#Person1#: Hi there. Welcome to Lincoln Corporate Services. How can we help?
#Person2#: Hi. I was wondering what kind of fixed asset loans you have? Do you have Fixed Asset Loans?
#Person1#: Yes, we do. You'll go through the acceptance application, then a first review, then an evaluation and examination and finally get approval. Why don't you read through this brochure? It outlines all of the important aspects of the loan, the terms and conditions, etc.
#Person2#: That's a good idea, to familiarise myself with it. Then, I'll be back if we decide to go ahead.

Summary: #Person1# introduces how to apply for fixed asset loans and gives #Person2# a brochure to know more.


#Person1#: Let's play chess.
#Person2#: I haven't played chess for a long time.
#Person1#: That's all right, I'm a beginner. I've just learnt how to play.
#Person2#: Look, there's a chessboard. Those two men have already finished playing.
#Person1#: You're a very good player
#Person2#: Not really, but once I won a prize.
#Person1#: So did I. I won a prize last week but it was a prize for beginners.
#Person2#: My prize was for the best player in the country. Now let's start playing chess seriously.

Summary: #Person1#, a chess beginner, and #Person2#, who is good at chess but hasn't played it for a long time, plays chess.


#Person1#: What's the matter, sir? You look pale.
#Person2#: I feel dizzy and weak. And I'm having this pain in my ear. I think I am sick.
#Person1#: Are you often traveling by plane?
#Person2#: No, this is the second time.
#Person1#: That's right. It's normal if you don't often take the plane. Just relax a little bit.
#Person2#: Why this happens to me when I am on the plane? I feel bad.
#Person1#: Don't worry, sir. It's just because of the lower pressure.
#Person2#: What should I do about it?
#Person1#: You may feel much better if you chew some gum or peanuts.
#Person2#: OK, thanks. Does it work really? I'll give a try.
#Person1#: Are you feeling better now? Do you need some pills?
#Person2#: Much better. Thank you. I just feel tired but I can't fall asleep.
#Person1#: So, you'd better wear this eyeshade and you will sleep well.
#Person2#: I am not used to wearing that. Thanks.
#Person1#: If you try to adapt yourself to your destination's local time, you'll feel more comfortable. So please try to sleep, and have meals according to Los Angeles's time.
#Person2#: Thank you so much.

Summary: #Person2# feels dizzy and weak. #Person1# says that's because of the lower pressure on the plane. #Person1# advises #Person2# to chew some gum or peanuts and adapt to the destination's local time.


#Person1#: We're in big trouble, Jason. Nick is beating us by a long shot.
#Person2#: Impossible! Well, I'm not giving up yet. It's not over till the fat lady sings!
#Person1#: OK, comeback kid. Here's you last question. How many times did Robin Williams win the Oscar for Best Actor?
#Person2#: Hmm. Let's see. . . there was Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poet's Society, The Fisher King. . . Three, right?
#Person1#: Nope, sorry! Actually, Robin Williams has never won an Oscar for Best Actor--only for Best Supporting Actor!

Summary: Nick's beating #Person1# and Jason by a long shot, and Jason fails to answer the last question.


#Person1#: how did you do on your IELTS exam?
#Person2#: fantastic! I got an overall score of eight.
#Person1#: that's excellent! Have you received your conditional offers yet?
#Person2#: yes. I'm just waiting until I offically get admitted to the university with a conditional offer to apply for my visa.
#Person1#: do you know where the visa office is?
#Person2#: no.
#Person1#: it's just near the Dong Si Shi Tiao subway stop.
#Person2#: that's not too far away. Do you think I'll get a visa?
#Person1#: have you ever gone abroad before?
#Person2#: yes, I've been to Tailand, Egypt, and Japan.
#Person1#: have you ever been denied a visa before?
#Person2#: never.
#Person1#: that's good. Are you planning on immigrating to another country?
#Person2#: no, I want to come back to China after I graduate.
#Person1#: that's exactly what the visa officers want to hear. Do you have enough money for tuition and room and board?
#Person2#: I've received a full scholarship, so I won't need any other money to live off while I'm studying.
#Person1#: I think you have a very good chance of getting a visa. I can help you prepare for the visa interview if you want.
#Person2#: that's be great. The more prepared I am, the better.

Summary: #Person2# got a good result on the IELTS test and #Person2#'s going to apply for the visa. #Person1# asks #Person2# some questions that visa officers would usually ask and offers to help #Person2# prepare for the visa interview.


#Person1#: Excuse me. Where is Martin Luther King School?
#Person2#: What?
#Person1#: Where is Martin...?
#Person2#: Wait a minute. Let me turn off my car. Now, what were you saying?
#Person1#: Where is Martin Luther King School?
#Person2#: Hum...Go along the road and turn right.
#Person1#: Wait. I have a map.
#Person2#: Good. Look, we're here and there's the school.
#Person1#: I see. I just go along the road.
#Person2#: Then turn right.
#Person1#: Turn right and go straight.
#Person2#: Martin Luther King School is next to the bank.
#Person1#: Wonderful, thank you.
#Person2#: You're welcome.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# how to get to Martin Luther King School.


#Person1#: My name is James Owen. I'm Manager of Sales. How do you do?
#Person2#: How do you do?
#Person1#: Thank you for coming. Did you have any trouble finding the office?
#Person2#: Oh, no. It was easy. Your office sent me a map.
#Person1#: I apologize for this mess. They'Ve got me handling so many projects, and it's hard to keep things organized.
#Person2#: That's OK. Thank you for seeing me.
#Person1#: Well. Miss Sun, as you know, we are looking for an executive secretary with good English skills and some business background. We looked over your resume and thought you might be a good candidate.
#Person2#: Thank you.
#Person1#: Today's interview is for us to get to know a little about you. If needed, there will be a more lengthy interview later. So, if you're comfortable, let's begin.
#Person2#: OK.

Summary: James Owen apologizes to Miss Sun for the mess in his office and tells her the interview purpose. If needed, there'll be a more lengthy interview later.


#Person1#: Ann, let's go, or we will be late.
#Person2#: What time is it?
#Person1#: It is already 10:25.
#Person2#: Well, we still have about 15 minutes.
#Person1#: What time did you say the train is leaving?
#Person2#: 12:05. And it takes only 20 minutes to get to the station by bus.
#Person1#: Yes, but what will happen if the bus is late?
#Person2#: Relax, those buses run every 10 minutes, so we have plenty of time.
#Person1#: ( still on the bus. ) What time is it?
#Person2#: It is a quarter to twelve.
#Person1#: Oh dear, we will miss our train.

Summary: #Person1# is worried about missing the train while Ann is relaxed because they still have time.


#Person1#: What are the key factors that you would consider when you want to buy a car?
#Person2#: I guess the first thing is the price, the second is the size, and of course the color will play a role too. But I have to be honest. It is our today's responsibility to take care about our environment. Therefore, I will also pay attention to the fuel consumption of the car. You know, the rise in gasoline prices is huge. So I would rather to consider a smaller car with smaller engine. For which I can also save some tax. Last of the list, I also consider the safety.
#Person1#: What about the environmental factors?
#Person2#: Well, I do prefer the lower emission cars as long as it doesn't cost much. Some environmentally-friendly cars are really expensive.
#Person1#: Sure they are. Some hi-tech devices are built in to make sure they pollute less. Some of these green cars have not become standard. So the production costs are still high. But anyway, we should make efforts to start with.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2# considers the car price, size, and color. #Person2# also cares about the environment so #Person2# prefers a smaller engine and lower emissions. #Person1# tells #Person2# that environmentally-friendly cars are expensive.


#Person1#: Daniel, have you ever heard about the wildlife sanctuary?
#Person2#: Is that different from this kind of zoo?
#Person1#: Yes, of course.
#Person2#: So tell me about it!
#Person1#: There are a lot of wild animals in that place, and also some special rules while visiting.
#Person2#: Special rules?
#Person1#: There, you only have two ways for visiting.
#Person2#: Details?
#Person1#: On their bus or in your own cars, and you won't be allowed to get off the bus until you reach the special region.
#Person2#: Why not?
#Person1#: Because it is dangerous to get out of the car or bus. You can just imagine how fierce the wild animals can be.
#Person2#: That makes sense. But that sounds interesting. Is there one in Beijing too?
#Person1#: Yes.
#Person2#: I prefer to go there next time.
#Person1#: Yeah, sure, you won't be disappointed.

Summary: #Person1# tells Daniel about the wildlife sanctuary and the two sole ways to visit wild animals. Daniel gets interested and wants to visit the one in Beijing.


#Person1#: Well, here is your breakfast!
#Person2#: Thanks so much. Miss, I believe I ordered my eggs scrambled, and these are fried.
#Person1#: Sorry, your friend over there ordered fried eggs, and I gave you his by mistake.
#Person2#: Oh yeah. Here, I will just trade with him.
#Person1#: Here are your pancakes, madam.
#Person2#: But I ordered waffles!
#Person1#: Oh, I am so sorry!
#Person2#: That's OK. I will eat my eggs and bacon, and you can take my pancakes back.
#Person1#: Good, sir. I will take care of that right away.
#Person2#: Thank you so much!

Summary: #Person1# serves #Person2# with #Person2#'s friend's breakfast and then serves the pancakes instead of waffles #Person2# ordered.


#Person1#: Well, I'm afraid my cooking isn't to your taste.
#Person2#: Actually, I like it very much.
#Person1#: I'm glad you enjoy it. Let me serve you some more fish.
#Person2#: No, thank you. I've had enough fish, but I'd like some soup.
#Person1#: Here it is. Help yourself.
#Person2#: Thanks. I didn't know you were so good at cooking. If only my wife could learn to cook from you.
#Person1#: Why not bring your wife next time? I haven't seen her for quite a while.
#Person2#: OK, I will. She will be very glad to see you too. Thank you for the wonderful meal.

Summary: #Person2# admires #Person1#'s cooking. #Person1#'s happy with that and invites #Person2# to bring his wife next time.


#Person1#: Well, we've finally put the finishing touches on the training programs for next year. Here's a report showing the projected costs as well as the expected return on investment.
#Person2#: Return on investment? How can you have a return on this kind of investment? Can you really calculate the value of these training programs?
#Person1#: Sure! It's not a real figure, of course. It's just an estimate based on rehiring costs, and the potential lost revenue that results from incompetence.
#Person2#: Wow! I'm impressed. So, what's in the cards for future training? Will it be in-house or off-site?
#Person1#: A little of both. We'll have a few daylong sessions for things like business writing skills and software training. Those are available to everyone. We also have a variety of other programs
#Person2#: Yes, I see that here. . . continuing education for the IT department, a time management course for accounting, and team building for sales. Anything planned for HR?
#Person1#: A holiday, I hope! No, really, we are looking into some courses on motivational techniques. We'll add them to the list when we choose a lecturer.

Summary: #Person1# explains to #Person2# the report showing the projected costs and the expected return on investment and introduces the plans for future training.


#Person1#: Hey, John! What do you think are the main causes of war today?
#Person2#: It's hard to say! But it seems that a lot of wars nowadays are civil wars. People from different ethnic groups in the same country sometimes fight for power in that country.
#Person1#: Yeah, several of those civil wars have been going on for years and years. It seems they will never end.
#Person2#: How do you think they could be ended?
#Person1#: I don't think that there is any easy way.
#Person2#: I think one better way to stop it is to cut off their financial support.
#Person1#: Yeah, you are right!

Summary: John thinks a lot of wars nowadays are civil wars and cutting off the financial support of different ethnic groups will end the war.


#Person1#: Hide me, Yi-jun! The kids all think I'm the real Easter bunny!
#Person2#: Aw, that's sweet! I knew your costume would be a success.
#Person1#: It's a success all right. The kids keep trying to catch me.
#Person2#: Yeah, I saw that. I thought you were playing a game with them.
#Person1#: Some game! You try being tackled by ten kids at once!
#Person2#: Um, Holly? Look behind you. They're coming this way.

Summary: #Person1# asks Yi-jin to hide #Person1# because ten kids are trying to catch #Person1#.


#Person1#: What is the best way to find a job here?
#Person2#: There are different ways of conducting a job search. Do you know what you want to do?
#Person1#: I don't know.
#Person2#: Can you work part-time or full-time?
#Person1#: It doesn't matter right now, either one would be OK.
#Person2#: The binders have current local jobs listings and the computer jobs lists are good too. Understand?
#Person1#: OK, I'll go check it out.
#Person2#: Schedule an appointment with a counselor and you can get more information. Would that work for you?
#Person1#: I am not sure.
#Person2#: Everything that you need for a successful job search is here. Happy job searching!

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# to check the binder to look for current jobs available and suggests #Person1# schedule an appointment with a counsellor.


#Person1#: What's your new girlfriend like?
#Person2#: Katherine? Well, she's good at languages.
#Person1#: Does she know how to speak Spanish?
#Person2#: She knows how to speak Spanish and Japanese.
#Person1#: Wow!!!
#Person2#: And she's good at sports, too. She knows how to play tennis and basketball.
#Person1#: That's terrific!
#Person2#: But there's one thing she's not good at.
#Person1#: What's that?
#Person2#: She's not good at remembering things. We have a date, and she's an hour late!!

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# that his girlfriend is good at languages and sports but bad at remembering things.


#Person1#: Can you tell me where it hurts?
#Person2#: I am so glad they called you. It feels like something is really wrong with my stomach!
#Person1#: Does it hurt when I push here?
#Person2#: It ' s mostly on my right side. Right here!
#Person1#: Have you been feeling this way for awhile?
#Person2#: I started feeling kind of sick last night after dinner, but this morning the pain got really bad!
#Person1#: Have you eaten anything unusual lately?
#Person2#: No, not that I remember.
#Person1#: We are going to take you to an emergency room right now.
#Person2#: I will feel better when I know what the problem is. Thank you for the drugs.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# the details of #Person2#'s stomachache. #Person1#'ll take #Person1# to an emergency room right now.


#Person1#: How's it going?
#Person2#: Great. Thank you.
#Person1#: What can I help you with?
#Person2#: I need to cancel a check.
#Person1#: What's wrong with the check?
#Person2#: I accidentally wrote the check for too much.
#Person1#: How much did you write the check for?
#Person2#: The check was written for $ 150.
#Person1#: How much were you supposed to write it for?
#Person2#: I needed to write it for $ 100.
#Person1#: I can cancel it for you right now.
#Person2#: Thank you so much.

Summary: #Person2# cancels a check with the help of #Person1#.


#Person1#: There are so many people in your house. What are they doing?
#Person2#: We are having a party. I am the host and my wife is the hostess.
#Person1#: Are they your guests?
#Person2#: Yes, they are. They are all my friends.
#Person1#: Who is that man?
#Person2#: He is Professor Zhang. He is a Chinese teacher. His wife is a teacher, too. Their daughter is a college student.
#Person1#: Who is that young man?
#Person2#: He is her boyfriend. He is a young doctor. His name is Karl Black.

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# what they are doing and then asks about some people in the house party.


#Person1#: Hello. Is Vanessa there?
#Person2#: Yes. This is Vanessa.
#Person1#: Hi, Vanessa. I'm Don. I'm calling from Seller's Market. Are you still interested in a position as a cashier?
#Person2#: Yes. Is the position available now?
#Person1#: Yes, it is. Please come to see me tomorrow afternoon at 2 00 for a job interview.
#Person2#: Thanks a lot.
#Person1#: You're welcome. I'll see you tomorrow at 2 00.
#Person2#: I'll see you then. Good bye.

Summary: Don calls Vanessa to take the job interview as a cashier tomorrow afternoon.


#Person1#: Jack, do say good-bye for me to the host. I've got to run.
#Person2#: Why are you in such a hurry?
#Person1#: My old man does not allow me to go back later than 11 p. m. Bye!
#Person2#: Bye!

Summary: #Person1# hurries to leave because of #Person1#'s curfew.


#Person1#: John, I'm sorry, the air tickets for the International Day are sold out.
#Person2#: Really? I didn't expect that.
#Person1#: It's possible because everyone wants to travel during the holiday weekend.
#Person2#: I should have booked the tickets in advance.
#Person1#: Take it easy. I'll like you know if anyone decides to cancel his reservation.

Summary: #Person1# tells John the air tickets for the International Day are sold out.


#Person1#: Give me a pack of first-class stamps, please.
#Person2#: Here you are. That will be five dollars. Anything else?
#Person1#: Yes. I want some post cards and some airmail stamps. I want to send some letters to South America.
#Person2#: Just a moment, I'll look up the rate for air-mail letters to South America.
#Person1#: Can you tell me how much it will cost to send a package to Colombia? Also, I what to know how long it will take.
#Person2#: Do you have the package with you? I would have to weigh it to see how much it would cost.
#Person1#: Do you insure package?
#Person2#: Yes. All you have to do declare the value of the package and decide how much you want to insure it for.
#Person1#: Is there a way that I can be sure that the people in South america receive my package?
#Person2#: The post office rarely loses package. You can, however, request a rectum receipt.
#Person1#: One last question-what are your hours?
#Person2#: We open at eight-thirty in the morning and close at five-thirty in the afternoon.
#Person1#: Thank you, you helped me a lot.

Summary: #Person1# buys some stamps and postcards from #Person2#. #Person1# wants to send letters to South America. #Person2# tells #Person1# #Person1# can request a rectum receipt and that #Person2# works from 8:30 to 17:30.


#Person1#: Can I help you?
#Person2#: I'm looking for books on WTO. Could you show me where they are?
#Person1#: Come this way please. We'Ve got plenty of them and they're all on the shelf near the cashier's desk.
#Person2#: Thanks a lot.
#Person1#: You're welcome.

Summary: #Person1# helps #Person2# look for books on WTO.


#Person1#: Would you like anything else?
#Person2#: No, I'm stuffed. The check, please.
#Person1#: Here you are, sir. I hope you enjoyed your dinner.
#Person2#: Yes, we did. Do I pay you or the cashier?
#Person1#: Pay me, please.
#Person2#: Here you are.
#Person1#: Thank you. The change, sir.

Summary: #Person2# directly pays #Person1# rather than the cashier.


#Person1#: I really like those trousers, but I'm afraid I don't have much cash with me. Is there a cash point near here please?
#Person2#: Yes, it's not far, go out of the shop turn right then right again into avenue Dissuade, go up the street to the corner and there on the corner on your right is the cash point next to the bank. There's a cafe opposite the road.
#Person1#: Next to the bank. Yes, of course, thank you.
#Person2#: You're welcome.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# how to go to the cashpoint.


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

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


#Person1#: Stand back from the door, please. There're plenty of seats in the rear.
#Person2#: What's the fare, please?
#Person1#: One yuan fifty cents. Drop it in the box here.
#Person2#: Is this the right bus to Zizhuyuan Park?
#Person1#: Take a No. 2. This is No. 12.
#Person2#: But somebody told me this was the right bus to take. I want to go to Tian'anmen Square, you see.
#Person1#: Then this is the right bus. Move on, please. You're holding up the passengers. Tian'anmen Square is the last stop but one.
#Person2#: Would you please let me know when we get there?

Summary: #Person1# gets on a bus but doesn't know whether it is the right bus to the destination. #Person2# tells #Person1# it is.


#Person1#: I would like to have a new suit made. something in a dark blue wool.
#Person2#: Certainly, sir. Double or single breasted?
#Person1#: I think I would like the pants pleated. I am not sure about the jacket though as I'm a little overweight.
#Person2#: I see, sir. For a gentleman of your size I would recommend a single-breasted jacket as it does tend to make one look a little slimmer. Just let me take your measurements, Let's see, neck 41cm, chest 110cm, wait 120cm and inside leg 70cm. You do have short legs, sir.
#Person1#: Yes, that is why I usually choose dark colours for my business suits.
#Person2#: Can you come back in three days for a fitting?
#Person1#: Certainly.
#Person2#: Good that way. I can have the suit ready for you two days after that fitting.

Summary: #Person1# comes to have a new suit made and #Person2# recommends a single-breasted jacket. After taking the measurements, #Person2# tells #Person1# to come in three days for the fitting.


#Person1#: You said you wanted to talk to me about that course I'm doing this term. Music?
#Person2#: Actually I was a bit confused because I thought you were majoring in maths.
#Person1#: That's right, I am. I'm doing four months courses this year. Music is an optional course - you just choose it if you're interested. Why? Are you thinking about doing it?
#Person2#: Well, I'm not sure. What are the requirements?
#Person1#: Well, for a start, it's distance learning - you don't actually have to be at the university to do it.
#Person2#: I'm more worried about the actual musical things. Like, I don't know how to read music.
#Person1#: That doesn't matter. You'll learn as you go along. What about computer skills? You're OK there?
#Person2#: Yes, of course. Does that matter?
#Person1#: Yes, I'd say they're necessary. Like I said, it's all distance learning, so it's computer-based.

Summary: #Person2#'s hesitating about joining the music course. #Person1# tells #Person2# about the requirements of the course.


#Person1#: are you good at making decisions?
#Person2#: not really. Sometimes, I even let other people make key decision for me.
#Person1#: what kinds of decisions do you leave to other people?
#Person2#: there are basic decisions like which restaurant to go to. I can never seem to choose. I let my parents make big decisions for me. They chose my university and my course. I ended up studying something
#Person1#: your parents will be choosing your girlfriend if you aren't careful! Why don't you try being more decisive? Start with some basic ones. When your friends are discussing which restaurant to eat at, make a decision for them.
#Person2#: that's a good idea. You're very decisive, I've noticed. So, which bar are we going to this evening?
#Person1#: I can't make a decision. You'll have to put forward an idea.
#Person2#: ok, i choose luckies.
#Person1#: you see? You're becoming more decisive already!

Summary: #Person2# always lets others make decisions and #Person2#'s parents make lots of big decisions. #Person1# asks #Person2# to be more decisive. Finally, #Person2# listens to the advice and chooses the bar for tonight.


#Person1#: How old is Keith?
#Person2#: He's 21. How old is James?
#Person1#: He's a year older than Keith, but he looks younger.
#Person2#: How's your father?
#Person1#: He's fine. He retired last week. It's a turning point in his life. Now he can relax and enjoy his retirement.
#Person2#: He can spend more time with his grandchildren.
#Person1#: Oh, I don't think he wants to. He wants to travel to several different countries around the world.
#Person2#: So, he wants to have a more active retirement. Good idea!
#Person1#: How do you want to spend your old age?
#Person2#: In the same way, probably.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# talk about the age of Keith and James. #Person1# tells #Person2# #Person1#'s father wants to have an active retirement.


#Person1#: Have you made a reservation?
#Person2#: Yes, I have booked a table for four. My name is Liu Fan.
#Person1#: We have had a window table reserved for you. This way, please.
#Person2#: Thanks.
#Person1#: You're welcome.
#Person2#: Can we see the menu, please?
#Person1#: I'll bring it over.
#Person2#: Anything good for this evening?
#Person1#: We have squirrel shaped mandarin fish, seeds prawn, etc.
#Person2#: Very good, we'll take them all.

Summary: Liu Fan made a reservation, and #Person1# takes Liu Fan to the table and helps order food.


#Person1#: May I help you?
#Person2#: I'd like to withdraw some money.
#Person1#: Please fill in the slip, stating the exact amount you wish to withdraw.
#Person2#: All right. And here's my bankbook. Is that all?
#Person1#: Your ID card, please.
#Person2#: Oh, yes. Here it is.
#Person1#: Do you want large ones or small ones?
#Person2#: Four in hundred, one in ten, please.
#Person1#: Wait a minute, please. . . Here's the cash.
#Person2#: By the way, I'd like to change some U. S. dollars to pounds and I want to know today's exchange rate.
#Person1#: Well, sir. According to today's exchange rate, every pound in cash is equivalent to 1. 89 U. S. dollars. How much would you like to change?
#Person2#: I want 100 pounds. And here are 189 U. S. dollars.
#Person1#: . . . OK. And here's your money.
#Person2#: Thank you. And goodbye.
#Person1#: Goodbye.

Summary: #Person1# helps #Person2# withdraw some money, change some U.S. dollars to pounds and tells #Person2# today's exchange rate.


#Person1#: So Mary, how was your summer vacation with your friends Jenny and David?
#Person2#: Oh, we loved it. My friend Tom also went with us, we all had a great time.
#Person1#: So where did you go?
#Person2#: We first spent a few days in China, then we went to Malaysia. After leaving that country, we went to Thailand and spent a few days there.
#Person1#: Did you go to Singapore?
#Person2#: We had planned to go there, but we ran out of money.

Summary: #Person1# asks Mary about her summer vacation. Mary had a great time.


#Person1#: Excuse me, may I ask you some questions?
#Person2#: Go ahead, please.
#Person1#: I hear that you are going to put on a new play soon. I'd like to know about what you do in the play. Could you explain exactly what you do?
#Person2#: OK, it's a comedy. The director asked me to play the part of a young lady. We are very busy practicing.
#Person1#: When will the play be put on?
#Person2#: We plan to put it on next week.
#Person1#: How do you enjoy your work?
#Person2#: Very much, but we have to practice a lot. We practice the movements and try to remember the lines.
#Person1#: What do you plan to do after this play?
#Person2#: I intend to take part in a film and I'll try to work as a director.
#Person1#: I wish you a lot of success.
#Person2#: Thank you very much.

Summary: #Person1# is interviewing #Person2#. #Person2# will play the part of a young lady in a comedy and intends to take part in a film and try to as a director after this play.


#Person1#: Hi, Peter. I'm afraid I can't make it to dinner tomorrow night.
#Person2#: Oh, why not?
#Person1#: It's just I'm not feeling well. I think I'm coming down with a cold or something.
#Person2#: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Hey, don't worry about the dinner. We'll do it some other time. But you take care of yourself.
#Person1#: Thanks. I will.

Summary: #Person1# calls Peter for absence from tomorrow's dinner because of illness.


#Person1#: Hello, ma ' am. Can I help you?
#Person2#: I ' m looking for a sweater.
#Person1#: What size are you looking for?
#Person2#: Well, I ' m looking for size 10 but you don ' t have it.
#Person1#: How about this one? I think it looks terrific on you.
#Person2#: Yes, I like the color. Can I try it on?
#Person1#: Sure. The fitting room is on your right.
#Person2#: It fits well. I like it a lot. What do you think?
#Person1#: You look pretty in red.
#Person2#: Oh, it ' s my favorite. How much is it?
#Person1#: $ 29.99.
#Person2#: Okay. I ' ll take it. Thank you very much for your help.
#Person1#: You ' re welcome.

Summary: #Person2# purchases a red sweater with #Person1#'s assistance.


#Person1#: You'd like coffee, wouldn't you?
#Person2#: I think I'd rather have tea this morning.
#Person1#: What else are you going to have?
#Person2#: Just an English muffin. What are you going to have?
#Person1#: That sounds good. I'm going to order the same thing.

Summary: #Person2# will have tea and an English muffin. #Person1# wants the same.


#Person1#: Sir, would you like some dessert now?
#Person2#: Please show me the menu again.
#Person1#: Here you are. sir, the chocolate cake is very delicious.
#Person2#: No, thanks. I don't like chocolate. I'd like strawberry pie.
#Person1#: I am afraid there is none.
#Person2#: Then I'll have vanilla ice cream.
#Person1#: Fine. I will bring it right away.

Summary: #Person2# wants a strawberry pie but there's none, so he orders a vanilla ice cream.


#Person1#: Hello. May I help you?
#Person2#: Yes, please. I've been here for nearly two months, but I still haven't found a job. Do you think you can find one for me?
#Person1#: Don't worry, we'll try to help you. Will you please fill out this form?
#Person2#: What's this form for?
#Person1#: This is for registration. After you have given us your personal details, we'll match these against new jobs as they come in. And we'll contact you when there is a job that suits you.
#Person2#: That's great. But how long do I have to wait?
#Person1#: Maybe several weeks, maybe several months. It's hard to tell.
#Person2#: Oh, dear. How can I wait for such a long time?
#Person1#: Actually, many jobs are filled by people who select vacancies from the display boards there.
#Person2#: Then, what do you think I should do?
#Person1#: My advice is to keep looking for jobs yourself. Check the job boards at the job center regularly and check the newspapers daily. If you have friends or relatives here, ask them for help, too.
#Person2#: I see. Thank you very much for your advice. Bye.
#Person1#: Keep in touch.

Summary: #Person2# wants a job, so #Person1# asks #Person2# to register and someone will contact #Person2# in several weeks or months. #Person2# thinks it's too long, so #Person1# provides extra advice.


#Person1#: Well, I guess that's about it. Everything's packed and ready to go.
#Person2#: It's hard to believer you're really retiring. What are you going to do with yourself?
#Person1#: Have fun! I plan to spend some more time with my grandkids, and I might even go back to school.
#Person2#: Well, good luck. Give me a ring sometime, and let me know how you are.

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# #Person1#'ll accompany #Person1#'s grandkids and might go to school after retirement.


#Person1#: I'm very worried, doctor. I'm afraid that I'm very ill.
#Person2#: Why do you think so?
#Person1#: Because I feel tired all the time, even when I wake up in the morning. I find it very difficult to do any work. I have no appetite.
#Person2#: How do you sleep?
#Person1#: Very badly, doctor.
#Person2#: Are you worried about anything?
#Person1#: Well, yes, I am. I'm worried about my work. I've just taken a new job. I earn a lot of money but it's difficult work. I'm always afraid of making a mistake.
#Person2#: Well, there's nothing much wrong with you. You're under too much pressure.

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2#, the doctor, that #Person1# worries about the health. #Person2# says it is not serious but #Person1# is under great pressure.


#Person1#: Operator, connect me with the cashier please. Miss, I want to check out. Will you please have the bill ready for me? I'll come down in a few minutes.
#Person2#: OK. Sir, I'll bill you right away.
#Person1#: Operator, sorry to bother you again. Will you please send me a porter to carry my luggage downstairs?

Summary: #Person1# will check out and needs a porter to carry luggage.


#Person1#: Hi, Rose. You've been looking for houses for months. Can't you find one?
#Person2#: Well, I should be careful about choosing one. It's a big step to buy a house. I'd rather take time now than be sorry later.
#Person1#: That's right. There're a lot of houses for sale near the university.
#Person2#: I've been there, very beautiful houses, but I prefer old but big houses. We need lots of rooms, you know. And I think I can get a better buy on an old house.
#Person1#: However, a cheap house means less modern conveniences. Why not get a new one?
#Person2#: Well, Jeff can remodern the old one. You know, he's so skillful. Some of the new houses now have very small rooms. I wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life in them.
#Person1#: Aren't you tired of keeping so many rooms clean every day?
#Person2#: Not at all. Cleaning is a pleasure for me. Oh, here comes my bus. Bye!

Summary: Rose has been looking for houses for months. She's very careful about it. She tells #Person1# she prefers old but big houses.


#Person1#: I am very interested in a new apartment near the Taxing Plaza, but the price is very high, I really can't afford it.
#Person2#: How much is it for each square meter? How large is the apartment?
#Person1#: It's 7500 yuan per square meter, and I really like the one with three bedrooms and a large living room. Its total area is about 80 square meters.
#Person2#: That surely will cost you a lot of money. Are you going to make a full payment?
#Person1#: Do you think I am rich enough to make it? I am thinking about buying the apartment by installments. The real estate agency says if I pay a 25 % down payment, I can move in at once.
#Person2#: If sounds so tempting. Why not go applying for a loan from the bank? They charge very low interest, so you can choose whether to pay up the balance in 10 or 20 years.

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# that #Person1# wants to buy a new apartment near the Taxing Plaza by installments. #Person2# recommends #Person1# to apply for a loan from the bank.


#Person1#: Dad, how do you say this word?
#Person2#: Sword, say it'sword'.
#Person1#: What does this word mean?
#Person2#: Look it up in the dictionary.
#Person1#: Dad, can you just tell me what it means? I'm too lazy.
#Person2#: No, honey, go and read it. You'll learn.

Summary: Dad teaches #Person1# the word 'Sword', and asks #Person1# to look up the meaning.


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

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


#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.

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


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

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


#Person1#: Would you like to go to the theater with me tomorrow?
#Person2#: Yes, of course. Have you got the tickets?
#Person1#: That's coincidence, someone's just returned two tickets and I picked them.
#Person2#: Matinee or evening?
#Person1#: Evening.
#Person2#: Circle or stalls?
#Person1#: Stalls.
#Person2#: Wonderful, I'll go with you.

Summary: #Person1# got theatre tickets and invites #Person2# to go together.


#Person1#: Can you shorten this pipe for me? It's too long.
#Person2#: Sure. I'll do it after lunch. What length do you need?
#Person1#: Can you take 15 mm of it?
#Person2#: Yes, no problem. It'll be ready by 2 p. m.

Summary: \#Person2# will shorten a pipe for #Person1# by 2 p.m.


#Person1#: What do you know about Einstein's childhood?
#Person2#: He studied the violin between the age of 6 and 13.
#Person1#: How was little Albert in primary school?
#Person2#: Well, he was rather shy and couldn't get along with the other boys. He used to ask lots of questions. He did not enjoy school much. He was poor in all subjects, other than maths and science.
#Person1#: Maths and science?
#Person2#: Yeah, he began teaching himself maths and science at the age of 10.
#Person1#: Did he learn much at school?
#Person2#: No, he learn more on his own than in school. He preferred that. The boy had taught himself advanced mathematics and science by the time he was a teenager.
#Person1#: I see.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# about Einstein's childhood experiences including his music learning and school performance.


#Person1#: Have you booked the airplane tickets to spain yet?
#Person2#: Well, I thought we should go traveling by ship for a change, so I booked two ship tickets instead.
#Person1#: You should have told me or discussed it with me.
#Person2#: I wanted to give you a surprise. Don't you like the idea?
#Person1#: I like it all right, but it takes much more time to travel by ship than by plane.
#Person2#: We have time, don't we? Every time we went on a trip, we were always tied down by schedules. This time will be different. We don't have to rush.
#Person1#: You're right. This is our first trip since you retired. We can travel as long as we like.
#Person2#: We'll have an easy trip and enjoy every minute.
#Person1#: Have you bought traveler's cheques yet?
#Person2#: Not yet. I'll go to the bank tomorrow.
#Person1#: I'll go with you.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# plana their trip to Spain and decide to go by ship in order to enjoy every minute. They will go to buy traveler's cheques together tomorrow.


#Person1#: Wake up, Erik, time to rise and shine.
#Person2#: Huh, oh, hi, Jane. I must have fallen asleep while I was reading.
#Person1#: You and everyone else. It looks more like a camp-ground than a library.
#Person2#: Well, the dorm's too noisy to study in, and I guess this place is too quiet.
#Person1#: Have you had any luck finding a topic for your paper?
#Person2#: No. Prof. Grant told us to write about anything in cultural anthropology. For once I wish she hadn't given us so much of a choice.
#Person1#: Well, why not write about the ancient civilizations of Mexico. You seem to be interested in that part of the world.
#Person2#: I am, but there is too much material to cover. I'll be writing forever, and Grant only wants five to seven pages.
#Person1#: So they limit it to one region of Mexico. Say the Yucatan. You'Ve been there and you said it's got lots of interesting relics.
#Person2#: That's not a bad idea. I brought many plenty of books and things back with me last summer. That would be great resource material. Now if I can only remember where I put them.

Summary: Jane wakes Erik up in the library. Erik is looking for a topic for his paper. Jane recommends him to limit it to one region of Mexico. Erik thinks it's a good idea.


#Person1#: What's wrong, officer?
#Person2#: You do realize that you ran a red light, don't you?
#Person1#: I did?
#Person2#: You didn't see the red light?
#Person1#: I'm sorry for running it, but I really didn't know.
#Person2#: Didn't you learn that red means stop?
#Person1#: I know that.
#Person2#: Then tell me why you sped up on the yellow light.
#Person1#: I'm not sure.
#Person2#: I'm giving you a ticket for this.
#Person1#: I'm sorry for the misunderstanding.
#Person2#: Maybe you'll think about this before you decide to run another light.

Summary: #Person1# ran a red light but #Person1# doesn't realize that. #Person2# gives #Person1# a ticket to warn #Person1#.


#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.

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


#Person1#: What made you join the Tai Chi Club, Monica?
#Person2#: I used to like to play volleyball and tennis. Now, I just want to try a sport, which is not that intense for a change.
#Person1#: Why didn't you choose yoga? It's very popular nowadays, and also involves less physical intensity.
#Person2#: Well, another reason why I chose Tai Chi, was because I always have a fascination with Chinese culture.
#Person1#: How does Tai Chi relate to Chinese culture? I thought is just a way of exercise.
#Person2#: It's more than that, the core concept of Tai Chi is to find balance in your life, like if you eat too much, you'll become overweight. But if you don't eat enough, you'll suffer other health problems, the key is, never too much, nor too less.
#Person1#: Wow, that's deep, but you get tired after you do Tai Chi? I know you have heavy work.
#Person2#: Quite the opposite. After playing Tai Chi, my mind is more relaxed and it's much easier for me to get focused.

Summary: Monica tells #Person1# that she joins Tai Chi Club and the core concept of Tai Chi is to find balance in people's life. Her mind is more relaxed after doing Tai Chi.


#Person1#: Hi, Bill. I haven't seen a film for half a year. Do you have some free time to go to the cinema with me this weekend?
#Person2#: Sure. But I don't have any information about the recent films. What about you?
#Person1#: Well, my workmate tells me that Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone will be on.
#Person2#: What's that?
#Person1#: I don't know. It is said that kids like it a lot.
#Person2#: Perhaps you can take our son there. It's boring for me to sit there for two hours.
#Person1#: Oh, you're that kind of man. Um, a violent film called The Most Wanted will also be on at the same time. Maybe you can come with us.
#Person2#: That's a clever idea. I like American films very much. We can go to the same cinema and come home together, but watch different films.

Summary: #Person1# invites Bill to go to the cinema together this weekend. #Person1# hears the Harry Potter movie would be on but #Person2# likes the violent film.


#Person1#: What's the Mountaineering Club doing this weekend?
#Person2#: We are going to climb a cliff on the Yangtze River.
#Person1#: How hard is the climb?
#Person2#: It is a very difficult climb, because there are not many places to put your hands and feet.
#Person1#: What did you do last week?
#Person2#: We rappelled down the side of a 300 - foot cliff. It's very exciting.
#Person1#: Wow. That sounds like a lot of fun. I am sorry I missed it.
#Person2#: Well, you should come this weekend. I think you could do the climb.
#Person1#: Yeah, I will. See you then!
#Person2#: Ok, see you.

Summary: The Mountaineering Club is going to climb a difficult cliff on the Yangtze River. #Person2# invites #Person1# to come.


#Person1#: What do you think you'll be doing in five years' time, Carrie?
#Person2#: I definitely won't be working as a car park attendant. I want to become an opera singer. I hope I'll be living in Milan. What about you, Frank?
#Person1#: Unless I pass my exams, I'll probably serve rude customers in the restaurant.
#Person2#: Come on. Don't be so sad. Cheer up, Frank.

Summary: Frank feels sad about his possible future career, so Carrie encourages Frank.


#Person1#: Do you have any questions?
#Person2#: Yes, do I have to work a whole year before I can take a vacation?
#Person1#: Yes, after you ' Ve been here a year, you qualify for a three-day vacation
#Person2#: Only three days?
#Person1#: That's the company policy.
#Person2#: What happens if I use up my sick days before the end of the year? If I ' m sick an extra day or two, will my pay be deducted?
#Person1#: Yes. That's the company policy.
#Person2#: It was the same as the last place I worked at. I was hoping you ' d be different.

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# the company policies of vacation and sick leave which are the same as the last place #Person2# worked at.


#Person1#: Good morning, Miss.
#Person2#: Morning. Can I help you?
#Person1#: Yes, I'd like to know how to use the library. You know, I'm a new student here.
#Person2#: All you need is your student identification card to check out books.
#Person1#: Yes. Here's my identification.
#Person2#: That's all you need.
#Person1#: Thank you very much. By the way, how many books am I allowed to check out?
#Person2#: You can check out two books at a time. But you can't check out newspapers, magazines and periodicals, they have to be read within library.
#Person1#: How long can I keep the books?
#Person2#: For two weeks. After that you must renew the book if you wish to keep them longer.
#Person1#: I want a book on physics. Could you show me where I can find it?
#Person2#: Yes, over there to your left.

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# how to use the library. #Person2# tells #Person1# regulations. #Person1# will find book on physics.


#Person1#: Hi, professor Smith.
#Person2#: Hi, Justine, how are you?
#Person1#: I am OK, but I'm doing badly in your class. I am wondering how to do better.
#Person2#: I think comeing prepared class may do something to improve your grades.
#Person1#: How can I prepare for class?
#Person2#: Have you checked out my web page? All of my lecture notes are on my web page. You can download the notes and read them ahead of time.
#Person1#: Really? Wow, that would be very helpful.
#Person2#: Another good idea is to read each chapter in the book before class.
#Person1#: I usually don't read the chapter ahead of time. I thought hearing the lecture first was better than reading first.
#Person2#: Reading first is actually better. You should also write down ideas or notes while you're reading. That way, you can come to class with some questions.

Summary: Professor Smith advises Justine to download the notes from his web page and read them beforehand or read each chapter in the book before class.


#Person1#: I would love to rent out your apartment.
#Person2#: That's great.
#Person1#: How much is the rent?
#Person2#: The rent each month is $ 1050.
#Person1#: That's a lot of money.
#Person2#: Did you have a better price in mind?
#Person1#: What about $ 800?
#Person2#: That's way too low.
#Person1#: I can't pay much more than that.
#Person2#: How about $ 900 a month?
#Person1#: That would be fine.
#Person2#: Great. It was a pleasure doing business with you.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# bargain on the rent. They finally agree #Person1# pays #Person2# $900 a month.


#Person1#: Hello.
#Person2#: Is this Mrs. Howard Snow?
#Person1#: Yes, it's this. What time is it? You woke me up.
#Person2#: Listen to me, Mrs. Snow. It's about your daughter.
#Person1#: My daughter? Lucy? What's the matter is she?
#Person2#: She's alright. We've got her, Mrs. Snow. Do you understand?
#Person1#: You've got her? What do you mean? What do you want to tell me? What is this? A joke?
#Person2#: A joke? No, Mrs. Snow. It isn't a joke.
#Person1#: I don't understand.
#Person2#: Do you understand this? We kidnapped her yesterday. And now we want $1,000,000 for her.
#Person1#: What? You what?
#Person2#: Yeah, I think you're listening now. There's a plane from New York to London at 11:00 o'clock this evening. Get on that plane. Get on it.
#Person1#: And then, what then?
#Person2#: There's a hotel in London called Park Hotel. I think you know it. Stay there and wait.
#Person1#: Wait? Wait for what?
#Person2#: My next phone call at 9:00 o'clock tomorrow evening. That's all for now.
#Person1#: Wait! Stop! Who are you? What's your name? Hello? Hello?

Summary: #Person1# calls Mrs. Snow to tell her that her daughter has been kidnapped and demands a ransom. #Person1# also gives Mrs. Snow some instructions.


#Person1#: your mp3 looks so cool. Where did you get it?
#Person2#: I bought it online.
#Person1#: really? Do you often shop online?
#Person2#: yes. I buy most of my daily necessities online.
#Person1#: I've never tried E-shopping. Is it better than shopping at an actual store?
#Person2#: yes, much better. You can log in a website, browse through many items and categories comfortably at home, order the goods, pay by credit or debit card, and the goods will be delivered to your home.
#Person1#: sounds good, and I don't have to queue up at the cashier.
#Person2#: and you can still go 'window shopping' just like in a real shopping mall.
#Person1#: well, are there any other advantages?
#Person2#: yes, most of the shops are closed at 22 or even earlier, but the internet operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be accessed anywhere.
#Person1#: are there many choices of online shopping?
#Person2#: sure. You can buy almost anything you can think of.
#Person1#: perhaps I should have a try.

Summary: #Person2# talks about the advantages of online shopping to #Person1# and compares e-shopping with shopping at an actual store. There are numerous choices online and it opens all day long.


#Person1#: I have a real problem when I meet people.
#Person2#: What is it? Maybe I can help.
#Person1#: I never know when to shake hands and when not to. Can you tell me something about it?
#Person2#: Do you come from a country where they shake hands?
#Person1#: Oh yes. Men, women, and children shake hands all the time.
#Person2#: It's very simple. Men shake hands, women and children don't.
#Person1#: But some women do shake hands. And now a lot of children have such good manners, they shake hands too.
#Person2#: Well, a good rule to follow is, for men you hold out your hand, for women and children, you wait and see what they do.
#Person1#: That sounds easy enough.
#Person2#: Sure. Once you get the hang of it, it's a piece of cake! It's nothing to worry about.

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# #Person1# has a problem with shaking hands when meeting people. #Person2# teaches #Person1# a good rule of shaking hands when meeting different people.


#Person1#: When I think of giving a good gift, I think about my uncle.
#Person2#: Why is that? I know he gave you a snow globe yesterday. Doesn't that seem like a strange gift?
#Person1#: Well, I'll be honest, his gifts can be out of times, but they just make me laugh.
#Person2#: I'm glad. But my family always give very practical gifts.
#Person1#: Oh, like what?
#Person2#: We give gift cards of our favorite stores or even just money.
#Person1#: Emm, I guess those are useful. But they don't seem like very fun gifts to receive.
#Person2#: That's ridiculous. Gift cards and cash are always fun to receive.
#Person1#: Gift cards and cash are practical. But they're not very imaginative.
#Person2#: So, I can use them to buy anything I want. I like that.
#Person1#: But giving a gift like that is taking the easy way out. You're not taking the time to select a gift you know the person will enjoy.
#Person2#: OK, but what if the giver is wrong? What if you don't like the gift?
#Person1#: In that case, I'll just ask for the receipt and return it. Or I regift it.
#Person2#: Ah, how awkward.
#Person1#: Well, people understand. And I'm always grateful for any gift.
#Person2#: Really? If someone buys you something random, then they probably won't really thinking of you.
#Person1#: That's true. A good gift should be thoughtful.
#Person2#: So what makes a snow globe from your uncle so special?
#Person1#: Winter is our favorite season. We both love snow.
#Person2#: How nice. I see your point now. But for my birthday, please don't try to guess what I might like. A simple gift card is fine.
#Person1#: OK, dear.

Summary: #Person1# prefers funny gifts that are imaginative and #Person1# is always grateful for any gift, while #Person2# prefers a simple gift card or cash because it is practical so that #Person2# can buy anything.


#Person1#: . . . Now that we have been over the gory details of our disastrous first quarter, Ed! Give us some good news. How are things looking for us in terms sales this month?
#Person2#: Uh well. . . would you like the bad news first or the really bad news?
#Person1#: What? Ed, don't tell me you only have bad news!
#Person2#: Well sir, our sales have dropped, no plunged, fifty percent in the past month alone. We are currently overstocked and overstaffed and our profits refalling fast. The market is in recession and we have no way of moving our inventory, or getting rid of our staff. If we consider redundancies, it would cost us a fortune because of the new regulations governing compensation packages. It's a real mess.
#Person1#: For crying out loud. . . How fast are we losing money?
#Person2#: Um. . . how can I put this? Let's just say that at this pace, we will be filing for Chapter eleven in less than three months.
#Person1#: What! Geez! How could this have happened? So what's the bad news?
#Person2#: Oh, that's the really bad news. Our supplier suffered QC problems and, well, half of our production is faulty. We're going to have to recall all itemssold in the last quarter. And the worst part? We're going to have to shoulder this cost.
#Person1#: Are you joking? Get the supplier on the line now! They have to assume the costs of this mess!
#Person2#: We tried that, sir. The factory has gone under and the owner apparently has fled the country.
#Person1#: We're doomed!
#Person2#: There is some really good news though!
#Person1#: Really? What!
#Person2#: I got offered a new job!

Summary: Ed tells #Person1# that the company's sales have plunged fifty percent in the past month and they are overstocked and overstaffed. Their supplier suffered QC problems, so half of their production is faulty, and they have to shoulder the cost. #Person1# despairs while Ed's happy to have been offered a new job.


#Person1#: Can you fix me a cup of tea, Johnny?
#Person2#: Well... uh... how about a glass of juice instead?
#Person1#: No. I'd like tea. Can you put it in my favorite cup? You probably washed it...
#Person2#: Oh, yeah. Well, uh, about your mug...
#Person1#: I'll find it... Where are all the floral pattern plates? And dad's Yankee's mug?

Summary: #Person2# insists on treating #Person2# a tea.


#Person1#: Why didn't you call me last night?
#Person2#: Because I went out.
#Person1#: Why didn't you phone me from a callboy?
#Person2#: I didn't have any change.
#Person1#: Tell me why you didn't come to see me tonight then.
#Person2#: I don't like all your questions. That's why.

Summary: #Person1# asks why #Person2# didn't call #Person1#, which annoys #Person2#.


#Person1#: How was your dinner party?
#Person2#: I think it went pretty well. People really seemed to enjoy themselves.
#Person1#: That's nice.
#Person2#: But we shouldn't have invited my wife's boss again. We can never get him to leave.
#Person1#: Really? How late did he stay this time?
#Person2#: Until 2 o'clock in the morning. And we both had to get up early the next day.
#Person1#: Oh, he shouldn't have stayed so late. You should have asked him to leave earlier.
#Person2#: Well, it's pretty difficult to do that to my wife's boss.

Summary: #Person2# thinks the party was good but they shouldn't have invited #Person2#'s wife's boss again because he stayed late.


#Person1#: Hi, Henry. Did you watch the fifty-seventh annual Grammy Awards on TV?
#Person2#: No, I had to work overtime that night. Did you watch them?
#Person1#: Not on TV. I was at the ceremony, so I got to see the performances in person.
#Person2#: That's amazing! How many awards were there?
#Person1#: 83 in all. One more than in two thousand fourteen and the show featured some unexpected performances.
#Person2#: Oh, right! The Grammys usually have great performances. Were they good this year?
#Person1#: Oh, they were amazing, all 23 of them. The Grammys are really an award ceremony, but the performances definitely take center stage. This year, the legendary rock band star from The Beatles, Paul McCartney, performed together with Rihanna and Kanye West!
#Person2#: I heard that Lady Gaga made an appearance, too. Who did she perform with?
#Person1#: With Tony Bennett. You really shouldn't have missed the show.
#Person2#: I'll watch it online tonight.

Summary: #Person1# describes to Henry the fifty-seventh annual Grammy Awards. Henry did not watch it because he had to work overtime that night and will watch it online tonight.


#Person1#: For our lunch meeting with the investors, do we have to make a reservation at the restaurant or do we just show up?
#Person2#: Usually for lunch, we don't have to reserve a table, they should allow walk-ins. But to be on the safe side, I'll order a table for half-past twelve. Will that suit your schedule?
#Person1#: I've arranged to meet them at the restaurant at twelve. Can you make the reservation a little earlier? If we start earlier, it will give us more time for a longer lunch.
#Person2#: Are you planning on treating the investors to a full-course meal?
#Person1#: Yes, we'll start with appetizers, follow with a soup and salad course, then main dishes of prime RMB or cordon bleu chicken, and finish up with a delicious rich dessert of some sort.
#Person2#: That'll be pretty heavy for a mid-day meal, don't you think?
#Person1#: As along as we stay away from anything alcoholic, we should be okay.
#Person2#: With your prime RMB and chicken choices, you'd better hope nobody's vegetarian.
#Person1#: We can make some special arrangement if we need to. After all, it's the company who is footing the bill.

Summary: #Person2# will reserve a table for a lunch meeting. #Person1# asks #Person2# to make it earlier and is planning a full-course meal without alcoholic. #Person2# reminds #Person1# to pay attention to vegetarians.


#Person1#: I think it's time for me to meet my admirer and make him face the music.
#Person2#: You do? How are you going to contact him?
#Person1#: I'm leaving him a message taped to my computer screen.
#Person2#: What does it say? Do you think he'll see it?
#Person1#: He'll see it. It says, I like sweets. Meet me at two thirty in the parking lot.
#Person2#: Can I spy on you guys from the window?
#Person1#: No. But I'll fill you in later. Right now I have to find Vince.

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# #Person1# is going to meet an admirer after leaving a message on the computer screen.


#Person1#: There's a big sale on clothes and sporting goods at Riverside Mall.
#Person2#: Sporting goods? Is that bike Tim wanted on sale?
#Person1#: Yeah, it's 30 percent off the regular price.
#Person2#: Well, maybe we could get it now and hide it until his birthday.
#Person1#: Yeah, it's a couple weeks away, and we don't have anything yet.
#Person2#: Don't buy him underwear again. He hates that.
#Person1#: I know, I know, but if I didn't buy it for him, he'd never buy it.
#Person2#: See anything else we need there?
#Person1#: Well, all shoes are 20 percent off.
#Person2#: Shoes? You already have a closet full of shoes.
#Person1#: I know, but another pair can't hurt.
#Person2#: Oh, all right. I need some new shirts, too. Let's go after breakfast.

Summary: #Person2# and #Person1# will shop at Riverside Mall because there's a big sale. They plan to buy a bike for Tim's birthday.


#Person1#: I was surprised to see how few people you have on-site. You provide a wide range of goods and services but have a very small workforce.
#Person2#: It depends on the time of year. At peak times we hire in casual workers to help with packing and dispatch. We also contract out certain services all year round, for example, cleaning. We run a very tight operation!
#Person1#: Do you handle the recruiting yourselves?
#Person2#: Sometimes we use a local employment agency. It depends on the job.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# that the on-site workforce depends on the time of year and certain services.


#Person1#: That was a cool exhibition!
#Person2#: I knew you'd like it. I believe it will help us with our school cloth project. I got lots of ideas now.
#Person1#: I was really interested in the designer wear section. It's totally special.
#Person2#: Yes, it'd be great to wear something so special. But what impressed me most was the part that showed you how to recycle clothes.
#Person1#: Yeah, but I can't see myself wearing any of my dad's old things just now. I didn't expect the show to be so interesting.
#Person2#: I enjoyed seeing the live models, though I'm not sure whether it lived up to my expectations.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# like the exhibition very much. #Person1# was interested in the designer wear section and #Person2# was impressed by the recycling clothes part.


#Person1#: I like that picture you put up on the wall yesterday.
#Person2#: Oh, thank you. It's a photograph that I took on my vacation last year.
#Person1#: You took it yourself? I didn't know you were a photographer.
#Person2#: Oh, yes, I've been taking pictures for years.
#Person1#: It sounds interesting. Do you have any more of your pictures here? And may I see them?
#Person2#: Yes, certainly. Some of them are faces, just faces of people who I see when I'm walking around.
#Person1#: Do you let them know that you're taking pictures of them?
#Person2#: I try not to. I don't like pictures of people who purpose for the camera. I like people who are going about their business without knowing the camera is there.
#Person1#: I suppose you need a lot of equipment. How many cameras do you have?
#Person2#: Well, I have a dozen of them, but I use two of them more than the others.

Summary: #Person1# is surprised to know that #Person2# was a photographer. #Person2# shows #Person1# the pictures taken by #Person2# and tells #Person1# about #Person2#'s equipment.


#Person1#: What's the weather today?
#Person2#: It's fine today.
#Person1#: What was the weather like yesterday?
#Person2#: It rained all day yesterday. The weather was awful last week.
#Person1#: What will the weather be like tomorrow?
#Person2#: It's going to be sunny tomorrow.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# the weather today, yesterday, and tomorrow.


#Person1#: Was that the telephone ringing?
#Person2#: I didn't hear anything.
#Person1#: I thought I heard it ring 2 or 3 times.
#Person2#: Sometimes when the windows are open, you can hear the neighbor's phone.
#Person1#: Well, I'm expecting an important phone call and I don't want to miss it.

Summary: #Person1# heard the telephone ringing while #Person1# didn't.


#Person1#: Here we are this is my favorite place.
#Person2#: How many times have you been here?
#Person1#: I've never counted.
#Person2#: I would like to sit near the window.
#Person1#: Please be seated. It's my treat today.
#Person2#: Thank you.
#Person1#: It's so busy here.
#Person2#: Fast food restaurants are popular now.
#Person1#: What would you like to eat?
#Person2#: I'd like to have a steak sandwich and a medium fry.
#Person1#: Want something to drink?
#Person2#: Coke please. Oh, no, a cup of hot chocolate will be fine.

Summary: #Person1# treats #Person2# at #Person1#'s favorite place. #Person2# orders a steak sandwich, a medium fry and hot chocolate.


#Person1#: Uncle George, how long have you been a taxi driver?
#Person2#: For nearly 10 years. I usually go to work at 5:30 in the afternoon, and get back home between 2:00 and 3:00 in the morning.
#Person1#: You must be tired all the time. Oh, I heard you were questioned by the police last year, what happened?
#Person2#: Well, it was really funny. It was a dark night. I took a woman home from a party. She had her little dog with her, she had left her keys at home by accident.
#Person1#: That's terrible, did she ask you to get them for her?
#Person2#: No, she climbed in through the window herself, while I took care of her dog in my car.
#Person1#: Then, why did the police question you?
#Person2#: I waited there for a long time, then I decided to climb into her home through the window, and find out what was going on, but someone called 911. The police came and questioned me.
#Person1#: But where was the woman?
#Person2#: Ha ha, she had fallen asleep after climbing in. Luckily, she woke up and explained everything to the police.

Summary: #Person1# asks Uncle George how long has he been a taxi driver, and Uncle George tells #Person1# about his funny story as a taxi driver that he was questioned by the police because of climbing into a passenger's home.


#Person1#: May I help you with something?
#Person2#: I would like to return some books.
#Person1#: I ' ll take them.
#Person2#: Here you go.
#Person1#: These books were due two weeks ago.
#Person2#: Yeah. I totally forgot they were due.
#Person1#: You will need to pay late fees on these books.
#Person2#: How much are the late fees?
#Person1#: The fee is 25 cents every day.
#Person2#: I have to pay 25 cents a day?
#Person1#: And that ' s for each book that is late.
#Person2#: That shouldn ' t be a problem.

Summary: #Person1# says #Person2#'s books were due and #Person2# needs to pay 25 cents every day for each book.


#Person1#: Miss Taylor, what sports do you go in for?
#Person2#: I'm absolutely mad about tennis. But I enjoy basketball and volleyball from time to time, too.
#Person1#: They say that sports are most liked in English schools and universities.
#Person2#: Right. We think sports will enable the students to better face life in the highly competitive society we are living in.
#Person1#: I quite agree. We should pay more attention to building up strong bodies with healthy minds. Oh, Miss Taylor, what are the most popular sports in Britain?
#Person2#: Well, it's out of question that football's at the top of the list. We call it soccer in England.
#Person1#: It seems to be a common topic of conversation.
#Person2#: Yes, in fact, I think apart from the weather, it's the thing most talked about in England.
#Person1#: So if we want to start a conversation with a stranger, we'd better start talking about the weather or a recent football match. Is that the idea?

Summary: Miss Taylor tells #Person1# about the sports she likes. She thinks sports are very important and the most popular sport in Britain is soccer which is a common topic of conversation.


#Person1#: Suppose the company offer you a pay raise of 50%, would you be so determined to leave and look for a job as well?
#Person2#: Yes, I've set my mind down on it. I'd like to find a job with full scope to show my ability.

Summary: #Person1# refuses a pay raise and determines to leave the company.


#Person1#: Look, Jenny. I don't understand what's going on. You said your sister was arriving at 7:30. It's 8:30 now.
#Person2#: I'm sorry, Mike. I don't understand either. Here's Helena's telegram. Have a look at it.
#Person1#: Arriving Heathrow Tuesday 19:30. Can't wait to see you. Can't wait to see you. Hmmm. I can't wait to see her. Jenny, where's she coming from? What airline is she traveling on? What's the flight number?
#Person2#: I don't know, do I? This telegram is the only information I have.
#Person1#: Never mind, Jenny. Let's have a coffee. We can sit down and think about the best thing to do.

Summary: Jenny and Mike are waiting for Jenny's sister Helena at the airport but she doesn't show up. They read her telegram again and decide to think about solutions.


#Person1#: What kind of music do you like listening to?
#Person2#: I like music that has a fast beat and it's lively, like dance music which is sometimes too loud, though. You prefer classical music, don't you?
#Person1#: Yes, I do. I find it very relaxing. I often listen to Mozart or bach in the evening after a hard day at work.
#Person2#: I must admit that I like several pieces of classical music.
#Person1#: Classical music is supposed to be good for your brain, research suggests that it makes your brain more active, students who listen to classical music while studying perform better.
#Person2#: Really? Perhaps I should listen to classical music often. I heard that listening to classical music is helpful in reducing stress.
#Person1#: Yes, that's why I listen to it in the evenings. I usually play it as background music while I'm cooking or doing other housework. But in the early morning when I get up, I prefer to listen to folk music which is more traditional.

Summary: #Person2# likes lively music that has a fast beat, while #Person1# prefers classical ones. #Person1# says classical music is good for people's brain and #Person1# usually listens to it in the evenings to relax.


#Person1#: Guess what came in the mail today?
#Person2#: What?
#Person1#: My acceptance letter to Yale!
#Person2#: Wow! Congratulation! When do classes start?
#Person1#: Freshman orientation is the last week of august, but I want to go two weeks before that to get settled in.
#Person2#: You're so lucky! Do you have to do many things before you leave?
#Person1#: Yes. I'll be very busy! I have to get a visa, buy a plane ticket, and pack my things. But first, I want to register for classes.
#Person2#: When can you do that?
#Person1#: Well, they sent me their prospectus, so I can start looking now. do you want to help me decide which classed to take?
#Person2#: Sure. What can you choose from?
#Person1#: Well, I have to take all the fundamental course, plus a few from my major.
#Person2#: What is your major?
#Person1#: I hope to major in English literature, but the admissions counselor told me that many people change their major many times in their first year, so we'll see.
#Person2#: What are the fundamental course?
#Person1#: In order to graduate, every student must take a certain amount of classes in history, math, English, philosophy, science and art.
#Person2#: Interesting. That's very different from the Chinese education system.
#Person1#: Yes, it is. It's also very different from the British education system.
#Person2#: Really?
#Person1#: oh, sure. In British, students don't have to take the foundation course.
#Person2#: why not?
#Person1#: maybe because they think they know everything already! ha ha.

Summary: #Person1#'s acceptance letter to Yale arrived and #Person1# asks #Person2#'s help to choose classes. #Person1# has to take fundamental courses because every student must take some classes in history, English, science, etc, which is different from the Chinese and British education system.


#Person1#: How did you sleep last night?
#Person2#: OK, I guess. But I think all the studying I did for physics last night affected my dreams.
#Person1#: What do you mean?
#Person2#: I mean that I dreamt about physics last night.
#Person1#: Dreamt about physics? What did you dream about?
#Person2#: Hmm...I think I remember Newton falling out of an apple tree, but I'm not too sure.
#Person1#: Jeez, you shouldn't study so hard.
#Person2#: Nothing like this ever happened to you?
#Person1#: Well. Once I was having a really tough final exam in French, and I spent a whole week just studying. And I had a really strange dream about someone asking me questions in French.
#Person2#: What did the person ask?
#Person1#: I don't know. In my dream, I kept explaining that I didn't know a lot of French and I kept asking if he knew English.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# share their experience that their dreams were affected by their study. #Person1# dreamt about physics and #Person2# dreamt about a French conversation.


#Person1#: Hi. I'm glad I ran into you.
#Person2#: Why? What's up?
#Person1#: Would you like to go climbing this weekend?
#Person2#: I'm not sure. I promised to help my sister move on Saturday.
#Person1#: How about Sunday, then? We could start early in the morning.
#Person2#: I might be able to do that. Let me check and I'll call you up tonight.
#Person1#: Great! By the way, I won't be home before 10 o'clock.
#Person2#: Then, how can I reach you?
#Person1#: I've got an answering machine. You can simply call and leave a message. Your voice will be recorded.
#Person2#: I hate talking to a machine. It feels strange.
#Person1#: All right. I'll give you another telephone number. I'll be at my mother's home.

Summary: #Person1# invites #Person2# to go climbing. #Person2# will call #Person1# up tonight to tell the answer but hates to talk to a machine. So #Person1# gives #Person2# another telephone number.


#Person1#: I have been looking at this online catalog for over an hour and I still haven't finished getting all the kitchen appliances that we need!
#Person2#: What are you getting?
#Person1#: Well, the first thing on my list is a new blender. I decided to also get a juicer and a new coffee maker.
#Person2#: Don't forget to also get a new mixer. I lent the old one to my brother and he broke it.
#Person1#: Yeah I know. I also decided to throw away the old toaster and get a new one. I am also getting a rice cooker and steamer to make some nice steamed fish or veggies.
#Person2#: I'm actually thinking of completely refurnishing the kitchen and getting a new stove, oven, dishwasher and trash compacter.
#Person1#: That's a good idea! The kitchen will look amazing!

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# talk about the kitchen appliances they need--a blender, a juicer, a coffee maker, a mixer, a toaster, a rice cooker and steamer. #Person2# suggests completely refurnishing the kitchen.


#Person1#: How many people are coming to the party, Nelly?
#Person2#: Well, I invited 18, but only 11 are coming now.
#Person1#: What are you going to cook?
#Person2#: We're having fish with lemon sauce, then ice cream made with apples from the garden and coffee afterwards.
#Person1#: Sounds delicious. Have you got some good music?
#Person2#: My CD player isn't working, but my tape recorder is OK. Oh, Jenny is going to bring her guitar.
#Person1#: What present have you bought, Emma? It's her birthday, isn't it?
#Person2#: Yes, she's turning 21. She wanted a camera, but I didn't have enough money. So I've got her a video about football. She plays for the college team now.
#Person1#: Well, I'm sure it will be a great evening.

Summary: #Person1# and Nelly are preparing for the party. Nelly provides food and drink and Jenny'll bring her guitar. Nelly'll give Emma a video about football as a birthday present.


#Person1#: Are you going to vote?
#Person2#: I am so excited to be voting.
#Person1#: Do you know who you're going to vote for?
#Person2#: I am so impressed with the candidate I'm going to vote for.
#Person1#: What's so great about him?
#Person2#: I feel that he is very intelligent.
#Person1#: Oh, really?
#Person2#: Yes, and I agree with all his policies.
#Person1#: That's good to hear.
#Person2#: I think this man is going to be the next President.
#Person1#: I hope so.
#Person2#: I'm going to make sure and get my vote in.

Summary: #Person2# is excited about voting and believes #Person2#'s voting for the next President.


#Person1#: Good morning, I'm one of the students who rented your flat. It's 55 Park Road.
#Person2#: Oh, yes. Everything all right?
#Person1#: Not exactly. I'm afraid there are a couple of problems.
#Person2#: Oh! I'm sorry to hear that. What kind of problems?
#Person1#: Well, we haven't had any hot water for a couple of days now. I wonder if you could send someone to have a look at it.
#Person2#: Of course. I'll get someone to come around at the weekend.
#Person1#: Well, could he come around a bit sooner? I don't think we can manage until the weekend.
#Person2#: I see. Okay. I'll send someone over this afternoon then.
#Person1#: There's also the matter of the fridge. We all assumed there would be one in the flat when we moved in, because that's what we read from the advertisement in the newspaper.
#Person2#: Ah, yes. Sorry about that. I got rid of the old fridge, but I didn't get around to ordering a new one yet. I'm really sorry. I'll order one today and get it delivered to you tomorrow.
#Person1#: We bought one on the Internet actually. But could you pay us back?
#Person2#: Of course. Just tell me how much you paid for it.
#Person1#: It's 260 pounds. Thank you.

Summary: #Person1# has a couple of problems with the flat. #Person1# hasn't had hot water for a couple of days and there wasn't a fridge as it had been advertised. #Person2# will send someone over this afternoon and promises to pay #Person1# for the new fridge.


#Person1#: I wonder if you could allow us any discount for this commodity. It's the general practice that wholesalers usually get some discount from manufacturers or suppliers.
#Person2#: As a rule, we don't allow any discount.
#Person1#: But we usually get a discount of 3 % to 5 % from our other suppliers. Actually, some discount on your prices would make it easier for us to promote sales, you know.
#Person2#: That's true. But I am sorry I can't make an exception. We have quoted you our lowest price. We can't give you any more discounts.

Summary: #Person1# wants some discount to promote sales, but #Person2# doesn't agree with that because it's the lowest quoted price.


#Person1#: Look, Sandra. I got this really nice postcard from my aunt.
#Person2#: Oh, what a pretty village and it's right by a river. Is it in the mountains?
#Person1#: Yes. But you can't see them in the picture.
#Person2#: Perhaps they're behind those tall trees.

Summary: #Person1# shows Sandra the beautiful postcard from #Person2#'s aunt.


#Person1#: The art critic from the daily chronicle doesn't think much of the max oreo exhibition. He says that the artwork is uninspiring and old fashioned.
#Person2#: Really? I thought the exhibition showed that he had real talent. What did you think of it?
#Person1#: I liked it. I didn't think his works were masterpieces, but the certainly weren't uninspiring, in my opinion.
#Person2#: I don't think I'Ve ever read a good review of an exhibition by that critic. He doesn't seem to like anything. Which kinds of paintings do you prefer?
#Person1#: I like landscapes and still life. You prefer abstract paintings, don't you?
#Person2#: Yes, I do. I like painters who use rather than watercolors. The colors appear richer. What do you think?
#Person1#: I agree. I prefer oils too. I collect landscapes, but I only have a small collection. You have a small collection of abstract art, don't you?
#Person2#: Yes. Good artwork is very expensive nowadays. When I was in china, I bought some calligraphy by famous artists. You should come and see it sometime.
#Person1#: That would be nice. Can you read the characters?
#Person2#: I know what the characters on the paintings mean. I think Chinese characters look very artistic. It's said that the way they are written can give insight into the artist's character.
#Person1#: I think that's true with any of the fine arts.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# liked the max oreo exhibition and they disagree with the art critic's comments. #Person1# likes landscapes and still life, while prefers abstract paintings. Both of them think the colors appear richer in the paintings. #Person2# also recommends calligraphy.


#Person1#: Hello?
#Person2#: Hi, Deborah! This is John. I'm calling from Australia.
#Person1#: What are you doing in Australia?
#Person2#: I'm attending a conference in Sydney this week. Remember?
#Person1#: Oh, right. What time is it there?
#Person2#: It's 10:00 P. M. And it's four o'clock in Los Angeles, right?
#Person1#: Yes - four o'clock in the morning.
#Person2#: 4:00 A. M.? I'm really sorry.
#Person1#: That's OK. I'm awake now.

Summary: John calls Deborah from Australia at 10 PM and Deborah tells him that it is 4 AM in Los Angeles.


#Person1#: What's the Mountaineering Club doing this weekend?
#Person2#: We are going to climb a cliff on the Colorado River.
#Person1#: How hard is the climb?
#Person2#: It is a very difficult climb because there are not many places to put your hands and feet.
#Person1#: What did you do last week?
#Person2#: We rappelled down the side of 300 - foot cliff. It was very exciting.
#Person1#: Wow! That sounds like a lot of fun. I'm sorry I missed it.
#Person2#: Well, you should come this weekend. I think you could do the climb.
#Person1#: Yeah, I will. See you then!
#Person2#: O. K. See you.

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# the activities of the Mountaineering Club. #Person2# rappelled down a cliff last weekend and will climb a cliff this weekend.


#Person1#: Good morning, Powernet Software. Can I help you?
#Person2#: Hi, I've been trying to order some of your software from the website, but there seems to be a problem, because my order didn't go through.
#Person1#: Oh. I'm sorry about that, Sir. There was a problem with the site this morning. That's probably why you had some difficulty.
#Person2#: Would it be possible for me to place my order through you now? I don't want to wait until tomorrow as I'll be out seeing customers.
#Person1#: OK, now then. What would you like to order from us?
#Person2#: Your site had a great sale on something called Viva Voce. The price was $180.25 percent off the normal price.
#Person1#: Well, I'm afraid that price is only available for those of our customers who order through our site, you'd pay $240.
#Person2#: I just tried to order through your site, and as I told you, the sale wouldn't go through. Can't you give me that discount anyway?
#Person1#: Yeah, I think that would be alright.
#Person2#: I have ordered through you before, and my customer number is 794791. You should have my information and credit card number on file.
#Person1#: Let's see. Oh, yes.
#Person2#: How long will the delivery take?
#Person1#: You should have this by Wednesday, that is the day after tomorrow.
#Person2#: Great.

Summary: #Person2# places his order of some software through #Person1# with a discount because there is a problem with the website and he doesn't want to wait until tomorrow as he'll be out seeing customers. #Person2# should have his order by Wednesday.


#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!

Summary: Craig has a cold, so #Person1# suggests Craig drink chicken stock with garlic.


#Person1#: The floor looks super clean. Did you call the cleaning company?
#Person2#: Nope. My foot is broken. I stay at home. So I did it myself.
#Person1#: With a broken foot? Was that a good idea?
#Person2#: Don't worry, Dave.
#Person1#: You could have called Brenda. She would have done it for you.
#Person2#: I'm not asking your little sister to clean my floors, Dave. Anyway, it wasn't as hard as you think. I have been using a Roomba recently.
#Person1#: Oh, that cleaning robot? I'm jealous, Sandra. I wanted one, but I didn't have 500 extra dollars.
#Person2#: I know. They're so expensive. I got mine from my boss when I was Employee of the Year two years ago.

Summary: Sandra broke her foot and cleaned the floor with the cleaning robot which she got from her boss. Dave is jealous of the robot.


#Person1#: Why are we down here again?
#Person2#: We're looking for a box marked Christmas decorations. What's the matter?
#Person1#: I don't like cold dark places. I feel like I'm in a scary movie, also I hate rats.
#Person2#: What's wrong with rats?
#Person1#: They are dirty creatures that spread disease.
#Person2#: I don't see them that way. There like us I think. They're very social and they get sad when their alone.
#Person1#: Ears strange. Hey, is that the box on the shelf?
#Person2#: No, those are the Halloween decorations.
#Person1#: Ah, I just walked right into a spider web.
#Person2#: Did you know that even though almost all spiders have poison, less than 1% are harmful to humans?
#Person1#: Whatever. There are the Thanksgiving decorations on that sofa.
#Person2#: There it is. Under that bench, can you hand me that pole by the latter? I can use it to drag the box out.
#Person1#: Here you are. I'm going to stand on this chair until you're ready to go back up to the living room.
#Person2#: Stop worrying. There are hardly any spiders down here.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# are looking for a box marked Christmas decorations. #Person1# chooses to stand on the chair until they go back to the living room because this cold dark place has some rats and spiders.


#Person1#: What's the temperature today?
#Person2#: It's about 5 degrees centigrade.
#Person1#: What's the weather forecast for tomorrow?
#Person2#: The weatherman says it's going to snow tomorrow.
#Person1#: Are you used to the climate here?
#Person2#: I think I'll soon get used to it.
#Person1#: What is the average temperature of Beijing?
#Person2#: lt's about 180C, but in winter the temperature may fall to 10-15 degrees below zero. And we have a long winter.
#Person1#: Which season do you like best?
#Person2#: I prefer spring when little by little everything becomes green and the weather is almost always nice.

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# the temperature today and tomorrow, Beijing's climate, and #Person2#'s favorite season.


#Person1#: Good morning, sir. May I help you?
#Person2#: It's our anniversary today. I am looking for the same flowers as the ones in her wedding bouquet.
#Person1#: What do they look like?
#Person2#: White.
#Person1#: How tall are they?
#Person2#: They are short, I guess. About the same height as those short flowers over there.
#Person1#: Do they look like roses?
#Person2#: No, they look like little bells.
#Person1#: Oh, lilies of the valley. No, I am sorry. We are all out of them right now.
#Person2#: Oh, that's too bad.
#Person1#: What about roses?
#Person2#: Ok. How many do you suggest?
#Person1#: As many as you like, sir. They are beautiful, aren't they?
#Person2#: Yes, they are.

Summary: #Person2# wants lilies of the valley for their anniversary but #Person1# says they are run out of them so #Person2# chooses roses.


#Person1#: So, what do you think? How do you like New York?
#Person2#: I'm having a great time. I love it. I'm glad we came.
#Person1#: Yeah. I really like the stores and the shopping.
#Person2#: I love the museums, too.
#Person1#: But the traffic is pretty bad.
#Person2#: Yeah. I hate all this traffic. It's really noisy.
#Person1#: Listen, it's almost dinnertime. There are lots of restaurant around here. What do you want to try? Italian? Greek? Japanese? Thai?
#Person2#: I can't stand making decisions. You choose!
#Person1#: OK. Let's go American. Where's the nearest McDonald's?

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# discuss how they feel about New York. Then they decide to go to McDonald's.


#Person1#: Come in and sit down.
#Person2#: Thanks, Mr. Liang.
#Person1#: Among all the assistants, I think you're on top of it. Based on the annual evaluation, the board of directors decided to give you a bonus.
#Person2#: Really? I am too happy.
#Person1#: I've been reviewing your work over the past few months. Thanks to your excellent work, we benefit much from your project. And you should get the perfect attendance award too.
#Person2#: Thanks for your trust. Owing to my colleagues ' help, I've successfully completed my task.
#Person1#: You are very modest and diligent. The distribution of bonus derived from the performance evaluation. You deserve it.
#Person2#: Thank you very much. I will redouble my efforts in the future.

Summary: Mr. Liang tells #Person2# that the board of directors decided to give #Person2# a bonus for #Person1#'s excellent work. #Person2# appreciates it.


#Person1#: I got two letters this morning with job offers, one from the Polytechnic, and the other from the Language School in Pistoia, Italy.
#Person2#: So you are not sure which to go for?
#Person1#: That's it. Of course, the conditions of work are very different: The Polytechnic is offering two-year contract which could be renewed, but the Language School is only offering a year's contract, and that's a definite minus. It could be renewed, but you never know.
#Person2#: I see. So it's much less secure. But you don't need to think too much about steady jobs when you are only 23.
#Person1#: That's true.
#Person2#: What about the salaries?
#Person1#: Well, the Pistoia job pays much better in the short term. I'll be getting the equivalent of about 22,000 pounds a year there, but only 20,000 pounds at the Polytechnic. But then the hours are different. At the Polytechnic I'd have to do 35 hours a week, 20 teaching and 15 administration, whereas the Pistoia school is only asking for 30 hours teaching.
#Person2#: Mmm...
#Person1#: Then the type of teaching is so different. The Polytechnic is all adults and mostly preparation for exams like the Cambridge certificates. The Language School wants me to do a bit of exam preparation, but also quite a lot of work in companies and factories, and a couple of children's classes. Oh, and a bit of literature teaching.
#Person2#: Well, that sounds much more varied and interesting. And I'd imagine you'd be doing quite a lot of teaching outside the school, and moving around quite a bit.
#Person1#: Yes, whereas with the Polytechnic position, I'd be stuck in the school all day.

Summary: #Person1# can't decide which job offer to take, the job with Polytechnic offering a two-year contract, with 20000 pounds, which asks for 35 hours a week, 20 teachings and 15 administration, or the one with the Language School in Pistoia only offer a year's contract, but with 22000 pounds a year and only asks for 30 teaching hours.


#Person1#: Something important has just happened at the office, Anna. So I can't meet you for lunch. After all, I'm afraid.
#Person2#: What is it?
#Person1#: I have to meet an important buyer at the airport.
#Person2#: That's really annoying? What about the play tonight? You promise to go with me. I already have my mother take care of our kids.
#Person1#: Yes, darling, I promised, but I'm afraid we'll have to cancel it.
#Person2#: What about Thursday. Could we go then?
#Person1#: I think all the seats will be booked up. And anyway, I'm afraid I won't have time next week.
#Person2#: I've telephoned the theater. The seats aren't all booked up in fact.
#Person1#: Well, as I've just said, I am booked up.

Summary: #Person1# tells Anna that #Person1# has to meet a buyer so they can't go to the play. Anna wants to go on Thursday, but #Person1# is not available.


#Person1#: Are things still going badly with your houseguest?
#Person2#: Getting worse. Now he's eating me out of house and home. I'Ve tried talking to him but it all goes in one ear and out the other. He makes himself at home, which is fine. But what really gets me is that yesterday he walked into the living room in the raw and I had company over! That was the last straw.
#Person1#: Leo, I really think you're beating around the bush with this guy. I know he used to be your best friend in college, but I really think it's time to lay down the law.
#Person2#: You're right. Everything is probably going to come to a head tonight. I'll keep you informed.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# that #Person2#'s houseguest is getting worse, so #Person1# suggests #Person2# lay down the law.


#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 cars?
#Person2#: No, Ah. . . single sellers.
#Person1#: Well, yeah, but I'd be getting somebody else's problems.
#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?

Summary: Tom needs to get another car. Nancy puts up some suggestions, and Tom wants a new car with easy loans.


#Person1#: Professor, I'm concerned about my grades. Do you have a minute?
#Person2#: Of course, how can I help you?
#Person1#: I want to know if I am doing OK.
#Person2#: Let's pull out your scores so far. Do you think you are doing OK?
#Person1#: I am afraid that I might not be doing all that well.
#Person2#: I'm seeing that you are doing OK in some areas, but not so well in others.
#Person1#: I think I could take better notes and read a little more.
#Person2#: You can greatly improve your grades by always reflecting on what you can improve on.
#Person1#: I'm working on it!
#Person2#: Just do your best and I am sure that you will see improvement.

Summary: #Person1# is concerned with #Person1#'s grades. #Person2# gives some suggestions and encourages #Person1#.


#Person1#: Hello! What are you reading about in the newspaper?
#Person2#: Hello! I was exhausted some studying, so I decided to read the newspaper to relax. Unfortunately, the news is so depressing. There has been another murder in the city center. I'm shocked that the police haven't caught the killer yet.
#Person1#: People are starting to get frightened by it. Everyone will be relieved when they finally catch the murder.
#Person2#: You mean ' if ' they catch the murderer. I'm scared stiff about going into the city center at night.
#Person1#: There must have been some good news in the newspaper. I can't believe that none of the news stories make you happy or excited.
#Person2#: Well, there was one good piece of news. You remember the local girl who was dying of a rare blood disease?
#Person1#: Yes. Her parents were raising money to have her treated in the united states.
#Person2#: Well, they'Ve got the money and she's going tomorrow for treatment.
#Person1#: I'm so happy for the family! They must be very relieved and excited about that.
#Person2#: I'm sure they are. Oh, and a local man won the lottery. I'm so jealous! I wish it were me! I buy a lottery ticket every week and I'm amazed that I haven't even won a small prize yet. It's so unfair!
#Person1#: Don't be moody! I hope you're not tired, because we'Ve been invited to a party this evening. I know how excited you get about parties.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# talk about the recent news. They feel depressed for an unsolved murder case but they feel happy that a girl with a rare blood disease finally got enough money to get treatment. #Person2# is jealous of a man who won the lottery.


#Person1#: Take me to this address, please.
#Person2#: Yes, ma'am. Here we are.
#Person1#: How much do I owe you, sir?
#Person2#: 30 dollars, ma'am.
#Person1#: Are you kidding? The meter says 15 dollars, doesn't it?
#Person2#: Yes, but we need some extra charge and some tip, too.
#Person1#: I don't get it. I'll go and have that doorman talk to you then.
#Person2#: OK, ma'am. Calm down, 15 dollars will do.

Summary: #Person2# asks for 30 dollars while the meter says 15 dollars. #Person1# gets mad. #Person2# agrees on 15 dollars.