Dialogues for beginners

Narrator: Randall Benton & Barbara Dawson

Matt & Caryl Auckerman (USA)
 Dialogue 1

- Hello. My name's Pete. What's yours?

- Ann
- Nice name. I like it very much.
- Thank you. You name's good, too.
- It was nice meeting you.
- Thanks. It was nice meeting you.

Dialogue 2

- What's the date today, I wonder?

- Sunday, the 8th of March.
- What is it famous for?
- Don't you know? It's International Women's Day.

Dialogue 3

- Are lessons over?

- Yes, they are.
- Where're you going? Home?
- No, to the pictures. My friend's waiting for me there.
- Good luck, then. Good bye.
- Well, I'm off. See you later.

Dialogue 4

- Have you got any hobbies? I have. I like English.

- So do I.
- Do you read much?
- Yes, because I want to know English well.
- Oh, let's talk English for a bit.
- No objections to it.

Dialogue 5
 - Oh, dear, hurry up!
- I'm trying to.
- Well, come on. It's your first day at school.
- Do you want to be late?
- I'm ready now.
- Off we go!

Dialogue 6

- I don't think English is easy.

- Why do you think so?
- Because I have to work hard learning a lot by heart.

Dialogue 7

- I'm going to be an English language teacher.

- Why?
- For a number of reasons.
- What reasons, I wonder?
- The main one is I like English.

Dialogue 8

- What do you think the best sort of job is?

- Engineering, I think.
- I like medicine.
- To my mind the best one is the one you like the most.

Dialogue 9

- I say, where're you going?

- To school, as you see.
- Why so early, I wonder? It's only 12 o'clock now.
- That's right, but I'm on duty, you know.
- I see.
 - Where're you going?
- To a friend of mine to play chess. Bye-bye.
- Bye-bye.

Dialogue 10

- Please give me that book.

- What for?
- To have a look at it.
- Here you are.
- Thank you.
- Not at all.

Dialogue 11

- Have you had a good day at school?

- Wonderful! I've got three really good marks!
- Jolly good. Congratulations!
- Thank you.

Dialogue 12

- You're far too lazy. Look at your English. Is this the best you can do?
- You know I'm no good at English.
- And what about Physics?
- I'm ashamed of myself.
- You could easily come top of the class.
- I'll work harder, I promise.

Dialogue 13

- Well, hurry up.

- I'm trying to. But look, isn't there half an hour before school starts?
- Is that the right time?
- I'm sure it is.
 Dialogue 14

- School's almost over.

- Yes, I know.
- How many more days?
- Six.
- When do the holidays start?
- Next week.

Dialogue 15

- How did you enjoy your summer holidays?

- Oh, yes, very much. I spent them at a youth camp.
- On the south coast as usual with your elder sister?
- Yes, but this time I was alone.
- How lucky you were!
- That's right.

Dialogue 16

- Look here, this has got to stop. You've come bottom in nearly every
subject.
- Except Geography.
- Yes, indeed. You came second to bottom in that.
- It wasn't really my fault. I was ill for some time, wasn't I?
- That's no excuse.
- I'll improve.
- I doubt it.

Dialogue 17

- My bag, please.
- Which one is it?
- It's one of those, there.
- This one?
 - No, not that one.
- What colour?
- It's brown… Yes. That's it. Thank you.
- Not at all.

Dialogue 18

- So you've passed your exams.

- It wasn't all that difficult.
- It's because you worked hard, I think.
- Well, I was all right in History, but I didn't do so well in Literature.
- And how about your English?
- Not so good, only so-so.

Dialogue 19

- Hello, glad to see you!

- Hello, so am I.
- Today's your birthday, isn't it?
- That's right. It's kind of you to remember.
- Well, many happy returns of the day. Here's a present for you.
- Oh, thank you. What beautiful flowers! I don't know how to thank you.

Dialogue 20

- Is painting your hobby?

- Why do you think so?
- Because there're a lot of pictures in this room.
- It's my elder brother's hobby.
- I see, but what about you?
- I prefer books.

Dialogue 21

- What shall we have for breakfast?

- What about some bread and butter, two eggs and a cup of tea?
- Well, I don't mind, but I'd like to add some biscuits.
- OK.

Dialogue 22

- Fish? Again?
- Why, I thought you liked it.
- I do, of course, but not every day.
- Well, in that case I'll give you some meat.
- Thank you. That'll be better.

Dialogue 23

- Good morning. Glad to see you.

- Good morning. So am I.
- Won't you come and sit down?
- I'm sorry, but I can't.
- Why not, I wonder why?
- I'm short of time, you know.
- Well, then. What's up?
- I'd like to see your sister. Is she in?
- Oh, no. She's still at school.

Dialogue 24

- Hello, who's that?

- Pete.
- Hello, Pete. How are you?
- Hello, quite well. Thanks. What are you doing?
- Playing chess with my father.
- I'd like to speak to Eliza. What's she doing?
- Watching the TV programme.
- Shall we go to the cinema? I've got three tickets.
- What's on?
- A new film. They say rather interesting.
- O. K. We'll meet at the entrance.
- Shall we?
 Dialogue 25

- Have you done your homework?

- Not yet.
- Why not?
- I didn't have time last night.
- That's no excuse.

Dialogue 26

- Mummy! - Yes, dear. What's the matter? You seem upset?

- Yes.
- Well, what's happened?
- You see ... I ... well ...
- Come on now, out with it!
- All right, then, if you must know. I've got a bad mark.
- What? Again?

Dialogue 27

- I say, what's wrong?

- Nothing. Everything's fine.
- Why are you crying, then? Will you tell me what's happened?
- Well, you see, I've lost my book.
- Have you looked for it everywhere in the room?
- Yes. I still can't find it.

Dialogue 28

- What are you looking at?

- That book.
- Which one? Point to it.
- That one, there.
- Oh, yes. Beautiful one, isn't it?
 - Yes, it is. I wish I had it.
- So do I.

Dialogue 29

- What about killing that fly?

- No.
- Why not?
- Why should I?
- Isn't it annoying you?
- No, it isn't.
- Well, it's annoying me.
- In that case you kill it yourself.

Dialogue 30

- Why are you switching on the radio set?

- Shall we listen to the 7 o'clock news?
- Isn't it too early for that now?
- Of course not. It's already one to 7.

Dialogue 31

- Shall I help you wash?

- Thanks, but I'd rather do it myself.
- As you like. It's a pity I can't help you or shall I try?
- Oh, no. Don't bother.
- It's no bother at all.

Dialogue 32

- Will you help me, my boy?

- What do you want me to do, Mummy?
- Will you polish the floor today?
- Is it my turn?
 - Yes, it is. Your brother did it last time.
- Oh, all right, then.

Dialogue 33

- Your things are lying about all over the room.

- Well, what about it?
- Just tidy them up.
- I'll think about it.
- How about doing it now?
- Well... if you insist...

Dialogue 34

- What are you doing here?

- I'm reading. Why are you asking me?
- Sorry, but I need your help.
- What can I do for you?
- Please bring me a pail of water.
- With pleasure.

Dialogue 35

- Will you copy this text for me?

- Sorry, but I'd rather not.
- Why not?
- I don't feel like copying.
- Is that as difficult as all that?
- No, but still, you have to do it yourself.

Dialogue 36

- Excuse me. Could you help me, please?

- I'll try. What do you want?
- Something's wrong with my alarm-clock.
- Let me see ... Sorry, but I can't help. You'd better get it repaired.
 Dialogue 37

- What's the matter with you?

- I'm not feeling very well today.
- Do you have a headache?
- Yes, and a sore throat, too.
- Well, in that case you'd better stay at home.
- Oh, yes, I'll have to.

Dialogue 38

- I'd like to go and play for a while.

- But you've got to do your lessons first.
- Oh, I've already done my homework.
- Have you really? Then you may go.

Dialogue 39

- You know it's our mother's birthday soon.

- Isn't it about time to think of a good present for her?
- Well, I've a little surprise for her.
- How nice! What?
- This drawing.
- Wonderful! She'll be delighted.

Dialogue 40

- Believe it or not! I've got three tickets for today's football match!
- You don't say! That's wonderful!
- Will you come with us?
- Well, you see ... I ...
- Why are you hesitating?
- Well, I'd like to, but I'd better ask my mother first.
 Dialogue 41

- This is my new dress. What do you think of it?

- It's a very pretty one. I'll bet it cost a lot.
- It certainly did.
- Where did you get it?
- In London.
- Really?

Dialogue 42

- Can I see you for a minute, please?

- What's up?
- Don't you know the news?
- What do you mean by this?
- There'll be no classes tomorrow!

Dialogue 43

- What are you doing? Eating? Jam?

- What difference does it make to you?
- Well, you shouldn't eat in between meals.
- Why not? I wonder why?
- It's dinner - time soon.
- All right, then.

Dialogue 44

- I wonder, where my book is?

- Why don't you ask your sister?
- Has she ever touched my things?
- How should I know?

Dialogue 45
 - How are you feeling today?
- A bit better, thank you.
- But did you call a doctor.
- No.
- Why not, I wonder?
- Well, I didn't think it was necessary. But I'm going to bed now.
- That's the best place for you at the moment.

Dialogue 46

- What's the matter with you?

- I'm not feeling very well, doctor.
- What exactly is the trouble?
- I've got an awful headache.
- Are you working hard and getting too little rest?
- Yes, I think so.
- Now, you stay in bed until you're well.

Dialogue 47

- Sorry, I'm a bit late, am I?

- That's all right, darling. Take off your coat, wash your hands and sit down
at table.
- Dinner's ready, isn't it?
- Yes, it is.

Dialogue 48

- Well, I think that's all the reading for today.

- Is it getting late? What time is it now?
- Time for bed, I think.
- O.K. Coming, Mummy.
- Now, hurry up!

Dialogue 49
 - I don't want you fighting. Stop it once and for all.
- Sorry, but I had to. He started it.
- I don't care what the reasons are. I forbid you to fight.

Dialogue 50

- Where're you going? I'd like to know.

- To the playground.
- What for?
- To play football for a while. Will you come with me?
- I'm sorry, but I can't. I'm busy now.
- What a shame! Good-bye, then.
- So long.

Dialogue 51

- Excuse me. Do you have a ball?

- Certainly. Here, help yourself .
- Thanks .
- Not at all .

Dialogue 52

- Well, do you have anything arranged for tomorrow?

- Nothing definite.
- How would you like to go on an excursion?
- Where to?
- To Ostankino Tower.
- Oh, yes, I'd be glad to!

Dialogue 53

- Shall we go for a walk?

- Good idea! Where to?
- Let's go to the park.
 - Don't you think we'd better go to the fields?
- Let me see... It's 10 o'clock now. We've got plenty of time.

Dialogue 54

- Are you going out?

- Yes, to the playground. Do you want to come?
- Yes, I do. But I can't.
- Can't you? Why not?
- Because I have to do my homework now.
- Oh, you can do it tomorrow.
- Oh, no! There'll be no time for that tomorrow. I've got to do it today.
- Well, in that case I'll stay at home and help you.
- Thanks. That's very nice of you.

Dialogue 55

- I've got to go to the Railway station.

- What for?
- To meet a friend of mine. How do I get there from here?
- Catch a bus. It's the quickest way, I think.

Dialogue 56

- I beg your pardon. Is this the right way to Hyde Park?

- I'm sorry, I can't tell you.
- Oh, what a nuisance! Why not?
- You see, I'm stranger in these parts myself.
- What shall I do, then?
- Well, ask somebody else or, even better, ask a policeman.
- Thank you. Much obliged.

Dialogue 57

- Anything I can show you?

- Oh, yes, please. I want some shoes.
 - What size, colour?
- 35, brown, please.
- Here you are.
- Thanks. May I try them on?
- Do, please.
- They're all right. How much are they?
- 10 roubles.

Dialogue 58

- Can I help you?

- Yes, I want a large box of chocolates for a present, please. It's Mummy's
birthday tomorrow.
- What about this one?
- Oh, yes. It'll do. How much is it?
- 75 pence, please. Anything else?
- Nothing else. Thank you.

Dialogue 59

- Will you be going shopping today?

- Why do you ask?
- I'd like to ask you a favour.
- What can I do for you?
- Would you get me some sugar and bread?
- Certainly, if you give me some money. I'm very short.

Dialogue 60

- It's raining hard at the moment.

- And we're both carrying parcels.
- I'm afraid of getting wet.
- Why not get a bus?
- That's a good idea.
 Dialogue 61

- What would you do if you had a lot of money?

- I'd buy a scooter.
- But if you can't buy a scooter?
- Then, I'd buy a bicycle.

Dialogue 62

- Hello! Is that nice? I hope you enjoy your breakfast, don't you?
- Oh, yes, very. Thanks.
- May I sit at your table, please?
- You're very welcome.
- Thank you.

Dialogue 63

- Oh, dear, call your little brother, please.

- He's up in the tree.
- Well, let him come down.
- He says he won't until you agree to play football with him.
- Oh, no. I can't do that. I'm too old to do that.

Dialogue 64

- What's his telephone number?

- It slipped my memory. I know it, but I can't think of it.
- Neither can I.
- Well, it'll come back to me in a minute.

Dialogue 65

- What's that girl's name?

- Do you mean the one in the blue coat?
- Oh, yes, that's the one.
- Let me see... It'll come back to me in a moment.
 - Don't tell me you've forgotten it.
- It's just slipped my mind.
- Think hard, will you?
- It's just on the tip of my tongue.
- You must remember.
- I've got it at last! Caroline!

Dialogue 66

- Do you come to school by bus?

- Yes, because I live a long way from school. And you?
- Oh, I always walk to school. I live nearby.

Dialogue 67

- What luck running into you! How are you getting on?
- Thanks. Everything's all right. I'm quite well.
- You see, I was ill last week.
- What was the matter with you?
- I had a cold, high temperature and a headache.
- Poor you! You had an awful time I should think.
- You're right.

Dialogue 68

- The weather's fine today, isn't it?

- Yes it is. The sun's shining brightly in the blue sky.
- Is it warm in the street, I wonder?
- I shouldn't think so. It's November now.
- Shall I put a coat on?
- As you like. Are you afraid of catching cold?
- Certainly.
- All right, then.

Dialogue 69
 - Do you like going to the pictures?
- Not specially. I prefer the theatre.
- Do you often go to the theatre?
- Yes, I do.
- How often?
- Once or twice a month. It depends.
- Not so bad, I think.

Dialogue 70

- I'm going to have a party on Sunday. Can you come?

- Yes, thank you for the invitation. What time shall I come?
- At 6 o'clock, please.
- O. K. That suits me.

Dialogue 71

- How long shall we have to wait for him?

- I am afraid I've no idea.
- Well, I hope he won't be too long?
- I hope so, too.
- How about ringing him up?
- That's a good idea! Let's.

Dialogue 72

- How do we get to the theatre? By bus or tram?

- Either. But the tram takes much longer.
- Look, there's a number 3 bus over there. Hurry up!
- Oh, no. I simply can't. Let's catch the next one.

Dialogue 73

- What bus are you catching?

- Number 2 to the stadium.
- Sorry to trouble you, but should I catch the same bus for the Post-Office?
- Yes, you can catch any bus to get there.

Dialogue 74

- Can I get to the museum by bus?

- Let me see...Why, yes.
- What bus shall I take?
- First you get a number 5 bus.
- And then?
- Then, you … you walk the rest of the way.
- How long will it take me to get there, do you think?
- About twenty minutes.

Dialogue 75

- Excuse me.
- What is it?
- Can you tell me how to get to the circus?
- Certainly. You need a number 4 trolley-bus or a number 11 bus.
- Which is the best way to get there?
- By trolley-bus, I think.
- Thanks a lot.

Dialogue 76

- Excuse me. Please let me by.

- Are you getting off at the next stop?
- I've got to get off at Fleet Street.
- But that's the next stop but one, I think.
- Sorry, I didn't know that.

Dialogue 77

- Where to?
- The Railway station.
 - You're going the wrong way. You're going away from it.
- Oh, dear. What'll I do, then?
- Get off at the next stop, cross the road and take the same tram going the
other way.
- Thanks. Do I have to change?
- No, not for the Railway station.

Dialogue 78

- I've bought the tickets!

- Have you really? Splendid! How did you manage it?
- With the help of a friend of mine.
- Well done! It's a good thing you were able to.

Dialogue 79

- How much is an ice-cream?

- Well, what sort of ice-cream do you want?
- This one, a choc-ice.
- 15 pence, please.
- I'll have one, please.
- Here you are.
- Thanks.

Dialogue 80

- Could you give me some money?

- How much do you want, I wonder?
- Sixpence, if you can spare it.
- All right. When do you want it.
- Straight away, please.
- Here you are.
- Thanks.

Dialogue 81
 - Order what you like. I'll pay.
- A couple of cheese sandwiches, please.
- And what about a cup of coffee?
- As you please.
- Anything else?
- Thanks. I don't think I'll have anything else.

Dialogue 82

- Can I get a cup of coffee? I'm so cold and tired.

- Just a moment... Sorry, there's no coffee.
- Can't I have a glass of milk, then?
- There's no milk either, but you can have a cup of tea.
- With pleasure, if it's hot.

Dialogue 83

- What does that sign say?

- Can't you read English?
- Why would I ask if I could?
- Shall I read it to you?
- That's what I want you to do.

Editor: thankyou