be. #Person2#: But for now, the band is playing the songs from our senior year. Get out on that dance floor!

#Person1# and #Person2# are having a reunion night of class of '93.

reunion

train_7354

#Person1#: Dad, I've finished my homework. #Person2#: Well, what game do you want to play? #Person1#: Do you want to play poker? #Person2#: Do you know how to play it? #Person1#: I'll teach you. #Person2#: OK. Teach me how to play the game.

#Person1# will teach Dad to play poker.

play poker

train_9286

#Person1#: Hey, the pool's open now! #Person2#: As of today it is. Memorial Day marks the end of the school year and the beginning of summer. #Person1#: So it's time for the kids to get outdoors. . . #Person2#: . . . and for us to get tans in our new bikinis. #Person1#: Not this Taiwanese girl. We don't like to get suntans. #Person2#: That's smart these days with all the news on skin cancer. Hey, there's everybody! We made it!

#Person1# thinks Memorial Day marks the time for kids to play and she doesn't like to get suntans. #Person2# agrees.

holiday

train_1416

#Person1#: Do you have the same style in white? #Person2#: Sorry, miss. I'm afraid we don't have any on hand today. #Person1#: What a pity. Are you likely to be getting more in? #Person2#: Yes, maybe you can come on Friday.

#Person1# wants the same style in white. #Person2# asks #Person1# to come on Friday.

buying cloth

train_7531

#Person1#: Barbara, could you cover for me for a few hours? #Person2#: I guess so, Sam. I could tell the boss you've gone to buy some office supplies if she asks. #Person1#: Thanks, I owe you one. #Person2#: Hey, not so fast, Mister. I need to know where you're going. Why do you need to be gone for that long? #Person1#: I forgot to get my dad something for Father's Day. #Person2#: Oh, man! You forgot your own dad's birthday? #Person1#: No, it's not his birthday. It's Father's Day! #Person2#: Since you're going, would you mind picking up something for my dad too? #Person1#: Oh, well, I guess I don't really know your dad though. Do I? #Person2#: Couldn't you just buy a couple of ties in the shop downstairs? That would be easy enough, and that way you could come back before Mrs. Greenway checks on us. #Person1#: OK, good idea. I'll be back in 30 minutes then.

Barbara agrees to cover for Sam because he wants to buy Father's Day gift. Barbara asks him to buy a gift for her father too and suggests a couple of ties.

buy a gift

train_3293

#Person1#: We're interested in your Drawn Works. What about the supply position? #Person2#: For most of the articles in the catalog, we have good supply. #Person1#: Here's our inquiry list. You'll find the required items, specifications and quantities all there. #Person2#: Thanks. I'll look into it and let you have our firm offers tomorrow. #Person1#: I don't need to remind you that the market has become very competitive. #Person2#: You'll find our prices very favorable. #Person1#: That's fine. By the way, do you quote FOB or CIF? #Person2#: Either can be done, though we usually quote on CIF basis. #Person1#: Then would you please make your prices CIF including five percent? #Person2#: Certainly. We can work them out for you.

#Person1# gives #Person2# their inquiry list. #Person2# will give #Person1# their firm offer tomorrow and agrees to make the prices CIF including five percent.

business talk

train_2889

#Person1#: Excuse me. Can you tell me where the Wal-Mart supermarket is? #Person2#: Turn right at the second crossing and then go straight for two blocks. #Person1#: Is it far from here? #Person2#: No, it's only ten-minute's walk. #Person1#: Thanks a lot. #Person2#: You're welcome.

#Person2# tells #Person1# how to get to the Wal-Mart supermarket.

Wal-Mart supermarket

train_68

#Person1#: Excuse me. What time does the next train to London leave? #Person2#: At 10:30. #Person1#: Is it a direct train to London? #Person2#: Yes, it is. #Person1#: OK. Two tickets to London, please. #Person2#: Single or return? #Person1#: Single, please. How much in total? #Person2#: 10 pounds. #Person1#: Here you are. Which platform should I go to wait for the train? #Person2#: It's platform 5. #Person1#: OK. Thank you. #Person2#: You are welcome.

#Person1# buys two train tickets to London with #Person2#'s assistance.

buy tickets

train_10311

#Person1#: do you have a second? #Person2#: sure. What do you want? #Person1#: I want to tell you I've put in my notice. #Person2#: really? Why? #Person1#: I've been thinking about this for several months, well before the Spring Festival holidays. #Person2#: and the holidays provided you a chance to think over all this and make a decision? #Person1#: yeah, after receiving my yearly bonus, I want to search out better opportunities in the spring job market. I've been working in the company for nearly a year and a half and I still haven't received any promotions. #Person2#: absolutely. With your expertise and experience, you're clearly working below your pay grade. #Person1#: that's exactly why I decided to quit the job and find a new one. #Person2#: this way, you'll earn more at the new work place. #Person1#: that's right. I am not the only one who has done this. Job hopping is quite common in the IT industry. #Person2#: that is to say, most IT professionals can get a pay rise more easily by changing a job than waiting for a rise. I'm wondering why IT companies are always willing to pay more to new employees instead.

#Person1# tells #Person2# #Person1# has made a decision to quit the job and to find a new one. #Person1# wonders why IT companies are willing to pay more to new employees instead.

job hopping