Datasets:

kdawoud91

/

sumdataset_2000train_400test

like 0

#Person1#: I have a problem with my cable. #Person2#: What about it? #Person1#: My cable has been out for the past week or so. #Person2#: The cable is down right now. I am very sorry. #Person1#: When will it be working again? #Person2#: It should be back on in the next couple of days. #Person1#: Do I still have to pay for the cable? #Person2#: We're going to give you a credit while the cable is down. #Person1#: So, I don't have to pay for it? #Person2#: No, not until your cable comes back on. #Person1#: Okay, thanks for everything. #Person2#: You're welcome, and I apologize for the inconvenience.

#Person1# has a problem with the cable. #Person2# promises it should work again and #Person1# doesn't have to pay while it's down.

#Person1#: Can I help you? #Person2#: I'm looking for an MP - 3 player. Which brand is of the highest quality? #Person1#: I recommend Pioneer. #Person2#: Which model is the best-seller? #Person1#: This model is very popular with ladies. #Person2#: May I have a look at it? #Person1#: Sure, it's multi-functional. Besides playing music, it can also be used to store documents and make recordings. #Person2#: Do you have this model in white? #Person1#: No, but we have it in yellow. #Person2#: Then I'll take the yellow one. #Person1#: Please wait a second. I'll get it for you. #Person2#: Okay.

#Person2# is looking for an MP-3 player. #Person1# recommends Pioneer and #Person2# takes the yellow one.

#Person1#: Susan! Why didn't you tell me that you were taking over the Silk Company account? #Person2#: I thought you knew, Todd. It was decided last week. I guess you weren't at the meeting. #Person1#: You know I wasn't at the meeting. I was meeting with Mr. Wei about this account. I'Ve been on this for a month and a half. #Person2#: I'm sorry. Todd, but Mr. Emory felt that it was going too slowly, and that it needed a fresh start. He should have told you.

Todd didn't know Susan was taking over the Silk Company account which Todd has been on. Susan feels sorry.

#Person1#: What's up, buddy? You look so upset. #Person2#: I just broke up with a girl. Why didn't she understand that I loved her? #Person1#: I'm sorry to hear that. What's your conflict? #Person2#: I don't know. She always said I didn't love her, but I did. #Person1#: Did you think about talking to her again? Maybe she is waiting for your call. #Person2#: I have asked for a talk again, but she refused and said she wanted to be quiet. #Person1#: Come on, guy. Maybe she isn't your right person.

#Person2# is upset because #Person2# broke up with a girl. #Person1# tries to comfort #Person2#.

#Person1#: Merry Christmas, Lily. #Person2#: The same to you, Joey. #Person1#: This is your first Christmas in the US. Here is the gift for you. #Person2#: It's very thoughtful of you. Wow, it is so beautiful. Could you tell me how American people celebrate Christmas? #Person1#: Ok. People decorate their houses, place a Christmas tree in the room and maybe sing a Christmas carol together.

Lily and Joey wish each other a merry Christmas. Joey tells Lily how American people celebrate Christmas.

#Person1#: What dances do you like? #Person2#: I love to dance the fast music. #Person1#: Then you must be interested in disco. #Person2#: Yes, it's my favorite. #Person1#: Oh, it's a disco. Let's dance. #Person2#: You're a good dancer. #Person1#: Thank you. Now they are playing a rumba. Would you have a try? #Person2#: Sorry. I feel like sitting out the next dance. #Person1#: OK. Let's get something to drink. #Person2#: Good idea.

#Person2# likes disco, so #Person1# and #Person2# dance the disco. They decide not to dance the rumba.

#Person1#: I hate landing in the sand trap! Now I'm probably going to waste strokes getting it out. #Person2#: At least you haven't landed in the water yet. I've done that on the last two holes. #Person1#: Could you hand me my wedge? I'll try. . . #Person2#: Here you go. I'll wait for you to get on the green before I putt. #Person1#: No. you go ahead and putt it out. Then I'Il go. #Person2#: No way, Mary. I'm going to let you go first. I don't want the pressure of putting first.

Mary's golf ball landed in the sand trap and she hates that. #Person2# will wait for her to get on the green.

#Person1#: Have you heard about the new iPhone? #Person2#: yes, I heard it's supposed to come out in June. Are you thinking about getting one? #Person1#: I'd like to. It's a cell phone, camera, PAD and mp3 player all in one. #Person2#: if I had enough money, I'd buy one, but I don't even have enough to buy one of their shuffle spods. #Person1#: how big is a shuffle iPod? #Person2#: the first generation iPod shuffle is about the size of a park of gum and the second generation iPod shuffle is about half the size of the first. #Person1#: how many gigs of music can it hold? #Person2#: I think it's either one or two gigs. I can't remember. #Person1#: how much do they cost? #Person2#: not much at all. I think it's about 100 dollars. #Person1#: you're right, that's not bad at all. #Person2#: do you have an iPod? #Person1#: I got one for my birthday when they first came out, but after the battery died out, I never brought another one. #Person2#: why didn't you just buy another battery for it so you could use it? #Person1#: that's one of the problems with having an iPod. Though an iPod might have an above average battery life, once the battery is dead, so is your iPod.

#Person1# would like to get a new iPhone. #Person2# tells #Person1# about the shuffle iPod. #Person1# has an iPod but its battery has died out.

#Person1#: Have any plans for the weekend, Tom? #Person2#: Yeah, I'm going for a hike in the southern Rocky Mountains. #Person1#: Oh, do you go hiking often? #Person2#: I go as much as I can. I love hiking because you can really get in touch with nature. #Person1#: It would be nice to get out of the city. Do you want some company? #Person2#: Sure. But, it will be a long hike, 30 miles in three days. Have you been hiking before? #Person1#: Yeah, I go a lot too. I saw a bear and a mountain lion on my last hike. #Person2#: Wow! You must have been pretty far away from the city. #Person1#: Yeah, my friend and I hiked in a very wild part of the national forest. #Person2#: Well, bring him along too. We'll have a great time this weekend. #Person1#: Thanks, I'll ask him.

Tom is going for a hike in the southern Rocky Mountains during the weekend. #Person1# and #Person1#'s friend will join him.

#Person1#: Excuse me. Is anyone sitting here? #Person2#: No, nobody. #Person1#: You don't mind if I smoke, do you? #Person2#: Well, to be frank, yes, I do. #Person1#: Oh, I'm sorry. But this isn't a no-smoker, is it? I mean would you mind if I smoke here? #Person2#: Actually it is. Perhaps you haven't noticed the sign. #Person1#: Sign? What's sign? #Person2#: There, on the window. #Person1#: Oh, sorry. I didn't notice it. Sorry. #Person2#: That's all right.

#Person1# sits beside #Person2# and asks if #Person2# minds #Person1# smoking. #Person2# does, besides the place is a no-smoker.

#Person1#: You should not have criticize your son in front of his friends. #Person2#: Why? He did something wrong. #Person1#: I know. But at that time your blame is rubbing salt into his wounds. #Person2#: I only wanted to help him. #Person1#: But it is not the right time.

#Person1# tells #Person2# not to criticize #Person2#'s son in front of his friends.

#Person1#: I really want to take a nap. I feel very sleepy today. #Person2#: What's the matter? Didn't you get enough sleep last night? #Person1#: I fell asleep very late. It was almost two o'clock in the morning when I finally fell asleep. #Person2#: Are you worried about something? Why couldn't you sleep? #Person1#: You know how it is when you're in a strange country. Everything is new, and you get tired and nervous sometimes. Then you worry about your family, about conditions back home, about your courses, about your money, about everything. I tried to fall asleep but I just had too much on my mind. #Person2#: Well, take it easy. Things will look better tomorrow. Maybe you should try exercising or a hot bath to help you relax. #Person1#: Anything is worth a try. But right now I really just want to find a quiet place to take a nap.

#Person1# fell asleep very late because #Person1# had too much on the mind. #Person2# gives #Person1# some suggestions but #Person1# only wants to take a nap right now.

#Person1#: What is your favorite coffee? #Person2#: Irish coffee is my favorite. But I'm not particular on it. #Person1#: All right. Would you make coffee yourself when you are at home? #Person2#: Not very often. Making coffee is a bit troublesome. Most of the time, I just buy takeout at Starbucks. And also, I quite like instant coffee. #Person1#: I think instant coffee is becoming more and more popular. Though its taste is not perfect, it's really cheap and convenient. #Person2#: Exactly. Nescafe is the world's favorite coffee. People love it all over the world. #Person1#: I agree. I heard that in the western countries, almost everyone likes coffee. Is that true? #Person2#: Yes. No doubt about that. For us, coffee is more a living style rather than a simple drink. I heard Chinese people don't drink that much coffee. #Person1#: No, we don't, especially the elder people. But more and more young people fall for coffee nowadays. #Person2#: I suppose so. That's probably why there are so many wonderful coffee houses in China now.

#Person2# likes Irish coffee and buys takeout at Starbucks. #Person1# and #Person2# talk about the advantages of instant coffee and Western and Chinese people's attitudes towards coffee.

#Person1#: Hi, is that Mr. Wu? #Person2#: Yes. What can I do for you? #Person1#: I am calling to query about some of your information. #Person2#: We've got a bad line. Can you repeat that please? #Person1#: I said I want to ask about some of your information. #Person2#: Sorry, the connection is terrible. I'll call you back because I can't hear anything.

#Person1# calls Mr. Wu to query about his information but the connection is terrible.

#Person1#: Hello! #Person2#: Oh, hi! #Person1#: Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tom. #Person2#: Pleased to meet you. My name is Alice. Did you just move in next door? #Person1#: Yes, I did. Have you lived here long? #Person2#: Me? I guess so. I've lived here for about six years now. Have you lived in America very long? #Person1#: No, not really. When I left Vietnam, I came to America and I lived with a cousin in Dallas for two years. Where do you work, Alice? #Person2#: I teach mathematics at a college. What do you do? #Person1#: I am an accountant at a company. #Person2#: Well, Tom. It's good to meet you. I have to go now. I am teaching a class this evening, and I need to get to the college. #Person1#: It's nice meeting you too, Alice. #Person2#: See you around! #Person1#: Goodbye, Alice.

Tom just moved in and he introduces himself to his neighbor Alice, who teaches mathematics at college and has lived here for about six years.

#Person1#: What would you like for dessert? #Person2#: What do you have? #Person1#: I have apple pie, ice cream, chocolate cake and fruit cocktail. #Person2#: Can I have apple pie with ice cream? #Person1#: Of course. I made the apple pie this morning, so it's lovely and fresh. #Person2#: I love your home-made apple pie. It's delicious. Can I have another glass of lemonade as well? #Person1#: Sure. Can you get it yourself, it's in the refrigerator. #Person2#: Ok. Would you like a drink too? #Person1#: Yes, I'll have an ice tea. You see it next to the lemonade. #Person2#: Are you having any dessert? #Person1#: I'll have apple pie too, but without ice cream. I have to watch my weight.

#Person2# wants to have apple pie with ice cream and another glass of lemonade. #Person1# will have ice tea and apple pie without ice cream because #Person2# has to watch #Person2#'s weight.

#Person1#: May I help you? #Person2#: I'd like to cash this check, please. #Person1#: Do you have an account with us? #Person2#: Yeah. Here's my identification card. #Person1#: Do you want large or small bills? #Person2#: Actually, I want to buy some traveler's checks. #Person1#: What denomination? #Person2#: Twenties would be fine. #Person1#: Do you want the whole amount in traveler's check? #Person2#: Yes, please.

#Person1# helps #Person2# cash the check to buy traveler's checks.

#Person1#: Good morning, Madam. This is room service, may I help you? #Person2#: Good morning. I'd like to reserve some rooms for a tourist party. #Person1#: All right. What kind of room would you like? #Person2#: You see, we are tourists whose requests are different, so please tell me more about it, will you? #Person1#: It's my pleasure. We have single rooms, double rooms, suites and luxury suites, ect. Well, here is an introduction to our hotel. #Person2#: That's great. I'd like to book four single rooms, five double rooms and three suites. #Person1#: All right, madam. For which dates do you want to book the rooms? #Person2#: From tomorrow till January 8th. That's five days in all. #Person1#: I see. Now please fill out the form. #Person2#: Here you are. Is everything OK? #Person1#: Just a minute, madam. You should pay a deposit of 500 yuan beforehand. #Person2#: OK. Here you are. #Person1#: Thank you. Please keep this receipt. #Person2#: Thank you. By the way, is there any preferential rate for the party? #Person1#: Yes, there is a 15 percent discount. #Person2#: That's wonderful. Thank you. #Person1#: You're welcome. I hope all of you will have a good time here.

#Person1# helps #Person2# book four single rooms, five double rooms, and three suites for a tourist party from tomorrow till January 8th with a deposit of 500 yuan and gives #Person2# a 15% discount.

#Person1#: Can I reserve a hotel room? #Person2#: I assure you, that's not a problem. What is your full name, please? #Person1#: My name's John Sandals. #Person2#: It's a pleasure to assist you. Please tell me when you'll be needing the room, sir. #Person1#: If my plans don't change, I'll need a room April 14 till April 17. #Person2#: Sir, our room prices are slightly higher than you may have thought. Will that be okay? #Person1#: Tell me how much it will be, and I can tell you if it's okay. #Person2#: Only $ 308 per night, before taxes, of course. #Person1#: $ 308 a night? That's a fair price. #Person2#: Now, as for the room, sir, do you prefer smoking or nonsmoking? #Person1#: Nonsmoking, please. #Person2#: Nonsmoking. Now, sir, does a single queen-size bed meet your approval? #Person1#: I have absolutely no problem with that. #Person2#: Queen, nonsmoking. Okay, sir, your room is reserved. Now if you'll just give me your phone number. #Person1#: Not a problem. The number is 626-555-1739. #Person2#: Thank you for making a reservation with us. We look forward to seeing you in April!

#Person2# helps John Sandals to reserve a nonsmoking room with a queen-size bed from April 14 till April 17.

#Person1#: Do you have any direct flights to Toronto? #Person2#: Sorry, we don't. But I think you can fly on Northwest Airlines to Berlin and then have a connecting flight on Canada Airline to Toronto. And it is the most economical flight, just 1, 900 dollars. #Person1#: When does the flight depart? #Person2#: At 8 am. By the way, it also makes a refueling stop. #Person1#: How long is the layover? #Person2#: Less than one hour. #Person1#: And how long do I have to stay in Berlin for the connecting flight? #Person2#: Not so long, just one hour. #Person1#: So the time for the total journey is about. . . ? #Person2#: About 13 hours. #Person1#: Let me count. Ok, it works out for my schedule. Thanks a lot! #Person2#: You are welcome!

#Person1# wants to fly to Toronto. #Person2# suggests #Person1# fly on Northwest Airlines to Berlin and then have a connecting flight on Canada Airline to Toronto.

#Person1#: I'm sorry, I've lost my tags and receipt. What can I do about it? #Person2#: I see. What is your baggage? And do you remember the tag's number or color? #Person1#: It's a suitcase. Its colour is blue. #Person2#: Could you give me a description of your case? #Person1#: It's like this, it's square with a leather cover. #Person2#: I'll check it for you. I've found it. Is this yours? #Person1#: Yes, it is the right one #Person2#: Will you show me your key card, please? #Person1#: Here it is. #Person2#: All right. Now you can take your case away

#Person1# lost #Person1#'s tags and receipt. #Person2# checks and helps #Person1# find #Person1#'s case.

#Person1#: Mr. Phillips? I have a request here from purchasing that needs your approval. #Person2#: Let me take a look. This is for a 486 computer with modem. Who's it going to? #Person1#: I believe it's going to Ms. Wilson's office. #Person2#: Get her on the phone, please. I need to clarify this.

#Person1# needs Mr. Phillips's approval. Mr. Phillips wants to clarify the request.

#Person1#: I will have sole then. #Person2#: All right, how about the other guests. #Person1#: The rest of us will have this today's special, please. #Person2#: Ok. #Person1#: I am sorry but I ordered sole not the same as the others. Will you change it? #Person2#: I'm afraid we have no more sole. #Person1#: Then I'll have the pork cutlet instead. #Person2#: Certainly, just a moment, sir.

#Person1# orders sole but is served with the same as the others. #Person2# has no more sole, so #Person1# changes to the pork cutlet.

#Person1#: Do you have any experience working with a computer? #Person2#: Yes. I have been a data entry operator for three years. #Person1#: What kind of software can you use? #Person2#: I have working knowledge of Windows and Dos. Actually, I'm quite familiar with both Java and C Programming Languages. #Person1#: Do you have any other computer qualifications? #Person2#: I have an ACRE certificate, GRADE 2. #Person1#: Do you know how to use a PC to process the management information? #Person2#: I'm sorry to say I'm not familiar with processing management information, but I'm sure I could learn quite quickly. It can't be too difficult, and I've got a quick mind. I can handle any problem you give me.

#Person1# interviews #Person2# who has been a data entry operator for three years. #Person2# knows how to use the software, has computer qualifications, and can learn quite quickly.

#Person1#: Hello, welcome to Credit Services. How can we help you? #Person2#: I'm interested in applying for a credit card with you. #Person1#: Are you an existing customer? #Person2#: Yes, I've had a Current Account with a debit card with you for years. Now, I'm looking at upgrading to a credit card. #Person1#: May I ask why you didn't think of applying for a credit card with us sooner? Most young people jump at the chance. #Person2#: When I opened the account with you, I was a student, I graduated a couple of years ago and have a steady salary, so I figured now would be the best time to go ahead. #Person1#: That's very sensible of you. We have many fresh graduates applying for credit cards, getting them and then going on a spending spree and being unable to meet the repayments. #Person2#: As you can see from the statements for my Current Account, I have never been overdrawn. I'm always very careful about that.

#Person2# is interested in applying for a credit card with #Person1#. #Person1# suggests #Person2# applies for a credit card sooner, but #Person2# thinks he is qualified.

#Person1#: Good morning, City Taxi. #Person2#: Good morning. I'd like to book a taxi to the airport for Saturday morning, please. #Person1#: Where from? #Person2#: I'm at Garden Hotel in Union Street. There will be three of us sharing. How much will it be? #Person1#: About 60 dollars. #Person2#: 60 dollars? Each of between us? #Person1#: Oh, that's all together. What time do you want to leave? #Person2#: Seven in the morning. #Person1#: Right! We'll pick you up at your hotel at seven then. #Person2#: Thank you very much. Goodbye.

#Person1# helps #Person2# to book a taxi to the airport on Saturday morning for 60 dollars.

#Person1#: Hi. My name's Carl. Nice to meet you. #Person2#: Nice to meet you, too. My name is Francisco. #Person1#: What? #Person2#: Francisco, but all my friends and family back in Peru call me Pancho. #Person1#: Okay, Pancho. So, tell me about your family? #Person2#: Well, I have seven brothers and six sisters. #Person1#: Wow. That is a big family. So are you the oldest, Pancho? #Person2#: No. I'm the second oldest in my family. #Person1#: So, what do your parents do? #Person2#: My father is a taxi driver in Lima, Peru. It's a hard job, but he works hard to support the family. #Person1#: How about your mother? #Person2#: She helps run a small family store with some of my older brothers and sisters. #Person1#: What kind of store? #Person2#: We mainly sell food, like bread, eggs, soft drinks, rice, sugar, and cookies. Things that people buy every day.

Francisco and Carl meet each other for the first time. Francisco tells Carl he's the second oldest. His father is a driver and his mother runs a store.

#Person1#: Hi, Jane. I'd like to discuss something with you. Do you have a minute? #Person2#: Sure. I've just got out of my eleven o'clock class. I don't have another class until this afternoon. #Person1#: Good. Listen, I've just received an e-mail from the computer centre. They are looking for students to help with the work of the school website this summer. They need two assistants. They asked me if I knew anyone that might be interested. I thought you might like to consider the job. #Person2#: Sounds interesting. I can type, but I don't have a lot of experience. #Person1#: Well, I don't think any special experience or knowledge is necessary. And with your interests in computers and the Internet, I think you would be good for the job. Also they're paying good money. What do you think? #Person2#: It sounds like a great chance to get some experience. Thanks for thinking of me.

#Person1# tells Jane the computer center is looking for students to help with the work of the school website and doesn't need special experience or knowledge. Jane is interested.

#Person1#: Oh, I am starving. #Person2#: Me too. Shall we eat out? There is a new French restaurant down the street. #Person1#: Oh, forget about it. I went there with a friend last week. The menu was all in French and I just couldn't read it. #Person2#: That's what you are paying for. #Person1#: Maybe. But I should say everything was expensive and nothing was to my satisfaction. #Person2#: Then how about the Italian restaurant on the next block. #Person1#: Well. I ate out almost every day last week. Let's just eat in today. #Person2#: But I am not in the mood to cook. #Person1#: I will cook then. In fact, I am sick and tired of restaurant. I just want a home-cook meal.

#Person2# suggests they eat out. But #Person1# wants a home-cook meal, because #Person2# ate out almost every day last week, and promises to cook.

#Person1#: I have a complaint to make, Sir. I had waited ten minutes at the table before the waiter showed up, and I finally got served. And I found it was not what I ordered. #Person2#: I am terribly sorry, madam. It's a bit unusually busy tonight. As a compensation, your meal will be free.

#Person1# makes a complaint. #Person2# compensates for her meal.

#Person1#: It is exciting just to think about it! It'll be my first trip to Hawaii. But I may have trouble finding my way around there when I'm there. #Person2#: Don't worry about that. Just give me a call when you arrive. I'll be glad to show you around.

#Person1# is worried to have trouble finding the way in Hawaii. #Person2# offers to help.

#Person1#: You've had a very dangerous life, haven't you, Joe? #Person2#: Yes. That's right. #Person1#: When was your worst accident? #Person2#: Last year. It was during the British Grand Prix. I knocked into a wall. The car was completely destroyed and my left leg was broken. Luckily nobody was killed. #Person1#: Is that the only time you've been..., er... close to death? #Person2#: No, I had a very frightening experience quite recently. I was frightened to death! I thought I was going to be killed at any moment. #Person1#: Really? When was that? #Person2#: It was on my way to this studio. I had to drive through London during the lunch hour.

Joe has had a very dangerous life and tells #Person1# about his worst accident and a very frightening experience recently.

#Person1#: Hello, Mrs. Turnbull. How are you? #Person2#: Fine, thanks. How's your boy, Jack? #Person1#: He's a bit tired. You know, he goes to school at eight o'clock every morning. He doesn't get home till after four. then he does his homework after tea. It often takes him a couple of hours to finish #Person2#: Poor boy. They work hard at school nowadays, don't they? Does he like it? #Person1#: School, you mean? Yes, he does. He likes his teachers, and that always makes adifference. #Person2#: Yes, it does. Does he go to school by bus? #Person1#: No, he walks. He likes walking. He meets some of his friends at the corner andthey go together. #Person2#: What does he do when it rains? #Person1#: My husband takes him in the car. He passes the school on the way to the office.

#Person1# tells Mrs. Turnbull about #Person1#'s boy, Jack, who is a bit tired because of school but likes it. Jack usually walks to school but takes the car when it rains.

#Person1#: Hi, Craig! How are you? #Person2#: Not so good. I have a terrible cold. #Person1#: Really? That's too bad! You should be at home in bed. It's really important to get a lot of rest. #Person2#: Yeah, you're right. #Person1#: And have you taken anything for it? #Person2#: No, I haven't. #Person1#: Well, it's helpful to chop up some garlic and cook it in chicken stock. Then drink a cup every half hour. It really works! #Person2#: Ugh!

Craig has a terrible cold. #Person1# suggests he get rest and take some garlic in chicken stock.

#Person1#: Hi, Lilly, it's so nice to see you again. #Person2#: Hum, me too. This winter holiday was especially long. What have you done? #Person1#: Nothing special. I had a get-together with some schoolmates at the high school, visited the Internet and read a couple of books which I had been longing for. How about yours? #Person2#: You know, I like traveling. I made good use of this long vacation and enjoyed myself.

#Person1# and Lilly talk about how they spend their winter holidays.

#Person1#: How can you keep in touch with your aunt in America? #Person2#: Oh, I make a phone call once a month. #Person1#: It's very expensive, right? #Person2#: Yeah. #Person1#: Why not send E-mail through the Internet ? #Person2#: Is it convenient and cheap? #Person1#: Sure. You can send E-mail to each other every day through the internet. In addition, you can make a phone call through the internet , too. #Person2#: Really? I'm so glad to hear that. But I don't konw how to get access to the Internet. Could you show me? #Person1#: No problem. I'll tell you. #Person2#: I'll appreciate it very much.

#Person1# tells #Person2# #Person2# can keep in touch with #Person2#'s aunt in America through the internet and willing to show #Person2# how.

#Person1#: Is that true? #Person2#: I guess so. Now Anna's got four kids and another on the way. #Person1#: Wow. She looks good for having had that many kids. She's pregnant and wearing Prada! #Person2#: That's Anna for you. She keeps up the image of the stylish Italian woman. Here she comes. #Person1#: She's glowing. It must be the pregnancy. #Person2#: Yeah, or the expensive Italian facial treatments.

#Person1# and #Person2# talk about Anna who is pregnant but still fashionable.

#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!

#Person2# wants to get tans at the beginning of the summer but #Person1# doesn't.

#Person1#: Hi, Nancy. How are you doing? #Person2#: Hi, Tom. Want a cup of coffee? #Person1#: Not right now. I've got to get another car and my old one is blown up. #Person2#: Oh, hey, did you look in the classified ads? #Person1#: You mean used car? #Person2#: No, Ah. . . single sellers. #Person1#: Well, yeah, but I'd be getting somebody else's problem. #Person2#: Uh huh. How about a used car? They've got good ones now. #Person1#: It's the same kind of deal though, you know, you never know what you're going to get. #Person2#: Oh, hey, how about a new car? They've got easy loans now. You'd feel so good driving a new car. #Person1#: Let's look at them all. Have you got a paper there?

Tom has to get another car. Nancy suggests single sellers and used cars but Tom prefers a new car.

#Person1#: Who was that guy you were talking to at the bar? It looked like he was hitting on you. #Person2#: Yeah, we struck up a conversation, and eventually he asked me out. I gave him my number, but I'm not sure if I'll actually go out with him. #Person1#: Oh? How come? #Person2#: He's nice, but I just don't feel like we have much chemistry, so I don't want to lead him on. #Person1#: Well, don't be too quick to judge. My last boyfriend and I didn't hit it off right away, I only started to fall for him after we went out a few times and I got to know him better. We were together for 3 years. #Person2#: So why'd you split up? If you don't mind my asking. #Person1#: Not at all. We just started to drift apart, different interests, different plans for the future. The breakup was mutual. #Person2#: Ah, that's great. My last relationship was a nightmare, I hooked up with a guy at a New Year's party and we were together for six months, but we were constantly fighting and making up. I don't know how I put up with him for so long. #Person1#: How'd it end? #Person2#: He cheated on me, I caught him making out with his ex. He begged me for another chance, but I know he was just trying to jerk me around, so I said no. #Person1#: Ugh! Good for you. #Person2#: Thanks. So how about you, are you going out with anyone at the moment? #Person1#: Oh, I've gone on a few dates here and there, but nothing serious. To be honest, I'm not really interested in settling down just yet, I'm enjoying the single life too much.

#Person2# doesn't feel like she has chemistry with a guy. #Person1# advises her not to be too quick to judge because #Person1#'s last boyfriend and #Person1# didn't hit it off at first but then they fell in love. Then #Person2# says her last relationship is a nightmare, her last boyfriend cheated on her.

#Person1#: Um, which of them is the better typist? #Person2#: Well, Mary types faster than Jones. But I think Jones types more carefully. #Person1#: Is there any difference in their short hand? #Person2#: Jones can certainly take down letter more quickly, but Mary's short hand is the best in her class. #Person1#: How about languages? #Person2#: Both of them speak excellent French. But I think Mary speaks German more fluently than Jones does. #Person1#: Um. That doesn't really matter. Because we have more French visitors than German.

#Person1# asks #Person2# to compare Mary and Jones in terms of typing, shorthand, and language mastery.

#Person1#: It's a terrible day, isn't it? #Person2#: Yes, it is. This is why our flight was delayed for 2 hours. My parents should be worried about me. They are waiting for me at London airport. #Person1#: Where did you come from? #Person2#: Beijing. I was there for a 2 weeks' conference on space technology. #Person1#: How interesting! I was there for tour. You see, I usually have a tour twice or 3 times a year. #Person2#: Really? Which places did you visit in China? #Person1#: Apart from Beijing, we went to Nanjing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou. #Person2#: Did you enjoy it? #Person1#: Very much. It was one of the most exciting tours I've ever made. Was this your first trip to China? #Person2#: Oh, no. I go almost every year. Unfortunately, it's always on space related business. I haven't had time to visit tour sites. #Person1#: Oh, what a pity.

#Person1# and #Person2#'s flight was delayed. #Person2# was in Beijing for a conference on space technology. #Person1# has been to many places in China for a tour.

#Person1#: Now, mister Snow. What can you remember about the attack? #Person2#: Well, I was working late yesterday evening. #Person1#: What time did you leave your office? #Person2#: About 9:44. #Person1#: Are you sure? #Person2#: Oh yes, I looked at my watch. #Person1#: What did you do then? #Person2#: Well, I locked the door, and I was walking to my car when somebody hit me on the head. #Person1#: Did you see the attacker? #Person2#: No, he was wearing a stocking over his head? #Person1#: Tell me mister snow. How did you break your leg? #Person2#: Well, when the doctors were pudding me into the car. They dropped me.

#Person1# asks Mr. Snow about the attack. Mr. Snow left his office at about 9:44 and got hit when walking to his car but didn't see the attacker.

#Person1#: Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the cross bakery building? #Person2#: The cross bakery building? Sure, you're actually walking in the opposite direction. #Person1#: Oh, you're kidding. I thought I was heading east. #Person2#: No, east is the other direction. To get to the bakery, you need to turn around and go 3 blocks to broadway, when you get to broadway, you need to take a left, go straight down that street for 2 blocks, and then you'll see the building on your left. It's just between the post office and a supermarket. #Person1#: Ok, let me see if I've got that, first turn around, 3 blocks to broadway, and then a left turn and 2 blocks to the building, is that right? #Person2#: Yeah, you've got it.

#Person2# tells #Person1# how to get to the cross bakery building.

#Person1#: I wish we had hired a professional person to film it. Instead of asking your friend Lenny to do it. #Person2#: This video isn't so bad. The quality isn't the best, but he does a pretty good job. #Person1#: It's not bad if you like your unclear video. There are no changes between scenes and the lighting is terrible. At best, it looks like a rough video that has not been completely edited. #Person2#: It is a little rough, I admit. #Person1#: There are problems with the audio, too. Some sections are no sound when the audio is cut. And when there is the audio, the volume isn't the same. #Person2#: That's true. I guess, he'll do better next time.

#Person1# wishes they had hired a professional person to film it and feels disappointed with Lenny's work. #Person2# tries to defend Lenny.

#Person1#: I'm pretty busy these days. I was given a new research project by the professor. He asked me to find research information about countries in Asia. #Person2#: Isn't it interesting? #Person1#: Yes, and there's much information I can get. But I was told to finish it in 3 days. #Person2#: What kind of information do you have to get? #Person1#: Mainly cultural customs, holidays and something like that. #Person2#: I'm pretty good at that kind of thing. #Person1#: Really? Then tell me how many languages are spoken in India. #Person2#: Uh...I think English and maybe a lot? #Person1#: And when was the Great Wall of China built? #Person2#: Sorry, I have no idea. Oh, I guess I can help you look it up on the Internet.

#Person1# is busy working on a new research project. #Person2# thinks #Person2# is good at it but can't answer #Person1#'s questions, so #Person2# turns to help #Person1# look it up on the Internet.

#Person1#: Hello. I want to send the computer to my sister in Shanghai by logistics transport. #Person2#: OK. Is it in the box? May I see it? #Person1#: Yes. This is the computer and this is the keyboard and the monitor. #Person2#: Is there anything else? #Person1#: There are a mouse and a camera. #Person2#: Is that all? #Person1#: Yes. How much is it to send these things to Shanghai by regular delivery? #Person2#: It depends on the weight of these things. Generally speaking, we will charge you ten yuan for one kilogram. #Person1#: I see. Can you weigh them for me, please? #Person2#: Please go over there to weigh them. #Person1#: OK. See you later.

#Person1# sends some computer equipments to Shanghai with #Person1#'s assistance.

#Person1#: What's wrong with you? #Person2#: I have a sore throat and headache. #Person1#: Do you feel tired? #Person2#: Yes, my whole body feels weak. And I really feel terrible. #Person1#: I'm sorry to hear that. I'll have to examine you. #Person2#: Ok, go ahead. #Person1#: Open your mouth and show me your tongue. Say ah... You have a bad cold. So you must stay in bed for a week.

#Person2# feels uncomfortable. #Person1# examines #Person2# and gives suggestions.

#Person1#: Dave, there's something I want to talk to you about. #Person2#: Zina, why are you whispering? #Person1#: I've been talking to WebTracker. I'm thinking of jumping ship. #Person2#: What? Are you serious? You'd defect to our archrival! ? #Person1#: Keep your voice down. We'll talk more later. Right now I need to see Vince. #Person2#: We definitely have to talk, Zina. And watch your back. Elvin is still mad about his nose. #Person1#: OK, but don't tell anyone what I said.

Zina tells Dave her idea of job-hopping to the rival company and Dave is stunned.

#Person1#: Take a seat inside and see what you think. So you will take the Porsche then, sir? #Person2#: Yes, and I want to buy the insurance too. I think it's necessary. #Person1#: You're smart to buy it. At 45 dollars for three days, it is a good deal. #Person2#: Can I return the car in San Francisco? #Person1#: San Francisco? No, sir. We only have this office here. You will have to return it here. #Person2#: Really? I heard in America you can return rental cars in different cities. #Person1#: No, sir. That's only with the very big companies. I'm sorry, but this car must be returned to this lot. #Person2#: Well, I guess I will have to drive back down then. Hmm. I didn't think of that. #Person1#: Do you still want the car, sir? #Person2#: Yes. It will be fun. Driving back down the coast. My girlfriend will like it. #Person1#: It's a beautiful drive. #Person2#: Where are the keys? #Person1#: Just a moment, sir. We have to finish filling out the forms.

#Person2# wants to rent a Porsche with the insurance. #Person2# requests to return the car in San Francisco but gets refused. #Person2# still rents the car with #Person1#'s assistance

#Person1#: Wow! What a beautiful scenic spot! It's so open. And just breathe that fresh air, you can almost taste its freshness. #Person2#: You can have a bird view of Guiling City from the top of the mountain. #Person1#: Wonderful! I'll often come here for mountain climbing. #Person2#: You should. Many Guiliners, especially the old and the young, will climb mountains here in the morning. #Person1#: No wonder people say #Person2#: Quick! Pass me your binoculars. Look at that bird... I've never seen one of those before. It's indigenous to Guiling, and an endangered species too. This is lucky! #Person1#: I didn't know you liked bird-watching. #Person2#: I don't really. I just like wildlife, and you don't get to see too much of it in the city. This place is full of it.

#Person1# and #Person2# are enjoying a bird view of the Guiling City from the top of the mountains and are watching birds.

#Person1#: Well, how did you enjoy your seaside trip? #Person2#: It was funny. #Person1#: Tell me about it, will you? #Person2#: Well, we drove through the valley on our way there in the morning. It was a magnificent sight. #Person1#: Did you stop at the big waterfall for pictures? #Person2#: Sure, we wouldn't miss it for anything. After that, we took a short cut to the park. There was very little traffic, so we got there in less than an hour. #Person1#: You were lucky then. What did you do after that? #Person2#: We went for a swim in the sea. That was the best part of the day. Just look at my nice tan. #Person1#: So you must have had a busy and enjoyable day yesterday. #Person2#: Yes, you're right. And I was so tired that I fell asleep on the way back. My arms are still stiff from the swim yesterday.

#Person2# shares the details of the seaside trip with #Person1#.

#Person1#: John, I'Ve asked you not to smoke in here! I don't want to see you smoking in my office again. #Person2#: I'm sorry, Ms. Fairbanks. I won't let it happen again. #Person1#: That's what you said the last time! If you want to smoke, you'll have to use your break time and go outside! #Person2#: I understand, Ms. Fairbanks.

Ms. Fairbanks criticizes John for smoking in the office during working time.

#Person1#: Waitress, can I have the bill, please? #Person2#: Yes, sir. How would you like to pay the bill, sir? #Person1#: Do you accept credit cards? #Person2#: Yes, sir. But we only accept American Express, Master card and Visa. What kind do you have? #Person1#: Master card. Here you go. #Person2#: Wait a moment, please.

#Person1# wants to pay the bill and is served by #Person2#.

#Person1#: Okay, so let's go over everything one more time. I really want you to get this job! #Person2#: I know! It's an amazing growth opportunity! They're true industry leaders, and it would be so interesting to be part of an organization that is the undisputed leader in business process platform development. #Person1#: So, let's see, you did your research on the company, right? #Person2#: Well, I visited their website and read up on what they do. They're an IT service company that offers comprehensive business solutions for large corporations. They provide services such as ARM development, and they also offer customdesigned applications. #Person1#: So what would your role in the company? #Person2#: Well, the position is for an account manager. That basically means that I would be the link between our and our development team. #Person1#: Sounds good, and so, why do you want to work with them? #Person2#: Well, as I said they're the industry leaders, they have a really great growth strategy, amazing development opportunities for employees, and it seems like they have strong corporate governance. They're all about helping companies grow and unleashing potential. I guess their core values and mission really resonated with me. Oh, and they offer six weeks'vacation, stock options and bonuses. . . I'm totally going to cash in on that. #Person1#: You idiot! Don't say that! Do you want this job, or not?

#Person1# helps #Person2# prepare for the job interview. #Person1# acts as the interviewer and asks #Person2# some questions.

#Person1#: And so, I just wanted to check in with you and find out where we are with this project. As you know, you'Ve missed a fairly significant deadline last week, and this will negativity impact the team's ability to move forward with the next stages of this project. #Person2#: I know, I'm really sorry that I missed the deadline. But really, it wasn't my fault. You see, we had all of these unexpected technical problems at the last minute, and that I couldn't get into the database and extract the kind of information that I needed for the data analysis. You know, if the tech guys would have done their job and kept the ARM stable, then I wouldn't have missed my deadline. #Person1#: Oh, come on! An excuse like that is tantamount to lying. You're essentially blaming the tech team for your time management issues, rather than accepting responsibility for the fact that you were procrastinating for the past two weeks. #Person2#: No, I'm not trying to pass the buck here ; I know that it was me who is ultimately responsible for getting this done. But the thing is, I could have finished on time if the system hadn't gone down. And you know, with everything I'Ve got going on now, I can't afford to waste time dealing with technical problems. I'Ve got a lot on my plate and there are only twenty-four hours in a day. . . #Person1#: I'm not going to accept this excuse. You're using these small technical glitches as a crutch and trying to rationalize the fact that you'Ve missed your deadline. Look, we have standards and I expect you to live up to those standards. No more phoney cases. If you're in over your head, you tell me. No more missed deadlines. Now, I want that data on my desk by nine am!

#Person1# blames #Person1# for procrastination for the past two weeks. #Person2# takes technical problems as an excuse for missing the deadline.

#Person1#: Hi, the lab said that you would be getting my test results in today. #Person2#: I like you to come in and discuss some further tests that I would like to run. #Person1#: I think that this is a bad sign. #Person2#: For now, I would like to run a few more tests to look into some of the problems that you mentioned. #Person1#: Why wouldn't you tell me over the phone? #Person2#: If there is any question about test results, we always do a recheck. #Person1#: I need to come in right away. #Person2#: I would be happy to see you this afternoon. If you are feeling upset, please bring a friend or relative along. #Person1#: You are scaring me! #Person2#: Come on in this afternoon and we will talk. It will be fine!

#Person2# merely wants to discuss some further tests with #Person2#, but #Person1# treats it as bad news.

#Person1#: Ouch! The water's too hot! #Person2#: Get in slowly, sweetie. You'll get used to it. I'm gonna go and make you some chicken soup. #Person1#: I'm not hungry, Mom. #Person2#: I know you don't have an appetite, but you need to eat something. You'll get too weak if you don't eat. #Person1#: Oh. . . I'm sweating already. It's so hot. I can feel it boiling! Can I get out yet? #Person2#: That's a good sign. But just soak a little longer, OK?

#Person1#'s not feeling well, so her mother makes her take a hot bath and will make chicken soup to replenish her.

#Person1#: Does Mr. Schmidt know he's going to become a father? #Person2#: No, and I have no way of getting ahold of him! There's no phone where he's at! #Person1#: Well, he has a surprise waiting for him when he gets back, doesn't he! #Person2#: My older sister Judy will be here soon to help. She already has a boy and a girl of her own. . . #Person1#: I just saw a red van pulling into the driveway. Is that her?

#Person2#'s husband isn't there when #Person2#'s going to give birth. #Person2# tells #Person1# she's asked her older sister to help.

#Person1#: Excuse me. #Person2#: Yes, Miss, what can I do for you? #Person1#: I ordered my dish about a half an hour ago, but it hasn't arrived yet. #Person2#: I'm sorry for that, I'm going to check with the chef right now. Miss, I just checked with the kitchen, and they said your order will be coming right up next. Oh, here comes. #Person1#: Thank you. #Person2#: Miss, I'm very sorry for the delay, please enjoy this. Free a glass of wine for inconvenience. Again I'm terribly sorry to make you wait so long. #Person1#: It doesn't matter.

#Person1#'s dish hasn't arrived, so #Person2# checks the order and offers a free glass of wine for the inconvenience.

#Person1#: Come on in. I am so glad you are here. We have been expecting you. #Person2#: Am I late for the party? Looks everyone is already here. Hope I didn't miss something interesting. #Person1#: No, you are just on time. We haven't really started yet. #Person2#: Great, here are some flowers for you. I hope you like them. I was not sure if the color will suit your new apartment. #Person1#: Thank you, they're beautiful. You can hang your coat over there. Try this new couch, it is so comfortable. You will love it. Want something to drink, tea, coffee, juice or Cola? #Person2#: Don't bother. I will help myself. #Person1#: Make yourself at home. #Person2#: It is such a nice place. #Person1#: Well, I don't mean to boast but all the designs are done by myself and some colleagues are already trying to copy some of them for their new apartments. Look, they are making photos now of my designed kitchen.

#Person2# comes to #Person1#'s housewarming party and is warmly received by #Person1#.

#Person1#: You say he was around average height. #Person2#: Yes, that's right, around five nine five ten. #Person1#: Weight? #Person2#: I'm not sure. Medium I suppose. Maybe a little on the heavy side. #Person1#: Any marks on his face? #Person2#: No, I don't think so. #Person1#: Glasses? #Person2#: No. #Person1#: What about his hair? #Person2#: Black or dark brown. #Person1#: Long or short? Straight? Curly? #Person2#: Straight, I think, and about average length #Person1#: Boy, this sure doesn't help us much. It could be anybody. How about his cloth? What was he wearing?

#Person1# is describing the appearance of a certain man to #Person2#.

#Person1#: Hey, Frank, there is that Janet Check. #Person2#: Wow, what a great burd! #Person1#: She sure knows how to strut her stuff. #Person2#: She's a real turn-on our rights. #Person1#: And look out she's dressed. #Person2#: Yeah, I noticed. She must be really loaded. #Person1#: No way. Her old man is rich. He buys her anything she wants. #Person2#: Lucky her. Anyway, I think that is just as beautiful. #Person1#: I think you've lost it. #Person2#: Well, that's my opinion. #Person1#: I admit that she is much prettier than Kate. #Person2#: Oh, there is no comparison. Now we are talking but ugly. #Person1#: At least we agree on that. Let's go and get a drink.

#Person1# and Frank are talking about the fortune and beauty of Janet.

#Person1#: This place is so quiet and peaceful. It's really different from my pad at city. #Person2#: Sure, do you think you could live out here? You know, back to nature at all? #Person1#: I don't know. I don't mind coming out here for a while, but that will get old pretty soon. #Person2#: That's what I was thinking. I mean can you imagine Friday night instead of going out with your friends you'd have to stay in your tree house and talk to birds and squirrels. #Person1#: I think I'd go lonely if I do like that. #Person2#: And where would you get a cup of cappuccino? #Person1#: Now that would be hard to live without. We city folks are pretty spoiled. #Person2#: Maybe. But I ' d rather be spoiled than turn into a crazy guy with a long period to talk to the birds.

#Person1# and #Person2# admit the tranquility of living in nature but they both prefer living in the city.

#Person1#: How old are you, Su? #Person2#: I am seven. #Person1#: I see, you have seven candles on the cake. #Person2#: Yes, I am seven. I am a big girl now. #Person1#: We will have a party here, right? #Person2#: Yes, come on, and we will have fun.

Su tells #Person1# she turns seven and will have a birthday party.

#Person1#: Excuse me, Miss. #Person2#: Yes. May I help you? #Person1#: I'm a graduate student here in mathematics. I've just come from China and I've never used a western library before. I'll be here for five years, so I'd like to learn to use the library as efficiently as possible. I wonder if someone might have time to show me around. #Person2#: I'd be very glad to show you around, but I'm very busy right now. Could you come back about 3 thirty? #Person1#: Sure. 3 thirty this afternoon. #Person2#: Good. See you later. #Person1#: Thank you. Good-bye.

#Person1# requests #Person2# to show #Person1# around the library because #Person1# is new here. #Person2# is not available now and they'll meet in the afternoon.

#Person1#: Ten sheets of rice paper, 25 brushes, two boxes of oil color and two boxes of water color. All these come up to $ 35. 50, sir. #Person2#: Ok, here is $ 50. Oh, can you make out an invoice for me? #Person1#: Sure, just a minute. Are you an artist, sir? #Person2#: No, I am a teacher. I teach art. #Person1#: That must be a very interesting job. #Person2#: It is. You must be new here. I do my shopping here regularly, once a week. #Person1#: Do you? Nice to meet you! And here is the invoice and your change. #Person2#: Thank you. Nice to meet you, too.

#Person2# buys some drawing tools and asks for an invoice with #Person1#'s assistance.

#Person1#: How's the building work going? #Person2#: Well, I'm afraid we've had a slight delay. #Person1#: What's the problem? We really can't have any delays at this stage. We're working to a really tight schedule and we're already over budget. #Person2#: The cement arrived late but don't worry, I'm confident we can still meet the deadline. The crew is on stand-by and as soon as the concrete has set we can get started again. #Person1#: OK. Keep me informed. Jt must be ready on time.

#Person2# tells #Person1# the building work has been delayed because the cement arrived late.

#Person1#: Good afternoon madam. What can I do for you? #Person2#: Hi. I want to check out. My room is 1005. #Person1#: OK. Please hold on a minute. So you checked in on Monday and stayed 3 nights in single room 1005. Is that right? #Person2#: Yes. Can I have a look at my bill? #Person1#: OK. Here you are. If there are no questions, could we have your signature in the blank below? #Person2#: OK. I would like to have my receipt report, please. #Person1#: Here it is. We are pleased to serve you here and we look forward to seeing you again. Wish you have a good day.

#Person2# checks out in the hotel with the assistance of #Person1#.

#Person1#: Hello, Mr. Green. This is Lin Tong. How are you? #Person2#: Hi, Mr. Lin. I am leaving tomorrow and I am just packing. #Person1#: Oh, sorry to interrupt you. But I am calling to say goodbye to you. I am awfully sorry to tell you that I am afraid I could not see you off at the airport tomorrow, because I will have to attend a very important meeting. #Person2#: It doesn't matter, Mr. Lin. I can understand. I know you are always very busy. Work must come first. #Person1#: Thanks a lot. You have been here for almost three weeks. How time flies! #Person2#: Yes. And I would like to convey my thanks to you for your help during my stay here in Nanjing. #Person1#: It is our pleasure. It has been a great pleasure to work with you. #Person2#: Me too. I am looking forward to cooperating with you again. #Person1#: Really? Great! We will. Well, what's your flight number? When are you leaving tomorrow? #Person2#: It's Flight No. 104, Northey Airlines, which leaves at ten O'dock tomorrow evening. #Person1#: OK, I will send someone to see you off. #Person2#: That is so thoughtful of you. #Person1#: My pleasure. Take care and have a nice trip. #Person2#: Thanks a lot. My wife and I will be welcoming and looking forward to your visit. #Person1#: Let's call it a deal. Hope to see you again soon. Keep in touch then. Byebye. #Person2#: Goodbye. Thanks again.

Mr. Lin calls to tell Mr.Green he won't be to see off Mr.Green himself tomorrow at the airport. They express their gratitude and appreciation and say goodbye to each other on the phone.

#Person1#: Albert? Could you co-sign this approval sheet? Accounting's getting really picky. #Person2#: I know. They'Ve already sent back two approvals I sent them. Where do I sign? #Person1#: Right here. It's for that new fax machine we're getting. #Person2#: Oh, right. I remember. There you are. Hope you don't have as many problems as I had!

#Person1# requests Albert to help co-sign an approval sheet.

#Person1#: Where can I find information on this subject? #Person2#: I'm not sure. Let's look up the catalogue. #Person1#: Will you give some advice on this experiment? #Person2#: I advise that step be taken in power supply first. #Person1#: What's his suggestion for this work? #Person2#: His suggestion is that the work be started at once. #Person1#: The way I see it is that they'd join us. #Person2#: I think so too.

#Person1# and #Person2# discuss an experiment. #Person1# asks #Person2# for suggestions.

#Person1#: Linda, this is Todd calling. #Person2#: Todd, I am so happy you called! #Person1#: Linda, I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed our time together last Friday night. #Person2#: Boy, Todd, that was one great movie you picked out! Thanks for asking me to go with you! #Person1#: I had a great time too and was thinking that maybe you might want to join me for a hike to the waterfalls on Saturday. #Person2#: A hike would be great! Let me pack us a nice picnic lunch, OK? #Person1#: Linda, that would be a perfect addition. #Person2#: I'll take care of the lunch then, and you can take care of the other plans. What time would you like to pick me up? #Person1#: I was hoping to leave by 9 o'clock so that it won 't be too hot for the hike. #Person2#: Nine is a great time to get started. I'll see you on Saturday!

Todd calls Linda to express the joy being with her last time and wants to invite her on a hiking trip on Saturday.

#Person1#: What is your policy on returns? #Person2#: If you bring them back with your receipt within seven days, you'll get a full refund. Also, if you need alterations to the pants, just bring them in and we'll do them for free. #Person1#: Sounds good. #Person2#: That'll be $ 70, please. Will you be paying by cash or charge? #Person1#: Charge. Here's my card. #Person2#: Okay, sir, here you are. Thank you very much. #Person1#: Thank you.

#Person1# inquires #Person2# about the policy on returns and then purchases the pants.

#Person1#: What's for dinner tonight? #Person2#: It's whatever you're planning on cooking. #Person1#: You're not going to cook? #Person2#: No, I always cook. #Person1#: Yeah, and I love your cooking. #Person2#: Don't give me that. If you're hungry, then cook dinner. #Person1#: You're being serious? #Person2#: Look, I'm really tired tonight. I don't feel like cooking dinner. #Person1#: Okay, I'll make dinner tonight. #Person2#: Thank you. I'm going to bed. #Person1#: Do you want me to wake you up when dinner is ready? #Person2#: Yes, please.

#Person2# is exhausted and doesn't feel like cooking. #Person1# will make dinner instead.

#Person1#: do you have any plans for tomorrow night? #Person2#: not really. I wasn thinking of maybe going to a movie. Do you want to go with me? #Person1#: sure. What movies were you thinking about going to? #Person2#: have you heard of Hot Fuzz? #Person1#: yes. Isn't the director of that movie the same guy who directed Shaun of the Dead? #Person2#: that's the one. It's an actioncomedy. What do you think? #Person1#: to be honest, I didn't really like Shaun of the Dead. Besides, I like movies with a happy ending best. #Person2#: what do you have in mind? #Person1#: I was thinking of seeing You, Me and Dupree. It's a typical Hollywood blockbuster. #Person2#: isn't that the chick flick with Kate Hudson and Owen Wilson? #Person1#: yeah, I suppose you wouldn't want to see that, huh? #Person2#: not really. Do you like biographical / drama films? #Person1#: It depends on who the film is about. Which movie did you have in mind? #Person2#: Anne Hathaway is in a new movie called Becoming Jane which is based on a true story about Jane Austen. #Person1#: that sounds fantastic! What time is it playing? #Person2#: it's on at 8: 00 pm at the Phoenix Theatres. I have a membership there, so I can book the tickets ahead of time. #Person1#: great. Shall I meet you there around 7:45 tomorrow night? #Person2#: sounds good. I'll see you then!

#Person1# and #Person2# plan to watch a movie tomorrow. #Person2# wants to watch Hot Fuzz while #Person1# prefers a film with a happy ending. They finally decide on Becoming Jane.

#Person1#: Hello. 138-2369. #Person2#: Hello. Is Anna there? #Person1#: No. I'm sorry Anna is out. #Person2#: Oh, well, could you please leave Anna a message for me? #Person1#: Sure. What is it? #Person2#: You know, Anna is coming for tea at my home. Would you ask her to see if she has my French dictionary? If she does, tell her to bring it with her. #Person1#: All right. And where are you calling from? #Person2#: 136, Rose Street. I'm Anna's friend Jenny.

Jenny phones for Anna. #Person1# answers the phone and tells Jenny Anna isn't available.

#Person1#: What changes do you think will take place in the next 50 years? #Person2#: I imagine that the greatest change will be the difference between humans and machines. #Person1#: What do you mean? #Person2#: I mean it will be harder to tell the difference between the human and the machine. #Person1#: Can you describe it more clearly? #Person2#: As science develops, it will be possible for all parts of one's body to be replaced. A computer will work like the human brain. The computer can recognize one's feelings, and act in a feeling way. #Person1#: You mean man-made human beings will be produced? Come on! That's out of the question! #Person2#: Don't get excited, please. That's only my personal imagination! #Person1#: Go on, please. I won't take it seriously. #Person2#: We will then be able to create a machine that is a copy of ourselves. We'll appear to be alive long after we are dead. #Person1#: What a ridiculous idea! #Person2#: It's possible that a way will be found to put our spirit into a new body. Then, we can choose to live as long as we want. #Person1#: In that case, the world would be a hopeless mess!

#Person2# imagines the greatest change in the future will be the difference between humans and machines. #Person1# thinks #Person2#'s ideas are ridiculous.

#Person1#: Hello, Yang Mei. I hear you're going to the United States. #Person2#: Yes. I'm going with my grandma. We're going to see my parents in New Jersey. #Person1#: When are you leaving, then? #Person2#: This Friday evening. Our plane leaves at seven fifteen. #Person1#: How long will you be there? #Person2#: Six months. #Person1#: Six months! Do you go and see my grandparents in New York? #Person2#: Of course, I will. I want to see as many places as I can. How can I travel? #Person1#: Most people travel by car. The roads are very good. #Person2#: But I don't have a car and I can't drive. Is there any other way to travel? #Person1#: You can travel by bus. It's very cheap. #Person2#: Can't I travel by train? #Person1#: Yes, you can. The train is expensive in the States, but it's fast. #Person2#: Thank you very much. Well, must be off now. See you when I get back. #Person1#: Good luck and have a good trip!

Yang Mei is going to the United States to see her parents and #Person1#'s grandparents. #Person1# offers suggestions about ways to travel.

#Person1#: Can I help you, sir? #Person2#: Yes, please. I'd like to have a pair of shoes. #Person1#: What size would you like, please? #Person2#: Size eleven. #Person1#: OK. What about this pair? #Person2#: Sorry, I don't like white. Have you got any other colors? #Person1#: Oh, yes. We have also got blue, brown and black. #Person2#: Can I have a look at the black ones? Black is my favourite colour. #Person1#: Sure. Here you are. #Person2#: They look nice. What's the price? #Person1#: Fifty dollars. #Person2#: May I try them on? #Person1#: Yes, please. #Person2#: OK. I'll take this pair. Here's the money. #Person1#: Thank you.

#Person2# buys a pair of black shoes with #Person1#'s assistance.

#Person1#: Tom, wake up! It's almost seven o'clock. #Person2#: Oh, morning, Mom. Did the alarm clock ring? #Person1#: Yes, it did. #Person2#: But I didn't hear it at all. #Person1#: What time did you set it for last night? #Person2#: Six o'clock. #Person1#: Hurry up, or you'll be late for school. Are you feeling ill? #Person2#: No. I'm only sleepy because I stayed awake the whole night. #Person1#: Breakfast is ready. Get dressed and get out of bed. Don't forget to wash you face and brush your teeth before you eat breakfast. #Person2#: OK, I'm coming.

Mom wakes Tom up and hurries him to breakfast, or he will be late for school.

#Person1#: Hello, Lucy. This is Mac. How are you? #Person2#: Fine, thank you. A bit too busy, though, you know, I'm trying to put everything in order in mynew apartment. #Person1#: Oh, I see. Well, I was wondering if you'd like to go to a concert tomorrow evening. I think it'll begood. And if I remember correctly, you did say you like pop music. #Person2#: Yes, that's right. I do. It's nice of you to ask me, Mac. But I don't think I can. Margaret has already asked me to see a friend and then we'll go tothe cinema together. In fact, she's getting the tickets this evening. #Person1#: Oh, well. Never mind. What about next weekend? This concert is still on then, I think, if you're free next Saturday. #Person2#: Oh, I'd like to very much, but what time exactly? #Person1#: Well, it starts at 7:00 P.m., I think. #Person2#: Oh, good, that'll be fine. The basketball match will be over by 5:30, I'm sure. #Person1#: Good, I'll call you again when I get the tickets. #Person2#: Sure. Bye for now.

Mac calls Lucy to ask her out for the concert tomorrow but Lucy has an appointment already. So Mac changes the time till next week and Lucy gladly agrees.

#Person1#: Excuse me. I'd like to find out about flights to New York. #Person2#: Well, let's see. One just left about five minutes ago; and there's another one at ten. #Person1#: What time is it, please? #Person2#: It's five to eight. #Person1#: So the plane leaves in about two hours. #Person2#: That's right. Have you bought your ticket? #Person1#: No, I haven't, Can I buy one here? #Person2#: I'm afraid you can't. You'd better go to the hooking office.

#Person2# tells #Person1# the information about the flights to New York and suggests buying the ticket at the hooking office.

#Person1#: Hi, Susan. How are you? I've been wondering when I'd run into you. What are you busy with? #Person2#: Nice to meet you here, Tim. I'm buying some Christmas gifts for those who work with me, but it's really a headache. #Person1#: Maybe I could give you some advice. Firstly, you'd better divide them into different groups-who were the people that are your friends as well as your workmates and who are the people you do not know well but you see pretty much daily. #Person2#: OK, then what should I do? #Person1#: For the friends, you want to get them personal gift. Do they like chocolate? #Person2#: This is what I always give, but I know Mary is on a diet. #Person1#: Does she like fruit or coffee? Anyway, think of the gift that you know your friend likes. #Person2#: Well, I think fruit is helpful to keep fit. What about the rest of them? #Person1#: Leave cards in their mailboxes or on their desks. #Person2#: Christmas cards? #Person1#: Yes, you can afford that. More importantly, it's true of them that you're thinking of them. #Person2#: Thank you for your suggestion, Tim. You really have saved me and my money as well.

Susan gives Tim some useful advice on the Christmas gifts for his colleagues.

#Person1#: Hi, Jack. Who are you writing to? #Person2#: I'm writing to my parents telling them I'll stay here this summer. #Person1#: You're not going home? I thought you were going on a trip to Japan with your family. #Person2#: Well, I intended to go with them, but I thought again and changed my mind. #Person1#: Tell me. I'm interested in knowing what keeps you from joining your beloved family and staying here. It certainly is not studying. #Person2#: No, certainly not. Michael arranged for me to work at his uncle's institution. #Person1#: How much will you be paid? #Person2#: Judy, I don't do it for money, but for experience. Besides, it's voluntary work. #Person1#: You work without payment? That's really something. #Person2#: When will you leave for home? #Person1#: Tomorrow. We'll fly to Hawaii two days after. I really have to pack now. #Person2#: Go then. Have a nice vacation! #Person1#: I'll send you postcards.

Jack tells #Person1# he is staying here during the vacation to gain some working experience while #Person1# is leaving for home.

#Person1#: Do you think discrimination against women in the work force is still prevalent even today? #Person2#: From my own experience as a career woman, I would have to say that while things are getting better now than they used to be, it is still a widespread problem. Society is changing, but there is still a glass ceiling for women in many career tracks. #Person1#: dDo you think the glass ceiling phenomena is because of traditional social customs? Or are there more issues coming into play? #Person2#: I think it's a very complicated issue. A part of the difficulties women have advancing in the work force are due to few opportunities and many male managers. Don't underestimate the good ole' boy system. Men have power, so it's easier for them to stay in power. #Person1#: What about affirmative action? Hasn't legislation changed a lot of the make hierarchy? #Person2#: Affirmative action has given us management quotas and bans sexual discrimination, but it's still a man's world.

#Person2# shares with #Person1# her opinion about the glass ceiling phenomena for women and the affirmative action

#Person1#: Do you want to sign for a Korea language class? #Person2#: What for? Oh, I see, you mean next year our company will expand business to the South Korea market. #Person1#: Right, we have located a business partner in Seoul. The first contact proves to be successful. The general manager of South Korean company has scheduled to pay a visit to us next month. I think it is quite possible to set up a joint venture company with them soon. #Person2#: Well, sounds promising. But I think our company will provide us with the language training courses if it is necessary. We need not bother signing for the language by ourselves. #Person1#: A slow sparrow should make an early start. You know, I am not quick at learning any language.

As the company will expand the business to the South Korea market, #Person1# wants to sign for a Korean language course while #Person2# prefers taking the language training courses provided by the company.

#Person1#: I'd appreciate it if you could help me pick out a gift for my daughter. #Person2#: Would she be interested in a laptop? #Person1#: That's exactly what I was thinking of. #Person2#: A Mac would be an excellent gift. #Person1#: I like Macs. How much for a Mac? #Person2#: You can take a 15-inch Pro home right now for only $2, 100. #Person1#: A Mac it is. I'll take one home with me. #Person2#: She'll be very happy with this. And how do you plan to pay for it? #Person1#: I'll use my VISA, if that's okay. #Person2#: Now, if you'll just sign here, the Mac is all yours. #Person1#: Will she need anything besides what's in this box? #Person2#: Everything she needs is right here in the box. #Person1#: I appreciate your help. Maybe I'll be back for more computer stuff. #Person2#: Your daughter should get straight A's from now on. Good-bye.

#Person1# wants to buy a gift for #Person1#'s daughter and #Person2# recommends a laptop. #Person1# buys one with #Person2#'s assistance.

#Person1#: I think he won't remember White Day . #Person2#: Silly , you should make sure he does . #Person1#: Uh-huh. How about you ? #Person2#: He's buying me a handbag, and then dinner at a gorgeous restaurant. #Person1#: You got a big return for a small gift.

#Person1# and #Person2# talk about White Day and their boyfriends.

#Person1#: So what kind of job did you find for this summer? #Person2#: I'm working for a marketing company. I'm doing telephone marketing. #Person1#: Oh, so you are one of those people who drive me crazy by calling me up in trying to persuade me to buy something that I have no need for. Do you like it? #Person2#: Believe it or not, I do. There are a lot of students working there and we have a lot of fun when we're not making calls. It's really easy since we just have to read from a text. #Person1#: Are you doing this full time? #Person2#: Yeah, but I work from 2:00 in the afternoon until 11:00 at night so I can sleep as late as I want to in the morning.

#Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2# enjoys his job of telephone marketing because he gets along well with colleagues and has enough sleeping hours.

#Person1#: Hello, Sunshine Flower Shop. This is Shareen speaking. #Person2#: This is Tom Hanks. I'd like to order some flowers for my mother and have them sent to her apartment. #Person1#: Fine, Mr. Hanks. What kind of flowers do you want? #Person2#: I'd like to send a dozen red carnations. #Person1#: A dozen red carnations? Our long stem red carnations are selling for 12 pounds a dozen this weekend. They are really quite nice. #Person2#: Alright then, I'll take those. #Person1#: I need your complete address, Mr. Hanks. #Person2#: The address is number 84 MW Street. For the card, just write something simple. How about 'dear mom, all my love, Tom'? #Person1#: Of course. OK, when should they arrive? #Person2#: They should be there before 5 o'clock in the afternoon on June seventeenth. My mom's telephone number is 8456086363. Please call her first before you deliver them. #Person1#: That should be no problem. Just one more question, Mr. Hanks. How do you intend to pay for it? #Person2#: You can put it on my visa card. The number is KH 3272645. #Person1#: Got it. Bye. #Person2#: Bye, thanks.

Tom Hanks phones to order a dozen red carnations for his mother and then pays for them with #Person2#'s assistance.

#Person1#: Well, I think my article can't be more awful. #Person2#: Not likely. Why are you so unconfident about your paper? #Person1#: You know, I missed the deadline for handing in the paper. So I'm uncertain about the content of my paper. #Person2#: Take it easy. Actually, I read your article last night and I found that you had applied the general knowledge to specific problems in your article. #Person1#: You think so? You mean I have done well? #Person2#: Yeah, your work is not bad. However, I have some suggestions for you. Keep to the point, but cross out the unimportant information carefully, or that may have caused some mistakes. #Person1#: OK, thanks.

#Person1# feels awful about #Person1#'s paper. #Person2# encourages #Person1# and offers some refining advice.

#Person1#: I've read a report on the people who can use the foreign language, mainly English. #Person2#: Really? What's it about? #Person1#: It's mainly about different attitudes people have towards the foreign language learning. About 27% of the people think a foreign language is a must in their daily life. #Person2#: I can't agree more. There're more and more people learning foreign languages. #Person1#: That's ture. About 35% of the people at learning are willing to learn the foreign language. #Person2#: As far as I'm concerned, many people especially students are forced to do so because of exams. #Person1#: Yes, that accounts for twenty one percent. There are also about 15% of the people who take a foreign language to be useless and they take no interest in them at all.

#Person1# and #Person2# are discussing different people's attitudes on the foreign language learning.

#Person1#: Why do you have an umbrella with you? It's not supposed to rain today, is it? #Person2#: No, but it's supposed to be very hot. I'll use this umbrella to protect myself from the sun as soon as these clouds go away. #Person1#: I've never heard of using an umbrella for protection from the sun. #Person2#: Did you know that the Chinese invented the umbrella, and that it's first use was for protection against the sun, not the rain? #Person1#: I had no idea, you must get sunburned easily, huh? #Person2#: Oh, absolutely. I always get super red if I haven't put on sun cream.

#Person1# thinks it weird for #Person2# to use an umbrella on a hot day. #Person2# tells #Person1# the first use of umbrellas was for protection against the sun.

#Person1#: Hello, is this the hotel service center? #Person2#: Yes, it is. What can I help you with, sir? #Person1#: It's me and my daughter. We're stuck in the elevator. #Person2#: Heavens! Don't worry, sir. I'll call the Fire Department and our mechanics to help you get out of there ASAP. #Person1#: So what should I do now? Just wait here? #Person2#: Yes, sir. And please do not touch any button in the elevator except for the phone. #Person1#: All right. But just make it quick, OK? I'm fine though. But my little girl, she is completely freaked out in suffering a lot. I'm not sure how long she can hold up?

#Person1# calls the hotel service center because he is stuck in the elevator with his daughter. #Person2# answers the phone and will send help.

#Person1#: Good morning, ma'am. Are you being helped? #Person2#: No, I'm not. I'm here to look for a winter coat. #Person1#: I can certainly help you with that. How about this one? It's made of very high quality wool. #Person2#: It's nice, but I actually need something warmer. This would work if I were staying here in Los Angeles, but it's too light for a Chicago winter. #Person1#: Ah, you need a very heavy coat then. Please follow me. look at this one. It is our warmest coat and it is also fashionable and very comfortable. #Person2#: Would it be possible to get a discount on it? #Person1#: Maybe we can give you a 5% discount. #Person2#: OK. I'll take it. #Person1#: Can I interest you in some gloves? There are 10% off now. #Person2#: No, thanks. I used to live in Connecticut, so I already have some.

#Person2# wants to buy a winter coat and purchases one at discount with #Person1#'s assistance.

#Person1#: Have you decided where to go for the vacation? #Person2#: I will join John in his mountaineering trip. #Person1#: Woo cool. Which mountain are you going to conquer? #Person2#: We haven't made up our minds. Will you come with us? #Person1#: Of course, I will.

#Person1# and #Person2# will join in John's mountaineering trip.

#Person1#: It's too hot to read. #Person2#: We'd better go out for a walk. #Person1#: Which season do you like best? #Person2#: Spring. #Person1#: How about summer? #Person2#: I dislike it most. #Person1#: Why? #Person2#: Because the hottest season is summer in a year. #Person1#: But sometimes summer is more charming than the other seasons.

#Person2# and #Person1# will go for a walk, #Person2# hates summer while #Person1# disagrees.

#Person1#: Broadway Mall is having a big sale this weekend. You wanna go? #Person2#: Don't feel like it. I'm broke. #Person1#: Well, we can still do some window shopping, can't we? #Person2#: Just look around? Ah, that's boring. #Person1#: I'll go myself then.

#Person1# will go to the mall alone since #Person2# dislikes window shopping.

#Person1#: Hey, John! I haven't seen you in ages! What's new? What have you been up to? #Person2#: Pete! Nice to see you Well, on top the norm, you know, wife and kids and work, I'Ve actually gotten into doing some trading. #Person1#: Trading? You, big guy? What are you trading? #Person2#: Currencies. #Person1#: Currencies? As in Euros, Dollars, Pounds and Rupees? #Person2#: It's called Forex. Foreign Exchange. The great thing about it is that I don't have to invest a huge amount. I put in a margin deposit and then I can buy and sell up to 100 times that much! #Person1#: I don't understand. You're buying and selling money? #Person2#: You got it! Just last night I made USD 150! #Person1#: Last night? #Person2#: Yeah! It's a 24 hour market! I had bought some RMB earlier at a low asking price but last night it appreciated drastically so I made a split second decision and sold all my RMB at an amazing bid! I' #Person1#: You're kidding! I'm on! Where do I sign up?

John tells Pete he is doing some trading called Forex. John earns a lot by buying and selling currencies with a little money, so Pete also wants to try it.