#Person1#: Lucy, I'd like to fix the light in the corridor, it keeps flashing, which drives me crazy. Would you like to help me with the ladder?
#Person2#: Monica, wait a moment. I think we'd better call the repair man to do it.
#Person1#: I think I can handle it by myself.
#Person2#: I'd like you to have a look at the safety manual of our company.
#Person1#: I see. If I got hurt when fixing the light, even during office hours, I wouldn't get compensation from our company since repairing is not my responsibility.
#Person2#: Other company rules also need your attention.
#Person1#: Like this one?
#Person2#: Never wear loose clothes or hair when operating the shredder.
#Person1#: Yeah, thank you for telling me.
#Person2#: Don't mention it.

Summary: Lucy wants to call the repairman to fix the light, but Monica wants to repair it herself. Lucy reminds her of the company rules.


#Person1#: Hi, I would like to return this TV.
#Person2#: Sure, do you have the receipt?
#Person1#: Yeah here you go. Actually I also want to return this keyboard.
#Person2#: Ok. may I ask what is the reason for returning these products?
#Person1#: The TV flickers a lot when I am watching a movie and at times the image is not very clear.
#Person2#: I see, and what about the keyboard?
#Person1#: I spilled some coffee on it and now it won't work.
#Person2#: I am sorry mam, but we can only exchange or refund defective products, we cannot take responsibility for misuse or damages.
#Person1#: Fine! I don't know why they make these things so delicate anyways.

Summary: #Person1# wants to return a TV and a keyboard, but #Person2# will only refund the TV because the keyboard is damaged.


#Person1#: Well, mom, thanks for having Simon stay for a couple of days.
#Person2#: That's OK, Phillip. What have I got to do?
#Person1#: Well, Saturday's busy. In the morning, he's got his piano class.
#Person2#: Right. And in the afternoon, he's going to a birthday party, isn't he?
#Person1#: No, that's in the evening. He's going to the football match in the afternoon. Remember?
#Person2#: Oh, yes. I remember now. So what time does the party start?
#Person1#: At 7:30 and Mrs. Carter will bring him home.
#Person2#: Fine. Now on Sunday morning, we can go to the swimming pool on our bikes.
#Person1#: Well. He's got a cold, so swimming isn't a very good idea. But he'd like a bicycle ride.
#Person2#: OK. Your father wants to take Simon to the park in the afternoon.
#Person1#: Fine. And then a quiet evening watching TV.
#Person2#: What about a trip to the cinema?
#Person1#: No, I think he'll be too tired for that.
#Person2#: OK.

Summary: Phillip sends Simon to his parents' home and tells #Person2# where Simon needs to go in the following days.


#Person1#: Johnny, have you tidied up your room yet?
#Person2#: Not yet, Mom. Why are you on such a cleanliness kick anyway?
#Person1#: Do I have to remind you that your grandma is arriving tonight?
#Person2#: Oh, my God, I forgot grandma's coming!
#Person1#: Yes, so this place had better be clean. You know Grandma. . .
#Person2#: . . . I know I'll be killed if I pee on the toilet seat.
#Person1#: And Steve is going to look after you until we come back.

Summary: Mom asks Johnny to tidy up his room because his grandma is coming.


#Person1#: Can you help me, please?
#Person2#: Sure, if I can
#Person1#: I want to send this small parcel to Canada.
#Person2#: By airmail or seamail?
#Person1#: How different are these rates?
#Person2#: Your parcel weights 420 grams. So it is 21. 3 dollars by air, or 6. 9 dollars by sea.
#Person1#: How long it will take by sea?
#Person2#: About a month.
#Person1#: Then, by sea, please.
#Person2#: Please fill out this form, and then take your parcel to the counter on my left-hand side.
#Person1#: All right. Thank you very much.
#Person2#: Not at all.

Summary: #Person1# decides to send a small parcel to Canada by sea after asking the difference between the airmail and seamail.


#Person1#: Good evening. I've come to see Miss Morrison
#Person2#: Oh! Good evening. I'm sorry, but she is not in. She's gone out to the theatre
#Person1#: Oh! I've just come back from Canada and I've brought a parcel from her parents
#Person2#: Please come in
#Person1#: But you're busy, aren't you?
#Person2#: I was preparing my supper but I've finished now.
#Person1#: I can leave the parcel with you, can't I?
#Person2#: Oh! yes

Summary: #Person1# comes to see Miss Morrison but she is not in. #Person1# leaves a parcel.


#Person1#: What do you think we need to do to get our new branch office running well?
#Person2#: First, I'd make sure that we have a good, local, corporate lawyer. He or she will know all the local laws and regulations.
#Person1#: That's very important. A friend recommended a good law firm to me. We'll need someone to hire staff.
#Person2#: I think that we should send one of our HR people to do that. I don't think we should use an agency, because they won't be familiar with the type of people we employ. Have we decide on the location of the branch office?
#Person1#: Yes. We have. We chose the location in the northeast of the city, not too far from the airport and on the edge of the CBD.
#Person2#: Why didn't we choose an office in the CBD?
#Person1#: The offices there were too expensive. Have we negotiated any contracts yet?
#Person2#: Yes. We'Ve signed two contracts with companies that we already do work for in other countries. We hope to sign another three this month.
#Person1#: When will the branch office open?
#Person2#: Hopefully next month. Everything is a little rushed. We should be able to set up our branch office and expand our business quickly.
#Person1#: Has and advertising campaign been prepared?
#Person2#: Yes, it has. We're going to target the business community through business magazine.
#Person1#: I made plenty of business contract on my last visit and through the embassy. We should be able to get plenty of customers.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# will need a lawyer and send one of their HR people to hire staff for their new branch office. #Person1# chose the location in the northeast of the city. #Person2# has signed two contracts and hopes the branch office will open next month with the advertising campaign prepared.


#Person1#: Can I help you?
#Person2#: I'd like to buy a ticket to Casablanca on flight US125 tomorrow.
#Person1#: Hold on, please. It will take off at 14:00 tomorrow. The price is $ 110.
#Person2#: Well, I want to stay under $ 100.
#Person1#: I am sorry Sir. We won't give any discount in busy seasons. The price is the same.

Summary: #Person2# wishes to buy a flight ticket at a low price but #Person1# won't offer a discount in busy seasons.


#Person1#: But what if I don't win what I bid on?
#Person2#: Then it wasn't meant to be. Some people have put up a hard fight for some items I bid on. But I was the sole bidder for this bag and got it dirt-cheap.
#Person1#: It seems that you can e-mail the seller and ask questions.
#Person2#: Sure. I've even e-mailed some people who had bought from the person who sold this bag.
#Person1#: And people are honest?
#Person2#: They said he was an honest and professional businessman. But that's the exciting part. It's kind of like gambling. . .

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# talk about a bid. #Person2# talks about the experience of getting a bag dirt-cheap and some tricks in bids.


#Person1#: Hello, Lucy. When are you going off to Beijing?
#Person2#: This evening.
#Person1#: How are you getting there, by air or by train?
#Person2#: By train. It leaves at 5:00 and arrives in Beijing at 7:10 tomorrow morning.
#Person1#: Oh, only 14 hours. Is anybody seeing you off this evening?
#Person2#: Yes, my parents are going with me to the station to see me off.
#Person1#: That's good! How long are you staying in Beijing for your holiday?
#Person2#: Only four days. Well, I must be off now. See you when I get back.
#Person1#: OK. Good luck and have a good trip!
#Person2#: Thanks. Goodbye!

Summary: #Person1# asks Lucy's plan for leaving for Beijing and Lucy tells #Person1# the details and her parents will see her off.


#Person1#: Have you ever thought about Tom's attitude?
#Person2#: I've cut it up and come to the conclusion that he is actually sick of Jenny's brother. But he likes Jenny. She is a big apple in his eye.
#Person1#: Love me, love my dog. He's a sensible kind man.
#Person2#: That's why many people look up to him.

Summary: #Person2# and #Person1# think highly of Tom because he loves Jenny though hating her brother.


#Person1#: Good morning, Sir?
#Person2#: Good morning. My name is Orwell. I've got a reservation, a single room with a shower.
#Person1#: Ah, yes, Dr. Orwell. Would you fill in this form, please?
#Person2#: Yes, of course.
#Person1#: Oh, excuse me. I catch a cold. You're a doctor. You can give me something for it.
#Person2#: Give you something for it, for your cold, you mean. I am not that kind of doctor.
#Person1#: Oh, aren't you?
#Person2#: No, I am a psychologist.
#Person1#: Ah, you are a psychologist. Oh I see.
#Person2#: Is that all right?
#Person1#: Yes. Would you like a newspaper in the morning?
#Person2#: Yes. The Times.
#Person1#: OK, Sir. Your room is 523, and how long would you stay?
#Person2#: Four days. I'll be checking out Saturday morning.
#Person1#: And how would you pay?
#Person2#: By credit card. Would you like to see it?
#Person1#: Yes, please, and here is your key, Sir.

Summary: Dr. Orwell reserves a single room and is checking in. #Person1# catches a cold and thinks Orwell can help but Orwell is a psychologist. Then #Person1# asks Orwell some questions for check-in.


#Person1#: Hello, Kith, can you and Alice come around this evening? We prefer your coming.
#Person2#: I think we would be able to make it. What time shall we come?
#Person1#: About 7 o'clock.
#Person2#: Shall we bring any thing? Some wine?
#Person1#: No, not really. Just bring yourselves. We would like to your presence.

Summary: #Person1# invites Kith and Alice to come around tonight.


#Person1#: I heard you were promoted to general manager of IBM's China Headquarters.
#Person2#: That's true. I got the news yesterday.
#Person1#: You did a good job for the company. You deserve it.
#Person2#: You're flattering me.
#Person1#: So. this is your first day in the new position. How do you feel?
#Person2#: Not bad. I'm confident. And I like challenges.
#Person1#: I believe you are cut out for this position. You're an outstanding individual.
#Person2#: Thank you.

Summary: #Person1# congratulates #Person2#'s promotion and believes #Person2# is ready. #Person2# is confident and thanks #Person1#.


#Person1#: Hey! I have a surprise for you.
#Person2#: What is it?
#Person1#: Open this card and read.
#Person2#: A trip to China for summer vacation. Wow! What a wonderful surprise! Thank you. This is the best surprise I've ever had.

Summary: #Person1# prepares a surprise for #Person2#.


#Person1#: Tom, is Jenny crying?
#Person2#: Can you take he away from me?
#Person1#: I ' m just coming for that.
#Person2#: She kept bothering me.
#Person1#: She ' s your sister. What she asked was only duck soup for you. Why can ' t you be good to her?
#Person2#: But I am her brother, not her servant.

Summary: Tom asks #Person1# to take Jenny away because she bothers him.


#Person1#: Hello, Nancy. This is Bob. How are you?
#Person2#: Fine, thank you. A hit too busy though. You know, I'm trying to put everything in order in my new flat.
#Person1#: Oh, I see. Well, I am wondering if you'd like to go to a concert tomorrow night. I think it will be good. And if I remember correctly, you did say you liked country music.
#Person2#: Yes. That's fight. It's nice of you to ask, Bob. But I don't think I can. Mother has already asked me to see a friend and then we'll go to the theatre together. In fact she's getting the tickets this evening.
#Person1#: Oh, well, never mind. What about next weekend? This concert is still on then, I think, if you are free next Saturday.
#Person2#: Oh, I'd like to very much. But what time exactly?
#Person1#: It starts at 7:30, I think.
#Person2#: Oh, good. That'll be fine. The tennis match will be over by 5 o'clock, I'm sure.
#Person1#: Good, I'll call you again when I get the tickets.
#Person2#: Sure. Bye.

Summary: Bob invites Nancy to a concert but she has already planned to go to the theatre. Thus, they decide to go to a concert next weekend.


#Person1#: This apartment is great, but could I upgrade a few things?
#Person2#: What are you unhappy with?
#Person1#: I want to have a different color carpet.
#Person2#: If you agree to pay more money, you could upgrade the carpet.
#Person1#: Would it cost a lot more?
#Person2#: It could be as little as 2 dollars or as much as 10 dollars more per square yard.
#Person1#: I was also wondering if it would be possible to pick a different paint color.
#Person2#: Bring me a paint sample to look at, and I will consider it.
#Person1#: When can you finish with the new carpet and paint?
#Person2#: Your new apartment can be recarpeted and repainted by next Tuesday.

Summary: #Person1# thinks the apartment's great but wants #Person2# to upgrade the carpet and change the color of the painting. #Person2# agrees but asks for more money.


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

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


#Person1#: Many children nowadays can play some musical instruments. In my daughter's class, some can play the piano and some can play the violin.
#Person2#: I think these children are too tired. They have to do too much homework after class and find time to learn to play a musical instrument.
#Person1#: But music gives people enjoyment. Learning to play the piano or the violin can help children develop their ability of understanding music.
#Person2#: I agree, but I still don't think it's a good idea to force children to learn too much when they're young. Can your daughter play the piano or the violin?
#Person1#: She can play the violin.

Summary: #Person1# thinks playing musical instruments is good for children. #Person2# agrees but thinks it's not a good idea to force children to learn.


#Person1#: Do you carry black ink?
#Person2#: The ink should be next to the paper clips and thumb tacks in the stationary section, sir.
#Person1#: I've looked for, but I didn't see any black ink.
#Person2#: Then I'm afraid there's none in stock.
#Person1#: Well, I'll settle for blue-black. I'll also take a dozen airmail envelopes.
#Person2#: They come in packages of ten or twenty.
#Person1#: Give me a package of twenty, then. And where do I find shoelaces?
#Person2#: On counter three.
#Person1#: Thank you. I never can find my way around this store.
#Person2#: I know. It took me three weeks, and I work here.

Summary: #Person2# helps #Person1# to find the things #Person1# needs. They both think it's hard to find the way around the store.


#Person1#: Hello, Mike. What are you doing in this part of London?
#Person2#: Well, in fact, I'm looking for a flat round here.
#Person1#: A flat? Do you want to move?
#Person2#: Yes, actually, believe it or not, Mandy and I are getting married.
#Person1#: It's great! Congratulations. When did you decide?
#Person2#: Only last week. It was when we were staying with her family in Scotland. Now we're trying to find a suitable flat.
#Person1#: It will be great to have you as neighbours. I hope you manage to buy one soon.
#Person2#: Oh, we aren't looking for one to buy. We don't have enough money yet. We want to find somewhere to rent.
#Person1#: Yes, of course. That's what we did at first. In fact, in the end my brother lent us some money. That's how we managed to buy ours.
#Person2#: Really? Perhaps I'll talk to my family about it. Now, what about a coffee? There's a good place just round the corner.
#Person1#: What a good idea!

Summary: Mike plans to rent a suitable flat because he's getting married to Mandy. #Person1# says #Person1#'s brother lent some money so they could buy a flat, and Mike'll talk to his family about it.


#Person1#: Hello, Jason, there is going to be a screening of Final Destination 3 at our campus cinema tomorrow. I plan to go to see it.
#Person2#: Is it a horror movie?
#Person1#: Yeah, I love horror movies. Would you like to go with me tomorrow?
#Person2#: No way. I will be scared out of my wits.
#Person1#: That's funny, I didn't know a big fellow like you could be so soft and timid on the inside.
#Person2#: Hey, how would you like to taste my fist?
#Person1#: Alright, all joking aside, what kinds of moves do you like?
#Person2#: Um, let me see, romance, comedy. documentary, action, science fiction, animated and so on.
#Person1#: That is to say, you like all genres except for horror movies.
#Person2#: Yeah. It seems like we don't speak the same language as far as movies are concerned.
#Person1#: Not quite. I also greatly enjoy romance and comedy.
#Person2#: The Notebook is this type of movie.
#Person1#: Really? I haven't heard of it.
#Person2#: Well then, this could be a nice opportunity to enjoy it together. I bet you'd love it.
#Person1#: Ok. I can't wait to see it. Let's go!

Summary: #Person1# invites Jason to watch a horror movie with #Person1#. Jason refuses because he doesn't want to be scared. They discuss the genres they like and decide to watch a romantic comedy called The Notebook.


#Person1#: Ant Shirley, it has been years since we last met. How were you doing in the passing years?
#Person2#: Pretty well. What about you?
#Person1#: Fine. Where are the other guys?
#Person2#: It's a bit disappointing that they are all out for a movie.
#Person1#: Bad timing. I want to see them so much. How are they?
#Person2#: Not bad. I heard you are going to graduate this coming summer, right?
#Person1#: Yes, that's why I'm here. I'm thinking about buying a second-hand apartment.
#Person2#: Did you go to a real estate agent?
#Person1#: No, that will be too expensive.
#Person2#: That's true. By the way, what kind of apartment are you looking for?
#Person1#: My first job's salary will be a bit low. So the cheaper the better. Just one I can afford.
#Person2#: Sure. I'll try my best to find a satisfying one for you.
#Person1#: I'll appreciate it so much.

Summary: #Person1# comes to visit Aunt Shirley for help with buying a cheap second-hand apartment as #Person1#'s going to graduate this summer and #Person1# 's salary is low.


#Person1#: Hi, Victor. How are you?
#Person2#: Oh, I'm fine.
#Person1#: So, are you going to go to class tonight?
#Person2#: Maybe . . . but I don't think so.
#Person1#: Really? What's the matter?
#Person2#: I don't know. I'm just feeling a little sad.
#Person1#: Listen. Come with me to class, and after class we can go out for dinner.
#Person2#: Now that's a good idea. Thanks a lot, Brian. I'm feeling better already.

Summary: Victor feels sad, so Brian invites him for dinner after class to make him feel better.


#Person1#: Are you okay, man? You don't look very well.
#Person2#: Ugh, I feel terrible. I went out last night with Trevor, and things got a little out of hand.
#Person1#: Nice! So, where did you guys go?
#Person2#: We hit a couple of local bars, and met up with some friends. Everything was cool until Mike came along, and it turned out that it was his birthday yesterday!
#Person1#: Oh no! Mike's birthday is a drinkfest for sure!
#Person2#: Tell me about it! We drank everything in the bar!
#Person1#: Is that why you missed work today?
#Person2#: Yeah. I woke up this morning feeling really nauseous. I threw up like five times.
#Person1#: Www!
#Person2#: I was so dehydrated that I drank like a gallon of water, and my head has been pounding all day. I swear, I'm never gonna drink again!
#Person1#: Too bad man, tonight is Tracy's going away party and she asked if you were gonna go.
#Person2#: Oh, yeah. I'm there!

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# that he went to the bar yesterday and found that it was Mike's birthday. #Person2# got drunk and missed the work.


#Person1#: What's the plot of your new movie?
#Person2#: It's a story about a policemen who is investigating a series of strange murders. I play the part of the detective. He has to catch the killer, but there's very little evidence. It's a psychological th
#Person1#: Did you enjoy making the movie? We heard stories of disagreement with other actors and with the director.
#Person2#: I have had disagreement with every director. I'Ve worked with. We'Ve always disagreed in a friendly way and we have always resolved our differences. It was the same when I made this movie. I don't no
#Person1#: Critics are not very happy with the movies that you'Ve made recently. Does that bother you?
#Person2#: Not at all. The feedback from audience has been great. I care about what they think more than what the critics think.
#Person1#: Did you do you own stunts in the movie?
#Person2#: I wanted to, but my insurance company wouldn't let me. All of my stunts were done by a stuntman. As you know, I used to do my own stunts, but I'll leave that to the experts in future.
#Person1#: Thank you very much for doing this interview.
#Person2#: My pleasure. Have you seen the movie yet?
#Person1#: Yes. I have. I liked it very much. Like you, I was very impressed with Rachel's performance in the movie. She's going to be a star.

Summary: #Person2# interviews #Person1# about the new movie. #Person1# tells the plot of the movie and how #Person1# resolves differences with others. #Person1# cares what the audience thinks than critics. #Person1#'s stunts are all done by a stuntman.


#Person1#: Excuse me, we ordered too much, may we take the food home?
#Person2#: Sure.
#Person1#: Do we have to pay extra charge for that?
#Person2#: No, you don't have to. It is free of charge.
#Person1#: Well then, will you put this and that into doggy bags?
#Person2#: Certainly, would you wait for a few minutes?
#Person1#: Yes, thanks, would you give me another favor?
#Person2#: Yes, what is it?
#Person1#: Some more Chinese tea for us, please?
#Person2#: Sure, I'll be back in a minute.

Summary: #Person1# wants to take the food home as they have ordered too much. #Person2# helps #Person1# to put the food into bags.


#Person1#: Hi, John. What are your plans for the weekend?
#Person2#: Huh? My plans? Nothing really. Probably read some books or play on my computer. Why?
#Person1#: Well, I want to invite you to my home for dinner. So we can get to know each other better.
#Person2#: You want to invite me to dinner? But we've been in the same class for the past 2 years and you've never even spoken to me before.
#Person1#: Yes, I know. We seldom have the chance to talk. I'm always playing with my friends and having fun, while you always have your face in a book.
#Person2#: Yeah. Well, I guess I can come. Thanks. Actually, I do feel like relaxing. I have been working all week on science project.
#Person1#: Really? I haven't even started it yet. Science is so boring.
#Person2#: You haven't started it yet? Listen, maybe you should spend this weekend doing the project. It really is a lot of work. We can have dinner next weekend.
#Person1#: No, no. It has to be this weekend. Hey, I know, you're good at science and have already done the project. So after dinner, maybe you can do my project.
#Person2#: Do your project?
#Person1#: I... I mean, help me do my project. Just bring your books and the project plan. It shouldn't take you...Ah... I mean us, long to finish.
#Person2#: Us? Yeah, I see. Listen, Mary, I've just remembered. I'm busy this weekend, so I won't be able to make it to dinner.

Summary: Mary invites John to her home for dinner. But then John finds the fact is that Mary wants John to help her with her science project. So John makes an excuse and declines her invitation.


#Person1#: Hey Mike, good to have you back. You look exhausted.
#Person2#: Hi, Mary. Yeah. I'm totally beat. I can barely keep my eyes open.
#Person1#: Was it a rough trip?
#Person2#: Well, it was actually pretty productive. But all the flying really got to me.
#Person1#: Oh, jet lag.
#Person2#: Yep. I flew from Beijing to Boston for a meeting and then got on a plane to go to the trade fair in Frankfurt. Then back to Beijing before catching a train back here to Shanghai.
#Person1#: Wow, that's a lot of traveling. No wonder you're exhausted.
#Person2#: The worst thing was adjusting to the time zones. It's so hard to get used to the difference.
#Person1#: Yeah, it's hard. You know jet lag only hits if you travel east west or west east. You could fly from Germany to Cape Town in South Africa and you wouldn't feel a thing.
#Person2#: Right, because it's all in the same time zone. Unfortunately for me, all my travel was between different time zones. I've got to say, I'm really suffering. Why is jet lag so nasty?
#Person1#: I know what you mean. Well, you'll be OK once you get some rest.

Summary: Mike tells Mary that all the flying makes him exhausted and it is very hard to get used to the difference between different time zones. Mary suggests that Mike gets some rest.


#Person1#: Hi. I just lost my purse when I was shopping on the street. I guess somebody stole it from me.
#Person2#: Sorry to hear that. Could you tell me what were in your purse?
#Person1#: My mobile phone, passport and some cash.
#Person2#: When did you come to America?
#Person1#: Just a couple of days ago.
#Person2#: Could you recall when and where you lost it?
#Person1#: I have no idea.
#Person2#: OK. I have written it down. Who is your emergency contact person in America?
#Person1#: That is my friend Tim who lives nearby.
#Person2#: OK. We will contact you as soon as we have any clues.

Summary: #Person1# reports to #Person2# that #Person1# lost a purse. #Person2# asks for #Person1#'s emergency contact person to contact her if any clues are found.


#Person1#: Hi, I think I was supposed to call for my test results today.
#Person2#: If you go onto our website and put in your password, you can access your test results.
#Person1#: Are you saying that there weren't any problems?
#Person2#: I will always have you come in for a discussion if there is a major problem.
#Person1#: Will I be able to read the results on the website and understand them?
#Person2#: Yes, if you go there, you can see what each test is about.
#Person1#: How will I know what the numbers mean?
#Person2#: You can see your results and how they compare to the normal range.
#Person1#: How can I see test results from tests I have taken before?
#Person2#: We put all of your test results up in the same place. Just check the dates for what you need.

Summary: #Person1# comes to get #Person1#'s test results. #Person2# advises #Person1# to access to the results on the website and offers guidance about how to read the results.


#Person1#: Can you tell me how to reach the bank,please?
#Person2#: Which bank? There are two: the Allied Irish Bank and the Bank of Ireland.
#Person1#: I have an AIB pass card and I want to get money from the bank.
#Person2#: You need to go to the Allied Irish Bank which is near the local shopping center, Dunnes Stores.
#Person1#: How do I get there? I have no knowledge of this area.
#Person2#: Cross the road and turn left at the other side. Walk a long the footpath until you reach the traffic lights. You will see a shopping center on the right hand side. Walk across the road and turn right after the shopping center. Keep going straight for about 100 metres and the bank is to your left.
#Person1#: It sounds a little bit difficult. How far is it from here?
#Person2#: It's not so difficult. It's about five minutes' walk from here. I can draw a map for you if you wish.
#Person1#: Oh, I would really appreciate that.

Summary: #Person2# shows #Person1# the ways to the Allied Irish Bank. #Person1# feels it's difficult and #Person2# draws a map for #Person1#.


#Person1#: I need help in ordering my office supplies.
#Person2#: You can print out a copy of the Order Supply Form from our company web site and turn in into me. What will you be needing?
#Person1#: I need ink cartridges, staples, and Post-its.
#Person2#: Will you need all of them right away or can some wait?
#Person1#: Some of these can wait but there are a few things that I need right away.
#Person2#: You can only buy supplies that you have a budget for. Do you know what your budget is?
#Person1#: We have plenty of money for office supplies.
#Person2#: You can pick these supplies up or they can be delivered to your building. Which would you prefer?
#Person1#: I want to pick them up.
#Person2#: Well, just finish the request and we will contact you when the supplies come in. Have a good day!
#Person1#: You too!

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# for help in ordering office supplies. #Person1# tells #Person2# what they need and their budget. #Person2# asks #Person1# to finish the request and will contact #Person1# when the supplies come in.


#Person1#: Excuse me. Can you tell me how to find some books on social science?
#Person2#: Sure. You see all these little drawers here and all the way around the walls?
#Person1#: Yes.
#Person2#: These drawers contain cards describing every book in our library. Together they constitute the library's ' card catalog '. You can see that each drawer runs from one part of the alphabet to another. Fox example, this drawer goes from SCA to SCM.
#Person1#: So if I'm looking for a look called A History of Western Society, I'd just look under'A'.
#Person2#: No. You'd look under'W'. The articles'a'and'the'don't count in our alphabetization, and cards are generally omitted for extremely common words and phrases such as'history of', 'introduction to', 'story of'and so forth.
#Person1#: What if I don't know the title of the book?
#Person2#: Well, you can look under the author's name.
#Person1#: Could you give me an example?
#Person2#: Suppose you want to find a book by your professor, William Smith. You'd look under SMITH and then WILLIAM. Since that's very common name, you may have to go through several'William Smith'until you come to the one who wrote book on the subject you are interested in.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# how to find some books on social science from the drawers by the title of the book or the name of the author.


#Person1#: Do you know who's just got married? Old Mc Donald.
#Person2#: Never! He's over 80, isn't he?
#Person1#: He's nearly 90.
#Person2#: Good gracious! Are you sure?
#Person1#: I am. Whatsmore, his wife is 84.
#Person2#: Is she really?
#Person1#: Yes, she is. And guess what, he is her sixth husband.
#Person2#: Really? Quite a woman, isn't she?

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# old Mc Donald has just married an 84-year-old woman.


#Person1#: Excuse me. Could you help me? I'd like to exchange this sweater.
#Person2#: What's the problem with it?
#Person1#: It was a birthday gift, but I don't really like it. I think I want something plainer.
#Person2#: I see . . . Well, why don't you look around?
#Person3#: I like these two, Allen. Try them on.
#Person1#: OK. So, which one do you like?
#Person3#: I like the red one much better than the black one.
#Person1#: Really? How come? I kind of like the black one.
#Person3#: The red one is longer and a little looser so it will be more comfortable.
#Person1#: True . . . and it feels softer.
#Person2#: And that color looks better on you. Actually, it's a better quality and it's the same price as the sweater you're exchanging.
#Person1#: You've talked me into it! I'll take this one instead.
#Person2#: No problem. I'll switch them for you.

Summary: Allen wants to exchange the sweater and she tries the clothes on. #Person3# and #Person2# prefer the red but Allen likes the black. Allen finally switches to the red one.


#Person1#: I decided to go for this kind of life.
#Person2#: Try to keep cool. It's not an easy take.
#Person1#: I know. I always hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
#Person2#: Then you will be in line for a doom.

Summary: #Person2# thinks it's hard for #Person1# to go for this kind of life.


#Person1#: I've got some bad news about the bike you lent me.
#Person2#: What's that?
#Person1#: I fell on the way to school, and your bike got scratched. I'm really sorry.
#Person2#: Don't worry about it. It's not new, it already has a few scratches. Did you get hurt?
#Person1#: No, thank you.
#Person2#: That's the most important thing.
#Person1#: It's kind of you to say. I feel a little stupid.
#Person2#: Forget about it.
#Person1#: When you lent me the bike, it looked brand new, almost anyway.
#Person2#: Maybe, but really I have fallen a couple of times and it's been hit once or twice as well.
#Person1#: I appreciate that, thank you.

Summary: #Person1# apologizes to #Person2# for getting #Person2#'s bike scratched. #Person2# comforts #Person1# for it's not a new bike.


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

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


#Person1#: Ms. Green, are the schools more or less similar everywhere throughout the United States, or do they differ in various sections?
#Person2#: The system of public schools is fairly uniform everywhere throughout the United States.
#Person1#: Do most students in the United States attend private schools or public schools?
#Person2#: Most public schools in the United States are very good, and the majority of students attend the public schools.
#Person1#: Which students go to private schools, then?
#Person2#: Children needing special instruction. Children whose parents can afford to send them to private schools, and children whose parents want them to receive a religious education.
#Person1#: But are the public schools good everywhere?
#Person2#: No, public schools can be very different. Even in the same city.
#Person1#: Dose it cost anything to attend the public schools? Are there any restrictions as to who may and may not attend?
#Person2#: The public schools in the United States are free to everyone and there is no cost to the student. In most states, even the textbooks are free. There are no restrictions as to color, race, or religion. Any student wishing to attend the public schools may do so.

Summary: Ms. Green tells #Person1#, in the US, most students attend public schools and specific types of students go to private schools. The public schools are free to everyone and have no restrictions but can be very different.


#Person1#: Hey Steven! You have a large chunk of money, but why do you still live in the old flat, instead of buying a new villa?
#Person2#: I like to live here and enjoy my neighbors'company. And I don't think I should waste money just because I have much of it.
#Person1#: But I found you always hate to part with your money. Look at the car you drive! You must have droven it for at least twenty years! It's such a junker!
#Person2#: Oh, the car is old but still in good condition. I just think we should be thrifty, whether you are rich or not.
#Person1#: But. . . But. . .
#Person2#: But what? Just remember that thrift is not only a great virtue, but also a great revenue.
#Person1#: I am sorry. Maybe you are right.

Summary: Although being rich, Steven is very thrifty. He tells #Person2# thrift is a good virtue and #Person2# feels sorry for telling Steven what he should do.


#Person1#: Hello, can I help you?
#Person2#: Yes. I'm looking for something to wear to a formal party.
#Person1#: What dress size do you wear?
#Person2#: Medium, a woman's size 10 or 12.
#Person1#: This dress is the latest fashion form Paris. It's made of pure silk. And this silk blouse would go with this skirt. Do you like it?
#Person2#: Yes.
#Person1#: Why don't you try it on and see how you feel about it?
#Person2#: That's a great idea. I'll try it on.
#Person1#: How does that feel?
#Person2#: It feels very good.
#Person1#: You look wonderful.
#Person2#: Okay. I'll take it. Thank you very much.
#Person1#: You're welcome.

Summary: #Person2#'s looking for a dress for a formal party. #Person1# recommends one and #Person2#'ll take it.


#Person1#: Excuse me. Is there any body here?
#Person2#: Yes.
#Person1#: I've finished up all my water. I would kill for a sip of water.
#Person2#: Sure, come on in.
#Person1#: Thank you very much. Are you here alone?
#Person2#: My father and sister are out to photographing. What about you?
#Person1#: I'm a back-packer from America.
#Person2#: What is a back-packer?
#Person1#: It means a hiker who loves traveling around the world.
#Person2#: Cool. You must have been to a lot of places.
#Person1#: Yes, actually almost half of all the countries over the world. I love traveling places.
#Person2#: So cool. I want to be a back-packer when I grow up.
#Person1#: You can do it. But do work hard on your English to make it easier.
#Person2#: I'll try my best.

Summary: #Person1#, a back-packer from America, knocks upon #Person2#'s door for some water. #Person2# thinks #Person1#'s cool and wants to be a back-packer in the future.


#Person1#: My name is Steven Smith and I'm calling to cancel my plane ticket.
#Person2#: When was your reservation?
#Person1#: It's 7 p. m. today.
#Person2#: Would you mind telling me the reason?
#Person1#: I need to continue to deal with my business. I haven't finished it yet.
#Person2#: Oh, I see. Would you like me to reschedule you for another time?
#Person1#: No. Thank you.
#Person2#: But you have to pay the fee for refund.
#Person1#: OK. I will pay it by my bank card.

Summary: #Person2# helps Steven cancel the plane ticket and Steven has to pay the fee for the refund.


#Person1#: Cindy, I have this room to myself?
#Person2#: It's all yours.
#Person1#: It's twice as big as my room in Taiwan!
#Person2#: Well, I hope it's comfortable enough for you.
#Person1#: I think I'm going to like it here.
#Person2#: You have a phone on the bedside table that you can use.
#Person1#: Wow, I have my own bathroom!
#Person2#: Kind of. It leads to my bedroom.
#Person1#: We share the same bathroom, in other words.

Summary: Cindy tells #Person1# the room is all #Person1#'s, but they share the bathroom.


#Person1#: Hello, is that Xiaogang Li who applied for the Solar Studio of our college?
#Person2#: Yes, speaking.
#Person1#: I want to know whether you will come to the interview. So have you accepted offers from other companies?
#Person2#: No, I haven't got one by now. I will go to the interview of yours.

Summary: Xiaogang Li will go to the interview with #Person1#'s company.


#Person1#: I'm quite upset! I want a new room and a refund for tonight.
#Person2#: Forgive me, sir, I haven't been told what the problem is.
#Person1#: I'm about to be swept away by millions of cockroaches!
#Person2#: My apologies, sir. We'll transfer you to a new room at once and give you a full refund.
#Person1#: Thank you. I didn't want to have to take this to court.
#Person2#: Sir, we never want a guest to stay here mad or unhappy.

Summary: #Person1# complains about the cockroaches. #Person2# will give him a new room and a full refund.


#Person1#: Hello, John. How was your French exam yesterday?
#Person2#: Not too good.
#Person1#: Well, the term exam is always more difficult. Work harder, and you'll certainly do better next time.
#Person2#: I've worked hard enough, I think, but unluckily, I have never done well in the exam.
#Person1#: Well, it's no use worrying about the exam now. Let's talk about the football game tonight. It's much more interesting.
#Person2#: Is there a football game on TV tonight?
#Person1#: Yes it's between the Chinese team and the Japanese team.
#Person2#: ... Er I'd rather watch some other programmes.
#Person1#: Why? You're so interested in football.
#Person2#: The Chinese team has always played badly in the important match, just as I have done in the important exam.

Summary: John tells #Person1# he hasn't done his French exam well and they start talking about the football game tonight, but John doesn't want to watch it.


#Person1#: Hi, I'm Benjamin. Nice to meet you here. You look great.
#Person2#: Thank you. Nice to meet you too. I'm John. Is this your first time to take a long-distance trip on plane.
#Person1#: No, this is the second time. But I also feel bad because of the lower pressure and the jet lag.
#Person2#: Oh, I am sorry to hear that. Take it easy. It will be OK soon. You see, I take this long-hour plane frequently, but the jet lag still makes me uneasy.
#Person1#: Oh, that's too bad. Do you get a good knowledge of China?
#Person2#: Yes, whenever I think about China, I'd see the Tian'an Men Square. China is a very beautiful country. And I've seen many landmarks in China but I like the Great Wall most.
#Person1#: All of the Chinese are proud of the Great Wall. And it was built before the In dynasty near Shan Haiguan-the First Pass in the World.
#Person2#: Was it built before the In dynasty? I thought it was in the Ming dynasty.
#Person1#: No, before the In dynasty.
#Person2#: Oh, yeah. Thought I am an American, I know quite a lot about China and I like Chinese tea very well.
#Person1#: Both the green tea and the black tea are good for our health. And I usually refresh myself with a cup of tea.

Summary: A long-hour plane is not easy for both Benjamin and John. And on the plane, they share some good knowledge of China.


#Person1#: Daniel, would you like to have a look at my dorm?
#Person2#: Of course, I'd like to.
#Person1#: It is a small room, just for 4 people.
#Person2#: What is in it?
#Person1#: It only has 4 beds and 4 writing desks, but it is spacious and bright.
#Person2#: Do you get along with your roommates?
#Person1#: Of course. They are very friendly.
#Person2#: Which floor are you on?
#Person1#: We are on the 5th floor, and there's a very nice view from the balcony.
#Person2#: Oh, you can climb the stairs as a workout.
#Person1#: Yes, that's a good idea.
#Person2#: Wow, your roommates are cleaning the room.
#Person1#: Let's give them a hand.

Summary: #Person1# shows Daniel around his dorm and describes its construction. #Person1# proposes to help #Person1#'s roommates clean the room.


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

Summary: #Person2# thinks housing is a big problem and government funds should be used to help homeless people build houses. #Person1# thinks education is the biggest problem. They both think the government should use money efficiently.


#Person1#: Welcome to China, Mr. White.
#Person2#: How do you do, Ms. Chi?
#Person1#: Welcome to this corporation, Mr. White. Won't you please sit down?
#Person2#: Thank you.
#Person1#: Our representative in your country faxed a letter that you showed an interest in some of our products on display at the Oct. Exhibition there. Now we'd like to know if you have any specific requirements in mind.
#Person2#: Yes, we have. I'Ve brought with me a list of the quantity of your products we'd like to import for the second half of this year. Here is a copy of it.
#Person1#: Good. Well, Mr. White, most of the items listed are available this year. I hope we can come to an agreement and sign the contracts soon to enable timely delivery.
#Person2#: I hope so, too. Now I'd like some of your sales literature and a price list for all of your export articles.
#Person1#: Here are our catalog and price list. The catalog lists all the commodities we export, and the price list gives indicative prices for all our export articles.
#Person2#: Thank you, Ms. Chi. What are your normal export terms?
#Person1#: We normally export CFR.
#Person2#: What commission do you usually pay for your exports? As you know, we import on commission basis.
#Person1#: That can be discussed.
#Person2#: All right. When can we meet again for more specific details, Ms. Chi?
#Person1#: What about tomorrow morning at 9? I'll come over to your hotel.
#Person2#: I'll be expecting you, then.

Summary: Mr. White brought a list of the quantities of Ms. Chi's products that they'd like to import for the second half of this year. Then Ms. Chi gives him the catalog and price list and says they normally export CFR. They'll meet tomorrow morning for more specific details.


#Person1#: I have a resume here.
#Person2#: What's your name, please?
#Person1#: David, Chou.
#Person2#: Oh, yes Mr. Chou. We have been looking forward to this.
#Person1#: These are all my personal documents about my education and working experience you asked for. And I have to be off for an important meeting now. If you think I am right for the job, please keep me informed.
#Person2#: Ok, I will call you if you give me your name card.
#Person1#: I am sorry, but I don't have one with me right now.
#Person2#: In that case, just tell me your phone number.
#Person1#: It's 687 3452.

Summary: David Chou gives #Person2# his personal documents about education and work experience. Chou gives #Person2# his phone number for further notice.


#Person1#: Well, the salad's almost ready. How's the beef going? I'm starving.
#Person2#: So am I. The beef looks just about ready. Just one minute ... ow!
#Person1#: What's the matter?
#Person2#: Oh, my finger, I burned my finger!
#Person1#: Oh, wait, I'll get some ice and put it on your finger.
#Person2#: OK.
#Person1#: There.
#Person2#: Ah, ah, much better. The ice really works.
#Person1#: How does it feel?
#Person2#: Oh, I feel good. Thanks. Let's eat.

Summary: #Person2# burned #Person2#'s finger when preparing the beef, and #Person1# puts some ice on #Person2#'s finger.


#Person1#: I have had some really horrible headaches lately.
#Person2#: How long have your headaches been going on?
#Person1#: I get headaches occasionally, but they have been really bad lately.
#Person2#: Any unusual amounts of stress in your life going on right now?
#Person1#: I am getting ready to take my GRE.
#Person2#: Have you been able to sleep regular hours?
#Person1#: It has been hard for me to sleep with a bad headache.
#Person2#: Has anything hit you in the head lately?
#Person1#: I hit my head on a cupboard door a week ago.
#Person2#: Let's have you come back in a few days and see how you feel.

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# about #Person1#'s headache. After knowing the basic information, #Person2# lets #Person1# come back in a few days.


#Person1#: Well, I've got a date. Now I need to find a restaurant. Can you help me?
#Person2#: No problem, of course! How much would you like to spend to impress the lady?
#Person1#: Nothing but the best for a pretty woman!
#Person2#: Sir, the restaurant you seek is right here. This hotel has a three-star restaurant.
#Person1#: Well, I sort of suggested that we would go out on the town. Do you have another suggestion?
#Person2#: Gramercy Tavern is at least as good as our own hotel restaurant. Plus, they have live jazz.
#Person1#: Gramercy Tavern, eh? I think I've heard of that before. Call to get us a table, okay?
#Person2#: Right away, sir. She will be impressed with your local knowledge.

Summary: #Person2# recommends restaurants to #Person1# for dating. #Person1# refuses the idea of staying in the hotel restaurant and prefers Gramercy Tavern.


#Person1#: Jane, what would you do if you were on vacation overseas and lost all your money and credit cards?
#Person2#: Well, I guess I'd probably sell my watch and camera... Or I might get a job as a waitress somewhere till I made enough money to buy a plane ticket to return home.

Summary: Jane tells #Person1# what she would do if she lost all money and cards abroad.


#Person1#: I heard that your previous manager was very capable, he is a good manger.
#Person2#: That's a matter of opinion.
#Person1#: What do you mean?
#Person2#: I worked with him for two years. That was the worst time in my career.

Summary: #Person1# thinks #Person2#'s previous manager was capable, but #Person2# disagrees.


#Person1#: Well, my particular interest is collecting stamps, especially the rare ones. What about you?
#Person2#: I'm afraid that's not my cup of tea. I just find skin-diving attracting.
#Person1#: So have you ever been to the stamp display of the town?

Summary: #Person1# likes collecting stamps, and #Person2# likes skin-driving.


#Person1#: I can't believe my eyes, Bill. Are you having a salad for lunch? No hamburger?
#Person2#: Get used to it, Mary. I'm off hamburgers for good health. Most fast food is loaded with sodium.
#Person1#: I know. But why are you suddenly interested in lessening your salt intake?
#Person2#: My doctor says I should cut back on sodium-rich foods to lower my blood pressure.
#Person1#: Do you have hypertension? I would have thought you were too young.
#Person2#: Actually, my blood pressure isn't that high yet, but they say it increases with age.
#Person1#: Well, I'm glad you're starting to pay more attention to your diet.
#Person2#: I want to lower my risk of heart attack and stroke, too.
#Person1#: So do I. That's why I've been trying to lower my cholesterol level.
#Person2#: I've noticed you've been munching away on lots of fruits and vegetables recently.
#Person1#: That's right. I could stand to lose a few pounds, too.

Summary: Bill and Mary eat some healthy food because they all want to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.


#Person1#: Oh, my God! I've been cheated!
#Person2#: What? What did you buy?
#Person1#: It's a brick! I can't believe how stupid I was. Damn it!
#Person2#: What is it? Why did you buy a brick?
#Person1#: There was a guy on the sidewalk.He had three new boxes, Panasonic video camera boxes.He said he had to get rid of them quick.
#Person2#: And?
#Person1#: So he said he'd sell me one for twenty dollars. A four-hundred-dollar camera for twenty bucks.
#Person2#: And it's a brick?
#Person1#: Yes.
#Person2#: I can't believe how stupid you are. Why didn't you open the box?
#Person1#: I wanted to. But he said, no, the box is still in its plastic wrap from the store.If it's opened, other people won't believe it's new.
#Person2#: So he had the boxes wrapped in plastic.
#Person1#: Yes, it was the kind of perfect plastic wrap that comes with new products.Look, it even had a bar-code price sticker on it! It looked brand new.
#Person2#: But why would a guy be selling new video cameras for twenty dollars?
#Person1#: He said he had to get rid of them. They were stolen.
#Person2#: Aha! Now I understand.You were trying to buy stolen goods on the sidewalk.So, what I think is, you deserve to get cheated!
#Person1#: C'mon, don't blame me! I thought it was a new camera. We could use it.We were even thinking about buying a camera. I don't understand how he could have such a perfect-looking box.
#Person2#: That's no problem.He just has a friend who works in a shop that can do plastic wrap. That's easy.And probably it's the same shop he got the boxes from.Maybe his friend works in an electronics store. They sell video cameras there.Probably they had a couple video camera boxes lying around.So they get the idea of wrapping bricks to sell to fools like you.Twenty dollars a brick. That's a good profit if they can sell enough bricks.
#Person1#: You're right, Sarah. I was a fool. I can't believe it. How could I fall for such a trick?

Summary: #Person1# tells Sarah that #Person1# was cheated into buying a brick as a camera for twenty dollars as the guy claimed that he had to get rid of these stolen cameras. Sarah blames #Person1# for trying to buy stolen goods.


#Person1#: Where did you go yesterday?
#Person2#: I went to play tennis in the public park.
#Person1#: How often do you play tennis?
#Person2#: Twice a week. How about you?
#Person1#: I seldom play tennis. I prefer football and basketball.
#Person2#: But it is very difficult to gather a team of players together.
#Person1#: I usually play with my schoolmates.
#Person2#: Do you like watching football matches?
#Person1#: Yes, I went to the Tian He Sports Center for a football match last Sunday.
#Person2#: Oh, I watched it on television. It was an exciting match.

Summary: #Person2# plays tennis twice a week, while #Person1# prefers football and basketball with #Person1#'s schoolmates.


#Person1#: Hello, Tom, are you free next Sunday?
#Person2#: I think so. Why did you ask that?
#Person1#: I'm going to have my first baby, so I plan to hold a baby shower next Sunday.
#Person2#: Congratulations! Why do people hold parties before the baby is born?
#Person1#: It's the tradition. But baby showers as we know them today were not common until after World Warri.
#Person2#: In any case, I like baby showers, because they allow friends and family to share the joy and excitement of welcoming a new life into the world.
#Person1#: So you will come, won't you?
#Person2#: Of course. I will prepare a good gift for the new arrival.
#Person1#: Thank you very much.

Summary: #Person1# invites Tom to the baby shower next Sunday. Tom will come and prepare a good gift for the new arrival.


#Person1#: Hey, Wen! Welcome to D. C. ! Glad you came out to visit!
#Person2#: Thanks for inviting me. Actually, I've never been anywhere with so many black people before. It's different.
#Person1#: Howard is eighty percent black. But there are whites, and even Asians here. Thankfully, it's also coed.
#Person2#: Great! Is your, too?
#Person1#: Sorry, nope. But the Alpha Phi Alpha's are throwing a party tonight.
#Person2#: That's a black fraternity, right? So we should see some dancing!

Summary: Wen thinks D.C. is different with so many black people. #Person1# invites Wen to a black fraternity party.


#Person1#: Excuse me, I seem to have lost my handbag.
#Person2#: Oh, I see. Well, I'll have to write a report for you. It was a handbag, you say?
#Person1#: That's right.
#Person2#: What's it like, madam?
#Person1#: It's a black one with my drivers license, some bank cards and about $50 in it.
#Person2#: Where did you last have it?
#Person1#: I'm pretty sure I had it when I was in the coffee shop.
#Person2#: When was that?
#Person1#: At about 1:30, I think.
#Person2#: Where did you go after that?
#Person1#: To the shopping mall. I found it missing when I was buying a T-shirt.
#Person2#: OK. I'll call you if there is any good news. Now write down your name, address and phone number.
#Person1#: OK.

Summary: #Person1# lost her handbag. #Person2# asks about the handbags and writes a report for her.


#Person1#: What are you going to have for breakfast?
#Person2#: I just have some cereal each morning.
#Person1#: You're supposed to always have a hearty breakfast.
#Person2#: I don't always have time to make breakfast.
#Person1#: It's easy to make a quick breakfast.
#Person2#: What do you have for breakfast?
#Person1#: When I need to make a quick breakfast, I just make some oatmeal, toast, and OJ.
#Person2#: That's a good idea.
#Person1#: It's not time consuming at all.
#Person2#: It doesn't take much time to make?
#Person1#: Would you like me to make something?
#Person2#: Why don't you make me some oatmeal and toast?

Summary: #Person2# doesn't have time to make breakfast. #Person1# suggests some easy examples and is asked by #Person2# to make some.


#Person1#: What time is our connecting flight?
#Person2#: Let me check. Oh, oh!It's at 3:25.
#Person1#: Wow, that's cutting it close! That means we only have 25 minutes to make the connection! What gate is it at?
#Person2#: It's at... gate 14.
#Person1#: Oh, great! That's at the other end of the terminal!
#Person2#: OK, so here's the plan; When we land, run to gate 14!
#Person1#: I'm be right behind ya!

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# are rushing to catch their connecting flight.


#Person1#: Are you ready to visit grandma in Springfield?
#Person2#: Yes. I just have to get the picture that I drew for her.
#Person1#: Great. Let's put it in this box, so it stays nice and flat.
#Person2#: I used the colored pencils that she got me for my birthday to make it, too! She will be happy about that.
#Person1#: Yes, she will. She loves your artwork! I wish I had time to bake a cake.
#Person2#: She would have liked that. You are the best baker, Mom.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# will visit grandma in Springfield. #Person2# brings the picture #Person2# drew for grandma.


#Person1#: There is a tornado warning on. My mother just told me she heard it on the radio.
#Person2#: What is a tornado warning?
#Person1#: It means that a tornado has been seen somewhere in the area.
#Person2#: Really? In New Berlin?
#Person1#: No. Not necessarily in town. But in southern Wisconsin somewhere. A tornado has been spotted. They have two stages here. This is what is called a tornado watch. That means that the weather conditions are perfect for a tornado.
#Person2#: I understand. They think a tornado might come.
#Person1#: Yes. People should look out, because maybe there will be tornadoes coming. So it's called a watch.
#Person2#: And the second stage is called a tornado warning.
#Person1#: Yes. If a tornado has been spotted, they announce a tornado warning. So if there's a tornado warning on, it means a tornado is out there somewhere.
#Person2#: It's scary.
#Person1#: Well. Tornadoes can be dangerous, it's true. If we hear something like a loud train coming, then we have to go in the basement.
#Person2#: What do you mean a loud train?
#Person1#: That is what tornadoes sound like. They sound like trains. They're very loud.
#Person2#: But if you hear them coming, isn't it already too late?
#Person1#: Maybe. It depends on the tornado. Some can move across the ground at 200 miles an hour. That is very fast. Others aren't so fast.
#Person2#: Have you seen a lot of them?
#Person1#: I've only seen one in my life. I was looking out the window. It was around two miles away. It was very interesting to watch. But it was heading toward my friend's house. So I quickly called them on the phone.
#Person2#: Did it hit their house?
#Person1#: No, it didn't. But they are glad I called them.
#Person2#: What were they doing when you called?
#Person1#: They were all sitting in the living room watching TV. They had no idea a tornado was coming toward their house. If it had hit them, they could have all been killed.
#Person2#: That's terrible. Do many people die in tornadoes?
#Person1#: Not so many really. But a lot of houses are destroyed sometimes.

Summary: #Person1# explains to #Person2# the details about tornados in terms of two stages which are a tornado warning and a tornado watch. #Person1# further explains the sound of tornados and the causes of such sound, as wells as the danger of tornado. Then #Person1# continues expressing the danger of tornado by giving a personal experience of #Person1# encountering a tornado.


#Person1#: You ran the stop sign. May I see your driver's licence, please?
#Person2#: Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see the stop sign at the corner. I didn't mean it.
#Person1#: That doesn't justify your violation. May I see your licence, please?
#Person2#: Oh, sorry, I don't have it on me. Honestly, I forgot it at the house. But I have the insurance policy with me. Here it is.
#Person1#: Well, sir, your insurance looks good, but I still have to write you a ticket.
#Person2#: I understand, officer. I guess it's just not my day today. I will accept the fine.

Summary: #Person1# writes #Person2# a ticket because he ran the stop sign.


#Person1#: May I speak to Mr. Thomas?
#Person2#: Unfortunately, he has left for the day.
#Person1#: I hate to trouble of you. But it is urgent. Please leave this message into him
#Person2#: I'll make sure he gets the message.

Summary: #Person1# leaves a message to Mr. Thomas via #Person2#.


#Person1#: And what seems to be the trouble Miss Lee?
#Person2#: I have a terrible pain in my stomach.
#Person1#: I see, how long is this pain been occuring?
#Person2#: Since late last night.
#Person1#: I see, let me have a look, shall I? And what did you eat yesterday?
#Person2#: We went to an American seafood restaurant and then we went to eat Chinese food, after that we had a lot of Italian things.
#Person1#: Did you throw up or did you have the runs?
#Person2#: Both.
#Person1#: Well, that could be an upset stomach from over eating. Allergic to any drugs?
#Person2#: No.
#Person1#: Alright, take the medicine every 6 hours and stay in bed today.
#Person2#: Thank you doctor.

Summary: Miss Lee has a stomachache. #Person1# asks about her symptoms and thinks she has an upset stomach from overeating.


#Person1#: Good morning.
#Person2#: Good morning. I was wondering if you can help me. I received this notice yesterday afternoon.
#Person1#: Let me see. It's $ 10 for a lost book.
#Person2#: But I'm sure I returned it.
#Person1#: Our records show that you checked it out on September 17 and we have no record of its return.
#Person2#: I remember it was a rainy day and I had to carry it in a plastic bag.
#Person1#: Well, our policy is that, when a book is lost, whoever lost it must pay for it.
#Person2#: I understand. Can we check if the book is here, just in case someone missed it?
#Person1#: Well, I doubt we would make a mistake about this. But you can look on the shelf.
#Person2#: (Pause for two seconds) Aha! Here it is!
#Person1#: Let me see if it is the same copy you borrowed. I'll cheek the number with our records... Well, it is the same copy. We could have missed something. I am awfully sorry.
#Person2#: Don't worry about that.

Summary: #Person2# received a notice of penalty for a lost book, but #Person2#'s sure #Person2# returned the book. #Person2# persuades #Person1# to let #Person2# check the shelf and finds the lost book. #Person1# feels sorry.


#Person1#: Are you sure you know where this bus goes?
#Person2#: It should go to Altadena.
#Person1#: What do you mean it should?
#Person2#: I'm not completely sure if it really does.
#Person1#: Dude, are we on the right bus?
#Person2#: I'm almost positive that this is the right one.
#Person1#: It doesn't look like we're on our way to Altadena.
#Person2#: We have been riding this bus for a long time.
#Person1#: What does that sign say?
#Person2#: I think it says Temple City.
#Person1#: Yup, I'm never trusting you with the bus schedules again.
#Person2#: I'm sorry. But at least we know which bus to catch to get back where we started.
#Person1#: Yeah, at least.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# should go to Altadena but take the wrong bus to Temple City.


#Person1#: My doctor says that I need a blood test.
#Person2#: I can help you with that. Just have a seat and roll up your left sleeve.
#Person1#: What are you taking my blood for?
#Person2#: Your doctor has requested a check of your white blood count.
#Person1#: What information does that give him?
#Person2#: If your white blood cell count is off, it could signal an infection somewhere in your body.
#Person1#: Is a blood test painful?
#Person2#: I am putting a tourniquet on your arm to plump up the vein. It will only feel like a little pin prick.
#Person1#: Oh, my God, that hurts!
#Person2#: That was it! Thank you for coming in today.

Summary: #Person1# needs to do a blood test and #Person2# helps take #Person1#'s blood to check #Person1#'s white blood count. #Person1# thinks it hurts to take blood.


#Person1#: Julia, what time is it?
#Person2#: Eight o'clock. It's time for you to get up and have breakfast.
#Person1#: Oh, my God! I'm going to be late! I have no time to have breakfast now. ( Hurry on his clothes. )
#Person2#: You won't go to work today, Steven, It's Sunday. Come and have breakfast now.
#Person1#: Oh, I have a poor memory now. I haven't had enough sleep lately. I had a bad dream just now.
#Person2#: You have been too tired recently, darling. That's why I didn't wake you up this morning. After breakfast, you can go to sleep again.
#Person1#: Yes. I really need to have a good rest.

Summary: Steven wakes up and thinks he's late for work. Julia tells him it's Sunday and asks him to get more sleep after breakfast.


#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 was caught in the heavy rain so she kept Hans waiting for a long time. Hans understands her.


#Person1#: Hello, excuse me!
#Person2#: Hello! Is there anything I can help you with?
#Person1#: Yes. I wanna know where I can get on the bus going downtown.
#Person2#: Go straight then turn right, and you will see a big bus station there.
#Person1#: Ok, I see. Thank you!
#Person2#: You are welcome!

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# how to get to the bus station.


#Person1#: Joanne, let's not make this divorce any more acrimonious than it already is, okay? Let's just get down to business and start dividing this stuff up fairly, so we can go our separate ways, alright?
#Person2#: Fine with me. I just want to get this over with. It's important we make a clean break. I should have signed a pre-nup.
#Person1#: What was that?
#Person2#: Nothing! Anyway, you're right, there's no reason this has to be nasty. My lawyer tells me you've accepted our alimony proposal and the division of property, as well as the custody agreement- I keep the cat and you get the dog. So that's done. . . finally.
#Person1#: Let's not go there, Joanne! Ok, so let's start with the record collection, I'll take the albums I contributed and you can have your cheesy disco albums back.
#Person2#: Fine, but I'm keeping the antique gramophone as my grandfather gave it to me.
#Person1#: I believe that was a wedding present to both of us, Joanne. And you hardly ever use it!
#Person2#: He's my grandfather, and he never really liked you anyway!
#Person1#: Whatever! Alright, I'll concede the silly gramophone, if you'll agree that I get the silver tea set.
#Person2#: How typical, when are you ever going to use a silver tea set? Fine! I don't want to drag this out any longer than necessary. What's next? What about these old photographs?
#Person1#: Which ones? Let me have a look. Wow, look at that! That brings back memories. . . That?
#Person2#: Our trip to Italy! I remember that day. We were going to visit the Trevi fountain, and we got caught in the rain. . .
#Person1#: . . . and you looked so adorable with your hair all wet. I had to take a picture of you standing there in that little alley, smiling and laughing in the rain. . .
#Person2#: Oh, we really did have fun back then, didn't we?
#Person1#: Oh, Joanne, are we making a big mistake? I know our relationship has been on the rocks for sometime but are you sure we can't reconcile and try again? I still love you.
#Person2#: Oh Jeff! I love you too! I'm so glad we didn't have to decide who keeps the motorcycle.
#Person1#: The motorcycle? But that's mine!

Summary: Joanne and Jeff are making divorce and dividing their stuff. They decide Joanne will have the antique gramophone and Jeff will have the silver tea set. They then find some old photographs which bring back memories and find they still love each other.


#Person1#: Who got ripped off?
#Person2#: Big time! A hacker broke into the company's files and got all her personal information. You really think it's completely safe?
#Person1#: Well, maybe not 100 percent. I did hear about some tricks people use.
#Person2#: Now we're getting to the truth.
#Person1#: There are shills. A shill is someone who bids up the price of their own sale.
#Person2#: See? And I bet that's easy to do online. Everybody's anonymous.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# a person was ripped off by a hacker and they both think the Internet is unsafe.


#Person1#: To get around your difficulty, Mr. Brown, I'd suggest that you reduce your order by half. You can send in an Addi trional order later.
#Person2#: Well, I'll consider the possibility. By the way, when do I open the L / C if I want the goods to be delivered in June?
#Person1#: A month before the time you want the goods to be delivered.
#Person2#: Could you possibly effect shipment more promptly?
#Person1#: Getting the goods ready, making out the documents and booking the shipping space - - all this takes time, you know. You cannot expect us to make delivery in less than a month.
#Person2#: Very well, Mrs. Wang. I'll not reduce my order. I'll take the full quantity you offer. And I'll arrange for the Letter of Credit to be opened in your favor as soon as I get home.
#Person1#: When will that be?
#Person2#: Early next week. In the meantime, I should be very pleased if you would get everything ready. I hope that the goods can dispatched promptly after you get my Letter of Credit.
#Person1#: You can rest assured of that. We'll book you order and inquire for the shipping space now, so that shipment can be effected within two or three weeks of receipt of your L / C.
#Person2#: That'll be fine. I appreciate your cooperation.
#Person1#: Very good. Well, thanks to your cooperation, our discussion has been very pleasant and fruitful. I sincerely hope that the volume of trade between us will be even greater in the future.
#Person2#: By the way, Mrs. Wang, we have a mind to do joint participation with you on Japanese arts and crafts in our market. Would you entertain this proposal?
#Person1#: Well, this is something new. A few of our friends from Europe have also suggested that we participate in joint enterprise with them dealing in some of our goods. We think there are a lot of details to go into.
#Person2#: If you feel our proposal is attractive, it is estimated that business to the extent of over twenty million marks can be done in this manner.
#Person1#: Naturally, I appreciate your efforts in pushing the sale of Japanese arts and crafts. But I'm not in a position to discuss your proposal today. I must first talk to our director, and discuss it with you some other time.
#Person2#: All right. Anyway, I'll be staying here for another two weeks. But I'm looking forward to having something done in this respect.
#Person1#: We'll talk about it next time. Now that everything is settled, let's have a cup of tea, and take our minds off business for a change.

Summary: Mrs. Wang and Mr. Brown are having a pleasant and fruitful business discussion about their cooperation. Mr. Brown says he'll take the full quantity of her offer, and hopes that the goods can be dispatched promptly after she gets his Letter of Credit. Mrs. Wang assures him that the shipment can be effected within two or three weeks of his receipt. They will discuss his proposal for joint participation next time.


#Person1#: Where are you going to play this weekend?
#Person2#: I have not given it much thought. Do you have any good suggestions?
#Person1#: I want to spend two days in the mountains with friends. The city is too noisy. Do you know Tangle Temple?
#Person2#: I have been there. It is in the middle of the mountains. It is not noisy there and you have to be a vegetarian.
#Person1#: Do you want to climb the mountain with us?
#Person2#: Does it have enough lodging?
#Person1#: No problem. The temple is quite large.
#Person2#: There are many ancient pine trees there. It is especially quiet at night. It is wonderful to listen to the monks chanting while listening to the soothing sound of the winds in the pine trees.
#Person1#: I'm getting a little excited now. What clothes should I wear?
#Person2#: Take some thick clothes with you. It is rather cold there at night. If you wear the T-shirt you're wearing now, you will become a'popsicle'.
#Person1#: Anything else I should bring?
#Person2#: If you like taking pictures, you may bring a camera with you.
#Person1#: Needless to say.

Summary: #Person1# is going to spend two days in the mountains with friends and invites #Person2# to climb with them. #Person2# is excited about it and asks #Person1# what to wear and what to bring.


#Person1#: How do you shoot pool?
#Person2#: You have 16 balls on the table, 7 solid colored, 7 striped colored, a black 8 ball, and the white ball.
#Person1#: And?
#Person2#: You hit the white ball with your cue. The white ball hits the colored balls. And you want to get the colored balls into the pockets.
#Person1#: How do you know whether you should hit the solid or the striped one?
#Person2#: At the beginning, it does not matter, but once someone gets one ball in, it is set.
#Person1#: Can I get the black ball in?
#Person2#: The black ball has to be the final ball in the pockets.
#Person1#: Let's go and try now!

Summary: #Person2# introduces the rules of shooting pool to #Person1#. And they are going to try now.


#Person1#: Do you believe in god?
#Person2#: Not at all. I ' m an agnostic. do you?
#Person1#: I ' m not sure. Why don ' t you believe there is a god?
#Person2#: I think everything has a scientific explanation rather than a theological one.
#Person1#: I basically believe in science over theology. I mean, I believe in evolution for example. However, there are many things that science hasn ' t explained yet.
#Person2#: I ' m sure that science will explain everything eventually. I think that the strangest thing about religion is that so many religions people act in ways that their religion claims are wrong.
#Person1#: For example?
#Person2#: Religions preach tolerance, but many wars are caused by intolerant religious fanatics.
#Person1#: Yes. Such people don ' t appear to be acting in accordance with their religious beliefs.

Summary: #Person2# is agnostic, while #Person1# basically believes in science over theology. They think many religions people don't appear to be acting in accordance with their religious beliefs.


#Person1#: Is it possible that I have a business trip abroad and work in American once in a while?
#Person2#: Yes. We are a foreign-invested company and there are many chances to go abroad.
#Person1#: Is there any training program for the employees to make a further study?
#Person2#: Sure. We attach great importance to the all-round development of the staff, and the development of individuals will motivate them to work more diligently and efficiently.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# about chances of going abroad and the training program for their employees.


#Person1#: Hello, Steven. How do you get along with your job?
#Person2#: Actually, I learn many things from it. I find that I am a quick learner in new things.
#Person1#: Practice makes perfect. By the way, what do you learn from your job?
#Person2#: At first I didn't know anything about the machine. Now I know how to operate it. Besides, the work gives me a sense of fulfillment and achievement.
#Person1#: Yeah, you are a good learner. I must commend you for your good performance.
#Person2#: Thank you. That's a long way to go for my job.
#Person1#: I appreciate your effort very much. The coffee break is over ; it's about time we set to work.
#Person2#: OK, let's go.

Summary: Steven tells #Person1# he learns many things and gets a sense of fulfillment and achievement from his job.


#Person1#: Oh, my god! I look so old. I look as if I were 40. I think it's time for some plastic surgeries. I'm tired of these wrinkles and sagging skin.
#Person2#: I don't see any wrinkles or sagging skin! You'd better stop being so ridiculous.
#Person1#: Anyway I think I need a nose job and some breast implants as well.
#Person2#: I think you need to get a brain surgery. Honestly speaking, you look charming.
#Person1#: I know what you mean. I just want to make myself more attractive.
#Person2#: You are fine the way you are. Besides, plastic surgery hurts.
#Person1#: Really?
#Person2#: Sure it is. So you'd better get rid of this idea.

Summary: #Person1# wants to have plastic surgeries because #Person1# thinks #Person1# looks old. #Person2# prevents #Person1# to do that.


#Person1#: He's here. Bye Dad.
#Person2#: Wait, wait, wait ... Where are you going?
#Person1#: Dad. I've already told mom. I'm going out tonight.
#Person2#: Who with? You mean you're going on a date?
#Person1#: Yeah. Mom met Dirk yesterday. [Dirk!?] He's sooo cool. We're going on a double-date with Cindy and Evan.
#Person2#: Dirk.
#Person1#: I have to go.
#Person2#: Wait, wait. I want to meet this guy.
#Person1#: He's waiting for me.
#Person2#: Well, so what are you going to do tonight? Going to the library?
#Person1#: Dad! We're going out to eat, and then we're going to catch a movie.
#Person2#: What movie and what is it rated?
#Person1#: It's a science fiction thriller called ... well, I don't know what it is called, but it's rated PG.
#Person2#: And where's the movie showing?
#Person1#: Down at the Campus Plaza Movie Theater.
#Person2#: Hey, I was thinking about seeing a movie down there tonight, too.
#Person1#: Ah, Dad.
#Person2#: Hey, Let me meet that guy. [Father looks out the living room window] ... Hey, that guy has a moustache!
#Person1#: Dad. That's not Dirk. That's his older brother. He's taking us there! Can I go now?
#Person2#: Well ...
#Person1#: Mom said I could, and mom knows his parents.
#Person2#: Well ...
#Person1#: Dad.
#Person2#: Okay, but be home by 8:00.
#Person1#: Eight!? The movie doesn't start until 7:30. Come on, Dad.
#Person2#: Okay. Be back by 11:00.
#Person1#: Love you, Dad.
#Person2#: Love you, too.
#Person1#: Bye.
#Person2#: Bye.

Summary: #Person1# is going out with Dirk tonight and tells her Dad they will go out to eat and catch a movie. #Person1#'s dad asks #Person1# to be back by 11:00, and #Person1# agrees.


#Person1#: Oh, God. It's late. I'm afraid I have to leave.
#Person2#: But you just got here. Can't you stay a little longer and have some tea?
#Person1#: That's very kind of you. But if I don't go now I'll miss the last bus.
#Person2#: That's too bad.
#Person1#: Thank you for your hospitality.
#Person2#: Thanks for coming.
#Person1#: How about next time we meet at my place? And I'll treat you to Chinese food. I know how much you like it. We can order in and watch video too. Anything you like, I promise.
#Person2#: Great idea. I'm looking forward to it. See you then.
#Person1#: Well. I really do have to go.
#Person2#: Good night then.
#Person1#: See you tomorrow.

Summary: #Person2# asks #Person1# to stay a little longer, but #Person1# has to leave. #Person1# suggests meeting at #Person1#'s place next time.


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

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


#Person1#: What kind of jobs are becoming popular in your country?
#Person2#: As in many countries, there's been a big growth in anything related to computers. Young people are attracted to that field in particular. There's also been a big growth in education.
#Person1#: There's been a growth in that field in my country too. A lot of people want to learn practical and professional skills.
#Person2#: The interesting thing is that many of the teachers are not actually trained teachers. They are usually professionals who are taking a break from their jobs to pass on skills to others.
#Person1#: I noticed that too. What are the people learning?
#Person2#: In my country, they are usually studying something business-related, such as marketing, management techniques, and human resource management.
#Person1#: I think that jobs in the leisure industry will become more popular in the future.
#Person2#: That trend has already begun in my country. In particular, there's a big demand for people to work in fitness centers. Which kinds of jobs are less in demand?
#Person1#: Those in traditional fields, such as agriculture and heavy industry. Younger people are not interested in doing those jobs and other countries have industries that can produce things much cheaper.
#Person2#: Yes. My country is certainly expanding in the service and hi-tech sectors, but contracting in the heavy industry and primary industry sectors. However, our car and aircraft manufacturers are doing very well.
#Person1#: They are well known for high quality, that's why.

Summary: There is growth in computers and education in #Person1#'s and #Person2#'s countries. In #Person2#'s country, people usually study business-related things, and service and hi-tech sectors are expanding. #Person1# thinks the leisure industry will become popular and younger people are not interested in traditional fields.


#Person1#: What's good today?
#Person2#: The salmon is good toady, it's very fresh.
#Person1#: How is it done?
#Person2#: It's cooked with lemon and savored with rice.
#Person1#: Sound nice, I will try it.
#Person2#: You're meal also include soup and salad.
#Person1#: What's the soup of the day?
#Person2#: French onion soup, sir, what dressing would you like for your salad?
#Person1#: Thousand Island, please.

Summary: #Person2# orders salmon, salad and French onion soup with #Person1#'s assistance.


#Person1#: Are you travelling in America?
#Person2#: No, I am on business. I will spend half a month for the business.
#Person1#: What do you do?
#Person2#: I am currently working in a foreign company as a salesman.
#Person1#: I know all the tricks of the trade. It is quite tiring and difficult to be promoted.
#Person2#: Maybe. But it provides much wider space for me to improve the skills and increase the experience. What about you?
#Person1#: I am a reporter at a TV station.
#Person2#: Do you like your job?
#Person1#: Yes, I have good working conditions and I would require a salary at least 15, 000 $ a year.
#Person2#: Which kind of news do you catch?
#Person1#: I report the social news which means I always interview the citizens of various professions and trades.
#Person2#: Are you feel tired?
#Person1#: Sometimes. News happened out of expectation. Sometimes I have to get up in the early morning while I can't sleep for editing and interviewing.
#Person2#: You have to experience this if you want to be an extraordinary reporter.
#Person1#: That's right. I am still wet behind the ears.

Summary: #Person1# and #Person2# ask each other's occupation. #Person1# is a salesman in a foreign company and #Person2# is a reporter at a TV station.


#Person1#: Can you tell me what the unit price of such carpet is?
#Person2#: Of course, here is the catalogue and the price list. You can have a look. We also have many other kinds of carpets.
#Person1#: The price seems acceptable for me. But I want to check whether you can supply the carpets now if we order some?
#Person2#: Of course we can. We can provide the quantity you ask for.
#Person1#: That's very good. Shall we sign a contract now?
#Person2#: No problem. Let's check the terms of contract.

Summary: #Person1# accepts the carpet's price. #Person2# has the supply from stock, so They sign a contract.


#Person1#: How do you do, Mr. Smith ? This is Lili. I'm calling to thank you for the wonderful dinner we had yesterday . I enjoyed it very much.
#Person2#: You're welcome. I'd like you to join us for dinner again sometime.
#Person1#: Thank you, Mr. Smith. I'm returning to China today.
#Person2#: Today?
#Person1#: Yes. I appreciate all help and in particular, all the time that you've spent on my account during my stay here.
#Person2#: Don't mention it. I am pleased to help you.
#Person1#: If there's anything that I can help you in the future, please let me know.
#Person2#: I'll do that. Thank you. Have a safe trip home.

Summary: Lili phones Mr. Smith to tell him she's returning to China today and expresses her gratitude for the dinner and his help.


#Person1#: Where are you going to take your vacation?
#Person2#: Hawaii.
#Person1#: That sounds like a great place to visit. Is your family going?
#Person2#: Yes, we plan to go mountain climbing, fishing, swimming and windsurfing. But most of all we are planning to relax. My wife is taking a whole bunch of books to read.
#Person1#: Your children must all be excited about it.
#Person2#: Yes, they are. They're counting the days. Are you going to Europe again this summer?
#Person1#: No, not this time. We're going to visit some old friends in Egypt.

Summary: #Person2# will go to Hawaii with #Person2#'s family and invites #Person1# to go together. #Person1# refuses.


#Person1#: Do you remember Sally Green, the swimming star? She was the girl who broke all the records at last Olympics. Where is she now? Last week our reporter Tom Parker went to see Sally in her home, California.
#Person2#: Is it true that you don't swim at all now?
#Person1#: I'm afraid so. I'm too old.
#Person2#: But you are only 20.
#Person1#: That's too old for a swimmer. If I swim in an international competition now, I wouldn't win. So I'd rather not swim at all.
#Person2#: But don't you enjoy swimming?
#Person1#: I used to when I was still small. But if you enter for big competitions, you have to work very hard. I used to get up at 6:00 AM to go to the pool. I had to train before school, after school, and at weekends. I swam 35 miles every week.
#Person2#: But you were famous at 15. And look at all these cups.
#Person1#: It's true that I have some wonderful memories. I enjoyed visiting other countries and the Olympics were very exciting, but I missed more important things. While other girls were growing up, I was swimming. What can I do?

Summary: Sally Green, a swimming star, says she doesn't swim at all now because she's 20 and it's too old for a swimmer.


#Person1#: Do you have to leave soon?
#Person2#: No. Actually I can stay longer. Dave called to say that there is a beautiful Chinese girl who's going to pick me up at the school gate tonight at ten thirty instead of eight thirty.
#Person1#: Oh, that's better. So you don't have to rush.
#Person2#: Yeah. You know what Dave just said?
#Person1#: What?
#Person2#: He said I should put on something very nice, because this girl will be my next target.
#Person1#: He knows you very well.
#Person2#: He always makes fun of me. He always says things like that. You know the new coming teacher, a Chinese Canadian. He said she would really be my chance.
#Person1#: I'm sure you have chances everywhere. You're handsome, talkative, and got a sense of humor. You must be very popular.
#Person2#: No, you're kidding. I'm not taking it seriously.

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# that Dave told him a beautiful girl who might be his next target will pick him up tonight. #Person1# admires #Person2# and thinks #Person2# must be very popular.


#Person1#: Hello. I need a room for two days from June 3 to 4. Do you have any spare room?
#Person2#: Sorry, sir. We are fully booked on that day. But we do have rooms on June 5 and 6.
#Person1#: OK. I book a single room for the two days.

Summary: #Person2# helps #Person1# book a single room for two days.


#Person1#: Excuse me, is this the way to the Great Wall?
#Person2#: Oh, it is really far from here. You're going in the wrong direction actually.
#Person1#: I must have taken a wrong turn.
#Person2#: It doesn't matter. Go back the way you came. After about five kilometers, you'll see a hotel on the side of the road. It's a big one. You can't miss it.
#Person1#: And then?
#Person2#: Take the next right. Drive about one click further, and you'll see the entrance of the highway to the Great Wall.
#Person1#: Thanks a lot.
#Person2#: You're welcome.
#Person1#: By the way, how long does it take?
#Person2#: Without traffic, it takes about an hour.
#Person1#: I heard the Great Wall closes early in the afternoon. Do you think I can make it before closing?
#Person2#: Yes, I think so. It doesn't close until 5 o'clock. You still have plenty of time.
#Person1#: Great! Thank you!
#Person2#: My pleasure, and have a good time!

Summary: #Person2# tells #Person1# how to drive to the Great Wall. #Person2# says it may take about an hour and #Person1# should be able to get there before it closes.


#Person1#: I am really impressed with your presentation skills.
#Person2#: Thank you. I have been working on it for several years.
#Person1#: Well, your time has been well spent!
#Person2#: It also helps that I have strong team members, such as yourself. You really know your stuff!
#Person1#: Thanks, but I have to admit I am really good at bluffing!

Summary: #Person1# prizes #Person2#'s presentation skills, and #Person2# thanks team members' help.


#Person1#: Hello Mrs. Parker, how have you been?
#Person2#: Hello Dr. Peters. Just fine thank you. Ricky and I are here for his vaccines.
#Person1#: Very well. Let's see, according to his vaccination record, Ricky has received his Polio, Tetanus and Hepatitis B shots. He is 14 months old, so he is due for Hepatitis A, Chickenpox and Measles shots.
#Person2#: What about Rubella and Mumps?
#Person1#: Well, I can only give him these for now, and after a couple of weeks I can administer the rest.
#Person2#: OK, great. Doctor, I think I also may need a Tetanus booster. Last time I got it was maybe fifteen years ago!
#Person1#: We will check our records and I'll have the nurse administer and the booster as well. Now, please hold Ricky's arm tight, this may sting a little.

Summary: Mrs Parker takes Ricky for his vaccines. Dr. Peters checks the record and then gives Ricky a vaccine.


#Person1#: What arrangement will you make about payment?
#Person2#: We shall open an irrevocable L / C to cover our shipment from Shanghai to Hamburg. Is it at sight or after sight?
#Person1#: At sight of course.
#Person2#: Some customers demand that 80 % of the credit amount be paid at sight, and the rest be paid after the machines are proved satisfactory on trial.
#Person1#: I am afraid that can't be done. We have never done business on such terms.
#Person2#: But such terms are quite common in the machinery trade. Other suppliers are offering better terms. Some even allow payment 60days after sight.
#Person1#: We ask for full payment at sight, because we guarantee 90 % mechanical efficiency for all our products. You don't have the same guarantee from other suppliers. The usual percentage is around 85.
#Person2#: That's true. I'm eager to know if you could send some fitters to ensure good operation.
#Person1#: Yes. We usually send technicians abroad to offer after-sales service to our customers.
#Person2#: If you send fitters along with the machines to ensure that all the machines run properly, and if you provide after-sales service, we agree to make the payment in full.
#Person1#: Thank you. I am glad we have come to an agreement at last.

Summary: #Person2#'s customers demand that 80% of the credit amount be paid at sight and the rest be paid after, but #Person1# asks for full payment at sight and sends fitters to ensure machines' efficiency. #Person2# agrees.


#Person1#: Can I make a reservation?
#Person2#: Yes, sir. For what time?
#Person1#: 7 o'clock tonight and there will be 5 persons.
#Person2#: OK, sir. Five persons at 7:00.
#Person1#: Do you have a VIP room?
#Person2#: Sorry, sir. We have only tables in the main dinning room left.

Summary: #Person1# asks #Person2# to help reserve a VIP room but there is none left.


#Person1#: Did you know that our host family is looking for a new roommate to live here with us?
#Person2#: No, I didn't.
#Person1#: I love meeting new people all the time, but living under the same roof and meeting new people are different matters.
#Person2#: Yes, you're right, so what kind of person would you like as a roommate?
#Person1#: Well, first of all, someone who is clean, and not so noisy.
#Person2#: What exactly do you mean by a clean person?
#Person1#: Well, you know, we're going to share the bathroom and kitchen. When I was living in Wimbledon before. I had a bad experience with people who couldn't clean up after themselves. What about you?
#Person2#: Well, a student from abroad might be interesting, like an American or a Chinese student. I think it would be a good chance to make an international friend.
#Person1#: That's true. Well, I hope our host will find a nice person to be our roommate.

Summary: #Person1# tells #Person2# their host family is looking for a new roommate for them. #Person1# prefers a clean person, while #Person2# prefers a student from abroad.


#Person1#: Did a lot of people attend the lecture?
#Person2#: Well, yes and no.
#Person1#: What do you mean?
#Person2#: You see, the classroom was quite full at the beginning. Almost all the seats were occupied. But after the short rest, almost one-third of the audience left.
#Person1#: Terrible! That was a very rude thing. I should have been there. I had told the students to behave themselves. I do hope Professor Black was not angry.
#Person2#: What do you mean? He wasn't even there.
#Person1#: What? Professor Black did not come?
#Person2#: No, his lecture is Thursday next week, not this Thursday.
#Person1#: Oh, yes, of course. How silly of me!

Summary: #Person1# feels terrible knowing one-third of the students left during the class, then #Person2# says it's because the lecture isn't today.


#Person1#: Hello, Tony. Fancy meeting you here. How are things going with you?
#Person2#: Not too bad, thanks. And you?
#Person1#: Pretty good! How are your parents these days?
#Person2#: Oh, they are fine. They are enjoying their retirement.
#Person1#: Oh, good. That's nice to hear. Well, I am going to a football match. I need to go.
#Person2#: Say hi to your family for me.
#Person1#: Thanks, I will, byebye!

Summary: Tony and #Person1# greet each other. #Person1# is going to a football match.


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

Summary: Mr. Snow tells #Person1# about the attack he encountered yesterday and how he broke his leg.


#Person1#: Hello. I bought a China dress in your shop this morning.
#Person2#: Yes?
#Person1#: I bought it one size up by mistake.
#Person2#: Oh, did you?
#Person1#: I wonder if you can change it to one size down.
#Person2#: Yes, of course. Will you come with the receipt?
#Person1#: Then I'll come to your place later in the evening, and how late is your shop open?
#Person2#: Until 8 o'clock, ma'am. We are looking forward to seeing you.

Summary: #Person1# bought a China dress with one size up by mistake at #Person2#'s shop. #Person1# wants to change it.


#Person1#: Have you run into your cousin Jimmy lately?
#Person2#: As a matter of fact,I have. I ran into him just the other day.
#Person1#: How's he doing?
#Person2#: Not too well. He had to have four teeth pulled last week.
#Person1#: He did?That's too bad!
#Person2#: I think so,too.
#Person1#: Next time you see him,please tell him I'm thinking of him.
#Person2#: I'll be sure to do that.

Summary: #Person2#'s cousin, Jimmy, had four teeth pulled, and #Person1# misses him.


#Person1#: hey, the new SOHO. How's everything going?
#Person2#: everything's great. I've just returned from my office.
#Person1#: your office? Aren't you a freelancer?
#Person2#: sure I am. I work for myself, but I've rented a virtual office at an office building in the downtown area.
#Person1#: a virtual office?
#Person2#: yeah, an office that runs efficiently by using nothing other than online communication technologies. I pay the rent and share office services with others in the same building.
#Person1#: what kind of services do they offer?
#Person2#: a separated office, internet access, phone services, fax services, mail & courier services, and almost everything you have in a conventional office.
#Person1#: sounds fun. what else?
#Person2#: I get a business address at an expensive location, and I can share the receptionist and secretary with other offices in the same floor.
#Person1#: oh, that helps a lot to promote your corporate image.
#Person2#: you bet it!

Summary: #Person2# has rented a virtual office and introduces its benefits to #Person1#. It has almost everything in a conventional office and helps to promote the corporate image.