#Person1#: How do you eat sushi, Mister Nakamura?
#Person2#: I usually use chopsticks but some people prefer just using hands.
#Person1#: You can eat with your hands at the restaurant?
#Person2#: Yeah, it's totally acceptable in the traditional sushi restaurant.
#Person1#: Hmm, interesting. So do I just eat it straight?
#Person2#: Well, I like to eat it straight and enjoy the natural flavor of the fish, but you can always go with wasabi.
#Person1#: Wasabi? What's wasabi?
#Person2#: Wasabi is a sauce, which gives sushi a spicy flavor.
#Person1#: Oh, you mean the green stuff, which always makes my tears come out?
#Person2#: Correct. Some restaurants actually give you wasabi along with your sushi dish so that you can control the hotness.
#Person1#: That's considerate. You've really taught me so much about Japanese culture. Thank you, Mister Nakamura.
#Person2#: Don't mention it. We should help each other since we work in the same company now.

Summary: Mr. Nakamura helps #Person1# learn about the way to eat sushi and the use of wasabi because they work in the same company.


#Person1#: Tell me, Peter, what makes Harrods so famous?
#Person2#: Well, it's the biggest department store in the UK. And its food hall and the Egyptian hall are very famous. People come to Harrods just to see them.
#Person1#: What is special about the food hall?
#Person2#: It sells many different kinds of food. For example, it has 250 kinds of cheese from all over the world and more than 180 kinds of bread. Customers also love all the different kinds of chocolate. They buy a hundred tons every year.
#Person1#: That's amazing! And why is the Egyptian hall so famous?
#Person2#: Well, when people see it, they feel they are in another world. It looks like in Egyptian building from 4,000 years ago. And it sells beautiful objects. They are not 4,000 years old, of course.
#Person1#: Is it true that Harrods produces its own electricity?
#Person2#: Yes, it does 70%, enough for a small town. To light the outside of the building, we use 11,500 light bulbs.
#Person1#: Really? Tell me, how many customers do you have on an average day? And how much do they spend?
#Person2#: About 30,000 people come on an average day. But during the sales, the number increases to 300,000 customers a day. How much do they spent? Well, on average, customers spend about 1.5 million pounds a day. The record for one day is nine million pounds.
#Person1#: Nine million pounds in one day?
#Person2#: Yes, on the first day of the January sales.
#Person1#: Harrods says it sells everything to everybody, everywhere. Is that really true?
#Person2#: Oh, yes. of course! Absolutely everything!

Summary: Peter explains to #Person1# the reasons why the food hall and the Egyptian hall are famous. #Person1# also asks Peter about Harrods' electricity, customer flow and sales daily.


#Person1#: Hello, Mr. Thomas. Could you spare a minute?
#Person2#: What do you need?
#Person1#: I need to talk to you about that new driver you'Ve hired. I think I am going to have some problems working with him.
#Person2#: He seems to be quite qualified. If it is a personal problem I preferred if you would work out between yourselves.

Summary: #Person2# suggests #Person1# solving the problems with #Person2#'s new driver themselves.


#Person1#: Can I help you?
#Person2#: Yes. I want to make a plane reservation to Shanghai, China.
#Person1#: May I have your name, please?
#Person2#: Feynman Black. I want to leave on October 15th.
#Person1#: OK. Let me see. Air China has a flight on October 15th at 10:00 in the morning.
#Person2#: Well, I need an economy ticket.
#Person1#: Single or return?
#Person2#: Single. How much?
#Person1#: Economy fare for single ticket from New York to Beijing is 400 dollars.
#Person2#: OK. Here you are. Is my ticket confirmed then?
#Person1#: Yes. Please arrive at the airport one hour before departure.
#Person2#: OK. Thank you.

Summary: #Person1# helps Black reserve a single economy plane ticket to Shanghai, leaving on October 15th at 10.


#Person1#: This week's program Up Your Street takes you to Harrogate, a small town in Yorkshire. Harrogate became a fashionable resort during Victorian times, when people came to take a bath in the mineral waters. Today, few people come to visit the town for its mineral waters. Instead, Harrogate has become a popular town for people to retire to. Its clean air, attractive parks, and the absence of any industry, make this an ideal spot for people looking for a quiet life. Now, to tell us more about Harrogate, I have with me Tom Percival, President of the Chamber of Commerce. Tom, one of the things visitor notices about Harrogate is the large area of open park land right down into the middle of the town. Can you tell us more about it?
#Person2#: Yes, certainly. The area is called the Stray.
#Person1#: Why the Stray?
#Person2#: It's called that because in the old days, people let their cattle stray on the area, which was common land.
#Person1#: Oh, I see.
#Person2#: Then, we've changes in farming and in land ownership. The Stray became part of the land owned by Harrogate.
#Person1#: And is it protected?
#Person2#: Oh, yes, indeed. As a special law, no one can build anything on the stray. It's protected forever.
#Person1#: So it will always be park land?
#Person2#: That's right. As you can see, some of the Stray is used for sports fields.
#Person1#: I believe it looks lovely in the spring.
#Person2#: Yes, it does. There're spring flowers on the old trees, and people visit the town just to see the flowers.

Summary: #Person1# introduces a small town Harrogate. People come for its mineral waters in the past and now this town becomes a place for people to retire to. Then #Person1# invites Tom to introduce a large area of open parkland called the Stray in Harrogate.


#Person1#: I am rejoiced to tell you that you are employed.
#Person2#: Thank you for hiring me. I'm very proud to be employed by your firm.
#Person1#: You are expected to report for on-job training on the 15th of May. Will you be there?
#Person2#: Yes, I will. I hope I'll enjoy working with you.

Summary: #Person2# is employed and will report for on-job training soon.


#Person1#: Would you like something to drink?
#Person2#: Yes please. Do you have any teas?
#Person1#: Of course we have lots of teas.
#Person2#: What do you recommend?
#Person1#: What about a green tea or perhaps a jasmine tea?
#Person2#: What ' s this one?
#Person1#: That ' s Oolong tea, it ' s a Cantonese tea.
#Person2#: Ok, I ' ll try that.

Summary: #Person1# helps #Person2# to order Oolong tea.


#Person1#: Excuse me. Do you study Chinese at the university here?
#Person2#: Yes, I do. But my characters are very bad.
#Person1#: It takes a long time to learn Chinese writing.
#Person2#: Are you Chinese?
#Person1#: Yes, I am. I am from Taiwan. I came here to study political science.
#Person2#: How do you like it?
#Person1#: I like it so far. But my English still needs work.
#Person2#: I want to study Mandarin and international relations.
#Person1#: Does the Chinese department here teach regular characters or simplified characters?
#Person2#: They teach regular characters.
#Person1#: I see. I'm from Taiwan, so I know regular characters better than simplified.
#Person2#: You just said your English needs work, yes?
#Person1#: Yes, that's true. Especially my writing. I think my papers aren't good enough. I make too many grammatical mistakes.
#Person2#: Well, I am very serious about learning Chinese. But for me the hard part now is pronunciation. You have the four tones in Chinese. It is very hard. Maybe, if you have time, maybe we could do a language exchange.
#Person1#: You mean you and I?
#Person2#: Yes, why not? I mean, if you come to this cafe often, maybe we could meet here and practice Chinese and English.
#Person1#: That sounds like a good idea. How often would you like to do it?
#Person2#: Let's see. . . My schedule right now is quite busy. But I think I could spend 90 minutes a week in language exchange.
#Person1#: How would we manage it though? How would we spend the 90 minutes?
#Person2#: First, we could spend 45 minutes working on your English writing. If you want, I could help you edit your papers. Or we could do English conversation. Whatever you want. And then the next 45 minutes you would help me with my Chinese.
#Person1#: Would I help you with writing?
#Person2#: No. For me right now, the important thing is spoken Chinese. I need practice. So you could tutor me in speaking. We could use my textbook, and you could ask me questions. Then you could correct my mistakes.
#Person1#: I think it sounds like a good system. But when is it convenient to meet?
#Person2#: Well, today is Monday. Actually, for me Monday at this time would be the best. I am free from now until 11
#Person1#: Me too. In fact, I'm free until 1
#Person2#: So if you want to meet at 10
#Person1#: It sounds good. I will bring the papers I'm working on.
#Person2#: And I will bring my textbook and a tape recorder. I would like to record some things so I can practice on my own.
#Person1#: Let me give you my phone number.
#Person2#: Sure. I'll give you mine too. Then we can call if we have to cancel for some reason.

Summary: #Person2# is learning Chinese, and #Person2# thinks the hard part is pronunciation. #Person1# thinks #Person1#'s English still needs work. #Person2# advises that they can do a language exchange, and #Person1# agrees. They plan to spend 90 minutes a week in language exchange. They spend the first 45 minutes working on #Person1#'s English writing, and the next 45 minutes #Person1# will help #Person2# with spoken Chinese.


#Person1#: Are you interested in history?
#Person2#: Yes, I am. I enjoyed studying it at school, though I had trouble remembering all the dates, so my teacher never gave me good marks.
#Person1#: I love history, but I'Ve always thought that learning the reasons behind events is more important than remembering exactly when they happened.
#Person2#: I wish you had been my history teacher! I might have got better marks!
#Person1#: Some people say that history repeats itself.
#Person2#: What does that mean? The same events never happen twice, do they?
#Person1#: The idea is that the people and dates change, but the reason why things happen stay the same.
#Person2#: I see. I think I'd agree with that statement. People often seem to make the same mistakes over and over again.

Summary: #Person1# says history repeats itself. #Person2# agrees with the statement because people often make the same mistakes over and over again.


#Person1#: I know you pay a lot of attention to exercise in your daily life. Could you tell me something about exercise?
#Person2#: OK. I'm just interested in exercise. The importance of exercise is nothing new. Thomas Jefferson once wrote that to be successful and academic studies, a person should give about 2 hours everyday to exercise.
#Person1#: 2 hours every day? I can't do that.
#Person2#: Most experts today do not demand 2 hours of daily exercise. They recommend that people get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity most days of the week.
#Person1#: How does exercise do good to our health?
#Person2#: For example, brisk walking, jogging and swimming are easy ways to boost your heart rate and promote your health. Exercise can also help to lower blood pressure and counter stress. For women, exercise that makes the body and bones bear weight, like walking or running may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.
#Person1#: Are there other benefits of doing exercise?
#Person2#: You'll probably discover a subtler benefit of exercise as well. Greater self confidence, this may make it easier for you to participate in class and help you do well in academic and social situations.
#Person1#: OK, thanks. I think I will keep exercising in the future.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# most experts suggest exercising for 60 minutes every day. #Person2# says exercise can promote health, lower blood pressure, counter stress and even boost confidence.


#Person1#: What are you reading about in that science magazine?
#Person2#: There are several interesting articles on recent scientific breakthroughs. I just finished reading one about cloning.
#Person1#: I'm not sure I like the idea of that. I don't want people copying me or other people. It could be very confusing.
#Person2#: According to the article, you have no real need to worry. Research nowadays is focussing on cloning parts of a human body to replace damaged or lost parts, not on recreating a whole human.
#Person1#: In the future, that could be possible.
#Person2#: In this article, scientists say that if you took the genes from someone and tried to create a copy of a person, there's no guarantee that the copy would look or act like the original!
#Person1#: Really? What else have you discovered?
#Person2#: I read about how scientists are using material from plants and animals to create new medicines. For example, an animal be immune to disease that affects human. So, scientists find out why it's immune
#Person1#: That's great, because it uses natural materials rather than ones that scientists make themselves. I prefer natural remedies to man-made ones.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# about what #Person2# learns in a science magazine about the modern researches of cloning and how scientists are using material from plants and animals to create new medicines


#Person1#: Have you heard that we will have reorganization?
#Person2#: No, really?
#Person1#: Yes, flexible, aggressive and creative people are urgently needed in the marketing department.
#Person2#: Who will be there?
#Person1#: James is going to be packed off there.
#Person2#: That is good. He can leave you alone this time.

Summary: #Person1# shares with #Person2# the news of reorganization.


#Person1#: What do you want to do this weekend?
#Person2#: Oh, I don't know. Maybe go to the beach if it's nice weather.
#Person1#: But we did that last weekend. Let's do something different.
#Person2#: Hum... Hey, I know what! Why don't we climb Mt. Fuji?
#Person1#: Great idea! I've always wanted to do that!
#Person2#: Paul and Mary talked about a bicycle ride yesterday, but they haven't made the final decision. Maybe we could persuade them to join us.
#Person1#: Wonderful! I give them a call right now.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# decide to climb Mt. Fuji and persuade Paul and Mary to join them.


#Person1#: Oh no, not again! This happens every day.
#Person2#: What's wrong?
#Person1#: Look at the mess, Jim. You have your supper and never do the washing up afterwards.
#Person2#: I don't do the washing up. But I wash the car every week.
#Person1#: I don't care about that. You never help me with the housework.
#Person2#: That's not true, darling. I prepare your meals, right?
#Person1#: Oh, so what? The kitchen's always a mess afterwards. You cook meals, and I do the rest everyday.
#Person2#: Calm down. OK. I will do everything in our house from next weekend.

Summary: #Person1# complains that Jim doesn't do the housework except for preparing the meal. Jim promises to do everything next week.


#Person1#: Jane, I was wondering if you you had any plans for saturday afternoon.
#Person2#: A friend and I are planing to go out, why? what's up?
#Person1#: There is a special exhibition of french sculptures at the museum, I was hoping you ' d like to come with me.
#Person2#: I am afraid I can't I am going to be out all day.
#Person1#: What about sunday?
#Person2#: i wish i could, but it's my mums birthday.
#Person1#: Maybe next week.
#Person2#: Much as I ' d like to, I am afraid i wont be free next week, I have a lot of work.
#Person1#: Sorry to hear that, I was really looking forward to spending some more time with you, I really enjoyed our last chat.
#Person2#: I am really sorry too, maybe I can give you a call sometime.

Summary: #Person1# invites Jane to an exhibition. But Jane's out on Saturday and Sunday's her mum's birthday. Jane's also busy next week.


#Person1#: It doesn't look very nice outside today.
#Person2#: You're right. I think it's going to rain later.
#Person1#: In the middle of the summer, it shouldn't be raining.
#Person2#: That wouldn't seem right.
#Person1#: Considering that it's over ninety degrees outside, that would be weird.
#Person2#: Exactly, it wouldn't be nice if it started raining. It's too hot.
#Person1#: I know, you're absolutely right.
#Person2#: I wish it would cool off one day.
#Person1#: That's how I feel, I want winter to come soon.
#Person2#: I enjoy the winter, but it gets really cold sometimes.
#Person1#: I know what you mean, but I'd rather be cold than hot.
#Person2#: That's exactly how I feel.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# discuss whether it is going to rain later. They both wish the weather would cool off.


#Person1#: Hello, sir, what can I do for you today?
#Person2#: Hello, I need a new suit. I have an important interview next week, so I really need to look sharp.
#Person1#: No problem! We have a broad selection of suits, all tailored made so that it will fit perfectly.
#Person2#: Great! I want a three piece suit, preferably made from Italian cashmere or wool.
#Person1#: Very well sir. Would you like to have some shirts made also?
#Person2#: Sure. I ' ll also take some silver cuff link and a pair of silk ties.
#Person1#: Very good. Now, if you will accompany me, we can take your measurements and choose the patterns for your suit and shirts.

Summary: #Person1#'s helping #Person2# tailor-make a new suit because #Person2# needs to look sharp for an important interview next week.


#Person1#: Do you have any questions?
#Person2#: Tell me about fees.
#Person1#: What fees are you referring to?
#Person2#: I want to know about overdraft fees.
#Person1#: We charge a small fee every time you overdraft.
#Person2#: How much?
#Person1#: For each time you overdraft, you have to pay $ 25.
#Person2#: That's not a small fee.
#Person1#: You shouldn't overdraft.
#Person2#: That's for sure.
#Person1#: Do you need help with anything else?
#Person2#: That's all I needed to know. Thanks.

Summary: #Person2# thinks the overdraft fees are high, but #Person1# thinks it's not and tells #Person2# people shouldn't overdraft.


#Person1#: Honey, can you set the table?
#Person2#: Um, sure. What are we having for dinner? Do I need to put out anything in particular?
#Person1#: Well, make sure to put out the pepper and salt shakers. I don't know if your brother is coming tonight so set an extra place mat just in case.
#Person2#: Ok, should I use the fancy silverware?
#Person1#: Yeah go ahead, forks, spoons and knives. I roasted some meat so be sure to put out some steak knives as well.
#Person2#: I'll also set some cups and saucers for some coffee after dinner.
#Person1#: Honey? Have you seen our soup bowls?
#Person2#: They are in the cupboard where you keep the gravy boat and serving dishes. Just be careful because the wine glasses are also there.
#Person1#: Oops!

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# to set a table and tableware for dinner and reminds #Person2# to set an extra place for #Person2#'s brother.


#Person1#: I've heard The Hitchhiker would be on next week. I want to see it.
#Person2#: Is it horror movie?
#Person1#: Yeah, I love horror movies the most. Would you like to go with me next weekend?
#Person2#: No way. I will be scared out of my wits.
#Person1#: Well, What kind of movies do you like?
#Person2#: Er, let me see. Romance, comedy, documentary, action, science fiction, cartoon and so on.
#Person1#: In a word, you like all the movies except for the horror movies.
#Person2#: Yeah, It seems like we don't talk the same language as far as movies are concerned.
#Person1#: Not quite. I also like romance and comedy movies very much.
#Person2#: The Terminal is a movie of this type.
#Person1#: So we can relax now.
#Person2#: Yeah, I could hardly wait to see it.

Summary: #Person1# invites #Person2# to watch a horror movie but #Person2# dislikes horror movies.They both like romance and comedy movies so they decide to watch The Terminal.


#Person1#: Excuse me. Can I change my seat with you? I want to sit beside my friend.
#Person2#: Where is your seat?
#Person1#: It's 9 - A in the middle part, a window seat too.
#Person2#: OK, you mean the vacant one on the left?
#Person1#: Yes, it is. Thank you very much. Let me help you to carry your baggage there.
#Person2#: No need. I have only this small handbag with me.
#Person1#: Thanks. Have a nice trip.

Summary: #Person1# wants to change a seat with #Person2# because #Person1# wants to sit beside #Person1#'s friend. #Person2# agrees.


#Person1#: The new baby must be keeping you up at all hours of the night.
#Person2#: She's been pretty good since my mother moved in, and she's sleeping for a longer time at night. It's my thoughts as a mother that keep me awake at night.

Summary: #Person2# says since her mother moved in, her baby's been pretty good.


#Person1#: Tom, we are in the restaurant now!
#Person2#: May I take your order?
#Person1#: I'd like to see the menu, please.
#Person2#: OK, here you are.
#Person1#: Thanks. I am starving. Tom, what are you getting?
#Person2#: I have no idea. First time here.
#Person1#: Let me see. . . What's this, shrimp rolls?
#Person2#: Oh, it's rice rolls with fried shrimp inside.
#Person1#: Twenty five yuan is a little expensive.
#Person2#: There are twenty rolls in a bowl. You can get another bowl for free if there aren't enough rolls.
#Person1#: Sounds nice. We will take this, two bowls of shrimp rolls.
#Person2#: OK, shrimp rolls. Do you want anything else?
#Person1#: We will have this one first and order something else later.
#Person2#: OK, wait a moment please.

Summary: #Person1# and Tom order two bowls of shrimp rolls. There are twenty rolls in a bowl and another bowl is free if there aren't enough rolls.


#Person1#: Welcome to McDonald's. Can I take your order?
#Person2#: Please give me this extra value meal, a red bean pie, and one order of vegetable salad.
#Person1#: Would you like something to drink?
#Person2#: A cup of hot orange juice.
#Person1#: Will that be it?
#Person2#: Yes, that's all.

Summary: #Person1# helps #Person2# orders food and drink at McDonald's.


#Person1#: Housekeeping. May I help you?
#Person2#: Yeah, the people in the next room are a little loud. Could you do something about it?
#Person1#: Of course. What room are you in, sir?
#Person2#: I'm in Room 215.
#Person1#: And do you know which room the noise is coming from?
#Person2#: I don't know the number, but it's definitely the room that's next to the stairs.
#Person1#: Thank you. We'll take care of it. Please let us know if there's anything else we can do to make your stay more comfortable.
#Person2#: OK, thanks. I really appreciate it.

Summary: #Person2# calls housekeeping to deal with the noise from the next room.


#Person1#: This is how a holiday should be. Relaxing on the beach with a nice cool drink.
#Person2#: Isn't it wonderful here? The kids are enjoying themselves in the swimming pool. I hope it's safe.
#Person1#: Don't worry about them. They're very responsible. Besides, there are many people there and there's lifeguard employed by the hotel. Waiter! Could I have another drink pleas? Thank you. So, what shall we do this evening?
#Person2#: The kids said that they wanted to go to a party at the hotel. There's a special one just for kids.
#Person1#: So, we could try that restaurant that was recommended in the guidebook. Then we could go to a club. We haven't been to one for ages.
#Person2#: That's a great idea. We can really enjoy ourselves without worrying about the kids.
#Person1#: Now, how about going for a swim in the sea? We shouldn't sunbathe all day.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# are sunbathing and decide to try a recommended restaurant in the guidebook in the evening when kids go to a hotel party.


#Person1#: Hello George. I wanted to speak to you yesterday, but you weren't at your usual place for lunch.
#Person2#: No, I had a free day from the newspaper office because I worked so much overtime last week.
#Person1#: Oh, I see. You had a holiday.
#Person2#: Well, I stayed at home and looked after the baby.
#Person1#: What? You took care of the baby? Whose baby?
#Person2#: Oh, it was my sister's baby. She wanted to go shopping in the morning, so I stayed at home and did a lot of things.
#Person1#: Oh?
#Person2#: Yes, I mended my radio, washed the shirt and some socks and cleaned out the drawers of my desk.
#Person1#: I don't call that a holiday. I wanted to ask you to a concert last night, the one at the Tom Hall, near where we live.

Summary: George tells #Person1# he had a free day yesterday and he stayed at home, took care of a baby, mended his radio, and did some dishes.


#Person1#: Hi. I have a reservation for tonight.
#Person2#: And your name?
#Person1#: It's Nelson. Charles Nelson.
#Person2#: Okay. Mr. Nelson. That's a room for five, and ...
#Person1#: Excuse me? You mean a room for five dollars? I didn't know the special was so good.
#Person2#: No, no, no. According to our records, a room for five guests was booked under your name.
#Person1#: No. No. Hold on. There must be some mistake.
#Person2#: Okay. Let's check this again. Okay, Mr. Charles C. Nelson for tonight ...
#Person1#: Ah. There's the problem. My name is Charles Nelson, not Charles C. Nelson. [Uhh] You must have two guests under the name.
#Person2#: Okay. Let me check this again. Oh. Okay. Here we are.
#Person1#: Yeah.
#Person2#: Charles Nelson. A room for one for the 19th ...
#Person1#: Wait, wait! It was for tonight. Not tomorrow night.
#Person2#: Hum. Hum. I don't think we have any rooms for tonight. There's a convention going on in town, and uh, let's see. Yeah, no rooms.
#Person1#: Ah come on! You must have something. Anything.
#Person2#: Well. We do have some rooms under renovation with just a roll-a-way bed. [U-hh] None of the normal amenities like a TV or working shower or toilet.
#Person1#: Ah man. Come on. There must be something else.
#Person2#: Well. Let, let me check my computer here. Ah!
#Person1#: What?
#Person2#: There has been a cancellation for this evening. A honeymoon suite is now available.
#Person1#: Great. I'll take it.
#Person2#: But I'll have to charge you two hundred fifty dollars for the night.
#Person1#: Ah. Man. I should get a discount for the inconvenience.
#Person2#: Well. The best I can give you is a ten percent discount plus a ticket for a free continental breakfast.
#Person1#: Hey. Isn't the breakfast free anyway?
#Person2#: Well, only on weekends.
#Person1#: I want to talk to the manager.
#Person2#: Wait, wait, wait Mr. Nelson. I think I can give you an additional 15 percent discount and I'll throw in a free room for the next time you visit us.
#Person1#: That will be a long time.

Summary: Charles Nelson has a reservation at #Person2#'s hotel tonight. However, the hotel mistook the date and only an expensive honeymoon suite is left for him. Mr. Nelson then bargains with #Person2# about the discount.


#Person1#: Next, please.
#Person2#: Here are our passports and tickets.
#Person1#: Let's see. Yes, here are your passports back. Did you pack your luggage yourselves?
#Person2#: Yes, we did. Just this morning.
#Person1#: Did anyone approach you to ask you to carry anything for them?
#Person2#: No, sir. We left directly from the hostel.
#Person1#: Are these four pieces all your luggage?
#Person2#: Yes. Oh! And these two carry-ons.
#Person1#: You'd better attach these stickers to your carry-ons.
#Person2#: Right. Thanks.
#Person1#: Here are your baggage claim stubs, miss. And here are your boarding passes. Your seats are 29K and 29J. Your flight leaves at Gate 7, and we'll be boarding in about an hour and a half.
#Person2#: Thanks.
#Person1#: Have a nice flight.

Summary: #Person1# checks #Person2#'s passports and asks #Person2# to attach the stickers to the carry-ons. #Person1# also tells #Person2# #Person2#'s seat, boarding gate and boarding time.


#Person1#: This is our Submission of Tender which includes the information about volume of the project, the cost and so on.
#Person2#: OK! We'll see it.
#Person1#: What kind of guarantee are you going to provide for us?
#Person2#: We can provide you with standby letter of credit established by Bank of China.
#Person1#: Should we pay earnest money?
#Person2#: Yes, you are supposed to pay it on time. If you don't furnish a tender bond on time, your tender will not be considered. Besides, you also should provide derailed engineering of the good.
#Person1#: Where do we submit the tender?
#Person2#: To our office which is on the third floor.
#Person1#: Oh, I see. By the way, is tender-opening done publicly?
#Person2#: Yes. All the bidders will be invited to join us to supervise the tender-opening.
#Person1#: And are the prices stated in the US dollar?
#Person2#: Yes, so far as we know, in the field, your company has lots of experience and we hope you will consider the tender seriously.
#Person1#: OK! We will. Bye!
#Person2#: Bye!

Summary: #Person1# shows #Person2# the Submission of Tender. #Person2# tells #Person1# they can provide #Person1# with a standby letter and #Person1# should pay earnest money and submit the tender to their office with the tender-opening done publicly.


#Person1#: Hi, I haven't seen you in a while.
#Person2#: Yes, it has been a long time!
#Person1#: How long has it been since we last saw each other?
#Person2#: I think that we last saw each other two years ago.
#Person1#: What have you been doing for the past two years?
#Person2#: I have been going to graduate school at USC.
#Person1#: What are you majoring in?
#Person2#: I am studying international communications.
#Person1#: You should easily be able to find a job with that major.
#Person2#: I am counting on being able to get a good job.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# haven't seen each other for two years. #Person2# tells #Person1# what #Person2#'s been doing recently.


#Person1#: What are you reading, Jenny?
#Person2#: The advice page in the newspaper. It's called 'Ask Alice'.
#Person1#: Why do you even read that stuff.
#Person2#: I don't know. It's amusing. People have the strangest problems.
#Person1#: Like what?
#Person2#: This woman, for example, she's pregnant and she found out she was having a girl. She told her sister she wanted to name the baby Lola.
#Person1#: So what?
#Person2#: So, get this. Before she has the baby, her sister gets a new cat. And guess what she names the cat.
#Person1#: She stole the name?
#Person2#: Yes.
#Person1#: What does Alice say she should do?
#Person2#: She says to talk to her sister about it and she still name her baby what she planned to name her. Isn't that funny, though? People are so crazy.
#Person1#: Oh, I see why you read this. You do it to feel better about yourself.
#Person2#: Not really. I just want to read something light and amusing.

Summary: Jenny is reading the advice page in the newspaper and tells #Person1# an example. She tells #Person1# she just wants to read something light and amusing.


#Person1#: I would like to open a checking account at this branch.
#Person2#: Do you have any other accounts with this bank?
#Person1#: I do, at a different location, I have a savings account and a CD.
#Person2#: In that case, we will need to fill out this paperwork. Do you have identification with you?
#Person1#: Here is my driver's license. Will that work?
#Person2#: Yes. Do you know what type of checking account you would like to open, business or personal?
#Person1#: Business please. And I want the most simple one you have.
#Person2#: Then you would like the'no frills'business account.

Summary: #Person1# wants to open a checking account at the bank branch, and #Person1# helps choose the 'no frills' business account.


#Person1#: May, we are fools to hang out at noon. It's dying hot today. My skin is too weak to be exposed under the summer sun.
#Person2#: Do you have any sunscreen lotion?
#Person1#: You know, honey, I used it all on the way over.
#Person2#: I think I'm getting a heart stroke.
#Person1#: The heat is driving crazy and I hate my new hat.
#Person2#: Why? It's brand new, and it's perfect on you.
#Person1#: But I bought it to get rid of the heat. Now it does nothing but burning my head.
#Person2#: Beauty costs, honey.
#Person1#: Laugh all you want, whatever. We need to get out of the heat.
#Person2#: Walking under the sun is certainly not the way.
#Person1#: Give me a break. It's not funny.
#Person2#: Right. Sorry. Anyway, the radio said that it'll rain later today.
#Person1#: Hope so! Good thing is that autumn is just around the corner.

Summary: #Person1# and May are hanging out, but it's dying hot today. #Person1# suggests getting out of the heat, and #Person2# says it'll rain later today.


#Person1#: Whoa! This is a massive flea market!
#Person2#: You're telling me! There are thousands of people here.
#Person1#: And hundreds of booths-all filled with different kinds of stuff.
#Person2#: This is almost like a Taiwanese night market! I can't believe it!
#Person1#: You can't buy much more, Wei! You already have enough to fill two boxes to send back to Taiwan.
#Person2#: Oh, yeah. OK. I'll just buy smallthings!

Summary: #Person1# and Wei are in a massive flea market. #Person1# reminds Wei that Wei can't buy much more.


#Person1#: I want to settle my account.
#Person2#: Wait for a moment. Mr. Bush. this is your bill, please sign your name here
#Person1#: Well, I think something must be wrong with my bill. I didn't have any laundry.
#Person2#: I am sorry, we will connect with the room service. Please Warta moment.

Summary: #Person2# shows Mr. Bush the bill but he didn't have any laundry. #Person2# will check again.


#Person1#: Today, we've invited a former student at our school to speak with us, so pay attention children. Mister Lee is a successful inventor of a popular smartphone app.
#Person2#: Thanks for having me, Miss Smith.
#Person1#: We're glad you could take the time. Now, how does it feel to be so successful at such a young age?
#Person2#: Well, I sometimes feel a little worried and it's hard running a new company.
#Person1#: You have your own company? Great, then surely you must feel proud to have done so well so quickly.
#Person2#: Well, I'm probably the only 19-year-old in the millionaires club, and thank you for this opportunity to speak here, Miss Smith. I didn't really know I could speak to so many people without getting nervous.

Summary: Smith invites Mister Lee, a successful inventor of a popular smartphone app, to speak with the children.


#Person1#: It's a lovely day out today, isn't it?
#Person2#: It's beautiful. Enjoy it while it lasts. It's supposed to get cold tomorrow.
#Person1#: What's the weather forecast for tomorrow?
#Person2#: It's supposed to snow early tomorrow morning and then tomorrow afternoon there's a chance of freezing rain.
#Person1#: That doesn't sound pretty.
#Person2#: Do you have any plans for tomorrow?
#Person1#: Well, I was going to drive to Birmingham to see some friends.
#Person2#: You might want to change your plans. With the cold and wet weather that we're supposed to have tomorrow, the roads are going to be rather slippery.
#Person1#: I suppose I should. I don't like driving in dangerous weather conditions. Do you have any plans for tomorrow?
#Person2#: I just have to go to class tomorrow afternoon.
#Person1#: If you're lucky, it'll get cancelled and you can have a snow day!
#Person2#: If that happens, then I'll invite you over and we can drink hot cocoa and watch movies.
#Person1#: That sounds like fun.
#Person2#: Hey, look outside! It's started to drizzle!
#Person1#: English weather is even more predictable than I had previously thought.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# it's supposed to snow and rain tomorrow. If it snows heavily tomorrow, they will change their plans and drink hot cocoa and watch movies at home.


#Person1#: Why aren't you doing your homework?
#Person2#: I'll do it later, Dad. I must prepare the concert on Saturday.
#Person1#: Oh, is it? You'll be making records next, will you?
#Person2#: We hope so.
#Person1#: You'd better get on with your homework! You can practice on Sunday.
#Person2#: Oh dad. You don't understand at all.
#Person1#: I certainly could. You'll get exams next month.
#Person2#: I don't need it to play the guitar.
#Person1#: Oh, don't you? God save me!
#Person2#: I'm sorry.

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# to do the homework but #Person2# wants to practice for a concert first.


#Person1#: What is this? I didn't order that.
#Person2#: I'm terribly sorry. May I have your order again? I'll get it right away.
#Person1#: I've ordered savory pork and coleslaw.
#Person2#: I'm sorry. I must have made a mistake. I'll bring them for you at once.
#Person1#: Hey! What is this?
#Person2#: Pardon me, Miss. But didn't you order chicken soup?
#Person1#: Oh, Is that what this is?
#Person2#: I believe so. But if it really bothers you, I'll replace it for you.
#Person1#: No, don't replace it. Give a refund.
#Person2#: Sorry. I'm afraid we can't. But you may order something else instead.
#Person1#: Oh, really? Give me a clam soup.
#Person2#: Okay, Miss.
#Person1#: Thank you.
#Person2#: I hope you enjoy your dinner.

Summary: #Person1# has ordered savory pork and coleslaw for dinner, but #Person2# brought the wrong food twice.


#Person1#: Hello, Mr. Jan Erick Freedman. You're a frequent traveler. And we also know that you eat out twice a day. How come you're so fond of eating out?
#Person2#: When I got my first job back in 1982 and started travelling, I had no other choice but eat out. I found that I felt different due to what I was eating, so I tried to find places that served food that made me feel good. The secret was the quality of the food and how well the food was prepared. I made an effort to find good restaurants as well as nice dishes.
#Person1#: How did you manage to make a list of 218 favorite restaurants?
#Person2#: I've lived in many cities and when I moved back to Sweden from the United States, people asked me where to go and eat when they went to cities I knew. I got a lot of ideas. Then I wrote about restaurants for the Swedish club magazine and someone suggested I gather the information about the restaurants together since I had all the facts about the restaurants I've been to. I started to do that.
#Person1#: How do you find restaurants?
#Person2#: The best way is to ask the people there. I may talk to the people at the street market or take a walk and look for a place for myself. I never asked a hotel clerk or a taxi driver. I don't go empty restaurants or places with menus too difficult to understand.

Summary: Mr. Freedman tells #Person1# he became fond of eating when he started traveling and he tried to find places that served food that made him feel good. He tells #Person1# how he managed to make a list of 218 favorite restaurants. He asks the people there to find restaurants.


#Person1#: I'm going to have to do some shopping today.
#Person2#: Oh yeah? What do you need to go shopping for?
#Person1#: I want to find a new bedroom set.
#Person2#: Do you know where you're going to find your bedroom set?
#Person1#: I have no clue.
#Person2#: There's no particular place that you want to look at?
#Person1#: I don't know where to go to find a nice bedroom set.
#Person2#: I can tell you where I got mine, if you'd like.
#Person1#: Please do.
#Person2#: I bought mine from IKEA.
#Person1#: Are the bedroom sets at IKEA affordable?
#Person2#: Not really, but you're paying for quality.

Summary: #Person1# wants to find a new bedroom set. #Person2# suggests #Person1# look at IKEA.


#Person1#: This hotel in India just got ranked the number one hotel in the world!
#Person2#: What, by some silly website that specializes in top ten lists just to sell more ads?
#Person1#: No, by Travel + Leisure magazine.
#Person2#: Oh, really? They really know their stuff. Hey, that looks more like a palace!
#Person1#: It's designed after the ancient palaces of northern India.
#Person2#: It looks like a lot of the rooms have balconies.
#Person1#: Yeah, those are the suites that have direct access to private pools. But all the rooms have Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, king-size beds, daily newspapers, and...
#Person2#: OK, stop talking! We've got to make our reservations!
#Person1#: Well, hang on a second. You don't really like Indian food.
#Person2#: But I thought they offer other choices besides Indian food...
#Person1#: Maybe. Also, this part of India is pretty quiet. There's no shopping or clubbing. People go there to relax.
#Person2#: That's OK. I can go shopping anywhere.
#Person1#: The rooms start at $350 per night, and those suites are $750 per night.
#Person2#: Whoa! I thought India was supposed to be inexpensive!

Summary: #Person1# shows #Person2# the hotel in India which got ranked the number one hotel worldwide. #Person2# wants to make their reservations at that hotel and they discuss the details, and #Person2# is surprised at the price.


#Person1#: It seldom rains this summer.
#Person2#: Yeah, some places are very short of water.
#Person1#: Because of pollution and other things, our environment has become worse and worse.
#Person2#: You see, This time I traveled to the West. When I looked out of the windows of the rain, all the lands that I could see are as dry as a bone.
#Person1#: It is serious.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# are talking about the serious drought this summer.


#Person1#: Wow, it has a balcony.
#Person2#: Yeah. Complete with nice of you.
#Person1#: How many windows are there in the apartment?
#Person2#: Mm, let me see. I think there are 2 in the bedroom, and 1 each in the living room and kitchen.
#Person1#: It's just what I want. I think I am ready to sign.
#Person2#: I call the landlord right now.
#Person1#: Before you send the lease, do you have any questions?
#Person2#: Yes, does the renting include utilities?
#Person1#: It includes everything except cable TV, and telephone.
#Person2#: How much is the cable?
#Person1#: It usually comes out about $ 40 a month.
#Person2#: Also, are they allowing the apartment?
#Person1#: No, I am afraid the apartment isn't permitted.
#Person2#: I see. Do you love pets?
#Person1#: Sorry, that's out of question. I don't have a problem with it. But, unfortunately, the building doesn't allow it. It's a building regulation.

Summary: #Person1# likes the apartment. Before signing the lease, #Person1# asks #Person2# about utilitiy fee and pet-keeping.


#Person1#: Can you help me figure out how to use this vending machine?
#Person2#: Yes, I would be happy to help. What do you want to buy?
#Person1#: I want to buy that candy.
#Person2#: OK. So this machine will make change if you need it. Do you have your dollars ready?
#Person1#: Yeah, so far, so good.
#Person2#: Next, you feed your dollars into the machine in the slot. Make sure they are smooth.
#Person1#: Yeah, I already knew that.
#Person2#: I'm sure you know that if the dollar gets stuck, you might have to re-feed it.
#Person1#: OK, let's move on!
#Person2#: Now you just make your selection and pray. If nothing comes out, try again or call the number on the side of the machine.
#Person1#: I hope it works!
#Person2#: Well, good luck!

Summary: #Person2# shows #Person1# how to use a vending machine as #Person1# wants to buy candy.


#Person1#: Hi, Mary. Haven't seen you for ages!
#Person2#: Hi, Mr. Jones. Yes, it has been such a long time since we met!
#Person1#: Have you made up your mind to take up business as a career?
#Person2#: Yes. Actually, I've already started. I began my studies at the beginning of this term.
#Person1#: Very glad to hear it. Then what are you going to do when you finish?
#Person2#: Oh, I shall go to Hong Kong to practice there.
#Person1#: That's a good idea. It must be easy to find a job in Hong Kong.
#Person2#: Oh, I think so. You know there is a great deal of opportunities for business there.
#Person1#: And English is very useful in your job.
#Person2#: I think it will be very useful in many ways because there's a lot about business written in English. Besides, Hong Kong is an international trade center. English is useful in almost all walks of life.
#Person1#: Then you'll be a very promising businesswoman there.
#Person2#: That's my wish. But I have to suffer now.
#Person1#: No problem. You can do it well, I'm sure.
#Person2#: I hope so.

Summary: Mary tells Jones she has decided on a career in business and is going to practice in Hong Kong because of business opportunities. They both think English is useful in business.


#Person1#: Now it's time for our European weather report. Julia, what's the weather like today in Greece?
#Person2#: It's sunny today in Greece, and the temperature is about 32 degrees Celsius.
#Person1#: That's hot. What about tomorrow?
#Person2#: Tomorrow is going to be cloudy. It's going to be cooler. About 25 degrees Celsius.
#Person1#: What about France? I am going there on business.
#Person2#: It's raining hard, take a raincoat. And tomorrow is going to be the same. It will be quite warm, though. About 28 degrees Celsius.
#Person1#: What about England?
#Person2#: It will be cloudy all day and the temperature will be about 15 degrees Celsius.

Summary: #Person1# and Julia are delivering the European weather report for today and tomorrow.


#Person1#: Paul, is that you?
#Person2#: Yes, Mary. What can I do for you?
#Person1#: Sorry to call you. But I just delivered my new computer. I am afraid I can't lift it by myself. Could you give me a hand to get it upstairs?
#Person2#: Sure. Could you just give me a minute to finish off what I am doing?
#Person1#: Yes, of course. But please hurry. The box is getting in the way.
#Person2#: Don't worry. I'll be right down.

Summary: Mary asks Paul to help her get the new computer upstairs, Paul agrees to help after finishing his work in a minute.


#Person1#: Julia, Julia, Julia. My daring Julia, what's wrong with you?
#Person2#: Steven, are you talking to me?
#Person1#: Yes, I have called you three times. What makes you in a daze?
#Person2#: I was thinking about the accident I saw in the morning. I was petrified when two cars collided. I witnessed the traffic accident.
#Person1#: Did someone get hurt?
#Person2#: A driver died instantly. The other one was badly hurt. A poor boy called Peter was killed in the accident too.
#Person1#: What a terrible accident! Who should be responsible for this traffic accident?
#Person2#: I think both. They drove too fast. What's worse, one of them was drunk.
#Person1#: Why do some guys like to drive so fast when they are drunk?
#Person2#: I don't understand. Maybe they feel they are okay and driving fast seems very cool.

Summary: Steven called Julia but Julia didn't reply because she was thinking about the traffic accident she witnessed. Steven asks about the casualties and who should take the responsibility.


#Person1#: Is it all right for me to come in now. Mr. Sutcliffe?
#Person2#: Well. . . I'm pretty busy. but. . . all right. come in. What can I do for you?
#Person1#: Do you mind if I sit down?
#Person2#: Not at all. Take a seat. Now, what can I do for you?
#Person1#: I want to leave the department. Do you think I could put in for a transfer?
#Person2#: Yes, but why should you want to do that?
#Person1#: Do you mind if I speak frankly?
#Person2#: Not at all. Go ahead.
#Person1#: Well, you see. I don't like the office. I don't like the staff. and I'm afraid you and I don't get on. So may I put in for a transfer?
#Person2#: Yes. I'd delighted if you did.

Summary: #Person1# tells Mr. Cliffe #Person1# wants to leave the department because #Person1# hates the office, the staff and is afraid of Mr. Cliffe.


#Person1#: Guess what, Gilly? I won both bids.
#Person2#: Good for you. Did you use Paypal?
#Person1#: Yeah. It was so easy and super-fast, once I figured it out.
#Person2#: That's the beauty of it, and the danger.
#Person1#: I should get the items within a week. But in the meantime I'm bidding on a digital video camera.
#Person2#: How much?
#Person1#: Thirty U. S. dollars. . . and it's only been used for six months.
#Person2#: Mmmm, sounds like risky business. Good luck.

Summary: #Person1# won two bids and is bidding on another item. Gilly thinks it's risky.


#Person1#: How did you meet Bill?
#Person2#: I met him through a computer bulletin board on the network.
#Person1#: Oh, really? Which bulletin board?
#Person2#: It was the one I used down at the local coffee house called the San Francisco Net. It has been around since 2016.
#Person1#: I've heard about that, but I've never tried it.
#Person2#: You ought to. Fifty cents buys you an hour of computer time. A 'Chat Session' links you with people in other cafs. We can make new friends by that means.
#Person1#: But I don't like to talk on the network with strangers.
#Person2#: You can do that. A private room lets you talk alone.
#Person1#: OK. I'll try it.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2# met Bill through a computer bulletin board on the network. Then #Person2# teaches #Person1# how to chat in that way.


#Person1#: Good evening, do you have a reservation?
#Person2#: Yes, we'Ve got a reservation. The name is Ann.
#Person1#: Let me see. Ok, this way, please.
#Person2#: This is your table.
#Person1#: And would you like to order now?
#Person2#: Yes.
#Person1#: Here is the menu.
#Person2#: Thank you.

Summary: #Person1# brings Ann to her reserved table and gives her the menu.


#Person1#: Good afternoon. Have a seat, please.
#Person2#: Thank you. I'm interested in the sales manager position you advertised yesterday.
#Person1#: Well, have you been in the sales department for a long time?
#Person2#: Yes, for 10 years.
#Person1#: Then, why do you want to come to my company?
#Person2#: I am in a small company and chances of my future development are small. Also I enjoy working at different places and meeting new friends.
#Person1#: That sounds nice but your future depends on your performance not your age.
#Person2#: I understand.
#Person1#: Now, please fill out this form.
#Person2#: OK, thanks.

Summary: #Person2# wants to apply for the sales manager position. #Person1# asks #Person2# questions and asks #Person2# to fill the form.


#Person1#: I'm here for my appointment.
#Person2#: What can I do for you today?
#Person1#: I have an issue with my schedule.
#Person2#: Tell me the problem.
#Person1#: I have two classes on here that are at the same time.
#Person2#: Oh, I see.
#Person1#: Can you change that for me?
#Person2#: Do you still want both classes?
#Person1#: Yes, I would like to keep both classes.
#Person2#: I'll try to change one to a different day.
#Person1#: I would greatly appreciate that.

Summary: #Person1# has two classes that are at the same time. #Person2#'ll try to change one class to a different day.


#Person1#: I think I'm going to go get some food.
#Person2#: What do you want?
#Person1#: I can't decide what to get.
#Person2#: What kind of food do you want to get?
#Person1#: I think I might like some Chinese food.
#Person2#: Do you know where you're going to get it?
#Person1#: I honestly don't know.
#Person2#: I go to Panda Express for my Chinese food.
#Person1#: You like the food there?
#Person2#: I really like the food.
#Person1#: I think I'll go and get my food there.
#Person2#: I think you'll enjoy the food.

Summary: #Person1# wants to eat Chinese food. #Person2# recommends Panda Express.


#Person1#: Hello, is it necessary to do warm-up exercise? I can't wait to dive into the water.
#Person2#: I'm sorry. Every customer coming here must do the warm-up exercise before getting down to swimming. That's out regulation.
#Person1#: Yeah, I see. You are just doing your job. But I wanna know what the advantages it has.
#Person2#: OK, lovely boy. Try to be patient. Do you know the danger of swimming without warm-up?
#Person1#: As far as I know, people will be weak if they swim too long.
#Person2#: That's right. But the most dangerous thing is that their legs may spasm out of control when swimming.
#Person1#: Is it very dangerous? I'm a little scared. Do you offer the lifebuoy for us?
#Person2#: Yes, besides that, we also provide our customers with goggles, swimming suit and something like that.
#Person1#: Do you have the workers to save me if anything should happen?
#Person2#: Of course, all the workers here are able to swim, and they will come to your aid quickly.

Summary: #Person1# is asked to do warm-up exercises before swimming. #Person2# explains that people's legs may spasm out of control when swimming and also talks about how they ensure people's safety.


#Person1#: What's wrong with you? Why do you look so sad?
#Person2#: I've lost all my files from the computer. It's a total disaster.
#Person1#: How did that happen?
#Person2#: Three days ago, my laptop went on strike. I couldn't enter the Windows system. As I was about to give it up, one of my friends advised me to start Windows in the safe mode.
#Person1#: Was it helpful?
#Person3#: Yeah, I could barely get it started using the safe mode, but when the computer was connected to the internet, its hard disk roared a harsh rasping sound. After a while, it crashed into a coma.
#Person1#: What a pity!
#Person3#: Yeah, I can buy a new computer, but the digital data can never be restored. My digital photos vanish forever. Audio recordings of Grandpa are slienced forever.
#Person1#: That's such a big loss.
#Person2#: Perhaps I should be blamed for simply taking it for granted that the digital will always be in safe hands. I've neglected the potential risk of losing it.
#Person1#: Don't blame yourself. We all make the same mistake. The digital information we all rely on is actually very fragile.

Summary: #Person2# is sad because #Person2# has lost all the files from the computer. #Person2# can buy a new computer but the digital data can never be restored. #Person1# tries to console #Person2#.


#Person1#: Thank you all for coming to our monthly staff correlation meeting. Today we have a lot of new things to introduce to you all, there will be a lot of changes in company policy to accommodate better employee welfare.
#Person2#: Employee welfare? What all does that include?
#Person1#: In the past, our welfare program has consisted of benefits packages only, meaning partial health insurance coverage and retirement plan. But we hope to boost morale by increasing incentives and adding additional welfare considerations.
#Person2#: What kind of considerations are we talking about?
#Person1#: It is proposed that from now on, employees will be given 10 paid sick days, in addition to their 2 week vacation periods. They will also be encouraged to maintain proper physical health with a company sponsored aerobics class on Friday nights. We have also consulted with the human resource department and have hired a new liaison between management and employees. Let's all welcome Ms. Michelle Cain to our team as our company's ombudsman.
#Person2#: Our company now has n ombudsman?
#Person1#: Yes, that's right. From now on, whenever you have a question or concern regarding anything that happens during the work day, Ms. Cain will be your advocate. If you believe there is anything inappropriate or unfair in the management practices, the ombudsman will be the first person you seek. Her job is to have your best interest at heart.

Summary: #Person1# talks about the previous welfare program and the current welfare considerations to #Person2# and mentions 10 paid sick days and a company-sponsored aerobics class. #Person1# also introduces the existence and functions of the ombudsman Ms. Cain in their company.


#Person1#: Hi, Cindy. I thought I'd missed you.
#Person2#: Oh, I am very sorry, Hans. Thank you for waiting for me. You must have been here a long time already.
#Person1#: It's all right.
#Person2#: I was caught in the heavy rain, or I would have come earlier. I am sorry I kept you waiting.
#Person1#: I was in a comfortable place, so really, it's no problem. I am happy to see you. Did the rain hold you up long?
#Person2#: Yes. When I came out of the subway, it was raining cats and dogs. And I forgot my umbrella. So I had to wait for the rain to let up.
#Person1#: I totally understand.

Summary: Cindy explains she's late because she forgot her umbrella and had to wait for the rain out. Hans says it's no problem.


#Person1#: You are not looking very cheerful. What's the matter with you?
#Person2#: Oh, nothing special. I'm just thinking a lot.
#Person1#: About the job?
#Person2#: About everything. About catching the same train every morning, sitting in the same office all day and watching the same television program.
#Person1#: You need a holiday.
#Person2#: It wasn't always like this, you know.
#Person1#: What do you mean?
#Person2#: Well, our great great grandfathers had more fun, didn't they? I mean, they haunted for their food and grow their own vegetables and dip things for themselves. We do the same sort of job for years and years. There's no variety in our lives.
#Person1#: You need a holiday. That's what the matter is with you.

Summary: #Person1# suggests #Person2# take a holiday to rest as #Person2# thinks too much about everything around #Person2#.


#Person1#: What do you like to do in your spare time?
#Person2#: I like to be with people. Last weekend I went to a Japanese friend's place. What about you?
#Person1#: I like spending time in my room, reading, writing and thinking.
#Person2#: Oh, I just remembered something important. You said you like writing, right? Could you write an article about what you saw and heard in London? You can write whatever you like.
#Person1#: You really want to read my article?
#Person2#: Not me, an editor of a magazine wants to read it.
#Person1#: Who is the editor?
#Person2#: My father. He recently discovered that you just got back from studying English in England. He would like to hear your views on British culture.
#Person1#: Thank you and your father. I will try my best. But, you know, my English is poor...
#Person2#: Don't worry. My father will help you correct it.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# are talking about their hobbies, which reminds #Person2# of#Person1# likes writing. #Person2#'s father is a magazine editor and he wants to read articles about #Person1#'s views on British culture.


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

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


#Person1#: Hey, let's eat out tonight.
#Person2#: What's the occasion? You won the lottery?
#Person1#: No. Just want to relax a little bit. You don't have to win the lottery to relax, do you?
#Person2#: Well, I am kind of broke.
#Person1#: Come on. It's on me.
#Person2#: Really? It's very nice of you.
#Person1#: Don't be silly. I'll take you anywhere you wanna go.
#Person2#: Wonderful! You know what? I wish you wanted to relax everyday.
#Person1#: Dream on!

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# to eat out tonight to relax. Since #Person2#'s kind of broke, #Person1# will treat today.


#Person1#: Believe it or not, tea is the most popular beverage in the world after water.
#Person2#: Well, people from Asia to Europe all enjoy tea.
#Person1#: Right. And China is the homeland of tea.
#Person2#: Yes, Chinese people love drinking tea so much. Some even claim they can't live without tea.
#Person1#: Do you know there are several catagories of Chinese tea?
#Person2#: Yes, I believe there are green teas, black teas and scented teas. Any Others?
#Person1#: Well, have you ever heard of Oulong tea and compressed tea?
#Person2#: Oh, yeah. Oulong tea is good for one's health. isn't it?
#Person1#: You surely know a lot about Chinese tea.
#Person2#: Sure, I like drinking tea at teahouses.
#Person1#: Oh, so do I.
#Person2#: Why don't we go for one now?
#Person1#: Great. We can chat while enjoying a cup there.
#Person2#: Let's go!

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# tea is the most popular beverage and they talk about the categories of Chinese tea. #Person2# then invites #Person1# to a teahouse.


#Person1#: This is beautiful. Are we setting up camp here or are we going to follow the trail down to the river?
#Person2#: Let's rest here for a bit. I told the others to meet us here, so we could take advantage of the view. But we should go down to the river to put up the tents.
#Person1#: How did you find out about this place? It seems pretty far away from towns.
#Person2#: My dad used to live near here. When I was young, my uncle took my brother and me to his cabin and we used to fish there.
#Person1#: Why don't we just sleep there then?
#Person2#: It's abandoned, so there's nothing there. By the way, did you bring the water up from the car?
#Person1#: No, I thought you brought it. Now, we have to go back down to the car.
#Person2#: Calm down. The river flowing all around us is a clean water source.
#Person1#: What was that noise? Oh, Scott!
#Person2#: It's probably the other guys on the trail, unless it's a monster.
#Person1#: Stop joking around.

Summary: Scott tells #Person1# how he found out about the beautiful place. They didn't bring the water but Scott says the river around them is a clean water source.


#Person1#: You know that this job requires frequent business travel. Can you accept it?
#Person2#: Yes, I can.
#Person1#: Mostly short business trips, but sometimes long ones are also needed.
#Person2#: Then how about the expenses during the trips?
#Person1#: The company will pay all the expenses.
#Person2#: Would you tell me where we often travel?
#Person1#: Usually Shanghai, Qingdao, Hong Kong and so on.
#Person2#: It's great! I like these places.
#Person1#: And you need to go abroad once in a while. Can you?
#Person2#: Yes, I can.
#Person1#: After the business trip, you could apply for reimbursement of all the expenses, such as passage money and accommodation charges and so on.
#Person2#: I see.
#Person1#: You can take a break for one or two weeks after you have a business trip every time, which depends on the circumstances.
#Person2#: OK. Thank you very much for telling me all these things.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2# can accept frequent business travels. #Person1# says #Person2# can apply for reimbursement of all the expenses and take breaks after each trip depending on the circumstances.


#Person1#: Did you read the story in the paper, Robin?
#Person2#: What story, Grandma?
#Person1#: Due to lack of money for repainting the building and for the furniture needed, the plans for the community center have been put off.
#Person2#: Is that a serious problem, Grandma?
#Person1#: It is. Especially for my friend Nat, he doesn't have any family with him. He lives alone and depends on places like a community center to be with people of his own age.
#Person2#: But there's the old community center.
#Person1#: It's small and the problem is that it set up mainly for kids to play. It's too noisy for some older people like Nat.
#Person2#: I see what you mean now. There is a way, Grandma. You may get your friends to work. I can get some of my friends to go around the neighborhood and collect the furniture.

Summary: The plans for the new community center have been put off while the old one is too noisy. It is a serious problem for Grandma's friend Nat. Robin suggests Grandma get her friends to work.


#Person1#: Hello. Can I help you?
#Person2#: Oh, hello. Yes, I want something to wear at a conference.
#Person1#: So you're looking for something quite smart.
#Person2#: Yes, some kind of business suit. This is nice. Is this one on sale?
#Person1#: Yes, it is. There's a 25% reduction on this one. It's a real bargain.
#Person2#: It's still a bit expensive for me. Is there a discount for cash?
#Person1#: Oh no, I'm sorry.
#Person2#: Oh, well. Can I try it on?
#Person1#: Yes, of course. The changing room is just over there.
#Person2#: Thanks.

Summary: #Person2# wants to buy a business suit. With #Person1#'s assistance, #Person2# wants to try one.


#Person1#: What is your major?
#Person2#: My major is Business Administration, I am especially interested in Marketing.
#Person1#: Which university are you attending?
#Person2#: I attended Suzhou University.
#Person1#: Have you received any degrees?
#Person2#: Yes. I received my Bachelor degree in Business Administration.
#Person1#: What course did you like best?
#Person2#: Project Management. I was very interested in this course when I was a student. And I think it's very useful for my present work.
#Person1#: Do you feel that you have received a good general training?
#Person2#: Yes, I have studied in an English training program and a computer training program since I graduated from university. I am currently studying Finance at a training school.
#Person1#: English and computer skills are comparatively important to this post, especially in the starting period. Wharfs your ability in these two fields?
#Person2#: I passed college English Test Band - 4, with good skill in listening, speaking, reading and writing. I haven't got any certificate of computer skills, because I don't think certificates are necessary if what's needed is merely operating a computer. I think, to know how to use a computer is more important. And I'm quite familiar with Microsoft Office

Summary: *#Person1# interviews #Person2# who has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration has received good training in English, computer and finance, is good at English, and is familiar with Microsoft Office, but hasn't got any certificate of computer skills.


#Person1#: Hi Grandma, it's so good to see you again.
#Person2#: Nice to see you Jack.
#Person1#: We haven't seen each other for half a year.
#Person2#: You are much taller now. Here's your gift.
#Person1#: Thanks, grandma. May I open and have a look at it?
#Person2#: Sure, I hope you like it.
#Person1#: A racing car right? Oh, Grandma. You are great.
#Person2#: I'm glad you like it.
#Person1#: Sure. Gramma this way. How is your flight?
#Person2#: Fine. It took me about 5 hours to get here.
#Person1#: That's a long trip, you must be very tired.
#Person2#: I'm OK, I slept all the way.
#Person1#: Let's go home. Our car is waiting outside.
#Person2#: How long will it take to get home?
#Person1#: About half an hour if the traffic is good.

Summary: Grandma gives Jack a racing car as a gift. They talk about Grandma's flight and then go home.


#Person1#: Honey, I think I need to go see the doctor.
#Person2#: Ah! You're bleeding all over! What happened?
#Person1#: I was working in the garage and cut myself with my saw.
#Person2#: Here, use this rag to apply pressure to the cut. Does it hurt?
#Person1#: No, not really, there's just a lot of blood.
#Person2#: You may just need stitches. I think they can handle this at the clinic instead of the ER. Let me make a quick phone call.
#Person1#: I'm going to go sit in the car while I still have the stomach to walk.
#Person2#: Oh, sorry! I forgot you get queasy with the sight of blood. I'll be right there.

Summary: #Person1# is bleeding because #Person1# was cut by a saw. #Person2# will take #Person1# to the clinic.


#Person1#: Today, we have Professor McKay on our morning talk show. Good morning, Professor McKay. I've heard that you and your team have just completed a report on old age.
#Person2#: That's right. Well, the report basically look into the various beliefs that people hold about old age and tries to prove them.
#Person1#: And what do you think your report can achieve?
#Person2#: We hope that it will somehow help people to change their feelings about old age. The problem is that far too many of us believe that most old people are poor, lonely, and unhappy. As a result, we tend to find old people, as a group, unattractive. And this is very dangerous for our society.
#Person1#: But surely we cannot escape the fact that many old people are lonely and many are sick.
#Person2#: No, we can't. But we must also remember that the proportion of such people is no greater among the 60-70 age group than among the 50-60 age group.
#Person1#: In other words, there is no more mental illness, for example, among the 60s-70s than among the 50s-60s.
#Person2#: Right!
#Person1#: Are people's mental abilities affected by old age?
#Person2#: Certain changes do take place as we grow older, but this happens throughout life. These changes are very gradual and happen at different times with different people, but, in general, if you know a person well in his middle age and have seen how he deals with events and problems, you will easily recognize him in an old age.
#Person1#: So that someone who enjoys new experiences, travel, education, and so on in his middle years will usually continue to do so into old age?
#Person2#: Exactly.

Summary: Professor McKay discusses with #Person1# about the report his team just completed on old age. Professor Mckay finds that old people as a group are unattractive and that someone who enjoys new experiences, travel, education, and so on in his middle years will usually continue to do so into old age.


#Person1#: Uh, hi. Do you need some help with those weights? I can move them for you.
#Person2#: Uh, no. I can do it myself. I just have to put them back over there.
#Person1#: No, let me help you. Uh, Oh, Hmpf.
#Person2#: Oh, it's okay.
#Person1#: Oh, my back!
#Person2#: It's okay, it's okay. Are you okay?
#Person1#: I just need to lie down here. Uh. Do you come here often?
#Person2#: Yeah. I usually come five times a week.
#Person1#: Oh, oh man. By the way, my name's Justin.
#Person2#: I'm Rachel.
#Person1#: Uh, so, where are you from?
#Person2#: I'm originally from California ... Are you sure you're okay?
#Person1#: (Said in agony) Yeah, um, I'm okay. Where are you from?
#Person2#: Um, I spent most of my life in a small town in Utah called Spanish Fork actually.
#Person1#: Oh, um, I just need to lie here.
#Person2#: Um, so, where are you from, Justin? I'm going to call the manager.
#Person1#: No, no, no, no, no! I just need to rest. Oh yeah, I'm from, from, uh, from Spanish Fork.
#Person2#: Wait. Are you sure? You're just not thinking right.
#Person1#: No, no, no. Not Spanish .... Ah, No, I'm from Salt Lake City. So, what do you do for a living anyway? Are you a body builder or something?
#Person2#: No, no. I'm a teacher.
#Person1#: Oh, so what do you teach?
#Person2#: I teach math and science, and it doesn't take a science teacher to tell me that you need a doctor.
#Person1#: No, I'm okay, I'm okay. I'll stand here in a minute. Uh, could I have your phone number? You know, just in case.
#Person2#: I don't think so. I think 911 is the number you need at this point.
#Person1#: (Crying in pain) Ohhhh!

Summary: Justin helps Rachel move the weights but hurt his back. He lies down to have a rest and they introduce themselves to each other. Rachel is from Utah and is a teacher. Justin is from Salt Lake City. Rachel thinks Justin should dial 911 for help.


#Person1#: How are your new neighbors Nancy?
#Person2#: They seem nice enough, but they have a son, who's driving me crazy.
#Person1#: What do you mean?
#Person2#: He comes home every night around 10:00 with his car windows rolled down and radio on. It stops as soon as he turns the car off but by then Brian and Lisa are wide awake.
#Person1#: Oh no.
#Person2#: Oh yes, sometimes it takes us till midnight just to get them to settle down again.
#Person1#: Have you tried talking to them?
#Person2#: We haven't even really met them yet except to say a quick hello. I hate to get off on the wrong foot.
#Person1#: You are not going to like them when you do meet them if he keep on simmering.
#Person2#: I know, but I feel stupid complaining.
#Person1#: You said yourself is driving you crazy.
#Person2#: Well, you know how early I have to get up to be here at the office. I'm just not getting enough sleep and neither are the kids. They're so irritable when I get home in the afternoon.
#Person1#: Maybe you could go over some time with a little gift or planned for the yard or something. Then you could ask about their son whether they have any other children and they'll be sure to ask about yours.
#Person2#: Yeah, and then what?
#Person1#: Then you could mention that the hardest thing at this stage is getting your kids to get to sleep at night.
#Person2#: And keeping them asleep.
#Person1#: That's the idea and you should do it soon. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to do politely.

Summary: Nancy complains to #Person1# that her new neighbours' son is driving her kids and her crazy. #Person1# advises her to go over soon and tells them about getting her kids to get to sleep at night.


#Person1#: This website offers very convenient air tickets booking service. It is quick and accurate.
#Person2#: Yes, I once booked there. They give the immediate confirm information and flight information to both your mobile phone and e-mail. You can conveniently pay by credit card, so the whole transaction only takes a couple of minutes. They also provide e-tickets, meaning you don't need to go to any office to pick an air ticket. You go to the airport directly and check in with your ID card.
#Person1#: So it has attracted more and more customers these days.
#Person2#: Yes, therefore they are expanding the scope of their service. For example, hotels can be booked through the same site as well.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# think the air tickets booking service on a website is quick, accurate, and immediate. The website, therefore, attracts more customers.


#Person1#: what a nice garden! Look at these tulips!
#Person2#: that would be a good shot. Can you take my picture here, dear? Please try to get the garden in the frame as well.
#Person1#: all right. Would you please stand closer to the flower bed? Good. Smile. Say ' cheese '. OK, got you. That's terrific.
#Person2#: thanks. Could you take one more from this angle?
#Person1#: no problem.
#Person2#: now let's have one together.
#Person1#: do you know how to set the timer?
#Person2#: let me see. . . set the timer first and push the button, oh, come here.
#Person1#: OK, let's have a try.
#Person2#: cheese. . .
#Person1#: did it come out?
#Person2#: yes, but it's blurred and a little dark.
#Person1#: never mind. Let's go to the falls and try again.
#Person2#: Ok, let's go.

Summary: #Person1# takes several pictures for #Person2# in the garden. They take a picture together by setting the timer but it isn't ideal, so they'll go to the falls and try again.


#Person1#: Susan, can you tell me in a nutshell what the retail market is like in China?
#Person2#: Well, as per capital income goes up and up, the growth sector seems to be in the high-end.
#Person1#: Retail is going upscale here? China is certainly growing more quickly than I had imagined.
#Person2#: Yes. Things certainly have changed since I was a boy. We've developed very quickly.
#Person1#: Do you think the trend will continue?
#Person2#: I don't see why not. We do have some problems, but we are still willing to work hard and wages aren't too high at this point.
#Person1#: Everything I've seen so far is very impressive, very impressive indeed.

Summary: Susan tells #Person1# about the fast-growing retail market in China and thinks the trend will continue. #Person1# is impressed.


#Person1#: Now, this is Westminster Abbey. It's one of the oldest buildings in London and in its architecture, you will recognize different styles.
#Person2#: Wow, it's really splendid.
#Person1#: There, to the left, you will see a small Street called Downing Street No.10, the last of its 10 houses has always been the living place of the British Prime Minister.
#Person2#: Oh, is that the Tower Bridge?
#Person1#: Yeah, look, the bridges parting in the middle and the two halves are moving upwards, a big ship is passing underneath.

Summary: #Person1# shows #Person2# around Westminster Abbey, Downing Street No.10, and Tower Bridge.


#Person1#: I think you're being a little naive.
#Person2#: If I want, I can protect myself by paying through an escrow account, which holds the money until I receive the item.
#Person1#: That proves my point! Protect yourself or you'll get burned.
#Person2#: eBay also offers free insurance. You can get a refund of up to $ 200 if you're not satisfied with your purchase.
#Person1#: $ 200? If they get a hold of your credit card number, you're going to be out a lot more than $ 200! I had a friend who...

Summary: #Person2# regrets not protecting #Person2# by paying through an escrow account, but eBay offers free insurance.


#Person1#: Well, this is not quite the style I want. Have you any suit in fashion?
#Person2#: How is this one? It's the latest, made of cashmere.
#Person1#: Can I try it on?
#Person2#: Sure.
#Person1#: This is much better. How much is it?

Summary: #Person2# recommends a suit to #Person1#.


#Person1#: Now please tell me something about your past work achievements.
#Person2#: All right, madam. When I was sales manager at the Beijing Friendship Store. I succeeded in raising the yearly sales volume by 25 % and profit margins from 50 % to 80 %.
#Person1#: That is quite an achievement! Do you consider it your most rewarding work experience?
#Person2#: I don't think so. I'll create further achievement in the future.
#Person1#: Have you received any honors?
#Person2#: Yes. I got the title of ' Advance Worker ' in 2006.
#Person1#: Do you have any publications?
#Person2#: Yes. I wrote a thesis entitled ' On Interpersonal Relations in the Socialist Market Economy ' and it was published in China Daily.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# about #Person2#'s past work achievements, including raising the yearly sales volume and profit margins, receiving the title of 'Advance Worker', and publishing an article.


#Person1#: How long have you been living in this city, Jack?
#Person2#: Let me see. I came to this city when I was 23 years old. So 5 years now.
#Person1#: Do you like living in the big city?
#Person2#: Not so much. Air pollution has become such a big problem here now.
#Person1#: So do you want to move to the countryside?
#Person2#: No. Life there is really slow and boring, and here in the city we can get fresh vegetables and even some rare kinds of fruit. How I wish the air in the city could be fresher. Perhaps, it could be if there were fewer cars.
#Person1#: I don't think it's that easy to solve the pollution problem.
#Person2#: So, how long have you been living here?
#Person1#: I moved here from the countryside only 2 years ago. But I'm already tired of the life here?
#Person2#: Do you want to move back to the countryside?
#Person1#: No. As you said, life in the countryside can be boring.
#Person2#: So will you keep living here?
#Person1#: No. I'm considering moving to a smaller city. You know, a city with fresher air and better traffic.

Summary: Though Jack hates the air pollution in the city, he thinks country life is slow and boring. #Person1# agrees with him and considers moving to a smaller city.


#Person1#: We can go to see the movie, saving the planet at the rock. What time does it start?
#Person2#: 8:00 o'clock.
#Person1#: So we can be back about 10:30, right?
#Person2#: No, it doesn't end until 11.
#Person1#: I can't sit in the cinema so long.
#Person2#: Well then, what do you want to see?
#Person1#: Shakespeare in love is at the regal and twister at the royal. Shakespeare in love starts at 7:45 and it ends at 9:00.
#Person2#: Ok, let's go to see Shakespeare in love. I can see saving the planet with my friend Barbara later.
#Person1#: What are we going to do after the movie?
#Person2#: We can go hiking and have a picnic.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# the movie, saving the planet at the rock, takes a long time. #Person1# can't stand sitting in the cinema for long, so they decide to see Shakespeare in love.


#Person1#: My son is alway complaining that I dump on him. He was very rude and told me to mind my own business. I cannot put up with that.
#Person2#: What does his dad say?
#Person1#: John is a peacemaker. He simply doesn't bother. He says he should give him a free hand.

Summary: #Person1# can't stand her rude son but her husband doesn't bother.


#Person1#: Good morning, sir. May I help you?
#Person2#: Yes, I'd like to settle my bill.
#Person1#: Certainly sir. May I have your room key, please?
#Person2#: Sure. Here you are.
#Person1#: Just a moment, please. I'll draw up your bill for you... Thank you for waiting, sir. Your bill totals two thousand six hundred and fifty-eight yuan, including the phone and laundry.
#Person2#: That much! Would you mind letting me have a look at it?
#Person1#: Not at all, sir. Here you are.
#Person2#: Thanks. Well, It seems to be right. How much is that in dollars, please?
#Person1#: Just a moment, sir. I'll calculate that for you. It comes to 305 dollars and 52 cents at today's exchange rate.
#Person2#: I see. OK.
#Person1#: How would you like to make the payment?
#Person2#: In cash, please. Here you are.
#Person1#: Thank you, sir... Here is your change. Could you check it, please? Thank you for choosing our hotel. I hope you enjoyed your stay.
#Person2#: By the way, please forward my mail to this address.
#Person1#: Certainly, sir. We hope you have a good trip.

Summary: #Person1# helps #Person2# check-out. #Person2# is surprised at so much money it costs. After checking the bill, #Person2# makes the payment by cash.


#Person1#: My name is Mary, and I will be your waitress tonight.
#Person2#: Thank you, Mary. We have been looking forward to trying out this restaurant.
#Person1#: Before your main course, would you like to order an appetizer?
#Person2#: Sure, that sounds great. Where are your appetizers listed?
#Person1#: There is a special appetizer menu right here in the center of the table.
#Person2#: The chicken and cheese quesadilla looks good. Is that pretty good?
#Person1#: You know, that is one of my favorites!
#Person2#: OK, I'll take one order of that.
#Person1#: You could choose another appetizer for half price to share.
#Person2#: Perfect! Please add on an order of onion rings.

Summary: #Person2# comes to a restaurant for the first time. #Person2# orders the chicken and cheese quesadilla and onion rings with Mary's assistance.


#Person1#: Can I take your drink order?
#Person2#: Where is your wine list?
#Person1#: The wine choices are posted on the little menu in the middle of the table.
#Person2#: Do you have any mixed drinks available here?
#Person1#: We can make a number of mixed drinks at our bar.
#Person2#: I heard that you are famous for your drinks. What are your specials?
#Person1#: Our house special is our Cuervo Gold margarita.
#Person2#: I would love a margarita right now! That is what I am going to order.
#Person1#: Can I prepare your drink on the rocks, or would you prefer it blended?
#Person2#: I prefer my margarita on the rocks, please.
#Person1#: Do you like your margarita with salt or no salt?
#Person2#: No salt, please.

Summary: #Person2# wants mixed drinks and #Person1# recommends Cuervo Gold margarita. #Person2# wants it on the rocks without salt.


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

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


#Person1#: Do you have any particular hobbies, Tom?
#Person2#: Oh, yes. I love playing badminton, table tennis and computer games. And playing the games has become my favorite.
#Person1#: I hear many teenagers will spend hours and hours sitting at computers. And they don't care about their own health at all. How about you?
#Person2#: I'm no better than them. They say it's mindless to sit in front of a machine all the time, but I think it's stimulating.
#Person1#: You won't play online games full of violence, will you?
#Person2#: Once in a while.
#Person1#: It's no good. And I think spending several hours each day playing computer games is a waste of time. You might as well do something healthy and meaningful.
#Person2#: I hope I can practice self-control again.

Summary: Tom likes playing computer games most. #Person1# thinks sitting in front of a computer for hours is meaningless. Tom agrees and wants to practice self-control.


#Person1#: Look at you, you are so cute. Hey, does this guy have a name?
#Person2#: Yes, that's Hopper. We call him that because of how he likes to jump around and eat a lot of carrots.
#Person1#: He seems to be getting along with the other animals, too.
#Person2#: All of the animals you see here have been rescued, and in most cases, they are separated from their mothers. They're all like brothers and sisters.
#Person1#: I have a dog and a cat at home. Do you think it would be too stressful for him?
#Person2#: Not at all. As long as your animals are well trained, it shouldn't be a problem. You should get a cage for him, though.
#Person1#: Is he healthy? Or does he need to be taken to an animal doctor first?
#Person2#: He's 100% healthy.
#Person1#: I'll take him. Come here, Hopper.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# are talking about Hopper who is a rescued animal. #Person2# tells #Person1# he is 100% healthy and #Person1# will take him.


#Person1#: Excuse me. Where is Q-Duck? I remember it was around the second intersection of this street.
#Person2#: Q-Duck? Do you mean the famous roast-duck store?
#Person1#: Yes, definitely.
#Person2#: They have moved to some other places long time ago.
#Person1#: Wow, this place is quite different from ten years ago when I first came to China.
#Person2#: Yeah, a lot of changes have happened here.
#Person1#: This street used to have few stores. But now, you can see supermarkets, shopping malls and department stores everywhere.
#Person2#: Yeah, they are my wife's heaven, but not mine. I always get lost in the supermarket.
#Person1#: Me too! I was lost three times ten years ago. There were no English directions then.
#Person2#: Is that better now?
#Person1#: Yeah, there are many English signs, and wrong spellings as many as them.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# that Q-Duck, the famous roast-duck store has moved to other places. #Person1# thinks this place is quite different from ten years ago when #Person1# first came to China.


#Person1#: Jim, thank goodness you've arrived. The class report started half an hour ago. And I was just beginning to worry.
#Person2#: I'm sorry I'm late, Ellen. This morning has been a real mess. I didn't think I was going to make it here at all.
#Person1#: Why are you late? Our whole report depends on those drawings you're holding.
#Person2#: Yes, I know. I'll tell you about it later. First, let's see how we're doing for time. Two groups are still ahead of us, aren't they? The re- port on the rights of the consumer and the analysis of the stock market. That means I've got about 20 minutes to warm up.
#Person1#: You do look cold. What happened?
#Person2#: I've been standing outside in cold temperatures for over an hour waiting for a bus.
#Person1#: Over an hour? But I thought your apartment was only a ten-minute bus ride to campus.
#Person2#: Under normal conditions, but the bus was delayed because of the weather. And when I stepped into a drugstore to call home for a ride, the bus went by. As luck would have it, there was no one home so I had to wait for another 45 minutes for the next bus.
#Person1#: That's Murphy's law, isn't it? What was it said? 'If anything can go wrong, it will.' Well, we've still got 20 minutes to gather our wits together.
#Person2#: We'd better stop talking. People are turning around and looking at us

Summary: #Person1# and Jim are going to make a class report but Jim's late because he missed the bus and waited for over an hour. They'll gather their wits for the report.


#Person1#: The Spring Festival is drawing close. By then we will have five days off. I am expecting it.
#Person2#: Can you tell me something about the Spring Festival?
#Person1#: Just like you celebrate Christmas, we celebrate our lunar New Year's Day, the Spring Festival. It is a time for the family members and relatives to have a get-together.
#Person2#: Christmas is also a special time for us to have the family reunion and to express our best wishes to those we love and those who love us in the coming new year.
#Person1#: Christmas has more religious nature, while our Spring Festival is a more traditional holiday. On the New Year's Eve, we have a big dinner called'Family Reunion Dinner'. One of the traditional food to eat at the dinner is dumplings. After that, the adults usually sit chatting, watching TV, or playing cards.
#Person2#: What are the children doing?
#Person1#: They usually go outside to play firecrackers and fireworks.
#Person2#: I heard one of the purposes to do it is to frighten the devils so they will not come to do any harm to people in the next year.
#Person1#: Perhaps it is like what people told you. At 24 hours midnight, the time when the New Year really comes, we exchange'Happy New Year'to each other, and parents and grandparents will take out small packages wrapped with red paper, in them are some what we call'Lucky Money.
#Person2#: Who will get the money?
#Person1#: Of course the children.

Summary: #Person2# introduces the Spring Festival to #Person1#. #Person2# tells #Person1# the children usually play firework and will get the lucky money from their grandparents and parents at the Spring Festival.


#Person1#: Where will we go during this break?
#Person2#: I was thinking of a place in Mexico. Do you remember when we went to that really hot place several years ago, where the water was almost as warm as the air, and we had a hard time sleeping at night?
#Person1#: Yeah.
#Person2#: I'd like to go back there.
#Person1#: But...
#Person2#: Don't worry though. We went during the summer last time, August I think. This time it'll be winter. It's perfect weather there in January. And we'll be able to watch the whales that live there from December to February.

Summary: #Person2# convinces #Person1# to travel to a place in Mexico again because the weather there in January is perfect.


#Person1#: Isn't this lovely weather? Will you help me water the flowers, Jack?
#Person2#: Well, do you think I have to?
#Person1#: I do. We haven't watered them for quite a few days.
#Person2#: Please look at the sky. Don't you see the dark clouds? It's going to rain soon.
#Person1#: Good. So we don't have to work. How nice!
#Person2#: But I don't think it's so nice.
#Person1#: Why?
#Person2#: The weather report says it's going to rain for a whole week.
#Person1#: Oh, I'm afraid all the flowers will die in the rain.

Summary: #Person1# requests Jack to water the flowers but Jack says they don't have to because it'll rain for a whole week.


#Person1#: Room service. What can I do for you?
#Person2#: I would like to have an international call to Paris. Can you tell how to do it?
#Person1#: Yes. In that case, you should connect the operator and he will connect you with the one you want.
#Person2#: Well, what is the operator's number?
#Person1#: 543210.
#Person2#: Fine. Thank you.

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# to connect the operator to make an international call to Paris.


#Person1#: Good morning, sir. Is there anything I can do for you?
#Person2#: Yes, I would like to have a suit made to measure.
#Person1#: Sure. How do you like your suit?
#Person2#: I want a single breasted suit. Here is the cloth.

Summary: #Person1#'ll help #Person2# have a suit made to measure.


#Person1#: I have an appointment for half past one.
#Person2#: What can I help you with?
#Person1#: Well, I have a problem with my class schedule.
#Person2#: What is it?
#Person1#: It seems that I've been given two classes scheduled at the same time.
#Person2#: I can understand the problem with that.
#Person1#: Is there any way that you can fix my schedule?
#Person2#: No problem, do you want those classes still?
#Person1#: Yes, I do.
#Person2#: Let me see if I can find one of these classes on another day.
#Person1#: Thank you very much.

Summary: #Person1# has been given two classes scheduled at the same time. #Person2# will help #Person1# find one of them on another day.


#Person1#: A : Look at this survey conducted by a website. A quarter of the employees will spend an average of 10 minutes everyday online doing personal things. Hi, Francis, what about you?
#Person2#: Well, I just spend 15 minutes as so checking my stock bonds and booking an air ticket for my mother. Anyway, I have done all my work and it is about the time to leave.
#Person1#: Though our company doesn't have a return policy, limiting the personal use of internet, I don't think the boss will like us to do that.
#Person2#: Certainly, work always comes first.
#Person1#: But it is lucky for us. The company computers don't have software keeping tracks of websites we visit. I have shopped too often online these days.
#Person2#: Well, keep a low profile.

Summary: Both #Person1# and Francis surf online doing personal things. They think the boss won't like them to do so.


#Person1#: Good afternoon, Ma'am, My name is Mike and I am selling subscriptions to all sorts of periodicals.
#Person2#: No, thank you, I am not interested.
#Person1#: Please ma'am, if you could spare five minutes of your time, I am sure we could find something that interests you!
#Person2#: I wish I could, but I have to walk the dog and finish cooking so if you would excuse me.
#Person1#: We have a great variety of magazines all about cooking! This one for example, is a bi-monthly publication with recipes from all over the world!
#Person2#: Wow, that would be kind of useful, do you have any other cooking magazines?
#Person1#: Sure do! This one is a quarterly publication, but each issue has over 200 color pages of recipes and also many home decorating ideas!
#Person2#: Wow, this is nice! Ok, sign me up for both publications.
#Person1#: You mentioned you have a dog, most pet owners sign up for this weekly newsletter that has information on dog care, pet shops and even pet sitters!
#Person2#: That is exactly what I needed! What else do you have?
#Person1#: Well, I also have. . .

Summary: #Person2# at first is not interested in subscribing periodicals, but she changes her mind after hearing Mike's introduction.


#Person1#: Good evening, Mr. Frank. Bourbon on the rocks?
#Person2#: No. This time I'll try Chinese wine.
#Person1#: What about Mao Tai, one of the most famous liquors in China? It's good indeed. It never goes to the head.
#Person2#: Do people here drink a lot of liquors?
#Person1#: Some do, some don't. Many people in the North are fond of liquors. I think it has something to do with the climate.
#Person2#: Yes, it has. Some Mexicans are crazy. They drink a lot of liquors even on hot days. Have you ever heard of ' Tequila Sauta '?
#Person1#: Yes, it's a very well-known kind of spirits in Mexico. People drink it with salt and lemon.
#Person2#: Right. It's very strong, just like alcohol. ( Frank sips Mao Tai. )
#Person1#: Yes, besides Mao Tai, we have Wu Liang Ye, Fen Jim and so on.
#Person2#: They say that Showing wine tastes quite good. What's it?
#Person1#: It's rice wine, a kind of still wine, somewhat like Japanese Sake. Showing is a city in China.
#Person2#: I see.
#Person1#: By the way, we also have some good red wine and white wine, such as Great Wall White Wine.
#Person2#: Thank you for telling me so much, I'll try them next time.
#Person1#: I'm always at your service.

Summary: Mr. Frank wants to try Chinese wine, so #Person1# recommends Mao Tai, Wu Liang Ye, and Fen Jim. They talk about 'Tequila Sauta' in Mexico and Mr. Frank asks about Showing wine, which is rice wine.


#Person1#: Hi dear, I'm tired and don't want to cook. Shall we have dinner in a restaurant?
#Person2#: Oh, I forgot to tell you. Jane and Bill invited us to dinner this evening. I promised we'd go.
#Person1#: Good. You know, I love Jane's cooking. What's the time?
#Person2#: 6:30 PM. Bill said we could go to the bar together after dinner. That's nice. Shall we take them anything? No Jane said she'd like to do all the food preparation herself.
#Person1#: That's nice. Shall we take them anything?
#Person2#: No Jane said she'd like to do all the food preparation herself. What about taking a bottle of wine? Bill loves wine.
#Person1#: I'd rather take some Flowers. I know Jane loves roses.
#Person2#: Good, I'll buy some on my way home.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# Jane and Bill invited them to have dinner together. #Person1# and #Person2# will buy some roses for Jane.


#Person1#: Do you see that small white car over there? It's Tom's new car.
#Person2#: Oh, my God. It's beautiful. But it looks expensive.
#Person1#: It is very expensive. Tom's father paid for it.
#Person2#: I want to have a car like that. But I am not rich. And I don't have a rich daddy.
#Person1#: They are By new models now, they are not very expensive. Maybe you should look for one.

Summary: #Person1# says Tom's new car is expensive. #Person2# likes it but can't afford it.