sit back and enjoy the scenery. But yes, you're right—on the whole I certainly prefer driving to being a passenger. 02
—Hello, Allen. This is Collin speaking. —
—Fine. How about you? —
—Good. And how's Bob feeling after his holiday? —
—I see. I've got quite a lot to tell you. —
—I've just got engaged! —
—Yes! No. We haven't fixed the date yet. —
—What's she like? —
—Lovely girl! We met on a bus, believe it or not. —
—Yes. We just happened to be sitting together and got into the conversation. And we made a date for the same evening, and discovered we've got a lot in common, you know, same interests and, we laugh at the same things. —
—No. You don't know her. Hmm. At least she doesn't know you or Bob. —
—Oh, about three weeks now. —
—Well, yes. It was quite a sudden decision, but I feel really happy. I'd like you both to meet her. Now, how about a meal together one evening soon? —
—Would you ask Bob to ring me? —
—Oh, I must go now. My boss has just come into the office. Bye. —
—Oh, thanks. Bye. 03
Everyone knows him as Old Arthur. He lives in a little hut in the middle of a small wood, about a mile from the village. He visits the village store twice a week to buy food and paraffin, and occasionally he collects letters and his pension from the post office. A few weeks ago, a reporter from the local newspaper interviewed him. This is what he said:
I get up every morning with the birds. There is a stream near my hut and I fetch water from there. It's good, clear, fresh water, better than you get in the city. Occasionally, in the winter, I have to break the ice. I cook simple food on my old paraffin stove, mostly stews and things like that. Sometimes I go to the pub and have a drink, but I don't see many people. I don't feel lonely. I know this wood very well, you see. I know all the little birds and animals that live here and they know me. I don't have much money, but I don't need much. I think I'm a lucky man. 04
James wrote a play for television, about an immigrant family who came to England from Pakistan, and the problems they had settling down in England. The play was surprisingly successful, and it was bought by an American TV company.
James was invited to go to New York to help with the production. He lived in Dulwich, which is an hour's journey away from Heathrow. The flight was due to leave at 8:30 am, so he had to be at the airport about 7:30 in the morning. He ordered a mini-cab
29
for 6:30, set his alarm for 5:45, and went to sleep. Unfortunately he forgot to wind the clock, and it stopped shortly after midnight. Also the driver of the mini-cab had to work very late that night and overslept.
James woke with that awful feeling that something was wrong. He looked at his alarm clock. It stood there silently, with the hands pointing to ten past twelve. He turned on the radio and discovered that it was, in fact, ten to nine. He swore quietly and switched on the electric kettle.
He was just pouring the boiling water into the teapot when the nine o'clock pips sounded on the radio. The announcer began to read the news: \Airport. A Boeing 707 bound for New York crashed shortly after taking off this morning. Flight number 2234 ...\ \flight,\he said out loud. \I hadn't overslept, I'd have been on that plane.\ 05
Interviewer: Do you mind if I ask you why you've never got married?
Dennis: Uh ... well, that isn't easy to answer.
Interviewer: Is it that you've never met the right woman? Is that it? Dennis: I don't know. Several times I have met a woman who seemed right, as you say. But for some reason it's never worked out. Interviewer: No? Why not?
Dennis: Hmm. I'm not really sure.
Interviewer: Well, could you perhaps describe what happened with one of these women?
Dennis: Uh ... yes, there was Cynthia, for example. Interviewer: And what kind of woman was she?
Dennis: Intelligent. Beautiful. She came from the right social background, as well. I felt I really loved her. But then something happened.
Interviewer: What?
Dennis: I found out that she was still seeing an old boyfriend of hers.
Interviewer: Was that so bad? I mean, why did you ... why did you feel that ...
Dennis: She had told me that her relationship was all over, which ... uh ... which was a lie.
Interviewer: Are you saying that it was because she had lied to you that you decided to break off the relationship?
Dennis: Yes, yes, exactly ... Obviously, when I found out that she had lied to me, I simply couldn't ... uh ... well, I simply couldn't trust her any more. And of course that meant that we couldn't possibly get married.
Interviewer: Uh, huh. I see. At least, I think I do. But ... you said there were several women who seemed 'right.' Dennis: Yes.
Interviewer: Well, ... what happened the other times?
Dennis: Well, once I met someone who I think I loved very deeply but ... unfortunately she didn't share my religious views. Interviewer: Your religious views?
Dennis: Yes, I expect the woman I finally marry to agree with me on such ... such basic things as that. Interviewer: I see.
Dennis: Does that sound old-fashioned?
Interviewer: Uh ... no. Not necessarily. What was her name, by the way?
Dennis: Sarah.
Interviewer: Do you think you'll ever meet someone who meets ... uh ... how shall I say it ... who meets all your ... requirements?
Dennis: I don't know. How can I? But I do feel it's important not to ... not to just drift into ... a relationship, simply because I might be lonely.
Interviewer: Are you lonely?
Dennis: Sometimes. Aren't we all? But I know that I can live alone, if necessary. And I think I would far prefer to do that ... to live alone ... rather than to marry somebody who isn't really ... uh ... well, really what I'm looking for ... what I really want.
3 01
Every color has a meaning. And as you choose a color, you might like to remember that it's saying something. We've said that red is lovable. Green, on the other hand, stands for hope; it is tranquil. Pink is romantic, while brown is serious. White is an easy one—white is pure. Orange is generous. Violet is mysterious, turquoise is strong and blue is definitely feminine.
Lesson 21 1 01
—Can I see Zulu on Sunday? —I'm not sure. 02
—Do you like football? —Yes, very much.
—Would you like to go to a match on the 18th of December? 03
—I'd like to see Coming Home at the Royal Theatre. —What a good idea! Do you know what time it starts? —I think it starts at 8 pm. 04
—Tomorrow is the third of December. It's my birthday and I'm going to the George and Dragon. Would you like to come?
—To celebrate your birthday? Of course I would. What group's playing?
—The Riverside Stompers, I think. 05
—I like organ music. Do you know where I can hear a recital? —Try St. Mary's Church. I know they have a beautiful organ. 06
—I'd like to go to a recital on the 16th of December, but I'm working from ten to four. Do you know what time the recital begins?
—Sorry, I'm afraid I don't. Why don't you look at your \ 2 01
1st Student: Well, first of all, I'm intending to have a good holiday abroad, just traveling round Europe, and then when I get tired of traveling I'm going to—well, come back and start looking for a job. I haven't quite decided yet what job, but I'm probably going to try and get a job in advertising of some kind.
2nd Student: Well, eventually I'm planning to open my own restaurant. Only I haven't got enough money to do that at the moment, of course, so I've decided to get a temporary job for a year or so, and I'm going to work really hard and try and save as much money as possible. Actually, I'm thinking of working as a waiter, or some job in a restaurant anyway ... 02 Male Voice: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Victoria Hall for our annual presentation of the Nurse of the Year Award. First I'd like to introduce Dame Alice Thornton. Dame Alice is now retired after more than forty years of dedicated service to the public and the nursing profession. Dame Alice Thornton. Male Voice: Dame Alice, you were the first nurse of the year. That was thirty years ago. Would you now announce this year's winner? Dame Alice: Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to introduce our nurse of the year, Miss Helen Taylor.
30
Dame Alice: Miss Taylor, you have been awarded this prize as a result of recommendations from your senior officers, your colleagues and the parents of the children you nurse. Here are some of the recommendations: 'efficient but patient', 'helpful and happy', 'strict but caring', 'human and interested'. These are the greatest recommendations any nurse could receive. I congratulate you! 03
Jerry: Could I speak to you for a few minutes, Mr. Sherwin?
Sherwin: I'm very busy at the moment. Can't it wait until tomorrow?
Jerry: Uh, ... well, it's rather urgent. And it won't take long. Sherwin: Oh, all right, then. What is it?
Jerry: It's a personal matter. Uh, you see, my wife is ill and has to go into hospital.
Sherwin: Sorry to hear that. But why do you want to talk to me about it?
Jerry: Because ... because we have a baby and there's nobody to look after her while she's in hospital. Sherwin: Who? Your wife? Jerry: No, no. My daughter.
Sherwin: Oh, I see. But I still don't understand what all this has to do with me.
Jerry: But that's what I'm trying to explain. I'd like to stay at home for a few days. Sherwin: But why?
Jerry: To look after my daughter, of course.
Sherwin: I thought you said she was going to hospital. They'll look after her there, won't they?
Jerry: No, no, no! It's my wife who's going to hospital! Not my daughter.
Sherwin: Really? I thought you said it was your daughter. You are not explaining this very well. 04
Here is an alternative dialogue between Jerry and Mr. Sherwin. Listen.
Jerry: Uh ... excuse me, Mr. Sherwin, but I was wondering if I could speak to you for a few minutes.
Sherwin: Well, I'm rather busy at the moment, Jerry. Is it urgent? Jerry: Uh, yes, I ... I'm afraid it is. It's a personal matter.
Sherwin: Oh, well, then, we'd better discuss it now. Sit down.
Jerry: Thank you. Uh ... you see, it's about my wife. She ... uh ... well ... she ...
Sherwin: Yes, go on, Jerry. I'm listening.
Jerry: She's ill and has to go to hospital tomorrow. But we have a young baby, you know.
Sherwin: Yes, I know that, Jerry. You must be rather worried. Is it anything serious? Your wife's illness, I mean?
Jerry: The doctors say it's just a minor operation. But it has to be done as soon as possible. And ... well ... the problem is my daughter. The baby. That's the problem.
Sherwin: In what way, Jerry? I'm not quite sure if I understand.
Jerry: Well, as I said, my wife'll be in hospital for several days, so there's nobody to look after her.
Sherwin: You mean, nobody to look after your daughter, is that it? Jerry: Yes, exactly. Both our parents live rather far away, and ...and that's why I'd like to have a few days off. From tomorrow.
Sherwin: I see. I think I understand now. You need a few days off to look after your daughter while your wife is in hospital. Jerry: Yes, yes. That's it. I'm not explaining this very well.
Sherwin: No, no. On the contrary. I just want to be sure I understand completely. That's all. Jerry: Will ... will that be all right?
Sherwin: Yes, I'm sure it will, Jerry. All I want to do now is make sure that there's someone to cover for you while you're away. Uh ... how long did you say you'll need?
Jerry: Just a few days. She ... my wife, I mean ... should be out of hospital by next Thursday, so I can be back on Friday.
Sherwin: Well, perhaps you'd better stay at home on Friday, as well.
Just to give your wife a few extra days to rest after the operation. Jerry: That's very kind of you, Mr. Sherwin. Sherwin: Don't mention it. 05
Landlady: 447 4716.
Student: Hello. Is that Mrs. Davies? Landlady: Speaking.
Student: Good afternoon. My name's Stephen Brent. I was given your address by the student accommodation agency. I understand you have a room to let.
Landlady: Yes, that's right. I've just got one room still vacant. It's an attic room, on the second floor. It's rather small, but I'm sure you'll find it's very comfortable.
Student: I see. And how much do you charge for it?
Landlady: The rent's twenty-five pounds a week. That includes electricity, but not gas.
Student: Has the room got central heating?
Landlady: No, it's got a gas fire which keeps the room very warm. Student: I see ... And what about furniture? It is furnished, isn't it? Landlady: Oh yes ... Er ... There's a divan bed in the corner with a new mattress on it. Er ... Let me see ... There's a small wardrobe, an armchair, a coffee table, a bookshelf ... Student: Is there a desk?
Landlady: Yes, there's one under the window. It's got plenty of drawers and there's a lamp on it.
Student: Oh good ... Is there a washbasin in the room?
Landlady: No, I'm afraid there isn't a washbasin. But there's a bathroom just across the corridor, and that's got a washbasin and a shower as well as a bath. You share the bathroom with the people in the other rooms. The toilet is separate, but unfortunately it's on the floor below.
Student: Oh, that's all right. ... What about cooking? Can I cook my own meals?
Landlady: Well, there's a little kitchenette next to your room. It hasn't got a proper cooker in it, but there's a gas ring and an electric kettle by the sink. I find my students prefer to eat at the university. Student: I see. And is the room fairly quiet?
Landlady: Oh yes. It's at the back of the house. It looks onto the garden and it faces south, so it's bright and sunny, too. It's very attractive, really. And it's just under the roof, so it's got a low, sloping ceiling. Would you like to come and see it? I'll be in for the rest of the day.
Student: Yes, I'm very interested. It sounds like the kind of room I'm looking for. Can you tell me how to get there?
Landlady: Oh, it's very easy. The house is only five minutes' walk from Finchley Road tube station. Turn right outside the station, and then it's the third street on the left. You can't miss it. It's got the number on the gate. It's exactly opposite the cemetery. 06
Frankly, I've been delighted. As you know, I decided to give it up ten years ago. I put them all in the attic—all fifty or sixty of them—to gather dust, and forgot about them. Then I just happened to meet him one day in a bar, entirely by chance, and we got talking about this and that, and, well—to cut a long story short—he went to have a look at them, and this is the result. It's for two weeks. And it's devoted entirely to my work. Doing very well, too, as you can see from the little tickets on about half of them. You know, now that they're hanging on the wall like this, with all the clever lighting, and glossy catalogue, and the smart people, they really don't seem anything to do with me. It's a bit like seeing old friends in new circumstances where they fit and you don't. Now, you see her? She's already bought three. Heard her saying one day she's 'dying to meet the man'. Afraid she'd be very disappointed if she did. Interesting, though, some of the things you overhear. Some know something about it. Others know nothing and admit it. Others know nothing and don't. By the way, I heard someone say the other day that the 'Portrait of a Woman' reminded her of you, you know. So you see, you're not only very famous, but—as I keep on telling you—you
31
haven't changed a bit. 3 01
Ours is a very expensive perfume. When people see it or hear the name we want them to think of luxury. There are many ways to do this. You show a woman in a fur coat, in a silk evening dress, maybe covered in diamonds. You can show an expensive car, an expensive restaurant, or a man in a tuxedo. We decided to do something different. We show a beautiful woman, simply but elegantly dressed, beside a series of paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, and it works. Because she is wearing the perfume, and because she is next to expensive and beautiful paintings, our perfume must be beautiful and expensive too. It does work.
Lesson 22 1 01
—Is that the Manager?
—Speaking. Can I be of any assistance?
—Could you speed up your switchboard a bit, please? I booked a call to Brussels a good twenty minutes ago and I haven't had a reply yet.
—Well, perhaps they are rather busy at this time of the day. After all, we are an hour ahead of Belgium.
—I know that, but I could have dialed myself direct in no time at all.
—We do like to route the calls through the operator and then there can be no misunderstanding about the charges, I'm sure you understand.
—No, I suppose it would be difficult to check the cost of directly-dialed calls, but nevertheless I do have to put through an important call to Brussels.
—I'll get on to them myself and see what the delay is, then call you back as soon as I know anything. 02
—And what seems to be the trouble, sir?
—They don't want to let me into the nightclub. —Well, I'm afraid there is an entrance charge, sir. —But damn it all—I am a resident. It's ridiculous.
—I'm very sorry, sir, but you see it is something of a special evening. Our guest star this evening is Sammy Davis Junior and I'm afraid that the tickets do cost 250 marks each. I could see if there are any left if you would like one. We generally try to keep a few back for the residents.
—Good Lord. That's nearly thirty-five pounds. No, on second thoughts, I don't think I'll bother. Could you have them send up a bottle of scotch to my room. I'll entertain myself instead. —Very good, sir. That is room 634, isn't it? 03
—Good evening, sir. I'm the Assistant Manager. —How nice!
—Yes, I'm afraid we've had a complaint about the noise from your neighbor across the corridor. He's trying to get some sleep as he has an early start tomorrow. I'm sure you understand. —Oh, I see.
—Do you think it might be possible to ask your friends to be a little quieter? We do like to give our guests a chance of getting a good night's sleep. It is well after eleven.
—Oh, I'm so sorry. I do apologize. I suppose we were talking rather loudly. It's just that we've signed a very important contract. We were having a bit of celebration.
—I'm pleased to hear it. Shall I ask Room Service to bring you some coffee?
—No, that won't be necessary. We were just about to pack up
anyway.
—Thank you, sir, and good night to you. 04
—Could I see the Manager, please? I have a complaint. —Can I help you, madam?
—Yes. Did you have this room checked before we moved in? There's not a scrap of lavatory paper and the toilet doesn't flush properly, the water doesn't run away in the shower and I would like an extra pillow. What have you to say to that?
—I'm extremely sorry to hear that. I'll attend to it right away. The housekeeper usually checks every room before new guests move in. We have been extremely busy with a large conference.
—That's no way to run a hotel. One doesn't expect this sort of thing in a well-run hotel.
—No, madam. I do apologize. It's most unusual. We do try to check the rooms as thoroughly as possible. Just the one pillow, was it? Is there anything else?
—Well, your thermostatically-controlled air-conditioning doesn't seem to be working too well. It's as hot as hell up there.
—I'll just adjust the regulator for you and I think you'll find it a little cooler in a short time. I'll also send someone along right away to look at the toilet and shower. 2 01
Salesman: Good evening, all you holiday dreamers. It's holiday planning time again and we're here with suggestions as usual. We know what you want ... something more interesting, something less expensive. So ... what about America? New York from 199 pounds. Or Canada? Or Hawaii? Ah ... Hawaii. And from only 372 pounds. Or the beautiful Bahamas? From just 400 pounds. Nearer home we suggest Wales or Scotland. And if you would like an easy package holiday, you could visit Minorca from 103 pounds, Ceylon from 343 pounds, Mombasa from 311 and sunny Florida from 243 pounds. Is time a problem? Is money a problem? Just send for our brochure and both problems will disappear. 02
Peggy: Bob, can we really afford a holiday? We're paying for this house and the furniture is on HP and ...
Bob: Now listen, Peggy. You work hard and I work hard. We're not talking about whether we can have a holiday. We're talking about where and when.
Peggy: Shall we go to Sweden?
Bob: Sweden's colder than Sheffield. I'd rather not go to Sweden. Peggy: What about Florida? Florida's warmer than Sheffield.
Bob: Yes, but it's a long way. How long does it take to get from here to Florida?
Peggy: All right. Let's go to Hawaii.
Bob: You must be joking. How much would it cost for the two of us?
Peggy: But the brochure says the problem of money will disappear. Bob, where do you really want to go?
Bob: I'm thinking of Wales or Scotland. Do you know why? Peggy: Yes. 'They're right on our doorstep and so close to home.' 03
Jill: Now, let me see. Blue Skies Travel Agency. Ah, yes, it's a London number. 01 748 9932. I think I'll ring now. (sound of dialing and ringing) Voice: Hello.
Jill: Uh ... good morning. Is that 748 9932? Voice: No, it isn't. It's 738 9932.
Jill: Sorry. I must have dialed the wrong number. (sound of dialing and ringing tone)
Telephonist: Blue Skies Travel Agency. Can I help you?
Jill: Could you give me some information about holidays in North America? 32
Telephonist: Just one moment. I'll put you through to our North
American department.
Miss Jones: North American department. Miss Jones speaking. Can I help you?
Jill: Yes, please. I'm planning my holiday and I'd like some information about holidays in New York.
Miss Jones: Certainly. What would you like to know?
Jill: First, how much is the cheapest return flight to New York? And what will the weather be like?
Miss Jones: I see. When do you want to go?
Jill: In May ... and I'd like to know about the inclusive holidays and good hotels and ...
Miss Jones: (interrupts) Certainly. Just give me your name and address. I'll send you all the information you want.
Jill: My name is Jill Adams. Miss J. Adams. And my address is ... 04
Traveller: Hello. I'd like some information about your trips to Kathmandu.
Travel Agent: Yes, of course. What can I tell you? Traveller: Well, how, how do we travel?
Travel Agent: It's a specially adapted bus with room for sleeping and ...
Traveller: And, and, er, how many people in a group?
Travel Agent: Well, the bus sleeps ten. Usually there are eight travellers and two drivers, a guide to look after you. Traveller: So, so we sleep, um, normally, in, in the bus?
Travel Agent: Yes, and it's fully equipped for cooking and it's got a shower system that we put up every evening, weather permitting. Traveller: Er, um ... We leave from, from London? Travel Agent: Yes, and return to London.
Traveller: Is there anything special we'd have to bring?
Travel Agent: Oh, we give everyone a list of suitable clothes, etc. to bring. Of course, space is limited.
Traveller: Oh, oh yes, I understand that. Now, how, how long in advance would I have to book?
Travel Agent: Well, it depends. Usually six or eight months. It's amazing the number of people who are interested.
Traveller: Well, I'm interested in the ten-week trip next spring. Travel Agent: Um, that one leaves on the fourth of April. Traveller: Yeah. That's right, yeah. It'll be for two people.
Travel Agent: That'd be fine. Could you come in and we can go over all the details.
Traveller: Yes, I think that'd be best, um, but can you give me some idea of how much that'll cost.
Travel Agent: Spring for ten weeks ... Um, we haven't got the exact figures at the moment, but, er, something like, er, 1,100 pounds per person.
Traveller: OK. Um, I'll come and see you one day next week. Travel Agent: Yes. Thanks for ringing. Traveller: Thank you. Bye. Travel Agent: Bye bye. 05
Woman: So you have a half day, a full day and a day and evening tour of London? Man: That's correct.
Woman: Well, as we're only here for a few days, I think perhaps we should take the full day and evening tour. Give my children the opportunity to see everything.
Man: Won't that be a bit tiring for them?
Woman: Yes, you're right. It's probably better if we don't include them on the evening part of the program.
Man: Not the theatre and the dinner entertainment?
Woman: Yes, that's what I mean. The hotel will take care of them. Man: Yes, I'm sure that can be arranged.
Woman: Now, can you tell me what the cost will be? Man: For the full tour? Seventy pounds per head.
Woman: So that would be 140 pounds for myself and my husband. What about the children, is there any reduction for them?
