Unit 3B

Text 1

W: I wonder if there is a service charge for our meal. 

M: I think so. The menu says the service charge is 10%.

Text 2

M: I was scared by the storm last night, which hit the area near the hotel. 

W: Me too. It has been reported that lightning hit the factory near the farm. 

Text 3

W: Get up quickly! It's Sunday!

M: Don't open the curtains! Can't I sleep in today? We don't need to go to school.

W: Not a chance! Don't you remember it's Mom's birthday? We have a lot to do before she wakes up. 

Text 4

W: Can't we go someplace and talk? It's so crowded here.

M: Well, there's a little park along the street about three blocks away. It's usually not crowded at this time of day. 

Text 5

M: Why do you look so tired?

W: I spent a whole day tidying up my house.

M: Didn't your husband lend a helping hand? 

W: As if he had ever! 

Text 6

W: You're going to your job interview dressed like that? 

M: You have a problem with my clothes?

W: The jacket and pants are fine. Gray is a good color. But the tie is terrible.

M: You don't like the orange tie?

W: It's too bright. Don't you have a red or a blue tie?

M: Well, I'll put on a red tie. Anything else? 

W: No, you look great. Oh, the shoes. Take off those white shoes.

M: OK. I'll put on my black shoes. All right?

W: Perfect. Oh, take a briefcase. It'll make you look smarter.

Text 7

W: I can't believe how cool the art festival was last night. And it was even bigger than the ones we went to in Los Angeles and Chicago. 

M: New York is the birthplace of the modern art movement in the US. 

W: How long do you think it takes to become an accomplished artist?

M: It's hard to say. My uncle is a painter and it took him 20 years to become somewhat famous.

W: I have always enjoyed oil painting, but the materials are so expensive. I had to give it up. 

M: That's too bad. I guess we all have to give up something sometimes.

W: Maybe I just need a cheaper alternative. My niece has been doing a lot of novel chalk art on her blackboard, and she gets many followers on social media.

M: Why not stop by the art supply store on the way home?

W: Okay, as long as the cost of a taxi is not too high. 

M: My treat! 

Text 8

W: I thought you'd be studying for the exam and maybe I can study with you. 

M: Oh, well, I was just taking a break. This math thing gives me a headache. 

W: I know what you mean. I've been working on it for three hours already. I'm beginning to go impatient. I just don't get some of it. 

M: But I can't believe you are coming to me. I mean you do know what I got on the last test, don't you?

W: Yeah, I know. You told me. I just thought two heads might be better than one.

M: Yeah, that's a nice idea. But you know, I wish I knew the girl in our class who got a hundred on the last test. She didn't miss a question. Was it Elizabeth?

W: Oh, yeah, Elizabeth! Why don't you give her a call?

M: Good idea! Could you tell me her phone number? 

W: OK.

Text 9

M: Hi, it's Charles Nelson. I have a reservation for tonight.

W: Oh, Mr. Nelson. You have booked a room for five, right?

M: No, no. Hold on. There must be some mistake.

W: Let's check again. Here it is: Charles C. Nelson has a reservation for tonight — a room for five people. 

M: Ah, my name is Charles Nelson, not Charles C. Nelson.

W: Oh, I understand now. The names are very similar, and we do have a reservation for another guest, Charles C. Nelson. This probably caused the confusion. Let me double-check your reservation. Charles Nelson, a room for one for the 19th of May. 

M: No, a room for tonight, not for tomorrow evening. 

W: I'm really sorry, but I don't think we have any rooms for tonight. Well, let me check my computer here. Ah! There has been a cancellation for this evening. A honeymoon room is now available. 

M: Great. I'll take it. 

W: But I'll have to charge you 250 dollars for the night. Well, the best I can give you is a 10% discount plus a ticket for a free breakfast. 

M: Thank you very much!

Text 10

M: My name's John. I work at an activity center for young people, as an activity leader. The center, in North Cornwall, is open all year round, but I only work here during the busiest time, in summer when I am less busy with my studies. Our center is near the sea, so we spend most of our time on water activities like surfing and sailing. These activities have the highest number of sign-ups. We also do rock climbing and mountain biking. I think that the most important thing about the activity center is the social side. Young people today spend so much time on using computers or watching TV that they don't talk to each other much. In most of our activities they have to work in teams, so it's a good opportunity for them to learn about working and communicating with other people, and to enjoy some fresh air, too. In the evenings, we get together to sing songs and play indoor games. I've been an activity leader for three years now, but this will be my last time. I'm getting a full-time job next year. How time flies!