Easy Conversation

I.
Daily Life
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
1.
I Live in Pasadena
Where do you live?
I live in Pasadena.
Where is Pasadena?
Its in California.
Is it in northern California?
No. Its in southern California.
Is Pasadena a big city?
Its pretty big.
How big is pretty big?
It has about 140,000 people.
How big is Los Angeles?
It has about 3 million people.
2.
I Have a Honda
A: Do you have a car?

B: Yes, I do.
A: What kind of car do you have?
B: I have a Honda.
A: Is it new?
B: It was new in 2003.
A: So, its pretty old now.
B: Yes, it is. But it still looks good.
A: Do you take good care of it?
B: Oh, yes. I wash it once a week.
A: Do you change the oil?
B: My mechanic changes the oil twice a
year.
3.
Do You Have a Girlfriend?
A: Do you have a girlfriend?

B: No, I dont. Do you?
A: I dont have a girlfriend, either.
B: Why not?
A: I dont know. Maybe Im not rich
enough.
B: Girls like guys with money.
A: They sure do.
B: They like guys with new cars.
A: I dont have money or a new car.
B: Me, neither.
A: But girls like guys who are funny.

B: Maybe we should learn some good
jokes.
4.
Walking the Dog
A: Where are you going?
B: I have to walk the dog.
A: What kind of dog do you have?
B: I have a little poodle.
A: Poodles bark a lot.
B: They sure do.
A: They bark at everything.
B: They never shut up.
A: Why did you get a poodle?
B: Its my moms dog.
A: So she likes poodles.
B: She says theyre good watchdogs.
5.
Borrowing Money
A: Can I borrow $5?

B: Sure. Why do you need it?
A: I want to buy lunch.
B: Wheres your money?
A: Its not in my wallet.
B: Your wallet is empty?
A: I dont have even one dollar in it.
B: Being broke is no fun.
A: Even if its only for a short while.
B: Its always good to have friends.
A: Friends will lend you money when
youre broke.
B: As long as you pay them back.
6.
Going to the Beach
A: Lets go to the beach.
B: Thats a great idea.
A: We havent been in a while.
B: We havent been in a month.
A: The last time we went, you almost
drowned.
B: No, I didnt.
A: Then why did the lifeguard dive into
the water?
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
I think he wanted to cool off.

He swam right up to you.
And then he turned right around.
Maybe youre right.
Maybe we should get going.
7.
My Wife Left Me
A: Are you married?

B: No. Im divorced.
A: When did you get divorced?
B: I got divorced two years ago.
A: Why did you get divorced?
B: My wife left me.
A: Why did she leave you?
B: She said she didnt love me
anymore.
A: Wow! Thats terrible.
B: Yes, it was.
A: Why didnt she love you anymore?
B: She fell in love with my best friend.
8.
Whats on TV?
A: Im bored.
B: Whats on TV?
A: Nothing.
B: There must be something on TV!
A: Nothing thats interesting.
B: What about that new game show?
A: Which one?
B: "Deal or No Deal"
A: Tell me youre joking.
B: I love that show.
A: I watched it once. That was enough.
B: Its on right now. Lets watch it
together.
9.
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
A Nice Place to Live
I like living here.

I agree. Pasadena is a nice city.
Its not too big.
And its not too small.
It has great weather all year long.
B: It has the Rose Parade.

A: It has beautiful houses.
B: It has wonderful restaurants.
A: It has great schools.
B: Its close to the mountains.
A: The people are friendly.
B: Im not ever going to leave.
10.
The New Mattress
A: We need a new mattress.

B: Whats the matter with this one?
A: Its not comfortable.
B: It seems fine to me.
A: I toss and turn all night.
B: You should stop drinking coffee.
A: Look at these marks on my arms.
B: What are they?
A: They are bites.
B: Did the cat bite you?
A: No. The bedbugs in that mattress bit
me.
B: Okay. Lets get a new mattress.
11.
My Laptop Is So Slow
A: My laptop is so slow.
B: Buy a new one.
A: I would if I had the money.
B: Why is it so slow?
A: Thats a good question.
B: Did you take it to a computer shop?
A: I would if I had the money.
B: Well, I guess you have to live with it.
A: Sometimes I want to throw it out the
window.
B: You dont want to do that.
A: Why not?
B: You might hit someone in the head.
12.
How about a Pizza?
A: Whats for dinner?

B: Im not sure.
A: How about a pizza?

B: You had pizza for lunch.
A: But I love pizza.
B: Everybody loves pizza.
A: So why cant I have pizza for dinner?
B: Because you need variety.
A: Whats variety?
B: Different thingsnot the same thing
all the time.
A: You mean, like a pepperoni pizza
instead of a cheese pizza?
B: No, I mean a salad instead of a pizza.
13.
The New House
A: We need to save money.

B: Why do we need to save money?
A: Because we need to buy a house.
B: But a house is so expensive.
A: Thats why we need to save money.
B: How much do we need to save?
A: We need to save enough for a down
payment.
B: How much is that?
A: Thats about $30,000.
B: Thirty thousand dollars! That will
take forever.
A: Not if we save every penny.
B: Okay. Heres seven pennies.
14. Fish Are Everywhere
A: The ocean is so big.
B: You cant see the end of it.
A: It goes on and on forever.
B: And its deep, too.
A: I think its five miles deep.
B: Are there fish at the bottom?
A: There are fish at the top and the
bottom.
B: Are there more fish or more people?
A: I think there are more fish.
B: I hope so. I love to eat fish.
15.
A Bad Boyfriend
A: Im upset with my mom.

B: Why is that?
A: I warned her about her new
boyfriend. She didnt listen to me.
B: What happened?
A: I gave her $1,000 for her birthday. I
told her to spend it on herself.
B: That was very nice of you.
A: I found out that she gave it to her
new boyfriend.
B: Why did she do that?
A: He said he would buy her a nice ring.
B: Whats wrong with that?
A: He went to Las Vegas. He lost it all
gambling.
B: I hope your mom broke up with him.
16.
Talking Animals
A: Do animals talk to each other?

B: Of course they talk to each other.
A: What do they talk about?
B: They talk about other animals.
A: What else do they talk about?
B: They talk about food and the
weather.
A: Do they talk about us?
B: Of course they talk about us.
A: What do they say about us?
B: They say that we are funny-looking.
A: Ha! Were not funny-looking; animals
are funny-looking.
B: Were funny-looking because we
wear clothes.
17.
Housecleaning Day
A: I have to clean the house.

B: Yes, its very dirty.
A: You can help me.
B: Why me?
A: Because you helped make it dirty.
B: What do you want me to do?
A: I want you to clean the bathroom.
B: Oh, thats easy.

A: Clean the sink, the tub, the counter,
and the toilet.
B: Thats a lot of work.
A: Tell me when you finish.
B: I dont think so. Youll just give me
more work.
18. A TV Lover
A: Youre watching too much TV.
B: What do you mean?
A: I mean youre wasting your life.
B: Im having fun.
A: Youre sitting there with your mouth
open.
B: Who cares?
A: I care. Do something.
B: Okay. I did something.
A: What did you do?
B: I turned up the volume.
A: Thats not what I meant by do
something.?
B: Will you do something? Leave me
alone.
19.
Write to Your Grandma
A: Did you write a letter to grandma?

B: Yes, I did.
A: Did you tell her about school?
B: I told her that school is fun.
A: Did you put the letter in an
envelope?
B: Yes, and I sealed the envelope.
A: Did you put a stamp on the
envelope?
B: I couldnt find any stamps.
A: Theyre in the kitchen drawer.
B: Okay. I just put a stamp on the
envelope.
A: Give me the envelope, and Ill mail it
for you.
B: When is grandma going to learn

about e-mail?
20. Are You Sleepy?
A: Why are you yawning?
B: Im sleepy.
A: Why dont you go to bed?
B: I want to watch this TV show.
A: Maybe you should record it.
B: The tape recorder is broken.
A: Then you should watch the rerun.
B: Why? Im watching the original.
A: But youll be asleep in about one
minute.
B: Im just yawning because the
commercials are on.
A: Okay. Ill tell you how the show ends.
B: Zzz.
21.God Is Watching
A: Its Sunday.
B: So?
A: You know what that means.
B: I forgot.
A: Sunday means we go to church.
B: Oh, yeah.
A: Put on a coat and tie.
B: Why?
A: To show respect to God and others.
B: Im glad Sunday is only once a week.
A: I hope God didnt hear that.
B: Hell forgive me.
22.Feed the Cat
A: Did you feed the cat?
B: Ill do that in a minute.
A: The cat is meowing. Hes hungry.
B: Okay. Ill feed him right now.
A: You shouldnt make him wait.
B: I was doing my homework.
A: The cat doesnt care about your
homework.
B: The cat doesnt care about anything.
4
A:
B:
A:
B:
Thats the way cats are.

All they think about is themselves.
Maybe we should get rid of him.
Of course not! Hes family.
23.Shave Your Face

A: I hate shaving.
B: Me too.
A: I just cut myself again.
B: Did you use a new blade?
A: It doesnt matter. Old blades cut, new
blades cut.
B: Maybe you should use an electric
shaver.
A: They make a lot of noise, but they
dont give a close shave.
B: Maybe you should stop shaving.
A: And grow a beard?
B: Sure. Why not?
A: Because food and other stuff sticks in
my beard.
B: Hmm. Heres an idea. Put cream on
your face and have the cat lick it off.
24.Two Polite People
A: Excuse me.
B: Yes?
A: Are you reading this paper?
B: Oh, no. Help yourself.
A: I asked because the paper is sitting
next to you.
B: Thank you. Thats polite of you to
ask.
A: Some people would just pick it up.
B: Yes, I know. Some people are rude.
A: I always try to be polite.
B: So do I.
A: The world needs more polite people
like us.
B: I agree 100 percent.
25. Give Me a Puppy
A: Mom, I want a puppy.
B: Let me think about it.
A: Why do you have to think about it?

B: Because a puppy costs money.
A: No, it doesnt. Puppies are free.
B: Yes, but a puppy needs shots.
A: Shots for what?
B: So it wont get sick. Just like you get
shots.
A: I hate shots.
B: And a puppy eats food. Food costs
money.
A: No problem. Ill give him food off my
plate.
B: Oh, no you dont. Puppies dont eat
vegetables.
26. Kittens to Give Away
A: Look at all these kittens!
B: How many are there?
A: Eight.
B: Theyre all so cute.
A: Yes, but I cant keep them.
B: What are you going to do with
them?
A: Im going to give them away. Do you
want one?
B: Yes, I would love one.
A: Which one do you want?
B: That one. The one thats all black.
A: Yes, I like that one, too.
B: Ill call him Blacky.
27. Happy in Heaven
A: My parents go to church every
Sunday.
B: They trust in God.
A: They hope they will go to heaven.
B: They probably will.
A: But no one knows for sure.
B: Thats for sure.
A: No one knows what happens after
we die.
B: If we are good, we will be happy in
heaven with God.
A: Thats what many people believe.

B: If we are bad, we will be unhappy
forever in hell.
A: I dont want to go to hell.
B: Lets go to church with your parents
on Sunday.
28. His Line Is Never Busy
A: My husband died.
B: Im sorry for you.
A: Thank you.
B: When did he die?
A: A couple of months ago.
B: You still miss him.
A: Yes, but I talk to him almost every
day.
B: When you go to church?
A: No, when I call him on his cell
phone.
A: I buried him with his cell phone.
B: What will you do when the battery
dies?
29. Friday the 13th
A: Today is Friday the thirteenth.
B: Thats a bad day.
A: Its supposed to be unlucky.
B: Youre supposed to stay home all
day.
A: Thats what I do.
B: My friend stayed in a hotel on Friday
the thirteenth.
A: That was a mistake.
B: He stayed on the thirteenth floor.
A: What happened?
B: Someone stole his laptop.
A: He was asking for it.
B: He learned his lesson. Hes home
today.
30. Do You Love Me?
A: Do you really love me?

B: Of course.
A: Prove it.
B: How can I prove it?
A: Take me to dinner.
B: Thats it? Thats all I have to do?
A: Take me to a nice restaurant, not to
McDonalds.
B: But a nice restaurant costs money.
A: Yes, and you have to make a
reservation.
B: Thats such a hassle.
A: I knew you didnt love me.
B: Okay, okay! Ill make a reservation
right now.
31. Dad Has a Girlfriend
A: My parents are divorced.
B: So are mine.
A: Why did your parents get divorced?
B: My father found a new girlfriend.
A: Thats too bad.
B: My mother was hurt and angry.
A: She had good reason. What did she
do?
B: She told him to drop his girlfriend.
A: What did your father do?
B: He moved out of our house.
A: I guess he really liked his new
girlfriend.
B: Yes, but she left him a year later.
32. Whats That Smell?
A: My grandmas apartment smells
funny.
B: So does mine.
A: I think its an old peoples smell.
B: Really?
A: Yes. I think when you get old, you
begin to smell.
B: Like fruit that is too ripe?
A: Yes, just like fruit that is too ripe.
B: But the smell is different.
A: Yes, old people dont smell like fruit.

B: No, they smell like a thrift shop.
A: Yes, a thrift shop has that same
smell.
B: Yes, an old smell
33. They Deliver
A: The price of stamps goes up and up.
B: I think stamps used to cost a penny.
A: That was a long time ago.
B: It was before I was born.
A: Now a stamp is 42 cents.
B: But in May it will be 44 cents.
A: Have you ever lost a letter in the
mail?
B: No, I havent.
A: Neither have I.
B: So, they do a good job for the
money.
A: Yes, they do.
B: Maybe we shouldnt complain
34. A Lost Button
A: A button came off my shirt.
B: What are you going to do?
A: First, I have to find the button.
B: Where did you lose it?
A: I have no idea.
B: A button is hard to find. Did you look
in your pant cuffs?
A: Thats a good idea.
B: I found a button in my pant cuffs
one time.
A: Let me look. No, its not there.
B: Many shirts come with an extra
button.
A: Youre right. This one does have an
extra button.
B: Now all you have to do is sew it on.
35. Did You Say Something?
A: I have to go to the bathroom.
B: You drink too much coffee.
A: But I love coffee.

B: Well, its your life.
A: You eat too much chocolate.
B: I dont think so.
A: Have you looked in the mirror?
B: Do you think Im getting fat?
A: I didnt say that.
B: What did you say?
A: I said I have to go to the bathroom.
B: Thats what I thought you said.
36. Washed and Folded
A: Did you do the laundry?
B: Yes, I did.
A: What did you wash?
B: I washed the sheets and towels.
A: What about the pillowcases?
B: Yes, I took them off the pillows and
washed them.
A: Did you dry everything in the dryer?
B: Yes, I dried everything in the dryer.
A: Then what did you do?
B: I folded all the towels.
A: Did you put the sheets on the beds?
B: Yes, and I put the pillowcases on the
pillows.
37. Talk Radio
A: Do you listen to the radio?
B: I listen day and night.
A: What do you listen to?
B: Mostly talk radio.
A: Whats that?
B: People talk about current events.
A: What do they say?
B: They say they want change.
A: What kind of change?
B: They want tax cuts.
A: Why do they want tax cuts?
B: Because tax cuts will save them
money.
38. A Bad Diet
7
A: Mom, Im hungry.
B: Look in the fridge.
A: Im looking. Theres nothing to eat.
B: Are you sure?
A: Its almost empty.
B: I went to the market yesterday.
A: I dont see anything.
B: I bought lots of oranges and apples.
A: I dont want fruit. I want something
tasty.
B: Eat the fruit. Its good for you.
A: Next time you go to the market, let
me go with you.
B: No, thank you. All you want to eat
are hot dogs and candy bars.
39. A Ham Sandwich
A: What is there to eat?
B: I dont know. Look in the fridge.
A: I think Ill make a sandwich.
B: What kind?
A: A ham sandwich.
B: The bread is in the cabinet.
A: Wheres the mustard?
B: Its in the fridge, I think.
A: Oh, yes, here it is. Do you want a
sandwich?
B: Yes, that sounds nice.
A: How about some potato chips?
B: Yes. And a pickle, if we have any.
40. Time for Your Bath
A: Its time for your bath, young lady.
B: But, Mom, Im not dirty.
A: You need a bath every day.
B: Why?
A: Because you dont want to smell
bad.
B: I dont smell bad.
A: Thats what you think.
B: If I smelled bad, I could smell me.
A: I can smell you.
B: I can smell you, too.

A: Thats my perfume.
B: When can I wear perfume?
41. A Black Screen
A: Somethings wrong with my
computer.
B: Exactly what?
A: All I get is a black screen.
B: Whats the matter?
A: I think I know, because this
happened before.
B: What happened before?
A: My hard drive crashed.
B: Oh, no. Thats bad news.
A: It sure is, but Im going to call HP
first, just to make sure.
B: Will you lose all your files?
A: No, I always back up my files.
B: Youre smart.
42. A New Hard Drive
A: I called HP about my computer.
B: What did they say?
A: They said I need a new hard drive.
B: Thats too bad. How much is a new
one?
A: Its not too much, only about $85.
B: Plus installation?
A: No, my hard drive is easy to remove
and replace.
B: Really?
A: Yes, its just a couple of screws.
B: Thats nice.
A: Its a lot better than paying
someone $60.
B: If my hard drive crashes, Ill just call
you.
43. Your Email Address
A: Whats your email address?
B: Its bluedog123.
A: Bluedog123. Are you sure that's all?

B: Yes.
A: No. Thats incomplete.
A: Whats your mailing address?
B: 456 Cherry Drive, Pasadena, CA
91170.
A: Thats correct.
B: So whats the problem?
A: Bluedog123 is just the street. You
have to give me the city, state, and
ZIP code.
B: Oh, I get it. My email address is
bluedog123@yahoo.com.
44. Time for a Nap
A: Im going to take a nap.
B: You should unplug the phone.
B: Do you want me to wake you in an
hour?
A: No, thanks. Just let me sleep until I
wake up.
B: Ill start dinner at 6:00.
A: Okay. I think Ill be awake by then.
B: If not, your nose will wake you up.
A: You mean I will smell the food
cooking?
B: You might even dream about dinner.
A: I dont think Im going to dream
about anything. Im really tired.
B: Have a nice nap.
45. Thinking about His Funeral
A: That was a nice funeral.
B: Yes, dad, it was.
A: The son gave a nice speech about
his father.
B: It was long, too.
A: I think it was about 45 minutes long.
B: But it went by fast. It was
interesting.
A: I liked it.
B: Ill give you a speech like that, too.
A: Do you think anyone will come to
my funeral?
B: Of course.
A: I think only the family will be there.
B: You have lots of friends. They will be
there, too!
46. The Elephant
A: Yikes! What was that noise?
B: I had to blow my nose.
A: Did you have to blow right next to
the phone?
B: Did you hear that?
A: Of course I heard that. I thought a
plane had crashed into your house.
B: It wasnt that loud.
A: I will blow my nose sometime for
you, and youll see.
B: Okay. Ill take your word for it.
A: I thought you had an elephant in
your house.
B: Youre funny.
A: What did you say? I think Ive gone
deaf.
B: Im going into the bathroom to blow
my nose. Ill be right back.
47. You Can Have Some of My Friends
A: I have lots of friends.
B: Really? How many do you have?
A: I dont know, maybe one hundred.
B: That is a lot of friends. Do you have
a best friend?
A: Of course. I have lots of best friends.
B: How many best friends do you
have?
A: I think about twenty-five.
B: Hmm. I have only one best friend.
A: I feel sorry for you.
B: I have only a few friends.
A: You must be lonely. I will share my

friends with you.
B: Thats very nice of you.
48. If You Cheat, You Will Die
A: Dont you ever cheat on me.
B: Why would I do that?
A: Because men like to cheat.
B: Some men do, but not me.
A: Im watching you.
B: Im an open book. Watch me all you
want.
A: If I catch you, youll be sorry.
B: You wont catch me, because I love
you. Im not a cheater.
A: I will poke your eyes out.
B: I dont want any other woman.
A: I will chop your toes off, one by one.
B: Honey, please. Youre the only
woman for me, forever. I swear it.
49. Lets Not Go Out
A: I hate to go outside.
B: Me too.
A: Why do you hate to go outside?
B: I meet too many jerks.
A: I agree.
B: This city is full of jerks.
A: Rude people are everywhere.
B: But what can you do?
A: You can yell at them.
B: And they will yell back at you.
A: Yelling doesnt do any good.
B: No. The best thing to do is just stay
home.
50. Fill Out the Form
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
Will you look at this form?

Are you having problems with it?
I dont understand some things.
Let me help you.
What does MI?mean?
B: MI?stands for Middle Initial.

A: What does MM/DD/YY?mean?
B: That means Month/Day/Year. Use
numbers.
A: I dont understand.
B: For example, if your birth date is
January 12, 1987, write 01/12/87.
A: Oh. Thats simple enough.
B: Always print clearly, and fill in the
bubbles completely.
51. The Animal Shelter
A: Lets go to the animal shelter.
B: What do you want to do?
A: I want to get a puppy for my son.
B: That will make him so happy.
A: Ill get him one of those little dogs.
B: One that wont grow up too big.
A: And eat too much.
B: Do you know which one he would
like?
A: Oh, yes, I took him there yesterday.
He showed me one that he really liked.
B: I bet you had to drag him away.
A: He wanted to take it home
yesterday.
B: I wonder what hell name it.
52. Is It Raining?
A: Whats the weather like?
B: I dont know. I just woke up.
A: Why dont you look outside?
B: Okay. It looks like rain.
A: Why do you say that?
B: The sky is gray.
A: Is it raining right now?
B: No.
A: How do you know?
B: The street isnt wet.
A: I have to go shopping today.
B: Youd better take an umbrella.
10
53. Its So Hot

A: I cant believe how hot it is.
B: Its not even noon yet.
A: That means it will get hotter.
B: I am dying from the heat.
A: Turn on the air conditioner.
B: It doesnt work.
A: What happened?
B: I dont know.
A: Did you call the repairman?
B: Of course.
A: When is he coming?
B: Hes busy. He said next week.
54. A Snowman
A: Ill be glad when winter comes.
B: Why is that?
A: Because I love the snow.
B: Yes, the snow is fun.
A: Last year we made a big snowman.
B: How big was it?
A: It was seven feet tall.
B: How long did it take?
A: It took us all day.
B: Did you give him a nose?
A: Of course. We gave him a big carrot
for a nose.
B: Let me help you make one this year.
55. The ATM
A: Im going to the bank.
B: What do you need to do?
A: I need to withdraw some money.
B: How are you going to do that?
A: Ill just use the ATM.
B: Whats that?
A: Its the Automatic Teller Machine.
B: It gives you money?
A: I just insert my debit card into the
machine.
B: And it gives you money?
A: Well, it gives me money, but its my
own money.
B: Oh. What good is that? I thought it
gave you free money.
56. Move the Blue Bin
A: Did you put the blue bin out on the
street?
B: Oh, no. I forgot.
A: Well, youd better take it out front.
B: What time does the recycle truck
come by?
A: It usually gets here at noon on
Tuesday, which is tomorrow.
B: Ill just take it out to the street
tomorrow morning.
A: Oh, no, you dont.
A: Every morning you get up late and
rush off to work late.
B: Do you think Ill forget to do it?
A: Youll remember to do it, but you
wont have time to do it.
B: Okay, Ill take it out front right now.
57. Digital TV
A: Are you ready?
B: Ready for what?
A: Ready for the big switch.
B: What are you talking about?
A: The nation is switching to digital TV.
B: Oh. Of course Im ready.
A: Did you buy the converter?
B: No, I dont need a converter
because I bought a digital TV.
A: How much was that?
B: It was only about $120 for a 13-inch
screen.
A: Does it pick up any digital channels?
B: Oh, yes. I get six Korean channels
but nothing in English!
58. Just Shoot Me
11
A: People are funny.

B: They sure are.
A: Did you hear about the pilot?
B: The one that stole a small plane?
A: Yes, he stole a plane in Canada and
flew into the U.S.
B: Did they catch him?
A: Yes. After two U.S. fighter jets
followed him for an hour, he landed on
a highway.
B: Did he crash?
A: No, he just landed the plane and
walked to a restaurant.
B: Did the cops find out why he flew
into the U.S.?
A: His life sucked. He was hoping a
fighter jet would shoot him down.
B: Poor guy.
59. Dont Be a Racist
A: The police need our help finding a
robber.
B: How do you know?
A: The TV news is reporting a bank
robbery.
B: Do they know what the robber looks
like?
A: Yes, hes 6 feet tall, 200 pounds,
black hair, and about 30 years old.
B: What race is he?
A: They didnt say.
B: The TV news doesnt tell us the race
anymore.
A: Of course not. That would be racist.
B: But how can we identify someone if
we dont know their race?
A: Dont ask me.
B: Then they also shouldnt tell us if
the robber is male or female, because
that is sexist.
60. Use a Tissue
A: Dont wipe your nose on your

sleeve.
B: But I dont have a tissue.
A: Then go find a tissue in the
bathroom.
B: I didnt have time to get one from
there.
A: Your sleeves are not tissues.
B: But Mom, all my friends use their
sleeves.
A: That doesnt make it right.
B: I saw Dad wipe his nose on his
sleeve yesterday.
A: I will talk to your father about that.
B: I bet Dad did it all the time when he
was my age.
A: Your daddy was a good little boy.
B: How do you know? Were you his
mommy, too?
61. Two Little Ones
A: Im worried.
B: Worried about what?
A: Im getting married.
B: You should be happy, not worried.
A: I am happy, but marriage is a lot of
responsibility.
B: Yes, you have to take care of your
wife.
A: And I have to take care of our
children.
B: Are you going to start a family?
A: Yes. We want to have a little boy
and a little girl.
B: That sounds wonderful.
A: Except we cant afford it!
B: No wonder youre worried.
62. But Is It Art?
A: I don't get art.
B: Or artists.
A: They're in a different world.
12
B: I saw a painting of a jar that was full

of pencils.
A: The artist said the jar was both full
and empty.
B: But it was full of pencils! How could
he say it was empty?
A: Artists see things differently.
B: Did you ever see anything that
Picasso painted?
A: Of course! He's world famous.
B: Did he ever take art lessons?
A: I can't believe it. I drew paintings
like that in third grade.
B: Where are they? Maybe they are
worth millions.
63. Life Is for Living
A: What's the point?
B: The point of what?
A: Of living.
B: Who knows? You live, and then you
die.
A: We must be here for some reason.
B: Maybe we're here to have fun.
A: Then why aren't I having fun?
B: Because you're thinking too much.
A: So I should stop thinking?
B: Stop thinking about what the point
is.
A: Okay. I'll start thinking about having
some fun.
B: Just be patient. Fun doesn't come
along every five minutes
64. A Tough Choice
A: Beer is a powerful drug.
B: So are cigarettes.
A: Which would you prefer?
A: When you die and go to heaven,
they will offer you beer or cigarettes.
B: I could pick only one or the other?
A: Yes. Nothing's perfect, not even in

heaven.
B: Boy, that's a tough one.
A: What's so tough about it? Of course,
I would pick cigarettes.
B: But cigarettes taste much better
when you have a cold beer.
A: Well, you can't have everything.
B: I don't think I want to go to your
heaven
65. Patch It or Sew It?
A: My pants have a hole in the front
pocket.
B: You shouldn't carry pens in your
pocket.
A: Yesterday a pen fell through my
pants onto my shoe.
B: Lucky for you it wasn't a sharp knife.
A: Who carries a sharp knife in their
pocket?
B: Criminals, of course.
A: Anyway, I have to fix the hole.
B: You can sew it up or use an iron-on
patch.
A: Tell me about this patch.
B: The patch has glue. The hot iron
melts the glue so the patch sticks on.
A: That sounds a lot easier than
sewing.
B: It is. But after about ten washings,
the glue washes off.
66. What's So Funny?
A: Do you know any good jokes?
B: I can't remember jokes.
A: Neither can I.
B: They go in one ear and out the
other.
A: Who makes up all these jokes?
B: Who knows? But there must be a
hundred new ones every day.
13
A: Yes, just in English alone.

B: I wonder if every language has
jokes.
A: Of course! People everywhere like
good jokes.
B: What do you think people joke
about the most?
A: I think most jokes are about women.
B: Oh, really? I think most jokes are
about men!
67. Spanish Spoken Here
A: You're very lucky.
B: Why do you say that?
A: You speak two languages.
B: Well, my English isn't perfect.
A: No one speaks perfect English.
B: Maybe I will be the first!
A: I've been thinking about learning
Spanish.
B: Spanish is easy. I'll be happy to
teach you.
A: How long will it take me to learn?
B: I think it will only take you a year or
two.
A: How soon can we begin?
B: Ahora! That means right now.
68. It's the Only Earth We've Got
A: Do you know what today is?
B: Yes, it's April 22.
A: It's more than just a date.
B: Is it your birthday or anniversary?
A: No, it's Earth Day.
B: What's that?
A: It's a yearly reminder to take care of
our planet.
B: Oh, you mean like reuse things and
recycle stuff?
A: Yes. We need to think green, save
water, and stop using plastic bags.
B: How about if I take shorter showers?
A: That's a good idea, because

showers waste a lot of water.
B: From now on I'll spend only 20
minutes in the shower.
69. No Time for Rhyme
A: Poetry sucks.
B: I don't know anyone who likes it.
A: Some of it is okay, I guess.
B: Yes, the poems that rhyme and are
easy to remember.
A: Like "One, two, buckle my shoe."
B: But people still write poems.
A: No one makes any money at it.
B: Shakespeare was a poet.
A: Did he get rich from his poetry?
B: Probably not.
A: Poems are a little bit like songs.
B: Yes, but songs have music. Without
music, songs would suck, too.
70. Dumb and Happy
A: How smart are you?
B: I don't know. I think I'm average.
A: Did you ever take an IQ test?
B: No, I never did. All I know is that I
got A's and B's in school.
A: I wish I was really smart.
B: Don't be ridiculous.
A: What do you mean?
B: If you're going to make a wish, wish
that you were really rich or famous.
A: Don't you ever wonder what it's like
to be super-smart?
B: It must be very lonely.
A: Why's that?
B: Because if you're super-smart, no
one understands what you're saying.
71. Live from NBC 4!
A: I missed the TV news last night.
What was on?
14
B: Nothing that would pass as news.

A: What's the weather going to be like
this weekend?
B: I don't know. Whenever the weather
comes on, I switch channels.
A: What was the lead story on the
news?
B: Some actress was in court for
driving without a license.
A: What was the second story?
B: Some actor married a woman young
enough to be his daughter.
A: What was the third story?
B: A bull chased a man in a
supermarket.
A: Wasn't there anything about OctoMom?
B: Of course. She's going to hire a
nanny for her eight infants.
72. Life after Death
A: What are you going to do about
your death?
B: Well, mostly I'll try to avoid it.
A: I mean, are you going to get buried
or cremated?
B: My wife and I will be cremated.
A: Are you going to be buried next to
each other?
B: Oh, no. Our ashes will be shaken
into the ocean.
A: You're not going to be buried?
B: A coffin costs too much and takes
up too much space.
A: Yes, but it will be in a cemetery
where your children can visit you.
B: Children seldom visit their parents
in a cemetery.
A: That's true. A cemetery is for dead
people, not living people.
A: We figure our kids can visit us
whenever they go to the beach.
73. Wipe Your Feet

A: Did you wipe your feet?
B: Yes, of course I wiped my feet.
A: Then why is there mud on the
carpet?
B: I dont know. Its not my mud.
A: Well, someone brought it into the
house.
B: Look at the bottom of my shoes
theyre clean.
A: Of course theyre clean. You left all
the mud on the carpet.
B: Okay, Ill get the vacuum cleaner.
A: Dont vacuum it now.
B: Dont you want me to clean up the
mud?
A: Wait till it dries. It will be easier to
vacuum.
B: Next time I will be more careful.
74. Mothers Day
A: What are you getting for your mom?
A: Sunday is Mothers Day.
B: This Sunday?
A: Of course. Its all over the news.
B: I thought it was next Sunday.
A: Well, youd better get her
something.
B: Ill get her a nice card.
A: Is that it?
B: Yes. Thats all I ever give her.
A: She raised you, and all you ever
give her is a card?
B: Its okay. She knows that I love her.
75. A New Flag
A: I dont like our flag.
B: Whats the matter with it?
A: Its too much like other flags.
B: Yes, a lot of flags have stripes.
A: A flag should be pretty.
15
B: What should our flag look like?

A: It should have a pretty woman on it.
B: Thats ridiculous!
A: You dont like pretty women?
B: Of course I do. But not on our flag!
A: Every nation should have a pretty
woman on their flag.
B: You cant go to war carrying a flag
with a woman on it!
76. Work up an Appetite
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
I had a busy morning.

What did you do?
I watered all the plants.
You have a lot of plants.
Then I did my laundry.
That takes some time.
I took the dog for a walk.
Ill bet he enjoyed his walk.
I vacuumed the entire house.
Thats a lot of work.
And then I made lunch.
Ill bet you were hungry!
77. Dialing for a Dollar

A: I dont have long distance service
with my home phone.
B: So how do you make long distance
calls?
A: I use a calling card.
B: Where do you get that?
A: I buy it at the dollar store.
B: How much is it?
A: Its one dollar for 100 minutes.
B: Thats only a penny a minute!
A: Its a great price. But you have to
dial a lot of numbers.
B: How many?
A: First you dial seven numbers, then
ten numbers, then ten more numbers.
B: Yikes. I think Ill keep my long
distance service.
I. School Life
1. I Go to College
A: Do you go to college?
B: Yes, I do.
A: What college do you go to?
B: I go to Pasadena City College.
A: Do you like it?
B: Oh, yes, I really like it.
A: Why do you like it?
B: Because it has great teachers.
A: What else?
B: I like all my classmates, too.
A: Anything else?
B: Yes. Its not expensive!
2. A Lost Pen
A: I lost my new pen.
B: Where did you lose it?
A: I dont know.
B: When did you lose it?
A: I think I lost it today. I used it
yesterday.
B: Did you check all your pockets?
A: I checked all my pockets.
B: Did you look in your desk?
A: Yes. It isnt there, either.
B: Its probably around somewhere.
A: Oh, well, it only cost me a dollar.
B: Only a dollar? Dont even look for
it.
3. Gravity for All
A: Gravity is very important.
B: What is gravity?
A: Its the force that pulls everything
down.
B: I dont understand.
A: If you pour water into a glass, the
water goes down into the glass.
B: Of course it does.
A: Without gravity, the water would
go up.
B: Youre joking.
A: Without gravity, you would go up.
16
A: You would float into the sky like a

balloon.
B: That would be fun!
houses for sale.

B: I always read the film reviews.
A: I never miss the food and drink
section.
B: I gave a subscription to my parents.
A: Me too. They canceled their other
news magazines.
B: So did mine!
4. New Glasses
A: I cant read my book.
B: Turn on the light.
A: The light is on.
B: Open the book.
A: The book is open.
B: See an eye doctor.
A: Thats what I need to do.
B: Hell give you a prescription for
glasses.
A: Ill make an appointment
tomorrow.
B: Ill get the yellow pages for an eye
doctor.
A: Read the phone number to me.
B: Ill read it very loud, in case your
hearing is getting bad, too.
7.
A: My pen is out of ink.

B: Shake it a couple of times.
A: I shook it. There is no more ink.
B: You can borrow mine.
A: Thank you. Ill buy a new one
tomorrow.
B: What were you doing?
A: I was writing a letter.
B: Who were you writing to?
A: Its to my mom.
B: Tell her I said hello.
A: Okay. Ill return your pen when Im
done.
B: Take your time.
5. School Items
A: What do you need for school?
B: I need pencils.
A: Anything else?
B: I need a notebook.
A: Do you need a pen?
B: No. I already have a pen.
A: Do you need a calculator?
B: No. The teacher doesnt permit
calculators.
A: How about a dictionary?
B: No, we have a big dictionary in the
classroom.
A: Well, I guess thats it.
B: Yes, thats all I need for now.
6.
8. Do Your Homework
A: Have you done your homework?
B: Not yet.
A: Then why are you watching TV?
B: This is my favorite show.
A: Go do your homework.
B: But, mom!
A: You can watch TV after you do your
homework.
B: But the show will be over.
A: There will be another show next
week.
B: Please?
A: You know the rules.
B: I hate the rules! I cant wait till I grow
up.
A Good Magazine
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
I like this magazine.

So do I.
I read it once, and I subscribed.
It gives you all the news.
All the news in only 50 pages.
I like the political cartoons.
I like the beautiful photos of the
Shake Your Pen
9.
The Soldier
A: I cant wait until I graduate.
B: Me too.
A: No more homework.
17
B: I hate homework.
A: Are you going to college?
B: I cant afford it.
A: Me neither.
B: So what are you going to do?
A: Im joining the army.
B: Youre kidding. You might get killed.
A: I dont think so. After I finish, Ill have
enough money to go to college.
B: Thats not a bad idea.
10. The English Major
A: What is your major?
B: English.
A: What are you going to do with an
English major?
B: Im going to be a teacher.
A: High school or middle school?
B: High school.
A: I teach high school English.
B: I didnt know that.
A: I started teaching five years ago.
B: How do you like it?
A: Do you see all this gray hair? It was
totally black five years ago.
B: Maybe Ill teach middle school.
11.
No Parking
A: Parking at school is impossible.

B: Ill say.
A: I drove around for half an hour.
B: Did you find a spot?
A: I found a spot, but someone cut in
and took it from me.
B: Did you yell at them?
A: Yes, I did.
B: And?
A: And he yelled back at me.
B: How rude.
A: But I got lucky a few minutes later.
B: You have to be lucky to find a
parking space.
12.
Keep Your Eyes Open
A: This is a huge library.

B: Yes, it has lots of rooms and lots of
space.
A: And lots of books.
B: And lots of thieves.
B: I mean, keep your belongings close
to you.
A: The only thing in my backpack is
used books.
B: But thieves dont know that.
A: They might think that Ive got an
iPod or laptop in there.
B: Now youre thinking.
A: Youd think a library would be safe
from thieves.
B: Not even a church is safe from
thieves.
13.
Two Plus Two
A: How good is your math?

B: I can add two and two.
A: So youre not very good at math?
B: Im terrible at math.
A: Well, I need some help.
B: With what?
A: Im taking a math course in school.
B: Well, you should ask your teacher or
your classmates for help.
A: I cant do that.
B: Why not?
A: They might think Im stupid.
B: Theyre not going to think that!
Theyll be glad to help you.
14.
Prayers
A: Do you believe in God?

B: Of course.
A: Do you pray to God?
B: Occasionally.
A: Whens that?
B: When I need something.
A: Like what?
B: Well, if I have a big test at school.
A: Does God answer your prayers?
B: Yes, Ive passed all my tests.
A: Do you ever pray for money?
B: Not yet. I wont need to do that until
I graduate from high school.
18
15.
Hit and Run
A: The cops finally found the husband.

B: What husband?
A: The husband of the driver who ran
over two college students at 3 a.m.
B: Oh, yeah. The girl died instantly,
and the boy is still in the hospital.
A: The husband said he tried to help
the boy.
B: Yes, he pushed him off the hood of
the car.
A: No, he said he gently placed the boy
on the street.
B: So what? They still drove off.
A: The husband said a fire department
was nearby.
B: So what? Did he dial 911?
A: He said he was thinking about it, but
he didn't get around to it.
B: He didn't get around to turning
himself in, either.
A: Number two, its usually late.

B: Youre right. The buses are never on
time.
A: Number three, it doesnt run 24
hours.
B: Youre right. Buses dont run late at
night.
A: Number four, its too crowded.
B: Youre right. You have to stand in the
aisle.
A: Number five, its unsafe.
B: Youre right. Bad guys might rob you.
3.
A: We had a problem at school.

B: What was the problem?
A: Someone cut the tires.
B: What tires?
A: The tires on the cars.
B: Where were the cars?
A: They were in the student parking lot.
B: How many tires were cut?
A: One or two tires were cut on each
car.
B: How many cars?
A: Eleven cars.
B: Thats terrible. I hope they catch the
person.
III.Transportation
1.
What Will People Think?
A: I dont like riding the bus.

B: Why not?
A: The seats and windows are dirty.
B: Dont they clean the bus every
night?
A: I think they do.
B: You should bring some wipes with
you.
B: Then you can wipe your seat and
window.
A: People will think Im strange.
B: Who cares? Everyone is strange.
A: Thats for sure.
B: Dont worry about what people think.
2.
Dont Ride the Bus

A:
B:
A:
B:
I dont like riding the bus.

Why not?
Number one, its too slow.
Youre right. A car is faster.
Dont Cut the Tires
4.
The Crosswalk
A: Life isnt fair.
B: It sure isnt.
A: I got a ticket yesterday.
B: What for?
A: I was crossing the street.
B: Were you in a crosswalk?
A: Yes, but the red hand was blinking.
B: So? Thats a ticket?
A: Yes, its a $140 ticket.
B: Thats not right!
A: When I started to cross the street,
the white walk sign was blinking.
B: You need to walk faster.
5. Its Okay to Speed
19
A: Youre driving too fast.

B: Why do you say that?
A: The speed limit is 65.
B: I know that.
A: But youre doing 75.
B: So is everyone else.
A: But a cop might stop you.
B: No, he wont. Some cars are doing
85.
A: So the cop will stop those cars?
B: Of course. He stops the fastest cars.
A: My friend got a ticket for doing 75.
B: Your friend was unlucky.
6.
8. A New Car
A: Lets go for a ride.
B: Where are we going?
A: Into the mountains.
B: That sounds nice.
A: I want to show you my new car.
B: You bought a new car?
A: Yes. I bought a Cadillac.
B: A luxury car.
A: Luxury plus speed.
B: What are we waiting for?
A: Let me get the keys.
B: Let me get my camera.
Check Your Tires

A: Remember to put air in your tires.
B: How often do I have to do that?
A: Once every two months.
B: Thats a lot.
B: Thats six times a year!
A: Yes, and it takes about five minutes
each time.
B: Ill try.
A: Check your tires or youll get a flat.
B: Oh. Thats not good.
A: No, it isnt. A flat costs you time and
money.
B: And I dont have either.
7.
B: I thought drunks caused most

accidents.
Dont Be in a Hurry
A: Youre driving too fast.
B: Im in a hurry.
A: Dont ever be in a hurry.
B: Its not my fault. You didnt wake me
up.
A: Thats not my fault. You didnt tell me
to wake you up.
B: Well, I meant to.
A: Dont ever be in a hurry when youre
driving.
B: Why not?
A: Because youll have an accident.
Most accidents are because people are
in a hurry.
B: How do you know that?
A: I read a lot.
9.
Im Going to Explode
A: I have to go to the bathroom.
B: Why didnt you go before we left?
A: I did, but I have to go again.
B: Well, hold on a little longer.
A: I think Im going to explode.
B: Just hold on.
A: Oh! Dont hit any more bumps!
B: Well be at McDonalds in just a few
minutes.
A: I hope they are fast minutes.
B: Think about something else. Think
about a hamburger.
A: Im thinking, but I still have to go.
B: Its the next exit. Hold on!
10. The Missing Car

A: Wheres the car?
A: The car isnt here.
B: Where did you park it?
A: I parked it right here.
B: Are you sure?
A: Yes. I remember this big tree.
B: Maybe its the wrong tree.
A: No, this is the tree.
B: Did someone steal it?
A: I sure hope not.
B: Maybe they towed it away.
20
11.
Too Many Cars
A: Look at this traffic.

B: Id rather not.
A: It gets worse every year.
B: Why are you complaining? Were
going almost 20 miles an hour.
A: The speed limit is 65!
B: Well, thats between 2:00 and 4:00
a.m.
A: Where are all these people going?
B: Theyre all asking the same question.
A: When are they going to fix this
problem?
B: They said they need more money.
A: They always need more money.
B: Itll get worse before it gets better.
12. Dont Call the Police
A: Did you see that car?
B: Yes, he went through the red light.
A: Can we call the police?
B: No, the police dont care.
A: Why not?
B: They have to see it happen.
A: They dont believe us?
B: No. They can only give a ticket if
they see it happen.
A: So, what do we do?
B: We dont do anything.
A: Maybe we should honk the horn next
time.
B: The driver will just honk back at us.
13. Wash the Car
A: My car is dirty.
B: Why dont you wash it?
A: Thats what Im going to do.
B: Are you going to wash it yourself?
A: Of course. Its not a hard job.
B: Ill help you.
A: Okay, Ill get a bucket.
B: Ill rinse the car first.
A: Then we can scrub it with a wet
sponge and soap.
B: After that, we can dry it with a towel.
A: Then it will look like new

B: And you save $10.
14.
Windy Weather
A: It sure is windy today.

B: Paper is flying everywhere.
A: This wind is dangerous for drivers.
B: Especially for drivers of big trucks.
A: The wind blows those trucks over.
B: It blows trees over, too.
A: A tree fell onto my dads car.
B: Was there much damage?
A: My dad had to buy a new car.
B: Wow! Thats terrible.
A: Never park your car under a tree.
B: The wind will get you, or the birds
will get you.
15.
Two Birds with One Stone
A: When are we going to stop?

B: Well stop at the next McDonalds.
A: How far away is that?
B: I think well be there in half an hour.
A: I hope so. I have to go to the
bathroom.
B: Well, I can always pull over.
A: No, thank you, Ill just wait.
B: We can kill two birds with one stone.
B: While youre using the bathroom, Ill
order some food.
A: Dont order for me. Im not hungry.
B: Im very hungry. Ill order for you,
and then Ill eat yours.
16.
Beat the Light
A: This is such a long light.

B: Look how many cars are waiting in
line.
A: They need a left-turn arrow.
B: Only two cars can make a left turn
every three or four minutes.
A: Well be here forever.
B: Get out of this lane.
A: But we need to turn left.
B: Forget it. Go straight.
21
A: Then what?
B: Then well just make a U-turn.
A: And then we can turn right at the
light.
B: Good idea. It will be so much quicker.
17.
A Dream Car
A: I need a cheap car.

B: How much money do you have?
A: $1,000.
B: Well, that should get you something.
A: But I need something thats reliable.
B: You need a car with low mileage.
A: A car that was owned by a little old
lady.
B: Where have you looked?
A: I havent looked anywhere yet.
B: Why not?
A: Because Ill never find one for such a
low price.
B: Youre right about that. Keep saving
your money.
18. A Bad Driver?
A: Good afternoon, officer.
B: Your drivers license and registration,
please.
A: Here you go.
B: Do you know why I pulled you over?
A: I have no idea. All of a sudden I
heard your siren.
B: You rolled through that stop sign
back there.
A: But I stopped!
B: No, you didnt. You slowed down, but
you didnt come to a full stop.
A: Well, nobody else does, so why
should I?
B: Thats not the attitude of a good
driver.
A: But I am a good driver. Ive never
had a ticket in my life.
B: Well, youve got one now. Here. Have
a nice day.
19. A Slow Walker
A: $140. I can't believe it.

A: I got a ticket downtown for $140.
B: Were you speeding?
A: No, I was crossing the street.
B: Were you jaywalking?
A: No, I was in the crosswalk.
B: So why did you get a ticket?
A: The officer said the red hand was
blinking.
B: Was it blinking when you entered the
crosswalk?
A: No, the white WALK sign was
blinking.
B: You should fight that ticket. Ill be
your witness.
20.
Hit and Run
A: They were in a crosswalk near

school at 3 a.m.
B: Who?
A: Two students from USC.
B: What happened?
A: A speeding car ran a red light, killing
the girl.
B: What happened to the other student?
A: He landed on the hood of the car.
B: Did he get off the hood?
A: No, the car stopped and the
passenger pushed the injured student off
the hood.
B: Ill bet the car continued on its way.
A: Of course it did. Why stop after youve
run over two people?
B: I hope they find them and put them in
jail for life
21.
Beware the Carts
A: What happened to your car?

B: I got a dent in the parking lot.
A: How did you get it?
B: I dont know. Maybe it was from a
shopping cart.
A: Those shopping carts are dangerous.
B: Especially the metal ones.
A: I dont park at a store that uses metal
shopping carts.
22
B: Thats a good idea, but there was a

good sale at this store.
A: Did you save any money on the sale?
B: Yes, I did. I saved about $50.
A: Thats great.
B: Yes, except this dent will cost about
$150.
good hand.
B: How do they do that?
A: For example, a friend of mine licks his
lips.
B: When he licks his lips, you know he
has a good hand?
A: I know he has a good hand, so I dont
bet.
B: He never wins your money?
A: Nope, and it drives him crazy.
B: He knows you cant read his mind.
Maybe he thinks youre cheating.
II. Entertainment
1. A Great Movie
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A: Did you see "Titanic"?

Yes. It is a great movie.
I saw it twelve times.
I saw it eight times.
I have the DVD.
So do I.
Lets go to your home.
We can watch my DVD.
And then we can go to my home.
And watch your DVD.
I always cry at the end.
Me too. Its so sad.
2.
B:
A:
B:
A:
A: Turn the radio down, please.

B: But Im listening to it.
A: Well, listen to it more quietly.
B: I cant wait till I grow up.
A: What will you do?
B: I will play the radio as loud as I want.
A: Thats okay with me.
B: I will have a radio in every room of
my house.
A: Remind me to never visit you.
B: All the radios will be on extra loud.
A: Your neighbors will hate you.
B: If they dont like it, they can move.
A Card Game
A: Lets play cards.

B: I dont know any card games.
A: Ill teach you one.
B: Okay. What will you teach me?
A: Its called poker.
B: Is it easy to learn?
A: Yes, it will only take about 30 minutes.
B: Okay. Teach me how to play.
A: We each get five cards.
B: Oh, look. I have four tens.
A: Thats great, but youre not supposed
to tell me.
B: Oh. Sorry. Okay, I dont have four
tens.
3.
4. Too Much Volume
5.
A: I hope I win the lotto.

B: Your chances are very small.
A: But you cant win if you dont play.
B: Ha! You cant win if you do play.
A: Someone has to win.
B: Thats what everyone says.
A: It might as well be me.
B: Thats what everyone says.
A: Youre trying to tell me something.
B: That didnt take long.
A: You think I should quit playing.
B: Save your money for school.
I Have Four Aces
A: Im a good card player.

Why is that?
Because I watch the other players.
What do you mean?
People will tell?you if they have a
Dont Waste Your Money
6.
Rained Out
A: What about the baseball game?
B: It got rained out.
A: Rained out?
23
B: Yes, rained out.

A: How could that be?
B: Well, you cant play baseball in a
rainstorm.
A: I thought they were playing under a
dome.
B: The dome doesnt close.
A: Why doesnt it close?
B: Who knows? They said theyll fix it
before next season.
7. A Sip of Coffee
A: Can I try your coffee?
B: Sure. Here you go.
A: Hmm, thats not bad.
B: Theres nothing in it.
B: I mean, its just coffee.
A: I figured that.
B: Its not too bitter for you?
A: Its a little bitter, but its okay.
B: Theres no sugar or cream in it.
A: No, its a taste you have to get used
to.
B: Sort of like beer.
8.
A Chilly Day
A: Lets take a walk.

B: Whats the weather like?
A: Let me step outside and see.
B: Its a little chilly, right?
A: Yes, it is.
B: Ill put on my cap.
A: Wear a jacket, too.
B: I wonder if I should bring my gloves.
A: Maybe you should, just in case it gets
colder.
B: Ill put a glove in each pocket.
A: Well get warmer as we walk.
B: Yes, but it gets colder as the sun
goes down.
9.
A Crazy Driver
A: Look at the car chase on TV!

B: That driver is crazy.
A: I cant believe he hasnt crashed.
B: How fast is he going?

A: They say hes going 80 miles per
hour.
B: Hes going to kill someone.
A: Look! He just hit that car.
B: Oh, my goodness. No one is safe on
the streets.
A: Now hes slowing down.
B: Maybe he ran out of gas.
A: Look! He just got out of the car and
started running.
B: I hope the police catch him.
10.
It Isnt News
A: TV news is so stupid.
B: They shouldnt even call it news.
A: Last night they told us about a cat in
a sofa.
B: Yesterday they told us about a dog
in a pipe.
A: Last week they told us about a bear
in a back yard.
B: Last month they told us about a
mouse in a restaurant.
A: The weatherman tells us the
temperature in every town.
B: The sports guy shows us players
fighting.
A: They always tell us whats next."
B: They always make "whats next"
sound exciting, but it never is.
A: Its more like news for kids.
B: They should have kid reporters.
11.
The Great Wall
A: I love my computer.
B: Computers are so cool.
A: I love to go online.
B: The Internet is amazing.
A: You can travel all over the world.
B: I know. I went to China yesterday.
A: What did you do?
B: I stood on the Great Wall and looked
all around.
A: What was it like?
B: It was like the real thing.
24
A: It was like being there?

B: Yes, I felt like I was actually there.
12.
The Beatles
A: The Beatles are the best.

B: They are the best musical group
ever.
A: I love all their songs.
B: I dont know which one I like the
best.
A: I like the ones I can sing along with.
B: So do I, like "She Loves You."
A: She loves you, Yeah, yeah, yeah!...
B: And you know you should be
glad!
A: What a great song.
B: How about Let It Be?
A: Oh, yes! Let it be, let it be
B: There will be an answer, let it be!
13.
See a Movie
A: Lets go to a movie.
B: Id rather not.
A: Why not?
B: You know I dont like crowds.
A: Lets go to an early movie.
B: Okay, that wont be very crowded.
A: What would you like to see?
B: Oh, I dont care. Youre the one who
wants to go out.
A: Well, I want to see "The Pursuit of
Happyness."
B: What have you heard about it?
A: Its based on a true story about a
divorced man and his young son.
B: Well, I hope it has a happy ending.
14. People-Watching
A: Whats your favorite thing to do?
B: I like to watch people.
A: Thats your favorite thing to do?
B: Well, its one of them.
A: Where do you go to watch people?
B: My girlfriend and I sit outside
Starbucks.
A: That sounds like a good spot.
B: We watch people walk by with their

dogs.
A: I guess you see lots of different dogs.
B: We dont even know what kind most
of them are.
A: There are lots of different kinds, but
they all have one thing in common.
B: Yes, they love to sniff each other
when they meet.
15.
Free Money
A: They call him Father Dollar Bill.

B: Yes, he was on the TV news today.
A: Every Easter Sunday he gives away
money.
B: Is it his money?
A: No. Movie stars give him money to
give to homeless people.
B: How much money does he give
away?
A: This year he gave away $15,000.
B: Thats a lot of money.
A: He gave $100 to people in
wheelchairs.
B: What about the other homeless
people?
A: They got $1 each.
B: People stood in line just to get one
dollar?!
16.
Old Movies
A: Old movies are the best.

B: Even though theyre in black and
white.
A: A good story is more important than
color.
B: Actors didnt curse back then.
A: And there was no violence.
B: People today dont like that.
A: No, today people like lots of action.
B: I like a good story.
A: I like to see actors who are like real
people.
B: Like real people with real problems.
A: They still make movies like that.
B: Yes, but they never make much
money.
25
17. Something for Nothing

A: Do you get PBS on TV?
B: Yes, everybody gets the Public
Broadcasting System.
A: It puts me to sleep.
B: Tell me about it.
A: A gardening show follows a knitting
show.
B: A cooking show follows a sewing
show.
A: A travel show follows another travel
show.
B: I'll say! I've gone around the world a
dozen times already!
A: Now they're adding old TV shows to
the old movies.
B: I sure would like to see something
interesting for a change.
A: If more people donate money, PBS
could offer new shows.
B: Who wants to donate? Public TV
should be free.
18.
Judge Judy
A: I love to watch "Judge Judy."

B: Is that a TV show?
A: Yes. It's on every afternoon.
B: What's so good about it?
A: They have interesting lawsuits.
B: Such as?
A: Yesterday, a woman complained
about a cell phone she bought on
eBay.
B: Was something wrong with the
phone?
A: It works only in Canada.
B: Did the seller know that?
A: Yes, and he didn't tell the buyer.
B: I hope Judge Judy made the seller
take the phone back.
19.
A:
B:
A:
B:
A Good Singer
That woman is a very good singer.
Yes, but she looks like a man.
What difference does it make?
Female singers are supposed to be
pretty.
A: Singers are supposed to sound
good.
B: They should look good, too.
A: There are lots of ugly men singers.
B: Men singers dont have to look
good.
A: Then neither do women singers.
B: Well, I would never buy her CD.
A: But you would buy her CD if she was
pretty?
B: Yes. I would buy all of her CDs.
20.
Going Digital
A: All the TV stations are going to go

digital.
B: Yes, that will occur next month.
A: Most of them are already
broadcasting in digital.
B: The digital signal is very clear.
A: Oh, no, it isnt!
A: I cant get a single channel.
B: Do you have a digital TV?
A: Of course. But I dont have cable.
B: You dont need to have cable, but
you do need a good antenna.
A: But I have rabbit ears.
B: Rabbit ears arent strong enough.
Buy a digital antenna.
V. Dating
1. A Blind Date
A: Ive got a date for you.
B: Oh, really?
A: Are you interested?
B: Maybe. What is she like?
A: Shes got a great personality.
B: Uh-oh. That means that shes fat
and ugly.
A: Shes cute.
B: Okay, so shes not ugly; shes just
fat.
A: She weighs 98 pounds.
B: Okay, shes not fat. So whats the
problem with her?
26
A: Who said there is a problem with

her?
B: The problem is she has no problems
shes too good for me!
caught me.
A: Now youre mine forever.
B: And youre mine forever.
A: Well grow old together.
B: And be happy together.
2. Lets Have Dinner

5. Ask Her Out
A: I think youre very pretty.
B: Thank you.
A: Would you have dinner with me?
B: I would like to.
A: Can I pick you up Friday night?
B: What time?
A: Eight oclock.
B: That sounds great.
A: Well go to a French restaurant.
B: Ive never been to a French
restaurant.
A: I think youll love the food.
B: Im not going to eat any snails!
A: Im in love with that girl.

B: Have you told her?
A: Of course not.
B: Why not?
A: She would laugh at me.
B: How do you know?
A: Because they always do.
B: Maybe shes different.
A: Theyre all the same.
B: Just ask her out to dinner.
A: And then what?
B: And then shell know that you like
her.
3. Blue Eyes
6. A Night by Himself
A: You have pretty eyes.
B: Thank you. So do you.
A: I wish my eyes were blue.
B: Whats the matter with green eyes?
A: Nothing, except my favorite color is
blue.
B: Maybe in your next life youll have
blue eyes.
A: But what if Im a fish in my next life?
B: I think some fish have blue eyes.
A: I hope I dont come back as a fish.
B: I hope I come back as a cat.
A: Cats have beautiful eyes.
B: I would love to have blue cat-eyes.
A: Give me a hug.
B: Im not in the mood.
A: Whats the matter?
B: I saw you looking at that woman.
A: What woman?
B: You know, that woman with the big
boobs.
A: I was not looking at her.
B: You were, too.
A: Im not interested in her.
B: Then why were you looking at her?
A: I was looking at something else.
B: Oh, really? Then spend tonight
looking at the sofa.
4. True Love
7. Go on a Blind Date
A: I love you.
B: I love you, too.
A: I loved you the first day I saw you.
B: It was love at first sight?
A: Yes, it was love at first sight.
B: I didnt love you at first.
A: I know. I had to chase you for a
while.
B: Yes, you chased me and then you
A: Would you like to go on a blind

date?
B: You must be joking.
A: No, Im serious.
B: I dont want to date a blind woman.
A: A blind date doesnt mean that she
is blind!
B: What does it mean?
27
A: A blind date is a date with someone

you dont know.
B: Why would I date someone I dont
even know?
A: To try something new and exciting.
B: What if I dont like her?
A: Then you dont date her again.
8. Two Pineapples
A: I have a date tomorrow night.
B: Really? Who with?
A: A girl I met at the market.
B: You met a girl at the supermarket?
A: She was standing behind me in a
really slow line at the checkout
counter.
B: What did you say to her?
A: I had two pineapples in my cart, and
she asked where I had found them.
B: She asked you about your
pineapples?
A: I told her I had gotten the last two
on the shelf, but I offered her one of
mine.
B: That was nice of you.
A: She asked me how she could return
the favor, so I asked her out.
B: Sometimes a slow line can be a
good thing.
9. One Date Only
A: Did you have a date Friday night?
B: Yes, in fact, I did.
A: Who did you go out with?
B: A man I met in a coffee shop.
A: Where did you go?
B: We went to a nice restaurant.
A: Anywhere else?
B: Then we went to a jazz club.
A: That sounds like a nice date.
B: Yes, it was pleasant.
A: But you wont date him again?
B: No. He was nice, but there was no
chemistry.
10. A Bad Date
A: I had the worst date the other night.

B: What happened?
A: First of all, he was half an hour late.
B: Thats not a good start.
A: Then he didnt bother to apologize.
B: Thats rude.
A: Then he drove too fast to the
restaurant.
B: Thats dangerous.
A: I thought about getting out and
taking a taxi home.
B: What happened at the restaurant?
A: We had a $40 meal, and he left a $1
tip!
B: I guess you cant go back to that
restaurant.
11. Sweet Dreams
A: I don't like that man.
B: Why not?
A: He's a dirty old man.
A: He's old enough to be my father, yet
he asked me out.
B: Well, you can't blame a man for
asking.
A: He should act his age.
B: But a lot of old people are still
interested in dating.
A: They should find a nice hobby.
B: Just wait until you're 50 years old.
A: Dating will be the furthest thing
from my mind.
B: That's what you say now. Wait till
you're 50
12. I Love You More than Money
A: Does your girlfriend ever make you
angry?
B: Sometimes.
A: What does she do?
B: Just yesterday, I told her I wouldn't
trade her for all the money in the
world.
A: That was a nice thing to say.
B: That's what I thought.
A: What did she say?
28
B: She laughed! She didn't believe me.

A: That wasn't very nice of her.
B: She said that nothing is more
important to me than money.
A: What did you say?
B: I told her I wouldn't trade her for
any other woman in the world.
13. A Good Nose
A: Some people have good noses.
B: I wish I had a good nose. Mine is
way too big.
A: I dont mean good-looking. I mean
good-smelling.
B: Oh. But that can be a curse.
A: Yes, because you can be too
sensitive to odors.
B: Ill say. My girlfriend has a nose like
a drug dog.
A: Did she catch you using drugs?
B: Sort of. She knows whenever I sneak
a cigarette.
A: You dont need a good nose for that
cigarettes stink.
B: But when I sneak just one cigarette
in the morning, she can smell it that
evening!
A: Boy, that is a good nose.
B: I told her she should apply for a job
at customs.
VI. At the Restaurant
1. I Feel Like Chinese
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
Lets go out to eat.

That sounds like fun.
Where do you want to go?
Let me think a minute.
I feel like Chinese.
That sounds delicious.
I know a good Chinese restaurant.
How far away is it?
Its only 10 minutes from here.
Do we need reservations?
Oh, no. We can walk right in.
Lets go now. Im hungry!
2. A Slow Burger
A: I cant believe how long this line is.
B: This is a popular restaurant, isnt it?
A: Yes, but it isnt a fast-food
restaurant, is it?
B: Its the slowest hamburger in town.
A: Thats because they cook it while
you wait.
B: Yes. Thats why its also the best
hamburger in town.
A: A great burger and great service.
B: Yes, the workers are very polite.
A: And theyre clean.
B: Ive been coming here for years.
A: Me too.
B: Excuse me. They just called my
number.
3.
A Good Lunch
A: Lunch was delicious.

B: Thank you.
A: What kind of soup was that?
B: It was tomato soup.
A: That tasted so good.
B: I put lemon and butter in it.
A: The sandwich was good, too.
B: Everyone likes bacon and tomato
sandwiches.
A: Especially on toast.
B: And the pickles were great, too.
A: Tomorrow well have rice and fish for
lunch.
B: I cant wait.
4.
A Bad Steak
A: Im calling the waiter.

A: This steak has too much fat.
B: What do you want the waiter to do?
A: Bring me a better steak.
B: I wouldnt do that.
A: Why not?
B: They will drop the new steak on the
floor, step on it, and then spit on it.
A: Youre crazy.
B: Then the waiter will give you a big
29
smile as he brings you the new steak.

A: Where do you get these crazy
ideas?
B: I used to cook in a restaurant!
5. Dirty Nails
A: Lets leave.
B: But we just got here.
A: Did you see the waiters hands?
B: No.
A: He had dirty fingernails.
B: Really?
A: His nails were black!
B: Thats disgusting.
A: And he poured water into our
glasses.
B: Yuck! No water for me.
A: I wonder if the cooks?nails are dirty,
too.
B: Who cares? Lets get out of here.
6.
Hot Bread
A: This hot bread is delicious.

B: I like this restaurant because they
give you free bread.
A: Well, I think we are paying for it.
B: No. Look at the bill when we get it.
Theres no charge for the bread.
A: It is delicious, especially with butter.
B: I think we should just leave after we
fill up on the bread.
A: They probably wouldnt like that.
B: Im eating so much bread that Im
getting full.
A: Then stop eating the bread!
B: Okay, just one more piece. Pass the
butter, please.
A: If I owned a restaurant, I would
never serve hot bread before the main
course.
B: Thats terrible. I would never go to
your restaurant.
7.
Fear of Germs
A: Is this a clean restaurant?

B: Well, the tables and chairs look
okay.
A: Okay, lets sit down.
B: Check out the silverware.
A: It passes inspection.
B: Here comes the waiter. See if his
hands and nails are clean.
A: Well, the waiter looked clean, so I
guess its okay to eat here.
B: Youre forgetting about the
bathroom.
A: Im going to just hope that the
bathroom is clean.
B: Youre not going to examine it
before we order dinner?
A: No, Id rather not find out that its
dirty, because Im pretty hungry right
now.
B: Me, too. Lets forget about germs
and focus on food.
8. Bad Service
A: Have you seen our waiter?
B: Here he comes now.
A: Weve been sitting here for almost
10 minutes.
B: Oops, I guess I was wrong. That isnt
our waiter.
A: We can give him five more minutes,
and then leave.
B: Ill go up front and talk to the
manager.
B: Maybe theyll give us free drinks for
waiting so long.
A: Maybe hell send us our waiter
immediately.
B: Every time we eat out, its an
adventure.
A: Last time, we got seats next to the
kitchen.
B: Well never go there again
9. A Good Table
A: Is this table okay?
B: No, its too close to the kitchen door.
A: How about this table?
B: No, its too close to the front door.
30
A: This looks like a nice table.

B: No, its too close to the salad bar.
A: Okay, I give up.
B: Well, there is one good table.
A: Great. Which one?
B: That one. A group of eight just sat
down at it.
10.
Do I Hear $60,000?
A: I don't believe the art world.

B: What is it this time?
A: An Andy Warhol drawing.
B: He's a famous artist.
A: He drew two butterflies and a flower
on a napkin in a restaurant.
B: Did he sign it?
A: Yes.
B: Is it beautiful?
A: It's just black ink on a white napkin.
And the napkin has food stains!
B: So it's not worth much?
A: Only about $30,000.
B: Without the food stains, it would
probably be worth more.
VII. Sports
B: And then you chase it.

A: And then you hit it again.
B: Finally, you put the ball into a hole
in the ground.
A: You do this 18 times, because there
are 18 holes.
B: Whats the point?
A: How can it be fun?
B: They pay money to play this silly
game!
A: I think golfers have a mental
problem.
B: I think theyre nuts.
3. Fresh Fish
A: Do you want to go fishing?
B: Yes. Thats a good idea.
A: Where do you want to go?
B: We can go to the river.
A: Or we can go to the lake.
B: Or we can go to the ocean.
A: Lets go to the lake.
B: Yes. The lake is only 10 miles away.
A: We can be there in 20 minutes.
B: Ill get our fishing rods.
A: Ill get the bait.
B: Well have fresh fish for dinner!
1. Take Me to the Ball Game

4. I Love Baseball
A: Can we go to the baseball game?
B: Of course.
A: I love baseball.
B: So do I.
A: I love to eat the peanuts.
B: I love to eat the hot dogs.
A: I hope well see a home run.
B: I hope well catch a foul ball.
A: Bring a jacket.
B: Yes. It gets a little cool at night.
A: Bring a glove to catch a foul ball.
B: No. Ill just use my cap to catch a
foul ball.
2. Golf Is Silly
A: Golf is a silly game.
B: It certainly is.
A: You hit a white ball.
A: Baseball is fun.
B: I like to hit the ball.
A: I like to run around the bases.
B: I like to slide into the bases.
A: Yeah. Its a lot of fun to slide.
B: I want to be a baseball player when
I grow up.
A: Me too. I want to play for the
Yankees.
B: Not me. I want to play for the
Dodgers.
A: We have to practice every day.
B: I dont like practice.
A: Me neither. Its boring.
B: But practice makes perfect.
5. New Shoes
31
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
Lets go jogging.
Thats a good idea.
I bought some new shoes.
Are they comfortable?
Theyre very comfortable.
How much were they?
They were on sale for $80.
Do they help you run faster?
No, but my feet dont hurt anymore.
Then theyre worth every penny.
You might want to buy a pair.
Ill wait until I wear this pair out.
6. Im Worried about Tiger

A: Tiger is the greatest golfer in the
world.
B: You can say that again.
A: But Im worried about Tiger.
B: Why is that?
A: Because he likes to SCUBA dive.
B: Whats wrong with that?
A: It can be dangerous.
B: You mean he could drown.
A: He shouldnt SCUBA dive until he
retires.
B: But he dives to relax.
A: He might relax, but it makes me
nervous.
B: If his wife doesnt mind, you
shouldnt mind.
7. Where Is Tiger From?
A: Did you watch that golf
tournament?
B: The one that Tiger won?
A: How did he do it?
B: It was nothing for him.
A: He sank a 20-foot putt on the last
hole to win by one stroke!
B: He sank a 25-footer last year at the
same tournament to win by one
stroke.
A: I think he is from outer space.
B: No human could possibly play golf
that well.
A: Whenever he needs a shot to win a
tournament, he makes that shot.
B: No human can do that.

A: Somebody should check his birth
record.
B: I bet it says he was born on Mars.
8. Babe Ruth
A: Whos the greatest baseball
player?
B: There are so many great players.
A: Yes, but who is the greatest?
B: Id have to say Babe Ruth.
A: Most people would say that.
B: He changed the game.
A: Yes, he made the home run
popular.
B: Everybody loved him, all over the
nation.
A: He helped make the Yankees the
best team ever.
B: And Ruth was a good person, too.
A: He always visited hospitals to
cheer up sick kids.
B: There will never be another Babe.
9. The Seasons Over
A: Did you hear what happened at the
baseball game?
B: No, please tell me.
A: Someone punched out someone.
B: Thats not nice.
A: Its worse than that.
B: How so?
A: Two guys got into an argument.
B: Ill bet they were drinking.
A: A third guy punched one of the two
guys.
B: Ill bet he was drinking, too.
A: The victim hit his head on the
concrete steps and died.
B: Thats terrible. Cant people just
have fun at a baseball game?
10.
Cheap Seats
A: I want to go to the ball game.

B: Is there a game tonight?
A: Yes, it starts at 7 p.m.
32
B: Can we get tickets?

A: Yes, but only the cheap tickets.
B: How much are they?
A: Theyre only $5 each.
B: Thats a good price.
A: Yes, its cheaper than a hot dog or a
beer.
B: Where are the seats?
A: Theyre behind the outfield.
B: Maybe we can catch a home run
ball.
11.
Golf Is No Picnic
A: Golf is so hard.
B: What's so hard about hitting a little
white ball?
A: It's hard if you want to do it right.
B: You mean like Tiger?
A: No, like a good amateur golfer.
B: What's so hard about golf?
A: There are so many things you have
to do right.
B: Like what?
A: Like keep your left arm straight,
keep your head down, and follow
through.
B: Yikes! Who can remember all that?
A: You need to get a lot of lessons
when you're really young.
B: Forget it. Golf sounds more like work
than fun.
12.
A Player Cheats
A: Did you hear about the ball player?

B: The home run hitter on drugs?
A: He said a doctor helped him with a
personal problem.
B: He said he wasnt using drugs.
A: He apologized to the fans.
B: The league suspended him for 50
games.
A: That will cost him some money.
B: Yes, about $7 million.
A: That will teach him a good lesson.
B: He probably wont use drugs
anymore.
A: But it wont stop other players from
using drugs.
B: No. Everyone always figures that
they wont get caught.
VIII. Safety
1. Too Much Crime
A: Why is there so much crime?
B: Because parents dont teach their
kids right from wrong.
A: Is that it?
B: Also, there arent enough police.
A: But there are a lot of police.
B: Theres only one police officer per
100 criminals.
A: Cant we hire more police?
B: No. It costs too much money.
A: Doesnt crime cost more than
police?
B: Yes, it does.
A: So it would be cheaper to hire more
police?
B: Yes, it would.
2. No One Ever Leaves
A: This is a great neighborhood.
B: Yes, it is.
A: People are friendly.
B: Yes, they are.
A: The streets and sidewalks are clean.
B: Yes, they are.
A: Theres a real nice park nearby.
B: Yes, there is.
A: I feel safe here.
B: There is no crime here.
A: I wish I could move here.
B: Maybe you can, if someone moves
out.
3. Fire and Smoke
A: The house burned down.
B: What happened?
A: The man fell asleep.
B: Was he smoking?
A: Yes, he was smoking a cigarette.
B: Did he die?
33
A: Yes, he did. His cat died, too.

B: Thats too bad. What about his
smoke alarm?
A: The battery was dead.
B: A good battery would have saved
his life.
A: He had cigarettes, but no battery.
B: It happens all the time.
4. Play with Fire
A: They say he has started fifteen big
fires.
B: Hes been in jail three times already.
A: Why did they ever let him out?
B: Its the law. They cant keep him in
jail forever.
A: Why not? Everyone knows hes a
firebug. He loves to start fires.
B: I dont know. Sometimes the law
doesnt make sense.
A: But his latest fire killed someone.
B: This time they have charged him
with murder.
A: So maybe hell go to jail forever?
B: I sure hope so.
A: Someone should set him on fire.
B: That would teach him a good lesson.
5. Fasten Your Seatbelt
A: Put your seatbelt on.
B: Why?
A: Because it will protect you in case
of an accident.
B: But its uncomfortable.
A: Its the law.
B: Its so much trouble.
A: Its common sense.
B: Its so tight that its hard for me to
breathe.
A: Hold your breath till we get there.
B: Okay, my seatbelt is on.
A: Im glad you dont complain very
much.
B: Im ready for an accident.
6. Use the Stepladder
A: What are you doing?

B: Im going to change the light bulb.
It burnt out.
A: What are you standing on?
B: A couple of dictionaries and some
textbooks.
A: Are you crazy?
A: Those books will slip and youll fall.
B: Its only a couple of feet.
A: What if you fall while youre holding
the light bulb, and it breaks and
pieces go into your eyes?
B: I never thought about that.
A: Youd be blind for the rest of your
life!
B: Ill get the stepladder.
7. A Puddle on the Floor
A: Did you see that puddle of water
on the floor?
B: Yes. I called for a clean-up.
A: A puddle of water is very
dangerous.
B: It isnt easy to see.
A: But its real easy to slip on.
B: Especially on these slick floors.
A: Someone who slips could hurt their
back.
B: They could even crack their head
open.
A: We should stand here till the cleanup person gets here.
B: We can leave if we put an orange
cone here.
A: Yes, but I dont know where the
orange cones are.
B: It doesnt matter. Here he comes
now with the mop.
8. The Fire Alarm
A: I have to go back upstairs.
B: Why? Were already late.
A: I have to check the stove.
A: Maybe I left the burner on.
B: No, you didnt. I checked the stove
34
before we left.
A: Are you sure?
B: Of course Im sure.
A: Well, I have to go back upstairs
anyway.
B: Its getting later every minute.
A: I think I left the water running.
B: No, you didnt. Lets go! The only
thing running is the clock!
9. Double-Check Everything
A: The city is buying guns.
B: What are they paying?
A: Up to $200 for each gun, no
questions asked.
B: Why are they doing this?
A: They want to get guns off the
street.
B: Who would turn in a gun for $200?
A: That isnt a good deal?
B: A good gun costs $400 or more.
A: Well, if you bring your receipt,
maybe theyll give you $400.
B: Ill keep my receipt and my gun.
A: I didnt know you had a gun.
B: Everyone in America should have a
gun.
10.
Guns for ALL
A: You're yawning.
B: I sure am.
A: You should go to bed.
B: I will as soon as I finish this article.
A: What are you reading?
B: It's about crime in Los Angeles.
A: What does it say?
B: The mayor says the crime rate is
going down.
A: Then why does everyone lock their
doors?
B: I guess they haven't read this
article.
A: No one believes that the crime rate
is going down.
B: Maybe the mayor is just talking
about his own neighborhood.
11.
Crime Reduction
A: People who live in California are

crazy.
B: Why is that?
A: Because of all the earthquakes and
fires.
B: But big earthquakes happen only
once in a while.
A: Once in a while is once too many.
B: But youre right. There are a lot of
fires.
A: A recent fire destroyed 85 homes.
B: Still, its safer than Florida.
A: Florida doesnt have earthquakes
or fires.
B: No, Florida just has hurricanes
every year from June to October.
A: But most of those hurricanes are
harmless.
B: Excuse me. Hurricane Andrew
destroyed 30,000 homes!
12.
Two Different States
A: People who live in California are

crazy.
B: Why is that?
A: Because of all the earthquakes and
fires.
B: But big earthquakes happen only
once in a while.
A: Once in a while is once too many.
B: But youre right. There are a lot of
fires.
A: A recent fire destroyed 85 homes.
B: Still, its safer than Florida.
A: Florida doesnt have earthquakes
or fires.
B: No, Florida just has hurricanes
every year from June to October.
A: But most of those hurricanes are
harmless.
B: Excuse me. Hurricane Andrew
destroyed 30,000 homes!
IX. Travel
1. Beautiful Hawaii
35
A: I went to Hawaii on vacation.

B: Did you like it?
A: I loved it. I want to live there.
B: What did you like?
A: The island is so green, and the
water is so blue.
B: Did you go swimming?
A: I went to the beach every day.
B: How was the weather?
A: It was hot and sunny every day.
B: What did you do at night?
A: At night I went out to eat. The food
was delicious.
B: People who live in Hawaii are lucky.
2. A Real Meal
A: I like this hotel.
B: What do you like about it?
A: We get a free breakfast.
B: Coffee and a roll?
A: No, a real breakfast.
B: Bacon and eggs?
A: With toast, ham, sausage, fresh
fruit, and juice.
B: Wow! That is nice. Lets stay for
two nights.
A: And the rooms are clean, too.
B: Do they allow pets?
A: No pets, no smoking.
B: I like that. Lets stay three nights.
3. New Sheets
A: Im not sleeping here tonight.
B: Whats the matter? This is a nice
room.
A: Maybe the room is nice, but not the
bed.
B: Whats wrong with the bed?
A: Look at this sheet.
B: Yes?
A: See those stains?
B: I sure do.
A: Im not sleeping on that sheet.
B: Well, just call the front desk. Theyll
give us new sheets.
A: I want sheets without stains on
them.
B: From now on, lets bring our own

sheets.
4. The Airport
A: What time does your plane leave?
B: It leaves at 12:15.
A: When do you have to be at the
airport?
B: I have to be there two hours early.
A: So we have to be at the airport at
10:15.
B: That means we have to leave the
house at 9:15.
A: Well, its an hour to get there, if
there are no traffic problems.
B: So maybe we better leave at 8:15?
A: Yes, its better to get there too
early than too late.
B: I agree.
A: You never know what might happen
on these freeways.
B: Theres at least one huge accident
every day.
5. A Christmas Flight
A: I need to fly to New York.
B: When are you going?
A: During the Christmas holidays.
B: Youd better buy your ticket now.
A: You must be kidding.
B: No, Im not. Its March. Time is
running out. Seats are selling out
right now.
A: I thought I would wait until October.
B: Ill bet this is the first time youve
ever flown during Christmas.
A: Youre right.
B: Well, listen to me. You need to buy
a ticket now.
A: But maybe prices will be cheaper in
October.
B: Cheaper prices wont do you any
good if there are no seats.
6. Fear of Flying
36
A: I hate flying.
B: So do I.
A: A long time ago, flying used to be
okay.
B: Now its like riding a bus.
A: Youre jammed in with people all
around you.
B: Half of them are coughing, and the
other half are sneezing.
A: You dont have any elbow room or
knee room.
B: People are always getting up to use
the bathroom.
A: Kids are crying or climbing over
you.
B: Its a flying zoo!
A: I wish I could afford first class
seats.
B: Doesnt everybody?
7. Row Your Boat
A: Some guy rowed across the Atlantic
Ocean.
B: Good for him.
A: Why would he do that?
B: Did he set a new record?
A: Yes, I think he did.
B: Well, I guess thats why he did it.
A: Whats the point?
B: Now he has the world record!
A: But someones going to break it, so
what good is it?
B: Well, he can enjoy it while it lasts.
A: I dont think he even got paid for it.
B: Some people do it just to do it.
8. A Cruise
A: I want to go on a cruise ship.
B: That sounds like fun. Where do you
want to go?
A: I want to cruise to Hawaii.
B: That should be a nice trip. Lots of
fun, and lots of food.
A: I have no idea how much it will
cost.
B: I think it depends on the season
and on your cabin.
A: Well, of course I want to go when

the weather is nice.
B: Yes, you dont want to travel in
winter storms.
A: And I want to get a big cabin with a
view.
B: Are you going to travel alone?
A: No, my sister and I will travel
together.
B: Well, you should go online and try
to find a good deal.
9. Prepare for Takeoff
A: I hate to fly.
B: Because of all the security?
A: No, because it hurts my ears.
A: Every time we land or take off, my
ears hurt so much.
B: Thats just the altitude change, I
think.
A: Whatever it is, it hurts.
B: Cant you take medicine or
something for it?
A: Ive tried everything, but nothing
works.
B: Have you tried earplugs?
A: They dont work, either.
B: Well, be glad youre not a pilot.
10.
The Grand Canyon
A: Spring break starts tomorrow.

B: Are you going to go anywhere?
A: I was thinking of driving to Arizona.
B: To the Grand Canyon?
A: Yes. I've never been there.
B: I was there when I was a kid.
A: How did you like it?
B: I loved it. I still remember how
amazing it was.
A: I'm sure I'll like it, too.
B: You should try riding a mule on a
trail to the bottom.
A: No way! I don't want to fall to my
death.
B: Don't worry. Only one person has
ever fallen off a mule.
37
11.
Hotel Hell
A: That hotel was terrible.

B: The worst in the whole world.
A: The walls were so thin.
B: All day long we heard TVs or
telephones.
A: All night long we heard people
snoring.
B: Housekeeping didn't give us fresh
towels.
A: Room service brought us a cold
dinner.
B: Our nonsmoking room stunk of
cigarette smoke.
A: Our room was right next to the
elevator and the ice machine.
B: They added phony charges to our
bill.
A: How did we end up in that terrible
hotel?
B: The travel agent gave us a 50percent discount!
12.
A Long Day
A: I have to hang up. Im so sleepy.

B: Its not even 10 oclock.
A: Im falling asleep on the phone.
B: You got up real early.
A: I had to take my friend to the
airport.
B: Why didnt you take a nap when
you got home?
A: I didnt get home until 30 minutes
ago.
B: Why is that?
A: There was a bomb threat at the
airport.
B: Only a threat?
A: Yes, but I was stuck there all day
while they looked for the bomb.
B: Someday the bomb is going to be
for real.
13.
A Free Trip
A: My dad went to Washington, D.C.

B: Why did he do that?
A: He was invited, along with about

90 other veterans.
B: Who invited them?
A: Some private organization.
B: Why did they invite him?
A: To thank him and all the other
soldiers who served in World War II.
B: Thats very nice.
A: My dad got to see the beautiful
new World War II Monument.
B: That trip must have cost a lot of
money.
A: He said all the money came from
private donations.
14.
Serving Your Country
A: That was a great trip to

Washington, D.C.
B: Tell me about it, Dad.
A: About 90 of us World War II
veterans got on the plane at 8 a.m.
B: How long was the flight?
A: It only took about two hours.
B: Did you take pictures at the World
War II Monument?
A: Oh, yes. We all took lots of
pictures.
B: Then you flew back home that
evening?
A: Yes. When we landed, TV reporters
and the Army band were there.
B: That must have made you feel
really special.
A: Oh, it did. There were about 300
people there to honor us.
B: Well, you all deserve it. You helped
save our country.
X. Jobs
1. I Need a Job
A: I need a job.
B: I thought you had a job.
A: I did.
B: What happened?
A: I got laid off.
B: Thats terrible! When did it
38
happen?
A: I got laid off last week.
B: Just you?
A: No, ten of my coworkers got laid
off, too.
A: Im looking in the newspaper for a
job.
B: Good luck!
2. Before Going to an Interview
A: Before you go to that interview,
check yourself.
B: Whats to check?
A: Are your nails clean?
B: Yes, they are.
A: Did you double-check your nose
and teeth?
B: They are clean, too.
A: Did you shine your shoes?
B: My shoes are shined.
A: Do your socks match?
B: Of course they match.
A: No, they dont. One is black and
one is dark blue.
B: Yikes! Thank you.
A: I had a long day.

B: So did I.
A: I didnt even have lunch.
B: Neither did I.
A: I was busy the whole day.
B: So was I.
A: I had to bring work home with me.
B: I did too.
A: Your day was just like mine.
B: Of course it was. We work
together!
5. I Am a Babysitter
A: I dont like my job.
B: What do you do?
A: Im a babysitter.
B: Is that a lot of work?
A: Babies cry all the time.
B: You have to change their diapers.
A: I have to feed them.
B: Are you looking for another job?
A: No, Im looking for another family.
B: Another family?
A: A family with only one baby.
B: Thats a good idea.
6. Hire Me
3. Work Is Hard
A: Life is hard.
B: It sure is.
A: I thought school was hard.
B: Me, too. I couldnt wait to graduate.
A: But now work is hard, too.
B: I agree. Work is just as hard as
school.
A: Sometimes I wish I was back in
school.
B: Me, too. School was fun.
A: And it was only 12 years.
B: It went by pretty fast.
A: But work goes on forever!
B: We have to work for 30 years!
A: I need a job.
B: What was your last job?
A: I was a painter.
B: What happened?
A: I got laid off because there was no
work.
B: What else can you do?
A: Im a handyman.
B: Can you fix a dripping faucet in a
kitchen sink?
A: Of course.
B: Then I have a job for you in my
kitchen.
A: It will cost you only $20 plus parts.
B: Okay. That sounds like a fair price.
4. Peas in a Pod
7. What If?
A: Im sleepy.
B: So am I.
A: What would you do if you lost your

job?
39
B: I have no idea. Ive been here for

20 years.
A: Do you have any other skills?
B: Well, I know how to flip
hamburgers.
A: No one would hire you to flip
hamburgers.
B: Have you heard something that
youre not telling me?
B: Are there going to be layoffs at this
place?
A: I certainly hope not!
B: If you got laid off, youd be flipping
hamburgers, too.
A: Oh great, we could both work at
Burger King.
B: Maybe wed get laid off there, too.
8. Become a Teacher
A: Do your students ever talk about
their jobs?
B: Yes, and they ask me what jobs are
the best.
A: I tell my students to become a
teacher.
B: Teaching is a great job.
A: Its the best job Ive ever had.
B: What makes it so good?
A: For me, its the students.
A: I mean I have wonderful students.
B: That must be nice.
A: Teaching is the best part of my
whole day.
B: Youre a lucky man to have a job
you love.
9. Over and Over
A: Boy, Im glad that job is finished.
B: How long did it take?
A: Four hours, without a break.
B: Its always nice to finish a job.
A: Well, its good and bad.
B: Whats bad about it?
A: When you finish, all you do is start
another job!
B: Yes, thats right. It does get boring.

A: Especially if its the same work,
over and over.
B: But thats what most people do.
A: Yes, I guess most of us are stuck in
a routine.
B: I wonder if there is any job that you
dont repeat over and over.
11.
A Bad Boss
A: I think I have the worst boss in the

world.
B: What makes him so bad?
A: Hes rude and he yells a lot.
B: Thats hard to take.
A: Ive never heard him say please or
thank you.
B: He sounds like a real jerk.
A: No one at work likes him.
B: Cant you report him to his
supervisor?
A: Of course not. If I do that, Ill lose
my job.
B: Yes, they dont like troublemakers
or complainers.
A: I cant quit, because Im making a
good salary.
B: You shouldnt choose money over
happiness.
12.
Light My Fire
A: What are we going to do?

B: About what?
A: About finding a job for me.
B: You dont need a job. I make
enough money for both of us.
A: That doesnt matter. I dont want to
sit around.
B: Okay, what kind of job do you
want?
A: Im not sure.
B: Well, you should do something that
you enjoy.
A: I enjoy selling. I was born to sell.
B: Okay, what do you want to sell?
A: Cigarette lighters. Ill make a
fortune.
40
B: But you hate cigarettes and you

hate smoking!
13.
Still Working
A: A new hotel is looking for workers.

B: Yes, I saw it on the TV news.
A: They need 300 new workers.
B: And 4,000 people showed up.
A: So many people are out of work.
B: I still have my job, thank goodness.
A: So do I, but Im worried.
B: Me too. There are no guarantees.
A: If you lose your job, you can move
in with me.
B: Oh, thank you. Thats very nice of
you.
A: You would do the same for me.
B: Of course. What are friends for?
14.
All His Eggs in One Basket
A: I think I did something real stupid.

B: What did you do?
A: I bought some stock.
B: Everybody buys stock.
A: I bought it on a hunch.
B: You didn't read about the company
first?
A: I didn't have to. It's been in
business for 60 years.
B: So what's the problem?
A: I used all my savings on this one
company.
B: You put all your eggs into one
basket.
A: If the company goes out of
business, I'll have nothing.
B: Oh, you'll have somethingyou'll
have a lesson you'll never forget!
15.
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
His Parents Are Disappointed

I was going to be a doctor.
What happened to your plans?
I got a D in college chemistry.
Well, a D is better than an F.
A tutor helped me get the D!
So, you didn't become a doctor.
A: And now I'm glad that I didn't.

B: Why's that?
A: A hospital is the most dangerous
place in the world.
B: Oh, yes, because of all the killer
germs.
A: If you're a smart doctor, you stay
away from hospitals.
B: Yes, the smart doctors are those TV
news doctorsno hospitals, no
patients.
16.
Nice Doggy
A: I want to be a mail carrier when I

grow up.
B: Why? A: Because you get to meet a
lot of people.
B: You sure do.
A: And you get a lot of exercise every
day.
B: Thats the truth.
A: And you get to play with a lot of
dogs.
B: Well, youre supposed to be
working.
A: Yes, but I will always pet the
friendly dogs.
B: What about the unfriendly dogs?
A: I think if you are friendly to dogs,
they are friendly to you.
B: Dogs are like peoplenot all of
them are friendly.
17.
Knock, Knock!
A: I want to move to New York.

B: To the state or the city?
A: To the city, of course.
B: Why do you want to move there?
A: Because I want to make a lot of
money.
B: There are a lot of poor people in
New York.
A: There sure areat least a million.
B: So how do you plan to become
rich?
A: I will knock on the doors of all the
corporations.
41
B: That wont make you rich. Nobody

will talk to you.
A: I will keep knocking on doors.
B: All you will get is sore knuckles.
XI. Food
1. A Good Salad
A: I love salads.
B: Me too.
A: I usually eat a simple salad.
B: What do you put in it?
A: Just lettuce, tomato, and celery.
B: Thats it?
A: I add some pepper and salt.
B: I always put cheese in my salads.
A: Yes, cheese is nice.
B: What kind of dressing do you use?
A: I pour lots of French dressing on
top.
B: Me too. French dressing is so
delicious! Who cares about calories?
2. We Get Cheese from Cows
A: I love cheese.
B: Me too.
A: Where does cheese come from?
B: It comes from cows.
A: So we get cheese from cows, and
we get milk, too?
B: Yes, we do.
A: What else do we get from cows?
B: We get hamburgers and steak.
A: Oh, thats so delicious.
B: We also get leather.
A: We get a lot of things from cows,
dont we?
B: Yes. A cow is mans best friend.
3. I Used to Work in a Deli
A: I used to work in a deli.
B: How did you like it?
A: I loved it!
B: Did you get free food?
A: I ate free cheese and meat every
day.
B: That sounds like a great job.

A: Whatever a customer ordered, I
sliced off a little more for me.
B: Did you get fat?
A: No, but I did put on a few pounds.
B: That sounds like a dream job.
A: It was, until one day my manager
caught me.
B: No more free cheese for you, huh?
4. A New Diet
A: Im on a new diet.
B: What are you eating now?
A: I switched from pasta to potatoes.
B: Why did you do that?
A: Pasta is processed food. Potatoes
are natural food.
B: Natural food has more vitamins.
A: And its just as easy to prepare.
B: How do you prepare the potatoes?
A: I wash them, and then steam them
for 15 minutes.
B: Thats pretty simple.
A: Then I add butter, salt, and pepper.
B: Can I have all those cans of tomato
sauce you bought for your pasta?
5. Bad Manners
A: My girlfriends mom got mad at me
at the dinner table.
B: Why was that?
A: I sprinkled salt and pepper on the
food before I tasted it.
B: Whats the matter with that?
A: Her mom is a great cook.
B: So, a little salt and pepper never
hurt anything.
A: It hurt her feelings.
B: Oh.
A: I apologized to her, but I could tell
she was still upset.
B: Maybe you shouldnt eat there
again.
A: Im sure everything will be okay in
a day or two.
B: Its your girlfriends fault. She
should have warned you.
42
6. Same Old Diet

A: I eat the same thing every day.
B: Youre kidding.
A: No, Im serious.
B: Doesnt that get old?
A: No, because Im eating food that I
like.
B: But the same thing day after day
gets old.
A: Well, I guess if it ever does get old,
Ill change to something different.
B: Do you eat fruits and vegetables
every day?
A: No, I hate vegetables.
B: But you eat fruits.
A: I eat two apples, one banana, and
one orange every day.
B: Well, theres nothing wrong with
that.
7. A Pink Orange
A: Theres something wrong with my
orange.
B: Whats wrong?
A: Its not orange!
B: Your orange isnt orange?
A: No, its dark pink!
B: Are you sure? I never heard of such
a thing.
A: I just peeled it, and Im looking at it
right now.
B: Let me see. Yes, youre right. Your
orange is pink.
A: Who ever heard of such a thing?
B: Oh, look. Heres the little sticker
that was on it. Its called a Pink Navel.
A: What is this world coming to?
B: Who knows? Maybe soon well have
pink bananas.
8. Roasted or Boiled
A: I love peanuts.
B: Me, too. I love them roasted and
salted.
A: I love boiled peanuts.
B: Boiled? I never heard of that.
A: Just boil raw peanuts in salt water

until the shells are soft.
B: Ill have to try them sometime.
A: Theyre best when theyre hot.
B: My brother is allergic to peanuts.
A: Thats not good.
B: No, it isnt. He almost died when he
was little.
A: I guess he has to be very careful
about what he eats.
B: He has a very strict diet.
9. A Pound a Week
A: Im gaining weight.
B: How much have you gained?
A: Three pounds just this month.
B: Do you know why?
A: I think its the ice cream.
B: You started eating ice cream?
A: It was on sale.
B: How much did you buy?
A: I filled up my freezer with ice
cream.
B: Well, it wont last forever.
A: No, I figure Ill finish it all by next
week.
B: Then you can start losing weight, if
there isnt another sale.
10. No More for Me
A: I'm stuffed.
B: Of course you are. You ate
everything on the table.
A: I don't like to eat leftovers.
B: I'm glad to hear there's something
you don't like to eat.
A: I like my food hot and fresh.
B: You like to see it disappear.
A: I don't like it reheated.
B: Well, you'll have hot fresh food
tomorrow night.
A: I'm so full I'm going to burst.
B: You should loosen your belt.
A: I already loosened my belt and
unbuttoned my pants.
B: Well, don't stand up, please.
43
11. Dont Be Lazy

A: I saw what you did.
B: I didnt do anything.
A: Oh yes, you did.
A: You know what Im talking about.
B: I dont have any idea.
A: You know what you did.
B: Maybe I know, but how could you
know?
A: Because I was watching you.
B: Okay, Im sorry I did it.
A: Dont drink milk out of the carton.
Use a glass!
B: I promise Ill never drink out of the
carton again.
XII. Shopping
1. I Like That Shirt
A: I like that shirt.
B: So do I.
A: How much is it?
B: I dont know. The tag is missing.
A: Ask the clerk.
B: I will.
A: Oh, look. Heres another shirt just
like it.
B: Does it have a price tag?
A: Yes, it does. Its only $20.
B: Thats a great price.
A: I think Ill buy both of them.
B: Youd better try them on first.
2. Pants That Fit
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
I bought you a pair of pants.

Thank you.
I hope they fit.
I hope you kept the receipt.
You think they wont fit?
I think Ive put on some weight.
You think?
Maybe a pound or two.
Maybe four or five pounds?
My waist is bigger than it was.
No problem. These pants have an
elastic waistband.
B: You are so smart!
3. The Shopping List
A: What do we need to buy?
B: Let me look at our list.
A: I know that we need milk.
B: Nonfat.
A: Of course. What else?
B: We need cheese, bread, and ham.
A: What kind of cheese?
B: Swiss.
A: Of course, the cheese with holes in
it.
B: I never used to buy Swiss cheese.
A: Why not?
B: I didnt want to pay for the holes.
4. Poor Pockets
A: I need some pants.
B: I thought you just bought a pair.
A: I did.
B: Whats wrong with them so soon?
A: The pants are fine, but the pocket
has a huge hole in it.
B: You shouldnt carry your keys and
pens in your pocket.
A: But thats what pockets are for.
B: You should carry them in a purse.
A: Im a man, and men dont carry
purses!
B: Well, you should buy pants with
stronger pockets.
A: I would if I could find someone who
makes strong pockets.
B: Try a Google search online.
5. Wipe Everything
A: What are those wipes for?
B: You use them to wipe the handle of
the shopping cart.
A: Thats a great idea.
B: Yes, all the markets just started
offering wipes to shoppers.
A: Im going to take five wipes.
B: What do you need five of them for?
44
A: One to wipe the handle, and the

others to wipe the produce.
B: Whats the matter with the
produce?
A: Do you think the bananas fell from
the sky?
A: I mean, someone used their dirty
hands to pick the bananas, the
apples, and the oranges.
B: Well, you better save a wipe for the
dirty dollar bills youre going to pay
with.
6. The 99 Cents Store
A: Did you go to the 99 Cents store?
B: Yes, I did.
A: What did you buy?
B: Well, I got a lot of good deals, as
usual.
A: Like what?
B: Well, a dozen large eggs were only
99 cents.
A: Thats a good deal.
B: And a one-pound tub of soft butter
was the same price.
A: Another good deal.
B: But the best deal was five pounds
of potatoes for 99 cents.
A: I dont know how that store makes
money.
B: Neither do I, but theyre doing
something right.
7. PC or Mac?
A: I need a new computer.
B: Whats the matter with yours?
A: Its six years old.
B: Thats pretty old.
A: It still works, but Im going to give
it to a charity.
B: Are you going to buy a desktop or
laptop?
A: Oh, a laptop, of course.
B: A PC or a Mac?
A: I havent decided yet.
B: More and more people are using
Macs.
A: But 90 percent of the world uses
PCs.
B: And thats not going to change
anytime soon.
8. Bad Business
A: I got ripped off.
B: What happened?
A: I had a car problem, so I went
online.
B: Did you find a solution?
A: Yes, I did. A site I went to said they
would send me the solution.
B: So, whats the problem?
A: I sent them $20 using my credit
card, but they never sent me the
solution.
A: I sent them an email asking for my
money back.
B: Have you heard from them?
A: Not yet. Its been a week.
B: Well, I guess thats a $20 lesson for
you.
9. Sharpen the Pencil
A: Wheres the pencil sharpener?
B: Which one?
A: Any one. I need to sharpen this
pencil.
B: I think theres one on the dining
room table.
A: I already looked there.
B: Did you look in the desk drawer?
A: Yes, I looked there, too.
B: Dont we have about five
sharpeners?
A: Yes, but they seem to have legs.
B: Tomorrow Im going to buy an
electric sharpener.
A: Get one with the rubber suction
cups on the bottom.
B: Yes. That way it will stay where I
put it.
10.
To Save Money
45
A: Im trying to stretch my dollars.

B: How are you doing that?
A: I started shopping at the dollar
store.
B: That saves a lot of money.
A: I bought three pounds of potatoes
for a dollar.
B: Thats a good deal.
A: Yes, even though some of the
potatoes had eyes.
B: Just put them in the fridge.
A: Also, I bought a can of cheap coffee
and a bag of good coffee.
B: Why did you do that?
A: I mixed them together.
B: If the coffee still tastes okay, thats
a good idea.
XIII. Housing
1. A New House
A: I really like this house.
B: Can we afford it?
A: They want 20 percent down.
B: Thats a lot of money.
A: But the house is so nice.
B: Its in a great neighborhood.
A: Its close to the beach.
B: Its close to the freeways.
A: Its got a big yard.
B: The kids love the house, too.
A: If we dont buy it, someone else
will.
B: Youre right. Lets buy it now. We
can worry later.
2. We Cant Afford This House
A: We cant afford this house.
B: Are you sure?
A: We will be house rich, but cash
poor.
A: Our monthly payments will be too
high.
B: We wont have any money for other
things?
A: No, we wont have money for gas
or food.
B: Well be eating peanut butter
sandwiches?
A: Without the peanut butter!
B: Thats no good!
A: We have to find a cheaper house.
B: Of course. We cant live without
gas or peanut butter.
3. On the Corner
A: That is a beautiful house.
B: I dont like it.
A: Whats the matter with it?
B: Its on the corner.
A: So?
B: That means it gets twice as much
traffic.
A: Youre right.
B: When youre inside, you will always
hear cars stopping and stopping at
the intersection.
A: Or youll hear the collision if
someone doesnt stop.
B: Or youll see the collision if they
crash into the house.
A: Lets find a house thats at the end
of a dead end.
B: Thats perfect. The less traffic, the
better.
4. A Great Apartment
A: I hate looking for an apartment.
B: Me, too.
A: We have a 2 oclock appointment
to see the one on Main Street.
B: Wed better get ready to go.
A: Its an upstairs unit.
B: Thats good, because I dont want
to live under people with loud feet.
A: And its a corner unit.
B: Thats great. We wont have
neighbors on both sides of us.
A: No pets are allowed.
B: Perfect. We dont have to listen to
barking dogs.
A: And there are only six units in the
whole building.
B: Wheres the checkbook? Im ready
to rent it without even seeing it.
46
5. Fix the Doorbell

A: Did you call the manager?
B: Yes. He said hed come over
tomorrow.
A: Did he say what time?
B: Yes. He said hed be here at 9
oclock.
A: Did he understand what the
problem is?
B: Yes. I told him our doorbell doesnt
work.
A: It shouldnt take him long to fix it.
B: I dont even know why we need to
fix it.
A: In case we have visitors.
B: But they can just knock on the
door.
A: Actually, I want him to look at our
carpet, too.
B: Yes, it would be nice if hed give us
a new carpet.
6. Almost Perfect
A: Do you like this house?
B: Yes, its beautiful.
A: Its perfect for us and the kids.
B: Three bedrooms, three bathrooms,
and a big back yard.
A: And we can afford it!
B: So are we going to buy it?
A: Im afraid not.
B: Its too far from your job, isnt it?
A: I cant spend four hours on the
road every day.
B: By the time you get home, youll
be too tired to even eat.
A: I wont be able to play with the
kids.
B: No, we have to find something
closer to your job.
7. Life Was Hard
A: Boy, its chilly outside, isnt it?
B: It sure is.
A: In fact, its chilly in the apartment,
too.
B: Lets turn on the heat.

A: Ill check to make sure that all the
windows are shut.
B: It should be warmer in a few
minutes.
A: Its so nice to have a heated
apartment.
B: How did they survive in the old
days?
A: They had fireplaces.
B: Someone had to chop the wood.
A: And carry it into the house.
B: All we have to do is flip a switch.
8. Sell Now
A: This is a nice neighborhood.
B: The streets are clean and quiet.
A: The neighbors dont party on the
weekends.
B: People take care of their lawns.
A: No rusty old cars are sitting in the
front yards.
B: We never have to call the police
about anything.
A: Our kids are completely safe.
B: So why are we selling our house?
A: Theyre building a 3-story
apartment building on the corner.
B: So weve got to sell before property
values go down?
A: Yes. I still cant believe our city
council allowed this building.
B: Theyre probably getting something
under the table.
9. Who Cares?
A: That was a huge fire in Santa
Barbara.
B: Yes, it was.
A: They said about 30 houses burned
to the ground.
B: And they were expensive houses.
A: I feel so sorry for those people.
B: Why feel sorry for rich people?
A: I feel sorry for anyone who loses
their home.
B: So do I, but not if theyre rich.
47
A: What does that have to do with it?

B: Rich people think theyre better
than us.
A: How many rich people do you
know?
B: None.
10.
Hungry Bears
A: Bears are invading our

neighborhoods.
B: Of course they are. Theyre
starving to death.
A: They should stay in the woods
where they belong.
B: Theres no food in the woods.
A: Cant they eat grass?
B: Do you think a bear is a cow?
A: Well, Ive seen them eating berries.
B: Berries arent in season all year
round.
A: Its too dangerous for kids and
pets.
B: People need to cover their trash
cans.
A: The police need to shoot all the
bears.
B: You dont solve a problem by
shooting it.
XIV. Vote
1. Yes, We Can
A: Who did you vote for?
B: I voted for Obama.
A: Me too.
B: He will be a great president.
A: Everyone likes him.
B: Hes a good speaker.
A: And hes really smart.
B: He will solve our problems.
A: He will end the war.
B: The next four years will be good
years.
A: Ill vote for him next time, too.
B: I think everyone will.
2. Dont Vote for Him
A: The election is next week.

B: Who are you voting for?
A: Im not voting for the mayor.
B: Why not?
A: He made promises that he didnt
keep.
B: Like what?
A: He promised to hire 1,000 more
police officers.
B: How many did he hire?
A: One hundred!
B: Maybe he had a good reason.
A: Maybe hes just a liar.
B: Maybe Ill vote for someone else,
too.
3. He Got Reelected
A: I cant believe he won the election.
B: Only 15 percent of the voters
turned out.
A: That is a joke.
B: Voting is so important, but people
dont bother.
A: Many people think their vote
doesnt matter.
B: The mayor won by only 2,000
votes.
A: Were stuck with him for four more
years.
B: Voting is so easy. You can even mail
your ballot in.
A: All you have to do is vote and put a
stamp on it.
B: How easy is that?
A: I guess people just dont care.
B: Theyll care when they see their
taxes go up.
4. Change Is Good
A: Well, we have a new president.
B: But we have the same old
problems.
A: Well, hes made a few changes.
B: Like what?
A: I think he closed the bowling alley
in the White House.
B: Oh, yeah. Hes changing it to a
48
basketball court.
A: Whos paying for that?
B: I think we are!
A: Well, thats okay, as long as it helps
him relax and think more clearly.
B: Yes, we need a relaxed president
who thinks clearly.
A: Do any other world leaders have a
basketball court?
B: They will. You know America always
leads the way.
5. A Powerful Position
A: People say that everybody loves
Obama.
B: Well, more than 50 million people
voted for McCain.
A: Thats 50 million people who dont
love Obama.
B: Obamas got four years to make
everyone happy.
A: Hes never going to make everyone
happy.
B: Can you imagine being President?
A: Everyone wants you to solve their
problems.
B: I have enough stress from trying to
solve my own problems.
A: You and everybody else.
B: I would never want to be President.
A: But think about all the power youd
have.
B: I prefer my quiet little life to all the
power in the world.
6. A Traveling Man
A: Did you read this article?
B: What article?
A: It says the mayor spends only 11
percent of his time on city duties.
B: Only 11 percent?
A: About 50 percent of the time hes
traveling.
B: Where does he travel to?
A: Oh, all over the world.
B: But hes supposed to be making
our city a better place.
A: Hes visiting other cities to get

ideas.
B: Cant he just go online?
A: The rest of the time hes raising
money for his reelection.
B: Well, hell never get reelected once
this news gets out.
7. Vote for Ralph
A: Who did you vote for for president?
B: I voted for Ralph Nader.
A: Who in the world is Ralph Nader?
B: Hes the best man for president.
A: Whys that?
B: He hates corporations.
A: Well, most corporations do think
only about money.
B: He hates Democrats and
Republicans.
A: Well, they do put their party before
their country.
B: Hes the only candidate that I trust.
A: But he didnt have a chance.
Nobody voted for him!
B: Sooner or later, voters will wake
up.
8. Why Vote?
A: I dont know why I bother to vote.
B: Whys that?
A: What good does it do?
B: You get to put someone in power
that you like.
A: Only if my candidate wins.
B: Well, he cant win unless you and
others vote for him.
A: But even if my candidate wins, hell
break his promises.
B: Thats true. They promise anything
just so they get elected.
A: And when elected, they go their
own way.
B: They forget who put them in power.
A: They forget where they came from.
B: Maybe you should run for office.
9. Every Vote Counts
49
A: That election for U.S. Senator

stunk.
A: There were more votes than
voters!
B: But that's impossible.
A: Officials said that it's possible.
B: Did they explain how it's possible?
A: No. They said there are some
things you can't explain.
B: So are they going to hold another
election?
A: No. That will cost too much money.
B: So it's better to save money than
to have an honest election?
A: Well, the Democratic Party says it
was an honest election.
B: Of course they say thattheir man
won!
10.
George Tells Jokes
A: I see that former President Bush is

at a conference.
B: Yes. He's telling jokes about his
eight years as president.
A: Yes, those eight years were a lot of
fun for everyone.
B: Only 4,000 American soldiers were
killed overseas.
A: Not to mention 40,000 wounded
soldiers.
B: But Bush visited some of them in
the hospital once.
A: That's nice that he found the time
to make a visit.
B: He spoke to them and made them
feel better.
A: Did he speak to every family that
lost a soldier?
B: No, he didn't have time to do that.
A: Well, he's got plenty of time now!
B: No, he's too busy writing a book
about how hard it was to be
president.
11.
Give Them More
A: Did you get your Official Sample

Ballot?
B: Yes, with the Voter Instructions.
A: How are you going to vote?
B: Same as ever, by mail. All it costs
me is a 42-cent stamp.
A: I meant, are you going to vote for
or against the new taxes?
B: Against all of them, of course.
A: But we need new taxes to pay for
highways, schools, and prisons.
B: We've already voted for new taxes
to pay for all that stuff!
A: That's true. Where did that money
go?
B: Our legislators spent it on firstclass travel all over the world.
A: They are having a good time with
our money.
B: So when are we going to stop
giving them more?
12.
Theyre Lying
A: Have you decided how you are

going to vote?
B: Do you mean on Measures 1, 2,
and 3?
A: Yes. The ones that will improve our
schools, roads, and hospitals.
B: You mean the measures that will
raise our taxes.
A: But the TV ads say that our taxes
will not increase.
B: Do you believe the TV ads?
A: I like the one where the fireman
tells us why we should vote Yes.
B: Dont believe him! Whatever the
TV ads tell you, the opposite is true.
A: But the title of Measure 1 is Better
Schools at No Cost.?br>
B: The title should be Better Schools
at Huge Cost.?br>
A: I cant believe that they would lie
to us.
B: Of course they liethats what
politicians do!
XV. Health
50
1. A Stomachache
A: I have a stomachache.
B: Is it something you ate?
A: Maybe. Im not sure.
B: What did you have for breakfast?
A: The usual, cereal with milk and a
banana.
B: Maybe the milk was bad.
A: It didnt smell bad.
B: Maybe the banana was bad.
A: No, the banana was delicious.
B: Maybe you just need to go to the
bathroom.
A: No, thats not the problem.
B: Maybe it will go away in a little
while.
2. A Blood Stain
A: Whats this stain?
B: I dont know.
A: It looks like blood.
B: I think my nose was bleeding.
A: You should wet your shirt
immediately.
B: Why?
A: Because that gets the blood out of
the shirt.
B: Whats a little blood?
A: Your white shirt is ruined.
B: So, Ill just buy another one.
A: You can wear this one around the
house.
B: Next time Ill soak it immediately.
3. Sore Fingers
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
My fingers hurt.
Why do they hurt?
I type too much.
You should take a break.
I need to type to make money.
But typing is causing you pain.
Maybe I should see a doctor.
Doctors are too expensive.
He might tell me to rest for a while.
He might want to cut you open.
He might say Im okay.
He might say you have bone
cancer.
4. Too Much Stress
A: What did the doctor say?
B: He thinks I have too much stress.
A: Stress causes your stomachaches?
B: Stress causes different problems
with different people.
A: So what did he tell you to do?
B: He said I need to think positive.
A: He didnt give you any medication?
B: I hate medication. It makes me feel
different.
A: So how do you think positive?
B: I think about nice things.
A: Like what?
B: Like a day at the beach, with my
toes in the sand.
5. A Paper Cut
A: I cut my finger.
B: How did you do that?
A: Its a paper cut.
B: Paper can be dangerous.
A: It hurts, too.
B: Paper cuts can hurt a lot.
A: Where are the band-aids?
B: I think theyre in the medicine
cabinet.
A: Its on the tip of my finger.
B: A band-aid might not work.
A: I must not use this finger until the
cut heals.
B: It might take a day or two to heal.
6. Cigarette Smoke
A: Do you smell that?
B: Oh, yes.
A: I cant stand cigarette smoke.
B: It smells so bad.
A: One cigarette stinks up the whole
sidewalk.
B: Smokers think they are so cool.
A: They are so weak.
B: A little cigarette controls them.
A: They look so stupid taking a puff.
B: And then they blow smoke out of
their mouth.
A: They think its cool.
51
B: Cigarettes stink.
7. Nose Drops
A: Do you have a cold?
B: Yes, I do.
A: How did you get it?
B: My sister had a cold. She gave it to
me.
A: Have you taken anything for your
cold?
B: No, I just blow my nose a lot.
A: Your nose is stopped up?
B: Yes. I have to breathe through my
mouth.
A: Have you tried nose drops?
B: No, I dont like nose drops.
A: They work great.
B: I dont care. I dont like to put drops
in my nose.
8. Skin Cancer
A: Would you put suntan lotion on my
back, please?
B: Sure.
A: Thank you.
B: You shouldnt lie in the sun for too
long.
A: I want to get a tan. I dont want to
look so pale.
B: Whats wrong with looking pale?
A: People think you might be sick.
B: Who thinks that?
A: I dont know.
B: Its better to be pale than to have
skin cancer.
A: I know that.
B: So why are you arguing with me?
Dont lie in the sun too long!
9. Quitting Smoking
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
I cant quit smoking.

Of course you can.
I dont have enough will power.
Of course you do.
I wish I had never started.
So does every smoker.
Ive tried to quit so many times.
So has everyone else.
Nothing seems to work.
B: All it takes is will power,

and you have it.
A: Then why cant I quit?
B: You have to believe in yourself.
10. A Bad Back
A: My back is killing me.
B: What did you do?
A: I got out of my car.
B: Thats it?
A: I injured my back one time just by
sneezing.
B: You should see a doctor.
A: My doctor said I need surgery.
B: So?
A: So, forget it.
B: You dont have the money?
A: I have no insurance.
B: Maybe a back rub would help.
11. Three a Day
A: My brother smokes three packs a
day.
B: Three packs of what?
A: Cigarettes, of course.
B: How can he do that?
A: When he is almost finished with
one cigarette, he uses it to light
another.
B: Hes a chain smoker.
A: Hes been a chain smoker for 30
years.
B: Thats unbelievable. Can he still
breathe?
A: He can, but the people around him
cant.
B: How can he still be alive?
A: His doctor says his heart and lungs
are strong and healthy.
B: Maybe I should start smoking.
12. Brush, Brush
A: I hate brushing my teeth.
B: Its such a chore.
A: Brush, brush. Spit, spit.
B: What did they do in the old days?
A: They brushed with their fingers.
B: They also ate with their fingers!
A: Why do they call it the good old
52
days?
B: Maybe because they didnt have to
brush and floss.
A: Who invented flossing?
B: A dentist, Im sure.
A: I hate flossing more than brushing!
B: I cant wait till all my teeth fall out.
13. A Hot Hike
A: Let's stop for a while. I need a
break and some water.
B: This trail is hard to climb.
A: Especially on a hot day like this.
B: I can't believe we haven't seen any
animals.
A: Thank goodness! I don't want to
see any wild animals.
B: All we've seen so far is a couple of
lizards.
A: We're hiking to lose weight, not to
see goats and bears.
B: I bet I've lost a couple of pounds
already.
A: All you've lost is some sweat.
B: I haven't even lost one pound of
fat?
A: If you want to lose fat, you've got
to do this hike every day.
B: Okay, but let's hike in town. At
least there are cats and dogs to see.
14. Another Pimple
A: Oh no, another pimple on my face.
B: Pimples suck.
A: It seems like I get a new pimple
almost every day.
B: Maybe it's something in your diet.
A: No, I eat the same things day after
day.
B: Then maybe it's in your genes.
A: You might be right.
B: Do pimples run in your family?
A: Not that I've noticed.
B: Well, maybe it's from the pollution
in the air.
A: Whatever the cause, I hate seeing
them on my face.
B: Well, on the bright side, they're fun
to pop.
15. No Need to Worry
A: Do you believe everything you
hear?
B: I don't believe anything I don't see
with my own eyes.
A: You can't believe what you hear on
TV or radio.
B: You can't believe what you read in
the newspapers.
A: Everyone tells you a different story
about the same thing.
B: Three different people will give you
three different stories.
A: And the government will give you a
fourth story.
B: Yes, like the government says not
to worry about the swine flu.
A: But the swine flu just killed 20
people in Mexico.
B: The government says we have
nothing to worry about.
A: Then why are some schools telling
the kids to stay home?
B: The government says to wash our
hands frequently, and we'll all be
okay.
16. Use a Tissue
A: Dont pick your nose.
B: I wasnt picking my nose.
A: What were you doing?
B: I was scratching my nose.
A: I think I know the difference
between picking and scratching.
B: Okay, mom, maybe I was picking it
a little bit.
A: Use a tissue next time.
B: I didnt have a tissue.
A: Then wait till you find a tissue.
B: I couldnt wait. It was an
emergency.
A: Oh, really? Maybe you should have
called 911.
B: It wasnt that kind of emergency.
17. A Dirty Remote
53
A: Our TV remote is filthy.

B: Yes, its covered with crud.
A: Im going to clean it.
B: Dont use water on it!
A: Ill use a damp cloth.
B: Dont let water get into any of the
cracks.
A: Ill squeeze the cloth so its almost
dry.
B: Dont rub the numbers off the
remote.
A: I will rub gently but firmly.
B: Do it quickly, please, so I can
change channels during commercials.
A: Ill give it back to you in a couple of
minutes.
B: Maybe we should put it in a plastic
bag to keep it clean.
18. An Earful of Pain
A: My ear is killing me.
A: I was on a plane.
B: So?
A: So, every time the plane goes up,
my ear starts to hurt.
B: Thats no good.
A: Sometimes the pain goes away,
and sometimes it doesnt.
B: Have you seen a doctor?
A: Ive been to two doctors.
B: And they couldnt fix your problem?
A: They both said I have to live with it.
B: Or you can stay off planes.
19. A New Face
B: And then will she look normal

again?
A: I guess so.
B: God bless modern medicine.
20. A Sore Hand
A: Theres something wrong with my
right hand.
B: Whats wrong with it?
A: It aches most of the time.
B: What do you think it is?
A: I dont know. I think its old age.
B: If its old age, why dont both of
your hands hurt?
A: Thats a good question. Maybe its
not old age.
B: Are you right-handed?
A: Yes. All my life.
B: Youre wearing out your right hand.
Stop using it so much.
A: But I do all my writing with my
right hand.
B: Start typing instead. That way your
left hand will do half the work.
A: Did you see the woman with the

new face?
B: Did she get a nice job?
A: She got an everything?job!
A: A team of doctors gave her a whole
new face.
B: Why did they do that?
A: A mad dog bit most of her face off.
B: Oh, thats terrible. What does she
look like now?
A: Her face is really fat, but they say
the swelling will go down.
54

Easy Conversation

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Easy Conversation

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

I.

A: Do you have a car?

Do You Have a Girlfriend?

A: Do you have a girlfriend?

A: But girls like guys who are funny.

A: Can I borrow $5?

I think he wanted to cool off.

A: Are you married?

A Nice Place to Live

I like living here.

B: It has the Rose Parade.

The New Mattress

A: We need a new mattress.

How about a Pizza?

A: Whats for dinner?

A: How about a pizza?

The New House

A: We need to save money.

A: Im upset with my mom.

A: Do animals talk to each other?

A: I have to clean the house.

B: Oh, thats easy.

Write to Your Grandma

A: Did you write a letter to grandma?

B: When is grandma going to learn

Thats the way cats are.

23.Shave Your Face

A: Why do you have to think about it?

A: Thats what many people believe.

A: Do you really love me?

A: Yes, old people dont smell like fruit.

A: But I love coffee.

B: I can smell you, too.

A: Bluedog123. Are you sure that's all?

A: You must be lonely. I will share my

Will you look at this form?

B: MI?stands for Middle Initial.

53. Its So Hot

A: People are funny.

A: Dont wipe your nose on your

B: I saw a painting of a jar that was full

A: Yes. Nothing's perfect, not even in

A: Yes, just in English alone.

A: That's a good idea, because

B: Nothing that would pass as news.

73. Wipe Your Feet

B: What should our flag look like?

I had a busy morning.

77. Dialing for a Dollar

A: You would float into the sky like a

houses for sale.

A: My pen is out of ink.

I like this magazine.

Shake Your Pen

A: Parking at school is impossible.

Keep Your Eyes Open

A: This is a huge library.

Two Plus Two

A: How good is your math?

A: Do you believe in God?

Hit and Run

A: The cops finally found the husband.

A: Number two, its usually late.