Intermediate Level Dialogue: Advice for a Shy Guy

Reading Dialogue: Advice for a Shy Guy
Advice for a Shy Guy
(Two friends talking over lunch)


John: I just don't know what to do. She's so beautiful, but I don't know what to say...
Alan: It can't be all that bad. She's just a person like you or me...

John: What should I do? Should I ask her on a date?
Alan: Why don't you go a little more slowly? Just sit down next to her in the cafeteria, or in class. Anywhere. Say, 'Hi, how are you?', 'My name is John.' You know, the simple things.

John: But she'll just turn away.
Alan: No, she won't. She'll say 'Hi, nice to meet you.'. You should be more confident.

John: That's easy for you to say.
Alan: Would you like me to speak to her first?

John: NO, you are too dangerous!
Alan: What? Dangerous? What are you talking about?

John: Oh come on, you know all the girls are crazy for you.
Alan: Please ... you're joking!

John: Anyway, what should I do?
Alan: You should go over there now. You should introduce yourself and have a conversation. It's as easy as that.

John: OK, here I go ...
Alan: Good luck. And remember, SMILE!


Intermediate Level Dialogue: Advice for a Shy Guy
Reading Dialogue: Advice for a Shy Guy
Advice for a Shy Guy
(Two friends talking over lunch)

John: I just don't know what to do. She's so beautiful, but I don't know what to say...
Alan: It can't be all that bad. She's just a person like you or me...

John: What should I do? Should I ask her on a date?
Alan: Why don't you go a little more slowly? Just sit down next to her in the cafeteria, or in class. Anywhere. Say, 'Hi, how are you?', 'My name is John.' You know, the simple things.

John: But she'll just turn away.
Alan: No, she won't. She'll say 'Hi, nice to meet you.'. You should be more confident.

John: That's easy for you to say.
Alan: Would you like me to speak to her first?

John: NO, you are too dangerous!
Alan: What? Dangerous? What are you talking about?

John: Oh come on, you know all the girls are crazy for you.
Alan: Please ... you're joking!

John: Anyway, what should I do?
Alan: You should go over there now. You should introduce yourself and have a conversation. It's as easy as that.

John: OK, here I go ...
Alan: Good luck. And remember, SMILE!



English Dialogue - Neighbors
Neighbors

Tom: Hi Henry, it's been a long time since we saw each other last. What have you been up to?
Henry: Hi Tom! It's great to see you again. I've been away on business.

Tom: Really, where did you go?
Henry: Well, first I flew to New York for two meetings. After that, I flew to Atlanta, where I had to make a presentation at a company conference.

Tom: It sounds like you've been busy.
Henry: Yes, I've been very busy. It's good to be home again. What have you been doing lately?

Tom: Oh, nothing much. I've been working in the garden these past few days. Alice has been away for the past two weeks visiting her relatives in Chicago.
Henry: I didn't know she has family in Chicago.

Tom: Yes, that's right. We met at university in California. She was born in Chicago and lived there until she went to college.
Henry: How long have you lived here in Colorado?

Tom: We've lived here for over 10 years. We moved here in 1998 because I had a new job as a sales representative.
Henry: Have you lived in the same house since you arrived?

Tom: No, first we lived in a condo in downtown Denver. We moved here four years ago. We've lived on the street for four years and they've been the happiest years of our lives.
Henry: Yes, my wife Jane and I love this neighborhood.

Tom: And how long have you lived in your house?
Henry: We've only lived here for two years.

Tom: That's strange, it seems like you have lived here longer than that.
Henry: No, we moved here in 2006.

Tom: How time flies!
Henry: I have to agree with you on that. It seems like yesterday that I graduated from college. I can't believe I've been working for more than 10 years!

Tom: I've been working for more than 30 years! I'm going to retire soon.
Henry: Really? You don't look a day over 40!

Tom: Thank you. You're a great neighbor!
Henry: No, really. Well, I have to get going. Work is waiting for me. Have a good day.

Tom: You, too. Glad to have you back in the neighbor!


Key Vocabulary

What have you been up to?
I've been away on business
Company conference
What have you been doing lately? relatives
to move
Condo
neighborhood
That's strange
How time flies
To graduate from college or university
It seems like yesterday
To retire
I have to get going
Glad to have you back



Intermediate Level Dialogue: A Holiday in Italy
Reading Dialogue: A Holiday in Italy

A Holiday in Italy

(two friends looking at pictures of a holiday)

Tim: Alan, do you want to see the pictures of my holiday in Italy?
Alan: Sure, what was it like?

Tim: Ah, the holiday was great! The food was great! The wine was great! The traffic was horrible!
Alan: Why was the traffic horrible?

Tim: Those Italians are crazy drivers! I don't want to think about it!
Alan: OK, OK, let's return to the good parts ...

Tim: Yes, so here's a picture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Alan: Incredible!

Tim: It was raining that day, but it was still wonderful. We climbed to the top!
Alan: And what's this?

Tim: That's a photo of the Arno river, in Florence. That's the 'Ponte Vecchio' the old bridge.
Alan: What was Florence like?

Tim: It was very interesting. There were beautiful old medieval buildings in the city, impressive cathedrals and churches, and lots of wonderful museums.
Alan: How was your Italian?

Tim: My Italian wasn't very good. But many Italians speak English very well. I was impressed!
Alan: Oh, this one is nice.

Tim: Yes, that's a shot of a tasty pizza served by a beautiful Italian!
Alan: She is beautiful, isn't she?

Tim: Ah, yes, the land of fashion, food and wine. I'd recommend Italy anytime!
Alan: I'm so jealous...




Intermediate Level Dialogue: Directions to the Museum
Reading Dialogue: Directions to the Museum

Directions to the Museum
(On the street corner)


Tourist: Excuse me, can you help me? I'm lost!
Person: Certainly, where would you like to go?

Tourist: I'd like to go to the museum, but I can't find it. Is it far?
Person: No, not really. It's about a 5 minute walk.

Tourist: Maybe I should call a taxi ...
Person: No, no. It's very easy. Really. (pointing) I can give you directions.

Tourist: Thank you. That's very kind of you.
Person: Not at all. ... Now, go along this street to the traffic lights. Do you see them?

Tourist: Yes, I can see them.
Person: Right, at the traffic lights, turn left into Queen Mary Avenue.

Tourist: Queen Mary Avenue.
Person: Right. Go straight on. Take the second left and enter Museum Drive.

Tourist: OK. Queen Mary Avenue, straight on and then the third left, Museum Drive.
Person: No, it's the SECOND left.

Tourist: Ah, right. The second street on my left.
Person: Right. Just follow Museum Drive and the museum is at the end of the road.

Tourist: Great. Thanks again for your help.
Person: Not at all.



Intermediate Dialogue: Problems with a Client
Reading Dialogue: Problems with a Client

Problems with a Client
(in an office)

Ms Adams: Thank you for coming to the meeting today, Mr Gilder.
Mr Gilder: My pleasure, Ms Adams. Now, what problems are we having around here?

Ms Adams: Well, unfortunately, we're having a number of problems with our clients in Holland.
Mr Gilder: They usually pay on time. I don't understand ...

Ms Adams: Yes, you're right. They ARE excellent clients. Unfortunately, they aren't pleased with the merchandise we are sending them.
Mr Gilder: How can that be? We always provide first class products.

Ms Adams: I know, however they aren't happy. They say they are meeting with a new manufacturer next week.
Mr Gilder: Nonsense, and what are we doing to change things?

Ms Adams: Well, that's the reason for our meeting today. I'd like to make a few suggestions.
Mr Gilder: I'm listening ...

Ms Adams: Why don't we change suppliers?
Mr Gilder: Is that the problem?

Ms Adams: Let's take a look at some of the suppliers in the area. I'm sure we can find a better one.
Mr Gilder: OK, what other suggestions have you got?

Ms Adams: Shall we invite them to meet with us?
Mr Gilder: That's an excellent idea. It'll show them our concern.

Ms Adams: OK, I'll arrange a meeting. Thank you Mr Gilder.
Mr Gilder: No, thank you Ms Adams.


Dialogue and Multiple Choice Questions: Having a Hard Time Finding a Job
Having a Hard Time Finding a Job

Original Conversation

Mark: Hi Peter! How are you doing these days?
Peter: Oh, Hi Mark. I'm not doing very well, actually.

Mark: I'm sorry to hear that. What seems to be the problem?
Peter: ... you know I've been looking for work. I can't seem to find a job.

Mark: That's too bad. Why did you leave your last job?
Peter: Well, my boss treated me badly, and I didn't like my chances of advancing in the company.

Mark: That makes sense. A job without opportunities AND a difficult boss isn't very attractive.
Peter: Exactly! So, anyway, I decided to quit and find a new job. I sent out my resume to more than twenty companies. Unfortunately, I've only had two interviews so far.

Mark: Have you tried looking online for a job?
Peter: Yes, but so many of the jobs require moving to another city. I don't want to do that.

Mark: I can understand that. How about going to some of those networking groups?
Peter: I haven't tried those. What are they?

Mark: They're groups of people who are also looking for work. They help each other discover new opportunities.
Peter: That sounds great. I'll definitely try some of those.

Mark: I'm glad to hear that. So, what are you doing here?
Peter: Oh, I'm shopping for a new suit. I want to make the best impression possible at my job interviews!

Mark: There you go. That's the spirit. I'm sure things will look up for you soon.
Peter: Yes, you're probably right. I hope so!

Reported Conversation

Mark: I saw Peter today.
Susan: How's he doing?

Mark: Not too well, I'm afraid.
Susan: Why's that?

Mark: He told me had been looking for work, but hadn't found a job.
Susan: That surprises me. Was he fired or did he quit his last job?

Mark: He told me his boss had treated him badly. He also said he didn't like his chances of advancing in the company.
Susan: Quitting doesn't sound like a very wise decision to me.

Mark: That's true. But he's been working hard at finding a new job.
Susan: What's he done?

Mark: He said he had sent out his resumes to more than twenty companies. Unfortunately, he told me that only two had called him for an interview.
Susan: That's tough.

Mark: Tell me about it. However, I gave him some advice and I hope it helps.
Susan: What did you suggest?

Mark: I suggested joining a networking group.
Susan: That's a great idea.

Mark: Yes, well, he told me he would try a few groups.
Susan: Where did you see him?

Mark: I saw him at the mall. He told me he was shopping for a new suit.
Susan: What?! Buying new clothes and no work!

Mark: No, no. He said he wanted to make the best impression possible at his job interviews.
Susan: Oh, that makes sense.