Documenti di Didattica
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Documenti di Cultura
Answering Machine
Bill: Hey, this is Bill. I'm sorry I'm not in. Just leave a message.
[Beep]
Hey Bill. This is Hank. I'm just calling to let you know that I'll be a
little late to the game tomorrow night. I have to work a few extra
hours to finish a report. I shouldwrap things up sometime between
seven and eight though. Oh, then I'm planning on dropping
by Lisa's house for about an hour since she's been sick recently.
And, uh, one more thing. I'll swing by my house to pick up some
food for the game. See you then
Bookstore Shopping
ather: Son, what are you . . .
Son: Dad, Dad?
Father:Son. What are you doing here down at the beach? I thought you
said you were going to buy some things for school?
Son: Well, Uh, Dad. I DID buy some things.
Father: Well, what did you buy? What do you have in your backpack?
Son: Well, let's see. I have three notebooks, five pencils, an eraser, and
oh yeah . . . .
Father: Wait! Two smart phones?
Son: Well, uh . . .
Father: What, what do you need with two smart phones?
Son: Well, I use one to call you and Mom, and the other, I call my, uh, my
teachers. Yeah, yeah, yeah! That's it.
Father: Right.
Son: And, uh, yeah.
Father: And what else did you buy?
Son: Well, um, yeah. I have a new iPad.
Father: A new iPad? What do you need a new iPad for?
Son: Well, you know. My birthday is coming up . . .
Father: Your birthday isn't until June. That's six months away.
Son: Well, Mom thought it was a good idea. And I have, let's see, what
else? Two cheeseburgers, some fries, and oooh, a melted ice cream.
Father: How how did you pay for all that?
Son: Well, uh, ooh, uh. Time is passing. Gotta go! Bye, Dad!
Father: Hey, where's my credit card? Come back!!
Sara: Yeah, but Paul, I'm a little bit worried about the weather though. The weatherman
said it was going to rain later tonight.
Paul: Ah. nonsense. Nothing canspoil our adventure. Those weather reports are never
right.
Sara: And it said there was a chance of high winds.
Paul: Ah. Don't worry.
[thunder]
Sara: Paul. Paul. Did you remember to bring our raincoats just in case, like I told you?
[light rain]
Paul: Uh . . . no. I left them on the front porch.
[heavy rain]
Sara: What are we going to do now?
Paul: We'll have to sleep in the car! Hurry get in!
[door shut]
Sara: So, Paul, what are we going to do now?
Paul: How about playing a card game?
Sara: Uhh. I left them next to the picnic table. [Hmmm] Hey, you don't want me to go out
in this rain and get them, do you?
Paul: No. That's okay. So what now?
Sara: Well, we could head down the mountain and stay at that hotel we passed on the way
up, or go home.
Paul: Hmm, why don't we just make the best of it here and hope the weather clears.
Sara: That's a good idea.
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
Listen to the key vocabulary and sample sentences:
PLAY - Windows Media
porch (noun): a small area just outside the front door of homes
where you can sit and relax
- Let's go sit on the porch and enjoy the cool evening breeze.
head down (phrasal verb): go down
- I'll head down to the store after dinner to pick up some milk.
make the best of it (idiom): do what you can under the
circumstances
- We've had to make the best of it ever since dad died last year.
Christmas is Coming!
Man: Well, Christmas is almost here. So, what do you want from Santa
this year?
Key
Vocabulary[Top]
walkie-talkies (noun): small portable radio receiver-transmitters
used for communicating with others
- We always take walkie-talkies when we go hiking in case of
emergencies.
barbie (noun): the name of a brand doll
- My daughter wants a barbie doll house for Christmas.
fragile (adjective): easily broken or damaged, delicate
- Handle this vase with care. It's very fragile.
chimney (noun): the place in a house where smoke from a fire
goes up and out of the roof
- You should clean out the chimney before we use it this winter.
Rudolph (pronoun): the name of Santa's reindeer with the shiny
red nose
- According to the story, Santa needed Rudolph to guide his sleigh
on one stormy, Christmas Eve.
Class Reunion
Clothing Styles
Ashley: Hey, Jake. Are you ready for your trip?
take some nice slacks, a dress shirt, and a couple (of) crazy ties or two.
Ashley: Um, that makes sense.
Jake: And I'll just rent a suit or tuxedo if I need anything more formal. Hey, maybe
I'll get married.
Ashley: You? Married? Hah!
Jake: Wait. What are you trying to say?
Ashley: I just can't imagine you decked out in a tuxedo for any formal occasion.
[What?!] I mean, for high school graduation, you wore an old pair of jeans and tennis
shoes.
Jake: Hey, there was a reason for that, so let me explain. [Yeah, ha, ha.] No, really.
You see, it goes like this . . .
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
PLAY - Windows Media
rest (noun): what is left over after everything else has be used,
eaten, etc.
- Wow. Your suitcase is already full of shirts and shoes. What are
you going to do with the rest of your clothing?
room (noun): space
- Do you have any room in your backpack for a couple more books?
pack (verb): fill a suitcase, box, or another container
- You'd better start packing your bags tonight so we don't have to
rush out the door tomorrow.
rain cats and dogs (idiom): rain very hard
- Last night, I was walking home from work when it began raining
cats and dogs. Unfortunately, I didn't have my umbrella with me.
Business Communications
Secretary: Hello, Ultimate Computers. May I help you?
Caller: Yes, this is Jack Kordell from Hunter's Office Supplies. May I speak to Elaine
Strong, please?
Secretary: I'm sorry, but she's not in right now.
Caller: Okay, do you know when she'll be back?
Secretary: Uh, yes, she should be here later on this afternoon maybe about 4:30. May I
take a message?
Caller: Yes. Ms. Strong sent me a brochure detailing your newest line of laptop
computers with a description of other software products, but there wasn't any information
about after-sales service.
Secretary: Oh, I'm sorry. Would you like me to fax that to you?
Caller: Yes, but our fax is being repaired at the moment, and it won't be working until
around 2:30. Hum . . . could you try sending that information around 3:30? That should
give me time to look over the material before I call Ms. Strong, say, around 5:00.
Secretary: Sure. Could I have your name, telephone number, and fax number, please?
Caller: Yes. Jack Kordell and the phone number is 560-1287. And the fax number is 5601288.
Secretary: Okay. Jack Kordell. Is your name spelled C-o-r-d-e-l?
Caller: No. It's Kordell with a "K" and two "l's." K-o-r-d-e-l-l."
Secretary: All right, Mr. Kordell. And your phone number is 560-1287, and the fax
number is 560-1288. Is that correct?
Caller: Yes it is.
Secretary: All right. I'll be sure to send you the fax this afternoon.
Caller: Okay, bye.
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
brochure (noun): pamphlet, small booklet
- Could you send me a brochure of your laptop computers?
detail (verb, also noun): to explain
- The manager decided to detail his recent visit to our parent
company.
College Life
Maria: Oh, hi Dave. Long time, no see!
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
hectic (adjective): very busy
- Life is always very hectic when you're trying to work and go to
school at the same time.
major (noun or verb): course of study
- I'm thinking about majoring in computer science next year. (verb)
- What is your major? (noun)
land (a job) (verb): to secure, win, or get a job
- It is becoming increasingly difficult to land a job in the field of
language teaching.
work (your way) through (school) (verb): think through, in this
case, work while going to school to support yourself
- Since my parents had no money, I had no choice but to work
myself through school
- Sometimes we just have to work through many new experiences
before we understand the language and culture.
Daily Schedule
Woman: So, what's your usual day like? You always seem so busy.
Man: Well, I usually get up around 5:00 a.m. and work on the computer until 6:00
a.m.
Woman: Why do you get up so early?
Man: Well, I have to leave home at twenty to seven (6:40 a.m.) so I can catch a bus
at 7:00 o'clock . It takes me about twenty minutes to walk to the bus stop from my
house.
Woman: And what time do you get to work?
Man: Uh, my bus takes about an hour to get there, but it stops right in front of my
office.
Woman: That's nice. And what time do you get off work?
Man: Uh, around 5:00 o'clock. Then, we eat dinner around 6:30, and my wife and I
read and play with the kids until 8:00 or so.
Woman: So, when do you work on your website? You said one time that you create it
at home?
Man: Well, my wife and I often watch TV or talk until 10:00 o'clock. She then often
reads while I work on my site, and I sometimes stay up until the early hours of the
morning, but I try to finish everything by one or two.
Woman: And then you get up at 5:00 a.m.?
Man: Well, yeah, but it's important to live a balanced life. I enjoy what I do, but you
have to set aside time for the family and yourself.
Woman: I agree.
Man: But I think my wife has the toughest job. She spends her whole daytaking care
of our family . . . taking the kids to school, working in the garden, buying groceries,
taking the kids to piano lessons . . . [Wow!] It's a full-time job, but she enjoys what
she does.
Woman: Well, it sounds like you're a busy, but lucky man.
Man: I think so too.
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
catch (verb): to get on
- I have to catch a bus in front of the bus station.
Ryan: Hi, Sarah. My name is Ryan, nd I'm 27 years old, and I work as a doctor at City
Hospital. I enjoy reading books on history, hiking with my dog, Amelia, and eating
Japanese food. I also like a woman who loves adventure, is open to new ideas, and
likes discussing world politics and government.
Game Show Host: Okay. Well, thank you, Ryan. Let's go on to Contestant Number 2.
Nate: Hi. I'm Nate. I'm 24 years old, and I am a guitar player in a rock band. I love
traveling to new countries, watching action movies, and playing video games with my
friends. And I love women who like my music, don't mind loud rock music, and a person
who loves a good cheeseburger over the grill. I think I'm the man for you.
Game Show Host: Well, thank you Nate. That's Contestant Number 2. Let's go on to
Contestant Number 3.
Charles: Hello. My name is Charles. I'm 29 years old, and I teach English at the
University of Utah. In my free time, I enjoy mountain biking, gardening, and raising
chickens in my back yard. I also help feed the homeless once a week. I also speak three
languages, and I prefer women who have a good sense of humor, and cook all kinds of
food, and who find joy in serving others.
Game Show Host: Well, there we have it. Three contestants. And we will have Sarah ask
these contestants questions after right after this commercial break.
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
have in mind (verb): to think about
- What activities do you have in mind for tomorrow's picnic?
crazy about (phrasal verb): to like something very much
- Carla is crazy about rock music.
"Hello and thank you for calling American Vision, this area's fineststore in eyeglasses for
you and your family. Our store hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. We're
open Saturdays until six. Closed on Sundays.
Please visit our store on Saturday for an additional 20% off on our already low prices on
all brands of eyewear. And remember: eye exams are free."
A Fun Day
Girl: Dad, I'm bored today. I want to go to a movie?
Dad: A movie today? Well, I don't know. Here. Let me look at the newspaper. Okay. Ah,
here's a movie that starts in the afternoon at 2:45. Well, should we take mommy with us?
Girl: Yeah.
Dad: Okay, we have to wait formommy because she's at a meeting right now.
Girl: Okay.
Dad: Alright. And what should we do after we see the movie?
Girl: Go on a walk.
Dad: Well, where would you like to go on a walk? Would you like to go down to the
beach or through the park?
Family Activities
Emily: Welcome home, Dad.
Dad: Oh, Emily. How are you today?
Emily: Fine.
Dad: Good. And how was school today?
Emily: Really fun.
Dad: Good. And what did you do?
Emily: We made things.
Dad: Like what types of things did you make?
Emily: We made books.
Dad: You made books! Okay. And what else?
Family Relationships
Carl: Hi. My name's Carl. Nice to meet you.
Carl: Wow. That is a big family. So are you the oldest, Pancho?
Pancho: No. I'm the second oldest in my family.
Carl: So, what do your parents do?
Pancho: My father is a taxi driver in Lima, Peru. It's a hard job, but he works hard to
support the family.
Carl: How about your mother?
Pancho: She helps run a small family store with some of my older brothers and sisters.
Carl: What kind of store?
Pancho: We mainly sell food, like bread, eggs, soft drinks, rice, sugar, and
cookies. Things that people buy every day.
Vocabulary
Activities [Top]
Now, do these exercises to review the vocabulary. Then, return back to
the Post-Listening Exercise to use the vocabulary in real conversations.
Multiple-Choice and Short-Answer Questions
Mixed-Up Sentence
Sentence and Vocabulary Matching
Text Completion Quiz
First Date
Girl: He's here. Bye Dad.
Dad: Wait, wait, wait . . . Where are you going?
Girl: Dad. I've already told mom. I'm going out tonight.
Dad: Well . . .
Girl: Dad.
Dad: Okay, but be home by 8:00.
Girl: Eight!? The movie doesn't start until 7:30. Come on, Dad.
Dad: Okay. Be back by 11:00.
Girl: Love you, Dad.
Dad: Love you, too.
Girl: Bye.
Dad:Bye.
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
cool (adjective): someone who is good-looking or attractive
- She thinks the guy is really cool, but she doesn't know him like I
do.
PG (noun): parental guidance
- The movie is rated PG, so I think we should watch it before we
take the kids to see it.
come on (phrasal verb): used to express that something said is
unreasonable
- Come on, Mom. You can't expect me clean up my room before I
go out tonight, can you?
"Ah, nothing like good old rhythm and blues to soothe the soul this late Wednesday night.
This is Harry Williams, and I'll be with you throughout the night here on KQ1150. Oh,
and don't forget that I'll be giving away tickets on the hour from now until sunup for those
of you who can identify this tune:
[ jazz music ]
Call me at 693-3019 and be the seventh caller. And if you can tell me the name of that
piece and the year it was recorded, you'll enjoy the tunes of one of the best bands ever a
week from this Saturday night downtown at the Silver Palace.
Now sit back, relax, and enjoy listening to KQ1150."
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
soothe (verb): to relax or calm
- You should trying listening to classical music to soothe your
nerves. It works for me.
sunup (noun): sunrise or the point where the sun comes up in the
morning
- We'll leave tomorrow before sunup, so please be ready.
identify (verb): to name
- Greg can identify the names of almost all the constellations in the
sky.
tune (noun): usually, a song or musical number
- This radio station plays some really good tunes.
Happy Birthday!
Father: Hi Michael. Happy Birthday! How old are you today?
Son: Seven.
Father: Alright. Well, let's sing Happy Birthday:
Health Club
Justin: Uh, hi. Do you need some help with those weights? I can move them
for you.
Rachel: Uh, no. I can do it myself. I just have to put them back over there.
Justin: No, let me help you. Uh, Oh, Hmpf.
Rachel: Oh, it's okay.
Justin: Oh, my back!
Rachel: It's okay, it's okay. Are you okay?
Justin: I just need to lie down here. Uh. Do you come here often?
Rachel: Yeah. I usually come five times a week.
Justin: Oh, oh man. By the way, my name's Justin.
Rachel: I'm Rachel.
Justin: Uh, so, where are you from?
Rachel: I'm originally from California . . . Are you sure you're okay?
Justin: (Said in agony) Yeah, um, I'm okay. Where are you from?
Rachel: Um, I spent most of my life in a small town in Utah called Spanish Fork actually.
Justin: Oh, um, I just need to lie here.
Rachel: Um, so, where are you from, Justin? I'm going to call the manager.
Justin: No, no, no, no, no! I just need to rest. Oh yeah, I'm from, from, uh, from Spanish
Fork.
Rachel: Wait. Are you sure? You're just not thinking right.
Justin: No, no, no. Not Spanish . . . . Ah, No, I'm from Salt Lake City. So, what do you do
for a living anyway? Are you a body builder or something?
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
meal (noun): a portion of food served and eaten at one time
- This restaurant serves delicious meals at a reasonable price.
care for (verb): informal, to want or wish for something
- Would you care for another drink?
dine (verb): to eat dinner
- How about dining at my house tonight?
injure (verb): to cause physical damage to someone
- He injured his back when he tried to lift those heavy boxes.
News Reporter: Going to grandma's and making breakfast. And let me ask another
young man. Hi, what is your name? [Steven.] Okay, and Steven, what does Christmas
mean to you?
Steven: Giving but not expecting to get.
News Reporter: Now, that's kind of hard for a young man like yourself. What does
that mean: Giving by not expecting?
Steven: Well, one thing that we do is secret giving.
News Reporter: Secret giving? Now how does that work in your family?
Steven: We sneak up to the porch of somebody that we want to give to, we put the
gift that we want to give to them, ring the doorbell, and hide.
News Reporter: Ring the doorbell and hide? Uh, so you're not expecting something;
you just want to be generous to someone else. Is that right?
Steven: Yeah. That's correct.
News Reporter: And let's interview one more. And, uh, how do you celebrate
Christmas? What is the best thing about Christmas and what does it mean to you?
Child: It means getting off from school!
News Reporter: Getting off from school?! Do you all feel that way?
Group of Children: Yeah!!
Young Girl: Because I hate homework.
News Reporter: Yeah. Well, that all here from the City Mall. Channel 7 reporting.
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
sledding (noun): the activity or sport of ridding on a sled, usually in
snow
- I took the kids sledding yesterday down a real fun hill, and we had
a great time.
James: Yeah, uh, thanks for inviting me. As I said, I'm looking for place where I can
have a homestay experience and pick up some English and culture, and . . . Uh, who
is that on your sofa?
Brandon: Oh, that? Ah Randall. Ah, man. He's my roommate.
James: What? How many people live in this house?
Brandon: Well, let's see. There's my American mom and dad, and they have 13 kids.
Uh, the family has four dogs, three cats, a rabbit, and a, oh yeah, a large snake named
Phil. And then there are three international students that share a room with one of the
dogs.
James: No, I don't think this is a good idea. I can't live here.
Brandon: No, man. You'll like it. You and Randall can be roomies.
James: No. No way. I mean, what is Randall like anyway?
Brandon: Oh, Randall? Ah, he's so laid-back, and he gets along witheveryone . . .
when he is awake.
James: What?
Brandon: Yeah, he plays video games about, well until about four in the morning,
but the noise won't bother you much. Just wear earphones. And he can give you a ride
to school . . . uh, when he goes.
James: No, forget it. I'll live with my brother in the dorms.
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
make it (verb): arrive at
- I don't think I can make it to the party tonight.
pick up (verb): learn something
- My sister picked up Russian very quickly during her time in the
country.
roomie (noun): informal for roommate
- Our roomie never cleans the kitchen and leaves his dishes in the
sink.
laid-back (adjective): easy-going, casual, or relaxed personality
- My teacher is very laid-back about everything. I can turn in my
homework late, and she doesn't mind at all.
get along with (verb): have a relationship with
- Why don't you get along with your roommate these days?
dorm (noun): short for dormitory, a building usually a a college or
university where students live
- Are you going to live in the dorms at college next semester?
Hotel Reservations
Hotel Clerk: Hello. Sunnyside Inn. May I help you?
Man: Yes, I'd like to reserve a room for two on the 21st of March.
Hotel Clerk: Okay. Let me check our computer here for a moment. The 21st of May,
right?
Man: No. March, not May.
Hotel Clerk: Oh, sorry. Let me see here. Hmmm.
Man: Are you all booked that night?
Hotel Clerk: Well, we have one suite available, complete with a kitchenetteand a
sauna bath. And the view of the city is great, too.
Man: How much is that?
Hotel Clerk: It's only $200 dollars, plus a 10% room tax.
Man: Oh, that's a little too expensive for me. Do you have a cheaper room available
either on the 20th or the 22nd?
Hotel Clerk: Well, would you like a smoking or a non-smoking room?
Man: Non-smoking, please.
Hotel Clerk: Okay, we do have a few rooms available on the 20th; we're full on the
22nd, unless you want a smoking room.
Man: Well, how much is the non-smoking room on the 20th?
Hotel Clerk: $80 dollars, plus the 10% room tax.
Man: Okay, that'll be fine.
Hotel Clerk: All right. Could I have your name, please?
Man: Yes. Bob Maexner.
Hotel Clerk: How do you spell your last name, Mr. Maexner?
Man: M-A-E-X-N-E-R.
Hotel Clerk: Okay, Mr. Maexner, we look forward to seeing you on March 20th.
Woman: Okay.
Customs Officer: Uh, what is the purpose of your visit?
Woman: I'm here to attend a teaching convention for the first part of my trip, and
then I plan on touring the capital for a few days.
Customs Officer: And where will you be staying?
Woman: I'll be staying in a room at a hotel downtown for the entire week.
Customs Officer: And uh, what do you have in your luggage?
Woman: Uh, well, just, just my personal belongings um, . . . clothes, a few books,
and a CD player.
Customs Officer: Okay. Uh, please open your bag.
Woman: Sure.
Customs Officer: Okay . . . Everything's fine. [Great]. Uh, by the way, is this your
first visit to the country?
Woman: Well, yes and no. Actually, I was born here when my parents were working
in the capital many years ago, but this is my first trip back since then.
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
attend (verb): to be at or go to
- I'm planning on attending a language class before I go to China.
Meeting Singles
Doug: Uh, hi there Diane. Nah, okay. Uh . . . Hi, what's up, Di? Okay, here
we go. . .
[doorbell ringing ]
Diane: Uh, hi. It's David, right?
Doug: No, Doug. Remember? We met at Gary's party last Friday night.
Diane: Oh, yeah. Now I remember. You were standing all alone . . . uh, oh, I . . . I
mean . . . I mean, you . . . you know. We started talking about school and stuff. [Yeah,
yeah.]. Uh, how did you know I lived here?
Doug: Well, I just live around the corner, and I asked Gary if he knew how I could
contact you, and . . .
Diane: And?
Doug: Well, I was just wondering if you'd like to go out this Thursday night. [Oh.].
Well, there's this real great movie playing downtown at the theater, [Uh . . .] and I
thought . . . Well . . . well, we can't use my car 'cause I was in an accident with this
wild man driving this BMW, so I've already checked the bus schedule, and . . .
Diane: Uh-hem [Well], Well, David [No Doug! Remember?] Oh yeah. Doug. I'm
sorry, but I have to work that evening.
Doug: Oh really? Well, I thought you said before that you quit your job.
Diane: Well, I did, but I found a new one.
Doug: Uh, well, how about this Friday night? We could have dinner and then see that
movie.
Diane: A movie? How boring!
Doug: Well, well, uh, well. A movie? Yeah, for . . . forget a movie.
Diane: Anyway, I'm afraid I have to cook dinner for my family, and . . .
Doug: Hey, I love to cook. We could whip something up together! I mean, it would
be great!
Diane: I don't think that's a good idea. It's just a family occasion and . . .
Doug: Well, hey, are you free this Saturday night? I have two tickets to the football
game, and I thought . . .
Diane: Sure. I'd love to go. [Okay!] I've wanted to see a game all year. [Yeah!] My
roommate will be so surprised when she finds out I have a ticket for her, and . . .
Doug: Well, but . . .
Diane: Oh [car screeching . . . ] . . . and here's my brother! He's a
defensive lineman on the team.
Doug: Well, he doesn't look too happy.
Diane: Ah, he's a teddy bear, but hasn't been the same since someone ran into his
BMW.
Doug: Oh. Let me guess. Red, right?
Diane: Right. [Oh] And, it's just that he's a little protective of me since I am his baby
sister.
Doug: Hey, well, it's been really nice talking to you, but I have to run. Hey. Here are
the tickets. Have a great time and, by the way, can I go out your back door?
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
whip something up (verb): prepare quickly
- Let's whip something up for tonight's party. A few games and
some snacks should be fine.
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
keep straight (verb): remember clearly
- You need to keep the facts straight if you want to pass the test.
nah: no (informal)
Do you want to come to the party?
Nah. I have other plans that evening.
homemaker (noun): housewife
- His wife is a homemaker.
John: No problem. Glad you could make it. Hey. Have you met any of
the famous guests so far?
Heather: Uh, no. Who exactly?
John: Well, there is Gregorio Zuttlemisterburger . . . [Who?]. Ah. They call him the
"Grip" for short.
Heather: Who in the world is he?
John: You've never heard of him? [No.] He's the world famous snake trainer . . . He's
never met a snake he couldn't train to dance and hiss at the same time.
Heather: Seriously? Where is he?
John: Uh, he's the tall guy over there in the purple jacket and green pants. He probably
has a snake or two with him tonight.
Heather: Huh?
John: And then there is Georgina, the Great.
Party Time!
Jori: Hi Dave. [Hi] Happy to see you could make it. Come on in.
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
good to see you could make it : happy to see you could come
- It's really good to see you could make it.
full swing (idiom): at its high point
- The party really got into full swing around midnight.
eat someone out of house and home (idiom): they're eating all of
my food
- My teenagers have huge appetites and are eating me out of
house and home.
Phone Message
Little Girl: Hello.
Caller: He, he.., hello? Uh, yeah. Is . . . uh . . . your dad home?
Little Girl: Just a minute please.
Older Sister: Hello.
Caller: Uh . . . yeah . . . uh hello? Yeah, um . . . is . . . uh . . . Nick home
please?
Older Sister: Oh, he can't come to the phone right now.
Caller: Okay, well, um, yeah, I need to talk to your dad. Um, yeah, could
you . . . um . . . take a message?
Older Sister: Yeah.
Caller: Yeah. This is . . . my name's Nick Johnson. And if . . .
Older Sister: The phone number?
Caller: Yeah if you could tell him. Yeah, the phone number is 589 [Uhhuh] 7248.
Older Sister: 589-7248?
Caller: Yeah, right and if you could tell him to call me tonight between
7:00 and 8:30?
Older Sister: Okay.
Caller: Alright, and uh. Now, I think . . . are you his daughter?
Older Sister: Yeah.
Caller: Yeah, now what's your name?
Older Sister: I . . . I'm not supposed to tell that.
Caller: Ah, that's really smart. Alright, well just tell him I called.
Older Sister: (O)kay.
Caller: Okay, bye.
Older Sister: Bye.
Picnic Preparations
Scott: Dave. I'm going to thesupermarket to pick up food and drink for
Saturday's picnic later. Any suggestions?
Dave: Well, everyone has beentalking about having a barbecue down by the river, so why
don't you pick up some hamburger and hot dogs?
Scott: Okay, but how much hamburger meat are we going to need? And hot dogs too?
Dave: Uh, I don't know. How about three pounds of hamburger and a couple packages of
hot dogs?
Scott: Oh, that's not going to be enough. Do you remember the last picnic we went on?
Your roommate, Jim, ate about ten hamburgers by himself!
Dave: You're right. Let's see. I'd better write this down. Uh, let's see about nine pounds of
hamburger meat and, uh . . . , seven packages of hot dogs.
Scott: And you better pick up some chicken for those who don't like hamburger or hot
dogs.
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
supermarket (noun): a place where you buy food or other
household goods, also grocery store
- She went to the supermarket to buy food for dinner.
talk about (phrasal verb): discuss
- Let's get together after class to talk about tonight's party.
pound (noun): a common measure of weight in the US, also 16
ounces
- The turkey weighs over 25 pounds, so there should be enough to
feed all our guests.
package (noun): a container often used for food
- He said he bought three packages of cookies to feed the kids an
afternoon snack.
you better (modal of advice): informal for "you had better" or "you'd
better" and is generally used when there could be a negative
consequence or result if the advice isn't followed
- I told her that she better make enough food for 20 people, or some
of the guests won't be happy or satisfied.
whip up (phrasal verb): prepare quickly
- There's no time to fix a big dinner, so I'll just have to whip up a
simple salad.
bet (verb): strongly believe or have faith in
- This cake has a nice flavor. I bet she added some cinnamon to the
recipe.
knockout (noun): a very attractive or beautiful woman
- Hey, you'll love her roommate. She's a real knockout, and she isn't
dating anyone.
nah: informal for "no"
- Nah, I don't want to go out to eat. Let's just eat something easy at
home.
The Big Sister: No, I'm not. I'm her older sister.
Nick: Well, I'm here to talk to her . . .
The Big Sister: I know why you here.
Nick: Good. Uh, Is Sarah here?
The Big Sister: Um, I first have a couple of questions, and you [had] better answer them.
First of all, what is your name?
Nick: Uh, my name? I'm Nick . . .
The Big Sister: I thought so. Where are you from?
Nick: Um. I'm from Brownsville. Why are you asking me . . .
The Big Sister: Okay. How old are you?
Nick: What!?
The Big Sister: How old are you?
Nick: Does that matter?
The Big Sister: Of course, it matters. I wouldn't be asking otherwise.
Nick: Really?
The Big Sister: Really. Yeah. Sarah's only 19.
Nick: Okay, I'm 22. Now, is Sarah here?
The Big Sister: Where did you first meet Sarah and why do you like her so much?
Nick: Like her? What do you mean? I've only met her once in . . .
The Big Sister: Don't lie to me, Nick.
Nick: Are you sure you have the right guy? Listen. Are you sure? [I'm sure, I'm sure.]
Listen. I'm leaving. I don't need the money THAT much.
The Big Sister: Money? Wait! What do you mean?
Nick: Listen. I'm a teaching assistant at the university, and I met Sarah in the Spanish
class last week. She asked me if I could teach her, you know, help her with her class.
The Big Sister: So, you're not Nick Roberts, that guy that drives that crazy motorcycle?
[No!] The one with the large tattoo of a large snake across his back?
Nick: No! What? You've got the wrong guy. I'm leaving. This whole thing is crazy.
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
section (noun): a separate part of a book or newspaper
- Be sure to read this section of the book carefully. It will help you
understand the story better.
boring (adjective): not interesting
- The book was very boring, so I decided to read a different one.
whoa: used to show surprise
- Whoa! You can read really well. That's great!
Customer: Okay. Store Employee: Okay. And enjoy your romance movies.
Customer: Okay. Thanks.
Saturday's Chores
Son: Dad. Can I go outside to play?
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
scrub (verb): clean thoroughly by rubbing hard
- You'll need to scrub really hard to remove that stain from the table.
dust (verb): to remove small pieces of dirt
- Please dust all the furniture in the front room.
Girl: I'm not sure [money falling on the table]. Probably about ten dollars
or so. I've been helping my mom around the house for the past week to
earn some money. This is all I have.
Man: Hmm. How about this tie?
Girl: That's real pretty, but the price tag says $13.99, and I know I don't
have that much money.
Man: Well, let's just say the tie went on sale. How about $5.00. What do
you say?
Girl: Oh, thanks. I'll take it.
Woman: Well, let's look at this city guide here. [Okay] Uh, here's something
interesting. [Oh!]Why don't we first visit the art museum in the morning?
Man: Okay. I like that idea. And where do you want to eat lunch?
Woman: How about going to an Indian restaurant? [Humm] The
guide recommends one downtown a few blocks from the museum.
Man: Now that sounds great. After that, what do you think about visiting the zoo?
[Oh . . umm . . well . . . ] Well, it says here that there are some very unique animals
not found anywhere else.
Woman: Well, to tell you the truth, I'm not really interested in going there. [Really?].
Yeah. Why don't we go shopping instead? There are supposed to be some really nice
places to pick up souvenirs.
Man: Nah, I don't think that's a good idea. We only have few travelers checks left,
and I only have fifty dollars left in cash.
Woman: No problem. We can use YOUR credit card to pay for MY new clothes.
Man: Oh, no. I remember the last time you used MY credit card for YOUR
purchases.
Woman: Oh well. Let's take the subway down to the seashore and walk along the
beach.
Man: Now that sounds like a wonderful plan.
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
recommend (verb): to suggest something would be good or
suitable for a particular purpose or to suggest some action
- I recommend you visit the palace during your visit.
blocks (noun): the distance and area between roads or streets
- Walk down this road three blocks, and you'll see the science
museum on the righthand side of the street.
to tell (you) the truth (phrase): to be honest
- To tell you the truth, I'm a little afraid to try new foods.
pick up (verb): obtain or get
- I picked up this doll during my last trip to China.
souvenir (verb): something you give or receive to help you
remember a visit to another place
- My children expect souvenirs when I return from a trip overseas.
Snack Time!:
Healthy Foods for Kids
Son: Dad!
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
snack (noun): an informal light meal
- My wife often gives the kids a snack right when they come home
from school.
go on (phrasal verb): getting near to, almost
- It's going on 6:00 p.m., so we'd better start dinner before the
guests arrive.
out (adjective): not acceptable or possible
- Going to the movie is out tonight. We don't have enough money to
pay for the tickets.
spinach (noun): a dark green leafy vegetable
- Some kids don't like the taste of spinach.
Steve: Well, to be honest Carla, I was feeling great on Saturday, but I started to feel sick
Sunday afternoon. I thought I'd get better, but I feel worse than before. And I'm really
worried because I'm scheduled to give a presentation at work on Friday, so I have to be
better by then.
Carla: Well, what seems to be the problem?
Steve: Well, I thought I had the flu, but the doctor said it was just a bad cold. He gave me
some cold medicine to take care of my stuffy nose and fever. I'msupposed to take the
medicine three times a day after eating, but it doesn'tseem to help. He also told me to stay
off my feet for a day or so, but I'm so busy these days.
Carla: Listen, forget about that medicine! I have just the thing to get rid of bad colds. You
see, my mom is really into herbal medicine.
Steve: Oh, no thanks.
Carla: Ah, come on! Give it a try. You just take some of my mom's herbal tea and drink it
four times a day. Believe me. You'll be up and dancing around in no time.
Steve: Dancing around in no time, right? Well, I guess. Nothing else seems to be doing the
job.
Carla: Great. I'll come by your place at 7:30. See you then.
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
the flu (noun): informal for influenza, like a very bad cold with chills
and fever
- Ashley came down with the flu, and she couldn't go to school for a
week.
Ronald: Uh, hello, uh yeah. Hi, Stephanie, or Steffi. Uh, I can't do this? Oh yeah. Uh.
Yes, Stephanie, my name is Ronald, but my friends call me Ron. My parents call me, well,
forget about that. Uh, I'm originally from Canada, but I grew in Texas.
I'm 24 years old, and uh, Igraduated from high school about five years ago, and I'm the
manager of anexotic pet shop. We carry all kinds of birds, and snakes, and spiders, and
fish. We even have one snake that is about four meters long, but I keep him at home. And
oh, yeah. Um, my hobbies. I fish, hunt, and ride horses in my free time. My favorite foods
are beef, beef, and beef. I don't eat many vegetables, except potatoes with my beef. And,
oh yeah, I sometimes eat apples and beef sometimes.
I have two brothers. Both of them live with me because they don't have jobs, and my mom
lives with me, and I have three dogs: Brutus, Charlie, and Samantha. Oh, and one more
thing. This might seem strange, but I enjoy reading poetry. So, that's about it. I hope to
hear from you. You can call me if you want. The number is 789-1350. Yeah, uh, right.
Catch later, alligator. Oh, oh, that's so stupid. Uh, oh, Good-bye.
Spending Money
Joshua: Dad. Allowance day. Can I have my allowance?
Father: Oh. I forgot about that.
Joshua: You ALWAYS forget.
Father: I guess I do. How much do I owe you?
Joshua: Just $13.
Father: Thirteen dollars!? Why do I owe you that much? Just seems like I
paid you the other day.
Joshua: No. You forget every Saturday, and it has been piling up.
Father: Well, I'm not sure if I have that much.
Joshua: Go to the bank. You have lots of money.
Father: Lots of money, uh? Uh, well, I think the bank is closed.
Joshua: Then, what about your secret money jar under your bed?
Father: Oh, I guess I could do that. So, what are you going to do with the
money?
Joshua: I'm going to put some in savings, give some to the poor people,
and use the rest to buy books.
Father: Well, that's sounds great, Joshua.
Train Tickets
Man: Uh, where am I? Tsk, hum . . .
Travel Arrangements
Travel Agent: Freedom Travel. How may I help you?
Caller: Yes, I'd like to make a flight reservation for the twenty-third of this month.
Travel Agent: Okay. What is your destination?
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
destination (noun): the place a trip ends
- We'll reach our destination by 3:00 PM.
Our flight time today is 2 hours and 14 minutes, and we will be flying at an
average altitude of 29,000 feet. The local time in Seattle is a quarter to twelve (11:45), and
the current weather is sunny, but there is a chance of rain later in the day. We will be
arriving at Gate 13, and we will beannouncing connecting flights on our approach to the
Seattle airport.
On behalf of Sky Airlines and the crew, I want to wish you an enjoyable stay in the
Seattle area or at your final destination. Sit back and enjoy the flight.
Key
Vocabulary [Top]
Jenny: Well, originally I'm from Argentina, but we moved to the United
States when I was about five years old. My parents now live in Chile.
That's where they first met. How about you, Tom?
Tom: I was born in Fresno, California, and we lived there until I was
seven. Then, since my father worked for the military, we moved all over
the place.
Jenny: Oh yeah? Where are some of the places you've lived?
Tom: Mostly, we were overseas. We spent ten years in Korea, Germany,
and Okinawa, Japan, and then, we were transferred back to the States
three years ago.
Jenny: Wow. It sounds like you've had an interesting life. So, what do you
do now?
Tom: I'm a university student.
Jenny: Oh really? What are you studying?
Tom: I'm majoring in psychology. How about you? What do you do?
Jenny: Well, I'm working as a sales representative for computer company
called CompTech downtown.
Tom: No kidding! My brother works there too.