Text 1

M: Didn't you say you wanted to stop drinking coffee for a while?

W: I did. I was trying to drink tea or juice each morning instead of coffee. But it didn't go so well.

Text 2

M: Miranda, Joan said she would meet you in front of the library at five this afternoon.

W: I'll have to ask Dad if he can drive me there. Where is he?

M: Still at work. Call him now before he leaves his office.

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M: Hello, is this Building 12? I want to go to the audio lab.

W: Oh, this is Building 24. The science lab is in Building 12, but the audio lab is in Building 30.

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M: Karen, can I talk to you? When you see customers, you should always ask them if they need help. And you can't talk to your friends on the phone during your work time.

W: Sorry, Mr. Wilson. It won't happen again.

Text 5

W: Holly doesn't come to practice swimming today. Is she ill?

M: No, she is fine. She's in the mountains.

W: Really? Does she go camping again?

M: No, she goes on holiday with her family.

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W: Hi, I have a reservation in the name of Sally.

M: Hi, Sally. A room for 12 people at 7:30 p.m., is that right?

W: Yes. We've got two more people coming, though. Is that OK?

M: No problem. Our room can easily hold as many as 16 people. There are rooms available now, so you don't have to wait. This way, please.

W: Perfect! Thanks. Can I have a look at the menu while I wait for my friends?

M: Of course! May I ask when your friends will be arriving?

W: I'm sure most of them will arrive on time. I got here early because I wanted to arrange the food in advance.

M: I see. Here is the menu.

W: Thank you very much.

Text 7

M: Lucy, where are you going this weekend?

W: I'm going to the beach with some of my classmates. Want to join us, Mike?

M: Why not? I've always wanted to see the boats there. But the bus is really crowded on the weekend.

W: I know. Some students ask me to take the train and have a good view along the way. Luckily, I have my brother's car.

M: Do you have space for me?

W: Sure. We only have three people now.

M: When are we leaving?

W: Friday, about 4:30 in the afternoon. Shall I pick you up somewhere?

M: Yes, please. I'll be going to Professor Wilson's office at 3:30. We can meet half an hour later in front of the building.

W: OK. Then we can go to Joe's place together to pick him up.

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W: Have you heard the latest news about HS2? It is going to cost a vast amount.

M: Yes, and does the UK really need another high-speed railway line like HS2? We have good roads and airports.

W: I support it. The part they are building now looks good, but it will cost far too much.

M: I read somewhere that China might be asked to build the second part.

W: That is a great idea. Look at the wonderful railways they have.

M: The Chinese say they could build the line at a much lower price.

W: I'm sure they could. I bet they would do it quicker as well.

M: I agree. Did you see the story about the hospital they built in a short time? That was amazing!

W: Projects in Britain always take so long. Planning takes years, and building takes years. People just want to be able to use it.

M: I know. We could learn a lot from the Chinese. It wouldn't worry me if they took over the railway work.

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M: Hi, Susan. How are you? I've been wondering when I would run into you. What are you busy with?

W: Nice to meet you here, Tim. I'm buying some New Year gifts for those who work with me. But it's really a headache.

M: Maybe I could give you some advice. Firstly, you'd better divide them into different groups: Who are the people that are your friends as well as your workmates? And who are the people you do not know well but you see pretty much there?

W: OK, then what should I do?

M: For the friends, you can give them personal gifts. Do they like chocolate?

W: This is what I always give, but I know Mary is on a diet.

M: Does she like fruit or coffee? Or does she like flowers like other girls? Anyway, think of a gift that you know your friend would like.

W: Well, I think fruit is suitable for her. How about the rest of them?

M: Leave cards in their mailboxes or on their desks.

W: New Year cards?

M: Yes, you can afford that. More importantly, it shows them that you are thinking of them.

W: Thank you for your suggestion, Tim. You really have saved me and my money as well.

Text 10

M: Hello, everyone. Today I'm going to talk about small talk, that is, short conversations people often have with strangers they meet. Such exchanges occur at bus stops, on buses, while waiting in line, almost anywhere that strangers gather together. As a matter of fact, these short conversations are a good way for people to say hello and express friendliness. Such conversations usually cover a wide range of topics. The topics may include weather, customer service, movies, TV shows, local sports or latest news. But you should always keep in mind that private questions about salaries, family life and politics should be avoided during these conversations. Besides, it's better to ask open-ended questions. If you ask visitors, "Do you like our city?", they may simply say, "Yes." On the other hand, if you ask, "What do you think of our city?", they will have more freedom in answering. This type of question also shows that you are interested in them. If you appear interested in what people are saying, they'd feel more comfortable talking with you.