1 <Checking in at the Airport>
Good morning, madam! May I see your passport please?
Yes, of course. Here you are.
What is your destination today?
I am going to Toronto, Canada with a short stopover in L.A.
(=I am heading to ~ )
Do you have any luggage other than carry-on?
Just this one bag.
On the scales please.
Okay, that’s just inside the permitted weight allowance.
Oh good!
Did you pack your bag yourself?
Oh yes, I packed it this morning and it hasn’t left my sight since.
That’s perfect. Have you seen the list of prohibited items?
Yes, I’m looking at it now. I have one bottle of perfume, but it should be less than 100 milliliters.
Would you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat?
(=Would you like ~ )
I`d like an aisle seat please. And as near to the front as possible.
(=I`ll take an aisle seat please.)
There’s your boarding pass. Your checked bag will automatically be transferred for you during your stopover at LAX. You will be boarding at gate 40. Have a nice flight!
2 <Ordering In-flight Meal>
I was wondering if I could order something to drink.
(=Could you tell me ~ )
Yes, we have alcoholic beverages as well as coffee, tea and soda.
How much do drinks cost?
(=How much are drinks?)
Our alcoholic beverages are five dollars each. All others are complimentary.
I see. When will our meals be served?
We will serve a snack with beverages. Dinner will be served a few hours into the flight.
What are our dinner choices?
You will have a choice of chicken, fish or beef. I will bring menus shortly.
I am a vegetarian.
Can I get a vegetarian meal?
(=Do you have a vegeterian meal?)
Vegetarian meals need to be requested at least two days before your flight. However, I may be able to find you extra servings of vegetables. I’ll see what I can do.
Okay. I’d like a cup of coffee for now please.
Sure. I’ll be right back.
Thank you very much!
3 <Going through Immigration>
May I have your passport and arrival card please?
Here you go.
Where are you flying in from?
(= What was your point of departure?)
From Seoul.
How long will you be staying in the US?
(= When will you be leaving?)
For about two weeks.
And where will you be staying?
I’m staying with friends. Their address is on the arrival card.
What is the purpose of your visit?
(= Are you here for busibness or pleasure?)
Well, partly to visit my friends, but I’ll also be sightseeing.
Please remove your headwear and look into the camera.
Sure.
And if you would place your right and left index fingers over the scanners. Thank you and welcome to the United States. Enjoy your stay.
Thank you
4 <Checking into a Hotel>
Good evening, sir. How may I help you?
I have a reservation under the name of Gomez. That’s G – o – m – e – z.
(= I made a reservation for Gomez.)
Here you are! You will be staying with us for two weeks?
That’s right.
Could I please see some I.D.?
(= Do you have any I.D.?)
No problem. Here’s my passport.
Excellent. Now, do you have a credit card, Mr. Gomez?
Yes, of course. Let me get my Visa out of my wallet. Here you are.
Thank you. All right, your room number will be 507. That’s a non-smoking queen.
Will that be agreeable to you?
(= Is that satisfactory?)
Sounds great! I wonder, could you tell me the swimming pool hours, please?
Certainly. Our pool is free for guests from the hours of 8 A.M. to 9 P.M. 7 days a week. That includes hot tubs and sauna. We also have famous hot stone massages for a small extra fee.
Ooh, I will definitely have to try one of those!
You won’t be disappointed. Okay, here’s your credit card back and here is your room key. The elevators are straight ahead. If you need anything else, you can contact the front desk any time by dialing zero on the phone in your room.
Fantastic! Thank you so much!
5 <Ordering Room Service>
Hello, front desk.
I’d like to have some lunch sent up to room 507 please.
(= Could I get room service?)
Very well, I’ll transfer you to the kitchen. One moment please.
Hello, what is your room number please?
Hi, it’s Mr. Gomez in 507.
Oh hello, Mr. Gomez. What would you like for lunch today?
I’ll have the same as yesterday, the steak sandwich, medium rare please.
And would you like that with fries and an order of gravy on the side?
You remembered! Yes, exactly like that please.
Also, could you put me through to housekeeping?
(= Would you connect me to housekeeping?)
Your order will be ready in about 20 minutes. Just a moment please.
Good afternoon, housekeeping. What is your room number please?
Hello, I went for a dip and I am out of dry towels. Could you please send a few to room 507?
Right away, sir. Will there be anything else?
(= Will that be all?)
Nope. That’s all, thank you.
6 <Arranging a Taxi at the Front Desk>
Good evening, front desk.
Hello this is Mr. Gomez in 507. I’m going to a show tonight and I need a taxi.
We can arrange various types of transportation. Perhaps you’d like to upgrade to a private vehicle?
Well, I’m not sure.
May I suggest a limo? Then you can travel in style!
(= Can I recommend a limo?)
Limousines are stylish, but aren’t they gas guzzlers? I think I’ll just go with a taxi please.
I understand. Where would you like the taxi to take you?
The Paradise Theater. I’m not sure of the street address.
No problem at all. It’s a well known destination. What is your estimated time of departure?
As soon as possible. I`m running a bit late.
(= Right away. I`m a little behind schedule.)
I will call for a taxi immediately. Oh, you’re in luck! There happens to be one right in front of the hotel. I’ll tell the driver to wait.
I’ll be right down. Thank you very much.
My pleasure. I hope you enjoy the show.
7 <Ordering at a Restaurant>
Are you ready to order?
Yes, do you have anything light that you would recommend?
The Chicken Parmesan salad is very popular.
I’d also highly recommend the veggie ravioli.
(= I`d also suggest the veggie ravioli.)
The Chicken Parmesan salad sounds interesting. I’ll try that. No dressing please.
Very good. And for you?
I think I’ll have today’s special. Lasagna is my favorite!
Does it come with garlic bread?
(= Does it include garlic bread?)
Yes, the special includes one slice of garlic bread.
Okay, I’d also like a side order of garlic bread with that.
Got it. And to drink?
A bottle of the house red please.
We have a wonderful, dry Chianti that should go well with your order. Would you like that now or with your meal?
That sounds lovely. We’ll have that now please.
Absolutely! And would you like starters while you wait for your main course to arrive?
No thanks. We’ll just nibble on these bread sticks.
So that’s one Chicken Parmesan salad with no dressing, one special with an extra order of garlic bread and a bottle of Chianti. I’ll leave you with your menus in case you would like some dessert later.
I`ll be back in a jiffy with your wine.
(= I`ll return shortly.)
8 <Paying Your Bill at a Restaurant>
How was everything here?
Terrific! The wine was exquisite!
I think I ate too much bread.
Could I get a doggy bag for my lasagna?
(= Can I take the rest home with me?
Ugh! My husband would like you to put his leftovers in a takeaway container, if you would.
That will be no trouble at all.
Would you care for dessert or coffee?
(= Can I interest you in dessert or coffee?
Just the bill please.
I would love some dessert! The strawberry cheesecake looks delicious. I think I’ll have a slice of that please.
Certainly.
And I will have a coffee with that as well. Cream but no sugar please.
I’ll get that for you right away.
Your cheesecake and coffee ma’am. And we’ve wrapped up your lasagna for you sir.
Excellent. Thank you for your trouble.
(= I appreciate your efforts.)
And here is the check.
Thank you for everything. Just give the check to my husband. I’m certain he will leave you a generous gratuity as well.
9 <Ordering at a Cafe>
Hello and welcome to Coffee Lab.
Can I get your name please?
(= Could I ast your name please?)
Hi, I’m Alex.
Hi Alex. What can I get you today?
I’d like an iced Americano and a latte please.
And what sizes?
Uh, your largest size for both.
That would be a “Grande”.
And would you like those for here or to go?
(= to stay or take out?)
To go please.
We have a wide variety of pastries and cakes, can I tempt you?
Not today, thanks. Just the coffees.
Will that be cash or plastic?
(= Will you be paying by cash or credit card?)
I’ll pay with my credit card.
Perfect. Your total is $9.98. We will call your name when your coffees are brewed. You can pick them up at the corner counter. Have a wonderful day, Alex.
Okay. Thanks. You too.
10 <Asking for Directions>
Excuse me, could I ask you for some help?
(= Would you do me a favor?)
I’m looking for the nearest bowling alley.
I’m sorry. I don’t know. I’m from out of town.
Pardon me, do you know where I could find a bowling alley?
(= Could you direct me to a bowling alley?)
Sure, there’s one not far from here. Just walk straight ahead until you get to Main Street.
Straight to Main Street? How many blocks is that?
It’ll be about 4 blocks. When you get to the walkover bridge that will be Main Street. Cross the bridge then turn right. You’ll walk a few blocks down Main Street.
Are you with me so far?
(= Are you following?)
Yup. So far so good.
Okay. When you come to Eleventh Avenue you turn left. You can’t miss it. There will be a big, red temple on the corner.
Do you know the name of the temple?
I’m not sure. Anyway, you will only have to walk a little way along Eleventh Avenue before you get to the bowling alley. It’s called the Bowl-O-Rama. It’ll be on your right side. I think there’s a Dairy Queen next door.
That’s handy! Maybe I’ll have a sundae after bowling. Thank you very much for your help.
That’s okay. One more thing, if you get to the roundabout on Eleventh, you’ve gone too far.
Thanks again, you’ve been a great help!
11 <Buying a Subway Ticket>
Hello, I’d like to buy a ticket for the subway please. How do I pay the fare?
You can buy a ticket for a single ride or you can purchase a 7-day card that gives you unlimited rides for a week.
How much is each ride?
(= What`s the price of each ride?)
Each ride is two dollars, but if you get a Metrocard for $10.00, you get 6 rides. That’s one extra.
Oh, that sounds good.
The card allows you to transfer to buses.
(= You can transfer to buses with the card.)
I will take a ten dollar card then.
(= Please give me a ten dollar card.)
How will the money be deducted from the card?
The turnstile automatically deducts money each time you go through it.
Well that is easy. One more question: How do I know which line to take?
Here is a map. Just follow the signs to the platform of the train you want.
Okay. Thank you for your assistance.
12 <Asking for a Picture>
Sorry to be a bother, but would you take a few snapshots for me, please?
Absolutely!
Oh thank you. It’s too beautiful here to just take a selfie! Here’s my phone, just press the big, white button on the screen.
Okay. Are you ready? Say cheese and pepperoni!
Can I see? Okay, those are good,
but could I ask you to take one more pic?
(= Would you mind taking one more pic?)
This time in landscape?
Sure. Do you want the mountain peaks directly behind you or off to the side?
Whatever you think looks better.
I really appreciate this.
(= This is very kind of you.)
Smile. Now growl like a tiger!
Those are good shots. Are you a shutterbug?
Kind of. Photography is my hobby.
You’ve been a big help.
Would it be okay if I took a picture of you?
(= Would you mind if I took a picture of you?)
Sure! I’m just as good on either side of the camera.
Ha-ha! You sure are! Okay, say cheese and pepperoni. I suddenly feel like a pizza.
I know a good pizza parlor nearby. Let’s go.
13 <Renting a Car>
Hi, I would like to rent a car for a week.
Okay, we have compact cars, midsize cars or minivans.
How much are they?
Well, let’s see...
(= Let me think...)
the compact will cost you $31.95 a day, the midsize will be $37.95 and the minivan will set you back $45.95 a day.
I will go with the midsize.
Okay. How many people will be driving the car?
Just me. I would like to buy insurance for the week too.
Fine. That will be $19.95 a day and it’s comprehensive so that covers everything regardless of fault.
(= that is all-inclusive)
Can I get your name and address, sir?
My name is Lee, that’s L-e-e. My first name is Sangho. I am from Seoul, Korea.
All right, that is good enough.
(= that will do.)
I will also need a driver’s license and credit card.
There you go.
Great, that is $405.30. I will just charge it to this card.
That will be fine.
Please sign here. When you return the car on the 29th, give the agent this invoice. Also, please make sure the tank is full. If not, we will fill it up at the price of $5.00 a gallon. Here are your keys. Your car is the red one just outside.
14 <Arranging a Tour>
How can I be of assistance today?
(= What can I do for you?)
I would like to go sightseeing around the city. Do you have any tours?
We have many. How much time do you have and what would you like to see?
I have all day. It’s my first time in Sydne
y so I want to see all the best sights.
Well, there’s a hop on/hop off bus that takes you to the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and a few other places.
Do they tell you about the destinations on the tour?
While you are on the bus they give you information about the various stops, but you are free to explore the locations at your own pace.
(= on your own schedule.)
Is there a set timetable for the tour?
The buses run in a loop around Sydney all day. You just get back on when you want to go to the next location.
Oh marvelous! How long do the buses run?
They start at 7 AM and finish at 9 PM.
(= They run from 7 AM to 9 PM.)
With one thirty-dollar ticket, you can ride the loop as many times as you desire.
That sounds splendid! I will take one ticket please.
Thank you. Here is your ticket, receipt and a map of all the sites on the tour. The first stop is right outside this office.
Thank you very much. This sounds like a lot of fun!
15 <Making a Restaurant Reservation>
Thank you for calling the Pink Pearl Restaurant. How may I help you?
Hello, I would like to reserve a table for 7 please.
(= Can I make a reservation for 7 please?)
Is that seven people or seven o' clock, sir?
Actually both. I would like a table for seven at 7 PM next Friday please.
So that will be a party of 7 at 7 PM on the evening of the 24th. And the name on the reservation?
Kane. That’s K – a – n – e. Can we have a table near a window in a non-smoking section please?
Our restaurant is a 100% smoke-free environment. I can’t guarantee a table by a window, but I will make a note of your preference.
(= I will include your request.)
Okay, that’s fine. And what is the parking situation there?
(= What type of parking is available there?)
We have a parking lot behind the restaurant as well as valet parking, can I use the phone number you are calling from as a contact number for this reservation?
Sure. I just have one more question: Do you have a high chair? I have a two-year-old.
Yes, we can certainly provide that for you, sir. Will there be anything else?
No, that just about covers it. Thanks a lot.
My pleasure Mr. Kane. See you next Friday.
16 <Haggling for Prices>
How much is this green bag?
Thirty two dollars.
How about this blue one?
The blue one is thirty.
That seems a little expensive.
(= That is a bit overpriced.)
Can you give me a better price?
(= Couldn`t you give me a better deal?)
I am sorry. That is the best I can do.
Oh well. I guess I’ll shop around then.
How about $28?
That’s still more than I wanted to spend. What if I take the blue one and the green one?
Well in that case I’d be willing to go as low as fifty five dollars.
That’s not much of a break on the price. How about fifty bucks?
The best I can do is 54. You won’t find them cheaper anywhere else.
Okay, let’s split the difference and say 52 dollars.
You drive a hard bargain!
(= You are very good at haggling!)
Very well, you’ve got a deal. Fifty two dollars it is. Now, can I interest you in matching wallets?
17 <Trying on Clothes at a Store>
Excuse me, can I try on this jacket?
Sure, our change rooms are right over there.
Does it fit?
No. It’s a bit tight. Do you have it in a larger size?
(= Could I try the next size up?)
We sure do! Why don’t you try this one and this one?
How did those jackets work out?
Well, this one was a little loose and baggy, but this one fits just right!
I think we can make it fit even better. It needs to be let out just a touch here, and it could be taken in around the waist.
Are adjustments extra?
(= Will alterations cost more?)
Don’t be silly, they’re free of charge. Our tailor will have this back to us in no time!
Now, is that a better fit?
Oh, yes! It fits just like a glove! I love it!
Super! Shall I ring it up for you?
(= Will you take it then?)
Well... it is a little pricey...
18 <Paying for a Purchase>
Your total comes to $85.88. How would you like to pay today?
Do you take credit cards?
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Okay, here’s my Visa.
Hmmm... I’m sorry but your card has been declined.
What? That`s weird.
(= That`s odd.)
Okay, try my MasterCard then.
It says your account is overdrawn, sir. Do you have cash or a debit card?
I’m actually on an overseas business trip so I don’t know if my debit card will work here. I don’t seem to have enough cash and I’m out of traveler’s checks... Wait a minute, could you try this card? It’s my wife’s.
There we go. That card went through.
(= That card was accepted.)
Will there be anything else for you?
Could I get this gift wrapped? It’s a present for my wife.
Yes, we can have that wrapped for an extra charge of five dollars.
Well, I’d better get it wrapped up I suppose.
Sure. That’ll only take a few minutes. So your final total will be $90.88. I’ll need your card again. Or your wife’s card. She is buying herself a lovely gift.
Shhh.
19 <Travel Talk>
Hey, welcome back! You look well-tanned!
Yeah, my vacation was really great! Fun in the sun every day.
Sounds awesome! Where did you go?
I went to Thailand.
How long was your trip?
(= How long did you stay?)
Only two weeks. I wish we could have stayed longer.
Who did you go with?
(= Did you go alone or with other people?)
I took my girlfriend, Jen. She loved it. She says it was the most romantic thing we’ve ever done together.
What sort of things did you do while you were there?
(= Did you do anything interesting ~)
Well, you know, the usual: swimming, sightseeing, drinking Piña Coladas on the beach at sunset, getting engaged, absorbing the culture, trying new foods...
Hold on a second! Did you say you got engaged?
I sure did! Check out the new bling!
Wow, congratulations! That DOES sound romantic! So, have you set a date?
Not yet. But we think we might go back to Thailand for the honeymoon. It was the best vacation of my life!
20 <Best Vacation Ever>
Hey Cheryl, you’ve traveled all over the world, what was the best vacation you ever had?
Oh that’s a tough one! My last trip to the Philippines might have been my best vacation ever.
What was so good about it?
(= What did you like best about it?)
Well I went to El Nido and kayaked into a mountain cave! I went swimming and had lunch inside a cave in the mountains!
Wow, that does sound like fun!
Or maybe it was the time I went to Tibet. I played soccer with some Buddhist monks in the Himalayas.
Really? That must have been wonderful!
The food in Italy was to die for! And the boys in Florence were so friendly!
You’re so lucky! I wish I could travel more.
Well it`s not all fun and games.
(= It isn`t always easy.)
I got mugged in the subway on the first day of my vacation to New York. I wasted a whole day in the police station describing the creeps who stole my purse. Then I spent another day canceling my credit cards and getting emergency money at Western Union.
Oh no! What a nightmare!
(= That sounds terrible!)
Did they catch the thieves?
No. They got away with all my cash. But my parents wired me some money and the rest of my vacation was pretty good.
What did you like best about New York?
Definitely Broadway! You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a Broadway show!
21 <Future Travel Plans>
So Cheryl, where will you travel to next?
(= Where are you going to go next?)
I’m not sure. I’ve been thinking about going to Australia.
Yeah? What do you plan to do there?
(= What will you do there?)
I want to go to Cairns and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. It’s one of the natural wonders of the world.
I love snorkeling. Where else are you going to go?
Someday I will have to go to Africa. I have a friend in Kenya I’d like to visit. And, of course, while I’m there I will also go to the pyramids in Egypt. They’re so mysterious!
I think so too. Are you planning to visit any cold countries?
I might go to a place called Churchill in Canada. I’ve heard you can see polar bears there. Polar bears are my favorite animals.
I went to Vancouver last year, but it wasn’t cold. I was hoping to see the Northern Lights, but you need to go up north to see them.
Yes! The Aurora Borealis. You can see them in Churchill.
Hey, why don’t we go to Canada together?
(= We should go to Canada together.)
Well I have some time off coming up. And I also want to visit a glacier lake called Lake Louise. It’s breathtaking!
Let’s compare our schedules and make some plans. I am so excited! I think this is going to be a memorable trip!