P201-210

[201] Daily Life - At The Post Office

A: Welcome to the National Post. How may I help you?

B: Hi, I would like to send this package to China, and these postcards as well.

A: Very well. You will need some stamps for the post- cards and I need to weigh that package, too.

B: Great. How much is this going to cost?

A: Well, it depends. Do you want to send it via prior- ity, express or standard mail?

B: What’s the difference?

A: Well, standard mail can take up to fifteen working days . Priority is a bit faster and will arrive in about five to eight working days. Express is the fastest, but it’s also the most expensive. It only takes three days and you can track your package online.

B: I see. Well, there’s no rush. Please send it via priority mail. Please be extra careful, the contents of the package are fragile.

[202] The Weekend - Asking For Directions

A: We have been going around in circles for the past hour! Will you just please stop and ask for direc- tions?

B: We are not lost! I’m just taking the scenic route.

A: Yeah, whatever. I told you we should buy that GPS that was on sale, but would you listen to me? No! This is so typical.

B: Fine! I’ll ask this guy for directions if it will shut your trap! Excuse me, sir. Can you tell me how to get to Saint Mary’s Church?

C: Sure! Go down Park Road. turn left, go up as far as the set of traffic lights and turn left. The place you are looking for isthe second building on the right.

A: Thanks!

B: See? Was that hard? If you would only listen to me more often, you would be better off.

[203] Daily Life - Calling Tech Support

[204] Global View - Understanding a Trial

[205] The Office - Closing The Deal

[206] Daily Life - Talking To Your Roomate

A: Charlie, do you have a second?

B: Yeah what’s up?

A: Well, I went and paid the bills today and you still haven’t given me your half.

B: Yeah I wanted to talk to you about that. I agreed we would go halves on allthe bills, but frankly I think it’s unfair.

A: Unfair! Why?

B: Well, you have long hair and use the hairdryer ev- ery morning. I don’t. You leave your computer on all night downloading torrents. I don’t. You see what I’m getting at here?

A: You leave the air conditioner on day and night! You also take 30 minute showers which means you are using way more gas and water than me!

B: Well, while we are at it, stop bringing your friends over for drinks every weekend. You always leave a mess and keep me up all night!

A: Maybe you should just move out and find another place.

B: Maybe you should move out!

[207] Daily Life - Shopping Online

A: What are you doing?

B: I’m just looking for a nice pillow on Ebay.

A: You are shopping for a pillow online? That’s ab- surd!

B: Why? I don’t have to leave the house or browse a dozen stores to find what I’m looking for. This way, I just search for it online quick and easy.

A: I see, but how do you pay for it? How do you know you aren’t going to be ripped off by the seller?

B: Well, the website handles a point system where if the seller does something wrong, people com- ment negatively and then you know that he or she may not be trustworthy.

A: Wow, that sounds pretty safe. So how do you pay? Do you need a credit card?

B: You can use a credit card or your debit card. They also let you use the PayPal system which is really safe and fast. I have never had any problems with someone hacking my information or anything.

A: Do you think I can find a sweater for my dog on- line?

B: You can find anything! Are you sure you want to start shopping online though? Once you step into this world, there is no turning back!

A: Let’s do it!

[208] Global View - Understanding The Stock Market

A: Sorry to bother you sir, but I have some bad news.

B: What is it?

A: Well, the stock market just took a huge plunge and we’ve lost a lot of money!

B: What do you mean? What happened?

A: There are many factors that weigh in, but NAS- DAQ is down 200 points, the DOW JONES indi- cator also suffered! Our portfolio is worth half of what it was worth points week ago.

B: How is this possible? You are supposed to be talk- ing to our stockbrokers and making sure that our securities and investments are safe and making a profitable return!

A: I know sir! We didn’t expect a bull market to be- come a bear market all of a sudden. On the other hand, you still have some high yield trash bonds and government bonds that will give us enough liquidity to cut our loses and reinvest in emerging markets. We could potentially make this tragedy work for us and make us think outside the box.

B: Do what you have to do! One other thing, don’t tell the rest of the stockholders about this. If they find out, it’s the end of this company!

[209] Daily Life - Office Gossip

[210] Daily Life - Meeting the In-laws

P211-220

[211] The Weekend - Playing Board Games

[212] Global View - Last Will And Testament

A: I, Luke Thompson, residing in California, being of sound mind, do hereby declare this instrument to be my last will and testament.

A: I hereby revoke all previous wills and codicils.

A: I direct that the disposition of my remains be as follows: I am to be cremated and taken tothe sum- mit of Mount Everest where my ashes will forever remain atthe ceiling of the Earth.

A: I give all the rest and residue of my estate to my spouse, Betty Thompson, should she survive me for days. If my spouse, Betty Thompson, does not survive me, I give all the rest and residue of my estate to EnglishPod.

A: If neither Betty Thompson nor EnglishPod sur- vives me, I give all the rest and residue of my es- tate to my heirs as determined by the laws of the State of California, relating to descent and distri- bution.

A: I appoint Robert Porter, to act as the executor of this will, to serve without bond. Should Robert Porter be unable or unwilling to serve, then I ap- point Jason Smalls to act as the executor of this will.

A: I herewith affix my signature to this will on this the twenty third of May two thousand ten inthe pres- ence ofthe following witnesses, who witnessed and subscribed this will at my request, and in my presence.

[213] Daily Life - Funeral Arrangements

A: Hi Daniel, how are you holding up? I am greatly sorry for your loss.

B: Thank you, I’m doing much better. I’ve begun or- ganizing everything for the funeral.

A: How’s that going ?

B: It’s a lot harder than I imagined. There are many things that you have to to arrange. I booked a time and date with the funeral home, but I still have a lot of things to do.

A: Have you bought a burial plot and a casket?

B: No. Wendy is being cremated. She always talked about how she didn’t want to be buried. I already chose a cremation urn and we plan to spread the ashes in the ocean.

A: I see, that sounds like something she would have really liked. I am sure the memorial service will be tasteful. You are doing a great job.

B: Thanks, it hasn’t been easy, but luckily we have life insurance and Wendy left behind a detailed will that will sort out any other legal matters.

[214] Daily Life - Describing Personalities

A: OK class, settle down. I have the results of your individual personality tests. I am going to hand them out and if you’dlike, you can read them out loud to the rest of the class.

B: I’ll read mine!

A: OK, go ahead.

B: It says here that I am adventurous, outgoing and easy-going. It says that I am a little superstitious and occasionally naive! That’s not true!

A: The test isn’t one-hundred percent accurate. Is that all it says?

B: No! It also says that I am open-minded with great ambition but that I can also be reckless and clumsy. This is stupid!

A: Ok, anyone else want to read theirs?

C: I’ll go! It says that I am an extroverted, well- balanced person. It says I am generous, outspo- ken, and very diligent. This is so true! It also says that I am magnanimous, eloquent and dar- ing! This is totally me!

A: Pfft whatever, these tests are bologna!

[215] The Weekend - At the Deli

A: Honey, we are all out of wine and cheese. Do you mind running to the deli and picking up a few things?

B: Can’t it wait? I’m watching the game right now!

A: Your friends and family are coming over tonight and we still need to get a lot of things.

B: Fine! What do you need?

A: Ok, pick up some cured meats to go with the wine. Maybe a pound of polish sausages, ham, liver- wurst, salami and any other cold cuts that are on sale. I think I saw a promotion for pastrami. Also get some cole slaw and a jar of olives.

B: Whoa wait a minute! Isn’t that a bit too much? I mean, how much is all of this going to cost!

A: Never mind that. Get some dips as well. Get a jar of spinach and blue cheese dip and also some Tzatziki. If they have bean dip get that as well. Last but not least, get some pickles.

B: Is that all, your majesty?

A: Very funny! Get a move on! People will be here any minute.

[216] Daily Life - Health Food

[217] Global View - Volunteering

[218] Daily Life - Divorce

[219] Global View - Baby Shower

A: Thank you for organizing this great baby shower for me! I’ve always been to baby showers but never actually had one held for me! Let’s get started!

B: Ok, let’s start opening some presents!

A: Oh look! What a great little bib for the baby! This will definitely come in handy! Oh wow, you also got me a stroller! That’s so great! Thank you!

B: This next one is from Betty.

A: A highchair and car seat! Wow Betty thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

B: One more from Carla.

A: A playpen and crib! Thanks Carla! This is just what I needed!

B: OK, that’s all of them. No more gifts. Now who wants to guess when the baby is due!

A: Umm. I think my water just broke! Get me to a hospital!

[220] Daily Life - New Furniture

A: How about this floor lamp?

B: Fine just get it! We have been shopping for furni- ture for five hours! I’m so tired!

A: We still need to find an armoire and a dresser.

B: Fine! I am going to go home and drop off this nightstand, coffee table and love seat while you look for the rest of the things.

A: Great! Pick me up in about an hour because I think I’ll also get a bean bag and a dining set.

B: While you are at it can you pick out a nice re- cliner? I really want one so I can watch TV.

A: Recliner? In my beautifully decorated living room? I don’t think so!

P221-230

[221] Daily Life - Car Trouble

A: Car trouble center. How may I help you?

B: My car won’t start! Stupid old car!

A: Hold on, before you kick your car let’s go through some possible problems.

B: Fine.

A: Ok, first of all, can you turn the key in the ignition?

B: Yeah! I am here with my friend and he thinks it may be the spark plug or the starter motor.

A: Those are possible problems, but tell me, when you turn the key, do you hear the starter motor crank?

B: Yeah, it sounds like it usually does when I start the car, but nothing else happens. The engine won’t start. Should I maybe press the accelerator?

A: No. If you step on the accelerator pedal you can flood the carburetor and your car will never start.

B: So what do you think it is?

A: I know this may seem like a silly question, but does your car have gasoline?

B: Umm. yeah! Right! I got the car started! Thanks for your help! I told you to fill the tank!

[222] Global View - Carbon Footprint

A: So what’s your guys’ take on all this global warm- ing hysteria in the media?

B: It’s pretty serious, man. There have been tons of scientific studies and the scientific community says that the earth is heating up. We need to make some drastic changes to our lifestyle if we want to preserve our planet.

A: I don’t know. It sounds like a bunch of mumbo jumbo if you ask me. ”Save the earth!” The earth will save itself. It’s survived worst disasters in the past. I mean, honestly, we live in the boonies. There’s no way anyone here is ever going to walk or bike to work, especially in the winter. And we have no bus system. My house is forty years old and it would take a lot of money to get it refitted to be ”green” and ”energy-efficient”.

C: Well I don’t really know if I believe in global warm- ing either, or whether or not it was our doing or a natural change the earth is going through, but you have to admit that we’re living pretty irresponsibly here in the west.

A: I guess...

C: I think the issue at hand is sustainability. We’ve only got this one earth we can live on, and our re- sources are quickly disappearing because of our own carelessness and our inability to think of any- one but ourselves and anything but the present.

B: So, like I was saying, we need to change the way we live. We need to reduce our carbon footprint.

C: But it doesn’t have to be that drastic. Hybrid vehi- cles and solar panels are too expensive to be fea- sible right now. And we don’t have to be hippies living off the land and buying everything organic either, though it helps.

B: I car pool to work everyday with some buddies of mine. I have a rain barrel outside my house I use to water my plants and my lawn in the summer, and I make sure I always bring reusable bags with me when I get my groceries. And we just started using bio-degradable plastic made from corn oil for take-out orders at my family’s restaurant. Re- member the three R’s? Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

C: Exactly, it’s just small simple changes, like buy- ing energy-saving light bulbs, starting a compost bin, recycling bottles and papers, using reusable water bottles, stop using disposable cups and cut- lery.

A: Like the ones we’re drinking out of?

B: Yeah.

[223] Daily Life - Facial Hair

[224] Global View - Crime Scene

[225] The Weekend - Planning A Crime

[226] Global View - Fundraiser

A: Ok Mark, it’s your turn to ring the doorbell. I did it last time.

B: I hate going door to door, and I hate asking for money.

A: But we need to raise enough money for the school fundraiser so that our class can win the pizza party! You do want to have a pizza party, don’t you?

B: Yes, but...

A: Just go already!

B: No one’s coming.

A: Try again.

B: Maybe there’s no one home.

A: Of course there’s someone home! There are two cars in the driveway and I see lights on inthe house! Hello! Anybody home? We would like to know if you want to sponsor us in our school fundraiser. Fifty percent of the profits go towards the new school playground!

B: I don’t know why anyone would want what’s in this catalog anyway. It’s just a bunch of tacky Christ- mas ornaments, Cd’s of old people singing Christ- mas songs, and special crackers and cheeses and boxes of chocolates.

A: You don’t like chocolates?

B: Not this kind. They’ve got weird names like ganache and praline.

A: Look! I just saw someone walking around inside! These people are being very rude!

A: Finally, someone’s coming!

B: They don’t look too happy.

A: Hi, sir. Would you like to sponsor us or make a donation to.

C: What grade are you kids in?

A: Grade seven.

C: Then for goodness sake, don’t you see this sign? Can’t you read?

A: No soliciting.

B: What does that mean?

A: No idea.

[227] Daily Life - Wedding Planning

A: Trina, will you marry me?

B: Yes! Yes! And yes! Jared of course I’ll marry you!

A: Oh Babe, I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you! I can’t wait for all the adventures we’re going to have, for all the fights and the laughter. I can’t wait to grow old and wrinkly with you.

B: Oh Jared! I can’t wait for our wedding! I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve already chosen a date! Six months from now in the summer! Melissa saw you buying the ring last month so I’ve had plenty of time to start planning!

A: She what?

B: Oh don’t worry sweetie, I didn’t know when you were going to propose. It was still a nice surprise! As I was saying, I’ve got it all planned out. There’s almost nothing left to do! I wrote up our guest list and we will have roughly four hundred guests attending.

A: four hundred?

B: No need to sweat it My parents agreed to pay for most of the wedding, which is going to be low- budget anyway. So roughly four hundred people, which means that the hall at Northwood Heights will be our reception venue. I thought it would be nice if we had the wedding at your parents’ church and my uncle of course would be officiating. We’ll meet with him soon for some pre-wedding coun- seling. The music for the wedding ceremony was a no-brainer. My step-sister and her string quartet will take care of that. My cousin will be the official photographer. I thought it would also be nice if his daughter could sing a solo. Did you know that she’s going to be a professional opera singer?

A: Ah...

B: And then of course the ladies at the church would love to be our caterers for the banquet and we’ll get the Youth Group to serve us. I was thinking that your friend’s band could be our entertainment for the night. though they might have to tone it down a bit. Or we could hire a DJ. Your sister’s husband could get us a discount with that com- pany that does the decor at weddings. what’s their name again? I was thinking that we could have an island paradise- themed wedding and our theme color would be a soothing blue like Aqua- marine. And there will be a huge seashell on the wall behind the podium where we’ll make our toasts! What do you think of small packages of drink mixes for our wedding favors? Who else am I missing? Oh, your uncle could be our florist and his wife could make our wedding cake!

A: Wow.

B: See? It’s going to be wonderful! Oh this wedding is going to be everything I ever dreamed of.

A: If I survive the next six months.

[228] The Weekend - Going to the Beach

A: Oh, George, what a beautiful day it is today! The sun is hot and there are just a few clouds scat- tered here and there! What a perfect day to be at the beach! The kids are going to have so much fun! And we’ll be able to relax in the sun while they’re playing.

B: It does seem like the perfect day! I’m glad we chose to get out of the city and enjoy the nice weather! This looks like the perfect spot! Ok kids, put on your sunscreen while your mom and I set up camp. Here, Mary, help me lay down these beach towels.

A: There we go. Can you help me with the umbrella? Perfect.

B: Ok kids, here’sa beach ball and a Frisbee, a pail and a shovel. I want to see an impressive sand- castle by the time we leave. Don’t stray too far. Wait! Leave your sandals here or put on your wet shoes.

A: And stay in the shallow area. I don’t want to see you go any farther than that sandbar! It’s too deep out there and we didn’t bring your floaties.

B: You’re back already? The water was too cold, huh? I’ll tell you a secret. Do you see that small pool of water over there? It’ll be warmer in there. Go see if you can find some seashells or catch some minnows.

A: What is that? A jellyfish? Jeremy, put that down right now! It could sting you!

B: Ah! Not onme! Ow!

[229] Daily Life - Buying Men’s Shoes

[230] The Weekend - Gardening

A: I’ve decided to grow my own garden!

B: What? You don’t know the first thing about gar- dening!

A: On the contrary, I have been reading a lot of books about the subject.

B: Oh yeah? Tell me then, smarty pants, how will you go about setting up your garden?

A: Well, first I need to buy some things, such as fer- tilizer, seeds and tools.

B: What type of tools?

A: You know, the basics. A rake, shovel, spade and a hoe.

B: Right. Well it seems like you have all your bases covered . What’s next?

A: I’ll till the soil and then sow the seeds. I’ll then add some fertilizer and voila! Gardening all done!

B: Well, good luck with your garden, especially con- sidering we are inthe dry season and it won’t rain for the next three months!

P231-240

[231] Daily Life - Buying Women’s Shoes

[232] Daily Life - Toys

A: Cool! TV: The New PLAY-DOH Sparkling Brights Precious Gem Press! Make large colorful gems for you and your friends with five special molds! Comes with the new Sparkling Brights PLAY-DOH compound in four new colors! Treasure chest sold separately.

B: Wow! Mommy, can I get that for my birthday? TV: Wolverine! Jean Grey!Rogue! And Professor X! Collect all four of these special-edition collectible X-Men action figures and decide the future of mu- tants in our world!

A: No way! I want Professor X ! TV: The new Collector’s Edition Nursery Rhymes Porcelain Dolls! Little Bo Peep comes with her own sheep and staff! Her clothes are made with the finest fabrics and real Italian lace, and her face has been hand-painted by our finest artists. Only $199.

A: Oooo! She’s pretty! I’ve never had a porcelain doll before.

B: I doubt Mom and Dad would get you that for your birthday. She costs a pretty penny. Plus, you’d most likely break her. TV: What is better than one board game ?Three board games in one! Enjoy playing Chess and Checkers on this side of the board. But if you’re looking for some more fun, flip it and play the classic game of Sorry!

B: That’s ingenious! Why hasn’t anyone thought of that before? TV: Now you can take Spongebob Squarepants wherever you go with the new Spongebob Squarepants Glow-in-the-Dark Yoyo! And now back to our show!

[233] Global View - Forex

A: Hey John! I haven’t seen you in ages! What’s new? What have you been up to?

B: Pete! Nice to see you Well, on top the norm, you know, wife and kids and work, I’ve actually gotten into doing some trading.

A: Trading? You, big guy? What are you trading?

B: Currencies.

A: Currencies? As in Euros, Dollars, Pounds and Rupees?

B: It’s called Forex. Foreign Exchange. The great thing about it is that I don’t have to invest a huge amount. I put in a margin deposit and then I can buy and sell up to 100 times that much!

A: I don’t understand. You’re buying and selling money?

B: You got it! Just last night I made USD 150!

A: Last night?

B: Yeah! It’s a 24 hour market! I had bought some RMB earlier at a low asking price but last night it appreciated drastically so I made a split second decision and sold all my RMB at an amazing bid! I’ve also done some trading with CHF and AUD and HKD. I’ve made some good profits but I’ve also suffered some losses. It depends on a lot of factors just like any other market. In total I’ve made about USD 500 in the past few months.

A: You’re kidding! I’m on! Where do I sign up?

[234] Daily Life - Going to the Doctor

[235] The Office - Interview Skills Part 1 - The Introduc-

[236] Daily Life - Trying To Sleep

C: Just take some sedatives! Works for me! Every so often having some melatonin on hand helps me when I have trouble sleeping . It works on all kinds of sleeping disorders . It’s the stuff pilots use to regulate their sleeping patterns . Jill: I heard of that. But does that apply to Alex’s situation?

C: Ya sure, why not ? Sounds like he only has transient insomnia since it’s a recent thing so taking melatonin do the trick. Jill: But shouldn’t he be looking into WHY it’s been happening?

C: Well aren’t youthe little psychologist? Our buddy’s having trouble sleeping , it’s easy and curable. It’s not something freakish like if he was a sleepwalker. Alex: Well, there’s that too.

[237] Daily Life - Morning Routine

[238] The Office - Interview Skills Part 2 - Discussing Your

[239] The Weekend - Adventure Sports

A: Welcome to Adventure Tours . How may I help you?

B: I want to book a tour with adventure sports .

A: Excellent! Our company has more than ten years of experience in the adventure tourism and sports field . Let me show you some options. This is our most popular choice, our river guides will take you on a whitewater rafting trip followed by a ride in a hot air balloon !

B: I don’t really think I’m ready to throw myself down a river full of jagged rocks in a rubber boat or go up in the air in a wicker basket held up by an over- size balloon. What else do you have?

A: Well, in that case, we can take you hang gliding with one of our experienced instructors. It’s the closest you can get to flying.

B: What? You mean strap myself to a flimsy kite? No thank you! Next!

A: Mmm. ok. Well, why don’t you tell me a little bit more about what you would like? We have ev- erything from mountain biking, to rock climbing to street luge.

B: I’m thinking something exciting but. safer.

A: I have the perfect option, this package will take you on a hiking trip through the Himalayas for three days and afterwards there’s a dog sledding journey!

B: That’s more like it !

[240] Daily Life - Getting A Pet

A: We have been over this a hundred times ! We are not getting a pet!

B: Why not? Come on! Just a cute little puppy. or a kitty!

A: Who is going to look after a dog or a cat?

B: I will! I’ll feed it, bathe it and walk it every day! We can get a Labrador or a German Shepard !

A: What if we want to take a vacation ? Who will we leave it with? Plus, our apartment is too small for that breed of dog.

B: Ok. How about we get a cat or a ferret!

A: We’re planning on having children soon, I don’t think those animals are a good idea with a baby in the house.

B: Fine! Let’s get a bird then! We can keep it in its cage and teach it to talk! A parrot would be awesome!

A: I’ll tell you what, I can get you some hamsters and we’ll take it from there .

B: Yay!

P241-250

[241] The Office - Interview Skills 3 - Education Back-

[242] Global View - Learning The Piano

[243] The Weekend - Talking to a Travel Agent

A: Welcome to Perfect Getaway Tours . How can I help you?

B: I would like to plan a surprise getaway for me and my wife.

A: Very well, we have a couple of different options such as beaches, the wilderness, the countryside or even going to a spa for the weekend.

B: I think something in the countryside would be nice.

A: Perfect! This package includes round-trip flights to New Hampshire . A free airport pick- up is in- cluded. Our VIP limousine will pick you up and provide you with complimentary champagne and finger foods to soften the thirty-minute ride to the countryside.

B: Sounds good! What is the hotel that we will be staying at like?

A: That is the best part. Your hotel is actually an old country villa that has been restored and re- furbished to accommodate a maximum of that is guests. You will enjoy an intimate and private time in this very spacious and warm N Included in the price is three meals a day, excluding beverages. You can choose to eat at the fabulous restaurant that offers a stunning view of the lush, green gar- dens. If you prefer, your own private butler can arrange your meal to be served in your room or outside on our terrace.

B: Wow! This sounds like something my wife would really enjoy! Are there any outdoor activities we can take part in ?

A: Of course! The hotel has a stable with beautiful stallions for a very romantic horseback ride along the country trail. You can also go fishing to the nearby lake or visit the local vineyard.

B: I’m sold ! I want to book this trip. I don’t care what it costs! Money is no object !

[244] The Office - Interview Skills 4 - Talking About Work

[245] The Weekend - Getting A Subscription

A: Good afternoon Ma’am, My name is Mike and I am selling subscriptions to all sorts of periodicals.

B: No thank you, I am not interested.

A: Please ma’am , if you could spare five minutes of your time, I am sure we could find something that interests you!

B: I wish I could, but Ihave to walk the dog and finish cooking so if you would excuse me.

A: We have a great variety of magazines all about cooking! This one for example, is a bi monthly publication with recipes from all over the world!

B: Wow, that would be kind of useful, do you have any other cooking magazines?

A: Sure do! This one is a quarterly publication, but each issue has over 200 color pages of recipes and also many home decorating ideas!

B: Wow, this is nice! Ok, sign me up for both publi- cations.

A: You mentioned you have a dog, most pet owners sign up for this weekly newsletter that has infor- mation on dog care, pet shops and even pet sit- ters!

B: That is exactly what I needed! What else do you have?

A: Well, I also have....

[246] Daily Life - At The Train Station

A: Hi, I would like to purchase a one way ticket to Brussels please.

B: Certainly sir, this is our train schedule. We have an express train departing every morning and an overnight train that departs at nine pm.

A: How long does it take to get there?

B: About twelve hours. We currently have tickets available only for first class on the express train. If you’d like, you can choose a sleeper on the overnight train which is a bit less expensive.

A: Yeah, I think that is the best option. Do you serve food on the train? Twelve hours is such a long time!

B: Yes of course. There is a dining car towards the front of the train where they serve meals at all times. We do provide complimentary water and coffee for all of our passengers.

A: Great! I’ll take it.

B: Here you are sir. Your train leaves from platform number nine at nine on the dot. Remember to be here at least thirty minutes before your scheduled departure time or else you might miss your train!

A: I understand. Thank you very much !

B: Have a great trip.

[247] The Office - Interview Skills 5 - Discussing Reasons

[248] Daily Life - Dinnerware

A: Honey can you set the table?

B: Um, sure. What are we having for dinner? Do I need to put out anything in particular?

A: Well, make sure to put out the pepper and salt shakers. I don’t know if your brother is coming tonight so set an extra place mat just in case.

B: Ok, should I use the fancy silverware?

A: Yeah go ahead, forks, spoons and knives. I roasted some meat so be sure to put out some steak knives as well.

B: I’ll also set some cups and saucers for some cof- fee after dinner.

A: Honey? Have you seen our soup bowls?

B: They are in the cupboard where you keep the gravy boat and serving dishes. Just be careful because the wine glasses are also there.

A: Oops!

[249] The Weekend - Making A Sandwich

A: Welcome to our show! Today, I am going to show you how to make the perfect mouthwatering sand- wich! Are you ready? Let’s get started !

A: Let’s start with the basics :bread. Bread is an im- portant ingredient here. You need to remember one thing -choose the bread according to the fol- lowing criteria :freshness, crumb and color. If you want a closed sandwich I recommend you first toast your bread in a toaster or oven, or grill it slightly until it gets a light brown color.

A: Now that our bread is ready, let’s talk about the ingredients ! Of course, each person’s palate is different, but I’m going to give you a few tips that you’ll be able to use when turning any sandwich into the perfect sandwich. I would strongly recom- mend you put fresh vegetables in your sandwich.

A: Do not undervalue them as they play a big role in forming the taste and will make the sandwich more refreshing and light. The best choices here are evident- cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, sweet pepper pepper or chilli, lettuce and, of course, herbs- you can’t go wrong with them. As for aubergines, mushrooms and asparagus, I would recommend you first grill them slightly with a little touch of olive oil.

A: Last but not least, we have a wide variety of condi- ments that we can add to our perfect sandwich. We can be subtle and just add a touch of salt and pepper, or we can combine mustard sauce, mayonnaise, ketchup or even caviar to achieve a stronger flavor! It’s always a good idea to cut your sandwich in triangles or manageable pieces to avoid all your ingredients falling out and stain- ing your shirt!

A: That’s all the time we have for today, but join us next time where we’ll be going over how to make the perfect lasagna! Till next time!

[250] The Office - Interview Skills 6 - Describing Ones