Unit 2B

Text 1

M: How many people participated in the tree planting activity yesterday?

W: One hundred and one fourth are students. 

Text 2

M: I've been overwhelmed lately. My mom fell ill last week, and this week I have an important exam. How do you keep it together at times like this?

W: I usually go jogging — it works wonders. 

Text 3

W: The power is out. Did you use any high-powered devices?

M: No, maybe the storm cut off the electricity.

W: Wait, the notice said our electricity bill was due yesterday and we missed it. 

Text 4

W: I love watching that baking show where some singers are required to bake various desserts.

M: So do I. During the first week I thought that they would never learn to bake, but by the end I'd want to eat what they have cooked. 

W: Me too. 

Text 5

M: Want to go to lunch today? That new restaurant across from the office is supposed to be good. 

W: I can't. I brought my own lunch today because the boss told me to finish some writing. I need to stay in the office. 

Text 6

M: How did you enjoy your weekend at the seaside?

W: On Sunday afternoon, while everyone was enjoying the sunshine on the beach or playing in the sea, the sky suddenly went dark. A strong wind started blowing. Before people could gather their stuff and run for cover, it's already raining cats and dogs. 

M: Well, at least it didn't ruin the entire day. Did you go back to the beach afterward?

W: We tried, but the beach became a mess after the storm. So we decided to call it a day. 

Text 7

W: Martin, you've played many superheroes in the films. What is the hardest part of playing a superhero?

M: Well, getting your body into shape is absolutely necessary, but the trickiest part lies in getting the hang of all that leaping, falling, turning and rolling. 

W: So how did you get into acting?

M: I'd never considered it. I majored in literature at university but was never involved in any drama clubs. After graduation, I happened to be employed by a comedy producer. 

W: What would you do if you didn't become an actor?

M: I grew up in Canada. My dad is a police officer; my mother and my grandparents are all doctors. Even so, neither of those jobs appeals to me. My older brother has an import export company and I guess I would stay with him. 

W: Thank you, Martin.

Text 8

W: I'm calling for the flat you advertised on social media. I drove by this morning and like the location. What's the rent? 

M: As the advertisement puts it, I'm looking for someone to share the flat my daughter is staying in. The rent is $850 a month, and you would share half of it with my daughter.

W: How big is the place? 

M: There are two bedrooms and one bathroom. It's got pretty much everything you need for daily life, like a refrigerator, an air conditioner and a washer. 

W: Is the neighborhood pretty quiet? Can your daughter hear a lot of noise or anything like that? 

M: They have a strict policy on the apartment building concerning noise level. So it stays very quiet after 10 p.m. And the neighbors are friendly.

W: Is she the only person who lives there now? 

M: Yeah. I'm only looking for one roommate for her.

W: Everything sounds good. Can we schedule a time to meet so I can look at the place? 

M: My daughter and I are available anytime this Saturday or next Sunday.

Text 9

W: Can I help you?

M: Yes, my son and daughter bought this pen for my wife's birthday, but it doesn't work. I would like to exchange it for a new one.

W: Let me see. Was it dropped?

M: No, but you can see that the point is a little bit bent.

W: Yes, it is. We'd be happy to exchange it for you, but I'm afraid we don't have any more purple ones. We only have this pen in black or yellow now. 

M: My wife doesn't really like either of the colors. 

W: We have one with a red leather cover. That's three dollars more. 

M: The children worked hard to save the 20 dollars for this one. They would probably be upset if I paid for their present. 

W: If you want, we can order another pen just like this one. 

M: Could you? That would be great! Thanks so much. 

W: We'd be happy to. It will take a week to 10 days. We'll call you when it comes in.

Text 10

M: We'd like to inform everyone that the bridge on Mand Road will be closed for repair.Drivers can use the south side of Williams Road to reach the city center and the business district. We understand that the traffic on Williams Road will be heavy from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., but this will be the fastest way for those working in these areas. Please be careful when you drive by Red Rose Kindergarten. Two traffic policemen will be stationed near the kindergarten, but still we'll require your attention for children's sake. Because of the bridge construction, the parking lot next to the bank will also be closed. So no cars will be able to park there during the day. However, it'll be open after working hours for shoppers visiting the two malls above it. Please note that the parking fee after 6:00 p.m. is higher than the daytime rate. And there will be new traffic lights at the east end of the business district, which may slow down traffic flow after 5:00 p.m.